Faculty & Staff

Administration & Support Staff

	I’m Sarina Compoz, third year principal of Southmoor Elementary. I can’t tell you how happy I am to be a part of this school and this incredible community. I began my career in education in Jefferson County. I taught sixth grade there after graduating from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado. During the ensuing years I taught first grade and reading intervention. I received my Master’s Degree and my Type D principal’s certification from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, my hometown. I was an assistant principal at Lumberg Elementary and then principal at West Woods Elementary. I moved to the Littleton Public Schools for four years and then transferred to DPS in 2011. I worked at Castro Elementary. I have a daughter, Sophia, who makes life interesting! She is in the third grade. We like spending time as a family just hanging out, going places, or taking trips. Sophia particularly likes shopping. I enjoy sports and I am a rabid Broncos fan. Southmoor is wonderful community. The diversity in our school and neighborhood help to make it such an interesting place to work. I enjoy sharing ideas and developing creative solutions to problems with the staff, parents, and the community at large. Guiding our school and preparing our students for the future is a real challenge and one that requires the involvement of us all. I try to be accessible to all kids and adults and to be a welcoming presence in the school, so please feel to get in touch if you have a question, concern, or even a compliment for us! I look forward to working with all of you!	Sarina Compoz	Principal	sarina_compoz@dpsk12.org
	If you have any questions regarding Registration, school records, or the School of Choice process please feel free to contact Mrs. Nava Hernandez by e-mail	Gaby Nava-Hernandez	Secretary	gaby_navahernandez@dpsk12.org
		Leticia Macias	Secretary	Leticia_Macias@dpsk12.org
		Junius Bey	Lunchroom Manager	junius_bey@dpsk12.org
		Monica Renteria	Lunchroom Assistant
		Jason Martinez	Facility Manager	Jason_Martinez2@dpsk12.org
		Marie Terri	Custodian	Edith_Terri@dpsk12.org

Classroom Teachers

		Kristen Henninger	ECE	kristin_disalle-henninger@dpsk12.org Mr. Henninger's Website
	My name is Jamie Hencmann. This is my second year on the Southmoor Team! As a Denver Native, I can’t seem to get enough of the beautiful scenery and the crazy weather we all enjoy. I have two beautiful daughters, Nevaeh age 11 and Hailey age 4, they make every day better than the one before. Together we enjoy camping, going to Water World and many of the other recreational things Denver has to offer. Kindergarten holds a special place in my heart. I have been a kindergarten teacher for 14 wonderful years. It is here that students learn to cooperate and persevere through challenges. These skills are crucial to success in life. I have a passion for teaching students the process of reading and writing. One thing that I have learned over the years is that education is something that continues to develop and change. The changes often provide me with on-going staff development allowing me the opportunity to increase my impact on my students. I often adjust my instruction year to year as I learn new methods and strategies to propel my students on their path of academic growth. Learning in elementary, middle and high school was difficult for me. My parents were very supportive and supplied me with tutors and plenty of materials to support academics but I could never seem to catch up with my classmates. In 4th grade, I had a teacher, Mr. Batt, who gave me the confidence I needed to push myself. When I went to college, I learned I had “dyslexia” and finally got some help for my disability. I finally felt successful at school and went on to get my Masters. This experience taught me that hard work and perseverance are key to success. I realized that I too wanted to make a difference even if it was only for one child. I chose to become a teacher. Now my job is to support students in the realization of their own potential at an early age, just as Mr. Batt did for me. I view each student as an individual and assist them to see the greatness they have inside. It is amazing what can happen in a classroom where the focus is on student success. Join me in a new year of learning and excitement. Become a mooseketeer with me! I can’t wait to meet you and look forward to your assistance in establishing the excitement that learning will provide for “our” children.	Jaimie Hencmann	Kindergarten	jaimie_hencmann@dpsk12.org Ms. Hencmann's Website
	My name is Elise Hoover. I am originally from Indiana, but one day realized I wanted to live next to the mountains. Although I do miss home, I love it here! I went to Indiana University, where I majored in Elementary Education and received an endorsement in mathematics. I have one very special puppy named Charlie. Together we like hiking, camping, swimming, and basically anything else outdoors! I have attempted snowboarding, but will definitely need more practice this winter. My previous teaching experience has included working in an ESL department at a high school, a fourth grade position, and substituting for multiple school districts. I have a passion for teaching to say the least! I absolutely love watching curious minds grow. I can’t wait to build relationships with my students and watch progression to being life-long learners! I’m anticipating a fantastic year.	Elise Hoover	Kindergarten	Elise_Hoover@dpsk12.org Ms. Hoover's Website
	My name is Nicole Lopez and I am very excited to join the Southmoor staff! I am a Colorado native and grew up just north of Denver in Longmont. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University, and obtained a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado. Over the past three years I have taught Kindergarten for the St. Vrain Valley School District in Longmont. My passion for teaching continues to grow and I feel fortunate to work with such creative and unique individuals. Every year I look forward to building relationships with my students, watching them progress, and creating a love for learning. Aside from teaching, I also enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, running, doing arts and crafts, and watching football. I’m very excited to begin the school year and meet the students and families at Southmoor!	Nicole Lopez	Kindergarten	nicole_lopez@dpsk12.org
	I graduated from the University of Florida in 2010 in which I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education as well as my Master's Degree in Elementary Education with a specialty in Reading/Literacy. I grew up in sunny Ft. Lauderdale, Fl and after college moved to Jacksonville, Fl to teach Kindergarten for 3 years. I recently moved to Denver to leave the beach behind and explore the mountains, and I couldn't be more excited to be teaching 1st grade this year at Southmoor! When I'm not teaching, I enjoy yoga, cooking, reading, watching Gator football, and exploring the mountains with family and friends!!	Erica Krause	1st Grade	erica_krause@dpsk12.org Ms. Krause's Website
	Hi! My name is Britney Horton. I was born and raised in South Carolina. I obtained my undergraduate degree from Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina. During my time at PC I received my Bachelor of Science degree. I majored in Early Childhood Education and minored in Psychology. While in college I played Division I soccer for PC. Go Blue Hose! Upon graduating college I moved to Denver, Colorado as part of the AmeriCorps Service Program. I worked for a non-profit organization geared toward long-term drop-out prevention. I also coached soccer at Riverside Soccer Club and worked as teacher at a local Head Start Program. At the end of my AmeriCorps Service I moved back to South Carolina to begin my public school teaching career. I taught second grade for three years in South Carolina before deciding I missed Colorado too much. When I am not teaching I really enjoy doing Crossfit, playing soccer, basketball, hiking, snowboarding, photography and most of all playing with my dog Beckham. I am very excited about joining the Southmoor community and look forward to fantastic year!	Britney Horton	1st Grade	britney_horton@dpsk12.org Ms. Horton's Website
	Mrs. Larson is excited to return to the Southmoor community, staff, and students! She has a degree in business, is bilingual (Spanish), loves math, a Master's Degree from CU, go Buffs, sorry CSU fams, I won't hold it against you! She has been teaching for over 8 years. She loves spending time with family & friends, teaching, traveling, drinking coffee and sweet tea, biking, hiking, research, and getting lost in books at the Tattered Cover!	Darlene Larson	1st Grade	Darlene_Larson@dpsk12.org
	My name is Pricey Russell and I am thrilled to be (officially) joining the Southmoor community this year! I am originally from Richmond, Virginia. I attended Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. I am a certified teacher in Elementary Education with both Gifted & Talented and ESOL Endorsements. This is my first year teaching at Southmoor Elementary School! I was the long term substitute in this class last year from April through the end of the year. Prior to that, I taught a 2nd /3rd grade HGT split in Orlando, Florida. This will be my fourth year in education. I work hard each day to ensure the needs of each of my students are met by differentiating instruction in almost every subject area. I group students into small groups based on their ability and provide various learning centers around the classroom, ranging from tech savvy learning games on their Chrome Books to guided reading groups. I am also passionate about STEM math/science inquiry projects and look forward to facilitating these with your children. Outside of teaching I enjoy yoga, dance, travel, cooking, listening to music, and watching the Seahawks! I am an avid skier and am so lucky to now live in Colorado and ski the Rocky Mountains. I am so excited to start this learning adventure with your children! I look forward to watching them learn, grow, and have a fantastic year!!	Pricey Russell	1/2 HGT	Virginia_Russell@dpsk12.org Ms. Russell's Website
	My name is Aubrey Titus and I am so excited to be joining the Southmoor team this year. I grew up here in Colorado and I am a proud graduate of the University of Colorado! I have been teaching elementary school for 7 years, and I love it more each year. I come to Southmoor from the Adams 14 School District, where I taught second and third grade for 4 years. Before that, I taught in the Chicago Public Schools for 3 years. I love teaching because I get to spend my days surrounded by the happiest, most curious people of all- kids! My classroom is a friendly, warm, and engaging place to be. I strive to get each student truly excited about learning. When I’m not teaching I love to read, play board games, do arts and crafts, play tennis, go hiking, travel, and cook. I’m honored to be teaching at Southmoor and I look forward to a great year!	Aubrey Titus	2nd Grade	Aubrey_friedrich@dpsk12.org Mrs. Titus' Website
	My Name is Mrs. Nicole Brady! I am thrilled to be your child’s Second Grade teacher this year! This will be my 7th year teaching in DPS. Some of you may already know me (formerly as Ms. Lovseth) because I have taught kindergarten at Southmoor for the past two years. I am ready to bring my passion for literacy and project based learning to upper primary. I am from Keystone, Colorado where I attended Dillon Valley Elementary, Summit Middle School and then graduated from Summit High School. I grew up skiing on the slopes of Arapahoe Basin while my dad ran the ski shop and eventually joined the Summit race team. I later lived in Sarasota, Florida for a year but missed the snow so much I had to move back to Colorado. When not in the classroom, you can find me playing in the snow, or cheering on my favorite baseball teams. I am an 8th cohort Buell Early Childhood Leadership Alumni and have a certificate in early childhood leadership from CU Denver. I am endoreced in Early Ed Special Education and will officially have my MA in Early Childhood Special Education in December. I attended MSCD, where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development with a minor in Early Childhood Education. My future goals include obtaining a doctorate in ECESE and Educational Leadership. I have developed my passion for early ed over the years by teaching preschool, teaching a Reggio Inspired kinder at an arts school in DPS, attending the Reggio Emilia Institute at Leslie University and deepening my knowledge and passion for project based learning and inquiry at Southmoor. My classroom is a place where children are empowered to create student driven goals, learner profiles, and work to solve real world problems. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that children learn most effectively when empowered by their learning, and the joy that comes with both embracing and encouraging a child’s innate sense of wonder, enthusiasm for discovery, and creativity.	Nicole Brady	2nd Grade	nicole_Brady@dpsk12.org Mrs. Brady's Website
	Ms. Whiz is a native of Colorado. She is a life-long learner with multiple undergraduate degrees in Horse Training; Animal Science; Consumer Economics; and Education. Debbie earned her Masters Degree in Multiple Intelligences and certification as an administrator from the University of Phoenix. After working in business for a number of years, Debbie changed her focus to elementary teaching, she has taught first through sixth grades in Denver Public Schools and served as both an assistant principal and principal. When she has "free" time her hobbies include knitting, knitting, and more knitting; playing with her two "best friends," Quinn and Anthony (friendly and cuddly Bichon's); and reading or watching TV. "I love working at Southmoor! The wonderful staff, students, and families make coming to work exciting!"	Deb Whisnant	2nd Grade	debra_whisnant@dpsk12.org Ms. Whisnant's Website
	After graduating in 2014 with a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University, I moved away from my home state of Florida to the fabulous city of Denver to pursue a teaching career. I was excited to be in a state that makes education a priority and holds both students and educators to a high standard. I taught 6th grade math at a Title 1 charter school for my first two years in Denver but my heart was at the elementary level. I am overjoyed to be starting my first year at Southmoor, teaching 3rd grade math. I hope to share my love of mathematics with all of my students this year and help every student feel confident and successful in their mathematical abilities. Outside of school, I can be found singing/songwriting with my older brother, hiking and skiing in the mountains, rock climbing at the gym, or just spending time relaxing with friends and family. I look forward to getting to know all of my students and the Southmoor community this year!	Laura Hagon	3rd Grade	Laura_hagon@dpsk12.org 3rd grade's Website
	Shane Farley will be teaching third grade this year at Southmoor. Originally from Chicago, Shane has lived in Denver for nearly 20 years. He received a Marketing degree from the University of Iowa, and also studied engineering at Iowa State University. He earned his teaching credentials at the University of Colorado at Denver. He has taught elementary school for the past 11 years, including grades 2nd through 5th. He is passionate about building relationships with kids and parents both, as well as involving kids in their education and learning environment as much as possible. In his free time, Shane enjoys camping and hiking with his dog, Jackson, in addition to kayaking and rafting	Shane Farley	3rd Grade	shane_farley@dpsk12.org Mr. Farley's Website
	Originally from the Black Hills of South Dakota, I graduated in 1993 from Black Hills State University with my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Special Education. In 2003, I graduated from Marshall University with my Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. This will be my 24th year working in education. I have taught Kindergarten, First Grade, Third grade, Fourth grade, Eighth Grade and High School. I am married to a geologist and have 1 amazing dog and 2 adorable cats. My teaching philosophy is student-centered and I believe in providing students with many collaborative, challenging and exploratory experiences. Such experiences will be informative as well as enjoyable for the students. My goal is to use a variety of teaching strategies that will tend to all learning styles throughout the school year. I hope for this year to be a great learning experience for your child! Outside of school I enjoy running, biking, hiking, fitness, and hanging out with my husband and my dog.	Wanda Matt	3rd Grade	Wanda_Matt@dpsk12.org
		Alice Bauer	3rd Grade HGT	alice_bauer@dpsk12.org 3rd grade Website
	Krissy was born and raised in Englewood, Colorado. She attended UNC in Greeley, receiving a BA in Elementary Ed., Social Science and then later she received her MA in Elementary Ed. through UNC as well. This will be her seventh year in DPS. This will be her 4th year at Southmoor. Krissy taught 3rd grade here at Southmoor her first two years and looped up with her last class last year and taught 4th grade and loved it! Since Krissy is a native, she enjoys snowboarding, exercising at Wash Park and riding her big yellow bike.	Krissy Neumann	4th Grade	kristen_neumann@dpsk12.org 4th Grade grade Website
	Hello all, my name is Madison Stockton. I am beyond thrilled to be joining the amazing Southmoor team. Understanding and interacting with children has been a passion of mine for a huge chunk of my life. All children are natural learners who are so genuinely curious about the world that surrounds them. As a teacher, I firmly feel that my mission is to facilitate that curiosity and to continue to inspire that beautiful sense of wonder. Every child has an expanse of authentic potential within them, and I want to be an active part of showing them what they are truly capable of. I am a lifelong learner who always tries to improve her art and practice along with overall quality of life. I am a Colorado native who enjoys writing, running, spending quality time with friends and family, travelling, reading, and lots of ice cream. I love being a source of validation and support for everyone around me, and I’m more than excited to enter the world of teaching, especially in this wonderful community. I recently graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in writing. I view education as a system that should encourage a mindset of flexibility, improvement, perseverance, and joy. I plan on creating a safe, fun, and rigorous learning environment where all learners, including myself, are respectful, tenacious, kind, responsible, collaborative, and confident. Students need to feel liberated and motivated to achieve their academic and life goals, and it is my job to make sure that each of them feels valued and capable.	Madison Stockton	4th Grade	Madison_Stockton@dpsk12.org 4th Grade grade Website
	Parker Fulton is a native Denverite who grew up just down the street. Having done so, he loves Denver and cares deeply about its children, families, and communities. Parker holds a B.A. in Teaching from the University of Northern Colorado and is licensed to teach grades K-12. In addition, he is working toward earning Juris Doctor and Master of Public Policy degrees from the University of Denver. Parker is passionate about building high-quality educations for kids through promoting (1) humanitarian-based teaching practices and accountability metrics; (2) community-based practices that promote self-actualization within systems of education; and (3) holistic approaches to learning that recognize the values and virtues of all people. Parker is devoted to holding himself and his students accountable to rigorous academic and humanitarian standards, and he is thrilled to be in service to the children and families of the Southmoor community.	Parker Fulton	4th Grade HGT	parker_fulton@dpsk12.org Mr. Fulton's Website
	Steven Coursey will be teaching fifth grade this year at Southmoor. He is originally from Maryland where he received a B.A. in Developmental Psychology from University of Maryland Baltimore County. He worked as a counselor of children and teenagers for ten years. He moved to Denver where he received his M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Colorado at Denver. He has worked as a fourth and fifth grade teacher for the past thirteen years. He enjoys all sports, traveling with his family, and building Lego sets with his son.	Steven Coursey	5th Grade	steven_coursey@dpsk12.org Mr. Coursey's Website
	Hello! My name is Katie Riley and I am thrilled to be your child's teacher this year! while this is my first year teaching, I have worked in education for the past five years. I have been a paraprofessional and guest teacher in Denver Public Schools and also taught math at Metro State University. After finishing my Teacher Preparation Program in May, I was fortunate enough to intern at Prior Weston Academy in London, England. I have degrees in Psychology (from Seattle University) and Neurology (from University of Colorado Denver). Prior to working in education, I did research on the psychological effects of HIV medication, as well as learning and memory pathways. I am a Denver native and a product of Denver Public Schools, graduating from East High School. Outside of school, I enjoy exploring the mountain trails with my dog, Dante. I am an avid reader and crocheter. I look forward to an exciting school year and am thrilled to be apart of the Southmoor community!	Katie Riley	5th Grade	Katie Riley's 5th Grade Class
		Lynette Belle	5th Grade HGT	Lynette_Bell@dpsk12.org Ms. Belle's Website

Student Support and Specials Teachers

	Bridget graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BS in Outdoor Education. She then earned her teaching degree from Metropolitan State College. She has ten years teaching experience in Denver and Fort Collins, CO. Bridget works to create a learning environment where all students can be successful and reach their goals. Bridget is our house expert in Promethean Boards. In her spare time, she enjoys mountain biking and snowboarding and spending time with her adorable nephew.	Bridget Connelly	Project Based Learning Literacy Specialist	Bridget_Connelly@dpsk12.org Ms. Connelly's Website
	Jackie Person was born and raised in Queens, New York, where she completed her Masters Degree in School Psychology at the City University of New York, Queens College. She has worked as a school psychologist for 20 years, including 15 years in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the last 5 years in Denver Public Schools. This will be her sixth year serving as the school psychologist at Southmoor. Jackie is passionate about making sure all students feel valued, successful and supported in school, and in helping families and teachers ensure that all students meet their potential. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband, Kevin, and their three children. Jackie welcomes students and parents to contact her at any time or even stop by the office to see her if there are any concerns with which she can assist them.	Jackie Pearson	Psychologist	jacqueline_person@dpsk12.org
	Mrs. Gilbert has taught for 43 years. She has been with Denver Public Schools for 37 years. She currently teaches Reading Intervention for the primary grades. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Ohio University and a Masters of Special Education: Gifted from the University of Northern Colorado. Mrs. Gilbert also completed Reading Recovery training. She has experience teaching in all grades ECE-6th grade and Reading Recovery. Her goal in teaching is that students will grow to love learning and will challenge themselves and become self-directed in their learning. She also makes this a personal objective through travel and reading.	Janet Gilbert	Interventionist, Literacy	janet_gilbert@dpsk12.org Specials Services Website
	My name is Nellie Fridman and I will be your new Special Education/Math Intervention teacher next year. My educational background includes a Master of Arts degree Education from Colorado University and a Masters of Arts degree in Speech Pathology, Special Education and Psychology from Moscow Pedagogical University in Russia. I am certified in both elementary education and special education. As you probably have guessed, I am passionate about education both as a student and as a teacher. There are endless amounts of opportunities within the field of education and I plan on exploring as many of them as possible. I love to share my passion for learning with my students and have found that it helps them become engaged and excited participants in their own learning. I am determined to help students recognize their full potential and allow them to become engaged in the learning process. I like to guide my instruction by using different approaches and strategies that best fit the individual needs of my students. Integrating technology into my instructions is one of the tools that probably have engendered the most excitement. On my time away from school, I enjoy traveling overseas and explore architecture; stare at the walls in art galleries and museums. I consider myself a “fashionista” and am crazy about shopping. I love hockey and basketball, ice-skating and dance. I have a daughter, Victoriya, she’ll be graduating next year from Denver University with a double major in Accounting and Information Systems. We like spending time together just hanging out, sharing our secrets, going shopping or taking trips. We have long conversations about life and short discussions about her boyfriend. I’m so thrilled to become a member of the Southmoor family. Please, in my family you don’t need an invitation to visit. Just stop by and say hi.	Nellie Fridman	Special Education and Math Intervention	nailya_fridman@dpsk12.org Specials Services Website
	Joseph was born and raised in Colorado to a hardworking Italian family (La Bella Vita) and graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a B.S. in Kinesiology and a M.S. in Education (Go Buffs!). His educational philosophy mimics the quote that "Health is the thing that makes you feel that now is the best time of the year" by Franklin P. Adams. He wants his students to understand and desire the benefits of "seeking out" wellness opportunities. In his spare time he likes to be with family, play golf, exercise and read.	Joseph Bazzanella	Physical Education	joseph_bazzanella@dpsk12.org
	Mrs. Roy earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Audio Engineering and Music Performance from CU at Denver. She is a multi-instrumentalist and has performed virtually every genre of music from jazz to classical to reggae. She is an alumna of the prestigious Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corp, the CU Jazz Combo, The Rock-O-Fellas', and Scarlet, to name a few. Before teaching elementary music, Mrs. Roy was the Arts Infusion Music Specialist for DPS Middle Schools. She enjoys sports, fishing, and her children.	Leslie Draper-Roy	Music	leslie_draperroy@dpsk12.org
	My name is Farley Stephenson and I am the ESL teacher here at Southmoor. This is my first year at Southmoor and my first year as an ESL teacher. I taught at Castro Elementary in DPS for five years, four in 3rd grade and one in 5th grade. Before I began teaching in Denver, I taught English in Honduras for a year and in Peru for a year and a half. I met my wife Janella in Peru. Now, we live in Denver with our dog Gus. I am from Colorado and grew up near Arvada, CO. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as endorsement in elementary education from the University of Colorado at Boulder. I am currently completing my master’s degree in culturally and linguistically diverse education at the University of Colorado at Denver. In my free time, I like to play and watch sports, especially baseball, read, and go camping, hiking, and fishing in the mountains. I also love traveling. I am very excited to be teaching here at Southmoor this year.	Farley Stephenson	ELS	Farley_Stephenson@dpsk12.org Specials Services Website
	Lisa graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Art Education. Before teaching at Southmoor Elementary, she taught in both Douglas County and Adams Co. Lisa has brought many new projects to our school including the sculpture project done with lids that was featured in the newspaper! Look around the school grounds for the impressive art our students produce. She is the proud mother of 3 beautiful children. During her spare time, Lisa enjoys time with her family, running, reading and scrapbooking.	Lisa Freedberg	Art	lisa_freedberg@dpsk12.org Instagram Page! Art's Website
		Patty Kreinbrink	Occupational Therapist	patricia_kreinbrink@dpsk12.org
	Mr. Schmidt is originally from San Diego, California. He moved to Colorado in 1971. He has a Bachelor's Degree from San Diego State University and Maters from the University of Northern Colorado. He began his teaching career in the Jefferson County Public Schools and he retired from there in 2003. Since then he has worked part time in the Jeffco, Littleton, and Denver Public Schools. He has taught 6th and 4th grades and Special Ed. He has been a Dean of Students, worked in a G/T program, and taught Reading Intervention. He is the 1992 Colorado Teacher of the Year. Mr. Schmidt's time out of school is taken up with reading, travel, and volunteering in two HOAs. He keeps thinking of retiring again, but the challenge of working with kids keeps drawing him back. He is thrilled to be working with Southmoor's students, staff and community.	Paul Schmidt	GT Itinerant	paul_schmidt@dpsk12.org Specials Services Website
	Carolyn has been teaching for 12 years, splitting her time between 1st, 3rd and 5th grade. This year, she will be coaching the literacy teachers at Southmoorl and working with small groups of students in literacy. She graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southern University and completed a Master's degree from Piedmont College in Georgia with an emphasis in Literacy Education. Her philosophy for learning is that each child is unique, and each child learns in a different way. One of her jobs as an educator is to help each child discover his or her individuality and work alongside with them to maximize it. She believes in hands-on experiences and learning creatively.	Carolyn Webb		carolyn_webb@dpsk12.org
	A native Nebraskan, Kim Esbenshade graduated from the University of Nebraska with a BS in Elementary Education/Deaf Education. She has taught since 1995, in California and Colorado, and enjoys the intermediate grades. Kim believes in lifelong learning and has continued to focus her career in the area of literacy. She feels all students deserve the opportunity to reach their highest potential and uses teaching to empower children. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, cooking, gardening and spending time with her two boys.	Kim Esbenshade	Interventionist	kim_esbenshade@dpsk12.org
	My name is Jessica Zon. I am the new Speech-Language Pathologist at Southmoor. I am very excited to be joining the team this year! This summer I completed my Master’s degree at The University of Northern Colorado. I have both clinical and school experience working at the elementary level. I have such a passion working with this age group and I cannot wait to get started! I am originally from Western NY and I have been in Colorado for four years now. I love this state and I feel so lucky to call it home. When I’m not at school, I enjoy rock climbing, reading, comedy shows, and hiking with my dog. I am excited to meet all of my students and families and have a wonderful first year!	Jessica Zon	Speech-Language Pathologist	Jessica_zon@dpsk12.org
	My name is Zoe Yabrove, I am so excited to begin my second year at Southmoor. I am a proud Denver Native and actually grew up a few blocks away from school. I graduated from Metro with a degree in creative writing and psychology, and I recently finished my Master’s in Special Education. I come from a family of teachers and am proud to be apart of the “family business.” On my free time I enjoy running, playing soccer, hanging out with my three dogs, and holding my adorable ten month nephew. I have a passion for teaching and working with kids and feel as though I am exactly where I should be as a special education teacher. I am really looking forward to this year, and am so proud to be a Moose!	Zoe Yabrove	Special Education Teacher	Zoe_Yabrove@dpsk12.org

Paraprofessionals