Academy Staff

Robyn Lee – Director

Rob is a graduate of Brigham Young University where he earned a BA in Latin American Studies, with a teaching major in Spanish and minor in History.  He is also a graduate of Adams State College where he earned a MA in Secondary Education.  An Administrative Licensure Program from the University of Northern Colorado is also to his credit.

His broad history in education includes:

  • 34 years experience in education
  • 16 years as a middle school teacher focused on Spanish, Social Studies, Gifted and Talented
  • 15 years as Principal of two Elementary schools
  • 10 years as director of a “School within a School” Montessori Program
  • 3 years as Activities and Athletic Director
  • 1 year as a Family and Parent Liaison
  • Adjunct instructor for Pueblo Community College and Adams State College Spanish, Teacher Induction, Substitute Training, Clinical Models, Functional Behavior Assessment, Critical Friends, Self Concept , Cultures in Education, Differentiated Learning and Instruction

Julie Wand – Assistant Director

Ms. Wand has Montessori teacher certification for children ages 3 to 12.  She taught at Maria Montessori Elementary in San Diego from 1983 to 1995, and is a teacher and the Director of the teacher-training arm of Dayspring Montessori Educational Center, Inc.

Julie is a presenter of workshops at many Montessori conferences and is a National Center for Montessori Education (NCME) consultant for Montessori schools. Ms. Wand has two children and resides in St. George.

Merrit Bowden – Student Services Manager

Since it’s inception in 2008, Merrit has been the warm and welcoming smile at GPA’S front desk where she manages a multiude of parent and student needs, and points staff, parents, and students in the right direction.

Merrit was raised in southern Utah and moved to southern California after high school graduation.  After several years in California, her family was excited to move to Cedar City.   She enjoys the challenge brought by answering the needs of students and parents, and often being the first person to welcome everyone Gateway Preparatory Academy.