“Watershed staff know that we must think differently about learning and teaching in order to best prepare young people for the future and they are energized by the challenge of designing courses based on world challenges and skills for the future. This is what we look for when hiring new educators,” said Tim Breen, Head of School.
Watershed is thrilled to welcome one new part-time and four new full-time members to its staff for the 2021-22 school year! Joining us are Jennifer (Jenn) Campbell-Smith, Elizabeth (Biz) Fraser, Andrea Lamelle, Joie Le, and Elise Spann.
Long-time Watershed educator and college counselor, Jen Curtis, worked with the group during new staff orientation and she had this to say, “everyone showed up on the first day with palpable curiosity and zest for teaching at Watershed. They've been sharing their resources and expertise with us all, collaborating on courses and orientation trip prep, and asking focused and thoughtful questions about Watershed so they can jump right in with our students. We're all so appreciative to have this group of new educators join us."
Here’s a little more about each of our newest team members and what they’ll be doing at Watershed this year! Check out their full bios on our staff webpage.
Jennifer Campbell-Smith
Jenn is a science educator who joins us from STEM School Highlands Ranch (where she recently won a teaching award!). She holds a BA in zoology and a PhD in biological sciences. In her teaching, she has worked hard to engage students in real scientific research, including presenting at professional conferences. Outside the classroom, Jenn started and leads Birds Across Borders, an initiative working to “build a better, more connected world through our passion for modern-day dinosaurs.” Jenn will be teaching HS expeditions.
Elizabeth Fraser
Elizabeth will be teaching high school and middle school humanities-leaning expeditions. She joins us from her master’s program in education at Ohio State University. Prior to that Elizabeth worked at Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning in Denver and at High Mountain Institute in Leadville. Biz has extensive trip-leading experience both in the backcountry and internationally (including Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia).
Andrea Lamelle
We are thrilled to welcome Andrea as our Family Experience and Front Office Manager. She has experience in a number of office manager and customer service roles, including Disney, the Ritz Carlton, and Orange Theory. Andrea also has experience working in office roles in schools, including in finance, development, and alumni.
Joie Le
Joie brings a breadth of teaching experience (focused on humanities, technology, and writing) to Watershed, teaching at many grade levels and as a writing professor in college. We are excited for Joie to help us ensure that our students leave Watershed with college-level writing skills. Joie holds a BA in English literature and international studies, two MAs (one in English literature and one in education, a PhD in education, and is pursuing an MFA in creative nonfiction. Clearly a learner! Outside of school, Joie co-founded Friends of the Lakota Nation, a non-profit dedicated to the South Dakota Indian Reservations with the hope to provide assistance for its communities. Joie will be teaching journalism, digital design, and an expedition course.
Elise Spann
Elise will be a part-time educator, teaching an Athletics, Wellness, and Leadership course each trimester. She has worked with students in YMCA programs and summer basketball camps, in addition to being a tutor, cognitive brain trainer, and life coach focused on wellness. Additionally, Elise played basketball through college.
