Zone Principals
Email: ryan.bailey@d49.org
Ryan Bailey
I am so excited to serve as Principal of Patriot High School in District 49.
As a California native, I graduated from the University of California San Diego with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and pursued my dream job of training marine mammals for the Navy Marine Mammal Program. After five years of training dolphins and sea lions, I decided to turn my attention toward education, earning my teaching credential and Masters in Education. I moved out to Colorado Springs and landed a job at the non-traditional school in District 20, Aspen Valley High School. I taught Science, Physical Education, Student Council, ACE, and Work-Based Learning courses there for nine years, while also serving as Dean for four years. I was fortunate to move fully into Administration at Aspen Valley and the New Opportunities Program (NOP) where I served for two years, before becoming Principal at Patriot High School in 2023.
I am passionate about providing opportunities for students to learn in non-traditional settings and love the incredible pathways that exist at Patriot. Outside of being a Bison, I am busy raising my four children with my wife, who is also an administrator. We love spending time outdoors, usually around water, and travel around the country visiting family. After over 30 years, I am still an avid soccer referee, player and fan. I am so thankful to be a part of the incredible team at Patriot High School!
Paul Austin
Bio coming soon!
Mr. Nathan Pearsall
Nathan Pearsall most recently worked as the Dean of Students for Springs Studio before becoming the Principal at PPEC.
Nathan has worked as an educator in Colorado Springs for the past 13 years. He was a Social Studies teacher and Soccer and Track coach both in District 2 and District 49 for ten years. He has also served as a Department Chair, Student Council Advisor, mentor teacher, and Gifted and Talented Facilitator, in addition to serving on many education committees around the city and state of Colorado.
“I love learning and all of the processes involved. I will always be learning and striving to gain the most knowledge and wisdom about all aspects of education and the educational system in Colorado. I am very excited to work in my new role as Principal for Pikes Peak Early College and look forward to continuing my professional growth and helping others work towards achieving their goals. I am humbled and honored to be a member of this team and cannot wait to engage with the entire Campus community!”
Nathan has four children with his wife, Saundra, and is a lifelong Colorado resident. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in History from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. He also earned a Master of Arts in Education from Truman State and most recently graduated from the Principal licensure program at CSU Global in 2021.
Amanda Pethtel
Mrs. Pethtel has a passion for Springs Studio, where she first served as a High School Counselor before transitioning to the role of Dean to further the development of college and career academic programs to support students exploring their pathways. Her professional background includes 18 years of experience in K-12th grade education and she has enjoyed serving the past seven of those years at Springs Studio. Her experience includes working with all grade levels of students in a variety of school models, including traditional public schools, charter schools, and currently a blended online school model. She is a strong advocate for school choice to ensure students receive an individualized education that works for their unique needs.
Mrs. Pethtel earned her Master's Degree in School Counseling from Butler University and her Principal Licensure from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She most recently served as the Associate Principal for Springs Studio and is excited about her role as Principal for the 2022-2023 school year. She loves being a part of the Springs Studio family and enjoys providing a rigorous, relevant, and personalized blended online educational model for students. She believes collaboration and positive relationships between students, staff, and parents are vital for student success.
