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Deer Trail Choir
Deer Trail believes that singing in a choir provides a sense of real belonging, offers new opportunities for learning, encourages student engagement, and promotes civic engagement.

What’s happening at Deer Trail

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Athletic Events

Track & Field
04/12/23 2pm
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Performing Arts

Track & Field
04/12/23 2pm
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Athletic Events

Track & Field
04/12/23 2pm
Home

Performing Arts

Track & Field
04/12/23 2pm
Home

Dawn Heck

PERFORMING Arts Teacher - Choir

  • My name is Dawn Heck and I will be starting my fourth year in education this year.  I teach middle school English along with Choir/Drama.  I have three beautiful children and a wonderful husband, Harley.  I love sloths, true crime documentaries, visiting my sister in Arizona, and hanging out with my family.  I am also the coordinator for the 8th grade trip to Washington DC.  I can't wait to see you in class!
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Mark Dille

MS Science Teacher

I started teaching at the Deer Trail School in 1975. I started teaching Science and PE. I continued to teach both but for many years it was mostly science. 

I have coached every sport except volleyball through the years with football being the one that I spent the most years at. I ran and took care of the school swimming pool from the time it was built until it was torn down. I enjoyed teaching hundreds of kids from the I-70 corridor to swim. 

I retired some years ago but have either substituted or taught full-time since that time. I enjoy interacting with the students and the school staff and I love teaching. 

Out of school I enjoy spending time with my family. I have 6 kids who all graduated from Deer Trail and received an excellent education. I enjoy all kinds of sports and outdoor activities and I enjoy spending time with a good book. I have served as a fireman and EMT with the Deer Trail Fire Department for 40 years and am still active with the department. 

I will be teaching middle school science this year and I hope I am up to the challenge. It is always my goal to help my students become interested in learning how the world around them works and wanting to know more. 

The classes will study Earth, life and physical science at different levels depending on the class they are in.

Dee Vashus

HS Volleyball Coach

Philip Donovan

HS Girls Basketball Coach

Kristin Kitzman

Special Ed Para-professonal
Hi, I’m Kristin Kitzman. I am a middle school and high school special education para. This is my second year at Deer Trail High School. I love to see the growth and positive impact each student gains throughout the year.
 
I am a Colorado native and grew up in the area. I have 3 beautiful kids and a wonderful husband. On my time off I enjoy spending time with family, fishing, hiking and camping.

Kristyn Collier

MS Math Teacher
Hello! My name is Kristyn Collier. This is my first year teaching Middle School Math for Deer Trail School. Even though this is my first year at Deer Trail it is not my first year teaching. My family and I just moved into the area from Buena Vista, CO where I taught for the last 5 years. I taught a 5th-6th grade combined class for 2 years and then moved up and taught Middle School Math and Bible for 3 years. I love working and teaching and being a bright light in middle schoolers day.
 
My husband and I met back in the day, I guess you can say decades ago, at Faith Baptist Bible College where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I have continued to work as a teacher, with a few years off to be a mom. Outside the classroom you would probably find me in my garden, which is a new passion of mine, since I’m from the mountains and not a lot of gardening can be done there. I love to camp, hike, fish and be in nature. I am so excited for my first year here at Deer Trail and can’t wait to meet everyone.

Greg Swiatkowski

MS HS Principal

Lindsay McBean

PE Teacher

My name is Coach Lindsay McBean. I have been coaching youth basketball for 22 years. I began playing basketball in fourth grade and have been in love with the game ever since. Unfortunately, I was injured in high school repeatedly and ended up having 5 surgeries on my right knee, ruining my college basketball aspirations. After working for my masters degree in physical education, I went back to earn additional credits and played college basketball at Nassau Community College. There, I became the number #9 three-point shooter in the country and gained invaluable experience training with a semi-pro team in Costa Rica. I have since continued to coach club AAU teams and train young athletes to help them accomplish their dreams. I believe basketball is a wonderful game and can be used as a tool to get into excellent colleges and develop various soft skills that are essential to all responsible working adults. 

Please reach out to me to see how I may assist your athlete become the best they can be.

Liddya Lavoie

2nd Grade Teacher
“Hi! I have lived in Deer Trail for my whole life and am very excited to be teaching here now as well. I have worked with children with special needs for a few years and was a paraprofessional at the school last year. Outside of work I like to read, do yoga and spend time in nature. Every summer I attend the Deer Trail Rodeo as well as try to travel someplace new to experience different cultures and to explore our beautiful country!”
 
 
 
 
 

Alyssa Shaffer

1st Grade Teacher

My journey towards becoming an elementary educator started at Air Academy High school when I was accepted into the Teacher Cadet program licensed by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement (CERRA). 4 years later, I graduated from UCCS in May of 2023 with a bachelor’s in inclusive elementary education; in addition, I earned my Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (CLDE) endorsement through my university program. Currently, I am working to enhance my qualifications by applying for a supplementary endorsement in special education. While in college, I student-taught 5th grade and developed a multitude of foundational skills that have helped me transition into my first year teaching 1st grade here at Deer Trail. I was born in Monument, Colorado and grew up in a very woodsy area where I spent a lot of time outdoors and fell in love with our beautiful state. In 2014, I moved to the city of Colorado Springs and remained there while I attended college.

Recently, I have moved to Deer Trail and couldn’t be more at home thanks to the wonderful community of people that reside here. Re-locating to teach at Deer Trail has been the step in my life that I have been looking forward to ever since I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in education.

Hannah Peek

Kindergarten Teacher

Hello! My name is Hannah Peek. I was born and raised here in Colorado. I grew up on a farm here in Deer Trail. I have been working with children since fifth grade, starting out volunteering in my mom’s high-needs classroom, and that’s where I knew I wanted to work with children in some capacity as my career. I’ve worked professionally in the educational system, in various positions, for eight years with preschoolers to 12th graders and in the high needs programs and SPED classrooms. I had the opportunity to work with varying curriculums throughout my career.

 

My favorite subject is math and my favorite teaching style is a mixture of kinesthetic and tactile learning. Outside of school, I love hiking with my dogs, riding horses, bouldering, nature photography, and making art. I look forward to getting to know all of you and your children.

Cayla Miller

Elementary Paraprofessional
Ms. Cayla Miller is the para-professional working primarily in 3rd grade. She is also the Cheerleading Head Coach.
I started as a para professional last October, the following year after I graduated high school. I started out in special Ed and kindergarten, then in fourth and second grade as well. This year I’m helping out in 3rd grade, as well as helping upstairs in the high school. I absolutely adore working with all the kids. I’m so excited that school is back in session and I can’t wait to see what we have in store this next year!
 
Growing up, I did a variety of cheer clinics provided by the Recreation Center or through the Strasburg High School Cheer program. I started cheering for the Strasburg High School Cheer team during my sophomore year. That same year, I was a part of the first-place State Champion team in Colorado’s first-ever Game Day Division. Every year throughout my high school cheer career, we made it to state finals, as well as winning first place at every Patriot League competition. My senior year, I was captain of the Strasburg Cheer team, as well as making it on to the All-American Cheer Team. At the end of the cheer season, I was one of three Strasburg cheerleaders chosen to be a part of the Patriot League All-Conference team.
 
Last year I was the Assistant Coach for the Deer Trail Cheer Squad, and I loved being able to watch each cheerleader grow. I am so excited to be Head Coach this year and have the honor of watching our cheerleaders improve throughout the fall and winter sports season. I have so many plans and goals for this year and I am so excited for everyone to watch our cheerleaders hard work and dedication pay off. We would love for you to come support and cheer with us at games and competitions. Let’s go Big Red!
 
 
 
 
 

Jen Terry

Elementary Paraprofessional

Tom Parker

PE Teacher

Hi DT Families! My name is Tommy Parker, I am the new K-5 P.E. Teacher & Assistant JV Football coach. I moved to Deer Trail almost 3 years ago with my wife of 33 years, Nikki. I am a proud father of 3 young men & proud “Papa” to 3 grandchildren, one of which is in Pre-K here at Deer Trail. Teaching has always been my goal career, I have spent the last 20 years working in Juvenile Corrections. I finished my degree last fall, graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a Bachelors of Arts in History & minor in Psychology. I am a huge history buff, love everything about history! I have coached sports for the better part of 30 years, some football but mostly baseball at every level except collegiate. I was a lefty pitcher and linebacker when I played ball. My youngest just graduated from Fort Hays State University and was a starting pitcher, it’s been an AWESOME 5 years (Covid) getting to watch him succeed at the college level. It is my hope to bring baseball back to Deer Trail in the coming years! Outside of teaching & sports, I like to travel, go camping, play fantasy football & play video games.

Sierra Doorgeest

5th Grade Teacher

Hello everyone my name is Sierra Doorgeest I moved to Deer Trail in July 2022 and I am extremely excited to be teaching 5th grade this year! I have been working in education for a year. I am new to teaching but I am extremely dedicated to this position and ensuring my students have an amazing year! I think every subject in school has its own aspect of fun but my favorite subject to teach is reading or language arts. Reading is truly a treasure no matter what grade! Outside of school I enjoy picking up a house project or spending time with my family. I have been married to my husband for 5 years this September, he works for Aurora Police Department and we have a one-year-old daughter. Thank you so much and excited to be your 5th grade teacher!

Jami Paulson

5th Grade Teacher

Hello, my name is Jami Paulson and I am excited to join the Deer Trail School District as a 5th grade math and science teacher. I graduated from CSU Pueblo with my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Several years later I fell into paralegal work, which I have been doing for the last 8 years. I am so thankful for the opportunity to make my way back into teaching. I was born and raised in a small-town and am happy to be in Deer Trail where I can raise my son the same. In my free time, I love to spend time with my son, family, and friends. I also love doing crafts, bowling, movie nights, and being outdoors.

Tessa Haight

4th Grade Teacher

Hello! My name is Tessa Haight. This will be my first year teaching, but I am so excited for this school year! I was born and raised in Deer Trail and graduated from Deer Trail High School in 2018. I joined the Air Force in 2020 and just recently got out. I am so excited to be back home and teaching at Deer Trail. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and friends, going camping and fishing, and traveling when I can! I am thrilled to be a Deer Trail Eagle again and cannot wait to see what this school year holds! Go eagles!

Katie Musser

School Librarian Liason

Drew Matthews

School Resource Officer

Otis

School Resource Officer Support

Zaida Bejarano

Parent Engagement Coordinator

Laura Rangel

2nd Cook
  • Hi, my name is Laura Rangel, this is my 2nd school year as a cook in our Deer Trail Cafeteria. I enjoy cooking for the children and every day is a new adventure. I’m local to Deer Trail and have been married for 31 years with 3 kids and 8 grandchildren. When I am not working, I enjoy quilting, crocheting, sewing and in the summer, gardening and traveling. My favorite travel location was visiting my daughter in Germany.
Kyle Dasenbrock, Language Arts Teacher

Kyle Dasenbrock

High School Coach

7 Years basketball

· 6 years coaching MS basketball in Japan

o My basketball coaching career started the first year I moved to Japan in 2012. I took over a middle program that had no idea what success looked like until we went to the city-wide tournament for the first time in a decade. I stayed at that school for 3 years, then moved to a different city where again I became a basketball coach for a middle school that had struggled for years. That same year we made the final four in the biggest city tournament, which had not been done for quite some time. Although the culture between America and Japan are completely different, basketball is basketball wherever you go. It was a learning experience for me that I will never take for granted, and one that I plan on using for my vision for our basketball program here at Deer Trail.

1 Year Track and Field for HS

– I am very proud of all of the work the athletes have put in for this program. Their hard work and dedication to our collective vision for where we want track and field at Deer Trail to be goes unnoticed on a daily basis. Our culture for this team has been set and will only continue to grow as we grow in numbers as a team and mature as young men and women. Our program has strong connections to those outside of this school that can help our athletes achieve the greatness that this community deserves.

· 1 Year as HS Head Coach and MS Assistant

Jennifer Terry

Para & Car Driver

Juli Ross

School Librarian

Michelle Poston

Elementary Para Professional

Traci Owens

1st Cook

Hi! My name is Traci Owens. I’m married and have four kids, one boy and three girls. I have eleven grandchildren. I grew up and graduated from Deer Trail. I have worn a few different hats while working the last 28 years here at school. I enjoy feeding and seeing the kids!

Caitlyn Orness

School Nurse

Elizabeth Meister

Custodian

Robert Klinger

Maintenance

Kaila Klinger

Custodian

Lannette Kitzman

1st Cook

Nalla Hansen

Bus Driver

Lisa Eldringhoff

Car Driver

Samuel Courts

Transportation Director

Steve Carter

Bus Driver

Angela Smith

Third Grade Teacher
Hello! My name is Angela Smith and I am the ONE and ONLY 3rd grade teacher at Deer Trail! My husband Cody and I live in Deer Trail with our 15-month old daughter Emmalyn. Cody and I have been married for 5 years, but have been together for 10 years. I grew up in Denver and graduated from Littleton High School in 2012, but I have lived on the corridor for the past 8 years and feel so blessed to be able to call this place my home! When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, camping, crafting, and just having fun, whatever that may look like!
 
This is my second-year teaching 3rd grade at Deer Trail. Prior to becoming a teacher, I was a 1st and 2nd grade para at DT, as well as a substitute teacher in Strasburg for 5 years. I am currently in my last semester of college at Western Governors University where I will be receiving my Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education K-6. Teaching is my passion! I love coming to school every day and giving my students every opportunity to become the best versions of themselves that they can be. 3rd grade is such a huge growth year for students, both academically and personally. It is so fun to watch their significant change from the first day of school to the last day of school.
 
I pride myself in the relationships that I am able to build with each of my students. I truly care for each of my students like they are my own, and my goal is to make them feel loved and safe every single day. Learning can’t happen until those relationships are built.
23-24 school year is going to be the best one yet, and I am so excited that I get to be a part of it. And to all the new families, welcome to DT! We are so excited to have you become part of OUR DT family!!!

Jo Sickendick

4th Grade Teacher

Hello, my name is Jo Sickendick but my favorite people call me Mrs. S.  I am starting my fifth year in fourth grade at Deer Trail Elementary.  I am also the data coordinator for our district and love seeing our students’ academic growth!  I have a master’s degree in Teaching and Learning with a specialization in English language learning.  My favorite subject is Math but I really enjoy teaching Colorado History. 

My husband and I have a hobby farm where we tend bees and pretend to grow things.  He is a professor and teaches criminal justice at the Community College of Denver.  Our children- Gillian and Gage- are both in college.  I’m the only one still in elementary school! 

I’m very excited to get to know this year’s Fantastic Fourth Graders!  

Tatiana Shibata

Pre Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Tatiana Shibata is our preschool director – Hi! My name is Tatiana Shibata. I am the Preschool Director with Deer Trail School District. I am passionate about nurturing and guiding young minds while fostering a love for learning. I am proudly from California, and have called Deer Trail home for the past six years. This is my fifth year teaching with Deer Trail School District (former third-grade teacher back to preschool educator), dedicated to creating an engaging and nurturing environment while balancing the beautiful chaos of being a mom to four amazing kids!
 
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a minor in Elementary Education. I earned my Director’s Certificate from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood and earned my Elementary Educator’s license through the alternative license program. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the children and families in our community.

Lori Peek

SPED Para Professional

Hi, I am Lori Peek. I have lived in Colorado since I was three years old and have always loved living here. I can’t imagine being anywhere else. From hiking and camping in the mountains to having beautiful changes of the seasons, it has always been a gorgeous place to live. I have been married for 32 years and have two children, a boy and a girl, whom I am very proud of. My son has blessed me with one grandchild. My Flower gardens and walks with the dogs on our farm are my happy places. Living in the country is such a blessing that I am so thankful for every day.

I have been working in the school districts since 2005 in the elementary schools with children that have special needs. The joy and love comes back tenfold from these sweet children is extraordinary. Over the years they have touched my heart in so many ways that I will never be able to repay. Unfortunately, my body was telling me I needed to step back this last year and be a general education paraprofessional which has shown to be hilarious. From working one on one to watching and listening to an entire classroom of students has brought me to tears of laughter at times with how smart, clever, and funny they can be. I hope I am blessed to do this for many years to come.

Jennifer Oldland

2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Jen Oldland
Hello Deer Trail Community!
 
I am excited to be back in my fourth year of teaching Second Grade at Deer Trail Elementary! I have a Masters in Elementary Education and I am currently pursuing an Education Specialist degree in Reading. The highlight of my day is teaching reading wherein students exhibit real-time growth in reading related skills and knowledge. On a more personal note, I am a Colorado native who grew up enjoying the simplicity and freedoms offered by country life and love getting outdoors with my family wherever possible.
 
 
 
 
 

Claire Merriman

Kindergarten Teacher

Donia Martinez

1st Grade Teacher

Hello! My name is Donia Martinez. I have worked for Deer Trail School for the past 5 years. In my time at Deer Trail, I’ve worked as a Kindergarten Paraprofessional, 1st Grade Teacher and finally Kindergarten Teacher. 

I truly love Kindergarten and seeing the amazing growth and progress that is made. 

My favorite subject to teach is Reading and I love being creative with different crafts throughout the year. 
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 children. When we aren’t attending our children’s sporting events we enjoy traveling and camping. 


I look forward to teaching your child and getting to know your family. 

Shanle Donovan

K-12 Special Education Teacher

Shanle Donovan graduated from Deer Trail High School. She graduated from Metropolitan State College of Denver with a Bachelor of Arts. In May 2023, she earned her alternative Special Education teacher’s license. 

Mrs. Donovan is married to her husband, Phillip. They have three daughters and two sons. She loves to read and travel.

Alexis Dille

Physical Education Teacher

Lindsay Cowell

Para Professional
Mrs. Lindsay Cowell is also in the preschool: I am the preschool para. I grew up in Limon, CO. While in high school I earned my early childhood certification. For 30 yrs. I have owned my on day care at home and worked in preschool. I now have my associates and director qualifications.
 
I have been a resident of Deer Trail for 28 yr. My husband Mike Cowell and 2 children Erika and Grant are all graduates of Deer Trail. I have watched this town grow and am thrilled to work with the upcoming new deer trail kiddos.

Mary Courts

K-5 Music Teacher

I LOVE kids and I LOVE music!  I began my “teaching career” last fall at the age of 68 – Yes, I am certifiably crazy! 😊  Though I am teaching under a long-term sub certification and have only a smattering of formal college music education, I have been teaching music in a variety of places & situations (church, homeschool groups, private piano and voice lessons, and informally in public schools as a volunteer) for over 50 years.   My main goal overall as I teach music knowledge, skills, and appreciation this year is to inspire in the children a love for, and a grasp of the exceptional value of, music in everyday life.  Music truly is the universal language and music is for everyone! 

Sandra Bryan

5th Grade Teacher

Melissa Woodard

Administrative Assistant

My family and I moved to Deer Trail in September of 2014. At the time I was working from home. When my son was about to start school full-time, I decided to look for a job outside of the home, but wanted to stay as close to Deer Trail as possible. I was told about a new position that would be available when the new school opened, I applied, was interviewed and here I am! I started working at Deer Trail Schools when we moved into the new building for the 2019-2020 school year. I absolutely love my job and the interactions that I have with the students, parents and staff. I am very gratefully that I have been given the opportunity to be a part of this organization.

Ryker Whitehead

High School History Teacher

David Stone

High School Math Teacher

David is Deer Trail’s high school Math Teacher with classes in Algebra 1 and 2 as well as Geometry. David has been teaching middle/high school math both domestically and internationally for 15 years and is licensed in the state of Colorado.

Outside of school, David enjoys camping, fishing, and hiking in the Colorado mountains. He is also involved in the local music scene and is active with various Colorado bluegrass associations. Although guitar is his first instrument he is currently learning how to play the Dobro through Swallow Hill Music in Denver. 

Amanda Stoll

Vo Ag Teacher

My name is Amanda Stoll. I have three children, two boys and one girl: Raylan, Evelyn, and Tristan. I grew up in Byers, CO in a large family of seven siblings. My parents had a few animals, and my grandfather owned a large farm, which was family operated, raising wheat and buffalo. I spent a lot of time on the farm and developed a passion for agriculture. I spent every summer as a combine operator for wheat harvest in my younger years and still try to get out to the farm as much as possible.  

I graduated Byers High School in 2007 with both my high school diploma and an associate degree from Morgan Community College. I continued my education at Colorado State University where I dabbled in several majors before I found my interest in Agriculture Education. I graduated from CSU in 2011. In 2018, I received my endorsement for elementary education. I received my master’s degree from CSU Global in Teaching Leadership in 2022. I began teaching in 2018. I spent two years teaching 6th Grade, then moved into my current position as the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. Deer Trail offers three different pathways in Agriculture Education: animal systems, plant systems, and power, structure, and technical systems. I love all of the pathways but my favorite pathway to teach is animal systems, which, like many of the pathways, is relevant to all students because we all have pets. Other pathways are relevant as well; plant systems include landscape design and greenhouse and PSTS includes basic skills in electrical, engines, plumbing, and metals.   

Brian Worrel

Industrial Arts Teacher

Mike Simmons

Football Coach
  • Coach Michael Simmons has coached youth sports since 2011, starting with Arapahoe Youth League, (Parker Hawks and Cherry Creek Bruins), Head Coach for FBU (Football University), along with assisting as a coach with Creek Red Nation.
  • Coach Simmons was employed for 6 years with the Denver Broncos as an Event Manager/Coordinator for their High School Combine, 7on7 Tournament, and Linemen Challenge.
  • Coach Simmons also has been employed for 3 years as an Event Manager/Coordinator for the NFL/IMG Military Combines which are held throughout the United States.
  • Coach Simmons was hired in 2016 as the Lutheran High School Defensive Line Coach. In 2017, Coach Simmons moved to Offensive Line Coach, and in 2018 was moved up to Assistant Head Coach.
  • In 2022 Coach Simmons excepted a position at Deer Trail High School as their Head Coach for 6-man Football.

Krista Rector

Business Teacher

Hello, my name is Krista Rector, I have been teaching at Deer Trail High School since the Fall of 1995. I am currently teaching high school business and computer education classes, LifeSkills/Home Economics, Yearbook, as well as middle school computers. I also teach Introduction to PC Applications for Morgan Community College, allowing our students to gain not only their high school credit, but also their college credit for this class. I am the Deer Trail Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Advisor. I have had many other jobs over the course of the years here at Deer Trail.

I graduated from the University of Wyoming in the Fall of 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education at the secondary level. I currently hold a valid Professional Teacher License in the State of Colorado – Endorsed in: Secondary Business Education and Secondary – CTE Business Pathways and CTE Information Technology. I also have a Masters in Education – Integrating Technology in the Classroom from Walden University, received April 2006.

Nicole Miller

Music and Drama Teacher

Ken Shroyer

MS & HS Health Teacher
Mr. Shroyer – MS Social Studies
I am in my tenth year as a Social Studies/ History teacher for middle school and high school. I am an avid historian, particularly world history, “which has a lot of really cool stuff”. I have recently been involved in tracking down my own “personal” history, finding birth mom and three sisters in upper Washington state and birth dad and four sisters in British Columbia, Canada. Because of the official determination of my birth dad, I was recently granted dual citizenship to Canada. As you can imagine, its been an exciting time.
 
I have two girls, both high school english teachers. It must be genetic, because both my birth mom and birth dad were also teachers. I also have two grandsons, who I can’t be more proud of.
 
In my spare time (whats that?),I like to read, or just hop in the car and head out on a road trip. Also a big disney fan, old school.

Bianca Lobo

Para Professional
I am Bianca Lobo, I have been working with the Deer Trail School since 2018. I started as a substitute and have moved to Elementary Special Education. I am currently working towards my bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Elementary Education.
 
I am married to Edwin and have two boys and a girl. Outside of school I enjoy baking and decorating cakes.

Kristin Kroeger

SPED Teacher

Kristin Kroeger graduated in 2011 from Chadron State College with a bachelor of science degree in Early Childhood Education Unified. In 2015 she earned her endorsement qualifying her to teach students with mild-moderate disabilities from birth-grade 12. She has worked her entire educational experience in special education and strongly believes that all students can reach their goals with the right supports. Mrs. Kroeger is married to her husband, Kendall and they have a son, Barrett as well as dogs and cats. Outside of school she loves to read, go for walks with her son, play with her pets, and explore her interest in photography.

Dawn Heck

MS SS/LA Teacher
Hello my name is Dawn Heck! I teach middle school English and I also direct our choir and theater groups. I have also recently become the group sponsor for Deer Trail’s 8th grade trip to Washington DC and look forward to our inaugural trip next year. My husband and I moved to Byers 12 years ago just before we had the first of our three children. We absolutely love living on the majestic plains of Colorado with the rolling fields of green and fiery sunsets. This is the start of my fourth year in education and teaching middle school really is my passion. Middle school students are unlike any other level in education. They are amazing, inquisitive, a little sarcastic (haha), and really a load of fun. Being part of their transition from little sixth graders to upcoming freshman is the best. They are not only learning at this stage but learning to question, probe, and debate the world around them. They are learning to think critically at a new level that will take them into adulthood and I am lucky to be one of the conductors of that journey. Teaching middle schoolers is my passion and I love that I get to teach them at Deer Trail Middle School. Go Eagles!!!
 
 

Rhonda Fischer

Title I/Art Teacher

I came from Ketchikan, Alaska to the Denver area in July of 1999 with my family. While living at the KOA and looking for housing (because I refused to live in a big city again after growing up in Houston, TX), I interviewed in Strasburg for their advertised Third Grade position. However, in true I-70 Corridor tradition, they chose to go with their hometown girl and steal her away from Deer Trail’s Third Grade the few weeks before the start of school. Thank you, Mr. Rasp for forwarding my application information to Deer Trail Schools, because it is here that I have found my place in a fantastic educational family!

This August is the beginning of my 25th year (I know I’m not Mr. Dille or Mrs. Rector) teaching in Deer Trail Schools. Since that blessed August in the last century, I have filled many spaces within our system. I taught third grade for a while. Then I started my specializing in Reading Interventions for Title I and Accelerated Reader (AR) Librarian for a few years. When the AR Library passed away to make room for another service, I started my Title I /Art combination. After spending a few years in MS Math and Science, I am now back in the Title I / Art position. I have taken many students that are now elementary parents on their Senior Trips out of state and once out of country. Talk about exciting!

My four wonderful “home kids” grew up and graduated from Deer Trail. I am so proud of my successful Line Tech Supervisor at Colorado Air and Space Port, my adventurous Frontier flight attendant, my Mr. Fix-it Mechanical Engineer and home mechanic, and my RN Night Charge Nurse. They got their good foundation for success from DTHS! DT ALL DAY!

Now my home is full of puppies as I Doodle in Doodles (pun intended)! I have been looking at retiring from education for a while now, but each year I haven’t been ready to say good-bye to all the wonderful adults that I work with here, but mostly it’s been the precious kids in our school that I don’t want to leave. Thank you for sharing them with us!

 

Meredith Davidsen

Science Teacher

Hello and welcome to science!  I have been a science teacher with Deer Trail school district since 2018, teaching many subjects for grades 7-12 science.  I currently teach biology I and II, chemistry, earth science, physical science and middle school STEM.  My educational journey began by completing a BS in Animal Science, and minor in German at Colorado State University in 1996.  I then completed my MS in Cell and Molecular Biology at CSU in 1999.  Following graduation, I worked for 10+ years as a laboratory manager in a University of Colorado research laboratory and then 8 years as a biology instructor at Colorado Community Colleges Online.  My primary goal in teaching science at Deer Trail is to help students learn the fundamental concepts of science and understand how they apply to everyday issues and to their daily lives.  Outside of school, I spend most of my time with my husband and five children working on gardening, canning, raising various animals (chickens, turkeys, and honeybees), and attending school academic or athletics events.  I also volunteer as a 4H leader in Arapahoe County.

 

Kyle Dasenbrock, Language Arts Teacher

Kyle Dasenbrock

High School English Teacher

“I have a been a teacher for 11 years, 10 of those years being in Japan. I worked at public elementary and junior high schools as an English teacher. I also founded and owned an English School where I and other teachers I employed taught English to people of all ages. Living in Japan for ten years, I became fluent in Japanese. I am married to a beautiful wife and have two amazing sons.”

Cristian Aya

Spanish Teacher

Seandra Humbert

Elementary Principal

I began my teaching career in Deer Trail in 2013 with student teaching in the 4th grade. I moved into 5th grade part of the way through the 1st semester of my student teaching. I taught 5th grade for 9 years before moving into the Middle School and administration during the 22-23 school year. My family lives in the Strasburg area – we love living in a more rural area and the sense of community along the entire corridor.

Courtney Garner

1st Grade Teacher
My name is Courtney Garner and I have been teaching first grade at Deer Trail for the past nine years after graduating in 2015 from Regis University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Certificate in Literacy. I love teaching in a small school and being able to connect and build relationships with my students. I also enjoy being part of a K-12 school community.
 
I love teaching first grade because this age group is always excited and eager for learning. I consider myself to be a phonics nerd so my favorite part of teaching first grade is teaching reading, specifically the phonics component of reading. Another favorite part for me is our Thursday craft day. Every Thursday we complete a craft that correlates to the CKLA Knowledge unit that we are learning about at the time. Some examples of crafts that we make are: spinal cords from Lifesaver gummies and pasta, Egyptian pyramids out of sugar cubes, Native American headdresses, salt dough fossils, stars and constellations, and an animal habitat diorama.
 
When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy reading, hiking, and running…especially running in destination races out of state. I am married with two kids, Cortland and Kerigan, who both attend the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS).

Chris Kastner

Technology

Deer Trail 26J School District, Home of the Eagles, is 50 miles east of Denver, just off I-70 Interstate. Our student population is growing and we are expanding our teaching staff to meet the needs of 300 plus, PK-12 students. Eagle Elementary averages 22 students per class. Our Middle & High School grades average 18 students.

Nanci Sweet

Business Manager
  • Business Manager for eight years. Completed a business program at Platt Business College.
  • Preschool Paraprofessional at Deer Trail School for 15 years.
  • Secretary at Adams City Baptist Church and School for three years.
  • Graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree from Morgan Community College in 2005.
  • Married with three grown children and six grandchildren.
  • Enjoys time with her family and teaching kids involved in local Awana Clubs

Hayley Whitehead

District Secretary

Mike Jobman

Superintendent/AD

Micheal Jobman graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education and Health and his Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from Hamline University in St. Paul Minnesota. He has over 25 years of coaching experience in basketball track, cross country, and baseball at schools in 3 different states. Mike is the 2023 1A Athletic Director of the year and currently serves as the region 10 representative on the CHSAA board of directors. His wide range of experience has taught him valuable lessons that shaped him into the leader he is. One of his goals for the Deer Trail Athletic Department is to continue to foster competitive excellence across each program. He aims to continue to improve our facilities and give athletes a transformative and impactful experience as they grow into future leaders.