HEAD OF SCHOOL

Laurel Dumas is a dedicated and passionate leader with over 20 years of experience in education. Her career began as a para-educator, evolving through roles as a Teacher, Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Principal. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations and a Master's degree in Teaching Mathematics. With a deep-rooted passion for teaching, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her current role as Head of School.

During high school, Laurel served as a student board member on the local school board, an early indication of her commitment to educational leadership. Over the past four years, she has honed her leadership skills, and now serves as a coach for principals in the Early Literacy Pathway in the Colorado Department of Education’s Principal Leadership Institute.

A true mountain mom, Laurel enjoys hiking and rock climbing with her husband and 7-year-old daughter, as well as watching live music and trying new vegan recipes. She is an avid reader and lifelong learner, always seeking new knowledge and experiences.

With her extensive background in education, leadership, and a genuine passion for teaching, Laurel continues to inspire and lead with a focus on fostering a love for learning in every student and educator.

LEAD TEACHER

Kristine has a Bachelor's degree in Science from Colorado Christian University and a Master's degree in Educational Psychology from UC Denver. She started her career teaching outdoor education at Denver Audubon where she guided kids as they discovered the birds, wildlife, and pond creatures that lived in Chatfield. She transitioned into teaching in 2014 where she taught 4th grade for 3 years at charter schools in Denver and then taught 8th grade science in Bailey for 4 years. In 2021, Kristine started Curiosity Clubhouse to provide enrichment opportunities for students in Park County. She has owned and operated this business for the past 4 years offering STEAM enrichment programs on Fridays and in the Summer. Kristine is an avid birder, hiker, naturalist and reader who enjoys exploring the world around her.

BOARD PRESIDENT

Growing up on the east coast in a rural part of Maryland, Katie always had a spirit for adventure, pursuing her passions wherever they may lead. In 2007, a ski trip brought her to beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado, and she was hooked. Just three short months later, Katie took the plunge and made a small log cabin her home in the mountains of Alma, Colorado. They say you come for the winter and stay for the summer, and they were right! She found that the mountains of Colorado satisfy her soul.

Family is Katie's greatest joy. Her free time is spent with her husband Kyle and their two young boys, exploring the great outdoors and enjoying God’s creation. As a family they love hiking, biking, skiing, goat packing, and horseback riding. At home they enjoy growing their own food, raising chickens and milking goats. These passions have naturally led her to homeschool her own children. She recognizes a need for play and nature in her children's education and has seen them blossom in this environment.

Katie is outgoing and a natural leader and educator at heart. Early on this led her to pursue her passions as a snowboard instructor, raft guide and mountain biking coach for women and high school youth. In addition these skills have served her well in her career as a Real Estate Broker in Park County with over 7 years of experience. Katie is known for being a collaborative team player dedicated to building relationships, while educating and guiding her clients to success.

BOARD MEMBER

Jo is a Vermont native who has been living in Fairplay for 4 years. She is the Assistant Unit Director of the Boys & Girls Club in Fairplay, has taught at the school on and off since 2020, and loves being involved in her mountain community in any way she can. She has her B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Champlain College. Youth development has always been a passion of hers and she is excited to be part of the High Rockies Community School family.

BOARD MEMBER

Theo grew up as a military child, spending his youth traveling the world and experiencing new cultures. He earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Shortly after graduation he moved to Colorado and enlisted into the Army as a helicopter crew chief. After spending 6 years of active duty service, Theo returned to Colorado where he now serves with he Colorado National Guard working with the Colorado Hoist Rescue Team, and training new crew members. Theo now lives in Fairplay and works as a helicopter mechanic in Frisco. He spends his free time snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors with his wife and daughter.

BOARD MEMBER

Steffen is an accomplished Army Aircraft Pneumatics Repairer and Instructor with nearly 20 years of dedicated service. He has served as a Program Manager at the Ready and Resilient Performance Center at Fort Carson, where he contributed significantly to enhancing unit readiness and resilience. Steffen's military experience includes a total of 36 months deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, demonstrating his commitment to duty and service.

A passionate musician, Steffen plays the violin, guitar, ukulele, and mandolin. He also has a strong interest in martial arts and is trained in Army Combatives, showcasing his dedication to physical fitness and discipline.

Among his favorite roles in the Army, Steffen has enjoyed being a Small Group Leader, where he facilitated Advanced Leadership Training for today’s Army leaders. His attention to detail is evident from his tenure as the Brigade Aviation Safety Manager, where he prioritized safety and operational excellence.

Steffen holds numerous Army certifications, including Fundamentals of Creating Effective Training, Senior Management Training in Aviation Maintenance, and the Fundamentals of Instructor Training for Aircraft Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems. He is also a Certified Environmental Management Officer and completed the Instructor Development Course for Educators.

As he looks forward to retirement, Steffen remains engaged in his community and currently serves on the Board for High Rockies Community School, contributing his expertise and leadership to support local education initiatives.

BOARD MEMBER

Abigail Baumgardner was born and spent her early years in rural Kansas. After years in the suburbs of Texas, in 2017 she and her family returned to rural America, and found a home in Fairplay, CO.

Abi is a baker, a mother, a wife, an avid gardener, an outdoor enthusiast, and an invested community member of Park County. Abi has worked in many facets of education; in Early Childhood Education as a preschool teacher, as a substitute teacher, as a paraprofessional, and she has volunteered and worked for the Boys and Girls Club of the High Rockies in Fairplay since 2022, where she is building lasting relationships.

Abi enjoys working in her garden, going on hikes, reading, and cooking for her family and friends. She believes that civic and social engagement can help transform our world into a better place for our children. Her guiding and motivating interests are agriculture, food systems, and child welfare. She believes in a future where all children have access to quality, nutritious food and food education. Abi has always been one to advocate for the best in humanity and a vision of a brighter future. In Abi’s inner and professional circles she is passionate to create an environment where children can flourish. She knows if children feel physically and emotionally safe they can blossom. Abi is thrilled and honored to be a part of the Founding Committee and Board of the High Rockies Community School and to witness this inspiring expansion of our public school system in Park County.