Governance

The Mountain Phoenix Community School is governed by a Governing Council consisting of no more than seven members. There are currently 6 members on the council, leaving a vacancy. The council consists mostly of parents who have children attending MPCS or who will soon be attending, but other community members are welcome. If you are interested in joining the Governing Council, please contact the council president Reann Svenson at svensallenmom@msn.com.

The Mountain Phoenix governing council holds regular meetings on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at Mountain Phoenix Community School beginning at 6:30 PM. These meetings are open to the public, and an agenda for each meeting will be posted at least 24 hours prior to the meeting at Mountain Phoenix Community School, the Coal Creek Canyon quick mart, or both.

Current Council Members

Reann Svenson - Governing Council President
Reann Svenson has studied contemplative education at Naropa University focusing on the Waldorf and Montessori Theories. She has also studied Anthropology. She feels that education is a fundamental part of our society and that the Mountain Phoenix Community School will enrich her local community. She has experience working for her husband's small business as well as many years in customer service. She enjoys working in a group setting and feels confident taking on a leadership role. She plans to draw from these experiences while serving on the Council.

Jeff Cave - Governing Council Member
Jeff Cave is a landscape designer and sculptor and has provided significant help in the overall planning and development of the school site.

Dawn Gillespie - Governing Council Member
Dawn Gillespie attained her Master's of Social Work Degree from the University of Denver in 2005. Ms. Gillespie is specialized in Clinical Family Therapy. She has advocated for physical, emotional, and educational rights of children and families in various settings, including the educational setting. Ms. Gillespie believes in creating individual and interpersonal health through increasing individual, family, and community strengths. The Mountain Phoenix Community School provides the opportunity to increase health for us all in Coal Creek Canyon.

Curt Halsted - Governing Council Member
Curt Halsted has strong abilities in planning and developing educational programs. He has worked with behavior-disordered students and K-12 regular ed students in Art Education. He was the Executive Director for the Nederland Area Seniors, and ran the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs for boys who lived in group homes. Currently Curt is involved with Peak to Peak Interact Club at Gilpin County High School. He worked on the School Board's Wellness Committee, and is on the Board for the Gilpin County Cooperative Extension Agent. Curt has a BS in Art Education and a Masters of Studio Art. He has also studied Differentiated Instruction, Multiple Intelligences, Six Trait Writing, Educational Technology, and Curriculum Mapping.

Maggie Payne - Governing Council Member
Maggie Payne holds a BA in Physics and is working on a MS in Holistic Nutrition. She has worked extensively with arts-based education, including training and teaching assistance in this method. She is a founding parent of Mountain Phoenix Community School. Maggie's considerable contributions and vision has helped the school flourish from dream to reality.

Molly Thomas - Governing Council Member
Molly Thomas was the first office manager at Mountain Phoenix Community School.