Paraeducator

Lauren Axon

Paraeducator
Lauren_Axon@dpsk12.net

I was born and raised in New Jersey, but called NYC home for 15 years before moving to Denver in 2017.  I attended Princeton University eons ago, where I was captain of the swim team and graduated with a degree in religion. I spent most of my post-college career working in higher education, primarily doing major and principle gift fundraising. While in Denver, however, I’ve been a stay-at-home mom to two children, Marabel and Otto (both Carson kids!). I’m currently serving at the VP of fundraising for the Carson PTA, and help as a room parent for 4th grade. As a family, we love to ski, swim, hike, bike – anything outdoors! 

Glenda Baack

Dedicated Adult Support
Glenda_Baack@dpsk12.net

Tara Dudenhoeffer -- "Ms. D"

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

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.

Karola Landry

Paraeducator
Karola_Stockmann@dpsk12.net

I was born and raised in Germany where I graduated from the Friedrich Schiller University, Jena with a masters degree in Nutritional Science.
While completing my last semester at the University of Nottingham, England, I met my husband and moved to his home town of Sydney, Australia shortly after graduating.
I worked for the next 10 years at the University of Sydney as a research manager and lecturer.
My husband’s work moved us to Denver in 2015, where I enjoyed the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mum to our 2 sons.

My oldest Noah started Carson Kindergarten in 2016 and I have been a part of the Carson community ever since, being involved as a room parent, PTA and auction committee member.My youngest Hugo will be attending 4th grade at Carson this year. This will be my 3rd year working as a Kindergarten para at Carson and I love every moment spent in the classroom with the kids!

Claudia Largo

Paraeducator
C_largo-gutierrez@dpsk12.net

I am Claudia Largo, and I was born in Colombia. I lived in Madrid, Spain, for 16 years. I moved to the USA six years ago. I lived in Tampa, FL for two years, and I’ve lived in Denver for five years.
I am studying Early Childhood Education at the Community College of Denver, this is my sophomore year. I received an Accounting Degree in Colombia and worked as a Management Assistant for a Colombian Betting company.
When I moved to Madrid, Spain, I worked as a Customer Service Team Leader position monitoring, training, and evaluating the quality of telephone service, providing guidelines to clear and effective Spanish communication. I also worked as a full-time caregiver for several very well-known families in Madrid. I cared for children ages 3 to 14 years old, creating daily schedules, and engaging in activities to ensure their healthy mental, physical, and emotional growth.
This is my third year as a paraprofessional with DPS.
I like organizing children’s activities, and educating the youngest in learning Spanish at their basic levels, developing a casual learning environment.
I have a 10- year old daughter who is currently a fifth grader at Carson!
I love to cook Colombian dishes, Mediterranean food, and sushi. In my spare time I also enjoy traveling, biking, swimming, and hiking.

Casey Lehrer

Paraeducator
Casey_Lehrer@dpsk12.net

I am a Colorado native, having graduated from Evergreen HS and receiving a BA from CU-Boulder. I have since lived in Cincinnati, Houston, and Phoenix, but Colorado is the only place I could ever call home. I worked in real estate development and marketing prior to taking time off to raise my family. I have 2 sons that have (soon!) matriculated through our neighborhood DPS schools: Montclair, Hill, & GW. It was my time volunteering in the classroom at Montclair that made me realize that I wanted to work with elementary aged kiddos again. In my free time I love traveling abroad with my family, reading, skiing, and hiking.

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

Debbie

Debbie Heinz

Support Specialist (Small Group Support)
Debbie_Heinz@dpsk12.net

Hello. I am Debbie Heinz. I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and an aunt. I am also a reader, a gardener, a yogi, a hiker/walker – plus on my best days I try to be mostly healthy, mostly positive, and, of course, mostly mindful and green. But, the most important thing about me is that I have always been a helper and an educator.

I have spent the last 25 years teaching a variety of grade levels in Denver Public Schools. (22 years at Steck Elementary, three years at Whittier Elementary. Prior to that I taught preschool and kinder at the Auraria Center. I live in the north Hilltop neighborhood and have grown to love this community. My three sons and my husband all attended the local Denver Public Schools. I am passionate about strong neighborhood public schools, supporting educators, and quality education for all learners.

I retired in July 2020 to be a helper for my extended family. Since that time I have missed having a school community to sink my roots into. I have missed having a school community in which to grow, learn and thrive. I am pleased to be joining Carson Elementary School this fall as a para educator/helper.

Emery headshot

Tina Emery

Library Tech
Tina_Emery@dpsk12.net

I am a Colorado native, and received my BA in Biology/Secondary education at the University of Northern Colorado. I spent a year teaching high school math and science, then took time off to raise my 3 kids, who all attended Carson Elementary and are now in high school and middle school. I was lucky enough to start as the library para 3 years ago, and even though an elementary school library position is far from teaching high school science, I love every minute of it; working with kids has always been my passion.
Outside of school, my favorite thing is being a mom. Our family loves to spend time at our cabins in the Poudre Canyon, fishing, hiking and just being together.