2021 Apple Award Winners

Chelley Dansereau

Early Childhood Instructor, Copper Mesa Elementary

While I may not have expected myself to end up in education, I am beyond grateful that my path has led me to preschool. Empowering young children is one of the most rewarding components in my career and personal life!Chelley Dansereau
Early Childhood Instructor

Early Childhood Instructor Chelly Dansereau at Copper Mesa Elementary faced the unique restrictions of 2020 head-on. She created and managed an eLearning Pre-K class while simultaneously teaching an in-person class. Through intentional trial and error, Dansereau designed a consistent curriculum between her in-person and eLearning students. She used the additional time gained to adapt or extend materials to meet individual student needs. Feedback from families is overwhelmingly positive, especially in how Dansereau enabled students to build fundamental relationships despite the constraints of eLearning.

Maddy Scholfield, an Early Childhood Education SPED teacher at Gold Rush Elementary, says: "It is difficult to put into words how much preparation, thought, and care Chelley puts into her daily interactions with our preschoolers, but it shows as she keeps 13 preschool eLearners engaged for an hour each day. Chelley does not let any of her time go to waste. She spends the extra few minutes to look for the perfect movement break video, adapts materials to make them appropriate for eLearning, and does it all with a smile."

When she isn't contributing to the success of Copper Mesa Elementary preschoolers, Dansereau volunteers in the ministry at her church and a therapeutic riding center.

Kristina Keer

Training Specialist, Nutrition Services

 

Education isn’t just memorizing information, it’s taking that information, being able to use it, and evolve with it to be a better person. Education is about working with others, learning from our combined knowledge to produce a better outcome.Kristina Keer
Training Specialist

The 2020-2021 school year was filled with firsts, especially for Training Specialist Kristina Keer with DCSD Nutrition Services. As the department's first Training Specialist, she faced a steep learning curve to ensure consistent and clear training for Nutrition Services staff.

Keer instituted processes and developed training material to meet the needs of the department. Her work was crucial to the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) in 2020. The majority of the Kitchen Managers were new to the summer program. Keer had to make certain each person understood the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) requirements and maintain a safe environment for staff and students.

Director of Nutrition Services Brent Craig writes: "It is breathtaking to see the innovation, standardization, and knowledge [Kristina] has brought to our program. This past year has been a great test for us all, and she has taken her skills and caring nature to new levels to help us through this pandemic. Tri-County Health commented on how well we kept our program working within the guidelines of COVID-19 and its sanitation schedules, social distancing, and general operational excellence. Kristina was at the heart and leading the way to make that happen."

As a leader, Keer dedicated time and initiative to build a positive climate and culture within the department by strengthening personal and professional relationships. Keer is also an Assistant Track & Field Coach at ThunderRidge High School and actively volunteers with local organizations such as Food Bank of the Rockies.

Cindy Berndt

Music Teacher, Stone Mountain Elementary

 

I will never underestimate any child. I am here to coach and help students actively construct their own learning. I will meet the academic and social emotional needs of each of my students no matter what it takes.Cindy Berndt
Music Teacher

"Being a music teacher during a pandemic means delivering instruction without the basic musical tools and resources," say Cindy Berndt of Stone Mountain Elementary. Due to safety restrictions, Berndt's students could not sing, share instruments, or play recorders. They also could not play the ukulele and guitar because the cleaning products would damage the instruments.

Despite the safety restrictions, Berndt kept the music alive with new COVID-friendly instruments and techniques. Now she teaches using easy-to-clean or disposable items like large aluminum cans from the kitchen, cutting boards, bouncing balls, chairs, sticks, paper plates, and tambourines. To shift her classroom, Berndt sought every professional development opportunity and took every chance to learn what other teachers were doing across the world. She is extremely active in local, national, and international music teacher forums that focus on delivering instruction and content under current COVID restrictions for varying learning models.

The Kruse family, whose three boys attend Stone Mountain Elementary, writes: "Watching Mrs. Berndt dig deep into professional development, reach out to professionals across the globe, re-invent instruments (including making them out of vegetables), and work tirelessly to stay true to the standards and ensuring her students receive the music education (and love) they deserve has been a sight to behold. Her commitment, enthusiasm, and quiet resilience have shown me the value of a true professional who will not quit."

Berndt looks forward to giving adults the chance to be kids again with whole-staff jam sessions of ukuleles and Boomwhackers.

Nadene Klein

Science, DC Oakes High School

 

Education is the key to open all of the doors available to us. As said by Epictetus, 'Only the educated are free.' These words are painted on the entry to DC Oakes High School and in my soul.Nadene Klein
Science Teacher

Nadene Klein, a science teacher at Daniel C. (DC) Oakes High School, made a conscious commitment to lifelong learning. And, like any passionate educator, she pulls in students and colleagues alike with her enthusiasm. Klein was the first person in her family to graduate college and to get a master's degree. She has also earned endorsements to teach middle school math and secondary English to better serve her students in class.

"While I don't currently teach math or English, science is the place where math and literacy skills come together," explains Klein.

At DC Oakes High School, Klein has pursued and won grant funds for professional-grade science probes and sensors, drones, and other equipment. She has worked to improve hands-on opportunities for scientific learning and to fund project-based learning opportunities. She does so while focusing on being a supportive person for colleagues and students. Part of her ability to connect with others comes from her ongoing challenge of managing Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Since receiving the diagnosis in 2012, Klein openly shares her story with students to demonstrate different aspects of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).

Principal Derek Fleshman writes, "Nadene has been an amazing addition to our team here at Oakes. She continuously goes above and beyond for our students and is always looking for ways to better our program as a whole."

Outside of school, Klein supports the education field as an active member of the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) and the state chapter Colorado Association of Science Teachers (CAST). She also mentors first-generation college graduates and leads training programs for other teachers.

John Gutierrez

Principal, Cougar Run Elementary

 

Cougar Run is the strong school that it is because of his leadership that has trickled down to the rest of us. Mr. G is a role model of grit, of compassion and of what it truly looks like and sounds like to be a successful leader in this school district.Shannon McPherson
Assistant Principal

John Gutierrez has been the Principal of Cougar Run Elementary for 17 years and during that time has mentored and trained countless future leaders in education. He is a leader in the Cougar Run Elementary community and a leader among leaders, often offering advice and insights to other Douglas County School District principals.

"I often hear parents, staff, and community members speak about how at Cougar Run 'We do things very well,'" writes Administrative Assistant Andrea McNamara. "I thoroughly agree with this statement, and I think that our success starts with the leadership of John Gutierrez."

School	Certified Representative	Position
Academy Charter School	Katie Howell	5th Grade Teacher
Acres Green Elementary	Ruth Minellono	2nd Grade Teacher
American Academy - Castle Pines	Shannon Donohoe	Middle School English Teacher
American Academy - Lincoln Meadows	Amy Fiscus	Speech and Language Pathologist
American Academy - Motsenbocker	Wendy Brownlee	Middle School Math Teacher
Arrowwood Elementary	Tiffany Missling	1st Grade Teacher
Aspen View Academy	Heather Boyd	Kindergarten Teacher
Bear Canyon Elementary	Kim Stephens	6th Grade Teacher
Ben Franklin Academy	Genevieve Gibson	8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Bridge Transition Program	Kristen Shannon	Speech Language Pathologist, Bridge Transition Program
Buffalo Ridge Elementary	Monica Harmon	Technology Building Resource Teacher
Castle Rock Elementary	Colleen Pandey	School Psychologist
Castle Rock Middle School	Rebecca Kocur	8th Grade Math Teacher
Castle View High School	Kyle Erlenbeck	High School Science Teacher
Challenge to Excellence	Warren Astler	Middle School Science Teacher
Chaparral High School	Marci Boatwright	Professional Learning Specialist
Cherokee Trail Elementary	Rachael Petty	1st Grade Teacher
Cherry Valley Elementary	Mary Smith	School Social Worker, Gifted/Talented Facilitator, 3rd/4th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Art Teacher
Cimarron Middle School	Beau Davies	7th Grade Integrated Wellness Teacher
Clear Sky Elementary	Michelle Hanson	Kindergarten Teacher
Copper Mesa Elementary	Katy Beard	Fifth Grade Teacher
Cougar Run Elementary	Whitney Tomlin	6th Grade Math Teacher
Coyote Creek Elementary	Debbie Edwards	Counselor
Cresthill Middle School	Doreen Marion	Integrated Wellness Teacher
Daniel C. Oakes High School	Nadene Klein	Science Teacher
DCS Montessori	Kristy Lee	Learning Specialist
Douglas County High School	Ken Borgsmiller	High School English Teacher
Eagle Ridge Elementary	Aaron McLean	6th Grade Teacher
eDCSD	Kerry Sanders	High School Math Teacher
Eldorado Elementary	Heather Harris	1st Grade Teacher
Flagstone Elementary	Brittany Rushing	Kindergarten Teacher
Fox Creek Elementary	Kelsey Mang	SPED Teacher - Severe Needs
Franktown Elementary	Greg Henley	3rd Grade Teacher
Frontier Valley Elementary	Carol Sotebeer	4th Grade Teacher
Global Village Academy	Rebecca Schroeder	2nd Grade English Teacher
Gold Rush Elementary	Rochelle Evans	School Psychologist
Heritage Elementary	Erin Howard	5th Grade Teacher
Highlands Ranch High School	Warren Berg	High School Science Teacher
Iron Horse Elementary	Stephanie Dale	2nd Grade Teacher
Larkspur Elementary	Kristin Caldwell	Kindergarten Teacher
Legend High School	Matthew Solak	9th-12th Grade Chinese Teacher
Leman Classical Academy	Sean Mundt	Middle School English and Logic Teacher
Lone Tree Elementary	Courtney Hayes	4th Grade Teacher
Legacy Point Elementary	Jocelyn Eyl	1st Grade Teacher
Mammoth Heights Elementary	Pamela Nelson	4th Grade Teacher
Meadow View Elementary	Nikkole Anderson	2nd Grade Teacher
Mesa Middle School	Lindsey Anderson	Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Mountain Ridge Middle School	Brett Beckett	Multi Media/Technology Teacher
Mountain View Elementary	Leslie Lynch	Kindergarten Teacher
Mountain Vista High School	Eric Selle	StarLab, Alt Education & Elearning Support Teacher
North Star Academy	Kelly Hoover	5th Grade Teacher
Northeast Elementary	Kilee Bender	5th Grade Teacher
Northridge Elementary	Hope Crawley	4th Grade Teacher
Parker Core Knowledge	Breanna Warburton	5th-8th Grade Teacher
Parker Performing Arts	Dawn Hein	3rd/4th Grade Teacher
Pine Grove Elementary	Erin Wassenaar	Social Emotional Teacher
Pine Lane Elementary	Margaret Condron	2nd, 3rd, 4th Grade Discovery Teacher
Pioneer Elementary	Krista Dahm	SPED Preschool Speech Language Teacher
Platte River Academy	Kimberly Van Zee	4th Grade Teacher
Plum Creek Academy	Danielle Morrison	High School Social Worker
Ponderosa High School	Sandra Gabel	High School Social Studies Teacher
Prairie Crossing Elementary	Leanna Croissant	Kindergarten Teacher
Ranch View Middle School	LeDeane Thomas	Special Education Teacher
Redstone Elementary	Chelsie Pringle	5th Grade Teacher
Renaissance Elementary Magnet	Amanda Deegan	Gifted/Talented Coordinator/ Math Interventionist
Renaissance Secondary	Kimberly Lavold	High School Special Education Teacher
Rock Canyon High School	Matt Sassali	High School Social Studies Teacher
Rock Ridge Elementary	Jolie Bradley	3rd Grade Teacher
Rocky Heights Middle School	Deanna Thaler	Middle School Choir Teacher
Roxborough Intermediate	Allison Rothwell	Gifted & Talented Teacher
Roxborough Primary	Ann Miller	Speech Language Pathologist
Saddle Ranch Elementary	Elizabeth Coplan	Learning Specialist
Sage Canyon Elementary	Susan Fairchild	3rd Grade Teacher
Sagewood Middle School	Robert Funk	6th Grade Innovation & Design Lab Teacher
Sand Creek Elementary	Carli DeBaere	2nd Grade Teacher
Sedalia Elementary	Jen Tucker	Art Teacher
Sierra Middle School	Will Knight	8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
SkyView Academy	Andy Brocka	3rd Grade Teacher
SkyView Academy	Miranda Bow	6th Grade Social Studies Teacher
SkyView Academy	Karen Wilhoite	High School Physics & Math Teacher
Soaring Hawk Elementary	Stephanie Zundel	Counselor
South Ridge Elementary	Challeen Flick	4th Grade Teacher
STEM School Highlands Ranch - Elementary	Michelle Gasser	3rd/4th Grade Teacher
STEM School Highlands Ranch - High School	Joseph Smith	High School Art Teacher
Stone Mountain Elementary	Cynthia Berndt	Music Teacher
Summit View Elementary	Amy Krysa	2nd Grade Teacher
ThunderRidge High School	Eric Valerio	High School Academic Counselor
Timber Trail Elementary	Jeannette Proctor	4th Grade Teacher
Trailblazer Elementary	Kristen Anderson	School Social Worker
Wildcat Mountain Elementary	Kristen Wright	Kindergarten Teacher
World Compass Academy	Halie Cain	1st Grade Teacher
School	Classified Representative	Position
Academy Charter School	Anne Belfrage	Registrar
Acres Green Elementary	Brittaney Lupo	Librarian/Technology
American Academy - CP	Elizabeth Hinz	School Nurse
American Academy - LM	Megan Kerls	Instructional Assistant
American Academy - MB	Kristen Santilli	Health Office Assistant
Arrowwood Elementary	Virgil Flores	Building Engineer
Aspen View Academy	Holly Landauer	IT Manager
Bear Canyon Elementary	Kathy Nash	SSN Educational Assistant IV
Ben Franklin Academy	Holly Long	Kitchen Manager
Bridge Transition Program	Chuck Beckman	Educational Assistant IV - Bridge Program
Buffalo Ridge Elementary	Kris Littlejohn	Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper
Castle Rock Elementary	Karin McMurray	Educational Assistant IV
Castle Rock Middle School	Devon Clarke	Building Engineer
Castle View High School	Marnie Lansdown	Counseling/Special Education Secretary
Challenge to Excellence	Francesca Merritt	Receptionist/Health Assistant
Chaparral High School	Janell Mills	ITS Technician
Cherokee Trail Elementary	Kristi Robertson	Kitchen Manager
Cherry Valley Elementary	Jenn Ford	Building Engineer
Cimarron Middle School	Kellie Allen	Registrar
Clear Sky Elementary	Anne Clark	BASE Assistant Program Manager
Copper Mesa Elementary	Michelle Dansereau	Pre School Teacher
Cougar Run Elementary	Sue Shepler	ITS Technician I
Coyote Creek Elementary	Christie Moon	Educational Assistant I
Cresthill Middle School	Sara Kroneberger	Educational Assistant IV
DCS Montessori	Chandra Ullom	Library Assistant
Douglas County High School	Ryan Ortt	ITS Technician I
Eagle Academy	Lauren Yocom	Educational Assistant IV
Eagle Ridge Elementary	Santi Gonzalez	Educational Assistant IV
eDCSD	Holly Withers	Registrar - Alt Ed
Eldorado Elementary	Vicki Matta	Reading Interventionist
Flagstone Elementary	Kay Livingstone	Building Engineer
Fox Creek Elementary	Faythe Broussard	Library Specialist
Frontier Valley Elementary	Keith Langford	BASE Manager
Global Village Academy	Antonina Urmeyev	Instructional Assistant
Gold Rush Elementary	Linda Harrison	Educational Assistant I
Heritage Elementary	Summer Danser	School Nurse
Highlands Ranch High School	Melissa Muniz	Post Grad Secretary
HOPE Online Learning Acad Co-Op	America Delgado	Learning Center Director
Iron Horse Elementary	Molly Parker	Educational Assistant IV
Larkspur Elementary	Sally Erickson	Educational Assistant I
Legend High School	Sarah Brenning	Administrative Assistant
Leman Classical Academy	Cortney Atchley	Instructional Assistant/Lunch Monitor
Lone Tree Elementary	Mallory Schipper	Building Engineer
Legacy Point Elementary	Jessica Castillo	Educational Assistant I
Mammoth Heights Elementary	Marcie Salter	Educational Assistant IV
Meadow View Elementary	Angie Cacciaroni	Kitchen Manager
Mesa Middle School	Andy Autobee	ITS Technician I - Computer Support Tech
Mountain Ridge Middle School	Kathy Sheehan	Principal's Secretary/ Office Manager
Mountain View Elementary	Kate Barnhart	School Nurse
Mountain Vista High School	Todd Speer	Educational Assistant IV
North Star Academy	Lindsey Gompert	School Nurse
Northeast Elementary	Shannon Mueller	Educational Assistant I
Northridge Elementary	Laura Carey	Principal's Secretary
Parker Core Knowledge	Kelly Amick	Lunchroom & Physical Education Aide
Pine Grove Elementary	Amy Sharpless	Technology Educational Assistant
Pine Lane Elementary	Sally Smith	BASE Director
Pioneer Elementary	Susan Cooke	Educational Assistant I
Platte River Academy	Heidy Tomic	Office Manager
Plum Creek Academy	Jessy Lien	Behavior Technician
Ponderosa High School	Peggy Laverty	Registrar
Prairie Crossing Elementary	Amber Rietsch	EA IV- AN Center-Based Classroom
Ranch View Middle School	Christine Romanello	Registrar
Redstone Elementary	Breann Smith	Technology Instructional Support
Renaissance Elementary Magnet	Zina Lech	Kitchen Manager
Renaissance Secondary	Brandon Birdwell	Facilities Manager, Guitar Instructor
Rock Canyon High School	Susan Delgado	Registrar
Rock Ridge Elementary	Denise Bird	Administrative Assistant
Rocky Heights Middle School	Colette Compoz	Registrar
Roxborough Intermediate	Jennifer Mackin	Educational Assistant IV
Roxborough Primary	Kristy Sharshel	Educational Assistant IV
Saddle Ranch Elementary	Caron Elston	Educational Assistant I
Sage Canyon Elementary	Melanie Crowley	Instructional Assistant
Sagewood Middle School	Elizabeth Chapman	Educational Assistant IV
Sand Creek Elementary	Kendra Delaney	Preschool Instructor - Early Childhood Ed
Sedalia Elementary	Katie Wilson	Sustainability Lead
Sierra Middle School	Sarah Stapel	Educational Assistant IV
SkyView Academy	Makayla Hansen	PreK Teacher Assistant
Soaring Hawk Elementary	Janelle Nelson	Librarian
South Ridge Elementary	Stefanie Neff	Behavior Technician
STEM School HR - Elem	Rebecca Lein	In-house Substitute
Stone Mountain Elementary	Nancy Green	Kitchen Manager
Summit View Elementary	Donald Griffin	Building Engineer
ThunderRidge High School	Sarah King	Copy Secretary
Timber Trail Elementary	Linda Schmidt	Educational Assistant I
Trailblazer Elementary	Rashell Lemmons	Computer Resource Teacher (CRT)
Wildcat Mountain Elementary	Misty Buhler	Health Assistant
World Compass Academy	Heidi Bohrer	Financial Coordinator
Department	Name	Position
Business Services	Denise Nichols	Admin Pro Tech
Business Services	Andy Cunningham	Warehouse Lead
Communications	Paula Hans	Public Information Officer
Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment	Rachel Brown	Grades K-12 Strategist
eLearning Elementary	Karisa Nielsen	1st Grade Teacher
eLearning Middle School	Alison Mayes	Middle School Music Teacher
Early Childhood Education	Jami Masten	Early Childhood Instructor (ECI)
Early Childhood Education	Michelle Croom	Speech-Language Pathologist
Human Resources	Holly Giron	Staff Wellness Coordinator
Information Technology	Chris Lawson	Product Owner - District Enterprise Applications
Nutrition Services	Kristina Keer	Training Specialist
Operations & Maintenance	Zach Nannestad	Environmental Health Manager
Personalized Learning	Jennifer Hubbard	IEP System Specialist
Student Assistance	Caeleigh Shellhart	Case Manager/Counselor
Student Assistance	Danielle Groth	Educational Assistant IV
Transportation	Mike Clark	Mechanic