DHS Leadership

Jon Hoerl

Principal

I am honored to be serving as the Principal of Durango High School. My background includes 19 years in public education, my first 16 in the Cherry Creek School District. I spent the first 11 years at Grandview High School as a science teacher, dean of students, and athletic director. For 5 years, I served as an assistant principal at Overland High School. When I got the chance to take the Principal job here at DHS, I didn't think twice about moving with my four kids and wife to this beautiful community. In our spare time, we enjoy spending time with our kids in nature or on the athletic fields. We are working hard every day to make Durango High School the number one public school in Colorado!

Melissa Boudreaux

Assistant Principal

I was born and raised in the Durango area and graduated from Bayfield High School. I earned my Bachelor's degree in General Biology from Fort Lewis College and after a decade of being the Ballet Director at a local dance studio, I combined my love of science and teaching and earned my Master's in Secondary Education to become a science teacher. After seven years of teaching at Durango Big Picture High School, I completed my second master's in Educational Leadership and am thrilled to join the Demon Team as an Assistant Principal! I love living in Durango and taking advantage of all the beauty surrounding us, watching live music, and spending time with my family.

Rachel Colsman

Assistant Principal

I am very excited to join the administrative team at Durango High School. I grew up in the area and attended Fort Lewis College for a Bachelors in US History and Grand Canyon University for a Masters in Instructional Technology as well as Masters in Educational Leadership. I have taught several high school social studies and yearbook classes, and have taught at several high schools throughout the four corners. I came to DHS in 2012 and most recently served as an Academic Advisor. I am so excited to continue to serve the Durango community!

Darren Tarshis

Assistant Principal

It is my pleasure to return to the Administrative Team of Durango High School. I attended the University of Colorado - Boulder for a Bachelors in Physics, and Columbia University for a Masters in School Leadership. I have taught high school Physics and AP Physics in several urban settings, as well as worked as an instructional coach for math and science teachers. Most recently I served as an Assistant Principal in Denver. Some of my responsibilities at DHS include: coordinating Advanced Placement, supervising the Math and Counseling departments, and overseeing my assigned grades student culture.

Robert Aspen

Intervention Coordinator

I am honored to be the Intervention Coordinator for Durango High School working with students and staff in the Demon Den and Elevation. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, I attended the Universities of Illinois and Alaska before moving to Durango with my wife in the last millenium. We love the people and beautiful surroundings of Durango and have made it our home, raising our child here and even purchasing several Subarus! I have been an educator with Durango School District for over 20 years, working as an English teacher and Academic Advisor, and love being a part of our thriving community.

Ryan Knorr

District Athletics and Activities Director

I am extremely excited to start my second year here as the District Athletic & Activities Director and administrator in Durango 9-R. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado in Boulder. I coached and worked in the special education department at Smoky Hill High School for 3 years. I finished my masters in secondary education and then spent the next 10 years at Overland High School teaching social studies, coaching football and track, I was a dean of students, and in my last 2 years there, I was the athletic director. Our family has adjusted very well to life here in Durango. We love spending time outdoors and have enjoyed all that our wonderful community has to offer. We aim to offer championship level opportunities for students to become engaged and participate in 9-R! Go Demons!

Tim Fitzpatrick

Assistant Athletics and Activities Director