Email: NPaxton@hsd2.org
Phone: (719) 527-3440
Assistant Principal, Dr. Nicole Paxton
2025 Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year, CASE
Nicole is a dedicated educator with deep roots in Colorado Springs, bringing over 20 years of experience in transforming educational landscapes across diverse settings. Her journey spans urban, suburban, and rural school systems, including traditional, alternative, and charter environments from K-12 to district leadership. Throughout her career, Nicole has passionately taught secondary mathematics, CTE Business Pathways, STEAM courses, guided student council initiatives, and coached students to reach their full potential. Her commitment to educational excellence led her to serve as a State Review Panelist and Consultant with CDE, supporting turnaround initiatives, and as a Grant Liaison with the DoDEA. Nicole holds a bachelor's degree in Organizational Management and a master's in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, complemented by a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Wyoming.
Beyond her professional achievements, Nicole finds joy spending time with her husband Jason, their two daughters, and their lovable labs. They embark on travel adventures often and engage as servant leaders in their community. Nicole embodies Nelson Mandela's belief that "education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world," driving positive change through her work and personal endeavors.
Email: AVandewarker@hsd2.org
Phone: (719) 527-3417
Assistant Principal, Aaron Vandewarker
The 2024-2025 school year will be my 20th year in education. I have held positions as a paraprofessional, special education teacher, general education classroom teacher, and administrator. This is my fourth year as Assistant Principal in within the district. I spent 3 years as the assistant principal at Turman Elementary and this will be my 4th year with Mountain Vista Community School. I graduated from Biola University with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Biblical Studies. My licensure for teaching was completed through UCCS and I completed my MA degree through the University of Kansas, Lawrence.
I was born and raised in southern California but have lived in Colorado Springs since 2002. My wife of 15 years is a Colorado native, former 4th-grade teacher, and currently substitute teaches. Our daughter will be going into 9th grade this coming year. We enjoy bike rides, hikes, reading, playing at the park, and family road trips. I am thankful for the Harrison community and the compassion and dedication to serving our kiddos!