Behind every program and event is a dedicated team of educators, leaders, and learners who bring our mission to life. From visionary board members to passionate staff and motivated interns, each person plays a vital role in building a stronger, more inspired STEM community.
Alex Tarika, ASC Executive Director, joined the Aspen Science Center with over seven years of experience teaching science at the middle and high school levels. After graduating from Colorado College in 2012 with a BA in environmental science, she explored education in a variety of settings , including teaching English in Vietnam, apprentice teaching at the High Mountain Institute in Leadville, CO, and guiding naturalist tours with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. These experiences led her to pursue an MA degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver, after which she returned to the Roaring Fork Valley to teach science at Aspen Middle School, and later at the Carbondale Community School. Alex loves creating inquiry-based, hands-on learning experiences and watching individuals explore and discover the wonders of science! She is passionate about sustainability and the ecological sciences. One of the things that fascinates her most is the diversity among the scientific disciplines and the opportunities to continually learn more. When she isn’t developing and delivering programs for ASC, you can find Alex trail running with her dogs, doing yoga, skiing, cooking and baking, taking care of her chickens and alpacas, or hanging out with her husband and infant son!
Lillian McIntyre, ASC Educator, graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2020 with degrees in Biological Sciences and Psychology with a minor in Spanish. In college, she was in the first cohort of the SUPERB (Students United in Preserving, Exploring, and Researching Biodiversity) scholarship, a multi-year program for biodiversity research, conservation, and natural history collections focused in the upper Mississippi river delta region. She was part of a pollination lab where she assisted with field and lab work collecting and identifying pollinators in the Shawnee National Forest. Lillian moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2021. She taught preschool at the Aspen Early Learning Center for a year and has the PDIS Early Childhood Professional Credential 3.0 – Level 3 which is equal to a Lead Teacher Certification. When she is not developing and teaching programs, Lillian can be found reading, skiing, or hiking.
Graduated from California State University, Fresno in 2018 with a BS in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry. Since arriving in the U.S. from the Philippines at the age of 10, Paul has been interested in the inner workings of machines and, inspired by his father who was a Mechanical Engineer, has developed a lifelong passion for tinkering. While at CSU he began building skills in software development and design, eventually parlaying this interest into employment as a software engineer and coding teacher for both teens and adults. While working for Aspen Skiing Company over the past two years he designed a program to more efficiently schedule all 140 lift operators on the company’s four mountains in the Valley. Paul is multi-lingual, fluent in English and Tagalog. As the Director of Technology, he’s involved in all aspects of ASC’s education activities but is especially excited about bringing his real-world experiences to our technology, engineering, design, robotics, rocketry, and coding programs. When he’s not at work, Paul can be found in front of a screen coding his next project, riding his motorcycle around town, or snowboarding on the slopes.
Ana Chavira, ASC Educator, grew up in the Colorado River Valley and earned a BA in Education with a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse K-12 Endorsement from Colorado Mountain College. She taught at the elementary level in the Roaring Fork School District for eight years, where she helped change language programming to be more equitable and provide a bilingual pathway to success for Hispanic students at Glenwood Elementary. From 2022-2023 she held two Fellowships – a Colorado Policy Fellowship with Teach Plus and a Research and Leadership Fellowship with the Institute for Teachers of Color. Prior to her classroom teaching experiences, Ana was an Education Outreach Coordinator with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, focusing on health education in rural counties in Western Colorado, especially for Hispanic and Latina women. In 2022 she began pursuing an MA degree in Bilingual Curriculum and Instruction and in 2023-2024 she served as an Education Organizer with Voces Unidas. Ana is inspired by the rich diversity found in communities throughout the Valley and loves creating bilingual learning experiences that help individuals explore and discover the wonders of science in culturally meaningful ways. In her free-time she enjoys hanging out with her son and nephews.
Clark Addington, ASC Educator, earned a BA in History from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola College. He has been enjoying teaching for almost 30 years. More than half of that time was spent living in the Roaring Fork Valley, where he taught grades 4 and 5 at Aspen Country Day School years, co-leading outdoor education trips, as well as teaching skiing and coaching soccer. Most recently, at St. Mary’s Academy in Denver, Clark taught Pre-K through 5 grade science, especially enjoying age-appropriate biology, chemistry and physics lessons. He also focused on educating younger students about recycling, composting, and respecting the planet. Clark is a member of the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). In addition to his teaching, he enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, camping, paddle boarding, and traveling with his wife, Suzanne, and their daughter, Amelia.
Graduated from Pitzer College in 2019 with a BA in Physics. After graduating, Lindsay spent time working for Los Alamos National Lab, contributing to nuclear non-proliferation satellite data. From there, Lindsay further developed their coding skills with Ada Developers Academy, a coding boot camp focused on empowering women, BIPOC, and queer people entering the tech industry. In 2021, Lindsay moved to the Roaring Fork Valley and has worked in Aspen and Snowmass as both a Ski Technician and Ski Instructor, bolstering their stoke for the slopes. Prior to joining ASC, Lindsay also worked for the Aspen Institute and volunteered at the Aspen Center for Physics. Lindsay is driven by the desire to understand the science behind everyday life, from the mechanics of skiing to the energy of our mountains, to the vast mysteries of the universe.
A lifelong resident of the Roaring Fork Valley. She holds a BS in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University, with a concentration in Early Childhood Education and Prevention and Intervention Studies. Before joining ASC, Bella served at the Marble Charter School as a K-8 teacher, special education instructor, summer program director, and office manager. Her experience spans program coordination, office management, fundraising support, and community engagement. At ASC, she oversees office and administrative functions, including public inquiries, program registrations and promotion, donor and community partner relations, the ASC website, and social media. Outside of work, Bella enjoys traveling, skiing, boating, crafting, and taking advantage of all the Roaring Fork Valley has to offer!
Graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a BS degree in Biology - Secondary Education, and then spent two years teaching high school science before pursuing her Master's in STEM Education from the University of Texas at Austin. She was born and raised in the suburbs of Denver and is excited to move to the Roaring Fork Valley. She believes that science is for everyone and is committed to making learning STEM accessible, engaging, and hands- on. Outside of her work, Megan enjoys hikes, paddle boarding and photoshoots with her dog Copper!
a rising Senior at the University of Alabama, where they are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Oliver attributes their interest in STEM to attending public events with the ASC through the local library, and they are excited to inspire a love of learning and appreciation for science in a new generation through working with children at ASC’s summer camps and programs. In addition to their STEM and youth skills, Oliver is also proficient in American Sign Language, and in Spanish. Oliver is returning for their second year as an ASC Lead Intern, and we’re thrilled to have them back on the ASC team!
A rising 12th grader at Aspen High School. He loves all kinds of science and hands-on tinkering with things, but he is particularly interested in aerospace engineering. His interests were sparked after building a model rocket that could launch, log flight data, and return with a parachute! Since middle school, he has been avidly involved with his school’s Robotics programs. Jack fondly remembers how ASC programs as a child brought him into this world of science exploration, and he wants to continue that as an ASC Intern, and keep the passion for science going. Jack is returning for his second year, but as an ASC Lead Intern, and we’re thrilled to have him back on the ASC team!
A rising Junior at the University of California, Berkeley, where they are pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Environmental Biology. They are passionate about hands-on learning and learning through the environment. They are thrilled to help educate community members and share their love of science.
A rising Sophomore at Tufts University, where he is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical engineering with a minor in Music Engineering. He is passionate about assisting students across all STEM subjects. He is passionate about using engineering to solve problems. He is particularly interested in how instruments are created. He is excited to solve problems with the students of the valley.
A rising 12th grader at Roaring Fork High School, where she has really enjoyed her STEM classes. Her passion for STEM has encouraged her desire to bring back the RFHS STEM club. She is fully bilingual in Spanish and English, and particularly loves using her language skills to translate for students and families at club activities and events. She is excited to work with kids again this summer as an ASC Intern Educator, helping kids and the public nurture similar passions and curiosities to hers that might spark future STEM careers or hobbies! Dani is returning for her second year as an ASC Intern Educator, and we’re thrilled to have them back on the ASC team!
A 2026 graduate from Coal Ridge High School. She hopes to pursue her degree in science, following her passions in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. She worked as a Community STEM Leaders Intern in the 2025 - 2026 cohort. Outside of STEM, she enjoys hanging with her friends and skiing!
A rising 12th grader at Grand Valley High School. She worked as a Community STEM Leaders Intern in the 2025 - 2026 cohort. She is excited to bring more STEM to the community. She is passionate about robotics and marine biology. Outside of STEM, she will be the drum major for the GVHS band in 2026 and loves volunteering for her community.
A 2026 graduate from Roaring Fork High School. He will be attending Notre Dame in the Fall to pursue a degree in Computer Science. He is passionate about explaining concepts and breaking down complex ideas into simpler steps.
A rising 10th grader at Grand Valley High School, who is deeply interested in science and loves being involved in her community. She has been a very active member of the Grand Valley High School Key Club, doing various service projects in Parachute and Grand Valley, and raising thousands of dollars this year to provide a fishing trip for a child fighting cancer. When not volunteering with the Key Club, she is an enthusiastic teammate on her baseball team. She is looking forward to further developing her leadership and skills, and sharing her love for science with children this summer as an ASC Junior Intern.
A rising 12th grader at Aspen High School. He is interested in a wide range of STEM topics including, aerospace engineering, robotics, geology and astronomy. He is excited to help students work through problems and create new solutions. Outside of school, he is working towards his pilots license and plays golf.
A rising 12th grader at Basalt High School. She is passionate about aerospace! She is even the President of the Aerospace club at BHS. Outside of her passions in STEM, she is also passionate about art and has held multiple mentor programs with Art Base.
A rising 11th grader at Aspen High School. She is interested in how numbers and patterns can describe natural phenomena. Outside of school, she loves creating art and riding her mountain bike.
A rising 11th grader at Yampah Mountain High School. She is interested in robotics and animal science. She enjoys helping others understand complex ideas. Outside of school, she helped with Journey Home Animal Care Center in Rifle.
A rising 12th grader at Basalt High School. She is passionate about Environmental Science and working with kids. Outside of STEM, Peyton is involved in many clubs and sports. Including Softball, Climbing, Spring Musical and Book Club. She worked as a Community STEM Leaders Intern in the 2025 - 2026 cohort.
A rising 10th grader at Aspen High School. He is interested in space and the solar system. Recently, he has been interested in anatomy and the nervous system. Returning again this summer, he is excited to inspire new students and discuss his love of science. Outside of school he loves sports such as wrestling and football. Bode is returning for his second year as an ASC junior Intern, and we’re thrilled to have him back on the ASC team!
A rising 9th grader at Coal Ridge High School. He is passionate about engineering, chemistry and physics. He is excited to support new students in STEM topics. He also will play saxophone in the CRHS band!
A rising 10th grader at Rifle High School. She loves STEM, particularly Biology. She is excited to work with students and help them understand STEM topics. She plays in the Jazz band and Marching band at RHS.
Peyton is a junior at Basalt High School and is considering pursuing a degree in science in college. She believes experimenting and learning science is a fundamental part of being a kid, and she hopes to bring that into her community. In her free time, she enjoys playing softball, skiing, climbing, acting, playing the violin, and experimenting.
Sloan Bauer is a freshman at Aspen High School. Her interests are Marine Biology and Business. Outside of school and work, she likes to read and spend time with her family and friends. Connection and Discovery are really important to her.
Brielle is a sophomore at Aspen High school. She has an immense interest in coding and other technologies. She wants to pursue computer engineering in college and for a future career. As well as technology, Brielle plays soccer and pursues band.
Hayley Hoyt is a senior at Basalt High School with a strong interest in engineering. Hayley hopes to pursue a career in biomedical engineering and to continue developing innovative ways to support her community through STEM.
Hank is a junior at Roaring Fork High School who loves skiing and exploring the outdoors. Born in Denver, he's always been fascinated by how things work, especially aircraft and space technology. He plans to pursue a career in aerospace engineering and turn that curiosity into innovation.
Xander Arnette is a junior at Coal Ridge High School. He is interested in Engineering and Mathematics. His free time is spent rock climbing, playing geoguesser, and spending time with his family.
Micah is a junior at Roaring Fork High School. He was born and has lived in Carbondale his whole life. He rides freestyle BMX and used to ski on a big mountain competition circuit. In school he is interested in Physics and Biochemistry, and after high school he plans to attend college to study either of those two topics.
Aria is a senior at Coal Ridge High School, and an elementary school tutor. Before moving to Colorado during her sophomore year, she lived in Texas and in Switzerland, where she was born. She strives to ensure her time at the Aspen Science Center will successfully expand STEM related programs to her community. Outside of work and school, she enjoys shopping, skiing, and hanging out with her friends!
Ximena is a senior at Glenwood Springs High School. She hopes to study medicine and is on a pre-med route for her future plans. She enjoys learning new languages, reading, and traveling in her free time.
Jamie is a senior at Glenwood Springs High School. She wants to study neuroscience and psychology and eventually become a neuropsychologist. She likes to play tennis and golf. She also plays the clarinet and likes to learn new hobbies!
AJ is a junior at Grand Valley High School, who is deeply interested in science and loves being involved in her community. She has been a very active member of the Grand Valley High School Key Club, doing various service projects in Parachute and Grand Valley, and raising thousands of dollars this year to provide a fishing trip for a child fighting cancer. When not volunteering with the Key Club, she is an enthusiastic teammate on her baseball team. She is looking forward to further developing her leadership and skills, and sharing her love for science with children this year as an ASC Intern.
Alivya is a senior at Colorado Rocky Mountain School. She has lived in Carbondale her whole life and is interested in pursuing a career in engineering or biology. She loves science and is very excited to help spread access to STEM in the valley. Outside of work she is a dedicated lacrosse goalie, horseback rider and snowboarder.
Nadia is a junior at Grand Valley High School. Her STEM interests included biology and ocean science. Outside of school, her family, friends and animals are important to her.
Divia is a junior at Rifle High School. She has been her class President for two years and is part of student council at her school. She aslo really enjoys playing music with her peers. She is in 6 performing ensembles including the JAS Street Horns and Symphony in the Valley, and she participates as the drum major in her high school marching band. Outside of school, she works at the rock climbing gym.
Evelyn Cordero is a junior at Rifle High School, taking IB classes and CMC classes. She was born in Glenwood Springs and lives in Rifle. She is excited to bring STEM to the community of Rifle through Science fairs, as well as to learn more about civil engineering or architectural engineering. Outside of school, she loves to read, play her saxophone in band and sing in the choir, hang out with her family, and learn new life skills.
Aspen Science Center relies on the generous support of our local community members, municipalities, other nonprofits, individual and corporate donors, and foundations. Donate today to support STEM Education in our region!
Providing STEM programs to Aspen, Snowmass, Basalt, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Silt, Rifle, and Parachute.
Founded in Aspen in 2005 by George Stranahan and a group of STEM education-oriented individuals.
8631 people served across all of the 9 major communities in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Advancing public understanding of science through lifelong discovery, exploration, and education.
The Aspen Science Center will be recognized as the premier organization promoting and facilitating public understanding of and engagement in science throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. In actualizing this vision, the Aspen Science Center will:
Advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning as an essential and complementary component of the rich and unique culture that distinguishes the Aspen community.
Be the “go to” STEM entity for convening and collaborating with other Aspen area scientific, educational, arts, cultural, and policy-engaged organizations.
Provide a unique portfolio of STEM-related programs, resources, and services for the diverse residents and visitors of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley.
Maintain a visible presence in Aspen, as well as other Roaring Fork Valley communities, through regular multi-media messaging and public engagement activities that inspire and educate audiences of all ages, including Pre-K and school-age youth, families, area educators and other adults.
Build a strategic, sustainable, continuously improving non-profit enterprise that attracts and retains a strong Board, talented staff, and diverse financial support through both earned and contributed revenues.
Science is an indispensable tool for understanding our world, becoming an informed citizen, and enriching people’s lives. In today’s world, each citizen must have a solid base in the understanding of, and appreciation for, scientific concepts and their essential role in the betterment of humankind. The Aspen Science Center partners with other Roaring Fork Valley organizations, including schools, libraries, museums, businesses, institutes, and other arts & cultural entities to foster inquiry, exploration and education that includes scientific thinking and creative problem solving.
Whether you have a question, an idea, or want to schedule a program, we'd love to hear from you.
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (MST)
info@aspensciencecenter.org
(970) 236-2360
520 S 3rd St Suite 9, Carbondale, CO 81623