Staff Bios | DSST Team \ Staff Directory \ Staff Bios \ Board |
Spanish
Rudi is a recent first generation graduate from The Colorado College earning a B.A. in Spanish. In 1999, Rudi made a presentation on behalf of the College Summit Program to the Rockefeller Foundation. Since then, Rudi has maintained her affiliation with College Summit Colorado as an alumni leader and a reception speaker. For the past four years, Rudi has mentored low-income college bound students like herself (as well as their families) in the college application process.
Office Assistant
Velma has substantial experience working in a variety of environments, including managing several individuals. She has database management experience as well as working as a paraprofessional. Velma has volunteer experience at a Montessori School as well as with several fundraising projects. Fluent in Spanish and with a passion for education, Velma enjoys the students and staff at DSST.
Development Assistant
Heidi has worked with several clients on a consulting basis to provide both marketing and public relations services, including developing marketing campaigns, organizing media launches and creating and writing marketing material. Involved in a variety of fundraising and volunteer efforts, she works to streamline communications and create awareness with each project. Heidi graduated with a B.A. in Communications and Writing from the University of Colorado, Denver.
Middle School Dean of Students
Vashon received his Bachelor's degree in Mathematical Economics from The Colorado College. He worked in the Office of Minority Student Life at The Colorado College for two years where he advised 17 different student groups. While at KIPP College Prep, Vashon taught 7th and 8th grade math for two years, chaired the 5th math department and taught 5th grade math and taught hip-hop dance at the Saturday School. Vashon is excited to be on the groundfloor of the new Middle School at DSST and looks for to building educational strengths and character with the new students.
World History
Jim graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor's degree in History in 1997. After working in the internet banking and instructional technology fields and walking from Georgia to Maine on the Appalachian Trail, he began teaching at Montbello High School in northeast Denver in 2001. In 2004 Jim married Christina Bright and moved to Winston Salem, NC where she attended medical school and he taught at R.J. Reynolds High School. Jim enjoys skiing, biking, running, and hiking in his free time.
Office Assistant/ELA Coordinator
Janet has been a volunteer at several area schools including Littleton High School, Hamilton Middle School and Samuels Elementary School. She has a B.A in Air Commerce from Florida Institute of Technology and most recently worked as a computer programmer for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Maryland.
Earth Science
Kathleen comes to DSST from Rodriguez High School in Fairfield, California. She has several years experience teaching science at both middle and high school grade levels. Kathleen received her M.S. in Secondary Education, Math, Science and Technology from the University of New Mexico. She obtained additional continuing science education training from the Colorado School of Mines. For recreation, Kathleen also enjoys playing and coaching soccer.
Chemistry
Jodi Crutchfield, a Texas A&M chemistry and education graduate, has joined our staff to teach chemistry after teaching abroad for many years. She was a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal from 1998 to 2000 where she taught in a village school and trained elementary school teachers in math education. She continued her work in Kathmandu where she taught chemistry, math and science at Lincoln International School for three year. After returning to the Americas, she continued teaching in Guatemala City at Colegio Interamericano as the chemistry teacher there.
Math
Ms. Degenhart joined our team this year as a 9th grade math teacher in the Prep Academy. Prior to DSST, Jessica worked on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico as a high school math teacher with Teach For America. She also completed her teacher certification while in New Mexico. She grew up in Colorado. Jessica has a B.A. from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs in Mathematics, and a minor in Communications.
Director of Development
Prior to joining our school, Denise worked for the University of Colorado at Denver as the Director of Extended Studies Domestic Programs, which focused on educational opportunities for non-traditional students in Colorado. She also taught Constitutional Law and Introduction to Law and founded the Law Studies Minor at CU-Denver. A fourth-generation Coloradan, she attended CU-Boulder as an undergraduate majoring in Psychology and Education before earning her Juris Doctor degree from Gonzaga University in Washington.
Math
Jeff graduated from Colorado State Univeristy with a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics.
He looks forward to the opportunity to work with some of the most talented and hardest working teachers and students in Denver. He also looks forward to working in an environment that has already demonstrated great succes but also prides itself on continuous improvement. Jeff is a big basketball fan and looks forward to watching many DSST boys and girls games. He also enjoys running, hiking, snowboarding and reading about U.S. History.
Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Before coming to DSST, Ms. Dickson served as a Senior Consultant to the Colorado Small Schools Initiative at the Colorado Children's Campaign, providing coaching, technical assistance, and professional development to the teachers, principals, schools and districts participating in this national reform initiative. She also spent 10 years as a teacher and administrator in small high schools and was the Director of Teaching and Learning at the Public Education & Business Coalition (PEBC). Mariah has an M.A. in English from Tufts University and a B.A. in Humanities from Stanford University.
Middle School Social Studies
While teaching 8th grade U.S. History in Charlotte, NC, Erin received her education certification in middle school social studies. She graduated from Asbury College with a Bachelor's in Pyschology. During part of her teaching career at Southwest Middle School, she chaired the social studies department and coached basketball. Erin is looking forward to interacting with a diverse student body, working with a staff of excellent educators and making significant academic gains as a community.
Director of Athletics & Internships
Ms. Dresher returned to DSST in the 2006-07 school year as the Director of Internships and Athletics. Prior to her time with DSST, Kate has served in a variety of capacities at many schools across the country including Ohio, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Colorado. Kate is the founder and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Colorado Girls Lacrosse Association. Kate received her M.Ed. from the University of Pittsburgh, but is a Coloradan at heart.
Dean of Students - Prep Academy
Yesta has worked for the last five years at the Center for Learning Assistance at the University of Colorado at Denver. During that time she served as the Site Coordinator for the Upward Bound program at West High School and the Assistant Director of Upward Bound. Yesta holds a B.A. in Political Science and a M.A. in Social Science from the University of Colorado at Denver.
Math
Matt graduated with a B.A. in Mathematics with a Minor in Physics from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri and obtained his teaching certificate from Metro State College. As a pre-algebra/algebra teacher with Aurora Public Schools, Matt taught gifted and talented students while also coaching 7th and 8th grade basketball and soccer. Matt has also had significant involvement with a research grant enabling him to become immersed in several growing technological advancements geared toward education.
Math
Tanya joins DSST after teaching for four years at Challenges and Choices Charter School in Aurora. She earned a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from Southern University and an M.S. in Computer Engineering from USC. She served as a systems engineer, manager and director at US West Telecommunications before starting her teaching career.
College Placement Director
Judy has an undergraduate degree in history and a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She completed her graduate work in special education at the University of Denver. She worked as a teacher and counselor for several years before leaving the field to run her own business for over 20 years. In 1999 she sold her business and returned to education as a college and career counselor.
Science
After achieving his Bachelor's degree in Physics from The Colorado College, Luke received his teacher credentials from California State East Bay. He taught at East Oakland Community High School and also worked at the US National Observatory and the La Serena Chile Astronomy Research Center. Luke appreciates the eagerness of students to learn and their love of science.
Math
As Department Head and a teacher at The Academy in Westminster, Colorado, Megan worked to develop new curriculum and coach and mentor other teachers while working closely with students and parents. She has a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Northern California with an emphasis in secondary education. Megan is also involved with MESA Club, works as a senior class advisor and coaches geometry club, Metro Math Day and recreational softball.
Bio-Chemistry
George worked part-time at DSST last spring, teaching a very popular genetics elective at DSST last spring. George has taught chemistry and biology for over 14 years, most recently at the Urban School and Lick-Wilmerding High School in San Francisco. George has a B.S. in biology from Loyola University in Chicago.
Middle School Director
Rich comes to DSST after his service as both Principal and English teacher at Cole College Prep in Denver where he was instrumental in overseeing the school’s activities, implementing a positive learning environment, preparing students for rigorous high school programs and developing and teaching reading and writing courses. Rich has a long career in academics where he continues to strive to help both teachers and students reach strong academic goals. He received his B.A. in English Language and Literature from the University of Chicago and completed graduate course work in American studies from Columbia University. Rich is fluent in Japanese and proficient in Spanish.
Dean of Students - Senior Academy
Mark recently taught math at the Emily Griffith High School. Mark graduated from Michigan Technical University with a B.S. in civil engineering and earned a M.S. in civil engineering from Purdue University. Prior to starting his teaching career, Mark served as a structural engineer for Bates Engineering in Lakewood, Colorado.
Senior Project Coordinator
Mr. Hester joins our team as the Senior Academy Dean of Students. Larry worked for the last four years as a teacher at The Blake School in Minneapolis, MN after completing teacher certification at the University of Minnesota. Previously, he was an investment banker for 20 years. Larry holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia. Larry and his wife, Emmie, have four children.
Physics
Cory Hofschild joined DSST in 2005-06 as an assistant teacher/tutor in physics, chemistry and math. He joined the DSST faculty as a full-time member in 2006-07 as a physics teacher. He has taught English in Brazil and has worked as an outdoor educator in California. He holds two degrees in Biological Aspects of Conservation and in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Physics
Jeff has eight years experience teaching middle and high school students in Latin America at American School of Puerto Vallarta where he taught science, physics and algebra. Adding to his extensive experience, Jeff also taught guitar classes, coached MathCounts, worked as an assistant basketball coach, worked with the soccer team and was a mentor for the senior class at Day-Star School of Juticalpa, Honduras. Jeff obtained his B.A. in Biology at Hope College in Holland, Michigan and a M.A. in Multidisciplinary Education from Buffalo State University.
Special Education Coordinator
Sally Hoover hails from Missoula, Montana. She earned her BA in Family & Consumer Sciences with a minor in Special Education from the University of Montana. She received her Master's in Education, Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix. Sally has over 17 years teaching high school special education students of differing ability levels. Nine of those years were spent as the Special Services Department Head in the second largest school district in Montana.
English
Erin comes to DSST from Skyland Community High School in Denver where she was an Instructional Coach and Curriculum Coordinator, developing curriculum for grades 9-12, modeling and co-teaching literacy lessons and participating in professional development and assessments. Erin has dedicated much of her teaching to helping students reach reading and writing grade level, defining teaching approaches to match each student’s needs and working with teachers to enhance teaching methods. She graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a Minor in English from Gettysburg College and a M.A. in Education from the University of Denver.
Office Manager
Ms. Hunter joined DSST after working at Cherry Creek Schools and College Access Network. Ms. Hunter was born in Buffalo, NY and was raised in Denver and attended Overland High School. She has one daughter, Aleonya, who is the primary focus of her attention outside of serving the students at our school.
Biology/Science
Colin is a graduate of Harvard University with a Master’s Degree in Education, Secondary Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Ecology and Evolutional Biology from Princeton University. As a Team Leader in Science for Englewood High School, Colin was involved with curriculum development, professional development and teaching AP and Honors Science classes. Colin has also coached varsity baseball, soccer and Nordic skiing.
Director of Technlogy
Mark received his BA, with honors, from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. He received his Masters in Ministry, co-pastored a Quaker meeting with his wife, Holly, started and ran a remodeling business, rehabbed inner city homes, started several inner city training programs, then followed his wife to Colorado where he taught math and computers at several charter schools, all the while raising 3 kids. Most recently Mark served five years as the Technology Administrator at the Jeffco charter school, Center for Discovery Learning.
Spanish Teacher
Christa earned her Bachelor's degree in Spanish with a minor in Music from the University of Nebraska. She was with Longmont High School for three years where she taught Spanish for Native Speakers and AP Spanish. She also spent a year teaching English to elementary school students in San Ramon, Costa Rica. Anything Latin sparks her interests, including dancing, music and cooking. She lived in Costa Rica for five years and brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to DSST. She enjoys working with phenomenal staff and students and works to achieve high goals while living the core values.
Director of Admissions and Summer Opportunities
Jessica graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services. Born and raised in Chicago, Jessica is thrilled to be living in Denver. She spent time working with Chicago Public Schools to help high school students get involved in college summer programs. Jessica plans to pursue a Master’s degree within the next few years in the area of counseling, with a focus on adolescence. With DSST setting the example across the country as an innovative high school, Jessica looks forward to interacting with and getting to know all the DSST students.
Middle School Math
Jamie joined the Middle School team this year as a 6th grade math teacher. Prior to coming to DSST, Jamie taught elementary school for two years in Chicago with Teach for America. She received a Master of Arts in Teaching from Dominican University while in Chicago. Jamie is originally from Wisconsin and has a Business degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Head of School
Before joining DSST, Bill served as the Principal of Link Community School in Newark, NJ. He graduated from Princeton University with a B.A. in political science and earned an M.A. from Columbia University's Teachers College in educational administration and leadership.
English
Molly previously worked at Denver Academy, where she taught for five years and served as the English Department Chair. She was named outstanding experiential educator at DA in 2005 and Teacher of the Year in 2003. Molly has a B.A. in English and French from CU Boulder and M.A in Literacy Curriculum Design from the CU Denver. Molly has been very active in the Colorado Language Arts Society, presenting numerous times at statewide conferences.
Middle School Technology Director
Jon moved from Palm Springs, CA to Denver with his wife and two children in June of 2007. He has a Master's degree in Educational Technology from Pepperdine University, and he has spent the past 4 years at a Technology Teacher and Coordinator at Desert Hot Springs High School in CA. Jon enjoys most outdoor activities including skiing, wakeboarding, mountain biking, hockey, swimming, cycling, and many other sports. He also spends most of his free time working on the computer building websites and learning new and exciting things to share with his students.
6th Grade Integrated Science
Stefan comes to DSST after several years with KIPP in Denver. He was the founding teacher at KIPP Cole College Prep and then moved to KIPP Sunshine Peak. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado. Stefan enjoys being outdoors and looks forward to working with the middle schoolers and team.
Chemistry
As a teacher at McKinley Technology High School in Washington, DC, Becca taught both 10th and 11th grade students while acting as a faculty sponsor for National Honor Society and as a tennis coach. She received her teaching credentials from American University in Washington, DC and a B.S. in Chemistry/Biochemistry at the University of California, San Diego. Becca also tutored AP calculus to low-income students and young mothers without family support and was a youth sponsor for a Mexico mission trip for where a group of youth and adults built homes.
English
Erin is a graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in English, and earned her Masters in Teaching English at Teachers College, Columbia University. Erin began her teaching career as a Peace Corps volunteer where she taught American and British Literature at a small college in Sichuan, China. After two years in China she moved to New York City where she taught 7th grade English in an under-resourced school in the Bronx with Teach for America.
Humanities
Bel received her B.A. in English from Southwest Texas State University and a M.A. in Secondary English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She comes to DSST from Aspire Academy, a college preparatory middle school in San Antonio, TX where she worked with challenged students in reading and writing. Bel is the recipient of several teaching awards, including an English Education Minority Scholarship from Columbia University, the Principal’s Excellence in Teaching Award from the San Antonio Independent School District and a variety of awards from Southwest Texas State University.
Spanish
Kasha has substantial teaching experience, including working with preschool and middle school children. She received a B.A. from Bethany College in Virginia majoring in English and Spanish and studied abroad in Spain at Universidad de Navarra in Pamplona, Spain. Kasha comes to DSST with extensive translation,curriculum development and student assessment experience.
Middle School Science
Jeffrey comes to DSST's Middle School from Memphis City Schools where he taught 7th and 8th grade science. He is also a charter corp member with Teach For America-Memphis. Jeffrey helped start a middle school golf program for Memphis urban youth and also has both baseball and football coaching experience. With interest in running, hiking, camping and many outdoor activities, Jeffrey looks forward to living in Colorado and getting to know the diverse middle school students at DSST's technology-focused middle school. Jeffrey has a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies and a Master's in Health Sciences from the University of Central Florida.
Spanish
Mr. Perdomo, our new Spanish teacher, is originally from Venezuela. Before joining DSST, he worked for Wake County Public Schools in North Carolina, and more recently for the Klein Independent School System in Texas. He also worked as a financial Consultant, representing his country at the United Nations. He has been working as a teacher for 16 years and has a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Economics, and Master's Degrees in Business Administration and Education, from Eastern New Mexico University.
Middle School English Teacher
Brianna attended the University of Colorado in Boulder and recieved a Bachelor's in English Literature and Secondary Education.While attending CU, she was involved in the EDS program (Education Diversity Scholars), a leadership program for minority students which focuses on promoting students in the School of Education to learn from each other’s experiences and grow as a community. EDS participants were passionate about helping minority students further their education and go to college. Prior to DSST, Brianna taught several English literature courses to senior students and worked with middle schools in the Boulder and Denver areas, focusing primarily on intervention courses in reading and writing. She is extremely excited to be on board with DSST this year and grateful to be surrounded by such a great staff. She is passionate about the vision of DSST and looking forward to being challenged in instructional practices and becoming the best teacher possible.
Studio Art
Stacey graduated from the University of Cincinnati’s Master of Arts in Art Education program with certification and licensure in K-12 education. She has teaching experience in grades 1-12, background working with families in art, assisting artists with disabilities and teaching art in Brazil. Stacey has been active in several organizations, including Ohio Art Education Association, National Art Education Association, Visionaries & Voices, Contemporary Art Center of Cincinnati and the American Red Cross.
Middle School Office Manager
Melody graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational Therapy. She has worked in a variety of healthcare environments, serving a variety of people with a wide range of abilitiesa nd needs, including using assistive technology and computer access. Melody enjoys traveling, meeting new people and looks forward to the challenge and excitement of assisting the middle school meet educational goals.
Director of Operations
Bret Poppleton joined DSST after spending the past three years working for a non-profit organization in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, where he loved traveling, building community and experiencing European culture. Bret has a BBA in Finance from the University of Notre Dame ) and an MBA from Penn State University. He enjoys cycling, mountain biking and many other outdoor pursuits, but his real passion is his family. He is married to Jayla and together they have two sons, Asher and Isaac.
Middle School Special Education Director
Leslie started her career in special education in Washington, D.C., earning her Masters at The George Washington University. She earned her Bachelor's from St. Lawrence University and her administrator's license from the University of Colorado at Denver. Living and working in Colorado for the past ten years, Leslie has worked at the Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning, Fletcher Elementar in Aurora Public Schools and Graland Country Day School. She is particularly passionate abotu literacy and empowering all students to become passionate and life-long learners. She enjoys being with her husband and two young sons, yoga, Pilates, reading and the mountains.
Middle School English
Nicole taught English and Social Studies at a high-performing middle school in the Bronx, New York. She received her Bachelor's degree in English from Iona College, and her Master's degree in Middle School Education from Mercy College. She is also trained in Gifted & Talented Education through Touro College. While teaching in the Bronx, she was the Co-Chairperson of the Enrichment Committee, Student Council Advisor, member of the Professional Development Committee, Secretary of the Professional Association, and Writing Teaching for the Counseling Through Music Program. Nicole is eager to work with the staff, students, and families of the DSST community.
Math
Jaren comes to DSST with experience as a math tutor for both middle and high school students. She also taught college algebra at Metro State College as well as math courses at Lake Middle School and East High School. Jaren received a M.A. in Mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in the study of combinatorics and abstract algebra. Jaren appreciates and enjoys teaching math concepts to diverse and eager-to-learn students.
History
Mr. Stephens received his B.A. in Anthropology from Syracuse University where he concentrated on the historical archaeology of 18th century Afro-Jamaican slave communities. After finishing at Syracuse, he moved to Washington, DC to work with the cultural resource management firm John Milner & Associates in the capital region archaeological division. Jim earned his M.A. at Howard University in the African Diaspora and his PhD in U.S. History. After completing his degrees at Howard, Jim took a position as an International Baccalaureate instructor at the Carlisle School in Virginia. Jim joined DSST at the American History teacher on the 11th grade team.
Humanities
Edna’s significant and diverse background in education allows her to take on the role of teaching Civics in the Humanitites Department at DSST. Edna comes to DSST from East High School where she taught Social Studies for more than 10 years. She graduated with a B.A. from St. Andrews Presbyterian College and received a M.A. in Social Science from the University of Colorado. Edna also attended both Loyola Marymount University and Utah State University taking classes in Advanced Academies sponsored by the Center for Civic Education.
Technology Teacher/Laptop Technician & Coordinator
Lars is currently earning her Graduate Degree, Masters in Educational Technology, from Jones International University, School of Education. She earned her BSBA from the University of Phoenix. She developed a passion for teaching while substitute teaching for DPS for several years. With experience working for some of the top high-tech companies as a technical Product Engineer and Product Line Manager, and as a veteran of the United States Navy, an Aviation Electrician, Lars brings substantial technical knowledge and support to DSST. Lars’ community volunteer work includes being a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and working as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. She enjoys being a part of such a diverse, values-based community that is dedicated to ensuring every student becomes a life-long learner and attends a four year college.
College Placement Counselor
Kateri joins DSST with extensive experience in college placement, educational advising and recruiting. Prior to joining the DSST team, Kateri was an enrollment counselor with Colorado Christian University where she recruited and enrolled students in the university’s College of Adult and Graduate Studies. She has a B.A. in sociology from the University of Colorado and a M.A. in Social Sciences from the University of Colorado, Denver.
Math
AnneZelenkaswitched careers from software engineering into math teaching so she could share her love of learning and contribute to positive change in her community. A third-generation Denver Public Schools graduate, Anne looks forward to helping prepare DSST's diverse student population for college and beyond. Anne holds a bachelor's degree in economics and philosophy and a master's degree in statistics, both from Stanford University. She is the author of Connect!, a book published by Wiley Computing in January 2008 about how technological connectedness is revolutionizing the world of work.
Humanities
Prior to coming to DSST, Katie worked as a humanities teacher at Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School in New York where she was instrumental in raising reading and writing skills two grade levels. She has been the recipient of several grants while also founding and coaching varsity girls basketball at the Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School. Katie has been committed for the last five years to the Teach For America mission of “One day all children will have the opportunity for an excellent education.”
Middle School Math
Kathy obtained her Masters degree in Elementary and Middle School Education with minors in Math and Spanish from the University of Kansas. She taught 5th grade and sponsored math and logic clubs for two years at a school in Kansas City, Missouri. Kathy looks forward to working in the amazing DSST environment where she shares the energy, passion and enthusiasm of the students and staff at the school.
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