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!
1:1 Paraeducator
Glenda_Baack@dpsk12.net
1:1 Paraeducator
Dawn_Birdsill@dpsk12.net
Hi friends! My name is Dawn. I moved to Colorado in 2018 seeking mountain adventures. Hiking, camping, snowboarding, swimming – you’ll find me healing in nature!
I’m a gemini who enjoys being a creative. I enjoy dabbling in all the things, art journaling, teaching myself piano, singing and dancing.
When I’m not creatively expressing myself you’ll find me at concerts or adventuring in the mountains with my dog (and maybe someday, my kitten!)
1:1 Paraeducator / 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 1:1 in 2nd grade Math, and I am also the school technology representative for our school. This is my third year at Carson, and I cannot imagine that I could 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 Dougie Super Fresh
1:1 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.
Paraeducator
C_largo-gutierrez@dpsk12.net
I am Claudia Largo, I was born in Colombia and lived in Madrid, Spain, during 16
years. I moved to the USA six years ago. I also lived two years in Tampa, FL and I am
currently living in Denver for four 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, 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 with a range of ages from 3 to 14 years old, creating daily schedules,
and engaging in activities to ensure their healthy mental, physical, and emotional
growth.
This is my second year as a paraprofessional at Stephen Knight Center for Early
Childhood Education in DPS, assisting the classroom teacher with 4 and 5-year-old
students.
In addition, I like to organize children's activities, and educate the youngest in learning
of Spanish language at their basic levels, developing a casual learning environment.
I am a mom of 8 years old daughter who is studying at Carson Elementary School (third
grade).
I love to cook Colombian dishes, Mediterranean food, and sushi. In my spare time I also
enjoy traveling, biking, swimming, and hiking.
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 boys that now attend Hill and GW; prior to that they attended Montclair Elementary. It was my time there volunteering in the classroom regularly that made me realize that I wanted to work with elementary aged kiddos once the perfect opportunity arose… I am thrilled to be joining the Carson team! In my free time I love traveling with my husband and sons, reading, skiing, and hiking.
1:1 Paraeducator
Jess_Piel@dpsk12.net
Another Colorado native and also Ms. Jenn’s youngest daughter!
Jess is a DPS graduate and Carson Alumni! She brings a special knowledge of the school and it’s character education program as well as building relationships with our students and creating a true sense of family.
I am a Denver native and a proud Carson mom. My grandmother was a Kindergarten teacher at Carson, too! I did not get the opportunity to help in her classroom, however, I was able to volunteer in my Aunt’s special education classroom. At a very young age I developed a passion for it. For much of my family, it began right here.
This is my third year working here at Carson. I have worked as a one-on-one special education para and I am currently supporting Carson’s Kindergarten team and their students. I feel fortunate to be a part of this community and I so grateful that I have the opportunity to do something I love every day.
D/HH Paraeducator
Landon_Squibbs@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.
D/HH Paraeducator
Vicki_Gardner@dpsk12.net
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.
Reading Intervention
cphilpo@dpsk12.net