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
Mr. Robert Mattingly, 9th Grade Physics and IB Physics Teacher
robert.mattingly@cottonwoodclassical.org
Robert has been teaching at CCPS for 6 years. He is currently teaching 9th grade Physics and IB Physics. Robert was drawn to science because it is fun, engaging and thought-provoking. In addition to teaching, Robert can be seen around school running Dungeons & Dragons club as well as the Miniatures & Models club.
Mr. Bryant Johnson, 9th Grade Physics, IB Core Teacher, and After School Coordinator
bryant.johnson@cottonwoodclassical.org
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
Sonja Stiefel, 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Visual Arts and IB Biology Teacher
sonja.stiefel@cottonwoodclassical.org
Ms. Stiefel has held a variety of interesting jobs: She has worked as a forester in the mountains of North Carolina, as a costume designer and stitcher for the opera in Washington DC, as a naturalist at a nature center in Virginia, and as a college biology professor at UNM. In her free time, she gardens, cooks, draws and paints, sews, knits, reads, and works out at the gym. At Cottonwood, Ms. Stiefel teaches IB Biology as well as 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Visual Arts.
