Social Studies Department

Meet the Social Studies Department

Michelle Durkin, 6th Grade Ancient Civilizations Teacher

Mrs. Durkin is a passionate educator who truly loves teaching history and working with students. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and a Master’s in Education from the University of the Southwest. Prior to embarking on her teaching career, Mrs. Durkin worked in the hospitality industry for over a decade, implementing adult education and training programs for major hospitality, entertainment, and airline companies. In 2019, she made the decision to return to her home state of New Mexico, joining the proud coyote community at Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School. A highlight of her educational journey was being part of the inaugural cohort of the 2019 Leap Program, which earned her an alternative teaching license. As part of the teaching staff at Cottonwood, she has dedicated herself to the education of 6th-grade students in the fascinating field of ancient civilizations, always striving to make the subject fun and relatable for her pupils.

Ms. Moore is teaching 6th, 7th, and 12th grade this academic year at Cottonwood. She spent the last four years teaching at the Universal American School in Kuwait, during which time she was able to travel to some beautiful places, her favorites being the Registan of Samarqand in Uzbekistan and the ruins of Troy in Turkey. Prior to Kuwait she taught here in Albuquerque and completed the Peace Corps in Kosovo.

Jennifer Nevdahl, 9th Grade World History and Geography Teacher

jennifer.nevdahl@cottonwoodclassical.org

Ms. Nevdahl has been teaching for 25 years. She has a BA and an MA both from Whitworth University in Spokane, WA. She started her career at Menaul School teaching English and making Frito Pie in the concession stand. After a decade in Colorado teaching middle school language arts, she came back to New Mexico and eventually landed at Cottonwood. She is currently teaching World History and loving every minute. Being a true child of the Pacific Northwest, her favorite food is French fries with tartar sauce.

Isaiah Nixon, 10th Grade US History Teacher and Social Studies Department Chair

isaiah.nixon@cottonwoodclassical.org

Mr. Nixon loves to discuss, discover, and learn. He is passionate about discovering what makes us human and how we might, through education, become better people to serve those around us. Mr. Nixon received his B.A. in Philosophy and M.S. in Geography. He currently teachers 10th grade history and is happy to do just about anything, particularly related to music, crafts, and old things.

Bill Torres, 10th Grade We the People Teacher

bill.torres@cottonwoodclassical.org

Ms. Kai Frick, IB History and IB Core Teacher

kai.frick@cottonwoodclassical.org

Kai Frick has been teaching high school social studies for over 20 years. She’s a strong proponent of the IB program, especially its emphasis on multiple perspectives. She currently teaches IB Core (11th grade) and IB History (11th & 12th grades).

Mr. Rick Redington, IB Philosophy and IB Core Teacher

rick.redington@cottonwoodclassical.org

Mr. Redington teaches IB Philosophy Year 1 and Year 2, and IB Core Year 1. He has also taught English 9, English 10, and IB English Year 1 at CCPS. He has a B.A. in Philosophy from St. John’s College, Santa Fe, and an M.A. from St. John’s College, Santa Fe in Eastern Classics.

Mrs. Lisa Wallhagen, IB Psychology Teacher and EE Coordinator

lisa.wallhagen@cottonwoodclassical.org

Lisa Wallhagen has been teaching at CCPS since January 2010. She taught 6th and 7th grade English from August 2010-May 2017. She received her MSc in forensic psychology and has been teaching DP Psychology since August 2015. She has been the Extended Essay coordinator since August 2017. She plays well with anyone who likes psychology, cats, and Star Wars.

Mr. Peter Lukes, IB Core Teacher and CAS Coordinator

peter.lukes@cottonwoodclassical.org

Mr. Lukes is passionate about the IB Diploma program and working to make the world a better more peaceful place. He loves the opportunities Cottonwood provides to support students in thinking about how to do that, and taking action to make it happen. Mr. Lukes teaches the senior IB Core class, and also supports the juniors and seniors in their efforts to challenge themselves in Creativity, Activity, and Service as the CAS Coordinator. He is the sponsor of the Social Action Club, and loves to run in the mountains with his dog Scout as he trains for marathons and ultra-marathons.