Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Courtney grew up fascinated with Spanish and Hispanic culture. Although she studied the language throughout school, she unfortunately was never allowed to participate in a study abroad program. (Spoiler: That’s why she is now a major advocate for them!) Not surprisingly, after graduating from Texas Tech University and working for a year, she spent her entire vacation finally exploring all the places she had learned about in Spain-she was hooked! Exactly a year later, she began her journey in education and moved there to teach.

After two years in La Bañeza, Courtney returned home to teach bilingual second and fourth grade in low-income elementary schools. She adored her students and their families; however, she felt misaligned with the stifling structures in which her kids were expected to operate. She decided to leave the classroom and start a private teaching business working with individuals of all ages and Montessori preschools. In the thick of COVID, she was invited to work at The Girls’ School of Austin , and after her initial hesitation to go back into a school setting in the middle of global pandemic, she accepted the offer and her love for working in schools was completely revived! She got to teach both lower and middle school Spanish, co-lead diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging lessons, as well as co-manage the school’s service learning program. Although her role seemed pretty idyllic, Telluride Mountain School had lived in the back of her mind ever since she visited the tiny Colorado town that first summer after leaving public school teaching.

Courtney believes holistic education is essential and is beyond grateful to work with a team that values exceptional academics and experiential learning! When she’s not at school, you will likely see her hiking, biking, and strolling around town with her little dog, Stella.