Don Knapp Executive Director & Principal
Mr. Knapp has been in the field of education since 1994, and he has been at PPSEL since 2002. He began his love for teaching in high school when he had the opportunity to teach both math and science to elementary students. His undergraduate work was completed at the University of Wyoming with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Spanish. His graduate work was completed at the University of Phoenix. He has also spent time doing university work in Seville, Spain.
Over the years, Mr. Knapp has taught a large variety of subjects. He has taught self-contained classrooms from 3rd – 8th grades. He taught preschool-8th grade Spanish. He spent a year teaching elementary music, middle school P.E., Math, Reading, Writing, World Religions, Bible, Health, Art, and more. He has coached Math Olympiad, boys’ and girls’ basketball, boys’ and girls’ volleyball, and Future Problem Solvers.
Mr. Knapp enjoys basketball (playing, watching, and coaching), camping, hiking, skiing, and fishing.
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Sandra Pilcher Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Sandra Pilcher is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at PPSEL. She has worked at PPSEL since 2004. She started as a 4th and 5th grade classroom teacher and from there moved into an Instructional Coach role and finally moved into her current role. Her background is in education and working with people with disabilities. She graduated from Colorado State University and received her Masters from University of Phoenix. She is passionate about putting the very best teachers in front of our amazing students and she loves partnering with teachers to help them meet their goals. In her spare time, you will usually find her outdoors – riding her horses, hiking, biking, kayaking, playing pickleball, gardening and spending time with her family.
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Brian Barbera
Assistant Principal
Brian Barbera is the Assistant Principal at Pikes Peak School of Expeditionary Learning. He is a native of Colorado and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science from Colorado State University-Pueblo. He also attended Adams State University to obtain a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership.
He has had the opportunity to teach Physical Education, Mathematics, and STEM classes throughout his teaching career. All of which have provided him with the foundation to be an effective educator.
When he’s not at PPSEL, you can find him in the mountains, on the water fishing, or simply just spending time with his wife, son and dog.
As a lifelong learner, his hope is that his efforts will inspire every student at PPSEL to strive to attain their goals. His is passionate about partnering with families to ensure every child has a positive educational experience while attending PPSEL.
Brent LaBree Office Manager
Mr. Brent worked as a business & general manager in the landscaping industry prior to joining PPSEL. He first joined PPSEL as a parent in 2009, then served on the PPSEL Board for 3 years, and became the school’s Office Manager in 2013. Mr. Brent studied architecture, music & fine arts at Washington State University.
Mr. Brent enjoys long-distance motorcycle trips, and a wide variety of other interests including woodworking, music, kickboxing, and is a certified public address announcer.