Meet the Monterey Team
- Administration & Front Office
- Primary Teachers
- Intermediate Teachers
- Middle School Teachers
- Specialists
- Support Staff
Administration & Front Office
Connie Io, Principal
I am thrilled to be a part of the Mapleton Community and to have an opportunity to partner with the families and students at Monterey Community School. With over two decades of experience as an educator in the state of Colorado, I have gained invaluable experience as a classroom teacher, instructional leader, and administrator. Through these experiences, I have developed a depth of knowledge in exemplary teaching practice and a strong passion for providing students with opportunities to pursue their dreams.
I feel privileged to be able to work with the students and staff at Monterey Community School, which continues to be a highlight for me daily. Our staff works tirelessly to meet the individual needs of students while cultivating a culture of excitement for learning with the values and beliefs that ensure students will become contributing members of society and productive members within an ever-changing world.
At an early age, I learned the value of family and learning from others, growing up with five brothers and four sisters. My childhood experiences have allowed me to be able to embrace new challenges and enjoy experiences as they come my way. Early on in my career, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and taught at both the primary and intermediate levels for fourteen years. Following this experience, I obtained a master’s Degree in Administrative Leadership from the University of Colorado at Denver, which enhanced my experience as a leader, coach, and consultant for school districts across Colorado and Florida.
As a native of Colorado, my heart belongs here. For many years, I have enjoyed hiking, four-wheeling, and spending time in Colorado’s great outdoors with my friends and family. My husband and I share many fond memories with our six children as we enjoy spending time outdoors, barbecuing and sitting around a large fire pit, reminiscing over stories we share together as a family.
Camille Galaviz, Assistant Principal
GalavizC@mapleton.us
I am truly excited to serve as the Assistant Principal at Monterey Community School and to continue my journey in a place that is filled with such energy, talent, and heart. Over my years in education, I have had the privilege of working in a variety of roles, each one shaping my perspective on how schools can be places where every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired. From collaborating with teachers to designing engaging learning experiences, my passion has always been to help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I believe deeply in the power of relationships, and I look forward to working side-by-side with our incredible staff, families, and community partners to ensure our students have every opportunity to succeed. This school is a special place, and I am honored to be part of a team committed to creating an environment where everyone belongs and thrives.
Monica Ramirez, Secretary
ramirezmo@mapleton.us
Hello all, my name is Monica Ramirez. I am looking forward to my 3rd year at Monterey. I am a Colorado Native, born and raised in the Thornton area. I am the youngest of 4 siblings, all of whom are Mapleton Alumni. During my time as a student, I attended 4 Mapleton schools, including Clayton, Bertha Heid, and York, eventually graduating from Skyview. I have a 9-year-old son who is a Mapleton student himself. I am privileged to be a part of the Monterey family and to be able to give back to the community that helped raise me and is now doing the same with my son. In my free time I like to listen to music, binge watch documentaries with my son, I love baking and just spending time with my family and friends.
Myrna Diaz, Office Clerk
diazmy@mapleton.us
Hi! My name is Myrna Diaz. I officially started working at Monterey in October 2022. I'm so honored to be able to work with such wonderful students and staff. I love building connections with the students and getting to learn all the different personalities. They make my day! In my free time, I love spending time with my family. I have two young daughters, so we try to fit in as much fun time as possible.
Julie Straface, Health Assistant
strafacej@mapleton.us
My name is Julie Straface, and I am a Health Para for Mapleton Public Schools. I was born and raised in Colorado all my life. I’m a retired entertainer. I like to fish, play tennis and spend time with my family.
Primary Teachers
Beneranda Guitierrez, Kindergarten
TrujilloB@mapleton.us
Hi! I’m Mrs. Gutierrez, and I’m so excited to be your child’s kindergarten teacher. I’ve been teaching kindergarten for the past 8 years and have been proud to work in the Mapleton district for the past 12 years. As a Mapleton graduate myself, it’s truly special to give back to the community that shaped me. After high school, I continued my education at the University of Northern Colorado.
My teaching philosophy is built on the belief that every child has a superpower—and learning is the greatest one of all. I strive to create a classroom where each student feels empowered, confident, and excited to discover the world around them.
This summer was extra special for me—I got married! Outside of the classroom, you’ll most likely find me on the sidelines cheering on my son, who will be a sophomore this year.
I look forward to an amazing year of learning and growing together!
Megan Perez, Kindergarten
PerezMe@mapleton.us
Hello! My name is Megan Perez, and this will be my 6th year teaching. Previously, I taught for two years in kindergarten and three years in second grade. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from The University of Colorado Denver and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. This is my first year teaching at Monterey, and I am excited to learn and grow in this amazing community.
I am a Colorado Native who loves adventures in the mountains, spending time with my family, and cheering on my Denver teams! I am currently engaged to the most amazing human and a dedicated reptile mom! I am beyond thrilled to support and empower our students to be kind, leaders, and lifelong learners!
Ben Blea, 1st Grade
BleaB@mapleton.us
Hello! My name is Ben Blea, and I have the pleasure of teaching 1st grade at Monterey this year. I attended Colorado State University for my undergrad and then went on to attend the University of Colorado for my master’s degree. In my free time, I love to watch movies and TV shows. You can find me on the weekends catching up on my endless watchlist. I have a little dog named Hillary who I love to spend time with going for walks and playing in the yard, as well as spending time with my family and partner. I’ve played about every sport in the book and love to watch any sports game, cheering on my favorite teams. I am beyond excited about teaching our amazing 1st graders this year and am looking forward to the amazing year to come!
Nicole Lehman, 1st Grade
LehmanN@mapleton.us
Hi, my name is Nicole Lehman! This is my sixth year teaching and fourth year in first grade. I graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. When I am not teaching, I love traveling, shopping, trying new restaurants, and spending time with my friends and family. I am so happy to be at such a great place this school year. Together, we can conquer the world! Go first grade!
Samantha Erb, 2nd Grade
ErbS@mapleton.us
Hi families! I am so excited to be starting my seventh year of teaching here at Monterey. I have a Master’s Degree in Teaching and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, both from MSU Denver. I am currently working on my Doctor of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity from CU Denver. This will be my first year teaching second grade! I have previously taught first grade, kindergarten and preschool. I have a love of learning and reading that I hope to pass on to my students. I am also passionate about learning through play and getting kids to engage in their learning in a meaningful way.
When I am not teaching, I am enjoying life and exploring the world with my two amazing kids, my daughter, Kyias who is 13, and my son, Ryker who is 8. We love to spend time as a family going on adventures or hanging out at home with our dog, Koda, and our 3 cats, Winter, Wren, and Eclipse. I am a Colorado native and I grew up in Denver. I absolutely love living here and I take every chance I can to get out into nature and enjoy our beautiful state
Cadence Litt, 2nd Grade
LittC@mapleton.us
Hello families! My name is Cadence Litt, and I am very excited to be returning to 2nd grade at Monterey again this year. I got my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan and my Master's in Literacy from Regis University.
I was born and raised in Colorado and love enjoying the outdoors in all seasons. Outside of school, you can find me skiing, spending time with family and friends, or curled up with a good book.
Intermediate Teachers
Aspen Frisch, 3rd Grade
FrischA@mapleton.us
Hi there! My name is Aspen Frisch, and I am beyond thrilled to begin my very first year of teaching! While it is my first year teaching, it is my fifth year working in education. I have worked as an Instructional Para and a Special Education Para in Denver Public Schools. I recently graduated from Western Governors University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.
In my downtime, I enjoy quality time with friends and family, lifting weights, spending time outdoors, crafting, and attending any kind of live music. I have a large family with seven younger siblings! I like to think I am a natural-born teacher and leader because of them.
In my classroom, I firmly believe in the power of building relationships, and I can ensure my classroom is a safe space for all my students and their families. Given my background in Special Education, I have a passion for finding ways to make each lesson and assignment accessible for every student. I could not be more excited to begin my teaching career here at Monterey. It’s going to be a great year!
Elyse Katz, 3rd Grade
Katze@mapleton.us
Hi! I'm Elyse Katz. I'm a 7th-year teacher with a passion for making learning exciting and meaningful. I absolutely love teaching math and helping students grow their confidence in writing. I strive to create a fun, energetic classroom where students feel encouraged to take risks, ask questions, and enjoy the learning process.
Outside of school, I’m a huge fan of Jurassic Park (yes, dinosaurs are still cool!) and I have an unusual love for pickles—they're the perfect snack in my opinion. I’m all about bringing enthusiasm, creativity, and a bit of humor into the classroom every day.
I'm really looking forward to a great year of learning, growing, and lots of laughs along the way!
Jeni Bailey, 4th Grade
BaileyJ@mapleton.us
Hello! I am excited to be starting my 20th year of teaching. My first 7 years were in 3rd grade, and my last 12 years were in 4th grade. I have an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Ed., a Bachelor’s degree in Child/Human Development, and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. I also have an ELD endorsement, and a Gifted/Talented endorsement. I was born and raised in Southern California, and spent the last 11 years in Salt Lake City, Utah. We moved to Denver a year ago to be closer to our family, and just bought a house in Northglenn. My spare time consists of time with my family; 3 adult children, 2 adult stepchildren, and 2 granddaughters; ages 2 years old and 6 months old. We love to go camping, spend time on the water with kayaks and SUPs. We also love live music (especially at Red Rocks) and traveling (especially to beaches).
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Stephanie Menk, 4th Grade
MenkS@mapleton.us
My name is Stephanie Menk Cordova, but I go by Ms. Menk here at Monterey. This is my ninth year teaching and my eighth year teaching fourth grade at Monterey. I have a pit bull and a two-year-old son who my husband and I absolutely adore and love taking swimming, hiking, and exploring. I was born and raised in Colorado and love anything outdoors with a passion for teaching Math and Colorado History. I received my bachelor’s degree from CU Boulder and my master’s degree in Math Education from CU Denver. I look forward to each new year at Monterey and feel so fortunate to have been part of such an amazing community for so many years!
Brandi Greenbaum, 5th Grade
GreenbaumB@mapleton.us
I am so excited to have your child in my fifth-grade class! This is my thirteenth year teaching at Monterey! I graduated from Adams State University with a teaching degree and a minor in English. I am currently getting my masters through UCD for Cultural Linguistic Diversity. I have an amazing husband, Randy, who is a firefighter, and a six-year-old named Kambree. We enjoy playing with our two puppies, Murphy and Charlie, and going camping! Children have always been a passion of mine. I have known I wanted to be a teacher since I was in 1st grade. I believe that creating a classroom environment that is full of love and respect will help my students grow to their full potential.
Taylor Strupp, 5th Grade
StruppT@mapleton.us
My name is Ms. Strupp, and I teach 5th grade here at Monterey! I will be teaching both math and science this year to all 5th graders. I am passionate about teaching young minds how the world around them works! This is my third year teaching, and I am so grateful that I get to teach and be a member of this community. I graduated from Colorado State University–Pueblo where I played softball. In my free time, I love to hang out with my puppy named Stark, go to the movies, binge tv, and attend concerts. I believe that it is crucial for teachers to be supportive mentors who guide students on their journey of growth and success. I can’t wait for this year!
Middle School Teachers
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Paul Kaiser, 6th Grade Science/Math
KasierP@mapleton.us
Hello everybody, and welcome to the sixth grade at Monterey Community School. My name is Paul Kaiser, and I am excited to begin this school year with you. I have been teaching in public schools since 1996. I taught 4th and 5th grade for my first 6 years and realized that I enjoyed teaching math more than any other subject. I have been teaching middle school math ever since. I have taught in multiple schools and school districts in the Denver Metropolitan area. After retiring in 2015 with 20 years of teaching, I decided to return to teaching in 2021. This will be my 2nd year teaching at Monterey Community School. I love the student population here and enjoy working with the faculty. I look forward to a great year with this 6th grade class and wish everyone a productive year.
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Tamara Loveday, 6th Grade ELA/Social Studies
LovedayT@mapleton.us
Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! I am so excited to be the 6th grade ELA/Humanities teacher. I value learning and look forward to helping your scholar achieve their full potential. We will be working on reading a variety of texts, learning to write using RACE response and many things about the Western Hemisphere. Please reach out if you have any questions and I look forward to an amazing year ahead.
Gabriella Kricheli, 7th/8th Grade Science
KricheliG@mapleton.us
My name is Gabriella Kricheli, and this is my first full year teaching! I was a substitute teacher turned full-time teacher last year while finishing my master’s in forensic science from Syracuse University. I am originally from Queens, NY, and I received my bachelor’s in forensic science from West Virginia University. My fiancé, Chrisitan, is also a teacher, and he and I moved to Colorado this summer, with our dog Harvey. In my free time, you can find me at hockey or baseball games, taking in a theater show, painting, hiking, or just hanging with my family on the couch. I am thankful I get to inspire and teach the next generation of students and scientists, which I consider a privilege, and I am excited to start the year at Monterey!
Darryl Plummer, 7th/8th Grade Math
PlummerD@mapleton.us
Mr. Darryl Plummer grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado. After high school, he joined the US Army and was in the 10th Mountain Division. He then attended Colorado State University, where he earned a degree in teaching, and has been teaching since 2014. He met his wife while working in China and they have a daughter who was born in 2020. When not taking commands from his daughter, Darryl enjoys learning new skills to make his beat-up car run forever or to improve his house.
Jordan Bishop, 7th/8th Grade ELA
BishopJ@mapleton.us
Hello! My name is Jordan Bishop, and I’m thrilled to be teaching 7th and 8th Grade ELA at Monterey Community School. This is my eighth year in education, and I’m excited to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University (Go Rams!) and a Master’s degree in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education from CU Denver. My teaching is grounded in fostering curiosity, inclusivity, and critical thinking in the classroom. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking the Front Range, exploring new restaurants, and going to the movies with my husband. I also have a passion for travel and have visited nearly every continent—ask me about my favorite adventures! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or just to connect!
Specialists
Specials
Taylor Nelson, Music
NelsonT@mapleton.us
My name is Taylor Nelson and this is my 4th year teaching music at Monterey Community School and 9th year teaching overall. I studied Music Education at Metropolitan State University of Denver and studied Piano, Voice, and Viola while attending. I have a passion for teaching music and I also passionately listen to music and want your students to experience music the same way as I and so many other humans do. In my spare time, I watch movies, play video games, read books, and create digital music. I also love to sing and sing in a choir in Denver called Elus Vocal Ensemble. I can’t wait to make music every day with your students!
Cris Sand, Art
SandC@mapleton.us
Hello! My name is Cris Sand and I am the Visual Arts teacher here at Monterey Community School. I'm originally from the DC area, and have always had a love and curiosity for the arts. I graduated from the University of Virginia, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Studio Art and my Master's degree in Teaching. After teaching Visual Arts to middle school students in Denver Public Schools for 10 years, I am happy to be a part of the Mapleton family and to share opportunities for artistic expression here at Monterey!
I believe Art is a space in which everyone can explore and share personal narratives and perspectives in so many different ways. Students in my Art classes are invited to explore ideas, ask questions, experiment with different materials, and share their own stories and interests through their art. Each year I look forward to seeing what creative risks and discoveries students will make!
When I'm not making my own art, you might find me adventuring outside, experimenting with cooking and eating new foods, or under a cozy blanket, reading a good book :)
Cody Owston, Physical Education
Owstonc@mapleton.us
Hello! My name is Cody Owston (Mr. O), the K-8 Physical Education and Health teacher here at Monterey. This will be my 5th year as a teacher and my 3rd at Monterey. Previously, I earned my B.S. in Human Performance and Sport from Metropolitan State University of Denver and a M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University. I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing learning community again this school year.
Beyond the classroom, I enjoy cooking, exercising, paddle boarding playing golf, disc golf, hockey, snowboarding, and camping. These activities fuel my adventurous spirit and allow me to connect with friends and family, who inspire and support me.
Together, we will embark on an engaging and inclusive educational experience where every student can challenge themself, thrive, and discover their true potential.
Stay Healthy -- Be Active!
Rhonda Ronzcka, ELL Teacher
RonczkaR@mapleton.us
Rhonda has been happily serving the Mapleton families for the past 23 years. She has an Undergraduate Degree from the University of Connecticut and a Masters Degree from the University of Colorado in Bilingual Education and ELL.
Nicole Woodruff, Instructional Guide, K-3
WoodruffN@mapleton.us
Hi there! My name is Nicole Woodruff, but most students just call me Ms. Woody or Ms. W. I studied Elementary Education at Michigan State University for my Bachelor's degree, and I received my master's in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. Additionally, Social and Emotional Learning is another passion of mine. I have been an educator in the Denver-surround communities for over a decade and I care deeply about providing equitable education opportunities for all students. In my spare time, I enjoy teaching yoga, hiking, reading, exercising and talking on the phone with my loved ones. If you ever want to start a conversation with me, simply ask about my dog, Petey, I love him beyond measure!
Lesli Cochran, Instructional Guide, 4-8
CochranL@mapleton.us
My name is Lesli Cochran and I’m very excited to join the staff at Monterey this year. This year will be my 28th year either teaching or supporting middle school students and staff. When I’m not at school, you can find me outside running, climbing and exploring with my family!
Gregg Chambers, Dean of Culture
ChambersG@mapleton.us
Gregg Chambers is an experienced educator with a deep commitment to serving students with special needs. Born in Cheshire, England, Gregg moved to the United States at age three and grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. In 2012, he relocated to Denver to pursue a career in Audiology and Speech Pathology, which led him to work in schools. This experience inspired him to become a Special Education teacher, and for 11 years, he taught students with severe needs.
Driven by a desire to make a broader impact, Gregg earned his Master's in Educational Leadership and Special Education Administration. He recently transitioned from private schools to a public school role at Mapleton Public Schools. Gregg's educational philosophy centers on ensuring every student feels heard, cared for, and that they belong. He believes that educators should empower students with the tools they need to overcome challenges and become independent, confident individuals.
Virginia Hofer, Instructional Guide, K-3
HoferV@mapleton.us
My name is Virginia Hofer, and this is my first year at Monterey. I have degrees in English and Spanish from South Dakota State University, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Toledo, and a TESOL Endorsement from Ohio University. I am very excited to work with multilingual learners at Monterey. I am married, and my husband and I have five adult children and two grandchildren. In addition to spending time with my family, I love to read and travel. I am looking forward to a great year at Monterey!
Rita Gilbert, Special Education Teacher
GilbertR@mapleton.us
My name is Rita-Rose Gilbert. I come from the beautiful island of Guam, where I dedicated the past 16 years of my career to working with children with special needs and their families. Recently, I moved to Colorado to be closer to my daughter who relocated here for work. On the weekends, I enjoy swimming, biking, and most especially, hanging out with my family. I am thrilled to be part of the Monterey Community School team and look forward to working together with staff, students, and families to support every learner's success.
Philip Gilbert, ILC Special Education Teacher
GilbertP@mapleton.us
My name is Philip Arceo Gilbert, and I’m thrilled to be joining this vibrant community as the Special Education ILC Teacher at Monterey Community School for this school year.
As a proud Pacific Islander from Guam, I carry with me the values of family, respect, and connection—principles that guide both my personal life and professional approach.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, exploring the outdoors, mountain biking, fishing, and coaching softball and baseball. These activities keep me grounded and continually remind me of the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and joy.
I look forward to learning about the different cultures here in Colorado, including being able to give back to the community.
Jacqueline Parks, ILC Special Education Teacher
ParksJ@mapleton.us
Recently I relocated from Cleveland, Ohio, the city of Progress and Prosperity to Denver, Colorado, I’m embracing a new chapter filled with fresh air, blue skies, and meaningful connections. Life here has been full of joy, spending quality time with family, meeting new friends, and soaking in everything the city has to offer.
I have a deep love for music, especially gospel and jazz, and I’m always uplifted by a soulful tune. When it comes to food, seafood and Italian pasta dishes are my favorites, comforting, flavorful, and always satisfying.
Professionally, I bring 15 years of experience as a dedicated special education teacher. My passion lies in helping students develop not only their academic abilities, but also their social and emotional skills, empowering them to thrive in and beyond the classroom. I believe every child has unique strengths, and my mission is to nurture those gifts while fostering confidence, resilience, and a love of learning.
Grateful for this journey, I’m looking forward to building an even brighter future here in Denver, one filled with purpose, growth, and connection.
Mary Vang, Speech Language Pathologist
VangM@mapleton.us
Hello! I'm Mary Vang, CF-SLP. This is my first year as a Speech-Language Pathologist, and I'm excited to be back at Monterey Elementary, where I completed my student internship. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Oklahoma State University and recently graduated with my Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from CU Boulder.
I'm thrilled to join the Monterey team again and look forward to collaborating with the Special Education Team to support our students' communication needs.
Outside of school, I love spending time with my nieces and nephews, trying out new cooking recipes, dancing Zumba, and creating vlogs.
Tory Petrusawich, Social Worker
PetrusawichT@mapleton.us
Hello, Monterey Community!
My name is Tory Petrusawich and I am the social worker at Monterey this year. I grew up in Oklahoma and received my education at the University of Oklahoma. This will be my 6th year as a school social worker. I fell in love with the profession when I did my internship at a school in Oklahoma City. The main reason I love school social work is because I can truly get to know my students. Building relationships with students and families is a big priority for me. I am so grateful to be here at Monterey and looking forward to building connections with our community.
Support Staff
Jason Abercrombie, Special Education Paraprofessional
Abercrombiej@mapleton.us
My favorite color is red, and I love to play all types of games. Pizza is my favorite food, and I have a dog named Twilight who brings me so much joy. I’m also a big fan of Disney movies—they never fail to make me smile.
Maria Dean, Special Education Paraprofessional
DeanM@mapleton.us
Hi ,my name is Maria Dean. I am a Special Education Paraprofessional in the I L C, (intensive learning center). I love working with children and am excited to work with your child. I have been in Special Education for 17 years, and this is my 5th year in Mapleton. I love teaching. Tennis and reading
Karen Duckworth, SPED Paraprofessional
DuckworthK@mapleton.us
Hi, my name is Mrs. Ducky and I've worked in the district for 23 years. I love children and I love teaching; both have always been my passion. I am a native to Colorado and my favorite vacation spots are anywhere in the mountains, which is why I love this state so much. I have been happily married for 37 years and I have 2 beautiful daughters, ages 29 and 23. They're the reason I started in this district as a volunteer and I plan to continue my career here until I retire.
Taylor Sorenson, Instructional Paraprofessional
SorensonT@mapleton.us
My name is Taylor Sorensen and I am thrilled to start my first year at Monterey! For the past 7 years, I've been gaining experience in childcare by serving in many summer camps, before/after school sites, and as a paraeducator. I enjoy recreating outdoors, trying new recipes, and spending time with my partner, Evan. My passion for educating children grows more each day. I plan to lead with respect, kindness, and compassion at Monterey, and I look forward to all the future connections made here.
Marcela Arzate, Cafeteria Lead
My name is Marcela Arzate. I'm from Cuidad Juarez, Mexico. I've worked in Mapleton for 13 years, 11 of those years at Monterey Community School. I like music, I like reading, and I like sports.
Nora Ruiz, Lead Custodian
I am a creative spirit with a passion for artistic expression and adventure. I first expressed my talent through cake decorating, creating edible works of art. On my time off I swap my cleaning supplies for riding gear to go 4-wheeling and explore the outdoors! I enjoy working at Mapleton and interacting with all the students and staff.
Pilar Jimenez, Custodian
Leon Ott, Custodian