Meet Your Nurse: DCSD Nurse Biographies

Meet Your Nurse: DCSD Nurse Biographies

 

Coordinator of Nursing Services

Mary EvensenMary Evensen

I graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1986. Prior to school nursing I worked in both Newborn and Pediatric Intensive Care. In 1994 I became one of four School Nurse Consultants in Douglas County School District until the birth of my third child. After spending several years at home full time, and adding one more child to our family, I returned to DCSD as a School Nurse in 2008 when our youngest entered first grade. In 2010 I earned my Master’s Degree in Health Services and Wellness Promotion. I love hiking, skiing, wellness, and most of all spending time with my husband and kids.

 


Early Childhood - Child Find Nurse

Cherique TimbangCherique Timbang

My career in health care as a Registered Nurse includes varied  nursing experiences such as school nursing, emergency department, orthopedic clinic and rehabilitation to name a few. I am a Board-Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN). Part of my professional goal is keeping my BLS, ACLS, PALS and TNCC certification current and being up to date with medical advancements and new research through continuing education. In addition to my professional work experiences, my academic background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Thomas Edison State University in New Jersey and a course in Legal Nurse Consultant Training from The Center of Legal Studies in CO.

 


Prevention Nurse

Erika Raschkes

Erika Raschkes

I graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 1997. I started my nursing career working in a hospital on the Neurology/Stroke Unit. I've also worked as a nurse in Labor and Delivery, in an high risk OB/GYN clinic, in the hospital's Quality and Performance Improvement Department and in Infection Prevention. I moved to Colorado from Oregon in 2015, with my husband and 3 children. I love hiking, reading and trying new recipes as well as attending my children's sporting events, orchestra and choir concerts.

 

Shannon Johnson

Shannon Johnson

I received my BSN from Regis University in 2009. I also have a degree in Recreation and Tourism Management with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. I have been a nurse since 2010 working exclusively in pediatrics. From 2010-2020 I worked in the psychiatric emergency room at Children’s Hospital Colorado. In 2020 I started working as a school nurse for Douglas County Schools. In my free time I enjoy being outside, family activities, travel, and being a foster parent since 2015.

 


Diabetes Resource Nurse

Kelly DriverKelly Driver

I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1979 with my bachelors of science in nursing. Throughout my nursing career I have been fortunate to work as a registered nurse in cardiac and neurological intensive care units as well as, home health. However, for the past nineteen years I have worked as a school nurse consultant for the Douglas County School District - I have loved having the opportunity to empower youth to overcome their individual barriers to health. Over the past three years I have been a diabetes resource nurse for DCSD. Working as a resource nurse, I have been fortunate to team with the Colorado Kids with Diabetes Consortium as well as, fellow Colorado diabetes resource nurses to improve the care of student’s with diabetes in the school setting. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my priceless family, skiing, ranching, and chasing that little white ball around (i.e. golfing). My job depicts my true passion - improving the lives and health independence of the youth in DCSD.


Castle Rock Nursing Team

Lisa FugitLisa Fugit - Castle Rock Team Lead

I graduated from Texas Christian University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I started my career working for the VA Medical Center in Albuquerque. I moved back to Colorado (where I grew up) in 1999 and started working as a Nurse Consultant at a Preschool in Parker. I have been a part of DCSD since 2013, working with students with special needs in the SSN department. I am married with two sons, soon to be an empty-nester. I am looking forward to my new role in Douglas County. I enjoy spending time with my family, playing the cello and reading.

 

 

Candice Lopez TrejoCandice Lopez Trejo

My name is Candice and I am a School Nurse Consultant within the Douglas County School District. I have been a nurse since 2014, obtaining my BSN at Platt College Colorado and currently working towards my MSN in Nursing Education. Having a nursing background in general medical and surgical settings, I am excited and beyond grateful to be in the district fulfilling my three passions; children, education and nursing. Being a Colorado native, my family and I love the outdoors and all things fall. My husband and I have three children, and we spend our free time on our farm, tending to our cows, chickens and two dogs. Thank you all for allowing me to aid in your children’s education while keeping health and safety a top priority.

 

Merry CollittMerry Collitt

I have been a registered nurse for 20 years. I was born and raised in Levittown, NY, which is on Long Island. I graduated from Edison Community College in Ft. Myers, FL in 2000 with my Associates Degree in Nursing. There I worked on a busy cardiac step down unit until moving to Colorado in 2002. I worked at Swedish Medical Center for 13 years on the Progressive Care Unit with a strong cardiac and telemetry emphasis and also in the Float Pool, where I gained experience in orthopedics, neurology, med-surg and trauma. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Regis University in 2016. For the last 5 years, I have been working at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital on the Acute Care Unit. I received my med-surg certification and spent a lot of time precepting new graduate nurses. My approach in nursing is holistic, focusing not only on a patient’s physical needs, but also their emotional, mental and spiritual needs. My passion is my family and 3 children. I enjoy playing games and sports with my kids, and taking long walks with my 2 dogs and husband of 17 years. I am so excited to have the opportunity to work with the students in the Douglas County School District as a school nurse consultant.

 

Meagan Korell

Meagan Korell

I graduated from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans in December of 2005 with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I later gained my Master of Science in Nursing degree with a focus on Healthcare Systems Management in December of 2011 from Loyola University of New Orleans. My nursing experience includes NICU, Emergency Department, GI lab, and pediatric home healthcare. I began working for Douglas County School District in August of 2014 after relocating to Colorado from Texas in March of 2014. I live with my husband, daughter and son. We love to travel, cook, hike and spend time with family and friends.

 

Whitney Chapman

Whitney Chapman

I received my Bachelors of Nursing from University of Arizona in 2003 and graduated Magna Cum Laude in my class. I’ve spent the majority of my career in the hospital setting, primarily in critical  care. Notably my pediatric nursing experience includes caring for teenagers and younger adults that were transitioning from pediatric to adult management of Cystic Fibrosis chronic disease. I was responsible for the daily inpatient cares for these patients and was an active participant in the multidisciplinary discharge care management for these patients. As these patients often required frequent admissions to the hospital I was able to develop strong relationships with the patients and their families in the long term. More recently I started the Primary Stroke Program at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital- Centura Health which is nationally certified by The Joint Commission. As stroke can happen to anyone at any age I was involved several times when pediatric patients would present with neurologic symptoms of concern for acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. I was actively involved with creating a Pediatric Stroke Alert Protocol for this patient population. We partnered with Children’s Hospital of Colorado to get best practice recommendations regarding the acute management of stroke in pediatrics. On a personal level I am married and have two young daughters that attend school in the district I am employed.


Melissa Toborg

Melissa Toborg

My name is Melissa Toborg. I grew up in Colorado until I was 12, and then I moved to Southern California. I missed the mountains, and seasons, but found my way back 31 years later. I am married with three kids, two dogs, and two cats. Some days our house feels more like a barn! My favorite place to be is in the mountains, skiing, hiking, exploring, driving fast, and hugging turns to get there! I like to say that nursing is my third career. I graduated in 2014. School nursing is definitely my favorite path of my career. Kids are a good reminder of how quickly time passes, how impressionable they are, and how we act, speak, and advocate for them matters.

 

Stephanie Walter

Stephanie Walter 

I have been a registered nurse for almost 10 years.  I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Regis University in 2007.  I worked at Children’s Hospital Colorado from 2005-2014 in the recovery room, ambulatory clinic setting, cardiac stepdown and NICU/PICU.  I have been a nurse consultant with DCSD since 2014.  Before working in the medical field and completing my nursing degree I received my bachelor degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver in 2004. I am a Colorado native.  I  married my husband James in 2007 and we have 2 children, Ella and Daniel.  I love to spend time with my kids, travel, read, and anything to do with music and musical theater. 

 

Michelle JahanianMichelle Jahanian

My career in healthcare started at the young age of 14 at a nursing home. It was hard work, but I knew from then on, I would be a nurse one day. I graduated in 2005 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with a bachelor's degree in science and nursing . Since then I have held various positions within cardiovascular/transplant, pancreaticobiliary, gastrointestinal and infectious disease. Nursing has allowed me to travel on several nursing assignments across the country, which eventually brought me here to Colorado. I became a School Nurse Consultant for Douglas Country in January 2021. I look forward to being a resource to our students, staff and parents. I am married with 2 children. I truly enjoy all the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer. In my free time I love running, hiking, paddleboarding and traveling.

 

Jayne Williams

Jayne Williams

I graduated from San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas with an Associates Degree in Nursing in 1988. I started my nursing career as an Emergency Department nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital while working towards my Bachelors Degree in Nursing in 1994 from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. I then received my Masters Degree in Nursing/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner tract from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas in 1996. I practiced as a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in private practice in Texas until moving to North Carolina in 1997. In North Carolina, I worked as a School Nurse Practitioner at a high school clinic in Durham. Since moving to Denver in 2007, I have worked as a home health nurse, legal nurse consultant, and research Nurse Practitioner. Before accepting my position as a DCSD School Nurse Consultant in 2021, I practiced as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in the section of endocrinology at Children’s Hospital Colorado, treating adolescents with type 2 diabetes and related metabolic disorders. My interests include traveling and spending time outdoors with my husband, three adult children, and two dogs.

 

Amanda Campbell

Amanda Campbell

I graduated from Biola University in 1995 where I received my BSN and became a registered nurse shortly after. Prior to joining DCSD team of nurse consultants, I spent the majority of my career working in the operating room and a brief time working for a plastic surgeon and in long term care. In the operating room, where I spent 23 years, I have taken care of patients of all ages, and worked in every type of surgical procedure. I am happily married to my high school sweetheart and have three great children, a sweet dog and cat. In my free time I enjoy ballroom dancing, wakesurfing, snow skiing, swimming, walking my dog, and traveling with my family.

 

Laurie Niedermiller

Laurie Niedermiller

I have been a registered nurse for twenty years. I earned my Bachelors Degree in Nursing in 2001 from the Loewenberg School of Nursing in Memphis, TN. After receiving my nursing license, from 2001 to 2008, I worked for 7 years at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN, in their ICU, which consisted of neurological, cardiac, medical, and surgical adult and adolescent patients. From 2008 to 2010, I worked as a travel nurse with Medical Express in Florida and California for two years. During this time, I worked in hospitals for 3 to 15 month contracts- Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL, Holy Cross Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA. I worked in ICU at these hospitals, which consisted of neurological, medical, surgical, trauma, and cardiac adult and pediatric patients. From 2010 to 2020, I was an ICU nurse at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Lakewood, CO and Parker Adventist Hospital in Parker, CO. I served as bedside nurse, charge nurse, and resource nurse for both the ICU and the cardiac/stroke unit during that time. Their ICUs consisted of cardiac, neurological, medical, trauma, and surgical patients, both adult and adolescent. I also worked for one year at the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine as an IVF nurse coordinator. I worked with IVF patients using gestational carriers to grow their families, and I coordinated cycles and medications, treatment plans, and educated patients on their treatment. I am married and have a five year old boy who just started kindergarten in Douglas County. We love all activities outdoors and traveling. I love working with children and am so excited to help them succeed and excel in school!


Kim CashmanKim Cashman

In 2002 I graduated  from University of Connecticut with a Bachelors in Business Administration. In 2009 I went back to school and graduated from University of Colorado Denver with a Bachelors in Nursing. I started my nursing career at Children's Hospital Colorado on the float team. Here I worked on med/surg, oncology, cardiac, neonatal and pulmonary inpatient units. After 5 years of floating I transferred to Children's Hospital Colorado South Campus and worked on their inpatient and Emergency/Urgent Care units for 5 years. I moved to Colorado from Connecticut in 2003 to join Americorps. I love biking, yoga, hiking, reading, and spending time with my husband and 2 kids.  

 

Terra Berens

I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 2014 with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a minor in Nutrition. My nursing experience includes Bone Marrow Transplant/Oncology, Oncology Infusion, Oncology Navigation care, Primary Care Nursing and Primary Care RN leadership. I began working for DCSD in 2023. I live with my husband and two children, we enjoy time outside at the many parks Colorado has to offer and spending time with loved ones.

 

Kris Hedstrand

I graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota in May of 1997 with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. My nursing experience includes Acute care in hospital settings with Neurosurgery, Neurology, Orthopedic, Urology, Burn Unit, Trauma and Emergency Department. I then began working in education as a licensed school nurse and building nurse in Minnesota for the last half of my career. I also spent a few years coordinating the nursing skills laboratory at Bethel University. I began working for Douglas County School District in August of 2023 after relocating to Colorado from Minnesota in June of 2022. I live with my husband, and four kids, three sons and one daughter. We love to travel, hike, read, play tennis and spend time with family and friends.

 

Megan Rosenbach

I graduated from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas in December of 2010 with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. My nursing experience includes Mental Health, Urgent Care, Primary Care, Chronic Pain Management, and Public Health. I began working for Douglas County School District in August of 2023 after relocating to Douglas County from Boulder County in 2021. I live with my husband, two stepdaughters, son and two dogs. We love to travel, cook, do puzzles, play cards and spend time with family and friends.


 Highlands Ranch Nursing Team

Christina Stragey

Christina Stragey - Highlands Ranch Team Lead

I graduated from Regis University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1997. My past nursing experience includes Pediatric Oncology/Hematology/Bone Marrow Transplant and Pediatric Intensive Care. I have worked at Children’s Hospitals in California, Texas and Colorado. I previously worked as a School Nurse with Children’s Hospital Colorado’s School Health Program and joined the DCSD Nurse Consultant team in 2011. My husband and I have been in Colorado for 10 years and we have two sons and a daughter, ages 18, 15 and 7. I enjoy running, cooking and spending time with my busy family.

 

Crystal Fant

I graduated from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces NM in December of 2005 with my BSN. I worked in the NICU, ICU and telemetry floor before going back to school. I graduated in 2010 with my MSN as an Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. I have since worked as an ICU educator, in patient safety/risk and palliative care/hospice. I began working for DCSD in 2023 and am loving working with kids again. I live with my husband and 4 children. I love to watch my kids play various sports, hike and enjoy being active outdoors when I have free time.

 

Carrie BilbyCarrie Bilby

I attended the School of Mines and Technology in South Dakota for my prerequisites for Nursing School. I graduated in 2003 from South Dakota State University in Rapid City, SD with my Bachelors in Nursing. I worked on the Ortho/ Neuro/ Trauma floor for 4yrs at the Medical Center or Aurora in Aurora, Colorado. I moved to the ICU at the Medical Center or Aurora from 2007 to 2009. After my third son was born I took a year off from Nursing. I returned to work at Skyridge Medical Center in Lone Tree, CO. I worked on the Surgical floor for 2.5yrs. In 2012 I took a position as part of the float pool at Littleton Adventist Hospital. I worked in the float pool for 2yrs. I was asked by the Manager on the Acute stoke Rehab Unit at Littleton to be there Assistant Nurse Manager and took the position in 2016. In 2018 the floor was changed to an Orthopedic floor and I stayed on as the Assistant Nurse Manager of the Ortho Unit. I’m excited to join the DCSD as a Nurse consultant. I’m married and have 3 boys. I love spending time with my family, we enjoy all sports and being outdoors.

 

Krista Dershem

 
I graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1999 with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I worked in Mother/Baby prior to starting my career in School Health in 2009. I’ve worked as a site based School Nurse on the East Coast and more recently as a District Nurse Consultant at a neighboring school district here in Colorado.  I am excited to be part of the DCSD team and look forward to providing exceptional nursing services to support our wonderful students, families and staff. 

 

 

 

Summer Danser

 
I graduated from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 2004.  The majority of my nursing career has been in Women and Children’s units, most recently primarily in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I have a passion for health and wellness.  I worked closely with the discharge coordinator to ensure that each patient had the resources and knowledge needed to ensure the healthiest lifestyle possible upon discharge from the hospital. 
 
I am married with 3 awesome kids, 2 playful dogs and 2 silly chinchillas.  I love to be active, playing sports and games. I am a die-hard Broncos fan and enjoy supporting all the Colorado sports. I am thrilled to work with all the wonderful students in the Douglas County School District!

 

Natalie SmithNatalie Smith

I attended University of Louisiana at Lafayette, but completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Regents College of Nursing. I have been a nurse since 1995. I moved to Colorado in 2012 and started working in DCSD as a school nurse. Prior to working in DCSD, I was a school nurse in Louisiana for 7 years. I have also worked in both the Newborn Intensive Care Unit and on the Pediatric Unit at Opelousas General Hospital. I enjoy spending time with my family in Louisiana, and most of all, exploring all that Colorado has to offer with my husband and 2 children.

 

 

 

Kelli MuellerKelli Mueller

I have been a Registered Nurse since 1982. I graduated from California State University at Los Angeles with a Bachelor Degree in Nursing and later achieved my Masters Degree with a concentration in Health and Wellness Promotion. I worked for 5 years in a hospital nursing float pool and worked for 5 years for the Visiting Nurses Association. I started school nursing in Las Vegas, NV and I have enjoyed being a Douglas County School Nurse Consultant since 1999. I enjoy reading, photography, scrapbooking, hiking and being a mom.

 

 

 

Jeanine McCleeryJeanine McCleery

I attended University of Florida for my Bachelors in Nursing and received my Master's Degree in Nurse Midwifery. As a nurse-midwife, I have delivered over a 1,000 babies! My experience also includes managing an optical clinic. I am committed to the physical, mental, and emotional needs of our students and excited to be a part of Douglas County School District team. In my spare time I enjoy sailing and scuba diving with my family and am an avid hiker.

 

 

 

Adriana HatchAdriana Hatch

I graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 1993. I started my nursing career at Texas Children’s Hospital working in orthopedics. Then I transitioned to clinical pediatric nursing in an Ear, Nose and Throat clinic. I have been working in school nursing since 2006. I have been a school nurse consultant for Douglas County School District since 2013. I enjoy reading, baking and spending time in the outdoors with my husband and kids.


 

Brooke Flexter

I graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in December of 1999 with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. My nursing experience includes Telemetry, the Emergency Department, Mom/Baby, and Nurse Consulting for Childcare Centers, Preschools and Charter Schools. I began working for Douglas County School District in July of 2023. I live with my husband, 3 teenage boys and two dogs. I love to travel, cook, spend time with family and friends and love watching my boys play their sports.

 

Tim PuralewskiTim Puralewski

I grew up in Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. My wife and I moved to Colorado in 2006 and lived in the Gunnison/Crested Butte area where we enjoyed many outdoor adventures. In 2013 our family moved to the Denver area. In 2014, I graduated from the accelerated nursing program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Campus with a bachelor's degree in nursing. I started my nursing career at Swedish Hospital where I worked in oncology and surgical services as a recovery room nurse. The last few years I worked at a surgery center as a pre-op and recovery room nurse. My wife and I have two kids. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, my favorite activities include mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing and climbing 14ers.

 

Sarah Scott

Sarah Scott

As a native Coloradan, I graduated from The University of Colorado in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Regis University in 2006. I worked as an RN at The University of Colorado Hospital (now UCHealth) on High-Risk L&D from 2006-2013 while completing my Master of Science (MSN) in Midwifery in 2012 from Frontier Nursing University. I joined Rose Midwifery as a full-scope Certified Nurse Midwife in 2013, providing low and (collaborative) high-risk midwifery care to a diverse population. While continuing to practice clinically, I also served as the Director of Midwifery from 2016 through late 2018 when the practice closed. For the next two years, I stayed home with my two kids during which time I also obtained an MBA from Western Governors University. I joined DCSD in February 2021 as a Nurse Consultant, with immense gratitude to serve the families in my community. Outside of work I love traveling with my husband for live music, raising our son and daughter who attend a HR charter school, and being outside with friends.
 

Denise Shore

Denise Shore

I graduated from Regis University’s accelerated second degree program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2012. Prior to school nursing I worked on a Postpartum unit as well as a Medical / Surgical unit. I earned my first college degree in Education which I received in 1995. After working in public schools for four years, I spent several years at home raising my two sons. My family and I love to travel but we enjoy living in Colorado. I am excited to return to the school setting to focus on the health and wellness of students.

 

 

 

Lisa Lewis

Lisa Lewis

I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. My nursing career has always been focused in pediatrics. I started my career in Greeley, CO as an inpatient nurse at North Colorado Medical Center, and then 3 years in Texas at Arlington Memorial Hospital. After moving back to Colorado in 2003, I worked at Children’s Hospital Colorado as a Pediatric Clinical Research Nurse from 2003-2021 in both the inpatient and outpatient setting, and I managed the Pediatric Clinical Translational Research Center from 2015-2021. I joined the DCSD School Nurse Consultant team in July 2021. Outside of work I enjoy running, hiking, reading, and cooking and spending time with my husband and two sons.

 

Sarah WilsonSarah Wilson

I graduated from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill in 2001 and moved out to Colorado. After a few years I decided to go back to nursing school and I attended the accelerated program at Metro State in Denver. I worked at Children's Hospital Colorado for the past 12 years. I started on a general medical floor and for the last 7 or so years I was in the ER.  I live in Highlands Ranch with my husband, 2 kids and our dog, Rocky Top. We love to ski, travel and make it to the lake or ocean when we can. We are spoiled with the mountains in our backyard! I love to watch my kids play sports and attend their many soccer, basketball and football games.

 

Amber Norwood

I graduated from Texas A&M University in 2003 with a degree in Community Health and then went on to pursue my Bachelors in Nursing from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. I began my nursing career at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas where I spent over 15 years as a pediatric trauma, surgery and orthopedic nurse. I have been a Certified Pediatric Nurse for 16 years. I also spent some of my time working with new moms and newborns as a nursery RN at Medical City Dallas. My husband and I took a leap of faith and pursued our dream to move to Colorado in 2021, and I took on a new role as a Case Manager at Sky Ridge Medical Center. I accepted the opportunity to become a School Nurse Consultant for Douglas County in November 2022. My passion has always been working with children and I am excited to help students and their families in the school and community setting. My husband and I have a 16 month old little boy and a chocolate lab, and one of our favorite things to do as a family is to take our camper on the road and explore new places!

 

Carmen Nicholls

Carmen received her BSN degree from the University of Wyoming in 2012. After graduation she worked on a Medical-Surgical unit in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Followed by a float nurse position with Boulder Medical Center, where she worked with over 40+ physicians including 8 pediatric providers. In 2014 Carmen joined the Centura Health team at Porter Adventist Hospital on the Surgical Transplant unit. From there she transferred to the Acute Care floor at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital where she grew her career as a Charge Nurse and an Assistant Nurse Manager for the Acute Care and Pediatrics. Most recently, she has been a part of the Centura Health Physicain’s Group (CHPG) as a Clinic Nurse and Nurse Clinic Coordinator where she oversaw 12 clinics in the South Denver Region, and helped to stand up COVID triage call centers during 2020. During her time as an ambulatory nurse she worked closely with pediatricians at Southlands Primary Care doing pediatric phone triage. Outside of work, Carmen enjoys traveling, skiing, stand-up paddle boarding, camping, and spending time with her husband, son, and puppy.


Parker Nursing Team

Mary SchmittMary Schmitt - Parker Team Lead

I attended the University of Wyoming where I received my Bachelors Degree in Nursing in 1992.   I moved to Colorado to begin my career in pediatric nursing at Children’s Hospital, Denver. I worked there in the NICU from 1992 to 2000 and then again from 2006 to 2010.  From 1997 to 2000, I acted as the Department Education Coordinator in the NICU and planned educational opportunities for staff, new hires, and graduate nurses.  I also worked in Sioux Falls, South Dakota from 2000 to 2002.  I  began working as a Nurse Consultant for Douglas County School District when my youngest child was in school full time.  I have 4 children and I enjoy watching them participate in all of their activities.


Megan Glick

Megan Glick

I graduated from Kalamazoo College in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Biology. I spent 2 years pursuing a PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience in Chicago after which I decided to pursue a career in nursing as I had a passion for working with people. I graduated from DePaul University in 2005 with a Master of Science Degree in Nursing. I started my nursing career in the Emergency Department in a Level 2 Trauma facility in Illinois followed by a Level 1 Trauma facility in Denver when I moved to Colorado in 2006. After several years in the Emergency Department I transitioned to Labor and Delivery and have worked in a free standing birthing center environment as well as hospital based Labor and Delivery. I was part of the team that helped open Castle Rock Hospital’s Labor and Delivery unit where I served as a Charge Nurse and Assistant Nurse Manager. I became a School Nurse Consultant for DCSD in 2020 and have enjoyed this transition in my career. I enjoy spending time with my 2 children who keep me busy with all of their activities.
 

Jen Kester

Jen Kester

I graduated in 1997 from The University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Prior to working for the Douglas County School District I secured experience on the medical/surgical floor; Pediatric and adult surgery; Neuro/Intermediate Care Unit for pediatric and adult patients. I also was employed by a private school nurse consulting company.  In 2017 I was hired as a School Nurse Consultant for the Douglas County School District. My husband and I have lived in Colorado since 2001 and we have two sons that attend DCSD schools. I enjoy running, reading, cooking, traveling and most of all spending time with my family and friends.

 

 

Jane Burkhardt Jane Burkhardt

Originally from Wisconsin, I obtained my Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1981. I then moved to Saint Louis and obtained a Juris Doctorate from the University of St. Louis in 1990. After working in a Trauma ICU, the Emergency Department and as a Flight Nurse (with a three-year break practicing defense law and risk management) I became a School Nurse Consultant for DCSD in 2007 where I continue to practice nursing today. I am a certified Colorado Child Health Consultant and currently serve on the leadership team for Colorado Child Health Consultants at the state level.

 

Jenne OttJenne Ott

I graduated from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, School of Nursing in 2003. My career began in Neurology, moving into Neuro and Trauma ICU; transitioning to school nursing in 2014. I am married, with two children that keep me on my toes! Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, running and working out, and trying to keep up with my children’s sports and activities.

 

 

 

Heather BellovaryHeather Bellovary

I attended the University of Michigan, from which I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in the Science of Nursing. I have been a Registered Nurse for several years.  My first 10 years of my work experience was from the University of Michigan Level 1 Hospital/Trauma Center. I have worked in Cardiac Telemetry Unit, Intensive Care Unit, as well as Labor Delivery Recovery Postpartum. The remainder of my career years, I have been a school nurse consultant, starting off in Aurora Public Schools and now in Douglas County School District. In 7/2018, I became a Nationally Certified School Nurse, NCSN. I am happily married and have two daughters. I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, biking, horseback riding, sailing, gardening, cooking and playing the piano. Basically, I love being in the great outdoors and enjoy our beautiful state.

 

Meredith Becker

Meredith Becker

I have been a registered nurse since 1999.  I received my Bachelors Degree in Nursing from Regis University. Prior to joining the DCSD team of nurse consultants, I spent 11 years in the Emergency Department and 18 months in Neuro/Trauma ICU at an area Level One Trauma facility. I also worked in another area Emergency Department for many years prior to that, as well as critical care ground transport for a regional-based service. I am married  and we have a son. I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, and traveling.

 

 

 

Melissa BostelmanMelissa Bostelman

I am the Nurse Consultant at Gold Rush Elementary and Iron Horse Elementary. I graduated from Purdue University. I was an OR nurse for 10 years and have worked within the district for the past 10 years in various roles. I have 2 high school aged children who attend Ponderosa. I spend most of my free time at their extracurricular activities.

 

 

 

Amy GuillenAmy Guillen

 I attended Colorado State University - Pueblo, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1992. I began my nursing career at the Medical Center of Aurora in the Labor & Delivery Unit where I worked from 1992 to 2003. I helped open the new Parker Adventist Hospital in 2003 and worked in Labor & Delivery there until 2006. In 2006, I decided to venture into School Nursing and became a School Nurse Consultant. I have been working in this position with Douglas County School District from 2006 to present. I am enjoying my career at DCSD working with students, staff, and parents. My husband and I have 3 adult daughters and a stubborn English bulldog that keep us laughing and on our toes. I love to bake and planning/doing fun things for my family and friends to do.

 

Becky FullerBecky Fuller

I graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with my BSN in 2002. I worked my first 5 years in nursing as a Labor and Delivery Nurse in Del Rio, TX. I then took 6 years off to raise my young children and came back to nursing in 2013 as a School Nurse. My husband and I have three beautiful children and we have traveled the country and the world with the Air Force. We are now permanently stationed here in CO with the CO Air National Guard. I love working in DCSD with the wonderful parents, students, and teachers! My family loves living in this gorgeous state and experiencing all it has to offer! 

 

 

Nikki Symms-TaylorNikki Symms-Taylor

Hello, I am a transplant to Colorado.  I am a born and raised Hoosier--that means I am from Indiana! I received my BSN from Ball State University in Muncie, IN (Go Cards!). I have been a nurse for over 20 years, with the majority of my clinical experience in cardiology. I am married with one child, and I enjoy hiking and the low humidity of Colorado.

 

 

 

Brittney TaylorBrittney Taylor

I have been in the nursing field for 23 years. I  started out as a nurse's aid then went to school to become a registered nurse. I have been a registered nurse for 21 years.   I started my career at a small community hospital in an adult/pediatric medical/surgical unit. I then moved, to further my schooling, and found a job working on an Intermediate Care Unit/Trauma Team. While at school to further my degree I met my husband who joined the Navy. The Navy moved us around a few times throughout the country. With each move, I worked on adult cardiac units of all different  types. We then were transferred to Denver. Since being here, I worked at Swedish Medical Center on the Float Pool Team for 12 years; in this position I would take care of all aspects of adult care which included orthopedics, neurology, med-surg, rehab, spinal injuries, mom/baby, and emergency room. Throughout my career I have been a mentor to new graduate nurses and nursing students; I was involved in classes for teaching people about upcoming surgeries; and I worked on team safety.  My favorite school nurse quote is “Students must be healthy to be educated and educated to be healthy.” This embodies how I approach being a school nurse consultant.  

 

Andrea Olson

Andrea Olson

Hello! I graduated from University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing in 2008. I started my nursing career in Tucson and moved back to Denver in 2011 (my home!). I have worked on cardiopulmonary step down and ICU, telemetry, medical surgical ICU, and mom/baby or postpartum floors in the hospital. I also worked in home health for a year. Most recently I was a donor nurse coordinator at a local fertility center. I have 2 kids that keep me busy and keep my life fun!  In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, and reading. I am so excited to join the DCSD family. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with your children!

 

 

 


 

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In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 303-387-0127.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records at this link ( Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests ).