Rich Amend

Grade 8 Humanities, Grade 8 Coordinator, MS Humanities Dept. Chair

Joined St. Anne's in: 2007

Stefanie Bakken

4, 6-8 Spanish/ World Language Dept. Chair/Grade 7 Advisor

Joined St. Anne's in: 2014

Dee Bauer

6th Grade Science Teacher
Joined St. Anne's: 2023

Chris Bennett

Chief Financial Officer
Joined St. Anne's: 2022

Wendi Berardi

Director of Enrollment Management

Joined St. Anne's: 2022

Stephen Bertles

Theatre Teacher

Joined St. Anne's in: 2018

Deb Bishop

Grade 7 & 8 Science, Science Dept. Chair

Joined St. Anne's in: 2012

Morgan Boaman

Director of Outdoor Education
Joined St. Anne's: 2023

Adair Brenneman

Administrative Aide
Joined St. Anne's in: 2003

Jessica Cardenas

Grades K-3 Art, Yearbook
Joined St. Anne's in: 2014

Erin Cody

Kindergarten Teacher
Joined St. Anne's in: 2006

Karianne Cook

7th Grade Science Teacher
Joined St. Anne's in: 2022

Chris Cox

Head of School

Jeff Di Tanna

Grades 6-8 Math, MS Math Dept. Chair
Joined St. Anne's in: 2008

Robin Dicker

Lower School Math Support
Joined St. Anne's in: 1996

Anna Dodson, P.h.D.

Lower School Counselor
Joined St. Anne's in: 2017

Emily Duranko

1st Grade Assistant
Hello! I am so excited for this school year and to get to know everyone. I have recently moved to Denver From Connecticut.  Before moving here, I taught at an independent school in New York for two years. I graduated from the University of Vermont in 2020 and am currently getting my master's to become a literacy specialist.  A fun fact about me is I was born in Switzerland. I am so thrilled to be part of the St Anne's community! 

Maria Escobedo

Preschool - 4th Grade Spanish Teacher
Joined St. Anne's: 2023

John Fitzgerald

MS Assistant Head
Joined St. Anne's in: 2016

Trina Ford

Lower School Math Specialist
Joined St. Anne's in: 2017

Emily Forgett

Annual Giving Manager
Joined St. Anne's in: 2019

Degrees & Certifications:
BA

Years in education:
13

Favorite thing about St. Anne's:
The people! Everyone is committed to letting kids be themselves.

Why did you choose education?
Setting young kids up for success in their lives is so important and a good education is the foundation of this.

Hobbies or interests outside of school:
I love spending time with my family, husband Kevin, kids Ryan (6), Annie (3) and Caroline (3), golfing, yoga, and going to the beach.

Stuck on an island, what book do you bring with you?/Favorite book:
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst. It's a kids' book about staying connected to everyone important in your life.

Lori Frank

Assistant Head of School

Joined St. Anne's in: 1987

Degrees & Certifications: B.A. English Education; M.A. English

Years in education:40


Favorite thing about St. Anne's:
The people. The people in our community are like extended family to me. I work with amazing, talented colleagues and very special families who share their precious children with us every day.

Why did you choose to teach?
I actually wanted to be a teacher from the time I started Kindergarten. I loved school as a child! That feeling became a passion for working with young people, watching them learn and grow, and learning alongside them. Although I am not currently in the classroom, I still get to be around teachers, students and parents every day. I can honestly say that, after all these years, I still love coming to school every day.

Hobbies or interests outside of school:
Reading, scrapbooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Stuck on an island, what book do you bring with you?/Favorite book:
The Norton Anthology of English Literature

Cara Frey

LS Assistant Head
I am excited to join St. Anne’s as the Lower School Assistant Head. I hold a B.A. in Social Sciences: Early Childhood Development, an M.S. in Childhood Education and Literacy Education, and an Advanced Certificate in School Building Leader. I am originally from New York and started my career teaching in the New York State Public Schools. I then taught at an international school in China and a French bilingual school in New York City. I am also a yoga teacher. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, biking, and traveling.

Geenie Gartland

Grade 3 Teacher
Joined St. Anne's in: 2007

Don Gifford

Grades 1-5 Science, Grade 8 Advisor
Joined St. Anne's in: 1994

Joan Gilbert

K-3 Music, Chapel
Joined St. Anne's in: 2006

Kim Grant

Grade 4 Teacher
Joined St. Anne's in: 1984

Spencer Gregg

4-8 Music Teacher

Balsam Hamid

Kindergarten Teacher
Joined St. Anne's in: 2021

Jeff Harden

Horticulturist
Joined St. Anne's in: 2005

Amy Hart

Alumni and Special Events Manager

Matt Howard

Maintenance
Joined St. Anne's in: 2012

Cynthia Hunnewell

LS Learning Specialist (grades 3-5)
Joined St. Anne's in: 2019

Karen Iker

Registrar/Admissions Assistant
Joined St. Anne's in: 2021

Karey James

5th Grade Teacher

Mrs. James is excited to be a part of the 5th grade team! She graduated from Metropolitan State University with a BA in Speech Communications and holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Elementary Education. She taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade in Westminster Public Schools. Her favorite summer reading was Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.

 

Sami Johnson

6-8 Grade Math Teacher

Eloise Johnson '02

Preschool Teacher
Joined St. Anne's in: 2022

Patty Jordan

P.E.
Joined St. Anne's in: 1998

Mandy Keiley

Preschool Teacher
Joined St. Anne's in: 1996

Sharon Kennedy

Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Joined St. Anne's: 2023

Ana Khlopina

School Chaplain
Joined St. Anne's: 2023

Michelle Kingston

Kindergarten Assistant
Joined St. Anne's in: 2019

Alyssa Kitts '04

Grade 3 Teacher
Joined St. Anne's in: 2012

Matthew Krause

Grades 5-8 Spanish, Grade 7 Advisor
Joined St. Anne's in: 2017

Maggie Kuk

Grades 7 Humanities, Project 8, Grade 7 Advisor
Joined St. Anne's in: 2015

Bill Lane

Grade 5 Teacher, Math Dept. Co-Chair
Joined St. Anne's in: 1985

Mike Lechuga

MS Math

As a 33-year veteran of middle school education, I can truly say that I love working with the chaos that is 6th, 7th, and 8th graders!

I am a native of Colorado, graduating from Regis University in Denver with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Education with a Minor in Biology. I have also earned a Master of Education degree with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction.

My family includes my wonderful wife Becky, four amazing daughters, one dog, three cats, 3 chickens, and 2 dozen koi fish. (Did I mention that I love chaos?) I am absolutely stoked to teach middle school Math this year at St. Anne’s!

Go Cyclones!

 

Maya Lev

Middle School Learning Specialist
Joined St. Anne's in: 2021

Andy Levine

MS English

Joined St. Anne's in 2022

Degrees & Certifications: Bachelor of Arts, Master of Education

Years in education: 23

Favorite thing about St. Anne's: The vibes that are at St. Anne's are incredible. The staff, faculty, and students are amazing. I'm just so elated to be here and be a part of something special. 

Why did you choose to teach? I chose to teach because I knew that the passion that I have for reading and writing was something that I could pass on to a younger generation. I love being in the classroom and working with my students. I couldn't see myself doing anything else. 

Hobbies or interests outside of school: Hanging with my wife and daughter, music, swimming, reading, and generally just keeping on keeping on. 

Stuck on an island what book do you bring with you?/Favorite bookOn the Road by Jack Kerouac, The Fighter by Michael Farris Smith, and the complete Kate Burkholder series by Linda Costilla

Roxanne Malia

MS English/Social Studies
Joined St. Anne's in: 2022

Ashley McCollum

LS Learning Specialist

Joined St. Anne’s in: 2022 

Degrees and Certification: M.Ed. in Reading, B.A. in Psychology 

Years in education: 18 

Favorite thing about St. Anne’s: This community has been so kind and welcoming. I’m excited to get to know everyone! 

Why did you choose to teach: I love spending my days with kids; they always have interesting things to say. They help me remember not to take life too seriously and always be open to learning new things. 

Hobbies or interests outside of school: being with my son (Casey) and daughter (Amelia), stitching and sewing while listening to podcasts, going to the mountains and reading in a hammock, exploring little towns around Colorado, watching Survivor 

Stuck on an island, what book do you bring with you: Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn

 

Kate McFee

First Grade Teacher
Joined St. Anne's in: 2011

Maura McGowan

Middle School Counselor
Joined St. Anne's: 2023

Reeny McKleroy

P.E., Director of Athletics
Joined St. Anne's in: 1994

Erin Menard

Grades 5-8 French, Grade 8 Advisor
Joined St. Anne's in: 2011

Andrew Messick

Maintenance
Joined St. Anne's in: 2014

Margaret Mitchell '90

Head of Middle School
Joined St. Anne's in: 2002

Degrees & Certifications:
B.A., M.A.

Years in education:
14

Favorite thing about St. Anne's:
The community is amazing! I love the connections between all constituents of our community, and the connections over decades between families, alumni, current students, faculty, and staff. That creates strong bonds that are there to support each other.

Why did you choose to teach?
I'm always learning myself, and I love to be part of the learning process for students as they learn new skills, face challenges, and navigate the world.

Hobbies or interests outside of school:
I love to read, write, be outdoors, ski, hike, and spend time with my family and friends.

Stuck on an island, what book do you bring with you?/Favorite book:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Kelly Murray

Preschool Teacher
Joined St. Anne's in: 2015

Pat Narajka

P.E.
Joined St. Anne's in: 1984

Degrees & Certifications:
BA University of Denver, Physical Education; MA University of Northern Colorado, Sports Administration; State of Colorado Teacher Certified; American Alliance of Health, Recreation, and Physical Education: Program Director Certified

Years in education:
36

Favorite thing about St. Anne's:
Talking to alumni about the positive impact their SAES education has had on their lives, and then five minutes later, having a simultaneous laugh about a story we both remember from the past.

Why did you choose to teach?
I have always loved activity, games, and sports. Seeing students improve, become confident, and develop their own sense of excitement is beyond simply rewarding.

Hobbies or interests outside of school:
Kayaking, bicycling, painting, and exploring hidden gems in large cities.

Stuck on an island, what book do you bring with you?/Favorite book:
It would depend upon if I wanted to stay on the island or be rescued. If I wanted to be rescued, it would be How to Be a Viking by Cressida Cowell. If I wanted to remain on the island, it would be 100 Smoothie Recipes.

Liz Nichols

Preschool Teacher
Joined St. Anne's in: 2023

Christy O'Keefe

Pre-K Teacher
Originally from Chicago, I came to Denver for college. I got an undergrad and grad degree from DU. My undergrad is in psychology, and grad is in elementary education. I have been a preschool teacher for 20 years before coming to St. Anne's. Tommy and Grace are my kids, Tommy graduated from St. Anne's in 2021, and Grace will be in 8th grade this year. My husband is Ryan. We also have two dogs, love to hike, read, and spend time with family and friends. 

AK Outland

Kindergarten Assistant
Hello! My name is Anne Kendall Outland, and I am so excited for this school year and looking forward to getting to know everyone! I moved to Denver after graduating from the University of Mississippi in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. I was working at a preschool in Golden this past year. A fun fact about me is I held a koala in Australia! I am so excited for my first year at St. Anne’s!

Marcia Pearce

Librarian
Marcia was a 5th-grade library assistant and has been involved with books and education ever since. She attended the University of Florida to study journalism and communications and the University of South Florida for a Master’s of Library and Information Science. Fun fact: she and her fiance have been known to attend three car shows on a Saturday, and they are restoring a vintage VW Campmobile.

Laine Porter

Fourth Grade Assistant
Joined St. Anne's: 2023

Michelle Provan

Director of Marketing and Communications

Carey Radochonski

Grade 1 Assistant
Joined St. Anne's in: 2018

Rene Reynolds

Director of Human Resources
Joined St. Anne's: 2022

Charlotte Robinson

L.S. Learning Specialist
Joined St. Anne's in: 1985

Elizabeth Robinson

Design Thinking and Innovations Teacher
Joined St. Anne's: 2023

Miriah Royal

Director of Community Belonging and Engagement
Joined St. Anne's: 2023

Jennie Ruport

Director of Development
Joined St. Anne's in: 2014

Degrees & Certifications:
BS in Communications

Years in education:
15

Favorite thing about St. Anne's:
My favorite thing about working at St. Anne's is the kids. I love shaking their hands in the morning, spending time with them at recess, and sitting with them at lunch (when they let me!)

Why did you choose education?
I think education is the most important thing we can all support financially. With a strong academic and character foundation, students can succeed and go on to do remarkable things in the world!

Hobbies or interests outside of school:
Outside of school, I enjoy all the wonderful activities Colorado has to offer: mountain biking, hiking, camping, running, and spending time with husband, Chad, and our 2-year old son, Jack.

Stuck on an island, what book do you bring with you?/Favorite book:
Shel Silverstein's A Light in the Attic, a collection of poems. They are quirky, silly, reflective and fun!

Casey Russell

2nd Grade Teacher

Nancy Seavall

Office Manager
Joined St. Anne's: 2023

Tim Seitz

Director of Plant Operations
Joined St. Anne's in: 1984

Rick Sigler

Grades 4-8 Art Teacher
Joined St. Anne's in: 1987

Kyra Smiley

Preschool Teacher

Joined St. Anne's in: 2020

Jim Stephens, P.h.D.

Middle School Humanities

Joined St. Anne's in: 2021

Emilio Valadez

Grade 8 Humanities
Joined St. Anne's in: 2019

Jaclyn Weldon

2nd Grade Teacher

Kristen Wiley

Controller
Joined St. Anne's: 2022

Heather Wirch

4th Grade Teacher

Joined St. Anne's in 2022

Degrees & Certifications: MA in Elementary Teaching | BS in Parks and Recreation (minor in Adventure Tourism)

Years in education: 16

My favorite thing about St. Anne's: The community and beautiful nature encompassing the school grounds!

Why did you choose to teach? I am a lifelong learner and want children to love learning as much as I do. I am a big kid at heart and love the excitement and energy that elementary school students bring to school every day. 

Hobbies or interests outside of school: Swimming, biking, hiking, running, traveling, camping, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, reading, and being the best aunt ever

Stuck on an island, what book do you bring with you?/Favorite book: I would bring a little free library, some journals, markers, and fun pens. 

Emma Wood

5th Grade Assistant
Degrees and Certifications: BA in Sociology
Favorite thing about St. Anne's: I love the school's history and how it aligns everyone in the community under shared traditions, values, and stories.
Why did you choose to teach? I believe education is a cornerstone for social progress because it gives us the knowledge, ability, and courage to improve the world.
Hobbies or interests outside of school: volleyball, writing, scrapbooking, taking notes on movies (especially documentaries, my favorite genre), and hanging out with my cat Daisy
Favorite bookAll About Love by bell hooks

Mary Wood

3rd Grade Assistant Teacher
Joined St. Anne's: 2023

Glen Worthing

Director of Technology
Joined St. Anne's in: 2007

Jennifer Worthing, Ed.D.

Head of Lower School
Joined St. Anne's in: 2012

Krisy Yeager

Technology Coordinator
Joined St. Anne's in: 2012

Nancy York

Grade 1 Teacher, Social Studies Dept. Chair
Joined St. Anne's in: 1991