Laura McNally – Principal
I am honored to be the principal of Academy International. I have 22 years of experience in education and have worked in Academy District 20 for 14 years. This is my eighth year working alongside a wonderful school community. I enjoy collaborating with staff and partnering with parents. The best part of my job is working with students and watching them grow!
After graduating from Adams State University in 2000 with a BA in Elementary Education, I began my teaching career in Falcon District 49 where I taught 3rd and 4th grade. I developed a passion for literacy instruction and pursued a MA in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Reading at UCCS. After four years in the classroom, I became a literacy coach. This was my favorite job! In addition to supporting struggling readers, I enjoyed leadership and working with the adult learner. I continued with my education and attended the University of Phoenix for my Principal Licensure. I then had an opportunity to go to the district as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) in the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment department. With this experience, I was able to move to Academy District 20, in 2008, to work in their Curriculum and Instruction department. Prior to coming to Academy International, I served as an Assistant Principal for five years at two different elementary schools (Woodmen Roberts and The da Vinci Academy).
When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my husband and family. We are lucky to have both sides of our family close by. My husband and I reside in Academy District 20, are natives of Colorado and raised in Colorado Springs. We enjoy the outdoors – hiking, e-biking, fishing and camping/RVing. We also enjoy taking walks with our Sadie pug, watching movies and traveling to explore new places and experience new things.
Laura Paris – Assistant Principal
The 2022-2023 school year marks the second year that I will be serving the Academy International Elementary School community. I am thrilled to be a part of the wonderful and positive learning environment at AIES.
Prior to my role as the Assistant Principal at AIES, I was privileged to have worked at the Education Administrative Building for two years as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) for both the Literacy department and the Curriculum and Instruction Department. Previously, I worked in many different Colorado and California school districts, supporting students from the Pre-Kindergarten to middle school age groups. This experience inspired my determination to seek opportunities to help both students and teachers on a grander scale.
I have always had a passion for education. Following the completion of my Bachelor’s of Arts in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University Northridge, I completed a Masters in Elementary Education from the University of Pheonix. After 8 years of teaching in the classroom, I sought out my Principal Licensure from Lamar University in Texas.
Throughout my studies and experience, I have been driven by a desire to do what is best for children and feel truly honored that parents trust their children in our care to educate them and support their social emotional needs as they move through their developmental stages. As an Assistant Principal, I also derive joy from supporting the staff of AIES to grow their students and themselves.
When I am not at work, my family keep me very busy and bring me the most happiness. My husband, 3 children, 3 dogs, and 2 cats make things interesting. One of our favorite things to do locally is camp at various lakes in our beautiful State, where we like to fish, play, and paddleboard. We also love traveling to Disney World and the beach! We are always on the go and enjoy adventuring and exploring together.