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Staff Bios | DSST Team \ Staff Directory \ Staff Bios \ Board |
Director of Admissions/Family Services
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.
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.
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.
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.
Math
Working most recently as a teaching assistant in the math department at the University of Colorado at Denver, Steve gained substantial teaching and course development experience. He was awarded the Lynn Bateman Memorial Teaching Fellowship, Fall 2005. Steve also obtained research experience when he worked as a chairman’s research assistant at the University of Colorado, Denver. Steve received his M.A. in math from CU-Denver where he is continuing his doctoral work at CU–Denver.
Outreach Coordinator
Lindsey comes to DSST from the Colorado League of Charter Schools where she worked as Member Services Director, assisting charter schools with governance, leadership training and professional support. Lindsey also has teaching experience working with 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in charter, private and non-charter public schools. Lindsey has a BA in French from Vanderbilt University and an M.Ed. from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
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.
Math
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.
Dean of Students - Senior Academy
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.
Senior Project Coordinator
David graduated from Humboldt State University in Arcata, California with a B.S. in Physical Science and has a M.A. in School Education from the University of Colorado, Denver. David has extensive teaching experience in both math and science, including working as an outdoor education instructor and program manager for DPS, Denver Parks and Recreation and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. At DSST, David coaches Girls Tennis and has coaching experience in soccer.
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.
Physics/Engineering
As an undergraduate at Bowdoin College in Maine, Karen studied physics and philosophy, and enjoyed finding the intersection between the two fields. Before joining DSST, Karen worked as postdoctoral researcher at Children's Hospital Boston & Harvard Medical School, after having spent the previous five years pursuing a PhD in engineering sciences from Dartmouth College. Prior to attending graduate school, Karen taught physics and math at Verde Valley School (VVS) in Sedona, Arizona.
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.
Director of College Placement
Ms. Ludwig graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in English Education. Pat has completed graduate work in School Psychology at CU Boulder and Educational Administration at the University of Denver. Her 30-year Denver Public Schools career included working as an English teacher, special education instructor, school psychologist, operations principal, and college counselor.
Spanish
With extensive teaching experience in both Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses, Jennifer provides exceptional instructional and mentoring expertise. She comes to DSST from the Bellevue, WA School District where she had a long career as a Spanish teacher, IB coordinator and mentor/cooperating teacher. In addition to completing her Master's Degree in Madrid, Spain, Jennifer lived, taught and studied in several different areas of Mexico and Spain.
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. Katie 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.
History
Mickey joins DSST after teaching for over 30 years in the Littleton Public School System. He most recently taught at Littleton High School for the last 18 years and served as the Social Studies Department Chair for the last four years. Mickey has a B.A. in History from Ohio Wesleyan University, a M.A.T in Social Studies Education from State University of New York, - Binghamton, and an EdD in Curriculum and Instruction from the Universityof Northern Colorado.
English
Ms. Mitchell, the 11th grade English teacher, came to DSST most recently via St. Anne's Episcopal School in Denver. Between graduation from college and moving back to Colorado, she taught at The Culver Academies in Indiana and The Bullis School in Washington, DC. Margaret holds her B.A. and M.A. in English from Princeton University and Boston University, respectively. Born and raised in Colorado, she loves the weather, the activity, the pace of life, and the proximity to her family.
Network Administrator
Mr. Moore is a graduate of Denver Technical College where he received an A.S. in Network System Administration. He is continuing his education toward a B.S. in Technical Management. He also brings many computer science related certifications including Cisco Certified Network Professional and Design Associate. Jason has over 10 years of experience in computer systems ranging from health care to manufacturing.
Humanities
Erin is a graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in English, and earned her Masters in Teaching of 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.
English
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spanish
Ms. Wong began teaching after she graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a B.A. in Spanish and joins DSST as a Spanish teacher. Since then, she has completed her Master's Degree in Spanish at Middlebury College and a Master's Degree in Education with a focus in Second Language Acquisition from the University of Hawaii. Laurel has taught 5th through 12th grades in independent schools in Washington, DC and New York City. While teaching in New York City, Laurel received the Northeast Conference Award for professional development from the Spanish Embassy.
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.”
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