Our Principal & Assistant Principal
Orchard Avenue Principal
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 for the past fifteen years 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 back in the Grand Valley after many years away. I have a two year old son, Otto, and a five year old daughter, Ada. When I’m not at work my family and I love to be outside skiing or hiking. We enjoy traveling and listening to music. I look forward to working alongside you to help all students become curious, confident, capable learners who are empowered to become passionate world citizens!
Orchard Avenue Assitant Principal
Tanya Nees- Assistant Principal
My name is Tanya Nees and I am the Assistant Principal. I have sixteen years of experience in education, including being a teacher at Orchard Avenue Elementary! It feels great to be back in the building and I am thrilled to join such an incredible team. I have two previous years of experience as a school administrator at Nisley Elementary. I am also the mom of two little ones. Henry just turned four and Eleanor is one. In our free time my family loves to spend time outside and explore the Colorado National Monument. This year I am looking forward to getting to know the students and families of our learning community, and supporting teaching in creating an excellent learning environment for our kids!