Linda Baca Lara
Student Support Coordinator
Linda Baca Lara is excited to be AXL’s new Student Support Coordinator in order to emphasize character development to our students. Linda is a licensed Professional Counselor, with a BS in Elementary Education with Special Education endorsement and an MA in Counseling/Educational Psychology. She joins us in Colorado from her native city of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Linda has four sons and four wonderful grandchildren. She has coached soccer for 26 years and likes to travel in her spare time to visit the many students she coached throughout her career.

Nathan Byrne
Director of Operations
Nathan Byrne is the Director of Operations at AXL and can be seen on any given day fixing any and everything around the school, ensuring scholars get their healthy Revolution Foods lunches, and making sure our playground stays safe and well-kept. He was born and raised in Denver, and has been married to his wife, Abbey, for two years. Nathan enjoys the outdoors and skiing. He also plays the drums in two bands and is thrilled to be in his third year at AXL.

Lee Ann Kain
Office Manager
Lee Ann Kain is AXL’s incredibly friendly and oh-so-organized office manager. She has lived in five states with her husband of thirty years, though they absolutely love living in Colorado! She has worked in education for the last sixteen years, and is the parent of two children, ages twenty-three and twenty-six. In her spare time she enjoys working out and taking her two dogs, Mater and Paisley, for walks. She is excited to be working at AXL for the challenges it provides, and for the diverse and wonderful students and staff.

Audra M. Philippon, EdD
Head of School
Audra Philippon consulted with urban, public and independent schools in Philadelphia and Trenton, where she became interested in single-gender instruction and curriculum development. Previously, she taught early childhood, HeadStart, second and fourth grades. She began her career in education reform with Teach For America in 1990, developing and implementing preservice and ongoing professional development for new teachers nationwide. Audra has a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Rachel Schiller
Director of Communications and Development
Rachel Schiller loves working with the AXL community – wonderful staff, students and families! As a founding AXL teacher and Teach For America corps member, Rachel spent two years in the classroom with the third and fourth grade girls. She is thrilled to now be in her second year as the Director of Communications & Development. While receiving her BA from New York University in public administration, music, and psychology, she studied in Florence, Italy, and sang in a co-ed a cappella group. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado – Denver. Educational equality for all students drives her to succeed. In her spare time she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.

Gar Woertendyke
Chief Operating Officer
Gar Woertendyke is AXL’s new Chief Operating Officer, and he is excited to be working with caring and dedicated educators focused on the growth of children. Gar is originally from Chicago, IL and has a BA in economics from Macalester College. In his spare time he loves to travel and play strategy games such as chess and backgammon. He is motivated by working with children and adults who "see the world through a child’s eyes."