Aurora Hills Middle School

AHMS Leadership

Marcella Garcia

Principal

• BA Social Science, University of Northern Colorado: Minor in History and Math
• MA Curriculum and Instruction, Colorado Christian University;
• Educational Leadership License, University of Phoenix

This will be Mrs. Garcia’s 25th year as an educator and her 15th year in Aurora Public Schools. She loves listening to her audio books, crafting, hiking, and spending time with her two adult children (Lilly 23 and Donie 21) and her husband, Jesus.

Lori Large

Assistant Principal

• BA English, Metro State University;
• Effective ELL Instruction Certification, University of Denver;
• MA Teaching English as a Second Language, Grand Canyon University;
• MA Educational Leadership, Regis University

This will be Ms. Large’s 21st year as an educator in Aurora Public Schools. She loves reading, cooking, hiking, and spending time with her two teenage children and her fiancé, Mehran.

John Buch

Assistant Principal

• BS Mathematics, Metro State University;
• MA Mathematics Education, University of Northern Colorado;
• Educational Leadership Certificate, Regis University

This will be Mr. Buch’s 10th year in APS and 8th at Aurora Hills. Mr. Buch loves to run, tinker/build, and spend time with his wife and two elementary children. John leads with joy and believes in the potential of every student.

Jenny Morrell

Climate & Culture Coordinator

• BA English with Elementary Licensure and Endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education from Metro State University of Denver
• Masters in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University

This is Mrs.Morrell’s 12th year in APS and her 3rd year at Aurora Hills. When she is not working with students and teachers to help them become their best, she enjoys skiing or attending concerts and sports events with her family.

Heather Albright

Teaching Partner / Instructional Coach

• BA Elementary Education with an emphasis in Math, University of Northern Colorado;
• MA Curriculum and Instruction, University of Phoenix

Ms. Albright brings 18 years of experience in education, including the past 8 years with APS. She has taught students from Kindergarten through 12th grade across a wide range of subjects. Now in her second year at Aurora Hills, she is excited to continue supporting the growth and success of all our students. Outside of school, Ms. Albright enjoys spending time with her family and her three dogs, exploring creative outlets, and cheering on the Colorado Avalanche at every opportunity.

Jessica Moser

Reading Interventionist

• BA Elementary Education/Ethnic and Gender Studies, University of Northern Colorado;
• MA Instructional Technology, Jones International University;
• MA Reading, Reading Specialist Endorsement, Regis University

Ms. Moser is in her 22nd year of teaching, and her 12th at Aurora Hills. She loves to spend time husband and friends and can often be found reading books, playing games, and being crafty.

Behavior Systems Support

Eric Ellsworth

Dean of Students

• BA English – UT- Rio Grande Valley
• MA Literature - Sam Houston State University

This is my 30th year in education. I enjoy connecting with people and hearing their stories.

Johnnie Echer

Dean of Students

• BS Mass Communications - Colorado State University- Pueblo
• MA Educational Leadership - Colorado State University - Ft. Collins

This will be Mrs. Echer’s 22nd year in education and her 1st year at Aurora Hills. She loves everything outdoors and spending time with her husband Ryan and 2 kids (Kurt 21, Jenna 16).

Joe Hill

Campus Monitor

• 2010 -2011 - Paraeducator
• 2011 -2013 - Campus Monitor
• 2013 - 2018 - APS District Best Team and Consultant Assistant
• 2018 - Present - Campus Monitor

Mr. Hill is truly blessed to be in his current position. Not only is he a Campus
Monitor, but he is a friend, brother, and co-worker for the Aurora Hills staff. His job is to lead, protect, guide, and provide all his has to make sure the staff, administration, and students are safe. He is a man of faith, a loving husband, and a proud father. He has been coaching football and basketball since 2002, and he loves every minute of it. He is a pastor, and he has a traveling ministry that goes around the world. His heart is for people, and he is here for everyone. God Bless!

Joshua Martinez Hernandez

Campus Monitor

6th Grade Team

Amy Coleman

6th Grade Math

• BA Elementary Education & Special Education from Doane University; MA Curriculum and Instruction from CCU

This is Mrs. Coleman’s 28th year teaching and 8th at Aurora Hills. She and her husband have 1 daughter and 1 Labradoodle. They enjoy golfing together (playing or watching), watching the Rockies, and the KC Chiefs. Mrs. Coleman’s idea of self-care is going to concerts.

Terri Doyle

6th Grade Math

• BA in Mathematics from Rutgers University
• Masters in Education from Western Colorado University

Terri has been teaching math since 1995! She loves singing, hiking, and spending time with her bestie. She taught math and science at the New America School in Aurora before coming to Aurora Hills.

Susannah Rasbid

6th ELA

• BA in English (Writing) from CU Boulder (sko Buffs!)

This year will be Mrs. R’s first year as a teacher. After two years at a literary nonprofit and one year in corporate marketing, she realized she wanted to return to her passion for kids and English by pursuing teaching. In her free time, Mrs. R loves to play video games, write YA fiction, and spend time with her husband (Collin), dog (Ollivander), and cat (Alice).

Seda Uludag

6th Grade ELA

• Bachelor of Arts in English Language Teaching at Hacettepe University with English Language Arts endorsement (7-12) and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education endorsement (K-12)

This will be Mrs. Uludag’s twentieth year in education and her first year in APS. She is the author of several ESL practice books and a nationally studied coursebook in Turkey. Seda enjoys spending time with her family of three and friends, going for walks, skiing, and traveling to explore new countries and cultures.

Josh Rodriguez

6th Grade Science

• BS, Business Studies; Concentration in Human Resource Management
• Various Certifications from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School/Judge Advocate General(JAG)

This will be Mr. Rodriguez’s 1st year as an educator. He loves listening to history and college football podcasts, watching football, and working out. His favorite thing to do is to hang out with his wife Kylee, and his three daughters: Kateland (19), Marcella (13), and Mackenzie (13).

Jase Boyd

6th Grade Social Studies

• BA in Social Studies Education, University of Arkansas

This will be Mr. Boyd’s first year teaching. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Boyd enjoys being outside, spending time in the mountains, rock climbing, and camping. He believes he has a little knowledge about everything, enabling him to strike a conversation with almost everyone!

6th / 7th Grade Team

Nini Riley

6th / 7th Grade Math

• BS Education/ Minor in Mathematics, Western Illinois University;
• MA Education Administration, Western Governors State University

Ms. Riley is in her 28th year of teaching Middle School Mathematics. Out of her 28 years, she has spent 18 years at Aurora Hills MS. Ms. Riley enjoys her time traveling and dancing.

Noah Hendelman

6th / 7th Grade Math

• BA in PPE (Philosophy, Politics, Economics) from Claremont McKenna College; Minor in Data Science

This is Mr. Hendelman's first year in the classroom as a full-time teacher. As a math teacher, he aims to help students see how the ideas they learn connect to real life — whether it’s understanding shooting percentages, spotting geometry in architecture, or internalizing data’s role in advancing science. Outside of school, he enjoys playing guitar and piano, playing basketball and soccer, and perfecting his oven-baked salmon recipe.

Stephen Aldrich

6th / 7th Grade ELA

• BA in English Literature, Metropolitan State University of Denver
• MA in Medieval Studies, University of Glasgow, Scotland
• Special Certificate in Arthurian Literature, University of London, Birkbeck

Mr. Aldrich has fourteen years in education, ten of those with APS and six at Aurora Hills as both an English teacher and a technology/computer programming teacher. Given that he grew up moving all over Europe with his military family, it makes sense that he enjoys really old things like castles, chivalry, antique books and newer things like video games and military aviation.

Tracie Jansen

6th / 7th Grade ELA

• BA English Secondary Education, Metropolitan State University

This will be Mrs. Jansen's 7th year working for Aurora Public Schools and 5th at Aurora Hills Middle School. Mrs. Jansen loves being authentically herself, donuts with pink frosting, running, writing stories, watching classic movies, going on adventures, and spending time with her husband, two kids, and dog, Charlie Christmas. Tracie loves connecting relatable issues to content and bringing joy to every part of learning.

Amy Anderson

6th / 7th Grade Science

• B.S. Biology/ Veterinary Medicine, Kent State University;
• M.A. Secondary Science Education, Kent State University
• M.A. Biochemistry, The Ohio State University

This will be Ms. Anderson’s 22nd year teaching middle school science and her 3rd year at Aurora Hills. Ms. Anderson enjoys spending time with her three children. She enjoys playing pool, making art, and creating new ways to help students love science.

Darin Arnold

6th / 7th Grade Social Studies

• University of Colorado - Denver, Master of Arts degree, Administration Leadership & Policy Studies.
• University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Master of Arts degree, Curriculum and Instruction, Bachelor of Arts degree, History.
• Western Illinois University, Bachelor of Arts degree, Communications.

This is Mr. Arnold’s third year at Aurora Hills Middle School and twenty second year in education. He enjoys spending time with his family, going to the gym, fishing, skiing, and traveling.

7th Grade Team

Amone Alexandar

7th Grade Math

• BS Business Management, Western Governors University
• MS Business Management and Leadership, Western Governors University
• MS Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Texas Health and Science University
• United States Marine Corps Veteran

Mr. Alexandar has 9 years in education all in Aurora Public Schools and 8 of those years at Aurora Hills Middle School teaching students in Science, Math, and Business Education. Mr. Alexandar’s interests outside of giving students the best math education are spending time with my life partner Heather and trusty dog sidekick Marley. We like nature activities and to stay healthy, so we hike, paddleboard, jog, and do yoga. I also like just enjoying living here in Colorado, so much to do!

Regan Wilder

7th Grade Math

Kaitlin Carrick

7th Grade ELA

• BA from the University of Northern Colorado
• MA from the University of Phoenix in Academic Supervision and Administration

This is Mrs. Carrick’s second year at Aurora Hills teaching Language Arts and her 16th year as a teacher. In her free time she enjoys reading and traveling.

Erin Dodge

7th Grade ELA

• BA in Secondary Education and English from Lesley University; MA in English from CU Boulder

This is Mx. Dodge’s 11th year in teaching; they are an avid crafter, reader, language learner, and co-op gamer. They value a growth mindset and mindfulness in the classroom.

Dr. Keeba Smith, Ed.D.

7th Grade Science

• AA Business Education from Jones College
• BA Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University;
• MA Teaching from THE Jackson State University
• Specialist and Doctoral degrees in Educational Leadership from Belhaven University
• US Army (1999-2008)

This will be Dr. Smith’s 17th year in education and her second year working in APS. Originally from Laurel, MS, she moved here 3 years ago with her husband and three teenage children. They love to travel and explore various countries while enjoying a family’s love of history, sports, and food.

Rachel Deppe

7th Grade Social Studies

• BA in Education & English from GVSU
• Masters in Educational Psychology from UNC

This will be Ms. Deppe’s 10th year as a teacher. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys reading, playing video games, camping, traveling, and attempting to ski.

8th Grade Team

Cathy Theis

8th Grade Math

• BA from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
• MA in Educational Leadership from Adams State University

This is Mrs. Theis’ 24th year in education, and her 3rd year at Aurora HIlls. Prior to being here, Mrs. Theis has taught preschool plus grades 1st - 6th. She earned her BA from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, and her MA in Educational Leadership from Adams State University. When not teaching she loves to spend time with her kids, grandkids, husband, and dog, Ozzie. She enjoys traveling, hiking, and reading a good book. Her favorite place to be is the crystal blue ocean preferably here near the Caribbean.

Chase Vervynck

8th Grade Math

Lynn Lafountain

8th Grade Math

• BA Business Management/Sports Management - Southern New Hampshire University/University of Tampa. (NH and Florida)
• MA in Education - Southern New Hampshire University - Manchester, NH

This will be Ms. LaFountain’s 16th year of teaching, and 4th at Aurora Hills. Ms. LaFountain also taught in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. She enjoys traveling and exploring new places, any outdoor activity, listening to live music, and watching sporting events.

Natalie Burvalov

8th Grade ELA

• BA in International Studies and Political Science from Ohio Wesleyan University

This is Ms. Buravlov’s first year in the classroom. She earned her BA in International Studies and Political Science from Ohio Wesleyan University. Prior to teaching, Ms. B spent some time working with the Department of State. She discovered her passion for developing young minds during her time working in Budapest, Hungary, for the Department of State, and looks forward to continuing this development of students as they transition towards further education.

Jennifer Olsen

8th Grade ELA

• BA from Colorado State University - Pueblo in English/Secondary Education
• MA in Reading from Grand Canyon University

Mrs. Olsen has been teaching for over 25 years; this is her 16th year at Aurora Hills Middle School. She earned her BA from Colorado State University - Pueblo in English/Secondary Education and earned her MA in Reading from Grand Canyon University. When not teaching, she loves to spend time with her family and her three chihuahuas, Harley Quinn, Joker, and Poison Ivy. She enjoys reading, hiking, taking her dogs for walks and working out. Her favorite place to be is the ocean and dreams of one day living by the ocean.

Matt Dach

8th Grade ELA

• Bachelor of Arts, Secondary Education: English, University of Wyoming

This is Mr. Dach’s 3rd year teaching at A-Hills and his 11th year working in education in some form or fashion. Originally from Wyoming, Mr. Dach likes to collect records, play guitar, and play with his pet cat, Paz, and dog, Appie. He has, and will, defeat any 13 or 14-year-old in video-game soccer who dares challenge him. He delights in the one day in May each year- when all the work is done and a new group of young minds are just about to journey on to their next phase of life- he brings in the sticks and gets to prove it.

Amanda Moore

8th Grade Science

• BA Middle Grades Education, University of North Carolina at Wilmington

This is Ms. Moore’s 2nd year working at Aurora Hills. She has a passion for science, reading, and making connections with people.

Michael Gregorich

8th Grade Science

• CSU-Pueblo
• Adams State College

If Mr. Gregorich could go back in time and talk to anyone, it would be Doc Holiday

A hammer finds a nail
And a freight train needs a rail
I’m doin’ what I’m on this Earth to do …

Amy Nieves

8th Grade Social Studies

• Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, University of Colorado, Boulder
• Master of Education, Regis University, Denver

Mrs. Nieves has been teaching for 21 years, and this is her 9th year at Aurora Hills. Mrs. Nieves loves to spend time with her husband and 2 sons. Her family enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, swimming, and all things nature!

Alex Tucker-Hinojosa

8th Grade Social Studies

• BA Political Science, Texas Tech University

This will be Mr. Hinojosa's third year in education and his first year in Colorado. He loves video games, hiking, going to concerts, spending time with his husband and cats, collecting vinyl records, and is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur.

Exploratories

Allen Hagerman

STEM

Andrew Phelps

Choir

• BA Music Education, Illinois State University

Andrew is currently in his third year at Aurora Hills, marking his tenth year of teaching overall. When he’s not teaching, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and daughter. Whether they're visiting the zoo, going to the pool, or just enjoying a fun day out together.

Beatrice Drew

Art - PLUS Team

• Art Education BFA from MSU Denver

This is Mrs. Drew’s 4th year teaching at Aurora Hills! She is a practicing artist in Photography, ceramics, and drawing/painting. She has a beloved dog named Chicle with her husband, who also works in APS. She values exploring and creation in her art classroom and collaborative learning for all students.

Benjamin Martens

P.E. / Health

• BA of Science, Indiana Wesleyan University Dual degree in Athletic Training and Pre-Physical Therapy.
• University of Colorado Denver ASPIRE (transition to teaching program): Teaching License

This will be Mr. Martens 5th year teaching all of which have been at Aurora Hills. He loves spending time with his family (son pictured above and wife Autumn works at the school), spending time outdoors, hiking, snowboarding and camping. I like to build stuff and am currently renovating my entire house. Love investing in kids and the community, which is why I do this.

Diana Polaski

P.E / Health

Doug Hoff

P.E. Health

This is Mr. Hoff’s 7th year teaching at Aurora Hills Middle School and his 16th in education. He enjoys being active, watching sports, and everything under the sun as long as he is with his friends. Fun fact: He was raised by wolves.

Jeffrey Garnett

Concert Band / General Music / Orchestra

• BA in Music/ BA Music Composition & Performance (Wichita State University/ University of Minnesota)
• Masters in Curriculum Instruction & Education Administration (Grand Canyon University)

This will be Mr. Garnett's 12th year in education. He started as a high school and elementary (K-8) school band teacher in Phoenix, Arizona traveling to multiple schools. He also had a short-lived VP position, Mr. Garnett decided he loved teaching more. He moved to Denver CO, and started teaching at Aurora Hills Middle school in 2022 as a music teacher. He enjoys traveling, sight seeing, and teaching students of all ages. He also enjoys composing music for orchestra and concert band.

Maria Brotherston

Band / Orchestra

Michelle Spikes

PLUS Day Teacher of Creative Writing

• BA - African-American History with a Minor in Economics from Colgate University
• Teaching Degree - K-6 education from University of Colorado at Denver
• MA - Education Administration from University of Colorado at Denver

Ms. Spikes is a retired teacher after 32 years of service. She enjoys traveling, spending time with family, friends, and my dog.

Tina Bridgemohan

Financial Literacy

Victoria Dean

AVID

Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education (CLDE)

Hailey Fulwider

CLDE Teacher Leader

• BA English & Irish Lit.& Lang., University of Notre Dame
• Master of Education, University of Notre Dame
• English as a New Language Certificate, University of Notre Dame

This is Ms. Fulwider’s 3rd year working at Aurora Hills, and during this time, she has loved welcoming newcomers to our wonderful school. Ms. Fulwider loves to read, bowl and play volleyball with her friends, practice her Spanish, and walk in Denver’s parks!

Melissa Wesdyk

CLDE Teacher Leader

• Cultural and Linguistically Diverse Education Teacher Leader and Newcomers Literacy teacher
• BA Sociology - William Paterson University of New Jersey
• MA Teaching Students of Other Languages - Grand Canyon University - Arizona

This will be Ms. Wesdyk’s 25th year of teaching, and 7th at Aurora Hills. Ms. Wesdyk also taught in New Jersey and North Carolina. She enjoys taking long distance trips through the many different parts of the United States and spending time quilting and baking.

Darlenne Guerra Arevalo

CLDE Teacher Level 2 (All Grades)

• BA Ethnic Studies with a concentration in Education, Colorado State University - Fort Collins

Although this is Ms. Guerra’s fourth (4th) year teaching this is her first (1st) year at Aurora Hills! Migrating to the United States at just three (3) years old Ms. Guerra grew up in Aurora Public Schools and cannot wait to give back to her community with the power of knowledge and English language! Ms. Guerra is known as “The Denver Sports Girl” being a fan of ALL colorado sports…yes sadly, even the Rockies. She has a 7 year old dog who loves to cuddle up in bed with her as Ms. Guerra’s favorite activity is being lazy watching movies, specifically Disney, T.V. shows like shonen animes and most importantly scrolling on social media.

Hannah Bolin

CLDE Teacher

• BA from University of Colorado Colorado Springs in History and Secondary Education

This is Ms.Bolin’s 6th year teaching at Aurora Hills Middle school. She started as a social studies teacher here and is now teaching ELD. She loves hiking, cooking, reading, traveling, hosting trivia, and swing dancing!

Mark Braun

CLDE Teacher

Exceptional Student Services (ESS)

Kevin Riley

6th Grade Cross-Categorical Teacher

• BA, Grambling State University;
• MA Secondary Education, Clark Atlanta University;
• Principal Certification, Lamar University

Mr. Riley, has been involved in special education for over a decade, serving as a paraprofessional, department chair with the Houston Independent School District, as well as a special education instructional specialist with the Denver Public Schools (DPS). He also enjoys spending time outdoors and engaging in activities like skiing, biking, and other outdoor pursuits.

Pratibha Soni

6th Grade Cross-Categorical Teacher

• MA in Special Education;
• BA in Education, BA in Social Studies, University of Northern Colorado;
• MA in English Literature from India

This is Mrs. Soni’s 8th year of teaching. She is very excited to bring support and care for our students. She is data driven and likes to measure the growth with care. Her hobbies are bringing creativity into life. She loves outdoor activities and Volleyball is her favorite sport.

Hannah Evans

7th Grade Cross-Categorical Teacher

• BA Sociology, Colorado State University;
• MA Special Education–Visual Impairment, University of Northern Colorado

This will be Ms. Evans’s 2nd year as an educator at Aurora Hills Middle School. She has a 6-year-old son who was born completely blind, the driving force in her pursuit for equitable opportunities in education for all students. Outside of school, she enjoys concerts, outdoor adventures, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Stefanie Pahler

7th Grade Cross-Categorical Teacher

• Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA), University of Denver
• Special Education Masters of Education (M.Ed), University of Colorado of Denver

Ms. Pahler is in her 14th year of teaching in the Aurora Public School district. This is her third year teaching at Aurora Hills Middle School. Ms. Pahler likes listening to music and cooking with a variety of spices.

Clea Kessner

8th Grade Cross-Cetegorical Teacher

• B.A. Psychology, UC San Diego
• Certification, Special Education

Ms. Kessner has been an educator for over 25 years. She graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in psychology and is certified in special education. She has lived in the metro Denver area since 1998. When not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two adult children and her dog, Lola. She loves to hike, craft and camp.

Lee Sturgis

8th Grade Cross-Categorical Teacher

• B.S.- Business Management in 1990 from Hampton University
• M.S.- Special Education focus, Transitional Service from Portland State University

Mr. Sturgis has stayed in Colorado for two years with his son, Parker. His hobbies are running, swimming, and playing golf. He tries to live life to the fullest, but sometimes obligations tend to prevent it!

Daetona Stasheen

ASD Teacher

• BA Educational Ministries, Campbellsville University

This will be Miss. Dae’s 4th year working for Aurora Public Schools and 3rd as a Teacher at Aurora Hills Middle School. Miss. Dae loves spending time in nature as well as being active through participating in Spartan Races, paddleboarding, and playing volleyball with her close friends. Daetona has a passion for disability rights and promoting inclusion within her school and community.

Oscar Ostendorf

ASD Teacher

• University of Colorado - Denver, Bachelor of special education and psychology.

This is Oscar’s third year of teaching. He enjoys hiking, watching sports and cooking. He loves working with colleagues and students alike.

Jordana Reilly

Affective Needs Teacher

• BA Communication, CU Denver
• MA Teaching, Special Education, Metropolitan State University

This will be Mrs. Reilly’s 14th year in education and 12th year with Aurora Public Schools. She loves to read, paddle board, and spend time with the people she loves. She is passionate about supporting students' social, emotional and behavioral needs as well as preparing them with the tools for a successful transition to high school and young adulthood.

Vanessa Riggs

SSN Teacher

Amy Carpenter

SLP Teacher

Kristy Walker

SLP Teacher

• Masters of Science and Bachelors of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders
• University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)

Ms. Kristy loves being creative and expressing herself through music, dancing, painting, and repurposing. She hopes she can be a safe place and resource for others to express themselves as well!

Barbara Knutson

Occupational Therapist

Colleen Curto

Physical Therapist

Mental Health & Counseling

Christyn Thompson

General Education Social Worker

• BA- Connecticut College
• Master’s of Social Work- Boston College

Ms. Thompson has spent over 20 years as a social worker and is in her fourth year at Aurora Hills. She loves yoga, singing and playing musical instruments, being outside in nature, hanging out and laughing with friends and family, reading, getting enough sleep, solving crossword puzzles, identifying birds, and watching the sun sparkling on water. She also loves getting to know the students who teach her all sorts of things.

Autumn Martens

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

• BA in Addictions Counseling, BA in Spanish, Indiana Wesleyan University
• Masters of Social Work, The Ohio State University

This will be Ms. Martens 8th year at Aurora Hills Middle School as a ESS School Social Worker. She enjoys crafting, reading, and spending time with her husband and toddler.

Hannah Horn

ESS Social Worker

• MSW, Metropolitan State University of Denver

This will be Ms. Horn’s second year at Aurora Hills Middle School. She loves swimming, camping, playing board games, watching movies, and spending time with her sisters. She is passionate about mental health and enjoys helping students find tools that work for them in order to lead fulfilling, comfortable lives.

Essance Lavelette (formerly Cordova)

Counselor

• BA Psychology, with a minor in Criminal Justice, University of Colorado Colorado Springs;
• MA School Counseling, Denver University

Ms. Lavalette has over 4 years of experience with middle and high school students. She enjoys reading, gaming (video or board), working out and spending time with family. Fun fact: She often has a good dad joke if you want a nice laugh.

Brittany McCrae

Counselor

Saleha Khatun

Counselor

• BA in Psychology at City College of the City University of New York.
• MA in School Counseling at Lehman College, also part of the City University of New York.

Ms. Saleha has six years of experience in education, all within Aurora Public Schools, and this is her third year at Aurora Hills. She enjoys spending time outdoors chasing sunsets and sunrises, exploring new trails, and immersing herself in nature, rivers, creeks, waterfalls, beaches, and wildflowers. She also loves being with her husband and 2 daughters. In her free time, she enjoys trying new sports like tennis, pickleball, biking, and swimming. A lifelong learner, Ms. Saleha believes there's always something new to discover each day, and she especially values learning from her students.

Front Office Staff

Sara Tansey

Principal's Secretary

Nader Sheikhan

Bookkeeper

This is Mr. Sheikhan’s 11th year working in education. His loves are his wife Kris and daughter Kenzie, his dogs Luna and Joey, the Dallas Cowboys and food, not necessarily in that order. In his free time, Mr. Sheikhan enjoys playing sports, exploring our great state of Colorado, trying new restaurants, going to comedy clubs, and coaching volleyball.

Dawn Grow

Registrar

Misty Cook

Nurse

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Colorado Christian University

This is Mrs. Cook’s 2nd year as a school nurse and her 2nd year at Aurora HIlls. She has previously worked in post surgical care and infectious disease, specifically HIV treatment and prevention. Outside of school, Mrs. Cook loves spending time with family, paddleboarding, and horseback riding. Mrs. Cook has 1 horse (Falken), 2 dogs (Remi and Bubblegum), and 2 cats (Lulu and Spiderman). Mrs. Cook loves a good roadtrip, especially when it’s traveling for the various sports her kids are playing.

Emma Hernandez

Family Liaison

Daisy Quezada

Front Desk

Yesenia Alvarez-Hernandez

Attendance Clerk

Support Staff

Mariah Williamson

Para

Felisha Boatwright

Para

Vanessa Herrera

Para

Ayana Rubio

Para

Damien Vega

Para

Erin Grow

Para

Keshone Lowe

Para

Nekell Lowe

Para