Meet Our Team
Meet our Administration Team
Nicole Tiley | Head of School
Mrs. Tiley, the Head of School for Colorado Preparatory Academy and Pikes Peak Online School, joined the K12 team eleven years ago. Nicole has worked as a special education teacher, a K–12 academic director, and a Head of School. Nicole earned a BA in special education from Pennsylvania State University. She completed her Master of Education (EdM) from Northern Arizona in Special Education. Nicole also completed an additional Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in K–12 administration.
Nicole has received awards for being the 2006 Westside Impact Teacher of the Year and a 2006 Rodel Exemplary Teacher Finalist. Nicole enjoys coaching youth basketball and soccer.
Sheila Stevens | High School Principal
Sheila Stevens is the proud principal of Colorado Preparatory Academy High School, bringing over 23 years of experience in education and leadership to the role. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Pre-Therapy from California State University, Sacramento, earned her teaching credential from National University along with a master’s degree in reading from University of Northern Colorado. She furthered her education at CU Denver earning her Educational Specialist Degree in Administrative Leadership & Policies Studies. With a vision for the future and a commitment to the present, she is dedicated to leading Colorado Preparatory Academy High School towards continued success and excellence.
Howard Holbrook | Middle School Principal
Howard Holbrook joined Colorado Preparatory Academy and STRIDE in October of 2020 as Assistant Principal for both CPA High School and Middle School. He became Principal at CPA Middle School for the 2021-2022 school year. He earned his BS in Jr. High/Middle School Education from Illinois State University and his MS in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University. After spending 12 years as a middle school mathematics, physical education, social studies teacher and coach in Illinois and Texas, he has spent the last 26 years as a middle and high school administrator (Grant Coordinator, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and Principal) in Illinois and Colorado. He has always enjoyed working with secondary school students in and out of the classroom. Watching students develop from early adolescence through graduation as young adults and into their adult lives, has always been a great payoff for me as an educator. He looks forward to working with the entire CPA community! Howard and his wife Chris enjoy sports, investigating the outdoor activities & breathtaking sights in this beautiful state of Colorado, as well as watching/following the various activities (varsity cheer, hunter/jumper equestrian) of their two daughters (one junior in high school and one will be a freshman at CSU) here in Colorado and their two adult sons back in Illinois.
Heather Coble | Middle School Dean of Students
Sarah Gigax | Elementary Principal
Sarah Gigax is the principal of Colorado Preparatory Academy Elementary School and has been a part of the school community since its very first day in 2013. With over 20 years of experience in education, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Radio/TV Production, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and earned her Principal License in 2016.
Serving as the elementary school principal since 2016, Ms. Gigax is dedicated to creating a positive school culture that focuses on student growth, teacher support, and a collaborative environment. She believes in fostering a culture of engagement, empowerment, and accountability, working closely with her staff to ensure that all students thrive.
With a vision for the future and a commitment to the present, Ms. Gigax is passionate about leading CPA Elementary toward continued success and excellence. She is proud to serve a community where every individual is valued and supported in their journey toward lifelong learning.
Chris Toliver | Elementary Assistant Principal
My name is Dr. Chris Toliver, I have been in the field of education for over 25 years with experience as an elementary classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal. I recently retired from a brick and mortar school district, and I now find value in supporting the online learning community that is CPA! I enjoy mentoring and supporting teachers, working with families to provide understanding and access to their student’s education, and I seek to contribute to dignified and engaging learning experiences for each and every one of our students.
Ashley Pierce | Elementary Dean of Academics & Instruction , Elementary Data Coach
Ashley Pierce has been in education for over 12 years, holding a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Since joining K12 in 2017, she actively seeks innovative ways to support the unique and individual needs of each student while creating an engaging atmosphere in the virtual classroom.
Sue Nozick | Senior Manager, CO State Shared Services
Kimber Podsedek | Operations Manager
Ms. Podsedek is the manager of school operations for all three K12-powered Colorado schools. Kimber has been with K12 since 2007. Before her role as manager of operations, she worked as a high school advisor. She loves working with all our wonderful staff and families to support all the different learning options our schools have.
Christa Seger | Director of Special Services
Christa Seger joined the Stride team two years ago and has been in education for 20 years. She is the Special Programs Manager for CPA and PPOS. During her time in education she has been an elementary teacher, special educator at all K-12 levels, administrator in brick and mortar schools, and Reading specialist. She earned her BA in Elementary Education and Special Education, M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and her EdD in Educational Leadership. In her free time she volunteers as a Special Olympics coach for cycling and bowling.
Julie Casten | Student Support Administrator
Mrs. Casten is the family engagement administrator for CPA and PPOS and joined the K12 family in 2014. She brings more than 8 years’ experience in education, community service, school start-up, family engagement, and support. Julie earned a BS from Colorado State University.