Lopez Elementary School

Educational and Professional Background: 

I have been a proud public school educator for 25 years and Fort Collins resident for 30 years.  My husband is a Fort Collins native and attended Rocky Mountain High School.  We met at Colorado State University.  I graduated from CSU with a B.A. in English and a teaching license in English/Language Arts.  After graduating from CSU, I taught HS English and Debate courses at Loveland High School.  During the summers, I also taught 2nd grade migrant school at Twombly Elementary in Fort Lupton.    I went on to complete my Master's Degree at University of Northern Colorado in Educational Technology.    After completing my M.A., I transitioned to a district office position in Thompson School District.  As the Technology Professional Development coordinator, I oversaw and provided training in technology integration and 21st century skills to all instructional staff.  Additionally, I designed and taught induction courses for new teachers entering the district.  An additional part of the position was developing professional development for teachers in standards-based teaching and learning as well as best practices in assessment.   In 2004, I entered the Principal Licensure program at Colorado State University's School of Teacher Education and Principal Preparation (STEPP).  After completing the program, I became principal of Mary Blair Elementary School in 2005.  During this time, I went back to Colorado State to pursue a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.   I chose to write my dissertation on principal leadership during systemic reform, specifically focusing on Response to Intervention.  After completing my doctoral work in 2011, I was hired as principal at Lopez Elementary.  I was immediately drawn to this school and community due to the Leader in Me mission.  I am proud to be part of this school and community.  It is amazing!