From the Nest: Leadership Highlights

Hi, I’m Sarah Powell, the Communications and Development Manager at SkyView Academy.

I’ve worked in education management for the past 12 years, with the last seven being here at SVA. I may be biased, but I truly believe I have the best job in the world! Every day, I have the opportunity to shine a light on the incredible work of our students, staff, and community and try to find ways to help support them. Watching growth, innovation, relationships, and leadership develop across every level of our school fills me with so much pride and joy.

There’s something truly special about a PK–12 school community. I love seeing students develop from early learners into confident, honorable leaders, and life-long learners discovering their own unique journey along the way.

I’ve been part of the SVA community since its inception. When SkyView first opened in 2010, my oldest daughter started first grade here, and both of my other daughters have followed in her footsteps since they started kindergarten. This spring will be especially meaningful as my two oldest will graduate from Colorado Christian University, and my youngest, now a senior at SVA, will graduate from high school. May will certainly be a month of celebration in our home!

Over the past couple of years, our family has gone through an unexpected season of change. My husband was recently medically retired from the Air Force, and together we’ve been navigating this new chapter of our lives. We’ve found incredible support through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program and are passionate about giving back to others walking a similar path. This December, we’re so excited to welcome a new member to our family- my husband’s long-awaited service dog, Poseidon!

Outside of SkyView, you’ll usually find me in my garden, trying new recipes or restaurants, volunteering with the Wounded Warrior Program, and spending time with my family.

SkyView has been an integral part of our family’s life for the past 15 years. We’ve been blessed by the teachers, staff, and leaders who have invested in our daughters and in me, both personally and professionally. SkyView is truly a remarkable place, and I feel fortunate to be part of it in so many meaningful ways.

My name is Kirsten Schuman, and I am one of the high school assistant principals.

I also teach AP Psychology and serve as the assistant coach for the girls' varsity soccer team. I have been at SkyView since 2014 and in education for 15 years. I have a Bachelor’s in Secondary Social Science Education and a Master’s in Curriculum and Supervision. I grew up in Colorado (originally from New Mexico) and attended Cherry Creek High School. From there, I completed my undergraduate degree at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where I played for the women’s soccer team. 

After college, my husband and I moved to South Korea to teach and travel around Southeast Asia before returning home to Colorado. After a couple of years teaching on the western slope, we decided to move a little closer to family, and I have been at SkyView ever since. I value so many different things about the SkyView community–the deep care for students, the servant leadership modeled each day by staff in the building and community members, the desire to create amazing lessons and experiences for students, and the deep sense of purpose the people I am lucky enough to work with show up with each day. While I love my content area and am also deeply passionate about the social sciences, I value the relationships I have with my students both in and out of the classroom significantly. As I have transitioned to a more administrative role, I am very lucky to still be in the classroom, and coming alongside students as they learn and grow is a really special part of my job. 

SkyView has been a great fit for me professionally and personally. My two daughters also attend SkyView’s elementary, and I get to see the great care and passion of SkyView staff through their eyes as a parent as well. 

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, hiking, being outdoors, paddleboarding, playing soccer, listening to live music, dabbling in pickleball, and attending my kids’ various activities. Mayla, my oldest, loves Ninja Warrior training and dogs. Eleanor loves soccer and wreaking havoc. 

As I tell my students each day they leave my class, “Take care of each other.” 

 

For more than 25 years, I have had the privilege of serving with dedicated educators and technology professionals along Colorado’s Front Range.

As part of the SVA Leadership Team, I’m passionate about creating and maintaining an innovative learning environment that empowers both students and staff to reach their fullest potential. I enjoy the challenge of integrating technology in ways that enhance teaching, inspire creativity, and strengthen our entire school community.

In addition to my leadership and technology work, I’ve had the awesome opportunity to coach the Middle School Boys Basketball A-Team for the past eight years. Coaching gives me the chance to connect with students in a different but equally meaningful way—helping them build teamwork, discipline, and confidence both on and off the court.

Outside of work, my greatest joys come from my faith, family, and friends. I’ve been married to my best friend for 38 years, who I met at Colorado State University. All three of our children proudly attended CSU as well—Go Rams! Together, we are blessed with four grandchildren who bring endless joy to our lives. Our family treasures our annual vacations to Lake Powell, where we relax and reconnect on our houseboat surrounded by water and sunshine. I also enjoy traveling—some favorite recent adventures include trips to Ireland and a Washington DC visit with our SVA students.

Life is full of blessings, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to serve a community that values learning, innovation, teamwork, and connection. Life is good!

My name is Cintia Aleman, and I am the Business Services Manager at SkyView Academy.

My family joined the SkyView community in August 2012, when my daughter started preschool. We had a wonderful experience as a new family, so it was an easy choice to enroll our son in preschool three years later. I volunteered as much as I could by chaperoning field trips, serving in the lunchroom, and filling Thursday folders - I miss the elementary days! 

I loved volunteering and gained a deep appreciation for the incredible work our teachers do every day, so in 2016, I decided to begin subbing in the classrooms. Our students are amazing, and I truly enjoyed my time in the classroom! Subbing was a way for me to show my appreciation for our teachers and support them when they couldn't be in the building. If you are considering subbing but aren't sure... DO IT! You won't regret it! 

In the summer of 2019, I was hired as a full-time staff member in the Business Office. I had worked in higher education for six years and then started a consulting business, so I had the skill set to contribute to the operational side of SVA. I've enjoyed learning the ins and outs of the school and how the details I had often wondered about are handled. I enjoy my role in supporting the staff in the building, allowing them to focus on teaching our precious students. While you may not know me if we pass in the hallway or see each other in carline, I’m proud of the behind-the-scenes work I do to support our staff, along with my Business Office teammates. SVA is a well-oiled machine, with dedicated staff!

My eldest is a junior this year, so we are about to embark on a new journey soon. It's bittersweet, but I am excited for the next chapter in her life. Our son is in middle school and having a wonderful time! Between our kids’ social activities on the weekends and sports, we stay busy and try to fit in as much family time as possible. Spending time with family is my favorite thing to do! We also have the sweetest chocolate lab, who is always hungry and ready to play. While she is a Labrador, she isn't a Retriever... She prefers we chase her to get the ball… This is her way of helping us get some exercise :)   

 

My name is Jackie King, and I grew up in New Jersey. After college, I headed straight to New York City to begin a career in finance. I loved the fast pace, the energy, and the people—but deep down, I knew something was missing.

During that time, I was lucky enough to meet my husband, Jason, but I soon realized that finance wasn’t where my heart truly was.

I’d always been drawn to teaching and working with kids. I joined Teach for America and began teaching special education in the Bronx. Those five years were some of the most rewarding—and challenging—of my life. I learned so much from my students: their resilience, humor, and determination inspired me every single day.

In 2014, life took an unexpected turn when we welcomed twin boys, Gavin and Bryce. A year later, we moved to  Colorado. I started teaching at SkyView Academy in 2015, and it’s been home ever since. I absolutely love being part of this community and living in a place that’s sunny almost every day of the year.

Outside of school, my life pretty much revolves around my boys and their sports. Between lacrosse, soccer, futsal, and basketball, I spend most weekends cheering from the sidelines or hopping on a plane to the next tournament. I probably hold the unofficial SkyView record for most summer air miles earned chasing them around the country—but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Watching them play brings me so much joy.

Our family also shares a love for live music and food. You can often find us at concerts at Red Rocks, and most recently, we took the boys to the Sphere in Las Vegas to see the Backstreet Boys—what an incredible experience! We always love an adventure to find great food here in Colorado and are willing to drive pretty far to have a great meal. 

It’s been quite a journey, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Teaching has given me purpose, perspective, and the chance to make a real impact.  

 

For 33 years, I have been blessed to serve in education, and for the past 14 of those years, SkyView Academy has been my home.

My journey began in the middle and high school English classroom, where I taught everything from Language Arts and Honors Composition to AP Language and Composition before stepping into administration seven years ago. While I’ve loved the challenge and variety of my work, what has always mattered most to me is the students. Their stories, their growth, and the relationships we build together give meaning to my days and joy to my heart.

My years at SVA have been filled with growth, gratitude, and connection. I began as an Instructional Support Professional in Special Education, gradually returning to full-time education after taking time away to support my own children’s learning journeys. Not long into that first year, I realized how much I missed teaching and soon returned to the middle school English classroom, where I had the joy of teaching seventh and eighth grade for three years. During my third year, as SVA’s leadership structure evolved, I stepped into the newly created role of Middle School Principal and served in that position for three years. When the organization was restructured again, I transitioned into the role of PreK–8 Principal and later into my current position as Head of Schools, a role I’m now beginning my fourth year in. It’s been an incredible honor to serve this community in each of these capacities. I haven’t always been perfect, and I’m sure I haven’t always made the right decision, but my heart is fully committed to SkyView. Serving our staff, students, and families continues to be one of the greatest blessings of my career.

Outside of school, my greatest treasures are my family and the life we’ve built together. My husband and I have been married for 31 years, though our story began way back in fifth grade in a small town an hour south of San Francisco. We moved to Colorado just before our daughter, Maddy, was born, and now both of our amazing children, Maddy and Hunter, are grown and flourishing. We welcomed our wonderful daughter-in-love, Brenaya, into the family two years ago, and this May, we’ll celebrate Maddy’s wedding as we officially welcome Joel into the family. As empty nesters, we love our quiet mornings with coffee on the deck, afternoons spent cheering on the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, and time together on the golf course. Whether at home or at school, I believe life is richest when it’s built on strong relationships, shared laughter, and the joy of watching others thrive.

 

 

Hello! My name is Kim Hill, and I am the Preschool and BASE Director.

I’ve been part of the SkyView community for the past nine years, and it has truly been a joy. During this time, my love for working with our youngest learners has only grown. I’m proud to play a role in our preschool students’ first true school experience and to watch them develop new skills, build friendships, and grow in confidence. Some of my favorite moments are seeing our former preschoolers in the hallways—smiling, thriving, and succeeding every day!

When I’m not at SkyView, I love spending time outdoors hiking the many beautiful trails around town or enjoying a cozy movie night with my husband and children. I’m also a proud football, volleyball, and baseball mom—which keeps me busy and always on the go! I have three wonderful children—two who attend SkyView in 6th and 9th grade, and one who attends a Jeffco school.

 

It is truly hard to believe this will be my 10th year at SkyView Academy, but I look forward to another year growing the SVA high school community that I have come to love! 

I have been in education for twenty years now, with my time split between ten years teaching and coaching in middle schools in Texas and the past nine years in the high school here.  The past five years, I have been fortunate to serve in the high school administration as a dean and now assistant principal.  Reflecting back to my high school years, I had a passion for working with kids and knew that whatever career path I chose, it would involve kids.

In college at Kansas State University, I studied child and family development with the plan of pursuing counseling, but that path diverged, and I went back to school to gain my teaching certification to teach history.  Having found my calling, we actually moved to the Dallas area, where I began teaching and coaching middle school students. I spent the next 10 years developing my love of teaching.  I also decided to pursue a master's degree in educational administration to further my career opportunities and serve in a leadership role in schools.  

In 2016, the mountains came calling, and our family relocated to Colorado, where I began an exciting new adventure teaching in the high school at SkyView.  I have loved my time at SkyView, as it has fulfilled my passion for teaching in a tight-knit community at a school that focuses on building relationships.  I love that our high school students are known and have great opportunities to get connected and create a memorable high school experience. I have been able to be involved in many capacities at SVA, including Student Council and coaching MS and HS basketball. 

I was lucky enough to marry my high school sweetheart, and we have been blessed with our three incredible children, all who have attended SkyView.  As a family, our passion is to travel and see the world together.  Our family always says, “Have bags, will travel”.  On Sundays in the fall, you will find our family gathered around the TV cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.  We love getting outdoors and spending time on the slopes in the winter.  Colorado and SkyView have been wonderful for our family.  

 

My name is Carrie Carlson, and I am the Office Manager at SkyView Academy.

I started working at SVA in November 2010 as a part-time receptionist. SVA started as a preschool - fifth-grade school on one side of the building and a sports complex on the other side. The sports complex held fields, batting cages, volleyball courts, and pole vaulting. Bad weather made for an incredible Indoor recess! We then added 6th and 9th grades. Our 6th grade classrooms were built in the sports complex, which made it interesting for our teachers to hold class while training was occurring. 9th grade was held in our current 5th grade classrooms. Our middle and high school students commuted to a rented building several miles from here while SVA built the middle and high school side of the building. It was so rewarding to make the entire building our own! Our students were excited to have gyms and full length lockers. 

My husband and I started dating in 10th grade, and I knew at that time I wanted to work at my future children’s school someday. I received my degree in business from the University of Colorado and started working in the insurance industry. Both of our daughters were accepted at SVA in our inaugural year and experienced all of the highs and lows of a growing school alongside me. 

Outside of school, you can usually find me at home helping take care of my girls. As a Colorado native, I spend time in the mountains and enjoy hiking, running, and reading. Both my husband and I love to travel, and we have many places on our bucket list that we hope to visit in the future. 

It has been so rewarding to see our students grow into honorable, productive, and kind adults. Some of our students have spent their entire schooling (preschool through 12th grade) at SkyView. That is quite a testament to the incredible work that our teachers and staff put into this school each day. All of our staff (office, operations, facilities,  administration, teachers, playground supervisor, counselors, ELD, Sped, ISP, literacy, athletic trainer, coaches, and substitutes) work tirelessly to foster an environment allowing our students to grow into life-long learners and honorable leaders. It has been a privilege to work at SVA for the past 14 years, and I am looking forward to what the future holds.

 

Hello, my name is Paula Harrison, and I am the Principal of the Lower School, also known as the Elementary School.

I grew up in Galesburg, Illinois, a railroad hub for Burlington Northern, surrounded by farmland, all things named after Carl Sandburg (a poet born in Galesburg), and Abraham Lincoln (one of the Lincoln/Douglas debates was held in Galesburg). I'm a true Midwesterner at heart! From a young age, I came to understand the importance of education, even though I didn’t follow a traditional academic path right away. I started college in my mid-20s, studying speech pathology and wanting to work in schools. However, after a year, I realized my passion was really in education and decided to dive in headfirst. 

As a proud parent of two amazing kids, Nicolas and Jenna, I’ve always made their education a top priority, encouraging them to explore their interests and let their curiosity lead the way. Now, I’m even luckier to be a grandparent to three beautiful granddaughters, and I absolutely love nurturing their joy for learning and adventure.

When I’m not diving into educational pursuits or spending quality time with my family, you can find me enjoying the great outdoors. Hiking and camping are two of my absolute favorite activities, giving me the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. I’ve hiked in many states, but I have to say, Colorado truly captures my heart with its stunning beauty. Plus, I’m an avid fan of college sports! There's nothing quite like the energy of game days! Fun fact:  I've attended a football game at every college and university in Colorado. 

On those days when I’m not out exploring, you’ll likely find me with my nose buried in a book, baking something delicious and gluten-free, or watching a webinar to sharpen my professional skills. I wholeheartedly believe that education isn’t just something you find in a classroom; it’s a lifelong adventure filled with experiences, family, and personal growth.

 

My name is David Bow, and I am proud to serve the SkyView Community as the middle school dean for the 25/26 school year. I enjoy the new opportunities and the exciting challenges every year brings. 

With 12 years of experience at SVA and a total of 15 years in education, I am fully invested in both education and SVA. I have been in a leadership role at SVA for the past 5 years. This will be my second year as Assistant Principal. My first seven years at SVA were spent as the 8th-grade History teacher. Before joining SVA, I honed my teaching skills at Excelsior Youth Center, a residential treatment center, for three years. 

My family is deeply rooted in the SkyView community. My son, Logan, is entering 6th grade, and my wife, Miranda Bow, is the 6th-grade history teacher. 

Outside of my professional life, I am an avid reader, movie enthusiast, and family-oriented individual. I am a lifetime Coloradoan and spend my free time enjoying my state by camping, fishing, and hiking. As a big sports fan, I look forward to cheering on the Avs, Broncos, and Rockies (I know, not a lot to cheer for there). 

I look forward to this year and working with these amazing students. 

 

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago…

I was a special educator co-teaching in a kinder-first grade combination classroom in downtown Denver. One day, my mentor told me about this “new” thing called charter schools that were just opening (Colorado’s charter law passed in 1993). She suggested I look into it since I was passionate about visions of kids' success, no matter where they lived. That was the beginning of a long and fulfilling journey, opening a total of 17 charter schools across the country. SkyView was my last start-up school, and it’s where my own two sons attended from 2010 to 2020. 

As a kid, my family moved around a lot due to my Dad’s career as an Air Force pilot and then an attorney with Shell Oil Company. After a childhood of moving every 2-3 years, I have enjoyed staying put here in Colorado since graduating from college. Why would I ever leave this beautiful state? That doesn’t mean I don’t have a long bucket list of big travel goals that require crossing oceans. So far, I’ve seen Sicily, South Africa, Rwanda, and Paris. 

Today, I am a single mom with an empty nest and watching my sons start to build lives of their own as they attend college. Dylan (20 years old) is currently a junior at CU-Denver studying cognitive neuroscience and never misses a meal, a day at the gym, or a time with his girlfriend. Owen (22 years old) started his college career as a D-1 recruited distance runner, only to suffer an injury that he couldn’t come back from. He made the difficult decision to leave running behind and is now a happy senior at Colorado State studying Geography. They both have two more years of school, and it is likely they will graduate at the same time in the spring of 2027. I am very close with my parents as well (pictured) and enjoy spending time with them in Goodyear, AZ.

 

My name is Tom Lenderink, and I serve as the Middle School and High School Director of Athletics at SkyView Academy.

Outside of school, I am a proud and relatively new dad to two wonderful daughters—our oldest is two years old and our youngest just two months. I don’t get much free time away from SkyView since I make it a priority to attend as many athletic events as possible, but the time I do have is dedicated to my family. I often joke that I don’t like to brag, but my kids are incredible sleepers—our newborn is already getting 6–8 hours of sleep a night, and our toddler routinely sleeps from about 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. My wife, Taylor, who works at SkyView Academy as well, is the best mom our girls could ask for. Taylor and I actually met in high school, though we didn’t begin dating until college.

I originally joined SkyView Academy as the High School Counselor, but when Janet Worley approached me about stepping into athletics leadership, I knew it was the right fit. Sports have always been an important part of my life—I was a three-sport athlete in high school and still maintain close relationships with my coaches today. Those experiences shaped who I am, and I’ve worked to create that same kind of meaningful, lasting environment for SkyView athletes. 

In addition to my administrative role, I have also served as the Head Coach of the High School Varsity Boys Basketball team for the past 7 years. This past summer, I hosted a barbecue for our nine graduating seniors, giving us a chance to celebrate their accomplishments, talk about their future plans, and simply enjoy time together. It is moments like these—where athletics and relationships come together—that truly define my vision for the program. I’m grateful to be part of a community of coaches at SkyView who share that same commitment to mentoring, supporting, and building lifelong connections with their athletes.

I never once doubted that education was the career path for me. From the moment I stepped foot in my first college course until now, I haven't looked back.

My time spent in title one schools in rural Indiana showed me how resilient young children are and emphasized how important it is to get to know my students. They all have stories and experiences that shape the way they view the world and affect how they would walk into my classroom each day. Getting to know the students, their families, and connecting with them is something I value and look forward to each year!

When I’m not at school, you will most likely find me driving children around! My husband and I have five wonderful kiddos who keep us very busy, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. We are Colorado transplants, originally from Illinois, and when we have time we enjoy trying new restaurants, going on hikes, and attempting to get the rest of our family to move out here!

 

Education has always been part of my story. From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in education, like much of my family, including both my parents. I was driven by a relentless curiosity and passion for knowledge.

After graduating from college with a degree in psychology, I landed in Guatemala, where, within a week, I found myself teaching math and science to students from 2nd through 11th grade. That experience—combined with weekend trips to ancient Mayan archaeological wonders, volcano hikes, and immersing myself in the rich cultures of Central America—opened my eyes to what education could be. From witnessing the deep-rooted community pride to understanding the universal language of soccer, I gained a greater appreciation for diverse worldviews, which confirmed my desire to dedicate my life to working in schools.

When I returned, I pursued a doctorate in psychology, driven by a desire to understand and support students at a deeper level. My internship brought me to Denver, Colorado, where I went on to spend nearly a decade working at Children’s Colorado. Then, in the spring of 2014, I stepped back into the classroom as a long-term Spanish substitute at SkyView Academy. That role evolved into a full-time teaching position the following year, and over time, I moved into leadership, serving as a part-time assistant principal while still teaching. Since then, I’ve held assistant principal roles at the middle school, PK–8, and high school levels. I’m now in my fourth year as Upper School Principal, and every day reaffirms why I came back to education: it’s the energy, the curiosity, and the opportunity to be part of a place where growth happens constantly.

Those experiences—both in the classroom and in clinical settings—shaped how I lead today. I often describe myself as pathologically optimistic, with the ability to stay calm and positive even in the face of challenges. I’ve found that mindset to be a powerful strength in school leadership. I genuinely enjoy working through complex problems, staying grounded in the belief that there is always a way forward. Whether I am supporting students, staff, or families, I approach each day with the mindset that something good can happen—and usually, it does. 

Outside of school, I chase new experiences. I’m most energized when I’m creating meaningful memories and experiences with my wife, son, and daughter, or when I’m outdoors, trying something I’ve never done before: hiking a new trail, visiting a new concert venue, or traveling somewhere unfamiliar. One of our favorite memories was starting a hike at 2 a.m. to catch the sunrise from the top of Grays and Torreys Peaks—an unforgettable way to greet the day. Over the years, I’ve explored hobbies ranging from birdwatching and knitting to triathlons and guitar, but what connects them all is a love of learning. Whether I’m navigating a mountain trail or supporting students through their own journeys, I’m driven by the same passion: helping others discover new paths, push boundaries, and grow into what’s possible.