Our Crew


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Leadership Team

Scott Mengel, Founding Executive Director Me on RHThas served as a school leader and teacher for the past thirty-three years –  in environments varying from Cherry Creek Schools’ diverse north end to rural Alaska.  As a teacher, he deeply embraced project-based, interdisciplinary learning – in a school that served as an early exemplar to the founders of Expeditionary Learning.  Scott’s leadership has also included management of high-performing teams and new market development in the non-profit sector.  Prior to his work at DDES, Scott was appointed Chief Growth Officer at Expeditionary Learning – specifically developing the tools and resources to support the launch of high-quality EL charter schools throughout the country.  Outside of school, Scott enjoys adventures in the outdoors with his family – his wife Patty and their four adult children – who all reside within the Denver metro area. Scott.Mengel@ddeschool.org

ErinErin Sciscione, Elementary Principal, began her career as an elementary school teacher on the east coast, before moving back to her home state of Colorado to continue teaching in the Boulder Valley School District.  In order to further pursue her passion for curriculum design and instructional leadership, she earned a MA in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Colorado.  Most recently, Erin served as the Assistant Principal of an Expeditionary Learning school in Fort Collins, CO and as a Professional Development Consultant for EL in New York.  Erin often says that when she was introduced to the Expeditionary Learning model, she “found her people.”  She is continually inspired by the practices, professionals, and community within the EL network.  Erin believes that high quality instructional practices and learning experiences allow students to make meaningful discoveries about themselves, others, and the world around them.  Outside of school, Erin loves to travel and cook, and is thoroughly enjoying hanging out with her toddler, Jude, along with her husband, Steve, and boxer, Miles. Erin.Sciscione@ddeschool.org

IMG_1300Letia Frandina, Director of Partnerships, was a founder and Board member of the Downtown Denver Expeditionary School in 2012. She earned her doctorate in communication studies from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and her research involves community building and public spaces. She ran a start-up community organized business for families, Little Closets, featured in New York Magazine, before returning to her home state of Colorado. She is a first generation college graduate of Colorado State University, an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland and a mentor at Denver Kids Inc. She is also a member of the 2015 Downtown Denver Partnership Leadership class. Letia lives with her family near downtown Denver.  She believes strongly in EL Education to foster a student-centered, character-driven, and community-focused education for all four of her children. Letia.Frandina@ddeschool.org

 

Office 

 Katianne Glesne, Operations  Coordinator, is responsible for facility management, procedures,
and finances at DDES and is a founding staff member of DDES. Before opening the school, Katianne worked with DPS’s Office of Choice and  Enrollment Services where she  employed her  passion for  education to help families navigate  through  DPS’s choice and  enrollment  process. She is happy to begin her journey at DDES, where she  can  combine her  interest and knowledge in urban  education reform with  her  commitment to  make  public  education a thriving institution. Katianne has a research  background  in  education policy with  a  Masters degree in Social and Cultural  Foundations of  Education  from  DePaul University  in Chicago. Katianne recently moved to  Denver from San  Francisco, and is  enjoying exploring the city by bike,  practicing yoga and  meeting new  friends. Katianne.glesne@ddeschool.org


2015 08 12_0857Ashley Ennis, Manager, Front Offic
e, is the manager of all office operations including student records, attendance, Infinite Campus, enrollment, and parent welcome. She is a graduate from the University of Denver. She also is the reigning champion as the most organized staff member. She has years of experience in customer service and project management. She is the mom to a wonderful DDES first grader. In her spare time you can find her hiking, cooking, doing yoga, or growing a baby. ashley.ennis@ddeschool.org.

 

 

Becky Diehl, Volunteer Coordinator, is responsible for the creation and implementation of Blue Bear Buddies, a volunteer reading program designed toIMG_5740 engage members of the Denver community with DDES students to foster a lifelong love of reading.  Becky fell in love with books after reading Mrs. Piggle Wiggle in second grade and is always on the hunt for her new favorite book.  She has a BA from Brigham Young University and a Master of Humanities degree from University of Colorado, Denver.  Becky is the proud parent of two girls at DDES. becky.diehl@ddeschool.org

 

 

 

 

Tracy Villalovas, Front Office Associate, is the lunch manager, health clinicIMG_5724 lead, and front desk assistant. Most importantly, Tracy is the mother of a DDES fourth grader. She has a talent for listening to and taking care of young children, especially when they are not feeling well. When Tracy is not at DDES she enjoys spending time with her family, vacationing in the mountains, and spending time in the water.

Crew Leaders

Crissy Norton, Kindergarten Crew Leader, is an Iowa native and graduated from The University of Iowa (Go Hawks!) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She spent 4 years teaching Kindergarten in Chicago during which time she earne13246_10102579097060759_6036505752124316351_n (1)d her Master’s Degree in Education from Viterbo University. While in Chicago, Crissy discovered Expeditionary Learning at Polaris Charter Academy and was amazed at the meaningful and authentic learning embraced and celebrated by both teachers and students. She also felt connected to the sense of crew and citizenship present in all areas of instruction.  After a move to Denver, Crissy spent a year teaching Kindergarten at Tollgate School of Expeditionary Learning where she continued to grow in her learning and passion for EL principals. Crissy is excited to  be apart of the DDES crew and looking forward to working along side students, staff and families. In her free time, Crissy enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and exploring Colorado with her husband Eric. Crissy.Norton@ddeschool.org

LizzieBVLizzie Bromley-Vogel, First Grade Crew Leader, fell in love with education when she was a kindergartener—she adored her teacher and she never wanted to leave school. As she got older this passion grew and she earned her masters degree in elementary education from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA.  After teaching kindergarten for a year in Fredericksburg, she and her husband made a big move west to Moscow, Idaho.  Shortly after arriving in Moscow, Lizzie was lucky enough to start teaching at Palouse Prairie School of Expeditionary Learning where she has taught first and second graders for the last four years.  She was immediately intrigued by the Expeditionary Learning philosophy and grew tremendously as a teacher over her years with EL.  She loves implementing and crafting expeditions and watching her students become deeply engaged in topics while doing meaningful, hands-on work.  She also appreciates working with primary readers and writers and watching them blossom as the school year progresses.  Lizzie is excited to be welcomed into the vibrant DDES community and to continue to grow as an educator.  She and her husband are looking forward to exploring Denver and experiencing its opportunities and communities.  In her spare time, Lizzie loves to cook, to curl up with a good book and a cat, or to work on various craft projects.

Katie Kurpanek, First Grade Teacher, has always had a passion for teaching and is thrilled to be joining the DDES crew! She has worked with students in camps and school settings for the past 10 years, completed her Associate’s Degree in California with the intent of pursuing elementary education, and has most recently been completing her BacheIMG_3822lor’s Degree through the University of Northern Colorado’s intensive program called Center for Urban Education. For the past 3 years, Katie has been interning 20+ hours every week in a classroom setting while also taking classes toward her elementary licensure. She began her internship in another public school for a year and a half, but found herself being strongly pulled toward Expeditionary Learning – finding that her values and philosophies regarding education align deeply with this model. In the 2014-15 school year, Katie joined the DDES crew and interned with Julia in 1st grade, and from day one, she knew this was home. Moving forward, in the first 10 weeks of the 2015-16 school year, she will complete her student-teaching with 1st grade and then move directly into the K-1 Interventionist position. Katie is beyond excited to work with such amazing families and to see the vast amounts of growth that will come from partnering with them in order to support their students. When Katie is not teaching, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Kevin, and their newly-adopted dog, Neika, as well as laughing with loved ones as often as possible.

Julia Behring2015 08 12_1047_edited-1er, Second Grade Crew Leader, is a founding crew member of DDES and begins her third year here where she has taught kindergarten and first grade. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Northern Colorado Center for Urban Education. Julia worked closely in elementary schools for over five years previous to DDES, three of which came under direct guidance from Susan Kempton.  Julia found her passion for teaching at an early age, and her joy to help others learn stems directly from her strong family ties. When she is not teaching, she can be found working at the nearest coffee shop, jogging around the city, and attending various sporting events. Julia.Behringer@ddeschool.org

 

Allie Goldberg, Second Grade Crew Leader, has spent the last 11 years developing her passions and skills as an educator and couldn’t be more thrilled to continue growing in her profession with the DDES community. She received her undergraduate degree from Prescott College in Adventure Education and Environmental Studies where she was able to combine her love of teaching with her love of the wilderness. It was through a month long class at PC where she discovered Expeditionary Learning and was aAlllieGble to visit many EL schools in the southwest and design an expedition with her cohort. After graduating, Allie taught for The Keystone Science School where she was creating curriculum on snow science, fire ecology, water management and many other unique and relevant topics in Colorado. Through this opportunity she recognized her true passion for teaching and curriculum design so she moved to Denver to get her Masters in Education at the University of Denver, which she will have completed just before the 2015-2016 school year begins! When not teaching, Allie can likely be found riding her bike around Denver, escaping to the mountains, or drinking coffee on her porch.

Michele Morenz, Third Grade Crew Leader,  grew up in metro Detroit and obtained her BS in Geological Science from Michigan State University. Although the Great Lakes and studying rocks offered her more than she could have asked for, she left Michigan in 2005 to use her science background to teach environmental education and lead adventure travel trips with children.  She began this journey in the mountains of North Georgia, followed by the chaparral forests of Californmichele is beautifulia, and then onto Atlanta, but kept landing each summer to explore and learn alongside the children of Telluride, CO.  In 2009, Michele decided to make Colorado her full-time home and settled in Denver to begin teaching natural science courses at the Butterfly Pavilion. She then became an assistant teacher at the Odyssey School, where she taught in multi-age classrooms (varying from 2nd through 5th grade) for three years. It was there that Michele began her immediate love for Expeditionary Learning and was able to use her experiential teaching background to help craft engaging, interdisciplinary learning opportunities for her students. Michele recently graduated and became licensed from the Stanley British Primary Teacher Preparation Program, where she spent an enriching year refining her practice with another multi-age classroom (3/4/5) and a classroom full of Spanish-speaking third graders. Michele was a member of the founding staff of DDES in 2013. She earned her Masters in Educational Psychology from University of Colorado Denver in January 2015. Michele believes in the boundless power of children, and also believes that teachers are responsible for crafting a collaborative learning environment that taps into the natural curiosity of their students.  She strives to create a joyful and welcoming classroom community where children are able to take risks, ask big questions, and take ownership of their learning.  She feels more than blessed to be a part of such an exciting, supportive, and enriching new community and serves the children of DDES with an open heart and mind. Michele.Morenz@ddeschool.org

Natalie Otto, 3rd Grade Crew leader, found her passion for education while obtaining her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction at the Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning. Since then she has had the good fortune to teach and learn Natalie Otto 1 (1)from students and colleagues in three countries and two states. Most recently she and her husband have returned from a posting in Denmark, but she has also worked in both beautiful Norway and ever-exciting Vietnam. Natalie also helped found an Expeditionary Learning school outside of Portland, Oregon and worked as a crew leader, literacy coach and professional development coordinator in a small, independent EL-based school in Washington State. The Expeditionary Learning model clearly resonates with her as an educator and she wholeheartedly believes in the power of EL’s focus on authentic, purposeful learning experiences that encompass academic rigor, character, adventure, and service. In her free time Natalie enjoys spending time as a traveler and adventurer in the natural world with her husband Jake (a Colorado native).   Having come full-circle since her graduate school days, Natalie is thrilled to be returning to Colorado and joining a crew of passionate and like-minded educators at DDES. Natalie.Otto@ddeschool.org

Krysta Muspratt, 3rd Grade Crew Leader, comes to us from California.  She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business before realizing tea2015 08 12_1074_edited-1ching was her passion.  She completed her elementary teacher’s certification and Masters Degree in Reading and Language Arts from Santa Clara University.  For the last seven years she has been teaching in the Los Altos School District. Krysta taught three years in kindergarten, three in 1st grade, and is wrapping up her first year in 3rd grade. Her favorite part about being in the classroom is getting to know her students and supporting them as they grow both academically and socially. She strives to be both creative and innovative in her practice. She is always finding ways to embed cross-curricular instruction and enjoys taking a project-based approach to learning. She can’t wait to join the DDES team and make the exciting transition to expeditionary learning.  When not in the classroom, Krysta can be found reading, traveling, walking her dog, and spending time with family.  She also loves to try new, experimental recipes with the promise (to her loving husband) that pizza can always be ordered. Krysta.Muspratt@ddeschool.org

Meghan MacDonald, Fourth Grade Crew Leader, comes to DDES with six years of experience

551565_10150627024026570_940835128_n (1)teaching 4th grade at an Expeditionary Learning School in Aurora, Co. She embraces the EL philosophy because it inspires a love of learning and prepares students to make a positive difference in their own lives and in the world around them. Meghan has a B.A. in Sociology and Peace and Conflict Studies, a certification in Linguistically Diverse Education, and an M.A. in Educational Psychology. She began her career in education as an Outdoor Education Instructor at Balarat, a program serving 5th grade and high school students throughout the Denver area. She then spent a year teaching English as Second Language while living in Ecuador and has spent the past six years as a director of a language immersion, service learning, and adventure summer program for high school students in Costa Rica and Panama. Meghan is a Colorado native and loves to get out and play in the Rocky Mountains, where her favorite toys are her snowboard and her mountain bike. She is thrilled to be part of the DDES Crew and is looking forward to the adventure ahead! Meghan.Macdonald@ddeschool.org

 

 

 

Interventionists and Specialists

Jill Stacy, Learning Supports Coordinator, is a founding crew member of DDES, joining us from the Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning where she designed and implemented middle school humanities expeditions for two years before moving out of the classroom to help build the school’s literacy intervention program. She earned her Master in Education, Advanced Literacy Specialization (M.Ed) and her Master in Science, Early Childhood and Elementary Educ2015 08 12_1156_edited-1ation (MS) from Bank Street College of Education in New York City. Her Integrative Master’s Project, published in an occasional paper series, highlighted the importance of positive collaborative teaching relationships to improve classroom literacy practices. While living in New York, Jill primarily taught 5th grade social studies and language arts at Bank Street’s School for Children. Jill is drawn to Expeditionary Learning because of its dedication to the education of the whole child as a lifelong learner through hands-on activities and real world application. Outside of work, Jill enjoys spending time in the outdoors biking and hiking with her family and dogs. She is looking forward to saying one day that she is the proud parent of a DDES student! Jill.Stacy@ddeschool.org

 

Pete Martinez, Primary Coach, taught Kindergarten and 1st Grade for six years, most recently at the Rocky MountainIMG_1481School of Expeditionary Learning, before helping open DDES in 2013.  He is passionate about Expeditionary Learning and is excited to continue his growth as a learner at Downtown Denver Expeditionary School.  He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and completed his elementary teacher’s certification and Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Urban Education from the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver.  At the heart of his educational philosophy is the belief students learn best by doing.  He works to push students to grapple with complex problems that are relevant to their lives and to the lives of their surrounding communities.  He is constantly amazed at the thoughtful and ingenious work that kindergartners and 1st graders create, and he is always reminded of the perseverant nature of these young scholars.  Outside of school, Pete enjoys spending time with his wife Becky and daughter Shea.  They love embarking on adventures together as well as spending time laughing as much as possible.  He can’t wait for Shea to begin kindergarten at DDES in 2015 and is excited to help co-create a school that takes advantage of all of the vast and diverse resources of downtown Denver. Pete.Martinez@ddeschool.org

Leslie Raynor, Learning Specialist, began her career in education in the Washington, DC area.  Working as a volunteer in the District of Columbia youth justice system, Leslie recognized a significant need for the support and advocacy for students with disabilities in schools and the judicial system. Leslie went on to get a master’s degree in Special Education from The George Washington University.  She and her husband taught fourth grade together in the DC public schools befo2015 08 12_0820re moving out to Colorado to continue their work in the field of education.  Leslie spent six years at the Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning, serving in the capacity of Special Education director and Upper School director during her time there.  Expeditionary learning was a natural fit for Leslie and aligned with her beliefs and long term hopes for education reform.  Currently, both of her sons attend RMSEL.   Leslie was a founding member at the first Denver School of Science and Technology middle school in 2008 and taught special education at DSST for five years before helping open DDES in 2013.  She is passionate about building strong, long term relationships with students and families, supporting both academic excellence and character development. It has been her long term goal to return as teaching faculty to an Expeditionary Learning school.  DDES provides the opportunity to be a founding member of an exceptional Expeditionary Learning community in Denver.  In her free time, Leslie enjoys biking, hiking, and playing with her family.  Yoga, reading, cooking, and walking with her new puppy in Park Hill round out her active schedule as a parent, wife, and educator. Leslie.Raynor@ddeschool.org

Michaela Faulhaber, Math Teacher, has been teaching in Colorado for the past nine years. She began her educational journey working as an ELL teacher, supporting non-native English speakers to reach their full potential inside the classroom and in the community. For the past seven years she has been a second and fourth grade teacher at Glenwood Springs Elementary, which has recently made the important transition to becoming an Expeditionary Learning school. This shift aligned perfectly with Michaela’s core beliefs as an educator, that students learn best through meaningful content where they have the opportunity to feel challenged and empowered with their learning. She has loved the professional development she has been involved with this year.Michaela Faulhaber pic She was recently given the opportunity to attend the National Crew Institute in New York to deepen her knowledge of crew time and the belief in educating the whole child, academically, socially and emotionally. She is passionate about Expeditionary Learning both as a teacher and mother and feels so fortunate to become a part of such a warm, supportive and energizing community.  In Michaela’s spare time she loves getting out with her husband and family and enjoying the great diversity that Colorado has to offer. She can’t wait for her own children to be a part of the Downtown Denver Expeditionary School and the many opportunities it will provide.

Alexis Dabney, Math Teacher,ali is founding crew member of DDES. Shearned her Masters in Teaching at Dominican University in Chicago while working as a Teach for America corps member. A love of the outdoors brought her to Denver where she taught as a founding 6th grade reading instructor for the STRIVE Prep Charter Network. Alexis has a background in community involvement through her work as the student body vice president at Texas State University where she planned the successful campaign for beginning the transition from a Division II to Division I athletic program. She also worked as an assistant to her state representative at the capitol in Austin, Texas dealing with constituent issues. Following graduation, Alexis worked for Elli Lilly in Houston, Texas. Alexis is looking forward to the opportunity to utilize her interests, experience, and love of teaching elementary students as part of the team at the Downtown Denver Expeditionary School. Alexis.Dabney@ddeschool.org

 

Anne Durbin, Performance Arts Specialist, is joining us with over 20 years of teaching experience. Spreading the love of the performing arts and teaching are her passions. Anne grew up wiunnamedth a close-knit family just outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her parents were both educators who believed in power of learning through experience. As a child, Anne dedicated most of her free time to learning the art of dance and musical theatre. In high school, she was managing her father’s studio and teaching dance to children and adults, on the side she also participated in the drama club and choreographed her high school musicals. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Social Science Major and Business Minor. While she was in college she also received her ballet teacher certification with the Cecchetti Council of America and her Pilates certification with the McEntire Workout Method. After college, Anne started a pre-professional performance company through her studio. She won multiple awards for technique, creative choreography and developing students with integrity and positive attitudes. In 2013, Anne moved to Denver with her boyfriend to open a cold-pressed juice company. She has been teaching Pilates and various fitness classes through the Downtown Denver YMCA. Anne is looking forward to collaborating with the talented instructors of the Downtown Denver Expeditionary school to create a performance arts program that develops a higher level learner. In her spare time, Anne enjoys traveling, attending concerts, being in the great outdoors and spending quality time with her loved ones. Annie.Durbin@ddeschool.org

Curtis Huey, Adventure Specialist, has spent the last five years working for the Colorado Outward B2015 08 12_0825_edited-1ound School in Moab, Utah, leading trips for youth and adults in the desert Southwest. A graduate of Eastern Washington University, he began working and teaching in the Outdoor Education program at the university.  It was there he discovered his passion for the outdoors and education. After graduation he worked for the Colorado Outward Bound School in the summers and spent several winters working as Ski Patrol in Idaho where he utilized his Wilderness First Aid skills while sneaking in first tracks. In addition to Outward Bound, Curtis spent a season working with younger students in Hong Kong as an outdoor education instructor for an International school program.  He is excited to join the DDE program.  In his free time he builds outdoor gear and enjoys trying to discover unknown canyons in southern Utah.

Heathe10458627_10102196377014807_7820299576166766227_nr Collins, Technology, Engineering, and Design (TED) Specialist, is excited for her new venture at DDES! She taught outdoor and experiential education for seven years (both in the U.S. and Australia) before transitioning to “indoor” or “traditional” classrooms. In 2014 she earned her alternative teaching license through the Stanley British Primary School Teacher Prep Program in Denver and in 2015 she was a 3rd grade T.A. at DDES. Heather’s connection to TED is her B.A. in Photography and Digital Media and her ten years on Odyssey of the Mind and Destination Imagination teams. She and her team were global, state, and regional winners. Her philosophy of education revolves around teaching the whole child – mind, body, and character. She believes students learn best when they are exposed to hands-on learning and plenty of movement breaks. She believes that students feel safer in a learning environment where they are taught to be caring and empathetic citizens of their school (and larger) community. She thinks that being healthy in all three dimensions is absolutely crucial to a child’s success in school and life. In her free time you can find Heather socializing with friends, going on hikes, geocaching, or facilitating groups through the CU Boulder Challenge Course. Heather.Collins@ddeschool.org

Teaching Assistants

Amelia2015 08 12_0961 Mandell, Teaching Assistant, graduated UMass Amherst with a degree in Linguistic Anthropology. Amelia traveled and lived abroad to explore her love of language, culture, food, and organic farming. Amelia is always ready to explore whether it’s traversing the Slovenian Alpes to homesteading at the foot of Mt. Hood, to floating atop the salty Dead Sea. Her love for exploration, adventure and learning naturally lead her to working with children as she finds them to be the best explorers.  Her favorite experience working with kids has always been the several years as an Outdoor Adventure leader in the Boston metro area where she taught elementary to middle school aged children how to camp, climb, hike, and of course, adventure.  After some years as a registered yoga teacher, Amelia has decided to combine her love for  teaching with her love for working with children to pursue a career and higher degree in Education. She is thrilled to begin her journey working with DDES. 

Brian Fleck, Teaching Assistant bio to come2015 08 12_0953

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Carolina Pahde, Teaching Assistant, comes from Bogota, Colombia. She got her B.A. in Performing Dance and in Dance Pedagogy from the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hannover, Germany. She also has an M.F.A. in Dance and Choreography from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Carolina has over twenty years of experience teaching classical ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and character dance to children and adults of all ages in three different countries (Colombia, Germany, and the United States). Coming from a family of educators, teaching has always been her greatest passion. For the past 4 years Carolina has been part of the faculty at Colorado Ballet Academy and is now really excited to have the opportunity to also join DDES’ staff as a Teaching Assistant for Crissy’s Kinder Crew this year.

Gabi Braud, Teacher Assistant, is a founding staff member of DDES and has spent the last decade 2015 08 12_0978_edited-1building excitement about teaching and classroom experience. Education is the only thing she can imagine doing. Her most recent inspiration came from volunteering at a missionary school in Chippewa nation.  Gabi is completing her undergraduate degree in early childhood development at Metropolitan State University. She started her teaching career at Auraria Early Learning Center where she assisted in a toddler classroom for two years. Gabi came to DDES to gain experience working with older age groups as  She enjoys the excitement of discovery in elementary students. When she is not at DDES, she is a tutor, mother to a new puppy, and enjoys eating bell peppers.

 

 

 

 

Jamie Goode, Teaching Assistant, recently moved to Denver from the Metro-Detroit area. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2014 from the School of Education.  Jamie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and an Elementary Education Teaching Ce2015 08 12_0955_edited-1rtification.  Last year, Jamie taught fifth and sixth grade language arts and social studies at a day school in Farmington Hills, Michigan, a project-based, innovative school.  Through her work at this school, she was exposed to the philosophy of Expeditionary Learning and became eager to learn more.  Jamie is excited to now be a part of an Expeditionary Learning program.  During the summer, Jamie is involved in  wilderness travel trip programs throughout the United States.  This past summer, Jamie led a six-week travel trip from Detroit, Michigan to the West Coast and had the opportunity to visit various national parks, while hiking and exploring.  When Jamie is not teaching, she loves hiking, skiing,  raveling and seeking new adventures.  Jamie lived in Michigan all of her life and is excited to be living in Denver and to be a part of the DDES community.

 

Maggie Thulson, Teaching Assistant, grew up in Expeditionary Learning. She was raised byIMG_6471two EL teachers and attended both the Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning and the Odyssey School. After earning a degree in Anthropology from Beloit College she became a 6th and 7th grade Teaching Fellow at Noel Community Arts School. At Noel she quickly realized both her love for education, and her wish to work with much younger children. She made her way back to the EL community as a teaching assistant, and has spent the past year entranced by Kindergarteners and insects alike. When she’s not working with children Maggie reads, cooks, and bikes around town.

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Jennifer Maloney, Teaching Assistant, Para,taught pre-school at Denver’s Great Kids Head Start for seven years before joining the DDES crew last December. In 1995, she was an Outward Bound student. She spent a week in Boston Harbor and a week in the mountains of New Hampshire.  After moving to Colorado in 1996, she attended Colorado Mountain College in Steamboat Springs where she studied outdoor education and explored the Canyon Lands of Utah. She graduated from Fort Lewis College in Durango with a Bachelors in Elementary Education. Jeni is extremely excited to be part of such an amazing school surrounded by wonderful colleagues and bright students. She believes in the value of EL education and learning.  In her free time, you’ll find her hiking, gardening,  snowboarding, and maybe even floating on a river in a tube!