Administration

Marcos Martinez is the CEO / Founder of PODER Academy Schools. He has created successful public charter schools in Colorado and Wyoming. He has administrative and teaching experience in both K-12 and higher education. He received his B.A. from the University of Northern Colorado, his M.A. from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and earned his Ph.D. at the University of Wyoming.

Nick Vaughn is originally from Bellevue, Nebraska and as an Air Force dependent ended up graduating high school in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

From there, he was part of the first graduating class to receive the Hathaway Scholarship and attended the University of Wyoming from which he obtained his degree in Elementary Education. 

Shortly after graduating, Nick accepted a position at PODER Academy as a kindergarten teacher. He taught 5th and 6th grade while completing his Masters in Education Administration from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

He later served as the founding Principal at PODER Secondary before assuming his current position as COO. 

Before becoming a teacher, Wendy practiced law in a variety of civil and criminal justice fields with a law degree from the University of El Salvador. 

She was born and raised in El Salvador, but came to the United States in 2012 and shortly thereafter began studying at the University of Wyoming to become a teacher. 

Her first teaching job following the completion of her studies was in the 2016-2017 school year as the fifth grade teacher at PODER Academy. She then transitioned to fourth grade in the 2019-2020 school year. 

Following her journey as a teacher, she assumed the role as Principal at PODER Academy and is enthusiastic about the high expectations and vision. She believes the school is an example for those that empower students to achieve academic proficiency.

In her personal time, she loves to travel, spend time with her husband and son, and do Zumba. 

Misty was born and raised in Wyoming growing up in the cattle and hay industry. She has 3 amazing kids ages 16, 11 and 21. Misty is also currently going to college again for her accounting degree. Working at PODER Academy and PODER Secondary School has been an amazing and rewarding experience.