Emily Niehaus, Head of School
Emily is the founder of Heron School. She grew up in Ohio with a passion for recreation, learning, and finding creative outlets to keep her busy. She holds a Master’s Degree in Applied Sociology from Clemson University, where she studied human behaviour and published her thesis entitled “Environmental Attitudes and Behaviours Among Whitewater Recreationists”. She moved to Moab in 2002 with an open heart to be of service in her life. She is the founder of Community Rebuilds (a nonprofit building affordable housing in Moab with participating homeowners utilizing a student education program), and she is the former Mayor of Moab.
Click on this link to read about the inspiration behind Heron School.
Emilia Cubelos, Dean of Students & Humanities Lead Instructor
Emilia grew up in Moab (where she graduated valedictorian of her class) and returned after graduating college to be of service to the community she calls home. Emilia holds a B.A. in International Studies from Willamette University, where she was a recipient of a Carson Grant research award. Her undergraduate research emphasized gender studies and linguistic equity in both the United States and South Africa, and her published work can be found in Social Justice. Emilia has over 10 years of speech and debate experience as a decorated bilingual (English and Spanish) international competitor and educator. Emilia is currently working on her M.A. in the Teaching of English at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her graduate research focuses on best practices for supporting neurodivergent teen girls in the English classroom. In her freetime, she enjoys reading, baking, hiking, and spending time with her cat.
Nicholas Roman, STEM Lead Instructor
Nick moved to Colorado in 2012 for an Environmental Science degree from Colorado College and fell deeply for the Colorado Plateau. After graduation, he spent several years working in outdoor education for the Colorado Outward Bound School. He led high school students on expeditionary courses, which informed his views on immersive learning, leadership and environmental stewardship. Since then, he has worked as an outdoor guide and expedition leader in Alaska, west Texas and throughout the Four Corners. When not working, he enjoys rock climbing, running rivers, playing soccer and reading.
Jake Gerry, Coding Instructor (STEM Adjunct Instructor)
Jake spent ten years working in wilderness education throughout the West before transitioning to working full time as a software engineer in 2020. He values curiosity when approaching problems and is passionate about lifelong learning and inspiring people to find their potential. He's currently enrolled in a year-long transformative coaching program through the Satvatove Institute. He has a home base in Moab, but loves to explore new mountain ranges and go on adventures.
