Department: Physical Education

PE and Health Teacher Marissa Chrysler holds a Bachelor and Master in Spanish from the University of Colorado and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from New Mexico Highlands University. Marissa has over 20 years experience as an educator in both public and independent schools. In addition, Marissa has work experience as a crisis intervention therapist and is a licensed mental health counselor. Throughout her life, Marissa has pursued opportunities, training, and professional development in the areas of health and wellness. Outside of the classroom, Marissa enjoys exercise, time with her family, and traveling.

Department(s)

• Physical Education

Athletic Director. Phil earned a B.A. in English and Filmmaking from Colorado College, followed by an M.A. in Environmental Education from the University of New Mexico. It was during graduate school that he discovered his passion for working with young people, launching a career in experiential and outdoor education with organizations like Two Wheel View and the North Carolina Outward Bound School.

Over the years, Phil has brought his leadership to a variety of educational settings. He served as a health and wellness specialist for Santa Fe Public Schools for eight years before stepping into administrative roles as Athletic Director and Dean of Students at both public and private schools around Santa Fe.  Alongside his work in school leadership, Phil has coached both soccer and mountain biking, helping student-athletes grow through challenge, teamwork, and perseverance.

Known for his authentic leadership and student-centered approach, Phil is a committed advocate for inclusive, values-based athletics and whole-child development. His work is rooted in a lifelong dedication to youth empowerment, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

Phil returned to Santa Fe in 2015 with his wife, Liz, their two children, Xavier and Zoe, and their dog, Billy. When he’s not on campus, you’ll likely find him outdoors with his family or exploring local trails on his mountain bike.

Department(s)

• Admin/Staff
• Physical Education

Assistant Athletic Director/PE Teacher. Daniel was born and raised in Davis California, then moved to the northern coast of California to earn a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Kinesiology at Humboldt State University. His first job was teaching Physical Education K-12 and being the Athletic Director at a English speaking school in the central atlas mountains of Ifrane, Morocco. Since that incredible experience, he has taught in both private and public schools teaching P.E., coaching various sports and as an A.D. for the past 21 years. Daniel enjoys working with our youth to learn about how their bodies move in space and how playing a sport after school can help develop skills for life. In his free time, Daniel likes to take his family, wife and two kids, to explore the outdoors, travel and play, while personally he is passionate about working with his hands in soil and renovating his house.

Department(s)

• Physical Education

P.E. Teacher and Transportation Coordinator. Larry Petry has worked with the school for over 24 years. Originally from Pagosa Springs, CO, Larry grew up in Santa Fe. In his time at Santa Fe Prep, he has coached the girls’ basketball team, taught P.E., and driven thousands of miles for our athletics teams and school trips. According to Larry, “I love driving and enjoy my time working with Prep students!”

Department(s)

• Physical Education

P.E., Middle School Track and Field Coach. Lis has taught and coached middle and high school students for 19 years. Lis grew up in the Chicago area and attended St. Lawrence University in Upstate New York. Upon graduation, Lis immediately moved to Santa Fe to pursue her interests in outdoor education and the visual arts. She is a certified USA Triathlon coach of a youth triathlon and track and field team outside of school, and she also holds certification as a USAT Level 1, USATF Level 2, and ASCA level 1 swim coach. Not only does Lis enjoy teaching and coaching kids, but she is also a five-time Ironman competitor, former river guide, expeditionary backpacking leader, and a motivated athlete. When Lis isn’t running around with the P.E. students at school, she can be found running around some more with her husband, daughter, and two rambunctious dogs.

Department(s)

• Physical Education

Assistant to Director of Athletics, Coach. Originally from Rye, New York, Parka grew up sailing competitively and rowing crew on the Long Island Sound. In 1965, she earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education from Skidmore College and lived for a time in Alaska before settling with her husband, Philip, in Santa Fe.

With over 50 years in under her belt at Prep, Parka still works part-time in the Athletics Department. On any given day, she might be found painting lines on the field ahead of a soccer game, ordering uniforms, organizing materials in the athletics archives, or leading swim lessons in Middle School PE — a program she founded and has run since 1985. And when not at Prep, she leads an exceptionally active personal life.

Department(s)

• Physical Education