Assistant Principal
Nicolle Looper has been working with the Archuleta School District for around 17 years. She began her time with the district as a Pagosa Pirate High School Volleyball and Basketball Assistant Coach. In 2006, she joined the kindergarten team at the Elementary School. Nicolle began her love for teaching kindergarten alongside Kathy Faber, as they enjoyed and enriched the lives of many children for 3 years together. For 5 more years, Nicolle continued to embrace her love of being a key part to a child's first exposure to school. During 2014-2016, Nicolle was blessed to be able to step back from the busy world of education and spend a few quality and memorable years with her two young children. Once her children turned school age, Nicolle returned to her love of teaching. She joined the Title 1 Reading and Math intervention team during 2016 and again, began fostering the success and growth of children, while providing an atmosphere of continual learning. She worked hard to improve the success of all students at Pagosa Springs Elementary School. During the 2021-2022 school year, Nicolle returned to teaching Kindergarten. She, once again, enjoyed working with the youngest students at PSES and treasured making their first year of public school a most memorable one! During the 2022-2023 school year, Nicolle pursued her ambition to the path of administration. She became the Dean of Students at the Elementary School while she started her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. She has been working hard to create a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students. In just less than a year, Nicolle finished her Masters Degree and will start the 2023-2024 school year as Assistant Principal. Nicolle plans to continue ensuring that each student and staff at PSES are surrounded by a positive and supportive climate.
Nicolle and her husband Bryan, both attended school in Pagosa. They were close friends and both athletes during High School, but went their separate ways for college. Nicolle attended BYU-Hawaii where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Bryan attended Colorado Mesa University. After college, both Bryan and Nicolle were lucky enough to one--fall in love, and two--return to beautiful Pagosa to work and raise their family. They could not be more happy to have grown up, attended High School, and now be back in their beloved hometown.
Nicolle enjoys spending time with her husband, her daughter, and her son. They can all usually be found enjoying the outdoors, whether it be riding rangers, riding snowmobiles, fishing, hiking, boating, or playing in the river. They also enjoy family time as they volunteer with Special Olympics Colorado. Being around the athletes gives Nicolle and her family a great sense of joy.
