The Crew Program was born out of a collaboration between Grand County Social Services, The Collaborative Management Program, and East Grand School District, who envisioned a school program that integrated hands-on learning, mental health access and support, and job-site preparation for today's learners. Started in 2017 by Maggie Michalowski, Lisa Atencio, and Ellen Cowman, Crew continues to build on tradition and our mission as we enter our 8th year. Crew is built on the idea that students deserve a voice in their education, they need hands-on experiences, and they should have access to supports and lessons that will serve them throughout life. Our students access core curriculum via standards-based projects and lessons each morning; and head into the community each afternoon for jobs, internships, projects, or adventures.

Maggie specializes in Mathematics, having earned her Bachelor's degree from Western State Colorado University, and then her Master's degree in Statistics from University of Nevada, Reno. Prior to living in Grand County, Maggie taught for the Colorado Outward Bound School, conducted geophysical surveys in Nevada, and worked as a climbing guide. She is passionate about bringing an alternative educational experience to the youth in Crew.

Originally from northern MN, Mark graduated from the university of MN Duluth and taught on the Red Lake Indian Reservation for 17 years before returning to CO.  Alternative and Outdoor education have been at the center of Mark's teaching philosophy throughout his career.  Mark has been a guide of people of all ages for wilderness canoe and backpacking trips as well as international sea kayak trips in    Viet Nam and Greenland.  Mr. Anderson loves to do anything outside! (except golf). Travel, playing with dogs, and food are a couple of other passions of Mark's