Our Team
Ron Banta
SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER
rbanta@communityprepschool.org
“I came to CPS after years of working with high school students in faith-based and outdoor educational environments. Substitute teaching and tutoring led me to pursue work in a high school. Working at Community Prep is an opportunity to encourage students to find their own educational path, and to help them prepare for the future they envision for themselves.”
Luke Cissell
ADVOCACY, POETRY, OUTDOOR ED
lcissell@communityprepschool.org
Luke skywalker, son of a father, father of some suns. A forest bather, son of Vader, poetry workshop facilitator, rock climber, friend and advisor, counselor, deep listener, tree hugger and dirt sniffer. I find myself spreading smiles on the sidewalk as I seek where it ends. I love making time to hear others stories, reaffirming each time that we are connected. As an only child I learned to make friends that became my brothers and sisters. I know we are all related now. I’ve spent a lot of time after college working for “at-risk” youth, discovering a passion of mine for helping “family” in need. Through this work in various environments, I’ve developed an ability to support youth (of all ages-inner child as well) in increasing their self-knowledge. Which in turn helps to align them on the path to healing and growth. Oftentimes this work has been through facilitating creative writing workshops. The notebook and I hold safe and organic space in their presence and together we practice deep listening, similar to that of a tree. Speaking of notebooks, made of trees, witnessing the effect the great outdoors has on our holistic health led me to understanding the need of increasing everyone's exposure to it. Including my own. I spend a lot of time outside. Writing helped me go inside…I am excited to now spend my week hiking and writing with the students of Community Prep.
danielle freeman
CHEF AND CULINARY ARTS INSTRUCTOR
dfreeman@communityprepschool.org
Danielle was born and raised in Colorado Springs, and graduated from the alternative Palmer Night School program. She is currently pursuing a BA in Sociology and Anthropology at UCCS. She has spent nearly a decade working in professional kitchens, learning a multitude of cooking techniques and honing her teaching skills. She has a deep love and passion for food in all of its various forms, and aims to teach our students food independence.
Jo Lynn Garlow
ADULTING & RELATIONSHIPS TEACHER/LIFE COACH
jgarlow@communityprepschool.org
Jo Lynn is a Certified Professional Life Coach, specializing in Relationships and Communication. Jo Lynn has been part of the CP community since 2013 coaching/teaching students and families. “ I love getting to know each student and guiding them on their journey. The best part is watching their confidence grow as they accomplish things they never thought possible. It is amazing to see them light up when they realize their potential is far greater than they had imagined, and begin to see their future as theirs.”
Gabrielle Gaye
BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER
Gabby has over 20 years of experience managing finances in both the private and public sectors. “I enjoy working with small organizations to help them achieve success. CPS is a perfect fit for me. I get to utilize my skills while making a positive impact in the community."
Melanie Gordon
OUTDOOR EDUCATION TEACHER AND STUDENT ADVOCATE
mgordon@communityprepschool.org
Hi there! My name is Melanie Gordon and I am a volleyball loving, family oriented, outdoor enthusiast.
I have worked as a teacher, GT coordinator, athletic director, coach and outdoor education specialist in traditional and EL settings. All of these positions have allowed me to join CPS as an advocate, freshman academy teacher and outdoor education programmer. And I could not be more excited to join Community Prep School.
Lisa Haden
BUILDING BEAUTIFICATION
Jason Hinrichs
SCIENCE TEACHER & IT ADMINISTRATOR
jhinrichs@communityprepschool.org
Jason comes to CPS after earning degrees in Chemistry in Laramie, WY and Bioengineering at Colorado State University. "I look forward to working with students to help them find their passions in life, and gain a strong will to succeed."
Kathy Overy
REGISTRAR
kovery@communityprepschool.org
Kathy has worked in schools for 17 years in a variety of roles. "I'm excited to be a part of CPS, to work alongside the passionate, dedicated staff and the opportunity to help make a difference."
Sean Pelham
MATH AND PE TEACHER
I have taught Math for nearly ten years at the high school level. I graduated from UCCS with a BA in Geography and Environmental Science Studies and a minor in Mathematics. I am a native of Colorado Springs and I simply love to go westward into our beautiful Rocky mountains. I feel Community Prep is a nice fit for my teaching style and teaching history, as my experience is closely related to the Community Prep atmosphere and population. The students can receive one to one instruction and/or small groups. The staff at Community Prep are invested in and demonstrate a real passion for all of our students. Their academic growth and future success are a top priority and it shows. My hope is to make a positive contribution.
Nathan Rico
Cecilia Maria Sponholz-Smith
ART TEACHER
csmith@communityprepschool.org
Cecilia is known as Ms. Cee here at Community Prep School.
Raj Solanki
PRINCIPAL
rsolanki@communityprepschool.org
Raj Solanki grew up in Colorado Springs and graduated from Air Academy High School. He was not a fan of school and would have loved to go to an alternative school like CPS. A desire to change education and make it more meaningful to students led Raj into education as a career. Raj received a Bachelor Degree in English Literature from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Masters in Teaching from Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa. When he returned to Colorado Springs in 2010, Community Prep School was where he landed as a teacher. During his time at CPS, Raj has been able to teach multiple subjects including English, music, entrepreneurship, mindfulness, etc. In addition to teaching, Raj has developed curriculum at CPS. While working at CPS, he also helped start a K-8 charter school, Mountain Song Community School, where he served as the founding Vice President of the governing board and, eventually, left CPS to lead Mountain Song as their Executive Director for two years.
Raj is thrilled to return to CPS as principal. He is committed to helping CPS continue to be a place where students feel safe, supported, and challenged to live their best lives. In his free time, Raj is an avid reader, lifelong learner, mountain enthusiast, and musician. He has one teenage son, an amazing wife and a super fluffy dog.
Jennifer Winders
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
jwinders@communityprepschool.org
Jennifer has over 15 years work in the community with youth and families. "Working with CPS matters to me because I want to see young adults get the support they need to complete high school and move on to college and/or a career.
Jennifer Woodruff
SPECIAL SERVICES COORDINATOR
jwoodruff@communityprepschool.org
Happy to be at Community Prep High School after spending the last 20 years serving youth in corrections! I’m a licensed special educator with a career and technical (CTE) endorsement to help teenagers find their passion and career! I love working with students and families to help find the right path to education and graduation thus preparing for adult life!! My free time is spent with my garden and 2 furry friends!!