Salida School District Staff Profiles

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Salida School District Staff Profile:   Herman Lapp   is the seventh grade Math teacher at Salida Middle School.  He can be reached at    or 719-530-5338

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
 Eastern Mennonite College, Harrisonburg, VA. BS in liberal arts and education certification with minors in history and coaching.

 What advanced degrees do you hold? What special training or certificates do you have?
 Secondary Math endorsement and elementary endorsement for the state of Colorado

 Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.
 I lived and worked on Indian reservations for 11 years.  I grew up in Pennsylvania surrounded by Amish (my parents left the Amish soon after my oldest brother was born). I also worked for 5 years as a mason and have traveled to 48 states and 13 countries.

 Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.
 I coach 8th grade basketball. I play stand-up bass in a 4 piece folk/hillbilly band. I'm a raft guide in the summer. I prefer anything outdoors to being inside.

 What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
 I love a good challenge. Teaching middle school provides plenty of that. Salida is a wonderful place to work. I have the greatest team (7th grade) to work with.

 What message might you want to share with community members and parents?
 I'm honored to be working here and look forward to becoming part of the community.

  

Salida School District Staff Profile:  Maria Wilcox is a teacher at Salida High School.  She can be reached at or 719-530-5485 

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado (Go Bears!) in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in Special Education. My degree is focused on general special education, so I am certified to teach any type of Special Education, grades K-12.

What advanced degrees do you hold? What special training or certificates do you have?
I have 1/2 a master's degree! I started coursework at Adam's State in Counselor Education but wasn't totally convinced that's what I wanted to pursue...still searching for that "perfect fit!"

Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.
I worked at the Colorado Outdoor Education Center for 4 summers before moving to Salida. I was a Wrangler and got to play with pretty ponies all day long! I also climbed 14ers, made 1,000,000 S'Mores, and can improvise silly skits on command. Last Summer I had the grand privilege on attending a National Endowment for the Humanities Institute at the University of North Carolina - Asheville. I spent three weeks learning about Appalachian culture. I also got to visit my future home, the Biltmore Estate!

Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.
I coach girls' tennis in the Spring at Salida High School. I also co-advise the J. Kyle Braid Leadership Club. I also moonlight as a Monarch Mountain employee as a group sales ambassador (I just gave myself that title...)

What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
The kids are absolutely, hands-down the best part of being in education. Being completely present in the moment of learning is truly an enlightening experience. Watching that light bulb click and things fall into place is one of the best feelings ever! I also love seeing a kid use something I know I've taught them - no matter how small. Our district is FANTASTIC to work for. The people, from support staff, teachers, principals, to our superintendent. One could not find a more supportive, nurturing, group of people. I am inspired by those I work with each day, both personally and professionally.

What message might you want to share with community members and parents?
We are so fortunate to live, work, and play in a beautiful and supportive community. Share everything that Salida has to offer with your family. A sense of pride in where they are from will go a long way! Also, please get involved with your child's education. Call their teachers, ask your kids questions, anything! It is a small gesture that makes all the difference!

Other comments:
Go Spartans!  Oh and my photo is of me sitting in Johnny Cash's rocking chair at the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia. I was hoping it would increase my musical ability...the verdict is still out on that...

 

 

Salida School District Staff Profile:  Julie Drake is the Occupational Therapist for Salida School District.  She can be reached at   or 719-530-5282

 Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
 BS in Occupational therapy from CSU  in 1992, MS in Health services admin from Regis in 2006.

 What advanced degrees do you hold? What special training or certificates do you have?
 Special training in upper extremity injuries, autism spectrum disorders, worksite injury prevention, healthcare navigation, developmental motor skills

 Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.
 I grew up on a sheep and cattle ranch near Yampa, Colorado. My goal is to be in production agriculture again someday! I worked for 6+ years seeing and treating patients with hand, wrist shoulder injuries in hospitals prior to my school employment!

 Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.
 I also work part time for the Chaffee County Oral Health program whose main goal is to help all county citizens learn how to care for their teeth and understand the importance to their overall health. I am an advocate of getting youth involved in 4-H. This is a fabulous enrichment program where the sky is the limit for learning and positive self esteem!

 What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
 Most people don't realize how hard it is to be a classroom teacher. I see every day how hard they work!

 What message might you want to share with community members and parents?
 Education and healthy habits are the most important gifts you can give to your children to insure their lifelong success! Teachers can't do it alone, it take hard work from parents also!

 

 

 Salida School District Staff Profile: Christi Delaney is a Science teacher at Salida High School.  She can be reached at   or 719-530-5442

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
Texas A&M Corpus Christi - MS Education UW , Seattle, WA- BS Zoology US Navy- 5 years EMT & multi clinical medicine background as a hospital corpsman

 What advanced degrees do you hold? What special training or certificates do you have?
 MS in Education,  Former EMT, and CPR instructor

 Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.
 While I was serving in the Navy I was stationed in Rota, Spain for 2 years. I worked and was able to travel all over Western Europe during that time.

 Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.
 Key Club advisor, Prayer Club advisor (student formed and informal), AWANA church group secretary, Women's bible study instructor, and Book club member

 What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
 The students! I get to share my passion of the study of life with amazing kids and get to know them & hopefully encourage and engage them with all my cool knowledge!

 What message might you want to share with community members and parents?
 Teachers love our jobs and we love your kids. We are on your team and want the best for our community!

 

 

 Salida School District Staff Profile: Lori Lee is a teacher at the Salida Early Childhood Center
She can be reached at  or 719-530-5354 

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
I graduated High School in Buena Vista and recieved my Associates from CMC. I have worked at the
early childhood center since 1995 and have recieved lots of training here.

What advanced degrees do you hold? What special training or certificates do you have?
DECA, Creative curriculum-gold

Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.
Unfortunately, I have lived and worked only in Chaffee County, but have never skied or rode the
Arkansas!!

Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.
I am a firm believer in the mentgoring programs and all that Family and Youth Initiatives works
for. I mentor a high school young person and think it is wonderful.

What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
The people I work with at the preschool.  My co-workers are exceptional people who help make the children and their families feel important!!

What message might you want to share with community members and parents?
It takes a village to raise a child. We all need to work together in order to provide the best learning environments for the children.

 

 

Salida School District Staff Profile: Kevin Thonhoff   directs the Salida High School Auto Shop vocational program.  He can be reached at , or 719-530-5425

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
Graduate of Universal Technical Institute
.
What advanced degrees do you hold? What special training or certificates do you have?
Numerous General Motors certifications and training. ASE Master Technician.

Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.
I'll pass on this one for now.

Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.
Ford/AAA competition. Sustainability program. Automotive Co-op program.

What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
The students, faculty, staff and community. The sheer value of that combination.

What message might you want to share with community members and parents?
Grattitude and thanks for your efforts. It's paying off.

 

Salida School District Staff Profile: Stacy Follet, Speech and Language Pathology, can be reached at  or 719-530-5282

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
All of my elementary education took place in Littleton, Colorado.  I graduated from CSU with a Bachelors in Science in communication disorders and a minor in human development.

What advanced degrees do you hold? What special training or certificates do you have?
I have a masters in science in speech and language pathology from the University of Wisconsinn - Madison.

Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.

Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.

What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
I have had the opportunity to work in all of the grades and buildings. We have an exceptional
staff pre-k - 12th grade.

What message might you want to share with community members and parents?

 

Salida School District Staff Profile: Janine Frazee  Salida High School Visual Arts can be reached at  jfrazee@salida.k12.co.us  or 719-530-5429  

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
I have a BA in Art Education from the University of Northern Colorado.  I am also a Colorado Art Education Association member.

What advanced degrees do you hold? What special training or certificates do you have?
I have had special traning in ceramics, printmaking, painting, sculpture, and drawing.

Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.
I worked and lived in Jakarta, Indonesia as an art educator for North Jakarta International School for two years.  I studied the art of batik with an internationally known batik artist Nyoman Suradnya in the central mountains of Ubud, Bali. While living there I had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Southeast Asia, studying indigenous arts in the outlying regions.

Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.
I sponsor Art Club at the high school.  I also sponsor the new Sustainability Program and Green Team for both the high school and district.  I am President of Booster Club for the Arts.  I am a member of the Design Advisory Group for the new high school.  I help create the Arts and Literary Annual.  I am a professional artist and  have exhibited my works both locally and regionally.

What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
For me the best part of being an art educator is being able to share my passion for art with my students.  It's fulfilling to watch students grow creatively and artistically and become confident within themselves and their work.  Salida School District sees the importance and value of the arts in education which is paramount.

What message might you want to share with community members and parents?
I am in my passion which is the combination of working with art and kids.  It is this combination that makes me love my job.

 

Salida School District Staff Profile:  Jodi Francis teaches English at Salida High School.  She can be reached at 719-530-5473  or      

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
I attended schools in Idaho, France, and Washington state. I graduated from Eastern Washington State  in 2005 with a Bachelors of Arts in Education with certification in both English and French. 

What advanced degrees do you hold? What special training or certificates do you have?
In 2009, I earned my Masters from Creative Writing.

Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.
In 2003, I studied in the French Alps at Universite Stendhal. I would love to live in France or another country again! 

Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.
I occassionally ride with the SHS Mountain Bike Team. I also attend Poetry Club.

What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
The people with whom I work are definitely the best part! I love our staff, students, administrators, and parents.

What message might you want to share with community members and parents?
Thank you for your support! Also, the more involved parents are with their high school students, the more likely the students will succeed.

 

 

 

Salida School District Staff Profile:   Missy Tanner  Is  the Longfellow Elementary School Nurse.   She an be reached at 719-530-5264  or     

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
I graduated from the University Of Southern Colorado (now CSU Pueblo) in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

What advanced degrees do you hold? What special training or certificates do you have?
I am a certified CPR instructor.

Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.

Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.
I am the co-chair of the wellness team at the district and a representative for the district on the LiveWell Chaffee County  coalition.

What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
Prevention is my passion.  I really enjoy working with the staff and students in the district to educated them regarding healthy living including disease prevention, nutrition and physical activity.

What message might you want to share with community members and parents?
Parents, students, and community members are all key players in keeping our schools safe and healthy.  Please contact me with any questions, concerns, or ideas regarding new health opportunities. 

 

Salida School District Staff Profile: Jon Bailey    Teaches in the Salida High School Math Department. He can be reached at 719-530-5494 or . 

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
UW Whitewater & UW Madison   * BSE Mathematics and Physics    UW Milwaukee    * BSCE Civil Engineering

What advanced degrees do you hold? What special training or certificates do you have?
I have recently taken on the challenge of becoming a sponsor of the district Stewardship Committee, and of the Green Team.  I plan to continue my education in the area of sustainabilty and sustainability of educational resources.

Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.
Along with holding 2 professional degrees, working as a teacher and civil engineer, I have worked as a commercial and charter fisherman, and in the logging industry before getting into teaching.

Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.
Green Team Sponsor  *The Green Team is committed to educating students, parents, community members, etc. about environmental issues and therefore taking steps toward improving the environment in the home, school, community, workplace, county, and world.  Mountain Bike Team Coach

What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
The educational environment in salida is rapidly progressing.  Our teachers are dedicated to the classroom and to many clubs, committees, and organiztions in the district.  We have a community that supports and values the education we provide for thier children and that is amazing.

What message might you want to share with community members and parents?
The longer I teach the more I come to love my career.  It provides me with a sence of satisfaction and personal fullfilment that I have not had in any other job.  I appreciate all the support I get from the community and all the positive feed back I get.  Thank you for your support.

Salida School District Staff Profile: Samantha Barron   can be reached at 719-539-1184 or  .  She works at the Early Childhood Center.

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
Northern Virginia Community College - AA Liberal Arts,  Prescott College  - BA Wilderness Leadership (yep - really!) Walden University - MS Psychology

What advanced degrees do you hold? What special training or certificates do you have?
My Master's is from Walden in Psychology where I wrote my capstone on Generational Poverty.

Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.
While working on my Bachlor's from Prescott College I was took numerous field courses.  I spent three months in Mexico backpacking and sea kayaking, three months rock climbing around the southwest, one month (everyday) river kayaking in Colorado along with numerous other GREAT classes.

Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.
I am the Salida Girl Scout leader (and current cookie mom!), I sit on the board for the Chaffee County Housing Trust, I sit on the board for Adventure Access, I walk 39 miles each summer to raise money for Breast Cancer research, I love any outdoor activities!!!

What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
The kids, the kids, the kids, the kids, the kids....  I also work with some of the most amazing, brilliant, passionate people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing - we laugh a lot over here!

What message might you want to share with community members and parents?
I am passionate about supporting not just kids but families in creating the best future possible.

 

Salida School District Staff Profile:  Tres Jones  can be reacned at 719-530-5445 or   He teaches Special Ecucation at Salida High School.  

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
I grew up in Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor's degree in Advertising in 2002.  I participated in an alternative certification program to teach Special Education in the Houston area.  I finished my Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies through the University of Texas Arlington in 2011.

What advanced degrees do you hold? What special training or certificates do you have?
Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.
I taught for a year at an elementary school on the Navajo Reservation.

Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.
I have been teaching snowboarding for SOS, the Snowboard Outreach Society for the past 3 years.  SOS's goal is it get disadvantaged kids on the slopes.

What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
I love teaching kids skills they need to succeed in life.  This is my 10th year teaching, and there is never a dull moment.  I think teaching helps me stay young. I love working in the Salida School District because of the optimism of my coworkers and the small town atmosphere that we have.

What message might you want to share with community members and parents?
Parents:  Spend time with your kids!  Listen to them and what they are interested in.

  

Salida School District Staff Profile: Casandra Vanatta  Can be reached at 719-530-5242 or .  She teaches half-day (a.m. and p.m.) Kindergarten at Longfellow Elementary School.

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
-BA Elementary Ed from Southwestern College Winfield, Kansas  -MS Elementary Ed and Library Media Specialist Certification from Fort Hays State Univ. Hays, Kansas  -School Leadership License from Adams State College Alamosa, Colorado  -Critical Thinking Seminar, Sanoma, California  -Rotary Foreign Exchange Professional in Brazil  -MANY various trainings through many Universities

What advanced degrees do you hold? What special training or certificates do you have?
Masters' in Elementary Ed  Certified Library Media Specialist  Educational Leadership License

Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.
Five week exchange program to Brazil

Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.
No school related activities presently. Many in the past.

What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
I appreciate the hard working staff at Longfellow, the thoughtful decision making of the administration and board, and the support and help from the parents and community. It takes the whole team to do it right!

What message might you want to share with community members and parents?

 

 

Salida School District Staff Profile:  Tami McDonald  can be reached at 719-530-5289 or  .  She teaches 4th Grade at Longfellow Elementary School.  

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
Florida International University 1986 - 1988    Colorado Mountain College   AA Degree    Regis University  BA Degree in Elementary Education

What advanced degrees do you hold? What special training or certificates do you have?
Math Interventionist Certificate

Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.
I began teaching after trying many other things.  Prior to teaching I worked in a variety of industries and occupations including insurance claims, technical support for computer software, auditor, photographer, and admin. assistant for the Department of Transportation.  I think these experiences help me see education as a step toward lifelong success.

Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.
LPA committee member,  NASA Endeavor Fellow

What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
THE KIDS!

What message might you want to share with community members and parents?
Communication is necessary for our success.  Please let us know what we can do to help.

 

Salida School District Staff Profile:   Frederick Maxwell II can be reached at 719-530-5495 or    He teaches at Salida High School.

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
Bachelors in History from Oregon State University, Masters in teaching from Western Oregon University. Studied in Macerata Italy, (European History)  Taught Pioneer living in inner city east coast. Taught in experiential wilderness school in Oregon.

What advanced degrees do you hold? What special training or certificates do you have?
Masters in Teaching Subject matter History and Math with middle school endorsement.  Multiple subject certificate for elementary school.

Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.
I have taught in the inner city while living out of the back of my truck, I was an experiential curriculum director and teacher at a wilderness school in Oregon. I have studied History overseas.

Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.
I am involved in mountain bike team and guitar club.

What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
This staff is the best staff I have ever worked with in my years as a teacher.

What message might you want to share with community members and parents?
We have some really exciting stuff going on at athe highschool that we are really proud of. Please join us in our effort to raise school pride among our kids and our community. If you ever have any questions feel free to come observe my class or call me.

Salida School District Staff Profile:   Dawn Accettulla  can be reached at 530-5375 or   She is a Special Education Teacher at the  Early Childhood Center.

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
I completed most of my educational training in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  I completed both my undergraduate and graduate degrees at the university.

What advanced degrees do you hold? What special training or certificates do you have?
My most recent educational accomplishment was completing my Master's Degree in 2008 in the field of Early Childhood Special Education at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In addition to my preschool special ed teaching license (ECSE), I am also a certified Early Childhood Teacher for children 0-8 years. I supplemented my education at Temple University where I took courses specific to reading instruction, and also attended UCCS where I completed 12 credits of my Special Ed Generalist endorsement.

Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.
Prior to my position here with Salida School District, I taught in both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia School Districts as a preschool special education teacher. During my experience in these districts, I worked as an Autism/Emotional Support teacher and a teacher for children with multiple handicaps.

Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.
Work Related, I am currently a member of the Early Childhood Council.  I also coordinate a 'staff wellness' program at the preschool where I organize circuit based workouts for staff.  Outside of school, I am usually hiking and am learning to ski.

What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
After working for such large urban school districts, I enjoy being an employee of the Salida School District because I feel that I can create change and influence the children and families that I work closely with each day.  I also work with a wonderful and dynamic group of people.

What message might you want to share with community members and parents?
Preschool is more than childcare, and education begins through learning to play and enthusiasm.

 

Salida School District Staff Profile:   Shelly Trojanovich Can be reached at 719-530-5359 or  She works at the Early Childhood Center.

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.  I was in the honor's program there and worked on two seperate programs.  One focuse on encouraging and retaining minority students to attend graduate school and another was on preventing risky behaviors in inner city at-risk adolescents.  I have had numerous training and education expereiences since then.  I am currently enrolled in a 3 semester Coaching Consortium at University of Colorado, Denver that is specific to Early Childhood Education.

What advanced degrees do you hold?  What special training or certificates do you have?
I am a trainer for Deveroux Early Childhood Assessment.  I have will renew my CLASS obervation certification next month (February 2012).  I probably do some other special things that I a haven't listed.

Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.
I grew up here, moved away to get my degree and then came back.  I have two children that are 12 1/2 years apart.

Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.
I participate in the district's Wellness Committe, sometimes I line judged for volleyball games.  I co-teach Nurturing Parenting Program classes with FYI.

What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
I love my job for many reasons.  I love the schedule of working during the same time my child is in school.  I love that our program is ALWAYS in a state of self reflection and improvement.  I love that I feel like what we all do makes a difference in the world.

What message might you want to share with community members and parents?
Salida School District is an amazing group of highly dedicated and capable people who truly believe in our community and want the best for the children and families they work to serve.  Our district may not be perfect but we are always growing and improving.

 

Salida School District Staff Profile:  Christine Smith can be reached at 719-530-5215 or   She is a teacher at Longfellow Elementary School

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.
Salida HS through 1980  Labette County High School, Altamont, KS 1981   University of Southern Colorado - Pueblo

What advanced degrees do you hold?
BS - Social Sciences  Elementary Ed (K-6)

What special training or certificates do you have?

Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.

Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.

What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?
My AWESOME students!

What message might you want to share with community members and parents?

 

 

Salida School District Staff Profile:   

Summarize your educational background including the colleges and programs you have attended.

What advanced degrees do you hold?

What special training or certificates do you have?

Please describe any unique life experience you have had, such as working overseas.

Summarize any activities you sponsor or participate in within or outside of school.

What is the best part of being in education and working with Salida School District?

What message might you want to share with community members and parents?