2008-2009 Staff

Administration

Principal Changes for 2008-2009
Principal Vicki Cyr is retiring as of July 1, 2008 as Principal of McKinley-Thatcher. Beginning August 1, 2008, Mrs. Brette Scott will be the new Principal of McKinley-Thatcher. McKinley-Thatcher welcomes Mrs. Scott and looks forward to her joining the McKinley-Thatcher staff as the new principal. Below is a letter from Mrs. Scott introducing herself to the McKinley-Thatcher.

A Letter From Mrs. Scott to the McKinley-Thatcher Community
April 3, 2008

Dear McKinley-Thatcher Community,

It is with great excitement that I am writing this letter to introduce myself. As a life-long resident of the Platt Park and Washington Park community, joining the McKinley family is like coming home. I have always believed McKinley-Thatcher to be a hidden gem and I'm excited to help continue the excellence that has been built throughout the year.

I am a native Coloradoan and love the great outdoors where I spend a great deal of time with my husband Rusty and dog Tanner at our cabin South Park. In December we welcomed our baby girl Landyn to our family. She is an absolute joy! Running, reading and my most recent passion for fly-fishing help me stay energized for anything that comes my way.

Professionally I have been with Denver Public Schools for 12 years and have worked in a number of capacities. I started my career at Park Hill Elementary as a literacy coach and teacher for six years. I then took a brief break from DPS to work with a school development organization; The Learning Network where I traveled and supported schools across Colorado and in Washington State in implementing on-site, job embedded professional development. Returning to DPS, I joined the Southeast Area Superintendent's Office as a Literacy/Assessment Specialist and worked with 40 schools in curriculum and instruction. I returned to the schools as an Assistant Principal at Park Hill K-8 and then as Principal at Bromwell Elementary. I currently serve as an Instructional Superintendent supervising 15 elementary schools across the district. I feel my experiences have helped me grow tremendously and have given me a strong background in school leadership that I am very excited to share with the McKinley community.

I am very excited to get to know you and each of your children individually as they grow and learn. I want to thank you ahead of time for sharing your children with me. It is a privilege that I do not take lightly and am deeply committed to.

I am excited to begin meeting you at the Spring Social and Field Day. Please stop by to say hello and throughout the school year do not hesitate to share your thoughts, ideas, concerns and celebrations with me.

Sincerely,

Brette Scott

Classroom Teachers

Mrs. Angela Foster, Early Childhood Education (ECE-4 year olds) Teacher
Stay tuned for Mrs. Foster's bio!

Ms. Bobbie Genty, Extended Day and Half Day Kindergarten Teacher
This is my sixth year at McKinley-Thatcher and my 24th year in education! My degree is in Early Childhood Education (Grades Pre K-12), and my experience is entirely in ECE and Kindergarten. I am an expert block builder and finger painter! I am the mother of three grown sons and grandmother of two wonderful children. When I am not stacking blocks or finger painting, I am digging in my garden or curling up with a good book.

Mrs. Susan Ashley, First Grade Teacher
Greetings to the McKinley-Thatcher community! My name is Susan Ashley and I am the 1st grade teacher. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the McKinley-Thatcher team and have the opportunity to serve in such a wonderful community. I have experience in kindergarten, first, and 2nd grade, however 1st grade remains my favorite. Besides working with 6 and 7 year olds I also enjoy reading, cooking, needlepoint, and spending time with my family and friends. My husband and I have two children and it is always exciting when they return home to the nest. I look forward to working with the staff and families at McKinley-Thatcher. I know it will be an exciting year and I thank you for the opportunity and privilege of
working with your children!

Ms. Jennifer Lynch, First/Second Grade Teacher
Hello! This year I am teaching the Grade 1/2 combination class. This is my 2nd year to McK-T but I have been working in DPS for almost 7 years. I have worked as a para and a substitute and I completed my student teaching just over three years ago. Two years ago I taught at Montclair as a kindergarten teacher and now I am here. And I must say I do love primary. The kids keep me young, and laughter is a huge part of most of my days. On my down time, I have a pup that keeps me very busy; I am usually running or hiking with her. She and I get back to Nebraska, where I am from, quite regularly.

Ms. Laura Scott, Second Grade Teacher
I grew up in a small town in upstate New York, where I earned an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. In 1981, I packed up my rusted green Ford Pinto, and moved to Colorado. (not knowing a soul!) It was here that I pursued my Elementary Education degree. After teaching Special Education for seven years, I received a Master's Degree in Special Ed./Moderate Needs. In 22 years, I have worked with over 525 kids! When I'm not teaching, I enjoy hiking, rafting, skiing and playing my guitar. I feel lucky to be working with such a great staff at McKinley-Thatcher.

Mrs. Barbara Mayes, Third Grade Teacher
I have been teaching in Denver Public Schools for 19 years thirteen of which have been at McKinley-Thatcher. I have taught 4th grade for ten years. I have taught third grade for eight years. One of the things I like most about teaching 3rd grade is the interesting history of Denver and the many colorful people who have made Denver the wonderful city that it is! My greatest success has been raising four wonderful children and reaping the blessings of nine grandchildren. I enjoy teaching children and have the joy each child brings to the classroom.

Mrs. Jeannine West, 4th Grade Teacher
Returning to the classroom after spending last year as a Math/Science facilitator, I am so excited to be joining the McKinley-Thatcher community!

I have taught in both public and private schools, with a passion for inquiry-based science, environmental education, and visual arts. I look forward to working alongside - and learning with - your fourth graders and the McKinley-Thatcher staff this year.

I'm very fortunate to have many interests and people that inspire me, including my husband, John, and two daughters, Courtney and Camille. I love bike riding, sketching, gardening, journaling, collecting rocks and 'stuff' and, perhaps most of all, making books, for myself and with children.

When I'm not at school, I'm riding my bike in City Park, drinking coffee, or working in my rocky garden in the mountains. I'm a native Texan, but have learned to love the Rocky Mountains and Desert Southwest. What inspiring places!

Dr. Judith Girard, Fourth Grade Teacher
I am delighted to be a member of the teaching staff at beautiful McKinley-Thatcher Elementary School, with its reputation for high standards and test scores. Although I have taught all grade levels from first through college, my favorite is always my present assignment. I am pleased to have joined the professional staff in a community of caring parents and students. From my birthplace in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, where I met John, my marriage partner of forty-three years, we traveled west and settled in Lakewood, Colorado. I attended the Universities of Wisconsin and Wyoming, and received my B.A., M.A., and my Ed. D. from the University of Northern Colorado. My passion is education! As a result, I have served as leader, writer, and speaker in the field I so love. I am thrilled to begin my forty-sixth teaching year at the home of the Eagles.

Mrs. Erika Morris, Fifth Grade Teacher
I grew up in northern Minnesota, California and Iowa. I received a B.A. in Elementary Education and a B.A. in Spanish from Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. During college I traveled extensively, studied for a semester at a university in Spain, and taught briefly in Guadalajara, Mexico. Following graduation, I moved to San Antonio to help meet the need for bilingual teachers in Texas. After teaching 4th grade for three years there, I got married and my husband and I chose to make Colorado our home. It's hard to believe this is my fourth year at McKinley-Thatcher, but we love it here and plan to stay! I especially enjoy leading the enrichment opportunities that come along with 5th grade such as Balarat, Young Ameritowne, science field trips, and school leadership projects. I believe 5th grade can be a pivotal year for students to grow in their love for reading, writing, math, science, and history. I look forward to a wonderful year!

Ms. Darcy Wagar, Multi Intensive (MI) Special Education Teacher
I feel very fortunate to work at McKinley-Thatcher this year. I moved to Colorado in the summer of 2006 after receiving my Bachelors in Special Education at Michigan State University (GO GREEN!). I began my first year of teaching at two Denver Public Schools as a Mild/Moderate Special Educator last year; it's nice to be at one place now. I enjoy the students and other teachers who work so hard every day in Room 204; we have learned so much from each other. When I am not having fun at school, I am spending time with my boyfriend, Josh, and puppy, Tino. I also enjoy the many activities Colorado has to offer; currently my favorite thing to do is snowboarding.

Specials Teachers

Mrs. Amy Rivera, Speech/Language Pathologist
I attended Villanova University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Following college, I worked in Washington, DC for four years. After one short visit to beautiful Colorado, I decided to pursue my Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Colorado at Boulder. I am fortunate to be entering my fourth year at McKinley-Thatcher. I enjoy working at this wonderful school because it's filled with dedicated teachers and staff who care about providing students with a successful learning environment. When I'm not working, I'm usually trying to keep up with our toddler (who is pretty fast). As a family, we enjoy reading, playing, dancing, and time with friends.

Mrs. Becky Friis, Humanities Facilitator and School Assessment Leader
I grew up in a military family, and my nursery and elementary school years were spent in England, Georgia, and Libya. I always expected that I would continue to move around the world throughout my life; instead I have remained in Colorado, enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor activities this state has to offer. I am married to Bob and we have two wonderful adult children, Blake and Lesley. I received my BA from CU-Boulder and my teaching certificate and MA from CU-Denver. Currently, I am in the Reading and Writing Endorsement program at CU-Denver. I feel so lucky to be working at McKinley-Thatcher as the Humanities Facilitator this year because of the wonderful staff, students, and parents!

Mr. Benjamin Herman, Music
It is a great pleasure to begin my third year teaching music at McKinley-Thatcher Elementary. I obtained my Bachelor's of Science in Vocal Music Education from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD. I also have a Master's in Education with emphasis in Choice Theory from Graceland University in Lamoni, IA.

In the summer of 2005, I was transplanted from Maui, HI to Denver. It's been a great few years living in the Rocky Mountain region. This summer I spent many hours landscaping my yard and spending time in the mountains adding some 13ers and 14ers to my ever-growing list. I'm looking forward to a great year teaching the students of McKinley-Thatcher and sharing my love of music with every student.

Ms. Susan Richards, Physical Education and Dance Teacher This is my 11th year of teaching elementary physical education in Denver Public Schools. My special interest is movement and its application to brain development and consciousness. My other interests are many and varied: I am a 7 on the Enneagram. A perfect day for me would be listening to Wagner while riding a mustang across Mongolia, followed by home cooked Indian food with friends while discussing Dostoevsky. I enjoy being a part of the McKinley-Thatcher School community and getting to know all the children and their families.

Mrs. Mary Olson, Teacher-Librarian and Gifted and Talented Teacher
I grew up in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, which was also my father's hometown. There are many educators in my family: my grandfather taught German and French in Chicago schools. My grandmother was a principal and sewing teacher. My father was a social studies teacher and principal. My mother taught piano lessons and kindergarten. I have lived in Denver for 26 years with my husband of 29 years. He is a court interpreter. We have 3 sons, ages 24, 20 and 16. They have all attended DPS. Two are in college, and my youngest is a sophomore at East High this year. Between the 3 of them, they have attended 11 different DPS schools, so I am happy to talk middle school options with 5th grade parents. My passions are books, inspiring kids to read, and handwork of many kinds. Mary Olson

Ms. Jean Smith-Andrade, ESL Teacher
Mrs. Smith-Andrade is joining the McKinley-Thatcher staff in 2008-2009. She is a fluent Spanish speaker and will be working with children who are identified as English Language Learners. Stay tuned for Mrs. Smith-Andrade's bio.

Ms. Jackie Plumbar, Occupational Therapist
I received my OT/PT degrees in Texas. I have worked in DPS since 1999 and enjoyed every minute of it! It has been my pleasure to work at the fabulous McKinley-Thatcher School for four years. I love working at McKinley-Thatcher and enjoy learning from the students in my program and throughout the school. As a member of the OT/PT department, I travel to numerous schools in DPS, including Children's Hospital, and I usually have a tight schedule to meet. I am a member of the Mikmaq Nation (American Indian) from Nova Scotia, Canada and I am also indigenous Hawaiian. I enjoy reading, learning new languages, cultural hula dancing, powwows, judo, kayaking, mountain climbing, weight lifting, and a host of other challenging activities.

Miss Katherine Sisk, Mild/Moderate Special Education Teacher
I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the McKinley-Thatcher community. I have worked as a Special Education teacher at McKinley-Thatcher for the past five years. It has been a wonderful experience. In terms of education, I received my Bachelors from Hobart William Smith College in Geneva, New York and I completed my Masters in Special Education at University of Colorado at Denver. When I am not teaching, I enjoy the outdoors. I love to go on walks in the park. I also like to cook, especially for other people. I am looking forward to the upcoming year!

Mr. Sam Tunheim, Art Teacher (a.k.a. "Mr. T.")
Hey everybody-I am so excited about being a part of the McKinley-Thatcher community. I come from Santa Cruz California. I attended the Caifornia College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland for two years, then moved on to U.C. Santa Cruz to study Scientific Illustration. I moved out to Colorado in '94 and started working with kids. Once I felt I had enough life experience I went up to Greeley and earned my teaching certificate. This is my ninth year teaching in DPS; the last three at the elementary level.The elementary level is my absolute passion; I love the little ones with their fresh creative perspective. It was Picasso who said he spent his whole youth trying to paint like a master, and the rest of his life trying to paint like a child. When not working, you can find me hanging out with my little family, playing disc golf, or creating something.

Special Services

Mrs. Genny Carter, Nurse
I am a native Missourian, but have spent the last 30 years in Omaha Nebraska. I moved to Colorado in August of 2007. I graduated from Jennie Lund School of Practical Nursing in 1977. I have done some course work toward becoming a Registered Nurse and also towards an undergrad degree in African American Studies with a Native American Studies minor. ( My goal is to complete both programs, soon!) I am currently divorced. I have 2 sons ages 25 and 20 and one grandson age 4. My sons both reside in Omaha. I stay busy doing volunteer work, and am actively involved in my church. I enjoy reading, dancing, bowling and spending time with my family and friends. My schedule is divided between Asbury and McKinley. It has been a very enriching and rewarding experience working with the staff and family at both schools!

Mr. Steve McCeney, Psychologist / Social Worker
I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. I come from a large family and have brothers and sisters on both coasts of the country and in Denver. I went to Catholic schools from K-12 and still have many friends in the D.C. area from those days. I came out west to go to college and ultimately stayed to complete a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Denver. I have worked locally as a psychologist in corporations, hospitals, universities, mental health centers and have maintained a private practice for over twenty years. I began working in the schools in 1997 when I joined the team at Jefferson County Public Schools and in 2002 went to work for a private school. This is my fourth year at McKinley Thatcher Elementary and my second at Pioneer Charter. I really enjoy working with the students, staff and parents and am dedicated to helping students achieve academic and personal success. I continue my private practice part-time and am pursuing my respecialization from clinical to school psychology at the University of Colorado at Denver. The extra vacation time I now have working in the school setting usually finds me on one coast or the other, visiting my growing family or on yoga and mediatation retreats in some very tranquil locale. It's how I recharge.

Paraprofessionals

LynnBlackledge
I have worked with children since 1976 when I was a Director's Assistant for a day care center. I worked there for 16 years. I became employed with DPS (Denver Public Schools) in 1992 as a classroom paraprofessional. Later, I took the training to become a Reading Assistant for McKinley-Thatcher. I love what I do. My job is to teach children to read and to be successful at it. My goal is to have every child learn to love reading.

Vic Albright, ELA Paraprofessional
Hola. I grew up in Ohio, have traveled through much of the U.S., lived in Mexico City and traveled in Europe. I moved to Colorado over 20 years ago because I love the mountains and I love to ski. I grew up speaking English and Spanish at the same time. I believe speaking two languages or more is very important because it helps us understand how other cultures think and view the world. I have been with Denver Public Schools over 10 years.

When I am not at McKinley-Thatcher talking with the terrific kids,
parents and staff, I am usually driving my son to a skateboarding park or paintball field. My wife is usually at the spa and getting a massage or two. We have two barky dogs named Shasta and Muffin; two meowie cats, Althea and Rushmore and a sucker fish named The Fish Guy.

Kathleen East
I have been a paraprofessional at McKinley-Thatcher for almost three years. My twin daugher and son attended the school before going to middle school this year. I am a para in the ECE and Kindergarten classes and offer other staff assistance wherever needed. When not busy with my job at the school, I am active in the Girl Scouts program and frequently volunteering at school events, and I love to read.

Ms. Adrienne Hayes, Special Education Paraprofessional, Rm. 204
Ms. Haye's bio is coming soon!

Ms. Connie Klepper, ECE Paraprofessional, Rm. 108
I grew up in Michigan and have a BA in Journalism from the University of Michigan. After working as a research associate on a National Science Foundation grant and as a developmental writer for the Engineering College, I moved to Boston where I started my waitressing career! I ended up working in the graphic arts/advertising field for many years. Whenever I had the opportunity, I volunteered as a reading/writing mentor at various elementary schools. After moving to Denver, I decided I wanted to work in education on a full-time basis. I love working with children and helping to create a joy of learning that will last a lifetime. Previously I worked at Wyman Elementary as a 3rd grade and kindergarten paraprofessional. I am very happy to now be part of the McKinley-Thatcher community!

Special Education Paraprofessional, MI Class
We are in the process of hiring a Special Education Paraprofessional for the 2008-2009 school year.

Special Education Paraprofessional, MI Class
We are in the process of hiring a Special Education Paraprofessional for the 2008-2009 school year.

Technology Paraprofessional
We are in the process of hiring a new Technology Paraprofessional for the 2008-2009 school year.

Office Staff

Ms. Rita Raymond, School Secretary
I have been the secretary of McKinley-Thatcher School for 11 years. Previously I worked at a bank as a secretary for 20 years. I am married and have two adult children, Scott and Tracy. I love gardening, jig-saw puzzles, reading and riding my bike. It has been a pleasure meeting and working with all the wonderful families of this fine community.

Mr. Ray Richardson, School Secretary
I have lived in Colorado most of my life. I come to McKinley-Thatcher Elementary from the DPS Educational Resource Services Center where I worked as the Textbook Librarian and in the Video Library. I am enthused to work in a school that is architecturally interesting and has a squeaky clean interior that stimulates the imagination (our skylight allows a cluster of ficus, corn plants and vines to form a tidy indoor jungle where a careful eye can spy Curious George climbing a tree). Best of all, McKinley-Thatcher is blessed with an administration and staff that are friendly, helpful and dedicated, providing a positive atmosphere in which to work and learn. When at home I am usually soaking up music, amassing books, walking my dog or seeing what I can grow in Colorado's challenging soil.

And last, but certainly not least...
Our Award Winning Facility Management Team

Mr. Mike Potter, Facility Manager
I was born in Denver. I am a twin. I attended Fairmont Elementary, Knapp Elementary, Rishel Junior High, and graduated from West High School. I continued my education at Emily Griffith Opportunity School, and I have twelve trade certificates ranging from HVAC to Electrician. I also enjoy playing guitar and have a great love for my artwork. I love the mountains, hunting, camping, fishing, reading and playing on my computer. I love McKinley-Thatcher. Everybody is so wonderful to me. I am very grateful to work in such a great place!

Mr. Mario Ayala, Assistant Facility Manager
I was born in Denver, Colorado and I am 25 years old. I've been working for DPS for five years and I've been here at McKinley-Thatcher for about three years. In my free time I like to play football and basketball. I am looking forward to having a good year with us here at Mckinley-Thatcher.

Karen Hobden, Part-time Custodian Helper
My name is Karen Hobden. I started part time working Feb. of 2005 at McKinley-Thatcher. I'm a mother of two daughters- Tina who is 21, and Amber 14. I like cooking, art, gardening, designing, home decor remodeling, four wheeling, and camping. I have four brothers, one who has worked for DPS for more than 10 years and recommended me to work for the district. I also have four half brothers and two sisters. I love my job at McKinley-Thatcher; everyone is so nice to me.

Last update: Saturday, September 6, 2008 at 11:12:31 AM.