Jennifer earned her BA in philosophy from Fort Lewis College and went back to FLC for the Partnership Program in which she received K-6 elementary certification. She worked at Durango Early Learning Center before becoming a public-school classroom teacher. For three years she taught grades 6-8 including gifted children. She and her husband bought the River Mist property in 2006, made many improvements, and turned the school into a non-profit organization in 2016. She is very happy to be in a private educational setting and enjoys her responsibility to administer a school within a beautiful, nurturing environment. Her goals for River Mist include NAEYC accreditation and expansion. Her dream is to see River Mist become a self-sustaining institution in Durango for decades to come. Her passion is her family, including her husband and two children,  and she most enjoys spending time with them outside of work.

“River Mist is a unique place that honors children and allows them to develop at their own pace. I feel blessed to be a part of this school and every day I find joy in the staff, children and families that have chosen us!” – Jennifer Tew