May 20, 2026
We are excited to share that Jocelyn Cunha will join Mounds Park Academy as a PreK teacher beginning in June! Jocelyn brings extensive experience in child-centered, developmentally appropriate education, including six years of teaching and mentoring at The Colorado Springs School, an independent PreK-12 school in Colorado. We are thrilled to introduce Ms. Cunha!
From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from IXL Learning.
Tell us about your education and past experience.
I’ve had the privilege of working across the education field in a variety of settings, including nonprofits, public and independent schools, and the ed tech sector. I began my journey with the I Have a Dream Foundation in Boulder, where I quickly discovered my passion for teaching and knew I wanted to become a classroom educator. Since then, I’ve taught all grades K-3, with most of my time spent in Kindergarten at The Colorado Springs School, an independent school in Colorado. Over the past six years, I’ve created PreK-6 math and ELA instructional videos for IXL Learning. While this work has been meaningful and creatively fulfilling, I am truly excited to return to the classroom and be part of a school community again. I believe in the joy and wonder of the early childhood years and feel honored to be part of the beginning of our youngest learners’ educational journeys!
What did you find appealing about MPA?
As parents, we were first drawn to MPA’s warm and welcoming community and its clear commitment to knowing, valuing, and loving each child. As an educator, MPA’s child-centered approach aligns with my belief that children thrive when they feel safe, understood, and genuinely cared for. I appreciate the strong sense of partnership among students, families, and faculty, which creates a supportive and inspiring environment for everyone.
Welcome to MPA, Ms. Charlotte (Charley) Hechtl! Charley will join the team as a communications intern while communications manager Mike Pappas takes paternity leave from June through September, and we are thrilled to introduce her to the community. 
Welcome to MPA, Mr. Michael Baker! Mr. Baker will be joining us as a part-time school nurse through District 622, taking over for Ms. Deb Stone, who will be retiring in March. We are so thankful to Ms. Stone for her time with us, and are excited to introduce Mr. Baker!
We are thrilled to share that Dr. Julie Winn will be joining us starting on Tuesday, February 17, as the MPA’s first Lower School assistant director! Please read more about Dr. Winn and her background below. 
Welcome to MPA, Ms. Lauren Palumbo! Ms. Palumbo joined us on Wednesday, December 10, as a business office administrative assistant and transportation coordinator, and we are thrilled to introduce her to our community.
We are pleased to share that Pam Gronski will be joining us starting on Monday, November 3, as MPA’s first manager of campus safety and security. This role will be responsible for ensuring a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, families, and visitors across all campus facilities and events. 
Congratulations to Mr. Josh Wiger for his recent promotion to operations assistant! Josh’s promotion will be effective September 22, and we are thrilled. Read more about him below!
Welcome to MPA, Aemah Iqbal! Ms. Iqbal started prior to the school year as an Upper School counselor and we are pleased to introduce her to the community. 
Welcome to MPA, Eleanor Schuebel! Ms. Eleanor Schuebel recently joined us as a Panther Club program assistant, and we are thrilled to introduce her to our community. 
Welcome to MPA, Matthew Quade! Mr. Quade will be joining us this fall as a Middle School physical education and health teacher, and we are thrilled to introduce him to our community.