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Staff Directory

Administration

Kempsell, William

Principal

BA, MA

I am pleased and proud to serve as Principal of Cotton Creek Elementary School. This is my twelfth year in this position at Cotton Creek, and my eighteenth year serving as an administrator within District 12. Prior to the role of administrator, I taught grades two through six over a period of thirteen years, the...

Gooding, Alizzy

Assistant Principal

MA

My name is Alizzy Gooding, and this is my second year as Assistant Principal at Cotton Creek Elementary. This is my 14th year as an educator and my 12th year with the Adams 12 Five Star School District. In my fourteen years, I have taught 6th & 8th grade Language Arts, been a teacher-librarian, an Instructional...

Office

Johnson, Tami

Office Manager

My role at Cotton Creek began as a parent and community member. I became a staff member in 2002 as a paraeducator working in classrooms to support student achievement. In 2006 I made the move to office manager. In my current position I am able to support staff members and parents as we work together to educate our...

Addy, Cindy

Secretary

I have worked at Cotton Creek Elementary since 1997 my first position was literacy and lunchroom Para, then a Media Clerk in the Library and now Secretary in the front office. I have loved each and every position I have been in, working one on one with students to now working more with parents and the community. It is...

Kindergarten

Knapp, Joan

Kindergarten Teacher

BA

My career as a kindergarten teacher began with an early curiosity for learning new things and making new things. My mother taught me to read-although I claimed as a preschooler that I was self-taught. My father instilled in me, also from a young age, that service to others was not only necessary, but is what makes...

Ware, Amy

Kindergarten Teacher

MA

My name is Amy Ware and I am so excited to be teaching kindergarten at Cotton Creek. This will be my Cotton Creek 15th year teaching kindergarten (teaching both extended day and half day) at Cotton Creek. Prior to coming to Cotton Creek I taught 1st grade for 2 years and a half of a year in 5th grade. I have learned...

Pollock, Amy

AM Kindergarten Teacher

MA

My name is Amy Pollock and this is my third year teaching kindergarten. I am thrilled to be teaching the half-day kindergarten classes here at Cotton Creek! Ever since I was young, I have always loved working with children, but being able to teach them gives me the opportunity to make a geniune difference. ...

1st Grade

Bell, Brandy

1st Grade Teacher

BS, MA

My name is Brandy Bell and I have been fortunate enough to teach at Cotton Creek for the past eighteen years. I am originally from a very small town on the Texas coast where I taught kindergarten for three years prior to moving to Colorado. After teaching 19 years of kindergarten I made the exciting switch to First...

Hilverding, Danielle

1st Grade Teacher

Hi, my name is Danielle Hilverding. I have been a elementary teacher for seventeen years. I have taught kindergarten through third grade, and love teaching the various age groups. I love first grade, and have taught this level for seven years. I am a Colorado native! I was raised in the Broomfield/Westminster area. I...

Kassowitz, Katie

1st Grade Teacher

MA

I am so excited to be teaching 1st grade at Cotton Creek Elementary. I have been teaching for 24 years (19 of them at Cotton Creek). I have taught Kindergaren, 1st and 2nd grade at Cotton Creek. I know where these children came from and where they need to go! I am looking forward to helping students achieve the...

Messick, Amanda

1st Grade Teacher

I am so excited about the new year ahead at Cotton Creek. I am a Colorado native and grew up in Arvada. I have a passion for teaching reading and love to see students thinking of themselves as learners. I have taught in Adams 12 School District for 18 years. I taught for 1 year in Jefferson County. I have spent...

2nd Grade

Enright, Jennifer

2nd Grade Teacher

Hello, my name is Jennifer Enright. I am originally from Fort Collins, CO, and received my undergraduate degree from Colorado State University. After graduating, I moved to San Diego, CA where I received my graduate teaching degree from San Diego State University. After spending over six years in CA, my husband and...

Hintz, Andrea

2nd Grade Teacher

BA, MEd

Hello Families! I am so excited to be teaching at Cotton Creek! This is my 11th year teaching elementary school and my 5th year at Cotton Creek. I taught 2nd and 3rd grade in Garden City, Kansas for five years right out of college. I realized that I wanted to be closer to my family, so I decided to move back to...

Sand, Betty

2nd Grade Teacher

Hi! My name is Betty Sand, and this is my sixteenth year teaching second grade at Cotton Creek Elementary School. I have also taught first grade and worked as a substitute teacher in Adams 12 School District. I knew I wanted to be a teacher ever since I fell in love with school when I was in first grade. Providing an...

Van Deusen, Michael

2nd Grade Teacher

My name is Mr. Van Deusen. This is my sixth year at Cotton Creek and 14th year teaching in the Adams 12 School District. I’m so glad to be a part of the Cotton Creek community. I really like working with second graders because I enjoy seeing the growth over the course of this important academic year. I’m an avid...

3rd Grade

Doyle, Patrice

3rd Grade Teacher

Hi! I am excited to be back for another year of third grade at Cotton Creek. The growth that students make academically and socially during third grade is truly amazing, and I feel fortunate to get to be a part of it. The students, parents and staff members at Cotton Creek Elementary create an environment that is ...

Gonzales, Kari

3rd Grade Teacher

BA, MA

Third Graders ROCK!! My name is Kari Gonzales and I love the enthusiasm and love-for-learning third graders bring every day! This is my 21st year of teaching, and my 19th year at Cotton Creek Elementary School. During my years of service, I’ve taught 4th grade, 3rd/4th split, and third grade. I received my BA...

Langer, Becky

3rd Grade Teacher

BA

My name is Becky Langer. I have been teaching third grade for many years at Cotton Creek Elementary and I have a total of twenty-seven years of teaching experience. I’m a Colorado Native and grew up in this area. I’m proud to say that I attended The Adams Twelve School District growing up. I received a Bachelor...

Purtell, Nicole

3rd Grade Teacher

BA, MA

As a teacher here at Cotton Creek I love the excitement and enthusiasm of the students, staff, and parent community here. I have been teaching at Cotton Creek for the past 12 years and have taught Kindergarten, First Grade, and now Third Grade. I am often asked which grade I prefer, and I honestly answer “I love...

4th Grade

Carpenter, Jennifer

4th Grade Teacher

BA, MA

I am a Colorado native and I have spent over 35 years in the Adams 12 school district. I attended Centennial Elementary, Westlake Junior High and Northglenn High School. I graduated from Colorado State University with a B.A. in Child Development, before heading to Metro State College in Denver for my teacher...

Colling, Jeanelle

4th Grade Teacher

MA

I joined the Cotton Creek community in 2012, and currently teach 4th Grade. I am fully endorsed and licensed by the State of Colorado to teach all subjects to students in grades K-6, and English as a Second Language to students in grades K-12. I attended the Metropolitan State University in Denver, Colorado, where I...

McGinness, Kirbi

4th Grade Teacher

BA, MA

Hi there! My name is Kirbi McGinness and I am so lucky to be a part of the Cotton Creek community! I was born and raised in Colorado and I graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder where I studied Elementary Education and History. I recently earned my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction: Literacy...

Roberts, Keri

4th Grade Teacher

MA

I have had the pleasure of teaching and learning for the last 28+ years in the Adams 12 Five Star District. As I have evolved as a teacher, a quote that has motivated me the most is “Change is the end result of all true learning.” My job as an educator is to stimulate curiosity and make learning approachable and...

5th Grade

Flaugher, Cheryl

5th Grade Teacher

Hello! I am so happy to be teaching fifth grade here at Cotton Creek. I'm really excited to get to teach science and social studies, since my background is in Anthropology. I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with my Bachelor's in Anthropology before going back to become a teacher. I finished my...

Holm, Kyla

5th Grade Teacher

BA, MA

My name is Kyla Holm and this is my fifth year teaching 5th grade at Cotton Creek and eigth year teaching! I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado and I returned there one year later to complete my Master’s Degree in Gifted and Talented Education....

Springer, Karla

5th Grade Teacher

BA, MA

Hello! My name is Karla Springer. I am so excited to be teaching 5th grade again at Cotton Creek Elementary. I have lived in Colorado my whole life and I attended Adams 12 schools from elementary school to high school. I have a bachelors degree from the University of Northern Colorado in psychology. I worked for...

Specials

Janssen, Missy

Art Teacher

MA

I have been the art teacher at Cotton Creek Elementary for 12 years. It is my fifteenth year of teaching. I have a Bachelors degree in Art Education and a Masters degree in elementary reading and math. Art is so important and I am so happy that I get to share my love of art with students.

Gesicki, Monica

Music Teacher

BME

Mrs. Gesicki’s passion is to instill a love of music in all her students. She began her teaching career after graduating from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Continuing her education, she earned her Orff Level III Certification from George Mason University. She has taught for 25 years in...

Obernesser, Matthew

P.E. Teacher

MSEd

A twenty-one year teaching veteran of the public schools, Matt has taught elementary physical education in New York state for seven years and Colorado for fourteen years. He holds a masters degree in health education. Matt has coached JV baseball for his first seven years of teaching. He has served on numerous...

Support Services

Ahlgrain, Dolores

Paraprofessional

My name is Dolores Ahlgrain. I have been associated with Cotton Creek Elementary for many years. I am a parent of a child who attended Cotton Creek, and for the last nine years I have been a student monitor. I thoroughly enjoy working with the great students at Cotton Creek. In addition to monitoring the safety of...

Martinez, Valerie

Paraprofessional

Montoya, Dawn

Paraprofessional

Hi my name is Dawn and this is my 6th year as a Student Monitor at CCE. My primary responsibilities are to, monitor students during lunch, recess, study hall, in-school and/or after school detention. Assist and support with individual behavior management. Provide assistance for students requiring additional...

Walz, Pamela

Paraprofessional

White, Tavanya

Paraprofessional

Mendoza, Maria

Paraeducator

I was born on June 11, 1968 in Durango, Mexico. I am married and have three children, twin boys who are 20 years old and a girl who is 19. I graduated as a teacher in Mexico in 1987 and worked in a middle school there for three and a half years before I moved to Colorado in 1991. After several years of living in...

Maksimuk, Donna

Psychologist

EdS, NCSP

I am thrilled to be part of the wonderful team of educators at Cotton Creek Elementary! This is my second year in Adams 12 in the role of School Psychologist and my 16th year in education. I earned my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at California State University, Northridge and my Education Specialist...

Kelley, Beth

Instructional Coach

ELL

Nowick, Lilah

ELL Teacher

BA

Hello! I am so thrilled and honored to be a part of the Cotton Creek community as an ELD teacher. Prior to becoming a teacher, I pursued careers in creative writing and fashion design in New York, (although I am originally from Boulder). While in New York, I graduated with a Bachelor's in Liberal Arts from...

Special Ed

Nunemaker, Lisa

SLS Teacher

BA, MA

I have been teaching in the special education field for more than 15 years. I began my career as a resource teacher in Jefferson County and remained there for 10 years. This is my sixth year in Adams 12 and Cotton Creek. This school year, I changed positions from resource teacher to open a new Structured Learning...

Tschida, Deborah

SSN Teacher

MA

My name is Debbie Tschida and I am the Significant Support Needs teacher here at Cotton Creek Elementary. I have been teaching students with a variety of severe to profound needs for 22 years; the last 10 years here at Cotton Creek. A little bit about me; I grew up in Colorado and attended school in Adams District...

Margheim, Christie

SLS Paraeducator

BA

I have three children who have graduated from Adams12 schools. I was a parent volunteer and PTO president at the school my children attended. I have a BA degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado. I have worked for Adams 12 school district for 20 years as...

Wolitzky, Kelly

SLS Paraeducator

Meis, Eileen

SSN Paraeducator

BS, MA

Having moved from hot, humid Mississippi in the 80's, I love Colorado and all its resources. I live in Adams County with my husband, Kevin, who also works in District 12. I enjoy camping, gardening and working at Cotton Creek Elementary as a Special Needs Para since 1997.

Reese, Ashli

SSN Paraeducator

AAS

Hi my name is Ashli E. Reese. I moved to Colorado eight years ago from southern California and I am loving everything about our wonderful state. I have an associates degree in applied sciences of medical assisting. I loved helping people but realized that I love helping and working with children more. I have been...

O'Meara, Kimberly

Speech & Language Pathologist

MA

My name is Kim O'Meara and I am the Speech/Language Therapist at Cotton Creek. I am in my twelfth year as a Speech/Language Therapist and this is my fourth year working full time at Cotton Creek. I graduated with a Master’s degree in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences in 2000 from The University of Colorado at...

Caton, Krista

Learning Specialist

BS

I grew up in a small town in Nebraska and moved to Colorado in 2007. I graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a Bachelor’s in Special Education. For the last two years I have taught 2nd grade in Adams 12. I am so excited to pursue my passion in the special education field at Cotton Creek! When...

Monks, Rachael

Learning Specialist

BS

I am excited to be working on the team at Cotton Creek Elementary School! I have spent the 9 years working at the middle school level, most recently at Silver Hills Middle School for 6th grade students. Last year was my first year at Cototn Creek. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Specific Learning...

Health

Schulze, Nina

Health Aide

My name is Nina Schulze and I am the Health Aide here at Cotton Creek. Anytime your kiddos aren't feeling well, lose a tooth or get an owie, we get to spend time together! I started my career with Cotton Creek in December of 2017 and am looking forward to several more years with our amazing and supportive staff,...

Library

McVey, Gigi

Teacher Librarian

BA, MA, MEd

Hello. I am Mrs. McVey, the Teacher Librarian. My career in education started in 1992 in Texas as a Spanish middle school teacher. I stayed in Texas until my husband got a new job in Denver in 1999. My career in the Adams 12 school district started at Legacy High School teaching Spanish level 2 and level 4. ...

Ellerbruch, Terri

Media Clerk

BS

I am an Adams 5 Star graduate. I attended Northglenn High School and then became a CU Buff! Go Buffs! I married my high school sweetheart. His name is Colin and he's a 5th Grade teacher at Riverdale Elementary. I have three sons who also graduated from Northglenn High School. All three are attending in-state colleges...

BASE

Hall, Alison

BASE Director

My Name is Alison Hall and I am the Base Director at Cotton Creek. I began working for the BASE program in April 2017 as the 2nd in Charge here at Cotton Creek. For the last year I have been the BASE Director at Rocky Mountain Elementary and am now happy to be back at CCE! I graduated from Metro State in May of 2017...

Nutrition

Sundahl, Laurence

Kitchen Manager

Berger, Roberta

Cook , Cashier

Hi my name is Roberta Berger and I am a Cook Cashier at Cotton Creek Elementary School. My primary responsibilities are, to assist with all aspects of production and service of meals including cooking, line setup, replenishment, clean up and cash collection. I comply with Health Department Standards, all safety...

Custodial

Vice, Billy

Head Custodian

Hi my name is Billy and I am the Head Custodian at CCE. My primary job responsibilities are to be responsible for the cleanliness, sanitation, security and basic maintenance of the assigned school area, building, grounds and equipment.

Garcia, Heather

Custodian

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