Montview Elementary School

Joseph Taylor - Principal

Joe is excited to serve as the principal of Montview Elementary for a third year! He has been in education for 30 years as a teacher, assistant principal, program director, and principal. Originally from Louisiana, Joe has also taught and served in Arizona, Denver, and Aurora as an AP at Century Elementary. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Louisiana Tech University, principal licensure through the University of Phoenix and Adams State, and a Master’s degree in education from Goddard College. Joe currently lives in Denver with wife Carey and his two youngest children: Macland (16) and Addison (12). He also has three adult children and two grandchildren. In his free time, Joe enjoys skiing, running, reading, and being in nature!

Hannah LeCount - Assistant Principal

Hannah LeCount serves as Montview's Assistant Principal. She taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades and also served as an IB Coordinator and an Instructional Coach. She has her M.Ed. from Boston University and a B.A. in Economics & Spanish from Bucknell University. She attended the University of Denver for her Educational Leadership license. What has always inspired Hannah to teach and lead in education is supporting and growing students and teachers so that they can achieve whatever it is they put their mind to. Students surpassing their goals and going beyond what they thought possible is a magical moment that makes this work inspiring and fulfilling.

Susan Gershwin - Community School Coordinator

Susan Gershwin is Montview Elementary’s Community School Coordinator. She is thrilled to be part of this community. Before joining the Montview team, she coordinated Paris Elementary School’s community hub from 2019-2023. She is passionate about supporting family voice and engagement, building enrichment opportunities for students, and developing a sustainable community of strategic partners.

Outside of APS, Susan has worked with refugees and immigrants in various education and advocacy roles for more than 20 years. She has a graduate certificate in Educational Leadership & Policy from Portland State University and a B.A. from the University of Puget Sound.

Maria Gonzalez - Advocate Student Engagement Coorindator

Maria Gonzalez is Montview Elementary’s Advocate Student Engagement coordinator. She is very excited to be a part of this community. Before joining Montview Elementary, Maria worked as the founding front office manager for DSST Conservatory Green HS in Denver, she founded that school from 2017 to 2023, she created a welcoming, comfortable, and loving school environment where students, parents and staff felt safe, heard, and appreciated. She is passionate about advocating, supporting and empowering students, parents, staff, and the community to be the best version of themselves.

Maria has worked with students, families, and the community outside of the school system in various areas of human services and mental health with a plethora of community resource
knowledge for more than 20 years. She is a first-generation graduate with both a bachelor’s in human services and a master’s in counseling.

I love going on trips, spending time with my family and going on nature walks.

Laura Martinez - Principal Secretary

I was born in California and have lived in different states but I’ve lived in Colorado for most of my life. I prefer the cold seasons and hate the summer heat! I’ve worked for APS for 11 years. I love all genres of music although I’m a rocker at heart. I also love anime and I’m well versed in movies. My favorite movie is Gladiator and my favorite character is Jack Skellington. The most important thing in my life is my baby named Zeus who’s a German Shepherd and my family.

Maricela Alcazar - Clerk

Maricela was born in Mexico and grew up in Los Angeles California. She moved to Colorado 16 years ago. She enjoys a cup of coffee, shopping, and spending time with her family.

Barbara Atilano - Health Para

I have 3 beautiful girls. I have lived in Colorado all my life. I love going on trips and spending time with my family. I was a medical assistant for 16 years, with the majority of those years in a pediatric practice. I enjoy doing photography on my free time and am always open to learning something new.

Jennifer Dunn - Nurse

Jennifer Dunn RN serves as the school Nurse at Montview. This is Jennifer's 9th year working as a School Nurse. She specializes in caring for students with Type 1 Diabetes. Jennifer grew up in Scotland, where she attended high school and Nursing School. She has lived in Colorado for 25 years and loves the outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer. Jennifer and her dog Cosmo love to hike together.

Hedrine Tamajong - Pre-K Teacher

My name is Hedrine T Tamajong, I was born in Buea, in the South West Region of Cameroon. I am married with three beautiful children: 17, 15 and 11 years old, who are presently attending Aurora Public Schools. We came to the USA in 2008 and settled in Colorado, where we have been living all these years.

I went to the Community College of Aurora and University of Northern Colorado, where I obtained my Associate Degree and Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood education. I have been working as a classroom Para –educator since 2015.

Dawn Reese - Pre-K Paraprofessional / Boys & Girls Club

Hello, My name Is Dawn Reese and I have lived in Colorado my whole life and would not change it for anything. I have raised two children and have the most amazing grandchildren, Jordan (12) and Jaedyin (3). I will be celebrating 31 years of marriage this year to a pretty wonderful guy. I have been working with the Boys and Girls Club for over four years. I was asked to join the family of Montview and know now where my purpose falls. I have a lifetime full of working with children off and on and love it. It is truly a Blessing and I am glad that I have this opportunity.

Kate Northrop - Kindergarten Teacher

Kate was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She moved to Denver, Colorado in June with some of her best friends from college! She graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Elementary Education in 2023 with endorsements in Reading, English, and Language Arts. Last year she had the amazing opportunity to student teach in Alexandra, New Zealand where she was able to teach in a 1st and 2nd grade classroom. She learned so much about the Maori culture and made memories she will never forget. Kate loves to sing and play guitar and can’t wait to incorporate this into her classroom this year. She loves animals and has a very cute cat named Zoey that she adopted last month.

Kate is so excited to start her first year teaching here at Montview!

Kelli Mattox - 1st Grade Teacher

My name is Kelli Mattox and I am so excited to join Montview as a First Grade teacher. I am a Georgia native, and I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Oglethorpe University and a Master of Arts degree in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education from the University of Colorado at Boulder. I enjoy reading, hiking, and traveling. I am the mother of two adult sons and the sweetest English Bulldog, Gracie. I look forward to learning more about the Montview community and growing in the field of education.

Bernadette Medina - 1st Grade Teacher

Bernadette was born and raised in Colorado. She has two younger sisters and an amazing son. She has been teaching for 17 years. This is her sixth year teaching in Aurora. She can remember being about 5 years old and playing school in her bedroom. She would line up all her teddy bears and teach them the alphabet. Her dad bought her a new dresser and she used crayons to write her ABCs all over it. She had to keep that dresser for several years but she didn’t mind. Even as a young girl she knew that she enjoyed being a teacher. She is excited to become part of the Montview community!

Heidi Zook - 1st Grade Teacher

Hello! My name is Heidi Zook. I am originally from Pennsylvania, but have lived in Colorado since 1981. I suppose teaching is in my genes as both my parents were teachers and my step-parents were also teachers! My journey to become an educator took some twists and turns, but in 2009 I received my teaching license in Colorado. Montview Elementary has welcomed me into its community and I am excited to be a part of the Montview Mustang family!

I have two grown sons, Jacob and Jeffrey, and currently have 3 dogs, Zeus, Honey, and Rocky. Most of my free time is spent doing home DIY projects and walking my dogs. Every other weekend, or so, I enjoy visiting with friends, meeting for coffee or lunch, walking, or shopping for our classrooms.

Linden Valdez - 2nd Grade Teacher

I was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. After receiving my degree in early childhood education I moved to Honduras and taught third grade at a local school. In 2017 I made the move to Colorado and have been here ever since. In the past seven years I have taught second, third, and fifth grade. In my free time I enjoy reading, being outdoors, spending time with my dogs, and exploring National Parks. I am excited to be a part of the Montview team.

Emma Huisman - 2nd Grade Teacher

Emma Huisman grew up in central Iowa but traveled to Colorado with her family frequently as a child. Emma graduated from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa with a degree in Elementary Education. During her senior year she had the opportunity to complete her student teaching with Denver Public Schools, and discovered a new found love for the state and city and decided to move to Colorado permanently after graduation. In her free time she likes to go on long walks, read, spend time with friends and watch movies. Emma is so excited for her first year of teaching and to be a part of the Montview family!

Keyla Pedroza-Murillo - 2nd Grade Teacher

My name is Keyla Pedroza and I will be teaching 2nd grade this year at Montview. I have recently moved to Colorado from Georgia. I am very excited to get to know my new community and students. I received a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Piedmont University in Demorest, Georgia. This will be my second year teaching. I taught 3rd grade my first year. In my free time I love to cook, read, and hangout with my cat, Aspen. I look forward to starting a new year at Montview!

Meredith Given - 3rd Grade teacher

Meredith is originally from Columbus, Ohio, and recently relocated to Denver, Colorado, after graduating from Miami University.

She is passionate about teaching and is eager to bring enthusiasm to the classroom and Montview Elementary School. Outside of school, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, especially skiing during the winter months. Spending quality time with friends and family is also something she cherishes. She is looking forward to getting to know the Montview community and contributing to the growth and success of students and colleagues.

Kayleigh Henion - 3rd Grade Teacher

Kayleigh Henion-Beaulieu grew up in northern Montana, but has always spent her summers in Colorado. She has always loved working with kids and is so excited to start her first year as a 3rd grade teacher! Kayleigh graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Elementary Education and an emphasis in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education. Last year she had the magical opportunity to live in Madrid, Spain and teach English to middle and high schoolers. While she was living abroad she was able to improve her Spanish and travel to 5 countries. In her free time she loves to read, go hiking or camping, spend time with friends, or explore the world. Kayleigh is so excited to start her elementary teaching journey at Montview this year!

Nicole Poe - 3rd Grade Teacher

Nicole was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She moved to Colorado in 2019 where she attended and later graduated from Colorado Christian University. Nicole loves going to concerts, driving to the mountains, learning, and reading. This is Nicole’s second year at Montview, and she is thrilled to be working in a career that she is so passionate about!

Steven Cox - 4th Grade Teacher

Steven has been working with young minds since 2016, bringing enthusiasm and a love for learning to his 4th-grade math classroom. Equipped with a Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and a teaching certificate from Western State Colorado University, Steven combines his strong academic background with a passion for teaching. Steven believes in creating a dynamic and interactive learning environment where every student feels valued and encouraged to explore the wonders of mathematics. Outside of the classroom, Steven is an avid fly fisherman. He loves spending time in nature, finding peace and inspiration by the water. This hobby not only recharges him but also brings a sense of patience and precision that he incorporates into his teaching.

Grace Hammerle - 4th Grade Teacher

Grace was born and raised in the beautiful state of Michigan and moved to Denver, Colorado in 2020. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a focus on child development from Grand Valley State University and then completed an Alternative Licensure program through PEBC. This is her second year of teaching at Montview! She is looking forward to making connections with each and every one of her students.

Brittany Storch - 4th Grade Teacher

Brittany grew up in Phoenix, AZ and graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ (close to the Grand Canyon). She taught one year in 3rd grade on the Navajo Reservation before moving to Denver. Since moving to Denver she's been teaching in APS in 4th grade. Her favorite thing about teaching is building relationships with her students, watching them grow, and seeing the excitement they have when discovering new things. Outside of school Brittany loves hiking, cooking, dancing, and spending time with friends and family.

Karlee Nasalroad - 5th Grade Teacher

Karlee Nasalroad grew up in Grand Junction, CO and is a Colorado native. Previously, she has been teaching informally in different nature and science centers all over the state, including the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. She received her Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Northern Colorado in 2017. Shortly after, she started exploring her passions for teaching, learning and the outdoors. She is a graduate of the University of Colorado Denver with her Master's degree in Teaching and elementary education endorsement. Karlee's favorite part about teaching is helping students explore their interests and opening doors for learning opportunities. She has two reptiles and has a passion for plants/gardening is unrivaled. Her favorite hobbies include traveling, drawing, and games of all types!

Christy Kane – 5th Grade Teacher

My name is Christy Kane, and I am thrilled to embark on my journey as a fifth-grade teacher at Montview Elementary. Originally from Georgia, I earned my undergraduate degree in Modern Language and Culture (Spanish) and Business Administration from Kennesaw State University. Subsequently, I pursued my Master of Arts in Teaching from Reinhardt University, where I honed my skills and passion for education. Currently, I am completing my doctoral degree in Leadership and Innovation in education at Purdue University. I strongly believe in the transformative power of education. My goal is to empower my fifth graders with the gift of literacy, equipping them with the tools and confidence they need to succeed.

Outside of my professional life, I'm blessed to share my world with my amazing 8-year-old daughter. We love crafting together and spending quality time exploring new activities.

I am thrilled to be a part of the Montview Community!

Ashley Schindel - Physical Education

My name is Ashley Schindel. I am originally from Seattle, Washington but have called Colorado my home since 2012. I received my Bachelors Degree from Northwest University in Children’s Ministries and my Masters Degree in Elementary Education and P.E. certification from Western State Colorado University. My love for P.E. comes from my passion of empowering kids to find their authentic selves through a balanced lifestyle. I have spent a lot of time working in the outdoor education industry where we help kids and adults understand their potential through adventure based learning. I love spending time with my family including my two goldendoodles Bentley and Rainier. I enjoy the outdoors through activities including camping, sports, hiking and biking.

Sarah Butler - Music

Sarah Butler grew up in the Chicago suburbs, but moved to Colorado in 2014 to find better teaching opportunities and to fulfill her dream of living near the mountains. She has a Bachelor of Music Education from Illinois Wesleyan University and completed a Master of Music degree in Music Education (with a Kodály Emphasis). Her primary instruments are the flute and voice. This is her 12th year of teaching elementary music, and has been at Montview since 2014. It has been an honor for her to be a part of this community and she looks forward to many more rewarding years here! Sarah enjoys doing outdoor activities with her husband, such as hiking and rock climbing, as well as reading, knitting, and doing puzzles. You might also spot her playing her flute and piccolo with the Denver Rock Orchestra.

Chloe Verdun - Art

Chloe Maryellen Verdun is a Colorado based artist and educator born and raised in Aurora. She has always had a passion for working with children and creating art from a young age; she knew she wanted to be a teacher in the 3rd grade. Her philosophy of education is focused on social reconstructionism. Verdun graduated Cum Laude from Metropolitan State University of Denver receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education with a concentration in ceramics and an emphasis in printmaking. She likes to spend her time traveling, having Sunday dinners with her family and going to Denver Nuggets basketball games with her fiancé. She is excited to begin her first year as a community member at Montview!

Molly Winter - Special Education

My name is Molly Winter and I am thrilled to be supporting our special education students at Montview Elementary. I grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago then graduated with my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education with a Special Education endorsement from the University of Iowa. I then went on to get my Masters Degree in Special Education from Morningside College. I have been a special education teacher since the 2019-2020 school year supporting students in Iowa City and then in Brighton.

My husband and I moved to Colorado in 2022 and have loved every minute. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with our two dogs, being outside, and making DIY projects. I am very excited to join the Montview Family!

Savannah Nelson - Speech Therapist

Hello, my name is Savannah Nelsen. I am originally from southern Illinois and spent three years as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Chicago, Illinois. I received both of my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Illinois State University. A lot of my family and most of my family vacations growing up were out west so I knew I would move out to the mountains eventually. Outside of work, I enjoy being outside as much as possible including hiking, biking, kayaking, and skiing. I am excited to be a part of the team at Montview and I’m looking forward to meeting and working with the students who have speech and language difficulties!

Jennifer Pauley - Occupational Therapist

Bio coming soon!

Dawn Medina -CLDE Coach

Dawn Medina has lived in Colorado her whole life and always wanted to be a teacher. She started playing ‘school’ when she was about seven years old and never stopped! She has been teaching for 33 years. After teaching at a private school for 20 years, she is excited to be starting her 13th year here at Montview. She loves to curl up in bed and read a good book as well as play with her three dogs. She has three children of her own and recently became a step grandparent to two fabulous children when her daughter got married this summer. Her children range in age from 22 to 28. She believes each child has their own unique gifts and talents and looks forward each day to bringing out the best in each child.

Brenda Bowman - CLDE Coach

Brenda Bowman was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. She is on her 21st year of teaching and this is her 18th year as part of the Montview team. Montview students, families and staff make it feel like home. She has taught kindergarten, first, second, fifth and is currently the CLDE teacher leader.

Rachel Pinard - Literacy Coach

Rachel grew up in southwest Virginia right in the heart of the Appalachian mountains where she fell in love with nature and the outdoors. She attended Virginia Tech where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and her Masters of Arts in Education in Curriculum & Instruction (Go Hokies!). Rachel taught English as a Second Language in Virginia before visiting Colorado on a road trip and immediately falling in love with the Rocky Mountains. Since moving to Colorado, she has worked as a classroom teacher, CLDE teacher leader, and teaching partner. In her spare time, she enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, and relaxing with her cat, Pocahontas. Rachel is thrilled to be a part of the Montview community!

Tiffany McIntosh - Interventionist

My name is Tiffany McIntosh. I am a native of Colorado. I grew up in Thornton. My boyfriend Jason and I have two dogs and two cats. They are our world. We love them so much. In our spare time, we go for hikes, go to the movies, and hang out with family and friends. As a kid, I always wanted to help others. In High School, I got a job at the YMCA after school program. That is when I found my passion for teaching. I went to Metro State University for my bachelors in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Human Development. I have worked in Aurora Public Schools for 11 years. I was a first grade teacher for 10 years. This is my first year as an Interventionist at Montview. I am excited to be here and work together.

Jennifer Villareal - Literacy Interventionist

Jennifer has been an educator for 11 years, working as a classroom teacher in the primary grades and as a technology specialist at the elementary level. After completing her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University and earning certifications in the Orton-Gillingham reading program, she discovered a passion for teaching students how to read. She began her educational journey with a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from Metropolitan State University. Throughout her career, she took breaks to stay home with her three children, using her educational background to homeschool them. Jennifer is excited to continue her career at Montview Elementary, where she can help students unlock the code of reading and cultivate a love for books. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, camping, traveling, gardening, and spending many hours at the baseball fields watching her son play.

Janie Weiner - Educational Assistant

Janie Weiner grew up in Denver but has traveled and worked abroad extensively during her adult life. Her love of teaching came at an early age when she “taught” school to her stuffed animals lined up on her bed. These days, she delights in seeing her students take on new learning every day and especially appreciates when students she has previously taught return to Montview to visit. Truly feeling like part of the fabric of this community, Janie deeply appreciates all who comprise the Montview community. She came to Montview 16 years ago and has primarily taught 3rd grade and currently provides instruction as a reading interventionist.

Prior to teaching, Janie received her Bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University in Business with a Minor in Spanish. Years later, she also completed a Master’s degree in Business at the University of Denver. After nearly 20 years in the business world, Janie changed careers and completed her elementary teaching certification from the University of Colorado Denver in 2006. When not lesson planning, you can find her in the great outdoors.

Mallory Kennedy - Counselor

I was born in Minnesota to an incredible family including my older sister, Maggie, and two parents. I left home in 2011 to do my student teaching in New Zealand and then I was off to Flagstaff, AZ for grad school. Once I graduated, I moved to Colorado and I just celebrated my 9th year here. I have been counseling in APS since I arrived in Colorado and I was formerly at Murphy Creek and Boston P-8.

I truly love being a part of the Montview community and I am proud to be a Mustang! My goal is to shape the student experience by helping students reach their academic and personal goals all while being a support for them along the way. When I am not at school I love hiking, camping, and connecting with my friends and family.

Sara Baumann - Social Worker

My name is Sara Baumann and I am so excited to join Montview as a Social Worker. I am originally from Kentucky, and I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Social Work from Metro State University. I enjoy cooking, snowboarding and backpacking. I look forward to being part of this community and supporting the mental health needs of the community.

Dina Rodgers - Paraeducator

Dina was born and raised in Lakewood, Colorado and moved to Aurora 17 years ago. Dina has been working as a para at Montview for 16 years. Dina has a 22 year old amazing step son attending UNC in Greeley Co. She also enjoys spending time in the mountains, reading and learning history. Her long term dream is to own an animal sanctuary.

Tracy Rudy

I was born and raised and went to school in Baltimore, Maryland. I moved to Colorado and have worked with Nutrition Services for 30 years. I enjoy my job and the kids very much. I have a beautiful daughter and a wonderful grandson. I enjoy spending time with my family and my dogs, being outside, and doing crafts.

Amanda Huerta - Head Custodian

Amanda has worked for APS for 21 years in various schools as the Head Custodian. Amanda enjoys making flower arrangements and going to church on Sunday in her finest dresses. Amanda has 7 grandchildren. Amanda also loves her garden and likes getting out working in it.

Maria Perez-Cardenas - Night Custodian

Estoy muy contenta de trabajar en Montview y mi meta es mejorar día a día para que todo se vea bonito.

I am very happy to work at Montview and my goal is to improve day by day so that everything looks beautiful.

Luis Rodriguez Ortega - Night Custodian

I was born in Guanajuato Mexico but I have been in Colorado since 2006.

I love soccer/ everything sports. I also have a love for cars and technology.

I went to school in the area at AWCPA. I was in the first high school graduating class for the school.

Working for this school has been very nice and welcoming. Everyone here is very friendly.

My goal here is to continue to grow in the district and maintain a high level of excellence on my daily duties. My goals in the future are to continue to get better at everything I do and to develop new skills in my professional life.

Dyna Amaya-Lainez - Boys & Girls Club Director

My name is Dyna Amaya-Lainez, and I am a proud first-generation Salvadorian/American. My family immigrated to the US right before I was born so I was the first born in the states. The reason I love Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is that I get to help our community. You parents remind me of mine, all the hopes & dreams you pour into your loved ones is what I hope to support in the work I do. It truly takes a village and I try to be just I tiny part of yours for you all. I highly value the trust you demonstrate us with by entrusting us with the most precious parts of your lives, your children, and I strive to give them things I want for all of us; a safe, caring, FUN place where they can be pushed to reach their highest potential. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the Montview community for the past 3 years.

Jabara Fleming - Boys & Girls Club Assistant Director

Hello, My Name is Jabara Fleming, But Everyone calls me Mr. JJ. I’m a Coloradoan born and raised. I love this state and the people, as we love to do outdoor activities and respect Diversity and Inclusion. I have a Bachelors in Science with an Emphasis in physical education K-12 and have been with Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver for 6 months now. I have five years of Child education experience. I enjoy teaching as it’s my way to pay-it-forward from all the teachers and staff that helped me when I was young. I went to Boys and Girls club as kid and want to create the same enriching environment that creates future community leaders and social advocates. Come Join the Club!