About Us
HEAD’S WELCOME
SAMANTHA COYNE DONNEL

From the first moment I stepped onto campus, I was struck by the genuine warmth of the Emerald community. The students greeted me with confidence and, in the classroom, it was readily apparent that Emerald cultivates students’ interests while guiding each child to reach his or her full potential. The level of care and commitment demonstrated by the faculty truly sets Emerald apart from other schools. Parents are viewed as partners and they are encouraged to actively engage in their child’s education.
In any school, relationships are central to establishing a positive learning climate. Emerald’s friendly, collaborative, and dynamic culture provide the foundation for students to take risks and to be themselves. Emerald Mountain students wake up every morning excited to go to school. They care about each other, their community, and their education.
Emerald faculty understand that the best learning happens through experience, discovery and reflection. Our teachers go beyond teaching students basic content-driven curriculum by fostering a culture of passionate learners who dream big, think critically, and push the boundaries of what is possible. At Emerald, we believe that students who are curious, confident, and imaginative will go on to change the world.
EMERALD MOUNTAIN SCHOOL
HISTORY

The evolution of the school began when Nancy Spillane and a small group of families established Lowell Whiteman Primary School, named in honor of a local pioneer of education. These founders created a school committed to educating the whole child. By nurturing the mind and spirit, they believed the environment created for the school would inspire a child to become a critical thinker, a problem solver, and a life-long learner while attaining a solid academic foundation. The school was renamed Emerald Mountain School in August of 2012.
The school opened in August 1993 in what formerly was the old city police station. After extensive research, fundraising, and the construction of a new facility, with the collaboration of the Steamboat Springs community, the school moved to its current location at 818 Oak Street in 2000.
Education at Emerald Mountain School follows a developmental approach that strives to educate the whole student in a positive and constructive environment. The academic program is designed to promote intellectual growth, creativity, confidence, and leadership through an understanding of cultural differences throughout the world and responsibility within the school community.
The philosophy of emphasizing learning as a lifetime skill and acquiring those tools to enable a student to continue self-education is a priority of the entire school community. The goal is that each student acquires an exceptional education, through the development of excellent academic skills, yet allowing the maturity of the individual student. By providing a challenging and nurturing environment, the school enables students to expand their natural curiosity and energy. Each child’s intrinsic and unique strengths – intellectual, personal, artistic, imaginative – are embraced and developed.

OUR MISSION
We inspire confidence and a passion for learning through a curriculum that stresses academics, personal accountability, experiential and outdoor education, and responsible local and global citizenship.
We provide a creative environment that includes multi-age and socio-economically diverse classrooms, low student-teacher ratios, and active parent participation.

OUR VISION
We believe the early years in a child’s education lay the groundwork for success in an ever-changing world.
Our vision is to be the school that best prepares students for future challenges and opportunities.
When we instill personal confidence, commitment to community, and the ability to think independently and creatively, we create passionate learners poised to achieve their dreams and positively impact the world around them.
WHY AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL?

- Independence in the truest sense of the word. Independent school teachers have the freedom to create educational experiences that meet each child’s needs, without state mandates on curriculum, textbooks, and testing.
- Mission-driven education. Each independent school is driven by its own unique philosophy, values, and approach to teaching.
HIGH ACADEMIC STANDARDS
Independent schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, encourage critical thinking, and promote a lifelong love of learning.
More students in independent schools enroll in advanced courses than in public, parochial, and other private schools.
EXCELLENT TEACHERS
Independent school instructors usually teach in their areas of expertise. They strive to develop a full understanding of each student’s learning style, interests, and motivation.
Small classes that allow for individual attention. Low student-teacher ratios encourage close connections between instructors and students.
Graduates of independent schools have a greater likelihood of completing a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree.
INVOLVED PARENTS
Independent schools promote regular communication among students, parents, and teachers to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals. As a parent, you can actively engage in your student’s education, because the staff and teachers want and value your participation.
A community of parents who actively participate in their children’s education. Independent schools foster vibrant student communities that welcome and respect every family.
GLOBAL AWARENESS
In addition to academics, independent schools also nurture students’ personal and social growth and civic conscience.
- invites and rewards curiosity concerning the richness and diversity of all human cultures and encourages respect for all people.
- curriculum that helps students recognize how differing cultures, traditions, histories, and religions may underlie views and values that can sharply contrast with their own.
FACULTY AND STAFF

Samantha Coyne Donnel
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Samantha Coyne Donnel came to Steamboat after 16 years at The Archer School for Girls in Los Angeles, CA, where she served as a science teacher, Department Chair, Dean of Students, Upper School Director, and the Assistant Head of School. Her passion for excellence in education led her to Emerald Mountain School. Samantha’s 21 years in education were preceded by her own education at Bowdoin College and Harvard University, where she earned her Masters in Educational Leadership. Samatha likewise loves the tight-knit community of Steamboat, and its wonderful outdoor offerings, including skiing and biking.
Jed Donnel
ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS
Jed has taught a wide range of students across elementary, middle, and high school grade levels over 18 years in the classroom, and he is passionate about fostering a love of literature and writing in his students. Jed is an expert in curriculum design and pedagogy, and he appreciates collaboration with colleagues to design creative, engaging learning experiences across multiple disciplines. He states, “I want to ensure that my teaching is meaningful to how students understand themselves in the present and opens up doors for them to imagine themselves changing the world. I appreciate project-based, student-centric learning with real-life application. In essence, therefore, I enjoy seeing what my students will teach me.”
Jed earned his BA in English from Trinity College in 1999 and MA in literature from Middlebury College in 2007.
STRINGS
Mary Anne earned her Bachelor of Music Education from The State University of New York at Fredonia in 1982. Her education includes a strong emphasis in Suzuki pedagogy. She performs locally with the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra and the Steamboat String Quartet and has performed with the Erie Philharmonic, the Midland/Odessa Symphony and the Louisiana Philharmonic.
Jen Freund
PRIMARY LANGUAGE ARTS & MATH
Jen earned her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Northern Illinois in 1998 and her Master’s in gifted and talented education from Northeastern in 2002.
Kristen Heard
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS & DEVELOPMENT
Gabriela Rodriguez
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, & STEAM
Gabriela Rodriguez joined the Emerald Mountain School community in 2020 as an Associate Science Teacher. She leads our primary students in their scientific pursuits, supports middle school science and 3/4 Math, and co-leads Fridays in the Field curriculum and implementation. She is originally from Bogota, Colombia, but has lived in North Routt at the base of Hahn’s Peak since 2015. She adds, “even though I am Colombian and my native tongue is Spanish, I now think, dream, and prefer communicating in English.”
Gaby graduated from Colorado College with an Environmental Science Major in 2015. Her passions combine environmental science and education, which led her to become a Certified Environmental Educator by the Colorado Alliance of Environmental Education in 2018. Gaby is also a certified Early Childhood Professional Level III with PDIS in the state of Colorado and has several years of experience leading preschool through college-aged students in nature-based learning pursuits. Most recently she designed a K-12 Water Education Program with Yampatika and is excited to implement parts of this hands-on, experiential, outdoor education program within the EMS community. Gaby is certified by the Colorado Department of Education as an Alternative Licensed Teacher and is currently enrolled in an Alternative Licensure Program through Northwest BOCES. Outside of the classroom, she loves trail running, backpacking, salsa dancing, country swing, and reggaeton.
Keri Searls
ART & STEAM
Keri earned her BFA in art history from the University of Colorado in 1993 and her Master’s in art and design from the University of Northern Colorado in 2015.
Merrick Tracy
KINDERGARTEN, MATH, & STEAM
Merrick earned his BA in Anthropology from the University of Nebraska in 2001 and his teaching certificate from the State of Texas in 2002.
Mary Williamson
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Mary holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Eastern Illinois University and, prior to her arrival in Steamboat, she taught third grade for three years in the suburbs of Chicago.
Mary and her husband moved to Steamboat Springs in 1989. Their son, Drew, is a 2012 alumnus of Emerald Mountain School, and he attends Colby College. She enjoys spending her free time cycling, reading, skiing and making pizza on the grill with her family.
Josh Walters
SPANISH
Josh joined the EMS community over the summer of 2019. Before making his way to Steamboat, he worked as a Spanish teacher within Denver Public Schools for nine years, and as a primary school teacher at the BLIS Dual-Language School in Ankara, Turkey. He had made several trips up to Steamboat when he lived in Denver, and he jumped at the chance to move here when a position at Mountain Village Montessori opened a couple of years ago. Now, we’re lucky to have him at Emerald Mountain, since his range of experience and remarkable creativity in the classroom make him an ideal fit. As he states, “I appreciate the small, individualized approach to education, and being part of a dedicated staff willing to collaborate for the best student outcomes. I was drawn to teaching because I love creating positive and long-lasting impacts on my students, watching and supporting their growth toward their potential.” Outside of school, he enjoys the vibe of the local community and the various outdoor experiences that Steamboat offers.
Josh received his MA in Spanish and Studio Art from Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Doug Davis
MATH & SOCIAL SCIENCE
Doug has taught advanced placement and honors courses at the secondary level in Arizona, Nevada and Utah. He earned his BA in Marketing from Michigan State University, as well as his MS in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana, and an M.Ed in Secondary Science Education from the University of Nevada.
Dave Marrs
SOCIAL SCIENCE & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Dave graduated from Colorado State University in 1996 with a BA in English and an emphasis in history. He received his Post-Bacc in Elementary Ed from Western Governors University in 2009.
Patty Oakland, RN
Director of Health and Wellness, School Nurse
Coming Soon
EMPLOYMENT

Current Employment Opportunities:
Upper School Dean of Students
Job Title: Upper School Dean of Students
Department: Administration
Reports to: Head of School
Job Summary:
We are seeking a dynamic and collaborative full-time Upper School Dean of Students for the 2021-22 school year. The US Dean of Students will report to the Head of School and work with administrators, faculty, and staff to build community, sustain the school’s ethical culture, and support student well-being and growth. The Dean of Students oversees community expectations, student life, student discipline, residential life, and student activities. This position is expected to live on the upper school campus.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and manage social policies, protocols, and practices that serve to support student development, learning, health, and safety.
- Oversee student leadership development and work closely with student leaders.
- Promote high expectations, personal integrity, and community responsibility.
- Maintain and support a system of discipline and restorative practices, including reinforcing accountability, school culture, values, and participation.
- Address disciplinary issues and communicate the details of these cases to parents, faculty, and students where appropriate.
- Work closely with health services to support student health, safety, and well-being.
- Ensure the health and safety of students on campus as well as in residential programs.
- Serve on the hiring committee to interview prospective faculty.
- Coordinate and lead student orientation programs.
- Coordinate and schedule special programs and events for attendance by the student body such as assemblies relevant to discipline, health and wellness, and safety initiatives.
- Develop and implement the Family Handbook.
- Coordinate and plan out a slate of dynamic weekend activities over the course of the school year.
- Provide training, leadership, and support for faculty on residential responsibilities and maintaining professional boundaries in a residential setting.
- Teach 1-2 classes.
- Keep the head of school informed regarding student issues and campus life.
- Perform other duties as assigned by and in support of the Head of School.
Qualification Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree preferred
- Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
- Ability to approach work with compassion while maintaining high expectations
- Demonstrated experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Sense of humor, optimism, and possess a growth-mindset
- Knowledge of social emotional learning and adolescent development
- The ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, make decisions, think critically and problem-solve
Compensation and Benefits:
Steamboat Mountain School offers a rich and comprehensive benefits package.
- Salary range, $40,000 – $50,000
- Medical including short term disability
- Dental
- Vision
- Retirement contribution match after one year of service
- Tuition remission benefits after two years of service
- Three weeks summer vacation as well as the majority of school vacations
- On Campus housing
- Meals provided during the academic year
In order to apply, email your resume and cover letter to: careers@steamboatmountainschool.org.
No phone calls. Steamboat Mountain School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
6-12 Spanish Teacher
Job Title: 6-12 Spanish Teacher
Department: Faculty
Reports to: Head of School
Job Summary:
We are seeking a skilled and experienced full-time Spanish teacher for the 2021-22 school year. The ideal candidate will possess native or near-fluency in Spanish, an exemplary pedagogical repertoire for second-language learning, a passion for teaching, and experience in designing curriculum. Further, successful candidates will also have excellent classroom management skills, experience working with both middle and upper school students, and the desire to work closely with colleagues. Language courses develop students’ skills in all core areas with an emphasis on speaking and listening. All classes should be taught in the target language and familiarity with comprehensible input is ideal. Throughout the curriculum, students explore and reflect on cultural practices and global perspectives to develop cultural competence and understanding.
Responsibilities:
- Teach five sections of Spanish
- Serve as an academic advisor to a small group of students
- Flexibility and willingness to perform non-teaching roles vital to building community
- Lead outdoor education trips
- Perform additional duties as needed
- Participate in school-wide professional development
Qualification Requirements:
- Experience teaching Spanish in middle school and/or upper school.
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree is preferred
- Demonstrated expertise in student-centered, collaborative and inquiry-based teaching methodologies
- The flexibility to teach multiple ages, experience with curriculum development, and an active interest in teaching with project-based and technology-based learning is preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
- The desire to work closely with colleagues
Compensation and Benefits:
Steamboat Mountain School offers a rich and comprehensive benefits package.
- Salary range, $25,000 – $42,000
- Medical including short term disability
- Dental
- Vision
- Retirement contribution match after one year of service
- Tuition remission benefits after two years of service
- Approximately eight weeks of summer vacation and all school vacations
- On-campus housing may be provided
In order to apply, email your resume and cover letter to careers@steamboatmountainschool.org.
No phone calls. Steamboat Mountain School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.