About Us
Our Board of Directors
Ahna Yar
President
Ahna Yar is a Durango native, mother to three young children and the President of the Board. Ahna has a Family Studies and Human Development bachelor's degree, an AMS Montessori Credential, and has taught in several Montessori schools. Ahna's heart is for Explorers to become an integral part of the community where children develop a lifelong love for learning.
Sarah Penny
Vice President
Sarah Penny and her family have lived in Durango since 2020. She serves as the Vice President of the Board. Sarah has a human biology degree from the University of Kansas, and is a Doctor of Pharmacy. She currently dedicates her time to raising her children. She has a son in early elementary school who was previously taught by the Explorers founders, and a daughter who attends Explorers. She enjoys traveling, photography, playing tennis, and skiing with her husband and kids.
Sasha Creeden
Secretary
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.
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.
2026 Quarterly Board Meetings
