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Staff Directory

Administration

Buck, Jennifer

Principal

BA, MEd

I am originally from Fremont, in the Bay Area of Northern California. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a minor in Early Childhood Education and a K-8 Teaching Endorsement from California State University East Bay. I was a first and second-grade teacher in Newark, CA before moving to Colorado in...

Keirns, Mary Lou

Assistant Principal

Mrs. Keirns is thrilled to be back at Stellar Elementary as Assistant Prinicipal again this year! She began her teaching career in Adams 12 in 1985 and is grateful to say, she has never been anywhere else! Throughout her career in Adams 12, she has been a Kindergarten and First Grade teacher, Title One Writing Coach...

Office

McAlexander, Karen

Secretary

I feel so lucky to be a part of the Stellar Elementary School family! Born and raised in Colorado, I grew up in the Adams 12 Five Star School system; attended Leroy Drive Elementary, Northglenn Middle School and Thornton High School. I continued my education in the area by receiving an Associates Degree at Front...

Kindergarten

Knight, Lisa

Kindergarten Teacher

BA, MA

I am a Colorado native. I was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado. My undergraduate degree is in Elementary Education from Adams State College and my graduate degree as a Reading Specialist is from California University of Pennsylvania. I started teaching in 1991 and throughout my teaching career, I have been a...

Marques, Desiree

Kindergarten Teacher

Kindergarten Teacher I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I graduated from Metropolitan State College of Denver with a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science with emphasis in Elementary Education. Previously I worked in Early Childhood Education for 12 years. I have had the privilege of working at Stellar...

Hansen, Karen

AM Kindergarten Teacher , PM Kindergarten Teacher

BA

I was born and raised in the Northglenn/Thornton area and I'm a product of Adams 12. Throughout my elementary and secondary education, I attended North Mor Elementary, Pecos Junior High and Northglenn High School. Following that, I attended Metropolitan State College, receiving a BA in Business Management and...

Williams, Alexia

AM Kindergarten Teacher

BS

I was raised in Broomfield, Colorado from the time I was 7 years old. I am a product of BVSD. I attended Kohl, and then Birch ES. I spent one year as a homebound student while I underwent multiple surgeries and hospital stays for a birth defect. I was enrolled in Broomfield Jr. High and High School, and graduated in...

1st Grade

Christensen, Jessica

1st Grade Teacher

BS

Hello, my name is Jessica Christensen. I am so excited to be joining Stellar Elementary in 1st Grade this year! I have been in the Adams 12 School District for the past four years. Before coming to Stellar, I was an SSN Paraprofessional at Rocky Mountain Elementary, taught Science for a PEAK afterschool program at...

Dunton, Christine

1st Grade Teacher

BS, MA

First grade is a very exciting and transitional year. For many of my students, it is the first year in which they have a full day of school. I am privileged to have your child with me this year. I would like to tell you a little about myself. This is my 3rd year at Stellar Elementary, and my 22nd year of teaching...

Fellwock, Susanne

1st Grade Teacher

BS, MA

My name is Susanne Fellwock and I am a proud K-12 product of the Adams 12 Five Star Schools. I began working in the BASE programs my junior year of high school as a High School Aide and worked my way up to the Coordinator position before graduating from Metropolitan State College in 2000 with a minor in Reading, a...

Maloney, Pamela

1st Grade Teacher

BS, MA, NBCT

I'm a National Board Certified Teacher and this is my 22nd year teaching! I LOVE my job and I'm excited to be teaching 1st grade! I'm honored be the newest member on your TEAM and I promise to work hard during these 9 months to support your child and help them be successful. I am very dedicated to my work and I...

2nd Grade

Detlefsen, Lisa

2nd Grade Teacher

BS, MEd

Welcome to 2nd Grade! I'm so excited that you are here! First, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am a graduate of Horizon High School (Go Hawks!), I just won't tell you what year :). I earned my Masters of Education from Regis University. I have been teaching for 11 years. I have been at Stellar...

McDaniel, Marie

2nd Grade Teacher

BA

I love helping students learn to love learning! This is my 24th year in education - first in California where I grew up, and now, for the last 18 years in Adams 12 schools. My entire career has been focused on teaching 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students. I have been teaching 2nd grade at Stellar since we opened the...

Richardson, Lisa

2nd Grade Teacher

BS, MA

This is my eleventh year at Stellar and my eleventh year teaching 2nd grade. After teaching Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade, I have found 2nd grade to be one of my favorite grade levels to teach. Each year in my classroom, I strive to create an environment where students feel a sense of community and...

Southern, Christine

2nd Grade Teacher

MA

I am thrilled to be teaching second grade this year! I am originally from Southern California but taught elementary grades for eleven years in Washington DC. Four of those years were in second grade. My last three years were here at Stellar as the technology teacher and then the 2nd grade teacher. I have a husband...

3rd Grade

Flanders, Cheryl

3rd Grade Teacher

BS

I am Cheryl Flanders, I have taught for 18 years, 14 of those years have been in the Adams 12 School District. The first 13 of those years I spent teaching 1st grade, and just this year I “moved up” to teach 3rd grade. As well as a teaching degree, I have a Master’s Degree in Administration and two years ago I...

Jerding, Samantha

3rd Grade Teacher

BA

I was raised in a suburb of Chicago and went to college at Winona State University in Minnesota. Soon after earning my BA in the Graphic Arts, I moved to Colorado. After living in Colorado for a few years, I heard my calling to teach. I began my teaching/coaching career at Loveland Ski Area instructing...

Miller, Melinda

3rd Grade Teacher

My name is Melinda Miller and I am so happy to be here at Stellar Elementary! This is my 9th year at Stellar but my 28th year in this wonderful teaching profession. I wanted to be a teacher since I was in 4th grade. There is nothing else I'd rather do! Over the course of my career, I have been a classroom...

Zensen, Cathy

3rd Grade Teacher

BS

I love my job! I am a passionate, self-motivated, quality-conscious team player with a reputation for enthusiasm, commitment, leadership and loyalty. My love for learning and teaching is fostered through a caring, student-centered, constructivist culture supporting diverse learners in gaining knowledge through...

4th Grade

Coombs, Lauren

4th Grade Teacher

This is my first year at Stellar Elementary and I am excited to be a part of such a great community! I have a degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Science from the Univeristy of Utah. After graduating, I worked within special education assisting students with speech, language and academics. Before receiveing my...

Gill, Lori

4th Grade Teacher

This year marks my 21st year of teaching in the Adams 12 School District. I've taught fifth grade for seven years, second grade for a year, and third grade for nine years. I'm thrilled to work again with the fourth grade team and the community at Stellar Elementary School. I believe learning should engage a...

Sauls, Catherine

4th Grade Teacher

MEd

This is my twelfth year teaching fourth grade at Stellar and I honestly can’t think of anything I’d rather do! The staff, students, and parents all make Stellar a great place to learn and work. I have a B.A. in Economics from Sweet Briar College in Virginia. After working in the business world, I decided to pursue...

Sebastian, Karen

4th Grade Teacher

BA

Hi, and welcome to Stellar Elementary! I feel honored to be a part of this phenomenal community and school. I have taught at Stellar since its opening. Before coming to Stellar, I'd taught in Adams 12 schools at various grade levels for many years. I am especially excited to return to teaching fourth grade with...

5th Grade

Cown, Stacy

5th Grade Teacher

BA, MS

I am very excited for the 2017/2018 school year! I have been teaching for Eleven years. During these eleven years, I have taught 4th grade for one year, 3rd grade for two years, and the other eight years were spent teaching 5th grade. I have a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Wyoming, and an M.S....

Hardwick, Kimberly

5th Grade Teacher

My name is Kimberly Hardwick and I am excited to be teaching at the school that helped me raise and educate my own children. I am originally from Oklahoma where I was raised on a small farm and enjoyed taking care of animals, riding motorcycles, and playing sports. My family was transferred to Colorado my senior...

Martinez, Tiffany

5th Grade Teacher

BA, MA

I am excited to be a part of the amazing Stellar team. This is my sixth year at Stellar and I truly love what I do! It has always been my desire to work with children and teach in a classroom setting. Growing up as the daughter of two teachers helped cultivate that desire and love of teaching. I have worked with...

Stephens, Heather

5th Grade Teacher

MA

This is my nineteenth year of service as an educator in Adams 12. I have had the privilege of being a classroom teacher and a Teacher Librarian. Previously, I taught 2nd and 4th grade then was a Teacher Librarian. Now, I have the great responsibillity of teaching 5th grade at Stellar. I am surrounded by dedicated...

Specials

Crozier, Darcy

Art Teacher

BFA

I am the visual arts teacher at Stellar Elementary. I received my Bachelors of Fine Art with an emphasis in painting from Metropolitan State College of Denver in 1998. Teaching children’s summer classes at the Denver Art Museum inspired me to return to Metro and earn my k-12 Art Education endorsement. I have...

O'Connor, Victor

Music Teacher

BME

I didn't like music in the slightest till I was 17 years old. The first instrument I picked up was a guitar. I was surrounded by great guitarists where I attended church so I became very curious about how to play. I slowly learned a few chords and started writing my own songs. This is where my story became very...

Johnson, Gunnar

P.E. Teacher

Hello, my name is Gunnar Johnson and I am the Physical Education teacher at Stellar Elementary School. I am married to Tara Johnson and have two boys who attend Rocky Top Middle School and Legacy High School. When I am not at school, I enjoy being with my family and coaching youth and high school sports. I have...

Hartman, Barbara

Technology Teacher

MA

My goal is that every student feel successful and take away skills that will benefit them in this 21st Century technology filled world we live in. This year I am blessed to be teaching Digital Literacy/Technology at Stellar. My enthusiasm is contagious as I explore this new opportunity and the many different ways I...

Support Services

Callaghan, Connie

Paraeducator , BASE Site Aide

I have been very fortunate to be at Stellar Elementary since the opening day. It was a pleasure to watch the first kindergarten class advance through the years all the way to completing 5th grade. I look forward to being there for new and returning students throughout their educational journey at Stellar. I...

Delaroy, Caylin

PT

OTR/L

I am so excited to be a part of Stellar this year and to work with such great people and kids. This will be my second year as a Stellar Star! I attended Colorado State University- Fort Collins (Go Rams!) and received my bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis on Occupational...

Adley, Jaclyn

Instructional Coach

I'm so excited to work with the staff and students at Stellar Elementary! I love teaching and working with both children and adult learners. Over the past 16 years I have taught 3rd, 4th and 5th grades as well as literacy intervention and place a strong emphasis on social emotional well-being and whole child...

Pontillo, Chris

Instructional Coach , Technology Teacher

BSBIO, MET

This is my eleventh year in education. Seven of those years I taught fourth and fifth grade. However, for the last four years, I've served as Technology Integration Specialist/Digital Literacy Coach. A Digital Literacy Coach helps teachers and students use technology effectively and safely. Currently, I serve both...

ELL

Lawrence, Jessica

ELD Teacher

MA

I am so excited to be joining the Stellar Stars this year! I am looking forward to working with and getting to know all of you as we learn together this year. I have lived in Colorado all my life and attended Century Middle School and Legacy High School here in Adams 12. After high school I attended The University...

Viegas, Maria

ELD Teacher

BS, MAT, MS

I am thrilled to be part of Stellar Elementary as an ELD teacher. I have a passion for languages and for motivating children to learn new languages. I believe all children can learn and be motivated to learn. I grew up in Venezuela and moved to the US to get an education. I graduated from Florida International...

Special Ed

O'Connor, Elizabeth

Speech & Language Specialist

MA

I’ve worked in Adams 12 for 17 years, and I have been at Stellar since it opened, 12 years ago. I'm very lucky to be full-time at Stellar working with students in grades K-5 who have communication challenges. I work with students who need help learning to say particular speech sounds, students who stutter, and...

Criaris, Samantha

Learning Specialist

BA

I am a Colorado Native. I was born and raised in Pueblo and moved to Denver with my (then fiance) husband just over a year ago. I earned my Bachelor's of Art in Music from Colorado State University-Pueblo. Soon after that I became a paraprofessional, and then a full time teacher. This is my first year teaching...

Pearcy, Jere

Learning Specialist

BS, MEd

I am proud to say I am a Colorado native and have been an educator my entire life. I’ve served in various capacities in public, private, and charter schools here as well as in Texas. Additionally, I’ve taught a diverse range of students in varying age groups from preschool through 8th grades. My teaching...

Williams, Sharon

Learning Specialist

BS

I am originally from Springfield, Massachusetts, but I have also lived in Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas and Illinois. I have lived in Colorado for the past 23 years and love all there is to do in Colorado. I raised 5 wonderful children and I have a beautiful granddaughter that will be 3 this year. This is my...

Health

Grable, Reanna

Health Aide

While being a product of Adams 12 - Leroy Elementary, Rocky Top Middle and graduating from Horizon High Schools; I am proud to start this new chapter by starting as the Health Aide here at Stellar! I even attended our very own Bollman Technical Education Center for two years for medical and EMT training, which...

Library

Steele, Kim

Media Clerk

I’m so honored to be at Stellar as the Media Tech! I love reading, and I look forward to helping your kids discover new books and authors that are “just right” for them. I have a bachelor degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English. I taught for two years, and then an opportunity opened for me to use...

BASE

Mack, Daniele

BASE Director

Not only am I a product of Adams 12 but I have been working in the BASE programs since 1994. I went to school and worked towards a Criminal Justice Degree but found that my heart lies in working with children instead. I truly enjoy the job that I do and am dedicated to providing a safe and fun environment for the...

Custodial

Ryszkowski, William

Head Custodian

I have been working for Adams12 for 10 years. Prior to working with the District, I worked in maintenance for the City of Denver for 15 years. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my two kids. We like to go camping, water skiing, bowling and golf. I'm proud to say that I've been at Stellar since...

Dickerson, Scott

Custodian

I've been with the School District for 2 years and I really enjoy working with the students and teaching staff at Stellar. Previously I worked for 16 years in customer service for a local water treatment company. My hobbies are music and art and I enjoy spending time with my family.

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