Meet the Science Department
Fred Hintze, 6th Grade Earth and Space Science Teacher
fred.hintze@cottonwoodclassical.org
Joy VanLief, 7th Grade Life Science Teacher
joy.vanlief@cottonwoodclassical.org
Joy has been with CCPS for 5 years. She currently teaches 7th grade life science. Joy was drawn to science through medical research, primarily pediatric neurology/ child development. In addition to teaching, Joy can be found representing the faculty at Governing Council meetings, traveling with a tour, or bringing some serious school spirit! When not at school, Joy enjoys hiking, traveling, gardening, and drinking tea and coffee.
Dr. Jennifer Reid-Smith, 8th Grade Biology Teacher
jen.reidsmith@cottonwoodclassical.org
Dr. Reid-Smith has an undergraduate degree in Biology from UNM. She also attended Iowa State University where she earned a MS in Science Education and a Ph.D. in Education. She is currently in her 8th year of teaching at CCP and currently teaches 8th Grade Physical Science. During her free time, Dr. Reid-Smith enjoys being outside, nature photography, crafting, reading, and designing in Canva.
Mr. Robert Mattingly, 9th Grade Physics and IB Physics Teacher
robert.mattingly@cottonwoodclassical.org
Robert Mattingly is a full time Dungeon Master. When not consuming himself with map making and campaign creation, he teaches Physics for the general masses (9th grade) as well as the IB students (who are vastly superior to the biology students).
Mr. Bryant Johnson, 9th Grade Physics, IB Core Teacher, and After School Coordinator
bryant.johnson@cottonwoodclassical.org
Bryant graduated from UNM with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology in 2013. During his college years, he worked in schools as an EA, and found the work to be rewarding and challenging. He turned his attention to becoming a teacher, and has continued to grow in that career. He is currently in the final year of study for a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
Ms. Maggie Bradney, 10th Grade Chemistry and IB Chemistry Teacher
margaret.bradney@cottonwoodclassical.org
Ms. Bradney has been teaching at CCPS for 10 years. She is currently teaching 10th grade Chemistry and IB DP Chemistry. Ms. Bradney is drawn to teaching science because she asks a lot of questions. In addition to teaching, Ms. Bradney can be seen around school coaching the Science Olympiad team and advising the Queer Straight Alliance. When not at school, she enjoys hanging out with her dogs, gardening, and travelling.
Ian Geib, 10th Grade Chemistry, IB Biology, and IB ESS Teacher
ian.geib@cottonwoodclassical.org
Mr. Geib has been at CCPS for 10 years and has taught IB Biology, IB Environmental Systems and Societies, IB Sports Exercise Health Science, 9th grade biology, and 10th grade chemistry. With a background in Biology/Microbiology and Chemistry he was drawn to science out of insatiable curiosity to better understand the world around us, and to teaching as a way to share this fascination with others in a way that meaningfully shapes and encourages others to critically explore and better appreciate the world around them.