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Staff Directory

Administration

Carney, Justina

Principal

Dear McElwain Community, I am truly honored and quite fortunate to have the opportunity to serve as the Principal of McElwain Elementary School. Each child and family member I meet reaffirms my excitement for the work to be done at McElwain. I began my career in education 19 years ago in Milwaukee, WI. I...

O'Dorisio, Suzy

Assistant Principal

My name is Suzy O’Dorisio and I am excited to begin my 3rd year working with the McElwain community as your Assistant Principal! Now in my 15th year as an educator, I am excited for what the 2018-2019 school year has in store. After earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers...

Office

Spratte, Diane

Office Manager

A native of Colorado, I was raised in Westminster and graduated from Ranum HS in 1971. My four children all attended Adams 12 schools as do 2 of my 7 grandchildren. Three more are in a different school district and one is in her third year of college!! I spent 25+ years in the private sector before joining...

Anguiano Nielsen, Lenny

Secretary

Hello! My name is Lenny, and I joined the McElwain team in January of 2018. I am currently in school pursuing an elementary ed degree so I can hopefully one day have my own classroom here. I love getting to know the kids and their families and being able to assist them in any way that I can. In my spare time I like...

Kindergarten

Gonzales, Shayla

Kindergarten Teacher

My name is Shayla Gonzales. I was born and raised in New Mexico. I moved to Colorado in 2011. I started my teaching career in Denver Public Schools as a second grade teacher in 2012. I am thrilled to be joining the McElwain community as a kindergarten teacher. I look forward to getting to know my students and their...

Grant, Tammy

Kindergarten Teacher

BSW

My name is Mrs. Grant and I taught for 22 years in Tucson, Arizona. I moved to Colorado in December, 2013 and started teaching first grade at McElwain Elementary in January, 2014. My husband and I have three daughters. I enjoy spending time with my family going on hikes and reading together. I am so excited about...

Sanders, Raechael

Kindergarten Teacher

My name is Ms. Sanders and I would like to welcome you to Kindergarten here at McElwain Elementary School. I feel blessed to have been able to work with the students and the parents of this community as a classroom teacher since 2012. I have enjoyed teaching since 1998, all but three years of which have been in the...

1st Grade

Cabrera, Susana L.

1st Grade Teacher

BA, MEd

I am a California Love native that moved to Colorado a little over 9 years ago. I graduated from Monrovia High School, which is in Monrovia, CA (25 min northeast of downtown L.A.). From there I continued on to Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan and received my Bachelor's in Public Policy with a...

Dattolo, Allison

1st Grade Teacher

Hi, my name is Allison Osmus! I am super excited to begin my fifth year of teaching here at McElwain. Over the summer I got married!! My husband and I really enjoy spending time with our families, traveling, running and being outdoors. I received my undergraduate degree from Wayne State University, in my home...

Espinosa, Francela

1st Grade Teacher

My name is Francela Espinosa, I have been teaching for four years, all have been here at McElwain. I have a Bachelor degree in Behavioral Science with an emphasis in sociology and psychology as well as my Elementary Licensure. Prior to teaching I was a substitute teacher for three years in Adams 12. I have always...

2nd Grade

Medlin, Caroline

2nd Grade Teacher

MS

I was born in Ft. Worth, Texas and started my career as a preschool teacher. Six years later, I went back to school and earned my Master’s Degree in Library Science. After 10 years as an elementary school librarian I became a classroom teacher. I have been teaching at McElwain since 2011. I live in the...

Mendoza, Jennifer

2nd Grade Teacher

I am so excited to be back at McElwain after taking a year off to be with my twin girls and I am thrilled to be working with such an amazing staff and wonderful students. I have been teaching for 8 years and I love teaching 2nd grade. I obtained my Bachelors Degree from Metropolitan State College of Denver in...

Zuniga, Monica

2nd Grade Teacher

Hello! My name is Monica Zuniga and I absolutely LOVE teaching 2nd grade! I earned my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado and obtained my Master's degree in Education, Equity, and Cultural Diversity with a CLD endorsement from the University of Colorado at Boulder. I...

3rd Grade

Archuleta, Michiko

3rd Grade Teacher , 3rd Grade Teacher

BA, MA

Hello! My name is Michiko Archuleta. I have been with Adams 12 Five Star Schools for the past five years. My first year, I served as a Boettcher Teacher Resident where I enjoyed working with fourth grade and first grade students. Before falling in love with elementary school students, I taught one year at a...

Chambers, Jack

3rd Grade Teacher

BA, MA

I was born in West Virginia, but moved to Broomfield, Colorado with my family when I was 6. Both of my parents were teachers and came here for work. Soon after we moved to Boulder, where my father got a job at Fairview High School, and it was in Boulder that I did the rest of my growing up. Even after high school I...

Weinstein, David

3rd Grade Teacher

BA

I have been an elementary school teacher for 16 years. For every one of those years I have been teaching 5th grade at McElwain. 3 years ago I awitched to the 3rd Grade team. I love being a part of the McElwain community of students, families, and staff. I have gotten to know many families over the years and I have...

4th Grade

Cooper, Bridget

4th Grade Teacher

My name is Bridget Cooper. I graduated from CU with a degree in psychology and elementary education. I love to read; my favorite book is the Storyteller by Jodi Piccoult. I also enjoy spending time outside hiking and kayaking. I am thrilled to be teaching at McElwain Elementary again this year, but now as part of...

Cordova, Amanda

4th Grade Teacher

BA

I am very excited for this school year! This is my sixth year of teaching at McElwain. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from Metropolitan State University of Denver in May 2013. In December 2018, I will get my Masters of Arts in Teaching Diverse Learners with a Special Education and English as a...

Hansen, Janette

4th Grade Teacher

Hello! My name is Janette Hansen and I have just moved to the beautiful state of Colorado from Utah. I have a BS and MEd in Elementary Education--both are from Utah State University. I also have my ESL and reading endorsement. This will be my eighth year of teaching and I am so excited to join the McElwain team! In...

5th Grade

Armstrong, Courtney

5th Grade Teacher

I am a Colorado native. Teaching has been a passion of mine since elementary school. I obtained my Bachelors Degree from Metropolitan State College of Denver in Speech Language Pathology and Elementary Education. Recently I completed my Masters Degree at University of Colorado Denver in Curriculum and Instruction,...

Chamberlain, Leah

5th Grade Teacher

Welcome to 5th grade! I grew up in Colorado, and got my degree in Educational Studies from Knox College. I have been teaching since 1999, and I joined McElwain in 2015. I am lucky to have my family nearby, and my mom (Grandma Cheryl) comes to volunteer in the classroom once a week. My favorite thing to do...

Williams, Sofia

5th Grade Teacher

BA

This is my first year teaching at McElwain Elementary School and my sixth year of teaching. I have taught kindergarten through second grade and now fifth grade. I grew up in Commerce City, graduating from Adams City High School. I went on to the University of Colorado in Boulder where I earned a BA in Psychology. I...

Specials

Albrecht, Stephanie

Art Teacher

BFA, ME

Born in Eastern Iowa, I was introduced to art as a child by my parents. Whenever I was "bored" I was urged to draw in my sketchbook-and I did. I drew EVERYTHING! And since art was my favorite thing, I naturally chose to study Drawing, Painting, and Art History at Iowa State University where I was lucky enough to study...

Stutzman, Ryan

Music Teacher

MS, BME

Ryan Stutzman has been a music educator and commercial trumpet/electronics performer for over a decade. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Metropolitan State University of Denver and a Master of Science degree in Music Technology from Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis. In addition...

Gaudreault, Laurie

P.E. Teacher

BA, MA

My name is Laurie Gaudreault and I am the Physical Education teacher at McElwain Elementary. I have 27 years of teaching experience both at the elementary and high school level. My focus in PE is to introduce and reinforce the love of movement and play to all students in grades Kinder through 5th grade. I am involved...

Support Services

Sousa, Elizabeth

Social Worker

Hello McElwain Family! My name is Liz Sousa and I am so excited to be joining the McElwain team this year as the School Social Worker. I am a proud Colorado native, and I love the state so much I couldn't imagine leaving for college! I have my Masters in Social Work from Colorado State University and my...

Anderson, Deborah

Paraeducator

I’m married and have 3 grown children. I have worked in the district for 9 ½ years. I started out at North Star Elementary then came to McElwain 5 yrs. ago. I enjoy the outdoors like in gardening. I also enjoy quilting and sewing.

Jimenez-Collette, Michele

Paraeducator

Hello! I am excited to start my 13th year at McElwain. This is my 3rd year working in the computer lab. I am married and have 3 older kids. I love reading and playing volleyball and basketball. I believe serving is important and try to volunteer as much as possible.

Sotiros, Gregory

Paraeducator

Hello! I'm excited to join the McElwain team this year. I grew up in Colorado and went to the University of Colorado at Boulder. I spent the last 6 years teaching English in a small town in northern Japan. I love the outdoors, hiking, and camping. I also love traveling and learning about other cultures.

Zolfi, Deborah

Psychologist

EdS

Hi, my name is Deborah Zolfi and I have been the School Psychologist at McElwain for the past 5 years. I have worked in the district for 12 years - 5 years at Thornton High School and 2 years at Niver Creek Middle School. I am so very fortunate to work here at McElwain and really enjoy working with elementary school...

Dittman, Kristy

Literacy Teacher

MA, BA

My name is Kristy Dittman. This is my 14th year teaching. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Colorado Boulder in 2000. I taught in Weld County for 10 years. Most of that time I spent teaching first and second grade. In 2011, I completed my Masters of Arts in Education with a reading...

Bautista, Carolina

Family Liaison

I've been working at McElwain for the past 3 years, as a Family Outreach Laison between the school, families and students. One of many things I do is to provide resources to families. I am married with 4 children and my favorite pastime is being with them and do all kinds of activities.

Bernhardt, Erin

Instructional Coach

Hello! My name is Erin Bernhardt and I have been an educator for the past 12 years. I am a Colorado native and grew up in Estes Park. I graduated from Colorado State University, Go Rams!, with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I earned my Masters of Education and teaching license from Regis University...

Murray, Vicki

Instructional Coach

MS

I am thrilled to be starting my second year as a member of the McElwain community! Growing up in a small town in southwest Minnesota, I know the power of positive relationships and knowing everyone’s name. My career started in Wichita, Kansas where I enjoyed nine years of teaching middle school. When I arrived in...

ELL

Franklin, Julia

ELD Teacher

Hello! I am so excited to be joining the McElwain community this fall. I am a Colorado native and I love living here. I earned my teaching degree from UNC in Greeley. I will be finished with my master's degree from Regis this summer. I have 6 years of teaching experience in Aurora. For the past 4 years, I have...

Her, Pafoua

ELD Teacher

Hello! My name is Pafoua Her and I'm very excited to be a part of McElwain this fall supporting students to develop their English language use. I grew up in Colorado, but moved away to Indiana and received my Bachelor's of Science in TESOL Education. While in university, I discovered a passion for diversity and...

Sommers, Kyle

ELD Teacher

Hello! I'm Kyle Sommers and I am one of the English Language Development teachers at McElwain! It is my second year here, and 7th year teaching overall. In ELD we focus on the way the English language can be used in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, both in Social and Academic situations. We prepare for...

Special Ed

Fisher, Iveta

SSN Paraeducator

I was born and raised in Slovakia. I am a mother of two and happily married to my wonderful husband of soon to be eighteen years. We have a cat named Nibira. I love traveling, cooking, skiing, volleyball and reading. I have been teaching special education for 20 years. I have taught children from ages six...

Gagnon, Erin

SSN Paraeducator

Hello! I'm Erin Gagnon and I have worked with special needs children as a paraprofessional for 25 years as well as helped in the community with the Autism Society of Colorado for 4 years. I love these special gifts I am allowed to work with. Each and every child has helped me to become a better person. Our kids...

Lovfald, Erika

Speech & Language Specialist

Hi everyone! My name is Erika Lovfald and I’ll be the speech and language pathologist at our school. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin. I moved to Colorado to attend the speech-language pathology masters program at CU Boulder. After moving here, I fell in love with this state...

Kasprzak, Rachel

Learning Specialist

BS

It is so great to be back at McElwain this year! This will be my second year at McElwain as a Special Education Learning Specialist and my seventh year as a teacher. Previously I have taught Early Childhood Special Education for both inclusion and center based programs. I am originally from Grand Rapids Michigan...

Walsh, Anna

Learning Specialist

Hi everyone, my name is Anna Walsh and I am so excited to have joined the McElwain team this school year. As you are allowing me to get to know your children, I thought you might like to know a little about me as well. I recently graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor's Degree in Special...

Health

Chaffer, Gina

Health Aide

Hi! My name is Gina and I have worked as a nurse for over 30 years, and I am so excited to be McElwain’s Health Aide. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have two grown children. Our 1st Grandbaby is on the way!!! I love to garden, paint with watercolors, knit, all crafts and decorating, and...

Library

Lord, Susan

Teacher Librarian

I have been in education for 21 years. I spent 17 years as a high school science teacher. Then in order to continue to learn and grow, I chose to get my school library degree, because I love books, libraries, and technology. I have been at McElwain for a total of 4 years. My first 3 ½ years in school library were...

Herrera, Gladys

Media Clerk

Hello everyone! My name is Gladys Herrera I am the Library Media Clerk at McElwain Elementary School. I was born and raised in Mexico and moved here at the age of 32. I am bilingual and have currently been a part of Adams 12 Five Star School for 15 years now. Working here has been one of the most amazing experiences...

PEAK

Martinez, Alec

PEAK Director

I am the director of The PEAK Learning Center here at McElwain. I have enjoyed getting to know the students and staff over the past 5 years. I am currently working towards a degree in Elementary Education. I am a Colorado native and enjoy many outdoor activities such as camping and hunting. I believe strongly in...

Nutrition

Muck, Kimberle

Kitchen Manager

Hello! My name is Kimberle Muck and it is very exciting to be joining the McElwain team as your Kitchen Manager. The majority of my working years have been in food service. Before coming to Adams 12, I was the cook at Primrose School of Longmont. I have also worked as a kitchen manager for St. Vrain Valley...

Zuniga, Tammy

Cook , Cashier

My name is Tammy K. Zuniga and I was born in Denver, Colorado. I am happily married with two children and a dog. I am proud of the accomplishments that my children have obtained as they have grown into young adults. I have had my outgoing dog, Squeakers for eight years. We hang out a lot during my leisure time and go...

Eubank, Luz

Kitchen

Tersigni, Cinzia

Kitchen

Custodial

Torrez, Greg

Head Custodian

Cabazos, Nicholas

Custodian

Hello! My name is Nick and I have been a custodian for 14 years, most recently here at McElwain. Some things I enjoy in my off time are motorcycles, UFC fights, video games and Hot Wings. I look forward to working with the staff and students of McElwain Elementary.

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