Mesa Teachers & Staff

Josh Baldner, Principal

Judy Bullert, Office Manager

Lori Madden, Office Assistant

Rachel Anderson -  Kindergarten
BA - Brown University in American Civilization
MA - Florida Atlantic University in Elementary Education

"In kindergarten we work to lay a strong academic foundation. We also have the wonderful opportunity to shape students' first attitudes and perceptions about school. It is my goal to create a learning environment where students feel welcomed, valued and successful."

Allison Stephens -  Kindergarten

Gretchen Jimenez -  1st Grade
BA - University of Colorado, Boulder in English Literature
University of Colorado, Boulder - Elementary Teacher Certification
Working towards MA at University of Colorado, Boulder in Elementary Education

Michele Nankervis  - 1st Grade
BA – University of South Australia in Early Childhood Education
MA – Regis University in Education
MA - University of Colorado – Denver, in Information Technology and Library Science.

"I believe that children learn best when they have frequent opportunities to engage in interesting, challenging, purposeful, and authentic activities and tasks.   It’s important to use student evaluations and current research to guide instruction on a student-by-student basis every year.   Learning should be stimulating in a nurturing and compassionate classroom."

Heidi Orr -  1st Grade
BS – California State University Hayward in Early Childhood Development
University of Colorado, Boulder - Elementary Teacher Certification

Clare Schoolmaster -  2nd Grade
BA - University of Arizona in Journalism
MA - Regis University in Elementary Education

"Schools and classrooms are communities of learning not judging. Students are given worth and status, not for what they know but for what they can contribute. A true teacher seeks to discover how their students know not what they don't know."

April Swearingen - 2nd Grade

Stan Converse -  3rd Grade
BA - With Honors, University of Colorado, Boulder, major in Elementary Education
BS - University of Colorado, Boulder, with major in Psychology
Additional classes, training and background in mathematics, science, and technology.

"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in." - Rachel Carson
"I hope that I can be such an adult. I think that to do this it is important to create an environment where every child feels valued and respected. We are more willing to take chances when we are in a place where we feel safe, even when we make a mistake."

Marti Manning -  3rd Grade
BA - University of Colorado
48 hours of additional professional classes

"To create a safe, inviting, and stimulating classroom environment, provide opportunities for all children to be supported and challenged in their learning, and foster a life long love of learning and self-confidence in each child."

Julie Aderman-Hagerty  - 4th Grade

Sarah Thompson - 4th Grade

Tanner Dayhoff  - 4th Grade

Devira Chartrand -  5th Grade
MA - University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado in Elementary Education
MA - Colorado Christian University in Counseling

"The purpose of education is not to fill empty vessels, but to light fires." W.B. Yeats

Rico Kellogg -  5th Grade
BA - Middlebury College, Middlebury VT
Post-BA - Licensure, University of Colorado, Boulder
Working towards MA in Elementary Education, University of Colorado, Boulder

"The person you are is less important than the person you're becoming."

April Christenson - Visual Arts
BA - Akron University, Akron, Ohio in Art Education
MA - Lesley College, Denver, Colorado in Education-Creative Arts in Learning

"Imagination more important than Knowledge" Albert Einstein

Betsy Puls -  TAG
BA - University of Colorado, Boulder in Social Studies and Education
MA - Denver University in Gifted Education
Worked in TAG capacity for 19 years at various schools and various levels - high school, middle school, and elementary school.  Helped start the International Baccalaureate program at Fairview.   Helped restart the District TAG Office in S.Y. 1996-97.

"Unto thine own self, be true. Then it must follow, as the night, the day, Thou canst be false unto no man." William Shakespeare

Babs Albiniak -  K-Care Specialist
BS - Eastern Illinois University in Elementary Education

"Education should be fun and relevant to the children's experiences. If the material presented and the activities planned enrich their lives, then we have succeeded!"

Karel Boswell -  Literacy
BS – University of Colorado in Elementary Education
MA – University of Northern Colorado in Special Education (Learning Disabilities)

"Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand." Chinese proverb

Sarah Knoebel -  Music
BA - Middlebury College, Music
Post-BA licensure - University of Colorado, Music Education
Working towards MA at University of Colorado, Boulder in Music Education

Jacy Bruno -  Physical Education

Jennifer Wagner-Fernandez - Resource Room

Terry Snyder - Media Specialist

Tim Cline,  Learning Center for Affective Education
Maryellen Marriner,  Math
Brenda Garby,  Technology
Denise Bell,  Occupational Therapist
Carla Mangine,  Occupational Therapist
Caroline Campbell,  Speech/Language Specialist
Debbie Price,  Psychologist
Cynthia Boatman,  Social Worker
Heidi Meyers,  Nurse
Gary McNurlen,  Computer Technology
Brett Wallace,  Instrumental Music (Strings)
Travis Keller,  Instrumental Music (Brass)
Jeff Rubin,  Instrumental Music (Woodwinds)
Janet Boyers,  Health room

Ruth Chou,  K-Care Para educator
Sally Fisher,  Special Education Para educator
Lisa Goldstein,  Health room
Betsy Kabrick,  Literacy para educator
Stephanie Keller,  Para LC for AE
Sandy Madden,  Para LC for AE
Ann Nightingale,  Para educator Resource room
Amy Shanahan,  Cashier/Para educator
Connie Tadehara,  Library/Para educator
Alex Zinga,  Math Tutor/Para educator
Magda Guillot,  Cook
Neil Walk,  Cook Helper
David Spriggs,  Head Custodian
Emilio Cordova,  Custodial Helper