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Jeffco Remote Learning Program Staff

MATT WALSH

School Leadership - Matthew Walsh

Lead Administrator

Matt serves as a community superintendent and lead administrator for the Jeffco Remote Learning Program and has worked in education for over 25 years. Having been a support staff, teacher, assistant principal, and principal in neighborhood and alternative schools, Matt brings a universal systems approach toward working with principals, schools, and families that is rooted in the values of equity and an authentic educational experience for all.

from Matt...

This is my 27th year in education and I began my career as a teaching assistant in a Michigan Juvenile Detention Center (I wasn't a resident). Since then I've been honored to work at four different schools in many different roles, including principal of Evergreen High School - a National Blue Ribbon School in 2007 and 2015. For the past eight years I've been a community superintendent in Jeffco serving neighborhood, alternative, option, and innovation schools. Now I'm thrilled at the opportunity to lead the Jeffco Remote Learning Program while continuing to serve as community superintendent of our dual-enrollment schools.

My wife, daughter, and I enjoy hiking, camping, snowboarding, and traveling the world whenever we get a chance. Even our four dogs, cat, and eight chickens love our lives in Jefferson County Colorado! I believe that the JRLP, in collaboration and coordination with JVA, will establish a system of highly effective and equitable remote learning experiences that sets the stage for the future of education in which students and families will have even more diverse choices, flexibility, and authentic experiences to choose from.

[email protected]
303.982.5123

MELISSA KIRGAN

Melissa Kirgan

Assistant Principal - Secondary

from Melissa...

I am excited to develop and be a part of the JRLP community. Along with my passion for education, I have a high interest in engaging with the outdoors and beautiful state we live in. Whenever we have the opportunity my family, including our boxer dog Amy, pack up and head to the mountains for fun and relaxation. Having a background in special education, administration, and alternative education campuses, I believe all students can and will learn with the appropriate support, interventions, and high-interest learning opportunities. I strive to support all students and families in identifying strengths, areas of growth, and action steps to reach their individual goals. I commit to collaboratively working with students, families, staff, and the community to create an engaging learning environment that is meaningful and relevant to student lives, while building skills that will apply to all areas of life. Together we will create a powerful learning opportunity that transforms the educational experience for all students, creating a learning pathway that leads to success in life. Please feel free to reach out at any time with questions. I look forward to our work together!

[email protected]
303.982.7288

KALA MUNGUIA

Kayla Munguia

Assistant Principal - Secondary

from Kala...

I started my educational career in Jeffco's dual-language program. My first classroom was dual-language kindergarten. I have always had a passion for staying on the forefront of educational best practices. I quickly realized that if I wanted my students to be ready for their futures, then we would need access to technology. As a digital teacher librarian, I was able to uplift and support technology integration and digital citizenship. Next, I took the opportunity to integrate technology across the district as a Jeffco Ed Tech specialist coordinator. Now, I have the honor of leading my two passions (creative instruction and technology integration) at Jeffco's Remote Learning Program. What I found, no matter the role, is that strong relationships and sound instructional practice are the foundation for success.

Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my family. We love to spend time on the beach, watch movies, and golf. I am also an avid foodie and my husband owns a restaurant in Capitol Hill. We spend most of our date nights tasting new cuisine.

[email protected]
303.982.1833

JEN RAMAKER

Jen Ramaker

 

from Jen...

I have been a classroom teacher for 15 years. Before that, I was a long term sub/para professional with the special education department while I was getting my masters in education. I have spent the last 10 years as a first grade teacher at Maple Grove Elementary and have loved it! This past year was my first year as a remote first grade teacher and I have REALLY loved that. I am originally from the Chicago area, and have spent the last 15 years in Colorado. I have a wonderful husband and 2 awesome daughters.

I love to run, cook, travel, read, do yoga and spend time with my family and learn new things. I am SO excited to be a part of this new opportunity and want to help make it awesome.

[email protected]

JULIE DILL

Julie Dill

 

from Julie...

I grew up in Italy, the Philippines, and Japan. I love studying cultures and learning languages from around the world. I graduated from Georgetown University with a major in history and a minor in economics. I also studied Spanish, French, and Japanese at Georgetown. At Kansas State University, I earned a master’s degree in secondary education (specializing in teaching English as a Second Language). I have been teaching since 2001, and I am passionate about guiding students toward the cultural sensitivity, historical awareness, and language proficiency that will help them to be responsible global citizens.

In my free time, I read fantasy books and listen to podcasts. I also love baking and singing. Although I have never had a “hometown,” I have been happy to call Colorado home since 2007. I live in Arvada with my husband, twin daughters, and dog.

[email protected]

Karen parker

Karen Parker

 

from Karen...

I am a product of Jeffco schools, graduating from Green Mountain High School. I married my high school sweetheart and we have two wonderful boys. Both boys are also products of Jeffco Schools graduating from Dakota Ridge in 2015 and 2019.  I have been involved with our community school as a parent, PTA President, PAC Secretary, Paraprofessional, and then Attendance/Enrollment Secretary. Community is very important to me – I was very involved at Dakota Ridge High School as well. I truly believe providing our students and our families a welcoming and friendly environment is very important! I love watching football and rugby, being with family, travel and reading. I am very excited to be a part of this staff.

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keek hill

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from Keek...

Even as a little girl, teaching was dear to my heart. I remember lining up my stuffies and reviewing math facts and spelling words with them. It was destiny! Now, 28 years into my career, I can honestly say I was made for this job! Over the years I’ve been able to teach grades 1-5 and was even a Digital Teacher Librairian for a time. Of all the grade levels, my heart is in 1st grade. Watching little eyes light up as students grasp concepts for the first time is a teacher’s reward, and in the 1st grade it happens daily! There is no better place to be!

Last year I had the opportunity to teach a remote 1st grade class. It was an exciting challenge and such a thrill watching my students grow! I am grateful to be able to continue working with students remotely and to be linked with such a great community of educators!

I am a Colorado native, born and raised in Arvada. I attended Jeffco schools from Kindergarten on and I currently live on the north end of the district with my husband and three kids. Family makes my heart beat and anything we do together makes me happy! We love to travel, be it near or far. I also enjoy hiking, reading and gardening. Thank you for trusting me with your little treasures. I’m honored to be a part of their lives! 

[email protected]

Karen Duquette

Karen Duquette

 

from Karen...

I was born in Chicago, IL and have lived in Colorado since 2001. My husband, Matt and I have two boys. We also have a Domesticated Bengal cat named Miracle (who will become our virtual class pet). I have been a teacher in Jeffco for 20 years - teaching at West Jeff, Bergan Valley and Blue Heron Elementary Schools. I have also taught public speaking at the college level. During the 2020-21 school year, I was a K/1 remote teacher, and I am so excited to be a part of JRLP.

My hobbies include hiking, swimming, yoga and spending time in Salida, CO.

[email protected]

BILL GRAVES

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from Bill...

My personal path to teaching science has been a circuitous route. After graduating from Columbine High School, I went on to study science and engineering, first at Washington University in St. Louis and then at CU-Boulder. I had always been involved in music also and my passion for music grew in my first years of college. Halfway through my Junior year at CU I was double majoring in chemistry and music performance and realized that I couldn't do both of them to the best of my ability simultaneously. I chose to pursue music, because I thought it would be easier to return to science later in life than it would be music. Here I am now, back in science! I continued to take college-level science classes and have completed over 55 credit hours of science, math and engineering courses. I went on to complete a Bachelor of Music degree at CU and a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees at The University of Texas at Austin. I performed professionally as a saxophonist and bassoonist across the country and was on the faculty of Clayton State University in Atlanta. I always enjoyed working with younger students as well, and taught for 12 summers at music camps in upstate New York and in Maine. I have also taught music part-time at CU-Denver. For the past 16 years I have taught Chemistry, Physics and Music at Golden High School and am excited to be joining JRLP this year.

I live in Evergreen with my wife (a retired Jeffco music teacher), my son (a 10th Grader in Jeffco) and two Labrador Retrievers, Hank and Winnie. I enjoy playing golf and am an avid skier (I was a ski instructor at Keystone for several seasons). I perform regularly with the Colorado Wind Ensemble and recently began learning the Uilleann Pipes (Irish traditional bagpipes).

[email protected]

karen kurschinski

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from Karen...

I have worked in Jeffco Public Schools in different capacities for the past 10 years. My kids also attended and graduated from Jeffco Schools. Some of my hobbies include hiking, biking, camping, fishing and gardening. I am originally from South Dakota and that's where my love of the outdoors started.

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Brandi Lee

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from Brandi...

I am originally from Phoenix, AZ. I earned my Bachelor's and Master's from Arizona State University (Go DEVILS!!). I moved to Colorado 17 years ago to be with my then-boyfriend now-husband. We have a daughter who will be starting middle school this fall.

When I'm not cheering for her at her sporting events or for my husband's football team (he coaches the freshmen at Columbine), my favorite thing to do is READ!

[email protected]

LYNDSY LINDBLOM

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from Lyndsy...

I love Social Studies, especially Geography, American History and Russian History. I received my degree in History Education from Hastings College in Nebraska, but I was born and raised in Colorado. I even attended Jeffco schools myself. I have been a substitute teacher all over Jeffco and in a few other districts as well. Most recently I was teaching online at Jeffco Virtual Academy, before joining to JRLP. I also enjoy teaching in non-formal settings.

On weekends, you can find me working at the Denver Zoo. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, playing board games, watching movies, playing my violin, gardening and camping.

[email protected]

MELISSA NYE

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from Melissa...

I have been a Jeffco teacher for 12 years, teaching middle school English Language Arts. My mission as an educator is guiding students towards learning to think deeply, communicate clearly, and understand others' differing perspectives. I am a Colorado native, and I love being active outdoors. Running, hiking, yoga, and gardening are just a few things I enjoy doing in my free time. I have two very energetic daughters, age 7 and 8, and they keep me on my toes and always remind me what's most important in life - family. I am so excited to be part of the JRLP, and I'm looking forward to an amazing year working with remote students and their families!

[email protected]

LAUREN ANDERSON

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from Lauren...

I am a Colorado Native and have lived in numerous places around the Denver area. I grew up in Jeffco Public Schools and graduated from Evergreen High School. I absolutely love that I have been able to teach Jeffco kiddos for 8 years. I have taught Preschool, Kinder and 1st grade. I have also been a Preschool Director and a Program specialist for grades P-3. I have been married for 5 years and have 2 amazing boys!

Some of my favorite things to do are camp, play tennis, read, journal, and play with my kiddos!

[email protected]

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