Administrators
Head of School – Adriana M. Murphy
Adriana has worked in independent schools for 22 years, serving both as a teacher and an administrator. Prior to joining St. Elizabeth's, she was as the head of middle school at Friends Community School in College Park, Maryland, a Quaker K–8 independent school, a role she excelled in for eight years. Under her leadership the middle school increased enrollment by 50%. She was also responsible for high school outplacement, as well as teaching 8th grade seminars and overseeing faculty training, developing advisory and orientation programs, and creating block scheduling. Adriana has Master’s degrees in Private School Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University in New York City, and in Peace and Development Studies from Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain. She has a BA from Bishop’s University, Pr. of Quebec, Canada. She presents regularly at conferences on a wide range of educational topics, including equity in hiring, supporting LGBTQ faculty and students, cultural competency, and middle school development. She is a native Spanish speaker, and proud of her Nicaraguan heritage. Raised Catholic, educated at an Anglican university, and later taught at a Quaker school, Adriana embraces the importance of spiritual development for students. She shares with us the strong commitment to equity, diversity, integrity and inclusion. Previously, Adriana also served in Americorps as a wildland firefighter and can hold her own on the basketball court.
Lower School Division Head – Amber Hornbacher
Amber has 14 years of dedicated teaching experience in diverse educational settings. Amber has taught in public, magnet, charter and independent schools in both North Carolina and Colorado. Amber earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Special Education Mild/Moderate Needs Dual from Grambling State University in Louisiana, and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership & Special Education Administration from the University of Northern Colorado. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Business Administration at the University of Northern Colorado and is eager to combine her wealth of knowledge, experience, and perspective to continue empowering students and fostering inclusive learning environments. Originally from Aurora, Colorado, Amber enjoys exploring the outdoors and sharing adventures with her husband and three children. Paddle boarding, hiking, and road tripping are among their favorite activities.
Middle School Division Head – Ruth Poulsen
Ruth has a special soft spot in her heart for Middle Schoolers, knowing that this is an exciting and challenging stage of growing up. She is passionate about making middle school learning both challenging and joyful. Ruth has been an educator for almost two decades, starting as an English teacher, and then moving into roles like Curriculum Coordinator, Director of Curriculum, and Middle School Assistant Principal. Ruth grew up in rural Nebraska as well as being an international kid in Jordan and Jerusalem. She went to college in Missouri and earned her MA in Educational Leadership from University of San Francisco. She has spent her career serving in schools in Sacramento, California; Taiwan; Seoul; and most recently, Beijing, China. Ruth loves getting to know people and finding out how to build a welcoming school community where everyone can feel like they belong. Despite no longer teaching English literature, she still loves to read and talk about books! On the weekends, she loves to hike, so she’s excited to trade her hikes on the Great Wall of China for the Colorado rockies. Her family includes a daughter in college, a teen in high school, an art teacher husband, two cats who made it all the way from China, and a brand new rescue puppy.
Director of Admissions and Engagement - Jamika McNally
Jamika joined St. Elizabeth’s School in May 2022 from The Nueva School in San Mateo, California where she was the Assistant Director of Admissions. She brings to us more than six years of related experience which includes several other admissions-centric roles, including posts at The San Francisco Art Institute and The Los Angeles Film & Recording School. She holds an M.A.T. in Elementary Education from National-Louis University and a B.F.A. in Playwriting and Film, Television and Radio from DePaul University. She cares most about helping diverse families find the best educational opportunities for their children, so her values align perfectly with St. Elizabeth’s mission. As a new transplant to our state, Jamika is soaking up all the outdoor opportunities Colorado has to offer with her husband and two young children.
Director of Philanthropy – Kelly Church
Kelly is a seasoned professional specializing in nonprofit management, school leadership, and fundraising. With a background in education, she has honed her expertise in building relationships and demonstrating powerful communication skills. Throughout her career, Kelly has held key roles with a focus on fundraising and development, including School Director at The Denver Waldorf School for eight years, and Executive Director at Colorado Springs Assets for Youth, where she served for four years.
Kelly holds a M.A. in Child Development from Tufts University, a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Denver, and completed certificate programs in Collaborative Leadership and Waldorf Elementary Teacher Education at Sunbridge Institute. She has also served as board member of the Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS) and as a national delegate for the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). With her passion for education and her experience in nonprofit leadership she is excited to serve in this capacity at St. Elizabeth’s School.
Director of Finance and Operations – Kim Johnson
Kim began her time at St. Elizabeth’s in a part-time bookkeeper role and over the last seven years has become an esteemed member of the administrative team. Today, she is at the center of all that we do as our Director of Finance and Operations, having a hand in just about everything from day-to-day financial management to human resources. In fact, her extensive business and financial experience as a commercial property manager with a variety of firms came in handy when we moved to our new location. She holds a cooperative BA degree in Political Science/Law and Society from the University of California at Riverside. Kim’s dedication to her community extends beyond St. E’s as she serves as the Chair of the Board of the Jefferson County Public Library. When she isn’t busy working hard on behalf of the school and her community, she loves traveling with her family to experience places and culture, but also enjoys spending time almost anywhere there is a beach. She and her husband are recent empty nesters as her daughter started college in 2022 and her son in the fall of 2023. Kim is our Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator.
Office Manager | Extended Day Program Director | Health Para – Loree Lindsey
Loree graduated from Indiana University at South Bend with a B.S. in General Studies with a concentration in Behavioral and Social Studies and a Minor in Women's Studies. She manages the Front Office and EDP. Loree spent more than nine years working at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN as a Ward Clerk/Unit Secretary and Nursing Assistant. She knows St. Elizabeth's from the inside out as she was an SES parent for 10 years; her son, Quinn Pack, and her daughter, Peyten Pack are both alums of St. Elizabeth's.
Brenda is a fluent Spanish speaker, providing crucial support to our Spanish-speaking families. With over 25 years in Colorado and a proud mother of twin girls and a 10-year-old daughter, Brenda brings a deep connection to our community. She's also a devoted fish parent to Watermelon. Brenda's favorites include Glitter, apples, reading, crossword puzzles, art, hiking, coffee, and yoga. Her versatile professional background includes roles as a Parent Liaison, Administrative Assistant, and Community Outreach Specialist at Global Village Academy. Beyond work, Brenda loves traveling and volunteering at local churches and homeless shelters during school breaks and summers.
Administrative & Communications Specialist | K - 2 Music Teacher – Emily Branam
Sarah brings a wealth of experience from her background in managing databases and communications within the Colorado Episcopal Diocese and higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Philosophy from the University of Georgia and a Master’s degree in Theatre and Non-Profit Management from Villanova University.
Sarah’s commitment to fostering opportunities for all individuals is rooted in her upbringing in a diverse and economically underserved community in western North Carolina. A resident of Colorado for 20 years, Sarah enjoys spending her free time hiking with her husband and teenage son or relaxing at home watching baseball with their cat. We are thrilled to have Sarah on board, and we look forward to the energy and dedication she brings to our community.
Faculty and Staff
Kindergarten Lead Teacher – Carletta Cowans
With dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Clarke College, Dubuque, IA, Carletta has a strong foundation in understanding the diverse needs of children. With over a decade of experience in educational roles, Carletta has excelled in positions ranging from classroom teaching to overseeing child-focused programs. Her career began at Denver Public Schools, where she crafted enriching activities for students in the Kaleidoscope program. Carletta subsequently joined St. Elizabeth's, initially as a 2nd Grade Co-teacher and then moving up to become the 3rd Grade Lead-teacher before taking on her latest role. Since joining St. Elizabeth's in 2021, she has demonstrated a profound commitment to fostering a culturally responsive and engaging learning environment. Carletta is trained in several specialized pedagogical methods including the Orton-Gillingham approach to literacy, Responsive Classroom, and Mind, Brain, and Education science, which she adeptly integrates into her teaching. Her leadership is further enhanced by her ongoing professional development in areas such as Cognitive Connections and Restorative Justice, ensuring that her practices not only meet but anticipate the evolving needs of her students. This blend of educational insight, leadership skills, and dedication to lifelong learning makes Carletta an invaluable asset to our community.
Kindergarten Teaching Associate – Tyler MatlockTyler is a passionate educator with a rich background in STEM, coupled with a love for adventure and hands-on creativity. Based in Denver, Colorado, Tyler holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. With over a decade of experience tutoring K-12 students in Boulder, Denver, and Aurora, he is skilled at creating engaging learning environments that cater to diverse needs, fostering both academic excellence and a lifelong love of learning. Outside the classroom, Tyler’s adventurous spirit and hobbies, including custom metal and woodwork, enrich his teaching approach. He also leads the "Books Before Ball" program, supporting the academic growth of student-athletes. Tyler's dynamic, student-centered teaching style and commitment to inclusive education make him a standout educator.
First Grade Lead Teacher – Alexandra Meallet
Alexandra is a graduate of UC Santa Barbara, Miss Alex has a BA in Linguistics and Global Studies. She also has an Orton-Gillingham literacy certification. She comes to us from Stanley British Primary School, where she has spent the last two years as a K–2 Associate Teacher and Teaching Resident of the prestigious Public Education and Business Coalition’s (PEBC) Teacher Residency Program. As part of this program, Alex earned her professional teaching license and developed and taught lessons for grades K–2 in literacy, math, social studies, and science. In addition, she has implemented phonics instruction based on the Science of Reading. She was co-chair of the multicultural affairs committee for two years at Stanley British Primary School and won the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Educator of the Year Award in 2021.
When she’s not planning or teaching or finding materials for “Discovery Time,” you might spot her hiking, doing yoga, or talking shop with her mom—a lifelong educator.
First Grade Teaching Associate – Andrea Floren
Andrea is an energetic lifelong learner. She comes to St. Elizabeth's as a Teaching Resident of the prestigious Public Education and Business Coalition’s (PEBC) Teacher Residency Program where she will be working on her professional teaching license. Over the years, Andrea has served as a Kindergarten literacy tutor, summer camp art teacher, school library assistant, and adult tutor for English language acquisition for refugees. Prior to teaching she worked in advertising, and human-centered design innovation for over 20 years. Andrea is passionate about connecting with diverse learners and building community while nurturing vibrant minds through creativity, play, wonder, and delight. She is mother to two boys, one cat and two guinea pigs. Andrea also moonlights as a published children’s book author and illustrator. When she finds tiny pockets of time she loves to travel, write, create, take in live performances, and be in nature, but not in a tent.
Second Grade Lead Teacher – Samuel Ashmore
With over five years of experience teaching across various grade levels and subjects, Samuel Ashmore comes to us most recently from Brooklyn Friends School, where he has served as First Grade Head Teacher for the last two years. While there, Sam has nurtured a classroom culture rooted in cooperation, responsibility, and empathy, and shown particular expertise in leading high-impact phonics instruction, and STEM. Additionally, Sam has worked as a First and Second Grade Associate Teacher at Grace Church School and as a Third Grade Teacher-In-Residence at Achievement First. He has also served as a STEM Teaching Fellow at KIPP Change Academy, executing all lead teacher responsibilities in the STEM lab, and designed and implemented all STEM lesson plans, in-class activities, and assignments. An educator at heart, Sam’s volunteer experience with 826LA, Little Kids Rock, and I Have A Dream Foundation of Boulder County have also helped him connect his passion for education and his commitment to giving back to the community.
Sam is a graduate from Relay Graduate School of Education, New York, NY, with a Master of Arts in Teaching and New York State Initial Teaching Certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6).
Second Grade Teaching Associate – Christine Knox
Christine joined the St. Elizabeth School family in October, 2021 as a fourth grade co-teacher and is currently working in this capacity with first grade students. We’re lucky to have her positive energy and demonstrated professionalism in the classroom each and every day. Christine comes to us from Chicago where she worked in the Chicago Public School System (CPS) as a Classroom Assistant, Paraprofessional and Special Education Classroom Assistant (SECA). She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Southern Illinois University with a dual focus in Social Work and Speech Communications and is now in the eighth year of serving in her profession. She finds her work energizing, bringing her passion for working with children to school every day. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling and engaging in outdoor activities.
Third Grade Lead Teacher– Destiny JonesDestiny is a dedicated and enthusiastic educator with a rich background in fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments. Bringing over 10 years of experience, our new lead teacher has taught at Downtown Denver Expeditionary School, where she excelled in teaching first and second grades, mentoring middle school students, and leading summer school and after-school programs. This spring, Destiny also served as a long-term substitute at St. Elizabeth's, teaching 7th grade Social Studies and Grades 4-8 Social Justice Studies. Her expertise includes curriculum development, differentiated instruction, and experience teaching the Bridges math curriculum. Destiny previously directed after-school programs at Mi Casa Resource Center, showcasing her skills in program development, staff management, and community engagement. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Child Development, she is passionate about inspiring students to reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
Laura brings to us a wealth of teaching experience as the Lower School Spanish teacher since 1998 at Parke House Academy in Winter Park, Florida and the Newmeadow School in Clifton Park, New York. She is a former Registered Behavior Technician who worked for five years with kids impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) because she is passionate about helping and teaching all children, no matter what their skill level or abilities are. She holds an Associate of Arts degree with a focus on Business Administration from Seminole State College. In her spare time, Laura loves sewing and spending time with her family and her two adorable Chihuahuas.
Fourth Grade Lead Teacher – Kira Hellyer
Kira brings her love of learning and creative mind to the practice of teaching at St. Elizabeth’s School. She earned a B.A. degree in Environmental Design from Texas A&M University and enjoyed a career in residential design and tenant planning. At St. Elizabeth’s, we believe that educators like her who come to us with a strong business background are an invaluable resource to our students. Kira’s experience in the design world brings a unique level of critical thinking skills to real-world applications and she shares that perspective each day in the classroom. She began her teaching career at an Episcopal School in Louisiana until her family decided to relocate to Colorado. She cares about meeting her students where they are and appreciating them for who they are. She loves spending time with her husband, friends, and dog, plus she enjoys traveling, reading, and cooking a wide variety of cuisines. When she is not in the classroom, you can find her on a walk, or being creative.
Fifth Grade Co-Lead Teacher – Jeffrey Koehler
Jeffrey is in his sixth year teaching 5th grade and his nineth year teaching overall. His collaborative teaching approach shines through every day. He loves that 5th graders have so much to say about the world, and he believes that they can take on very challenging topics and still be kids. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from the University of Colorado Denver and his Masters of Arts in elementary education from Metro State University. He has a wealth of experience teaching 5th grade at Peabody Elementary, Littleton Academy, and MPB Catholic School. He believes that teaching at our school affords him the chance to live in a world of learning, peace, community, and creativity. In his free time, he likes to have no plans but also enjoys being outdoors, spending time with his family, and making music.
Fourth and Fifth Grade Teaching Associate | STEAM Teacher – Hilario Garfio-Sanchez
Hilario is a big fan of teaching math and science and enjoys “connecting the dots” for students with relevant and meaningful lessons. For several years, he taught science and math to Middle School students at the Horizons Summer Program, a direct community impact program for under-resourced students in Denver. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Metropolitan State University. He cares deeply about the creativity and independence that comes from teaching and is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming space for all students. In his free time, he enjoys hiking with his dogs, gardening, and visiting art museums and galleries.
Middle School Social Studies | Social Justice Teacher – Brian JacksonWith extensive experience spanning various roles, from Inclusive Pedagogy Instructional Coach at the Community College of Aurora to Kindergarten teacher for Cherry Creek School District, Brian is a dedicated educator with a proven track record of enhancing the educational experience for students, staff, and faculty alike. Brian has taught 6th Grade Language Arts and led initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and he has consistently utilized data to drive instructional improvements. In addition to his leadership roles, Brian has been instrumental in developing professional development programs and coaching educators to foster an inclusive and collaborative learning environment. His commitment to dismantling systemic issues and promoting social justice aligns perfectly with the mission of St. E's. Brian holds a Master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction and a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from the University of Denver, further solidifying his expertise in educational leadership and curriculum development. We are confident that Brian's innovative approach and passion for education will greatly benefit our community.
Middle School Math Teacher | Homeroom Advisor – Rebecca Knowlton
Becky is a middle school teacher at heart. Her degree is in Middle Childhood Education with Concentrations in Math and Science. She has worked with a variety of middle school teams in myriad ways. She has been both a team member and a team leader. Becky was fortunate to be a building math team co-leader; she was able to shape the curriculum selected by the Cherry Creek School District for its middle schools. She has taught a variety of subjects from American Sign Language to health and history, but math and science have been the two subjects she has focused on the most. Spending time exploring cool parts of the city like the zoo and various museums with her son and husband is her favorite thing to do on the weekends. Becky also enjoys making quilts and other sewing projects.
Middle School Language Arts Teacher | Homeroom Advisor – Griffen Stabler
Giffen grew up in Colorado before heading to the East Coast for school and work. He graduated from Williams College with a degree in English and Leadership Studies and then spent five summers earning his Masters in English at the Bread Loaf School of English in the mountains of Vermont, while also teaching Middle School English during the school year. This experience of being both a student and a teacher at the same time reminded him of the need to keep joy and excitement at the center of the classroom, which has proven especially important when working with middle school students. After spending 10 years working and learning at an independent school in Connecticut, he was excited to move back to Colorado with his young family to be closer to the mountains, his family, and schools like St. Elizabeth’s. He loves reading, stories, mowing the lawn, being outside, and anything sweet (besides chocolate!). He often loses his coffee mug (which has his name on it as a result), so please return it if you see it out and about!
Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade Science and Sixth Grade Social Studies | Homeroom Advisor – Taras Wynar
Taras has taught science, social studies, religion, and math to middle schoolers for the past 16 years, both in parochial schools and in Jeffco Public Schools. He is a graduate of Regis University with a BA in history and fine arts, and he has two Masters degrees, one in Education and one in History. Taras has two young children, and he loves volleyball and ice hockey!
Specialty Teachers
Ben is originally from the Bay Area and attended middle and high school in Boulder. He's been living and teaching overseas for the past 14 years in Taiwan, Korea, and Mainland China. Ben has a BFA from Evangel University, with a Drawing, Painting, and Ceramics focus, and a Masters of Elementary Education from the College of New Jersey.
Ben cares about empowering student voice and autonomy, teaching creativity skills, and fostering the joys of learning and making art. His favorite thing as a teacher is for students to feel like they are the authors of their own artistic process, from process to product. For the past year, Ben's been exploring making art with the AI MidJourney. In his free time, he enjoys reading sci-fi, playing games with his children, and drawing monsters.
Tory holds a BA in Religion/Bible/Youth Ministry from Bethel College, KS and a Masters of Divinity from George Fox University, OR. He has worked with children and youth ministry for 15 years in Kansas, Oregon, and Denver, and most recently was the Director of Children and Youth Ministry for Park Hill United Methodist Church (a diverse and social-justice oriented church in Denver). Tory has experience using Godly Play, a faith-formation program grounded in hands-on learning to help young people develop and engage in understanding the values of the Episcopal faith. In addition to being our School Chaplain, Tory brings a rich tapestry of musical and educational expertise to our school community. With a robust background in string instruments, especially the string bass and guitar, he is proficient across a variety of chorded string instruments. His skills extend to arranging music for diverse ensembles, adeptly transposing pieces to integrate a wide range of instruments, and his experience in conducting and leading congregational singing, coupled with technical proficiencies in amplifying, recording, and editing sounds, makes him a uniquely versatile addition to our faculty. Tory holds a Bachelor of Music.
Library Teacher - Amanda BissellWith a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from Long Island University and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Kenyon College, Amanda has a strong academic background complemented by extensive professional experience in library and educational settings. Her previous roles include School Library Media Specialist at PS 219 in Brooklyn, where she not only ran the school library program but also introduced students to the joy of bookmaking, securing a makerspace grant for the school. As a Parent Coordinator at PS 295, she effectively bridged communication between families and the school, demonstrating her skills in community engagement and support. Her volunteer work as a Reading Tutor and in library committees further highlights her dedication to literacy and student success. Her passion for fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment makes her an invaluable addition to our team.
K - 2 Grades Music Teacher – Emily Branam3 - 8 Grades Music Teacher – Tory Doerksen
Physical Education/Health Teacher – Quinn Pack
STEAM Teacher – Hilario Garfio-SanchezLower School Spanish Teacher - Laura Pruett
See above
Middle School Spanish Teacher – Ceci de la Torre
Cecilia (Ceci) de la Torre, originally from Mexico, recently completed her certification as a Professor of ELE (Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language) from the prestigious Cervantes Institute in Spain. Passionate about Spanish language, culture, and the arts, Cecilia brings a fresh and engaging approach to teaching, ensuring students of all backgrounds stay motivated and inspired. She is eager to share her knowledge with the students at St. Elizabeth's School.
Middle School Theater Teacher – Amber Williams
Amber Williams brings her impressive and expansive experience in both professional counseling and acting to St. Elizabeth's as our Theatre Specials Teacher. She holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Loyola Marymount University as well as an M.Ed. in Educational Administration: Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment from Regis University, where she also earned a certificate in Child and Adolescent counseling and an MA in Drama Therapy from New York University. She is also a Registered Drama Therapist through the North American Drama Therapy Association and a licensed professional counselor in the state of Colorado. This unique blend of Child and Adolescent counseling and Drama Therapy allows Amber to bring to the classroom an approach to theatre that is unequaled at any other Denver independent school. Amber's teaching experience includes posts at Denver East High School (her alma mater), Montebello, and Lincoln High School. Her acting career included jobs in comedy clubs, plays, and television in Los Angeles. When Amber isn't helping students navigate their emotional journeys through theatre at St. Elizabeth's, you'll find her baking something tasty in her kitchen, spending time with her beloved family, or watching the Great British Baking Show.
Student Support
K - 4 Counselor – Kelsea Taylor
Kelsea is a dedicated therapist with a strong focus on client empowerment. She is passionate about helping clients find their inner strength and resilience, believing in the power of empowering individuals to take control of their own healing journey. Working collaboratively with clients to create a safe and supportive space for exploration and growth all while involving a deep understanding of trauma and its impact on mental health, Kelsea is committed to providing compassionate and trauma-informed care with space for fun and adaptability. Kelsea is experienced in utilizing evidence-based practices to address the unique needs of everyone she works with such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and TF-CBT.
Kelsea has nearly 10 years of experience working with diverse populations as a therapist; a victim advocate; a clinical assessor; and a school-based clinician. She received her MSW from Delaware State University and is currently pursuing her independent clinical license in Social Work as a CENTUS resident.
5 - 8 Counselor – Aubree BrewerAubree is a dedicated mental health professional with a Master's in Social Work from Metropolitan State University of Denver. With a rich background in case management, assisting families, new parents, and students, Aubree brings a wealth of experience to her practice. She is well-versed in utilizing a variety of theoretical frameworks such as child-centered play therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and narrative therapy. Aubree's true passion lies in supporting individuals through trauma and other challenging life transitions. Her approach is compassionate, client-centered, and focused on empowering individuals to navigate their unique journeys towards healing and growth.
Early Literacy Specialist – Ellen Parman
Ellen began her teaching career in the mid-2000s as an Outdoor Educator with Denver Public Schools. She has served as a Lead Classroom Teacher and as an Education Policy Researcher. Ellen found her niche in the education world as a Reading Interventionist; a role she has held in both public and independent schools for the past decade. Ellen believes access to high quality literacy instruction should be available to all, and that it should be fun! She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach and has supported teachers and parents with utilizing research-based literacy interventions. Ellen received her undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and History from Bowdoin College and earned a Master’s degree from the University of Colorado, Denver. She holds a Professional Teacher License with endorsements in Elementary Education and Special Education. Ellen is an amateur naturalist and is passionate about connecting children with the wonder of nature. She enjoys nature journaling, volunteering with the Colorado Spider Survey, and time outdoors with her family.
Lower School Learning Support Specialist – Erin Rupe
Erin Rupe began her journey with St. E's as the Middle School Learning Specialist and is excited to step into a new role to further support students, families, and teachers in our amazing community. For over 25 years, Erin has been an educator including a variety of roles such as a special education teacher, a teacher of the blind/visually impaired, a classroom teacher, and a curriculum coordinator. Erin holds a B.S. in Child Development and Family Relations from the University of Texas at Austin, and a M.A. in Teaching/Special Education from the University of Puget Sound. Erin lives the value of being a lifelong learner and is constantly seeking out new professional development and teacher certifications. When she’s not engaged in these pursuits, you can find her hiking, spending time with her family, or generally enjoying the great outdoors.
Middle School Learning Support Specialist – Danielle CorriveauA passionate advocate for literacy and life-long learning, Danielle has developed innovative, multisensory phonics programs that combine structured teaching methods with engaging, game-based learning for students from second to eighth grade. Her experience spans teaching English to multilingual learners, science, and delivering impactful parent workshops on literacy engagement. Danielle’s commitment extends beyond the classroom, actively battling racial injustice and striving to close the achievement gap. Holding a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Urban Education from the University of Denver, and certified in multiple educational approaches, she is well-prepared to support our diverse student population. Her previous roles include Literacy Interventionist and CLDE Teacher Leader at Aurora Public Schools, alongside significant contributions as an author and professional communicator. She is also the author of Trail Mix: Stories of Youth Overcoming Adversity
