About Us
Our Board of Directors
Sasha Creeden
President
Sasha hails from the great state of Colorado. She studied Natural Resource Management at Colorado State University and after ski and golf bumming discovered her love for education. She has an MA in Secondary Science Education and taught science at Durango High School then made the leap out of formal education to be the Education Director at The Powerhouse. Currently, Sasha works as a solar analyst and is excited to connect back into the education world with Explorers. When she is not wrangling her toddler, her family can be found adventuring in the San Juans or canyon country.
Jamie Gustine
Member
Jamie Gustine has called Durango home for over 25 years and brings a deep commitment to supporting all students. Extensively trained in the Montessori method, she has taught in several Montessori-based classrooms and holds an Early Childhood Teaching License. She is currently advancing her expertise through a Master’s program in Early Childhood Special Education. Throughout her career, Jamie has served in various educational roles across Colorado. Most recently, she served as a Master Teacher for the Kindergarten and 1st Grade team at The Juniper School. She is currently an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher for San Juan BOCES, where she works with preschools throughout the Four Corners region.
Collin Vlass
Member
New board member information coming soon.
Dallas Adara
Member
Dallas moved to Durango in 2022. He brings experience as a bilingual educator in California, where he worked closely with young learners and families from diverse backgrounds, fostering inclusive and engaging learning environments. As the parent of a two-year-old son, he deeply understands the importance of high-quality early childcare and education. He is continually inspired by the meaningful work that Explorers is doing to nurture, support, and empower children and families in our community, and he is honored to contribute to its ongoing growth and impact.
Julia Klema
Member
Julia Klema grew up in Durango and is happy to call it home again! She has a BA in French and Spanish Language and a Masters of Fine Art degree in Printmaking. She has been part of the Art & Design faculty at Fort Lewis College for the past seven years and also currently serves as the Director of the FLC Art Gallery and Visiting Artist Program. Julia is committed to supporting early foundations in education and to building cuirosity, love of learning, and self efficacy in her college students. Outside of work, she loves to climb mountains, run rivers, and draw with her toddler.
Rachel Tabor
Member
Rachel Tabor is a Colorado native and has lived in Durango with her family since 2015. She holds an M.Ed. in K-12 Literacy Instruction and works for the Durango School District as a Reading Interventionist and Dyslexia Specialist. In addition to teaching, she trains teachers across the nation for the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education and provides educational resources through her company, The Literacy Spot, LLC. Rachel has a deep passion for early education and is honored to serve on the board for Explorers, as both her son and daughter were taught by the organization's founders. True to the spirit of the organization, she loves spending her free time exploring the mountains and beauty of Durango with her husband, two children, and their dog.
Lisette Collins
Member
New board member information coming soon.
2026 Quarterly Board Meetings
March 3rd
5-7pm at Explorers
June 2nd
5-7pm at Explorers
Sept. 1st
5-7pm at Explorers
Dec. 1st
5-7pm at Explorers
