Teachers

Ms. Shepherd
jennifer.shepherd@bvsd.org

Educational Background:
BA in Studio Art with 2 minors in Creative Writing & Graphic Design
MSCD Certified Art Licensure 2005

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for 4 years at Whittier Elementary and Lafayette Elementary.

Hobbies or personal interests:
Hiking with my dog, painting, movies, drawing, concerts, home improvement, reading and snowboarding!

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Coming up with new and exciting lesson plans and watching these lesson plans come alive through student creation!  There is nothing more satisfying for an art teacher then putting the finished artwork on the schools walls!
 

Educational Background:
BS in Art Education, University of Maryland

Teaching Experience:
While living on the east coast, I taught Art at a middle school in Charleston, South Carolina for 3 years and at Key West High School, Key West, Florida for 1 year. More recently, I taught 2 years at Flatirons Elementary in Boulder.
This is my second year as an Art Teacher at Lafayette Elementary.

Hobbies or personal interests:
A few of my favorite things are hanging out with my kids and husband, flower gardens, and vacationing at the beach. I am looking forward to meeting all the young artists here at Lafayette Elementary. My hope is to bring the joy and appreciation of Art to the entire school community.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
The most enjoyable teaching moments for me are when I see excitement and enthusiasm in the faces of my students.

:: ESL ::

Mrs. Yang
dao.yang@bvsd.org

Educational Background:
I graduated from Crown College in Minnesota with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood Education. I have a Masters degree in Bilingual & ESL Education at CU.

Teaching Experience:
I taught 2nd grade at Denver Public Schools for a few months and then ESL at BVSD ever since. This is my 14th year with BVSD teaching ESL and 11 of those years have been at Lafayette Elementary.

Hobbies & personal interests:
Volleyball, fishing and looking for mushrooms.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Making a difference in the life of kids and seeing the light bulbs light up when the kids do get it.

:: ESL/CLIP ::

Ms. Leuthold
megan.leuthold@bvsd.org

Educational Background:
BA Spanish/Bilingual & ESL Education/Elementary Ed. - Fort Lewis College 2008
MA ICCA-Literacy - University of Colorado 2004

Teaching Experience:
ESL Literacy and CLIP - 4 years at Uni-Hill and Eisenhower Elementary
Spanish 4th Grade Teacher - 1 year in inner city Los Angeles
Spanish Literacy - 1 year in St. Vrain District
This is my 3nd year at Lafayette Elementary in ESL and CLIP and I am adding Literacy this year as well.

Hobbies & personal interests:
Sports, jump rope, bike riding, art, reading and travel.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Working with students and families!

:: TAG Educational Advisor ::


Mrs. Eckstein
michelle.eckstein@bvsd.org
Miss Michelle's Page

Educational Background:
MA in Education from University of Connecticut concentrating in Gifted Education.

Teaching Experience:
I was the TAG Advisor at Superior Elementary School in 2007.  In addition to teaching at LES, I am the founder and teacher in a supplemental online program for gifted middle school students in rural school districts.  This is my first year at LES as TAG Educational Advisor.

Hobbies & personal interests:
My favorite hobbies are digital photography, using the computer to learn new things, reading and hiking.  I also really enjoy watching my two teenage children participate in Marching Band Competitions.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I love helping students discover the joy of reading.  I am a huge fan of technology and enjoy sharing great technology tools with students.

:: TAG Coordinator ::

Mrs. Marquez
julie.marquez@bvsd.org
Mrs. Marquez's Webpage

Educational Background:
BS Elementary Education – Indiana University
Secondary English Language Arts Endorsement – University of Texas
ESL Course Work – Regis University
Gifted Endorsement/Course Work - University of Denver

Teaching Experience:
16 years - Texas - Elementary/Secondary
4 years - Sanchez Elementary 3rd-5th grade
4 years - Lafayette Elementary - TAG Coordinator

Hobbies & personal interests:
White water rafting , reading, spending time with my husband, John and son, Robert.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I enjoy working with students and their families.

:: Library/MEDIA ::

Ms. Mackie
karen.mackie@bvsd.org
 
Background:
Master’s degree in Literacy Instruction & Curriculum
Master’s endorsement in ILT – School Media
Undergraduate degree from CU Boulder in American History, Literature & Political Science

Teaching Experience:
Elementary School Librarian – 5 years
Literacy Specialist – 4 years
Summer School teacher – 2 years
Kindergarten teacher – 5 years

Special Interests:
I am the new librarian (Media Specialist) at Lafayette Elementary! I enjoy competitive country, swing and ballroom dancing, card making and scrapbooking, digital photography, and playing with my 4 grandchildren.

What was your most memorable summer adventure?
Getting 1st place with my dance partner at the Colorado Country Classic in June! We danced 5 different dances (Nightclub 2, Cha Cha, Waltz, 2-Step & West Coast Swing) and we’re headed to Phoenix the first weekend in August to compete again.
 

Mrs. Hansen
heather.hansen@bvsd.org

Background:
B.A. in Psychology and Elementary Education
M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction

I taught 5th grade for six years both in Virginia and in BVSD. I then became a literacy teacher and love working with readers and writers of all ages.

This is my first year here at Lafayette. I’m so excited to be joining the Lafayette Elementary community. My door is always open, so stop in and say hello!

Special Interests:
I enjoy music, concerts, hiking, snowboarding, reading, golfing, scrapbooking, traveling, and hanging out with my husband and little girl.

What was your most memorable summer adventure?
Watching the sun set in Hawaii and pulling my daughter, Charlotte, to the pool in her little red wagon.

:: Literacy ::

Mrs. Diehl
roz.diehl@bvsd.org

Educational Background:
BS Education 1975
MA Reading – CU 1985
Clip – Graduated 1996
ESL Training – 12 hours

Teaching Experience:
2nd/3rd Grade Combination Teacher at a Denver private school for 1 year
Literacy Teacher in St. Vrain Valley School District for 1 year
I have taught for the past 22 years at Lafayette Elementary in Title 1, Literacy, and Clip. This year I am Literacy K-5.

Hobbies & personal interests:
I enjoy reading, hiking, dancing, running. I’ve never wanted to teach at any other school. Lafayette Elementary has an incredible staff and wonderful parents and students. Please email me with comments and concerns. I want to hear from you.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Kids and staff.
 

:: Music ::

Mr. Meere
john.meere@bvsd.org

Background:
BA Psychology - CU '93
BA Music/Piano – CU ' 97
MA Music Education & Liscencure – CU '99

Teaching Experience:
4 years at University Hill Elementary School
2 years at Casey Middle School
2 years at Ranum High School
4th year at Lafayette!!

Hobbies & personal interests:
Sports...all of 'em!  I coach soccer, play softball, I bike, run, swim and enjoy all sports.  I am a HUGE CU and Avalanche fan.  I really enjoy going to concerts, and love to see live music.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Helping to develop good character and confidence in these young people is why I'm here.

Come visit my class anytime!!
 

Ms. Bunyan
jayanthi.bunyan@bvsd.org

Educational Background:
BM from Suny Fredonia, Fredonia, NY

Teaching Experience:
I am thrilled to begin my teaching career here at Lafayette and Douglas Elementary.

Hobbies & personal interests:
I love to sing, play the piano and listen to all types of music.  I also love hiking, canoeing, and watching movies.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I love teaching because no two days are the same and my students can teach me just as much as I teach them.

:: Counselor ::

Mr. Pacheck
justin.pacheck@bvsd.org

:: Occupational Therapist ::

Mrs. Kolber
betsy.kolber@bvsd.org

Educational Background:
I am one of the occupational therapists.  I work with students at LES and Lafayette Preschool.  I have a Bachelor's degree in Biology, Psychology and Sociology from St. Lawrence University, and a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from the State University of New York at Buffalo. 

Teaching Experience:
I have been practicing OT for 27 years in schools, rehab centers, hospitals, nursing homes and home care settings.  This is my 9th year with Boulder Valley School District, and with LES.

Hobbies or personal interests:
I love to exercise (run, bike, swim, Pilates) & participate in triathlons.  I enjoy photography; especially when I can find the time to photoshop and print pictures I have taken.  I have 2 children that I like to spend time with, sharing in activities that they enjoy - including theater, choir concerts, jump rope demonstrations/competitions and cross country races.  I also enjoy spending time with my husband - working out, doing home improvement projects and going out to dinner.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I love collaborating with teachers, parents and other school staff to brainstorm ways we can work together to help maximize student learning opportunities.  It is great to see the kids get excited about learning! 

Mr. Buchanan
bruce.buchanan@bvsd.org

Background:
BS Physical Education 1991
MS Exercise Physiology 1994

Adult Fitness at Portland, Oregon YMCA
Exercise, Nutrition & Wellness for heart disease patients at Hammonds Hospital in Missouri
Youth Football & Soccer Coach
High School Cross Country Coach

Special Interests:
I have been in BVSD for 9 years and this is my 4th year at Lafayette Elementary. In my leisure time, I have enjoyed training for 100 mile bike races, hiking, backpacking, and writing a column for a music magazine. I am so excited to be back at Lafayette! I want all of the students, parents and staff to feel welcome to learn and enjoy physical movement.

What was your most memorable summer adventure?
Hiking in some new parts of Colorado.
 

:: School Psychologist ::

Ms. Ontiveros
lydia.ontiveros@bvsd.org

Educational Background:
I am a Colorado native, so all my schooling has taken place in this beautiful state.  I received my Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from CSU, Master's in Educational Psychology with a Specialist Degree and licensing in School Psychology at the UC - Denver. 

Teaching Experience:
I am going into my 16th year as a school psychologist having worked previously in St. Vrain and Adams #14 school districts.  Additional work experience has included being a social worker for Denver Head Start, Mental Health Therapist for community-based organizations and much youth/family counseling with various agencies.
I am going into my 6th year as a school psychologist at Lafayette Elementary.  My assignment also includes other schools within the district.

Hobbies & personal interests:
I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my immediate and extended family members.  I also love to read, quiet time and being outside with nature.  I do enjoy the unexpected good times in life.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I enjoy making connections amongst students, families and teachers to better support each individual's learning style.
 

:: Physical Therapist ::

Mrs. Moore
janice.moore@bvsd.org

Educational Background:
BA PE/Exercise Physiology in 1986
BS Physical Therapy in 1991

Teaching Experience:
I have been a physical therapist in hospitals, private practices and skilled nursing facilities. I've been learning more about community resources for children with special mobility needs.
I am excited to be at Lafayette Elementary and preschool for the 2008-2009 school year. This is my 7th year as a BVSD physical therapist.

Hobbies or personal interests:
I love to run with my dog, Maverick, take family bike rides, and travel to many of our country's historical sights with my husband and 2 children.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
The variety of students and staff I am fortunate with whom to work, make every day different, interesting and rewarding.

:: Speech/Language::

Mrs. Krassowski, MS, CCC-SLP
elaine.krassowski@bvsd.org

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology & Audiology at Trenton State College in New Jersey and Master of Science in Speech Pathology at Rutgers University, New Jersey. Post graduate coursework at Florida State University, Florida and University of Arizona, Arizona.

Teaching Experience:
-Worked in Manville, New Jersey as a speech pathologist in a K-12 resource program and maintained private practice working primarily with adult aphasia.
-Worked in Sarasota, Florida as a countywide diagnostic specialist on a transdisciplinary diagnostic team.
-Worked in Tucson, Arizona in self-contained severely language impaired program, in an intensive therapy program and in a resource program.
-Worked as a researcher and author – publications include: IQ Variability in children with SLI: Implications for use of cognitive referencing in determining SLI, Seamantics: Thinking Activities for Semantic Development, Word Joggers: The Name Game, Making Sense with Syntax, Categorically Speaking, Semantically Speaking Series, Articu-Themes and Homework, Too!, Thinking with Language: Early & Advanced Editions, Articu-Games, Semantically Speaking: Early Intervention, Semantically Speaking: Advanced Edition, Magic of Sentence Sense, Communicating with Comparatives, Approaching Possessives, Verbalizing Verbs, Practicing Plurals.
-Coursework in apraxia, cleft palate, aphasia, and evidence based intervention research/therapy

Hobbies & personal interests:
Spoiling basset hounds, watercolor painting, collecting antiques and reading mysteries

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Working with children to help them reach their unlimited potential - they bring joy and laughter into my life!

Ms. Baer
laura.baer@bvsd.org

Educational Background:
BA - Univ. of Colorado - Boulder, 1995
MA - Univ. of Colorado - Boulder, 1999

Teaching Experience:
9 years experience in public schools, private practice, early intervention, and pediatric rehabilitation.  7 years involvement with BVSD.  1 year at Newton Public Schools (Newton, MA).
1999-2001 full-time Speech-Language Pathologist at Lafayette Elementary returning in 2008 as a part-time Speech-Language Pathologist.

Hobbies & personal interests:
I enjoy traveling, reading, skiing, running, hiking and biking.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I love to see children make progress and be able to communicate effectively with the world around them.

Ms. Fries
joan.fries@bvsd.org

Educational Background:
BS Physical Education with a Minor in Math – University of Wisconsin at Madison
Graduate School in Behavioral Disabilities – University of Wisconsin

Teaching Experience:
My teaching experience includes 5 years in Wisconsin, 4 years in Alaska, 1 summer on a Navaho Indian Reservation, and 24 years in BVSD. I have been at Lafayette Elementary for 21 years with the Multi Intensive Special Education Program.

Hobbies & personal interests:
I enjoy gardening, dogs, reading and travel.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Working with children with special needs.  Love to problem solve and see progress.

Mrs. Huebner
jenny.huebner@bvsd.org

Educational Background:
I attended Lafayette Elementary, Lafayette Junior/Senior High, and graduated from Centaurus High School in 1975. I graduated from Adams State College in Alamosa, CO in 1979 with a BA in Special Education and in 1982 with an MA in Learning Disabilities.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for 29 years in BVSD. I was an itinerant Resource Room teacher at Heatherwood and Washington Elementary from 1979 – 1980. I came to Lafayette Elementary in 1980 as a self-contained Special Education teacher. The following year I became a Resource Room teacher and continue today in that same capacity.  This is my 28th year at Lafayette Elementary.

Hobbies & personal interests:
I enjoy spending time with my husband and teenage son, walking, and I am an avid sports fan. I am a lifetime resident of Lafayette – born and raised here. I love this community and feel great pride in Lafayette Elementary and the town of Lafayette. The diversity and hometown feeling is awesome!