Our Principal & Assistant Principal
Orchard Avenue Principal
Dr. Teal Maxwell Richards
I am honored to have the opportunity to lead a school with such a dedicated staff, amazing kids, and engaged families. I have worked in the educational field since 2005 as a classroom teacher, interventionist, and administrator. My formal education includes a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy. As a native of Western Colorado, I am excited to be in the Grand Valley. When I’m not at work I love to spend time with my family or be outside skiing or hiking. We enjoy traveling and listening to music. I look forward to working alongside the OAE community to help all students become curious, confident, capable learners who are empowered to become passionate world citizens!
Orchard Avenue Assistant Principals
Tanya Nees
I love Orchard Avenue Elementary, and feel lucky to have been a teacher, instructional coach and assistant principal at this amazing school. I started my journey as an educator in 2005, and have taught elementary school in several states across the west, including on the Navajo Nation. I have my Masters Degree in Elementary Education, as well as a Certificate in Educational Leadership from Colorado Mesa University. I am a mom of two. In our free time my family loves to spend time outside and explore Colorado National Monument. At Orchard Avenue, I look forward to getting to know the students and families of our learning community, and supporting teachers to create excellent learning environments for our kids!
Ryan Schoephoerster (Shep)
I'm very excited to be joining the Orchard Avenue community this year! I started my education career as a middle school teacher and moved into the role of assistant principal at the elementary level. Coming from the secondary level, I'm extremely passionate about teaching the skills that students need in order to succeed after elementary school. When I'm not at school, I love to go on adventures with my wife and two young kids.
