"Hello! My name is Natalie Mitchell. I grew up in Portland, OR and moved to Durango in 2012 to attend Fort Lewis college where I studied Exercise Physiology and Spanish. After some time working and traveling I found my way to teaching.  I had the pleasure of teaching Spanish for four years at CTA, spent a year teaching English language development at Durango High School, and am over the moon to return to CTA as the assistant director. I will be completing my masters degree December 2024 from University of Colorado in Curriculum and Critical Pedagogy. I deeply believe in the value of experiential learning through connecting with our community, the natural world, and our passions.  

As an avid skier, mountain biker, and general outdoor enthusiast I love getting to spend time outside with students. CTA is such a special place, I feel honored to be a part of the continuation of the CTA legacy and culture.  Coming back to CTA feels like I'm returning home, I hope that alumni and staff have this same feeling when returning back to campus after any amount of time. "