About Us
Our Mission
Hands-on, holistic education individualized to each student
Our School
Our Primary and Lower Elementary classrooms lay a solid foundation for lifelong learning through a pure Montessori approach, nurturing independence, curiosity, and a deep love of discovery. As students progress into Upper Elementary and Middle School, we transition to a hybrid model that seamlessly blends Montessori philosophy with a traditional academic curriculum—ensuring both self‑directed exploration and mastery of core subjects. Every member of our teaching team is highly qualified: each holds Wyoming Teacher Certification, brings valuable classroom experience, and has completed rigorous Montessori training.
At the heart of Academy of the Winds is our commitment to professional excellence. We uphold the highest standards by investing in ongoing training, mentorship, and clear, collaborative communication between administration and faculty. We believe that respecting each teacher’s professionalism and granting them true agency in their classrooms fosters a culture of mutual trust and shared purpose. By working together with transparent expectations and shared goals, we create the very best environment for our students—and for the dedicated educators who guide them.
Who We Are
Jenny Schucker (Founding Director)
Jenny Schucker, the Founder of Academy of the Winds (AOW), brings a strong educational background and a wealth of experience to her role. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and holds a Wyoming Teacher Certification, a National Board Certification, as well as a NAMC Montessori Certification. Jenny's dedication to education is evident from her thirteen years of classroom experience within Wyoming schools, and has been the school administrator for seven years. Jenny established Academy of the Winds in 2019.
As the heart of AOW, Jenny currently serves as both the Head Teacher and Executive Director, where she is instrumental in realizing her vision for a distinguished private school in Lander. Her leadership at AOW reflects her commitment to innovating education and creating an environment that fosters growth and discovery.
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Natalie Ruthven (Lower Elementary Lead Teacher)
Natalie joined AOW in the Fall of 2023.
Natalie Ruthven (pronounced Rooth‑ven) is a Montessori Certified teacher with three years of classroom experience and a deep commitment to nurturing young learners. A Laramie, Wyoming native, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wyoming. Natalie began her career teaching kindergarten and first grade in Denver before returning to Laramie to support third through fifth graders in the Gifted and Talented program and then leading a traditional third‑grade classroom. Most recently, she taught kindergarten in Idaho before coming home to Wyoming.
Outside the classroom, Natalie and her husband, Jake, along with their two dogs, Fin and Paisley, enjoy exploring Wyoming’s great outdoors through hiking and camping.
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Janet Winger (Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher)
Janet joined AOW in the Fall of 2022.
Janet has been a long time resident of the Lander Community. She has been married for 36 years and has three children, 2 boys and 1 girl. They all attended University of Wyoming, graduated and are building and are building lives of their own in other communities.
Janet is joining us with a very diverse educational background. It began with teaching infant swimming, fitness classes, and women’s weight lifting, coaching and recently as a paraprofessional for Fremont County School District #1 for 14 years. She enjoys being outside doing any type of activity and loves sports.
Janet brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team of professionals.
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Cindy Coyne (Primary Lead Teacher)
Cindy joined AOW in the fall of 2023.
As our Primary Lead Teacher and brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to the role. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master’s in Literacy, Wyoming Teaching Certification, and is National Board Certified, and is a Montessori Certified teacher.
Originally from the East Coast, Cindy moved to Wyoming in 2011 to teach kindergarten, and over the past 15 years she has worked with learners ranging from three‑year‑olds through college students. In her free time, she enjoys reading, delving into history, savoring chocolate, and spending time with her husband, daughter, three dogs, and two adopted mustang horses.
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Jamie Ayers (Primary Assistant Teacher)
Jamie joined Academy of the Winds in the Fall of 2021.
Before AOW Jamie worked with the Lander School District for a total of ten years- two years as a Paraprofessional, and eight years as a Substitute Teacher. She has a husband and three wonderful boys and loves being outdoors and spending time with her family.
She is a highly experienced Montessori assistant teacher. She also runs our summer program in June, July, and August.
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Scott McGowan (Upper Elementary Lead Teacher)
Scott joined Academy of the Winds in the fall of 2023 and brings over three decades of educational expertise to our community.
He earned his B.A. in English from Westmont College and his M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University, and holds Wyoming Teacher Certification, and is a Montessori certified teacher.
Since beginning his teaching career in 1993, Scott has embodied a spirit of curiosity and resilience—his personal motto, “We can do that. We don’t know how yet, but we can do that,” drives him to embrace new challenges and learning opportunities every day.
At home, Scott is supported by his wife, Denise, and their two daughters, Katie and Amelia. When he’s not in the classroom, you’ll find him exploring the outdoors, tinkering with his Jeep, tackling construction and remodeling projects, reading widely, and traveling.
Scott lives by his favorite quote—adapted from Charlie “Tremendous” Jones—“The only difference between who we are today and who we were yesterday is in the places we’ve gone, the people we’ve met, and the books we’ve read,” a testament to his belief in lifelong growth and adventure.
Gina Pasini (Science Teacher)
Gina joined Academy of the Winds in the Fall of 2022.
Gina has a BA in Environmental Education and Assoc. in Early Childhood Education. She has previous experience as a Montessori assistant teacher, and experience teaching summer science camps. Gina also worked as a Wildlife Biology field technician for 7 years in remote locations throughout the West.
She recently moved to Wyoming from Montana, where she was born and raised. In her free time, she works on ranches, and explores wild Wyoming while hiking, hunting, rockhounding and daydreaming about all the amazing and fun things to teach children.
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Alexis Schneider (Middle School Lead Teacher)
Joining Academy of the Winds in the Fall of 2024 as Middle School Lead Teacher.
She brings a passion for adolescent learning and a solid foundation in educational best practices. Now in her fourth year of classroom teaching—after several years in related educational roles—she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Wyoming Teaching Certificate, and is currently deepening her expertise through coursework in Montessori philosophy.
A lifelong Lander resident along with her husband, Beau, she and their two children, Aila and Brooks, are proud to call this mountain community home. Their household also includes Charlie the dog and two cats, Tinsel and Zar.
Outside the classroom, she loves reading, crafts, and baking, and she and her family spend as much time as possible camping, hunting, and exploring the great outdoors.
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Aubry Ellis (Upper Elementary & Middle School Assistant Teacher)
Aubry joined Academy of the Winds in the fall of 2024.
She brings a wealth of experience and creativity to our Upper Elementary and Middle School teams. With over a decade of promoting literacy, creativity, and positive learning environments, she holds a bachelor’s degree in English Language Arts from the University of Wyoming and a bachelor’s degree in K–12 Art Education from the University of Montana Western.
As Lead Youth Services Librarian at the Riverton Branch Library, Aubry developed innovative programs such as the “Mini Art Gallery on the Mezzanine” and a year‑round Creation Station. Her passion for art and education—combined with her expertise in lesson planning and student engagement—makes her a valuable addition to our staff.
In her free time, she competes in rodeos and works on her mini homestead.