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.
Warren Rider
Treasurer
Warren Rider is a native of Western Colorado and has lived in Durango since late 2010. Warren serves as the Board Treasurer. Warren is a hydrologist, father of two, and husband of one. His children were both fortunate enough to be taught by the founders of Explorers. He enjoys most anything outside with friends and family.
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, she and her family can be found adventuring in the San Juans or canyon country.
Lindsay Dozoretz
Member
Lindsay Dozoretz, Board Member, has lived in Durango since 2014. Lindsay has a B.A. in Anthropology and English, and a dual M.A. in International Relations and Natural Resources & Sustainable Development. She currently works in the renewable energy field, though spent almost a decade working internationally in environmental and community development. She is a mother of a kindergartener, who was lucky to be taught during his pre-K years by the founders of Explorers, and has witnessed the value of intentional, child-centered education first-hand.