Meet the Principal

Hello CSA Families,

Dr. Carli Yameen - 

Dear Colorado STEM Academy Community,

It is with immense excitement and gratitude that I begin my new role as Interim Principal at Colorado STEM Academy. While this marks a new title for me, my journey here has been nine years in the making—as a first-grade teacher, interventionist, technology educator, Dean of Students, and most recently, Assistant Principal. I am honored to take this next step in leadership within a community I care so deeply about.

The work has already begun as we look ahead to the upcoming school year, and I am thrilled to be leading this charge. I’m eager to join you in this new capacity—supporting students, partnering with families, and empowering staff to ensure every learner at STEM thrives.

My passion for education began in 2007 and  has led me to rich and rewarding experiences both here in the U.S. and abroad. During my undergraduate years, I participated in a transformative study abroad program in Spain, achieving fluency in Spanish and earning certification in teaching English as a second language. I spent over a year living, studying, and teaching in Barcelona, which deepened my understanding of cultural diversity and broadened my global perspective on learning.

Back home, I taught English to refugees, tutored students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and coordinated a tutoring program that brought community members and learners together. I completed my Master’s degree and teaching license at the University of Colorado Denver, then spent three years in Denver Public Schools teaching as a bilingual third-grade teacher and a first-grade teacher in a turnaround school.

In December 2023, I earned my doctoral degree in educational leadership, with research focused on foundational reading development in urban schools. This milestone reflects my unwavering commitment to growth, innovation, and leading with both heart and strategy. I have a deep understanding of Project-Based Learning (PBL), STEM integration, and the science of reading—all of which are foundational to our continued success at STEM.

On a personal note, I’m a mother and wife, raising a curious and joyful four-year-old. My family and I love visiting the zoo, exploring parks, and finding new adventures. My husband and I also enjoy traveling and have been fortunate to explore many parts of the world together, experiences that continue to inform my values and leadership.

As we begin this exciting new chapter, Priscilla and I are deeply dedicated to enhancing Colorado STEM Academy’s culture as a place where every child is known, challenged, and celebrated. I look forward to connecting with each of you—listening, learning, and leading together.

Priscilla Newton -

I am honored to join Colorado STEM Academy as assistant principal and to continue serving the Westminster Public Schools community in a new role. My journey in education began over a decade ago and has included classroom teaching, instructional coaching, and leadership development - all grounded in a belief that every student deserves a meaningful, personalized learning experience. 

I spent six years teaching students from level 2 through level 6 at John E. Flynn A Marzano Academy, where I supported the implementation of competency-based education in a multi-level classroom. In my final year at Flynn, I also served as the school's instructional coach, supporting teachers across grade levels while continuing to teach. During that time, I worked directly with Dr. Robert Marzano as I pursued and earned Level 1 certification as a High Reliability Teacher. Most recently, I served as a district instructional coach, partnering with educators across several K-8 schools to support student-centered practices, lead professional learning, and strengthen systems aligned to our district's Competency-Based vision. 

I hold a master's degree in educational leadership from Regis University and was recently selected for the KnowledgeWorks Lead for Learners Emerging Leaders Cohort. My leadership is shaped by collaboration, equity, and a deep commitment to student success, with a strong focus on building systems that support meaningful, sustainable learning for all students. 

Outside of school, I enjoy reading, traveling with my husband - whom I met during our Peace Corps service in North Macedonia- and spending time with my large extended family in South Carolina. I'm truly excited to partner with CSA families, students, and staff as we continue to build on the strong foundation that makes this school so exceptional. 

Assistant Principal