Exceptional Student Services

Glenda Baack

Dedicated Adult Support
Glenda_Baack@dpsk12.net

Nicole Bruyere

Hello Carson Families! I am excited to be a part of the Gifted and Talented Team! The start of the 2024 – 2025 school year marks my 17th year as a teacher and 20 years in education.

I attended UNC (Greeley & Denver Campus) where I received my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. I received my Masters Degree from Lesley University in Curriculum and Instruction. In addition I also hold a Gifted and Talented Specialist Endorsement.

I live in Parker with my husband Marc and our two boys; Jack (age 15 /sophomore) and Ryan (age 12 / seventh grade). Our boys keep us very busy with soccer, swimming, volleyball, orchestra and band. Our doggies Olaf (age 9) and Omelia (age 5) love to go for the daily walks and look for deer, foxes and bunnies.

Colleen Donahue

Special Education Educator
Colleen_Donahue@dpsk12.net

I grew up in Wheaton, IL and earned my BA in Elementary Education and Special Education from Hope College. I taught fifth grade in Milwaukee, WI before moving to Denver Public Schools as a special education teacher for four years. I taught in Illinois for a year and then came back to Denver last year. I am excited to be back for my second year at Carson!

When I’m not in the classroom, I love reading, hiking and traveling to see family and friends.

Tara Dudenhoeffer

Dedicated Adult Support / School Technology Representative
Tara_Dudenhoeffer@dpsk12.net

Hi, I’m Tara! After living in the Austin, Texas area for almost 20 years, I relocated to Denver in 2015. I graduated with a degree in Social Work from Texas State University. I have held many positions as a Social Worker, but my favorite ones were always the ones where I worked with kids.

I began working as a guest teacher with DPS in November 2016, and I was the designated guest teacher at Carson during Covid. I became an official Carson Cougar in 2021. I am currently a dedicated adult support in 3rd and 5th grade, and I am also the school technology representative for Carson. This is my fourth year at Carson, and I can’t imagine that I’d be happier anywhere else. I am proud to be a part of this great community.

When I am not at Carson, I enjoy traveling, reading, ALL things Art (performance, visual, musical), going to concerts, hiking, and spending time with my dogs, Nova Diggs & Draco Douglas Super Fresh

Joshua Garza

Deaf-Blind Intervener
Joshua_Garza@dpsk12.net

Willow Hutchins

Paraeducator
Willow_Hutchins@dpsk12.org

Willow comes from Idaho, where they worked as a Youth Support Specialist creating trauma informed mental health programs for children age 5-14. In their spare time, they’re a fan of scary movies, folk music and board games.

Andrea Metzger

Physical Therapist (PT)
Andrea_Metzger@dpsk12.net

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska until I made my way to Colorado to attend Colorado State University. Although I had a brief stint back in the Pacific Northwest, I came back to Colorado to attend the Physical Therapy Doctorate program at University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. I have been a Pediatric Physical Therapist for over 14 years. Much of my career was spent in Early Intervention until I transitioned to Denver Public Schools two years ago. I enjoy working with children and watching their independence, confidence and excitement grow when acquiring new skills.

My efforts to keep a healthy work/life balance include running and spending time with my husband, our two daughters (7 yrs and 9 yrs) and our dog Otis. We like to spend as much time outdoors as possible; camping, biking, skiing, listening to live music and spending time with friends and neighbors.

Kori Moinat

Occupational Therapist (OT)
Kori_Moinat@dpsk12.net

Julie Naski Roman

Special Education Educator
Jnaski@dpsk12.net

My name is Julie Naski Roman and students call me Mrs. Roman. This is my 30th year in Denver as a special education teacher! I am very excited to join the Carson team for the 2024-25 school year. My passion is helping students be confident, lifelong learners.. I was born and raised in Detroit, MI, but have called CO my home since I started working with DPS in 1995. I graduated from University of Detroit Mercy with a B.S. in special education and received my master’s degree in special education from University of CO Denver. I have 8 yrs as an adjunct professor at DU teaching graduates elementary literacy as well as supporting diverse learners across all content areas. In the past I have been a LETRS trainer for the state & district. In addition, I am currently a district instructor for the MLE department. I remember being a guest speaker at Carson for the D/HH program during my first year; I was invited to speak with the families here as a person who was born deaf in both ears. I always had a feeling that I would return to Carson in some way. 🙂

My husband, Nick and I have two grown children who have left the coop, but our dog, Luca, keeps us busy. I look forward to getting to know the Carson community!

Maddie Oddo

Dedicated Adult Support
Madeleine_Oddo@dpsk12.net

Hi! I’m Maddie. I’m so excited to be at Carson Elementary. I’ve worked with children for four years now. I have a son who has four legs and lots of fur named Moagsley. I was born in Hawaii and raised in Colorado. I love to hike and frisbee golf when I’m not working. Can’t wait to meet you all!

Jess Piel

Dedicated Adult Support
Jess_Piel@dpsk12.net

Taylor Schwartz

Speech Pathologist
Taylor_Schwartz@dpsk12.net

Hi everyone! My name is Taylor Schwartz and my students call me “Ms. Taylor”. I am originally from
Milwaukee, WI and I moved to Colorado in July 2023. I earned my Master’s of Science in Speech
Language Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and have had experience working with
both the pediatric and adult populations in various clinical settings, including a preschool, elementary
school, university clinic, and outpatient clinic. I adore working with children and I specifically enjoy
working with my students on articulation/phonology, feeding, fluency, receptive/expressive language,
social communication, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). In my free time
outside of the classroom, I enjoy taking long walks, hanging out with friends and family, trying out new
coffee shops, and spending time in the mountains hiking, camping, and skiing.

Marisol Senecal-Mariscal

Dedicated Adult Support
M_senecal-mariscal@dpsk12.net

Denielle Nadeau

GT Specialist
Denielle_Nadeau@dpsk12.net

I am a graduate of the Stanley British Primary Program, have a Masters degree in Educational Psychology, and found my path toward gifted education 6 years ago at Carson Elementary. I adore working with this population of learners and feel very grateful to be a part of this community!

I’ve lived in Denver for 17 years with my husband Justin. We’ve had the honor of raising two lovely daughters, Ella and Fiona. During our off time, we enjoy piling into our RV with our shelter dogs, Matilda and Sprout, and hitting the road to travel around this beautiful country.