Join The Center for Teacher Growth and Renewal in Making a Difference

Founding Board Member and Presenter

I am a proud teacher leader in the Cherry Creek School District. Currently I teach English and serve on the equity or “Embrace” team at Cherry Creek Elevation! I recently obtained my EdD from the Educational Studies program at the University of Northern Colorado! Go Bears! My research interests include the decolonization of curriculum, the multiracial teacher experience, arts-based consciousness-raising & intercultural curriculum development, transgenerational educational insights, whiteness in digital learning constructs, and online culturally responsive pedagogy. Outside of my educational calling, I enjoy dancing, reading, writing and spending time with my amazing family. I am ever-grateful for The Center as it affords me the opportunity to foster care and holistic well-being for my beloved fellow educators. 

My favorite teacher: Kathy Cocetti. She believed I was a scholar so now I am.

Workshop Presenter

I teach high school English in the Denver Public School District. This is my eighth year at Denver South High School and my twentieth year teaching (I started my career in Juneau, Alaska). As a doctoral student in the Educational Studies program at the University of Northern Colorado, my research interests include writing as engagement, the quality of life at work for teachers, concurrent enrollment program efficacy, and the history of the public high school model. When I’m not teaching or writing, I’m hiking mountains with my dog or traveling with my wife and our 16-year-old daughter.

Favorite teacher: Mr. Fred Classon, 8th grade English

He taught me I have a writing voice that other people want to hear. He wrote long narrative responses in green pen, and every line was full of encouragement and constructive suggestions.

Co-Founder, Founding Board Member and Presenter

I am the Cotterman Distinguished Endowed Chair and an associate professor at the Capital University School of Education as well as the co-founder of the Center for Teacher Growth and Renewal. I spent my whole K-12 teaching career in greater Denver, having served as a high school English teacher, department coordinator, instructional coach, and new teacher mentor. I am also co-author of the book Lesson Planning with Purpose: Five Approaches to Curriculum Design along with several scholarly articles, book chapters, and blog posts. I received my PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver in 2011. When not pursuing my professional passions, I coach my son’s baseball and basketball teams, serve as a theater booster at my daughter’s high school, and spend time being active with my wife and two kiddos. 

Founding Board Member and Presenter

I am the Principal at Manual High School in Denver, Colorado. For the last 15 years I have worked as a teacher, instructional coach and administrator in the Adams 12 School District, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and now at Manual High School in Denver Public Schools. When I am not thinking or writing about education I enjoy trail running, skiing and hanging out with my wife and three kids. I am thrilled and honored to be working with the Center for Teacher Growth and Renewal because it authentically works to support the wholeness and wellness of our nation’s teachers. 

Favorite teacher: Mr. Knierim was my 11th grade US History teacher and he has always reminded me that school should be fun. He brought humor and fun to class and that has stuck with me because schools can sometimes steal joy from kids unless educators go out of their way to prioritize fun and humor in the work that they do. 

Founding Board Member, Co-President & Treasurer

I am currently in my first year as an Assistant Principal following 11 years as the Activities Director at Cherokee Trail High School. Prior to working at Cherokee Trail, I was a math teacher and Speech&Debate teacher and coach at Overland High School for 16 years. I am passionate about creating an environment where people are challenged while providing support to help them achieve great things. Before moving to Colorado, I was born and raised in Wisconsin where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Math Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After moving to Colorado, I earned my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado-Boulder. You can take the girl out of Wisconsin, but you can’t stop me from rooting for the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers! When I am not working, I enjoy traveling with my husband, hiking and spending time with friends and loved ones. 

Favorite teacher: During the course of my schooling, I have been lucky to have had great teachers. One of my favorites was Mrs. Wagner, my third grade teacher. She showed me the importance of seeing the best in every student and she also made sure that learning was fun!

Co-Founder, Founding Board Member, Executive Director, and Presenter

I am a professor of education at the University of Northern Colorado, and the Executive Director and Co-founder of the Center for Teacher Growth and Renewal. Before moving into academia,  I taught English at Overland High School in CCSD for seven years. I have co-authored two books, including Lesson Planning with Purpose: Five Approaches to Curriculum Design, which is an expression of my passion to help teachers design meaningful educational experiences for themselves and for their students. Outside of this work, you can find me in the red desert wilderness with my dogs and my son.  I am humbled to be surrounded by such visionary educators who selflessly donate their time and energy to The Center. 

Favorite teacher: My favorite teacher is Mrs. Lowell, who taught me my times tables, how to dance like an octopus, and how to be kind to myself and others. 

Workshop Presenter

I began my career as a first and second grade teacher and loved the joy, laughter and growth in small and big moments everyday. Currently, I am the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Coordinator at the Montessori School of Denver, and support teachers at the International School of Denver. I am always learning and working to guide students and adults toward connection and authenticity. I'm so grateful to be a part of The Center where I am inspired by the presenters and participants. Outside of education, I am studying to be a yoga teacher and love being outside with my husband and dog. My favorite teacher was Mrs. Quinn who let me use colored paper and pens, and encouraged my creativity and personality to be a part of everything I do. 

Co-Founder and Presenter

I teach first grade at St. Anne's Episcopal school. Over the years, I have taught grades 1-8 in private and public schools. I also worked in the psychiatric units at the Children's Hospital of Denver and with three-year-olds who had an autism diagnosis. I worked with The Center in the early stages as a co-founder, and have served as a session presenter. I believe it is in our nature to connect with and help one another, and I strive to help students find ways to strengthen their skills and keep open their hearts in order to do so. 
My favorite teacher was Mark Overmeyer. He taught me the power of positive self-concept, and that feeling liked by your teacher leads to more risk-taking and more growth. 

Founding Board Member and Co-President 

I have worked in public education for the past 39 years, spending most of that time as a teacher and administrator at the high school level. After spending 19 years in the classroom I have been a Dean of Students, Athletic Director, Activities Director, Assistant Prinicpal and 6 years as the principal at Horizon High School. Since retiring from full-time work in 2015 I have continued my career working as a Contract Administrator in both Adams 12 and Jeffco Schools mentoring new administrators, consulting with and supporting leadership teams at various schools, and working with veteran teachers to support reflective instructional practices. My favorite teacher was my 4th grade teacher, Mary (Peterson) Schwing who challenged me academically and encouraged me to be me.

Co-Founder, Founding Board Member and Presenter

I began my career as a high school English teacher before becoming a child, adolescent, and family therapist. I currently serve as a PreK-8th grade school counselor at the Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the University of Denver. My research interests as a doctoral student at the University of Northern Colorado include mental health in schools, equity and access, social emotional learning, and the theory of belonging.  Connection is at the heart of who we are and all we do and I’m grateful to be part of the Center to support teachers in their calling. I treasure spending time with my husband and two sons. Additionally, I love animals and share my home with three dogs, Jimmy, Arlo, and Molly. Molly is my therapeutic partner in my work with children and adolescents. 

Favorite teacher: Mrs. Wilson in 3rd grade. She saw all of me - heart and mind. She recognized, nurtured, and celebrated my compassion and curiosity.