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 / 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