Leadership Team
Principal
Alison Shanor
My name is Alison Shanor, and I am honored to be beginning my fourth year as Principal of Mountain Ridge Middle School. I have served as a school administrator for the past 10 years and have had the privilege of working in both middle and high schools throughout my career. My experiences as a school counselor, dean, assistant principal, and principal have shaped my belief that every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential.
Although I am originally from Wyoming, Douglas County has become home, and I truly love this community. I also love middle school. There is something incredibly special about this stage of life, when students are discovering who they are, building confidence, and developing the skills that will shape their future.
I am the proud mom of a 10-year-old daughter who will be starting middle school this year, so I will be experiencing many of the same emotions and milestones alongside our families. When I'm not at school, I enjoy tackling home improvement projects, practicing yoga, and getting lost in a good book. I take my responsibility as the building principal very seriously.
I am deeply grateful that you entrust us with your most precious treasures—your children. My commitment is to ensure that every student who walks through our doors experiences a genuine sense of belonging, feels valued for who they are, and has every opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. I am incredibly excited for the 2026–2027 school year and look forward to partnering with our students, families, and staff to make it an exceptional year at Mountain Ridge Middle School.
Dean of Students
Mark Sikora
I am excited to begin my 25th year in education and my fifth year at Mountain Ridge Middle School, where I serve as Dean and Athletic Director. I enjoy working with students, families, and staff. I am grateful to be part of the Mountain Ridge community.
I am a Colorado native, and live in Highlands Ranch with my wife and our two middle school daughters. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, skiing, and most of all spending time with my family.
I am proud to be part of Mountain Ridge Middle School and look forward to another great year of building relationships, supporting students, and helping make Mountain Ridge a place where every student feels like they belong. Go Rams!
Assistant Principal
Marlo NeuhausFranks
Hi! I am one of the Assistant Principals at Mountain Ridge Middle School. This is my 10th year in DCSD. With more than 20 years in education, I have served as a teacher (elementary and middle school), school counselor, and administrator, bringing a student-centered approach focused on relationships, collaboration, and high expectations.
I am passionate about creating a positive school culture where students, staff, and families feel connected and supported. My family of four includes two boys in high school. Most of my time outside of school is sitting in the stands watching basketball games, but it is truly one of my favorite pastimes.
I also enjoy listening to audiobooks, doing hot yoga, and writing children's books that help young learners build social-emotional and executive functioning skills. My family's favorite thing to do is Franks' Forced Family Fun, which includes taking our dogs to the dog park, hiking, or dinner together. But one of our most memorable traditions is our annual family Halloween costume! I am so excited to be a RAM!
Assistant Principal
Byron Allis
My name is Byron Allis, and I am excited to join Mountain Ridge Middle School as an Assistant Principal. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. I also hold a Master’s degree in Special Education from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, an advanced degree in Educational Leadership from SUNY Brockport, and a Special Education Administration Certificate from Delaware Valley University.
This marks my 17th year in public education, with the majority of my career focused on special education in Pennsylvania and New York. Throughout my career, I have served in a variety of roles. In New York State, I served as a Middle School Dean of Students in the Finger Lakes region and as an Assistant Principal at an out-of-district program near Rochester, New York, serving students in intensive therapeutic special education and alternative education programs. Most recently, I served as a Special Education Consultant with a school district in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, overseeing the district’s social-emotional and autism support programs.
I am excited to bring my experience in special education, student support, and educational leadership to Mountain Ridge Middle School. I look forward to working with our students, families, and staff and contributing to a positive, supportive, and inclusive school community.
Professional Learning Specialist
Mrs. Amanda Windholz
I am excited to continue serving the Mountain Ridge Middle School community! I was fortunate to be part of the team that opened MRMS and have been an educator for more than 25 years. Throughout my career,
I've served as an English Language Arts teacher, literacy specialist, and now Professional Learning Specialist, where I support teachers and student learning every day.
My husband and I have three children, and outside of school, I enjoy practicing yoga, cheering on the Denver Broncos, reading a good book, and spending time with family.