"Wherever I go in the country people ask about this school."
- Superintendent, Michael Bennet

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Staff Bios

Staff Bios

Rudionna Armstrong

High School 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.

 

Peter Barclay

Middle School Athletics Director and Health and PE Teacher

Peter Barclay graduated from Brunel University in London with a degree in Sports Science.  He was a teaching assistant for two years and a coach for several years before becoming the Athletic Director and Health and PE teacher at DSST.  When Peter isn’t planning lessons to teach his students how to lead healthy lifestyles, he can be found on the rugby pitch playing for the Denver Barbarians.  In addition to rugby, he enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking, and practically anything that gets him outdoors and physically active.  He looks forward to implementing a new athletic program at DSST and offering DSSTs diverse student body the opportunity to get fit, be healthy and have fun.

 

Jen Behrens

Middle School Director of Instruction and Curriculum

Jen graduated from Claremont McKenna College with a degree in government, and founded the Frank Lloyd Wright Society on campus. She taught 8th grade science, social studies, and language arts in Phoenix as a Teach For America (TFA) corps member. She joined TFA Colorado’s staff as a regional founding Program Director, where she supported pre-K through high school teachers. She has served as a Corps Member Advisor and School Director at the TFA Atlanta training institute. Jen values the data analysis and purposeful backwards planning at DSST. She also enjoys cooking, reading, hiking, and walking - nothing too strenuous!


Velma Bibby

High School 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.


Vachon Brackett

Middle School Dean of Students

Vashon received his Bachelor's degree in Mathematical Economics from Colorado College. He worked in the Office of Minority Student Life at 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.

 

Jim Bright

High School 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.

 

Shelley Burns

High School Humanities

Shelley graduated from St. Olaf college with a BA in both history and English.  She later returned to school in order to earn a Masters of Arts in The Teaching of English from the Teachers College of Columbia University.  Shelley’s teaching career began in Houston, TX - her Teach For America placement city - where she taught 10th and 11th grade English for three years.  She returned to her hometown of Denver in 2008 to teach at Lincoln HS with Denver Public Schools.  Shelley is thrilled to be working at DSST where she intends to teach her heart out with the support of a caring and dedicated community.  When not in the classroom, Shelley likes to get out and enjoy the mountains through hiking or skiing; or for a more restful time she enjoys coffee with close friends and curling up with a good book.

 

Janet Busch

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.

 

Katie Campbell

High School Special Education Coordinator

Katie Campbell grew up in Denver, graduated from East High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Bryn Mawr College.  She taught an elementary resource Special Education class in Memphis, TN for two years with Teach For America and then taught fifth grade Special Education in an inclusion program at KIPP DC’s AIM Academy.  Katie is passionate about diverse, inclusive education and is excited to play a role in continuing to develop a dynamic Special Education program at DSST.  In addition to teaching, Katie worked as the Director of Programs for Seeking Common Ground, a local youth leadership and peacebuilding organization. This year Katie is pursuing her teaching license through Western State College.  Outside of school, Katie is primarily known for two things – yoga and baking.  Now that she’s back in Colorado, Katie plans to take advantage of every single sunny day in the mountains or at City Park.

 

Kathleen Cleveland

High School 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.


Jodi Crutchfield

High School 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.


Jessica Degenhart

Director of 2nd Campus - CMO

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.


Jeff Desserich

High School 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.


Mariah Dickson

High School 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.


Erin Dillon

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.


Kate Dresher

High School Director of Athletics & Internships

Kate carries out a dual role of both the Director of Athletics and the Director of Internships for DSST. 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.

 

Kathleen Dyer

High School English

Kathleen attended SUNY Binghamptom and majored in English and Spanish.  She began teaching in the Rio Grande Valley with Teach for America where she taught 9th grade English for two years at Rio Grande City High School. Then she taught 9th grade English for two years at the American Nicaraguan School in Managua. Kathleen enjoys running, dancing and traveling. Being at DSST she hopes to continue to work toward transforming American public education. Kathleen also enjoys working with students who are working toward attending four-year colleges.


Yesta Ealy

High School 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.

 

Will Eaton

High School Math

Will graduated from the College of William and Mary with a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration). He has a special interest in teaching classes in business and entrepreneurship. Will was drawn to DSST because of the incredible talent of the student body and the strength of the school's core values. He is looking forward to getting to know the students better both in class and at out-of-class activities.


Matt Ellis

High School 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.

 

Judy Fisher

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.

 

Luke Galli

High School Science

After earning his Bachelor's degree in Physics from 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. He appreciates the eagerness of students to learn and their love of science.

 

Megan Garmane

High School 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.


George Gigiolio

High School 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.

 

Cindy Hancock

Laptop Coordinator

Cindy graduated from the Oklahoma State University.  After graduation, she has worked as a Laptop Coordinator for 11 years and has extensive experience with desktop support. Cindy looks forward to working with the staff and students at DSST and is especially interested in what is engineered by the Robotics class.She moved from Chicago and has lived in Colorado for 16 years and enjoys painting and gardening.

 

Richard Harrison

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.


Mark Heffron

High School Director

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.


Larry Hester

CMO

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.


Cory Hofschild

High School 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.


Jeff Hollenbach

High School 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.


Erin Howe

High School 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.

 

Josh Hugo

Middle School Social Studies

Josh attended the University of Notre Dame for both undergraduate and graduate school, receiving a B.A. and M.Ed during his two stints under the Golden Dome.  He previously taught 6th, 7th and 8th grade social studies in Mobile, Alabama, and served as an advisor for the National Junior Honor Society and head coach of the boys basketball team.  He is most excited to be a part of an energetic, motivated, and innovative staff so that we give the best education possible to our students.  He is passionate about skiing and Notre Dame football, though the latter category will prove to be unfulfilling until the Irish compete for a national title once again!

 

Sharifah Hunter

High School 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.


Colin Hynes

Dean of Students - Senior Academy

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.


Christa Jimenez

High School 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.


Jessica Kirchberg

Director of Admissions and Summer Opportunities

Jessica graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services. She has 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 an example across the country as an innovative high school, she is excited to contribute and learn from this unique community of staff and students.


Jamie Kodner

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.


Bill Kurtz

Head of Schools

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.


Molly Lepore

High School 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.


Jon Liu

Technology Integrator

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 previous 4 years as a Technology Teacher and Coordinator at Desert Hot Springs High School in CA before joining DSST. 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.


Stefan McVoy

Middle School 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.


Becca Meyer

High School 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.


Erin Mudd

High School 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.


Kasha Nelson

High School 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.

 

Kellen O'Brien

Middle School English

Kellen received dual Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Wisconsin in English and Journalism. After two years working in media he taught for three years in Memphis, TN as a Teach for America Charter Corps Member. He is excited to join the DSST English Department as a 7th grade teacher and work with an amazing group of talented and forward thinking staff, students and families. It doesn’t hurt that Denver offers a chance to partake in ultimate Frisbee and skiing, two of his favorite activities.  


Jeffrey Osborne

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.


Pedro Perdomo

High School 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.


Brianna Petrie

Middle School English Teacher

Brianna attended the University of Colorado in Boulder and received a Bachelor's in English Literature and Secondary Education. 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 passionate about the vision of DSST and looking forward to being challenged in instructional practices.


Melody Pinaccoli

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.


Bret Poppleton

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.


Leslie Raynor

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.


Nicole Russo

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.

 

Kathie Kramer Ryan

Director of Advancement

Kathie comes to DSST from The Lab at Belmar, an arts organization in Lakewood, CO, where as deputy director she led fundraising and all business functions of the organization. Kathie also has held fundraising positions at the Denver Art Museum and RAAP (Rape Assistance and Awareness Program). Other past employment includes restaurant owner in Winter Park, CO and new product development officer at General Foods in New York. Kathie gave away her Winter Park restaurant in an essay contest, prompting two appearances on The Today Show. Kathie holds a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an M.S. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

 

Kelly Schokmiller

Middle School English

Kelly graduated from the University of Missouri with an undergraduate degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism and a Masters in Education with a concentration in Middle School English.  She is most interested in the level at which  DSST challenges it’s students and staff to ensure that both students and teachers are as successful as possible.  Kelly looks forward to an exciting, challenging, fun-filled year with the seventh grade students and middle school staff. 


Jaren Smith

High School 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.


Jim Stephens

High School 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.


Edna Sutton

High School 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.


Jeff Thomsen

Middle School Art Teacher

Jeff receive his B.A. in Art Education from Colorado State University. He has been teaching for two years and comes to DSST with elementary school teaching experience. He looks forward to building a relationship with every student and fostering creativity in the classroom.  He enjoys playing volleyball and tennis, and he typically uses his bike or longboard to get around town.

 

Jeremy Wickenheiser

High School Science

Jeremy graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2005, earning a B.A. in Creative Studies with an emphasis in Biology.  Prior to coming to DSST, Jeremy taught Integrated Physics and Chemistry and Scientific Research and Design at Edcouch-Elsa High School.  While at Edcouch-Elsa High School, Jeremy started a solar car racing program, advised a National Engineering Design Competition team, coached the varsity soccer team, and organized trips to various universities in Texas.     


Kateri Williams

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.


Anne Zelenka

High School 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.


Katie Ziemba

High School 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.


Kathy Zolla

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 shares the energy, passion and enthusiasm of the students and staff at DSST.