I grew up in Boulder, CO and look forward to exploring a new region of Colorado and the extensive outdoor opportunities Durango has to offer. I enjoy hiking, trail running, biking, camping, photography, and reading. I’ve worked in elementary education throughout the past seven years in both classroom and nature-based outdoor settings while living in CO, CT, and Australia.I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and have a bachelor’s in Psychology with minors in Education and Environmental Studies from Wesleyan University. I am passionate about facilitating holistic child-centered learning, modeling social/emotional skills, and nurturing supportive relationships and community. I'm thrilled to be joining The Juniper School!

I’ve lived in Colorado for 25 years, with my husband of 30 years.  We have two adult daughters. Zoe, a writer in New York, and Hannah, an artist here in Durango. We love Durango, and are so happy to call it home. I live a very active lifestyle, and enjoy running, biking, hiking, paddle boarding, skiing and more!  I have a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and this will be my tenth year teaching first grade!  I’m delighted to be working with such an amazing group of educators at The Juniper School, and am always so excited to meet new students, and reconnect with returning kiddos!  As a teacher, I hope my students walk away with more confidence and a life-long love of learning!

I am a Colorado native and grew up in SE Denver. Since graduating in 2011 from Fort Lewis with my BA in Elementary Education, I have been teaching in a variety of schools, mostly in private and alternative settings in both Oregon and back home in Colorado. In January of 2024, I received a Masters of Science degree in Teaching and Learning with a Specialization in Teacher Leadership.

My teaching philosophy is centered around relationships and connection as there is nothing more important in how children learn. 

Juniper’s child-centered and community-based approach to education is exactly why I am here.I am ready and excited to learn alongside your students and this fabulous community this year in K/1!

My name is Meghan Russo and I am very excited to be working at The Juniper School.  I am thrilled about working with you and your child!   I can’t wait to see what the year has in store for us.

I am a native of Colorado but just moved to Durango this summer.  I attended the University of Northern Colorado where I graduated with a degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in reading.  This is my 19h year in education! When I am not at work I enjoy hiking, biking, snowboarding, travel, and anything outdoors!

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Teaching has always been a passion of mine.  I have a love of learning and I hope to instill this love of learning into my students too!  I will be there to help your child flourish and feel successful.  I hope to not only give each one an education but also a passion to learn.  I believe that communication is very important for a successful year.