Head of School
Philip Werline, EdD

I am honored to be part of Juniper School's INCREDIBLE community serving as the head of school. I started my educational career nearly twenty years ago as a volunteer soccer coach. Since then, I have served as a science and technology teacher, coach and sponsor of a variety of sports and clubs, and a school leader in the Denver area.
As an undergrad, I studied physics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and history and communication at William Jewell College where I played soccer and ran the college radio station. I earned two master's degrees from the University of South Florida in Exceptional Student Education and Educational Leadership and a doctorate from the University of Colorado in Leadership for Educational Equity completing my dissertation on STEM instruction. I am passionate about being a part of a learning community that prioritizes educational equity; student's love of learning; and building positive relationships with each other, the community, and the environment.
I enjoy skiing, soccer, computer games, dreaming about completing my science fiction novel, and spending time with my two boys (and future Juniper students) Bennett and Edison and my awesome wife, Melissa.
Assistant Head of School
Kristin Harmon
My name is Kristin Harmon and I am the Assistant Head of School at the Juniper School. I am so excited about this school year! I have lived in Durango for 24 years and consider this place home. I have raised my 17 year old son Cyrus here and we love being a part of the Durango community. Some of my favorite things to do here are trail run, paddle board, and attempting to make my 15 year old go hiking with me;) I also love to cook and share food with friends and family. I have a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and truly love working with children. As we establish our relationship as partners in your child’s learning, I encourage you to feel free to contact me at any time so that we can start to build a strong connection. I consider it a privilege to work with you and your child!