Meet the Social Studies Department
Michelle Durkin, 8th Grade Early US History Teacher
michelle.durkin@cottonwoodclassical.org
Mrs. Durkin currently teaches 8th grade early US History, after having taught 6th grade since joining CCPS in 2019. She transitioned from a successful career in the hospitality industry and was part of the inaugural cohort of the 2019 Leap Program. Mrs. Durkin holds a Master’s in Education from the University of the Southwest and a Bachelor’s from the University of Central Florida.
Stephanie Jones, 9th Advanced NM History Teacher
stephanie.jones@cottonwoodclassical.org
Stephanie Jones is starting her 15th year at Cottonwood. Previously, she taught for 4 years at Bellehaven Elementary and 10 years in Santiago, Chile at The International School Nido de Aguilas. This year she is teaching 9th grade Advanced New Mexico History and Health.
Elizabeth Moore, 6th and 7th Grade History; IB Core
elizabeth.moore@cottonwoodclassical.org
Ms. Moore has been teaching for 10 years. This year at Cottonwood she will be teaching 9th Grade World History and IB Core. She holds a Bachelors in Secondary Education for Social Studies from UNM and a Masters in History from Emporia State University. She enjoys spending time overseas, having previously taught at a school in Kuwait, volunteered with the Peace Corps in Kosovo, and most recently, completed an archaeological field school at an ancient Roman city in Turkey.
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; 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 loves to find alternatives to digital technology.
Bill Torres, 10th Grade We the People Teacher
bill.torres@cottonwoodclassical.org
Mr. Torres is starting his 24th year in education. He is also the Speech and Debate, Mock Trial, Model UN, and Youth and Government coach. When he isn’t at school or coaching one of these teams, you might hear him as the PA voice of New Mexico United, the Albuquerque Isotopes, and UNM soccer and softball. He has also appeared in several tv shows and movies as a background actor, most notably Vengeance and Better Call Saul.
Kai Frick, IB History and IB Core Teacher
kai.frick@cottonwoodclassical.org
To Ms. Frick, human beings are mysterious and fascinating. For instance, she wonders why people in some cultures greet each other by asking “How are you?” while in other cultures they say “Good day!” Ms. Frick earned a BA in anthropology and MEd in curriculum and instruction. She is a National Board Certified Teacher with 20+ years of experience. Ms. Frick considers it an honor and privilege to teach 11th & 12th grade IB History and IB Core. It’s her dream job!
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.
Lisa Wallhagen, IB Psychology Teacher and EE Coordinator
lisa.wallhagen@cottonwoodclassical.org
Mrs. Wallhagen has been teaching at CCPS since January 2010. She started as a middle school English teacher. In 2013, she began teaching IB Psychology and now teaches IB Psychology full time. She has also been the Extended Essay coordinator since 2018.
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 supports the juniors and seniors in their efforts to challenge themselves in Creativity, Activity, and Service as the CAS Coordinator, and coordinates off-campus service efforts during Pack Time. 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.
Alyssa Trujillo, 7th & 8th Grade History
alyssa.trujillo@cottonwoodclassical.org
Mrs. Trujillo is thrilled to be teaching History at CCPS this school year! Mrs. Trujillo has earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from the University of New Mexico. She recently had the honor of serving on a panel about Mentoring Educators at the University of New Mexico. Mrs. Trujillo believes in bringing history to life for each of her students through storytelling, critical analysis, interactive simulations, digital learning tools, and project based learning. She believes that understanding history is crucial in order to make sense of the present and shaping the future. Mrs. Trujillo’s ultimate goal is to inspire a love for history in her students and to help them understand how the past shapes our present and future. Her enthusiasm for teaching and her commitment to her students make her a valued member of the Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School community.
Wesley Cole, NM History & World History
wesley.cole@cottonwoodclassical.org
Mr. Cole has dedicated a seventeen year career inspiring students through the study of social studies. With a deep-rooted enthusiasm for exploring history, geography, and cultural dynamics, Mr. Cole brings both his knowledge and energy to her classroom where he believes in the power of understanding diverse perspectives and historical contexts to foster informed, empathetic global citizens.
