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 is currently pursing his Ph.D. at the University of Wyoming.

Before becoming a teacher, Wendy practiced law for a few years 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 of America 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 moved to her current role as the fourth grade teacher in the 2019-2020 school year. In her personal time, she loves to travel, spend time with her husband and son, and do Zumba. She is very proud to be a teacher at PODER Academy and is enthusiastic about the high expectations and vision. The staff works hard at PODER Academy and she believes the school is an example for helping all students learn and achieve academic proficiency.

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.

After teaching Social Studies for three years Mr. Polland is now entering his first year on the administrative side.  He is from Greeley, Colorado and received his Bachelors in History/Secondary Education and Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado. He lives in Cheyenne with his wife, daughter, and two dogs. 

andy@poderacademy.com