Team Members

Amanda is a painter, writer, and instructor with a mental health therapy background. Starting her career at 13, she has taught art to children and led art therapy for neurodivergent youth. Amanda is passionate about helping students explore their creativity at Pikes Peak Artist Collective.

Sara is a ceramic artist with 10+ years of experience, blending her love for people and cultures with clay. After studying Anthropology, she pursued ceramics full-time in 2022 and sells pottery locally and online. Her classes focus on confidence, creativity, and skill development in a welcoming, process-focused environment.

Brooke, a ceramic artist and educator, moved to Colorado Springs after earning a BA in Art Education from Montclair State University. With eight years of teaching experience, she inspires students of all ages. An active member of the Pikes Peak Artist Collective, Brooke’s work is influenced by nature’s beauty.

Liz, a former Occupational Therapist, discovered her passion for pottery at Pikes Peak Artist Collective in 2021. Now a ceramics manager and instructor, she runs her own pottery business. Specializing in both wheel throwing and handbuilding, Liz fosters a supportive, inclusive space for students of all levels to grow and create.

Leah Gonzales is a dedicated visual artist and educator from Colorado Springs. She received her BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art (2011) and MFA from San Francisco Art Institute (2017). While in San Francisco, she co-founded Space Bar Collective, a participatory alternative art space that raised funds to compensate local and regional musicians during events.

Rhonda created the Studio Graduate class after years of teaching children, recognizing their need for structure and creative freedom. "The Grad Class" is an independent art studio where students create based on their vision, with monthly lessons to enhance skills. Limited to 12 students, it fosters collaboration and growth for ages 10-18.

Erin is a painter, illustrator, and muralist based in Colorado Springs. With years of teaching at Bemis School of Art and other local centers, she’s passionate about sharing her love for art. A professional artist with two fine arts degrees, Erin believes art unites and heals. She’s excited to inspire students at Pikes Peak Artist Collective.

Al is a multimedia artist and pottery business owner, teaching ceramics at Pikes Peak Artist Collective. Specializing in wheel throwing, she fosters an inclusive, supportive classroom for all skill levels. Al encourages creativity, connection, and the therapeutic process of clay, whether making functional pieces or sculptures.

Lauren became the owner of Pikes Peak Artist Collective in 2024, continuing its 20+ year commitment to Colorado Springs. Originally from Houston, she holds degrees in Computer Science, Finance, and Economics from Baylor. After working as a tech consultant, Lauren followed her passion for creativity and community.

Elyssa is a sewist who has been sewing since she was a kid, when her mother forced her to sew her own school uniforms. While she didn’t appreciate her newfound skills then, she has been able to use sewing to take on more creative pursuits as an adult, including a stint where she chose to make any new clothes that she wanted.