Administrative Team
Emily Murphy
School Director
emurphy@ppos.co
She holds a Colorado principal license, master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, a bachelor’s degree in print journalism and a Colorado teaching license in early childhood. Emily has a background in project-based learning (PBL) and has been with PPOS since 2017: as a PBL advisor, instructional coach, assistant director, among other roles.
Before moving to Pagosa, she worked at Colorado State University as an instructor in the Human Development and Family Studies Department, where she worked daily in a lab school with CSU students and preschoolers. She created and implemented weekly professional development opportunities, formative and summative evaluations, and mentorship of student teachers and interns while honing her skills as a PBL teacher in a Reggio Emilia-inspired environment.
She had the privilege of teaching for 10 years before moving to Pagosa, where she enjoys not only her work with the PPOS community, but also all the outdoor opportunities this area has to offer. Summer weekends are filled with camping, rafting and mountain biking; and the winter gives her time at the Wolf Creek ski area with her daughter, Quinn and husband, Ryan.
Jeanelle Wychesit
Office and Systems Administrator
jwychesit@ppos.co
Jeanelle has been with PPOS since 2019. Prior to her work in education, Jeanelle was the Manager of the local Starbucks, pursued her love for all things coffee and became a Coffee Master. Jeanelle is well-versed as a systems administrator in many software platforms and her organizational skills are top-notch. When it comes to helping our students, families, and staff Jeanelle is quick to lend a helping hand.
She has lived in Pagosa Springs for the past 25 years and has a love for everything Colorado and the great outdoors. Her hobbies include: hiking, skiing, reading, paddleboarding, gaming, and painting. Jeanelle continues to volunteer with the youth of our community through various aspects, including cooking food for the local youth group Open Circle. She lives with her two daughters and husband.
Amanda Schick
Counselor/Student & Family Engagement Advisor
aschick@ppos.co
Amanda Schick holds a BA in Psychology, a Masters in Business Administration and a MS in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling. She has 16 years of service in higher education, was a college coach for Track and Field, and also an instructor for Health and Wellness and Theories of Coaching.
Amanda has traveled abroad and most uniquely lived in West Africa, she hopes to one day live abroad again with her family in the future. Her husband Matt’s family has deep roots in Pagosa dating back to 1955. Grandma Jackie Schick worked in the Town Hall for 40 years; Greg Schick served as president of the School Board. Amanda is excited to raise her girls as 4th generation Pagosa residents.
Amanda believes in knowing her audience, so she enjoys diving into the cognitive and social-emotional development of adults and children. She believes the success of her role is dependent on the development of relationships with administration, faculty, students and parents.
Derek Walker
Business Manager
dwalker@ppos.co
Derek Walker became the Business Manager at Pagosa Peak Open School in June of 2025. He brings experience from his previous role as Director of Operations at BASIS Peoria Primary, a charter school in Arizona, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management. Derek and his wife, Bri, moved to Pagosa Springs in the fall of 2024 with their dog, Hazel, looking for a slower pace of life and the chance to enjoy the outdoors. They’ve fallen in love with the community and spend much of their free time hiking, fishing, backpacking, and exploring the mountains. Derek looks forward to contributing to the growth and success of the school in his new role.
Brett Teatro
Food Service Director
bteatro@ppos.co