Carisa Petrie, Assistant Director for Compliance & Support
carisa.petrie@cottonwoodclassical.org
Carisa Petrie, CCPS’s Assistant Director, has spent her life using her personal and career experiences to help her school and provide support for students, families, and staff in an ever-changing world. As the daughter of educators, she knows how education can impact every area of one’s life. While her focus in on support services at Cottonwood Classical, she also provides the staff with opportunities for professional development. Carisa knows there is no single approach that works for everyone, so she continues to educate herself on best practices in supporting students. Her years of experience in the classroom allows her to provide the most comprehensive supports for students. She received her education at St. John’s College with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and the University of New Mexico, where she earned a master’s degree in educational leadership. Carisa enjoys reading and spending time with her husband, two daughters, and rescue dog, Buttercup.
Alejandro Torres, Director of Technology & Infrastructure
alejandro.torres@cottonwoodclassical.org
Alejandro Torres, the Director of Technology and Infrastructure at CCPS, brings over 22 years of experience in education as both a teacher and an administrator. Alejandro has been a member of the CCPS community for ten years. In conjunction with teaching Computer Science courses, he has served in various leadership positions to support students and staff. Alejandro is guided by his convictions that education has the power to change lives and open doors to opportunities, and that all students deserve access to quality education. Growing up in Nebraska, his family instilled in him the importance of education, leading him to become the first in his family to earn a college degree. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Spanish Education and a Master’s degree in Information Systems. Proud of his Mexican heritage, Alejandro has also had the honor of being the first sponsor of the Latinx Student Union. In his free time, Alejandro enjoys spending time with his family, having barbecues, hiking, cheering on his children at sporting events, and of course, rooting for his alma mater, the Nebraska Cornhuskers!
Benjamin Garcia, Principal
benjamin.garcia@cottonwoodclassical.org
Benjamin Garcia, CCPS’s Principal, is a dedicated and experienced educational leader who is passionate about fostering a school environment where every person can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. With over 15 years of experience in education, including roles as a science teacher, department chair, assistant principal, and principal, he has developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing modern schools. Ben received his education at the University of New Mexico with a dual bachelor’s degree in Chemistry & Spanish, and later a master degree in secondary education. Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending time traveling, camping, and hanging out with his wife, three sons, and two dogs.
Bryant Johnson, After School Programs Director
bryant.johnson@cottonwoodclassical.org
With 15 years of experience in education, Bryant is a dynamic Director of Activities and After School Programs who knows how to make learning an adventure. Whether guiding toddlers or teenagers, they’re all about putting students first—and fun is always on the syllabus! When not crafting engaging programs, you can find Bryant hiking, tinkering with gadgets, or playing games with their trusty dog, Koya, by their side. A true “paws-on” leader, Bryant believes in working hard and playing even harder!
Gregery Holland, Dean of Students
gregery.holland@cottonwoodclassical.org
Mr. Holland has taught for 19 years at the elementary and middle school level. He is the current Dean of Students and teaches Math. Mr. Holland received his B. S. and M. A. in Elementary Education from the University of New Mexico.
