2022-2023 Faculty & Staff
We are always looking for talented individuals to join our team! View our job postings.
Amie Weldy
Dean of Students
Interim Principal
Founding Team Member
Amie Weldy's Bio
Amie and her family moved to Colorado from Bucaramanga, Colombia to be part of the STEAD founding team. She has been an educator for 10 years in various roles from elementary through 12th grade. Amie was the STEM coordinator for the middle and high school at the first STEM school in South America. Before that she was the STEAM coordinator and 8th grade science teacher at a middle school outside of Atlanta for five years. Amie also worked for two years as an instructional technology coach and project-based learning teacher in an elementary school in the same district. She has a M.Ed. in educational leadership with a minor in technology leadership and a B.S. in secondary science education. She adores facilitating project-based learning experiences with students and in particular, moving through the design process. Outside of school, she loves spending time with her (almost) two year-old daughter, Evie, her husband, Christian, and her dog, Jalapeno. Amie and her family can be found outside hiking or exploring new sites during most of their free time. She also enjoys cooking, baking, and reading. Amie looks forward to working with everyone this school year! Letter of introduction from Amie to the STEAD community. aweldy@thesteadschool.org
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Candace Cheung
Director of Partnerships & Programs
Founding Team Member
Candace Cheung's Bio
Candace has over 15 years of experience in alternative education and now leads STEAD’s Partnerships and Programs. She has served as an elementary teacher, a secondary math and humanities teacher, an elementary and secondary Program Director, and an elementary Principal. Candace’s experiences have been in private and public innovation, charter, and traditional models in rural, urban, and suburban schools. Candace has developed and led a successful public secondary agriculture hands-on program and she specializes in program redevelopment, total school design, and creating cultures of work. Candace holds an MEd, a BA in English, Colorado state certifications in Elementary and Secondary education, credentials in Elementary and Secondary Montessori education, and she is a veteran of the US Air Force. ccheung@thesteadschool.org
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Tyler Schindler
Founding CTE Director and Lead Ag CTE Instructor
Tyler Schindler's Bio
Tyler grew up in “small-town” Nebraska and has many different experiences in agriculture including raising meat rabbits, chickens, meat goats, dairy goats, dairy cattle, beef cattle, and swine (pigs). His family also raised corn and soybeans. Tyler attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and majored in Agricultural Education and received teaching endorsements in Biology and Horticulture Education and minors in Agribusiness and Horticulture Production. His current educational interests include incorporating science topics in Ag and finding those real-life connections. Tyler is very passionate about food production and development. In his free time, he likes to watch movies, play with his Chesapeake Bay Retriever (Lucy), cook/bake, build stuff, and play video games and board games with friends. However, his favorite thing to do is learn so you may even see him out exploring and experiencing new things! tschindler@thesteadschool.org
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Lani Ingram
Recruitment & Communications Coordinator
Founding Team Member
Lani Ingram's Bio
Lani Ingram is the Recruitment and Communications Coordinator at the STEAD school. Lani was raised on her family’s fifth generation wheat farm in central Montana. Agriculture has been a big part of her life. Lani has three years of social studies teaching experience at both the middle and high school level, which included working at an alternative high school focused on at-risk students. Lani holds a B.A. in history and secondary education licensure from The University of Montana, along with a master’s degree in curriculum studies from The University of Northern Colorado. She was awarded the Distinguished Graduate Award in her master’s program and wrote her final thesis about personalized learning. Lani’s teaching philosophy includes building relationships and teaching the whole child in a safe and encouraging environment. Lani lives with her husband and three children in the Reunion area. She enjoys camping, cooking, traveling, playing sports and karaoke nights with her family. lingram@thesteadschool.org
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Alexis Walker
Founding Co-Office Manager
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Alexis Walter's Bio
Alexis Walker, one of our Co-Office Managers, is the personable face you will encounter as you enter and leave The STEAD School. She was born and raised in Colorado almost her whole life and is passionate about making a difference in our youth. She graduated in Aurora and attended college at University of Northern Colorado. New to 27J but had been with Denver Public Schools for 8 years. Her work in education began at another startup school as a paraprofessional in a kindergarten classroom, where she quickly realized that she wanted to impact as many students, across all grade levels, as possible. After 2 years, this passion has moved her out of a single classroom and into the wider arena of education administration. She believes that together we can all make a difference in the life of a child and their family. She thrives on building positive relationships with both students and their families. She takes pride in welcoming every person who enters our building. When not at school she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her niece, nephew, and her fur pup, Auggy. She also enjoys trying new things in the kitchen while baking and cooking. awalker@thesteadschool.org
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Annabel Parker
Founding ELA/Social-Studies/Humanities Guide and Adventure Coordinator
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Annabel Parker's Bio
Before joining the team, Annabel taught Environmental Ethics at the High Mountain Institute in Leadville, and led her students on expeditions in the Colorado and Utah wilderness. Annabel recently received her Master’s of Education degree from Harvard, where, at her graduation, Elmo gave the commencement speech. Before settling in Denver, her first home was England, where the highest “mountain” is 10,000 feet shorter than Colorado’s (it’s a hill). Outside of teaching, Annabel is passionate about writing creative nonfiction, trail running, graphic design, cooking vegan food, fostering neonatal animals, and learning new things! aparker@thesteadschool.org
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Christian Holmes
Founding Social Studies/Humanities Guide & Instructional Coach
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Christian Holmes' Bio
Christian recently moved from Bucaramanga, Colombia, where he and his wife and toddler Evelyn have lived for the past three years. Christian’s formal training is in anthropology and archaeology, but he has taught in the social sciences at the secondary level for six years in a wide range of courses. In the classroom, Christian enjoys project-based learning and integrating the humanities with the STEM fields. Personally, he enjoys Atlanta United FC, the outdoors with his family, traveling as much as possible, reading non-fiction, and playing FIFA. He’s still trying to wrap his head around whether to support the Colorado Rapids or not. Christian is also pursuing his Ed.D. at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Learning Design and Leadership focusing on authentic, student-driven projects. cholmes@thesteadschool.org
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Mary Vail
Founding Math Guide and SAC Rep
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Mary Vail's Bio
Prior to her career here in Colorado, Mary was a flatlander from Omaha, Nebraska, where she taught math and science for 8 years. She earned her second bachelor’s degree in Math and Science Education from University of Nebraska, a holds a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University and post master’s credits in math education from Stanford University and the University of California. Mary chose education as a second career, due to her drive and passion for seeing change in education, specifically in the area of math. Building trustworthy relationships with her students, colleagues, community, and other stakeholders makes up the concrete foundation of her teaching philosophy. When she is not being a change agent, you can find her snowboarding in the winter and hiking, camping, and boating in the summer, always surrounded by her friends and family. Mary is eager to meet everyone and dive in headfirst at STEAD as a pioneer for teaching our youth to become the next generation of change agents. mvail@thesteadschool.org
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Brandt Wintzen
Founding Science Guide
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Brandt Wintzen's Bio
Brandt was born and raised in Colorado and looks forward to staying in this beautiful state, accepting all of the adventures the state has to offer. After making music videos and sketches in high school, he took the next semester off to go to India and teach English, Math, and Science to Tibetan refugees. There, he learned the importance of education and relationships, which made him want to go into education in the U.S. Brandt is a life-long learner and particularly interested in psychology, civilization, culture, and earth science. Nature and the outdoors are where he loves to be. He loves going on hikes, runs, to parks, and to hot springs. Recently, Brandt picked up a new hobby of snowboarding (several bruises later) and continues to improve. He is a huge Marvel fan and loves talking about the movies. He can get a little too excited about the movies and go off on tangents, so be careful bringing up Marvel movies if you don’t have a lot of time to spare. Brandt is ecstatic to work as a math guide at The STEAD School. He has always envisioned working at a school where relationships, project-based learning, and nature are at the forefront of the school. bwintzen@thesteadschool.org
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Ryan Pearse
Founding ELA and Music Guide & Instructional Coach
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Ryan Pearse's Bio
Ryan comes to the school with over 15 years of experience teaching English and music at the middle and high school levels. Most recently he served as the Academic Director and English Teacher at Temple Grandin School in Boulder, where he worked alongside students on the autism spectrum. Ryan encourages outside-the-box learning and creative problem solving. He is passionate about authentic assessment, and he especially enjoys helping students discover their unique writing voice. In a past life, Ryan was a semi-professional musician and songwriter, and he has had the opportunity to perform in great music cities like Austin and Chicago. These days, music is more of a recreational pursuit, and Ryan enjoys guiding students in their own musical endeavors. He is very excited to work with the budding musicians at The STEAD School. rpearse@thesteadschool.org
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Edward King
Founding ELA Guide
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Edward King's Bio
Edward was born in England and moved to Colorado 20 years ago. Ed attended CU Boulder (CU), starting out as an engineer and then switching to an English major with a focus in Creative Writing and Electrical Engineering minor. He still writes actively, and his stories have been published online and in print. After graduating from CU, he worked at NetApp in Boulder before deciding to teach for a year in Suzhou, China. He then worked as an engineer in Fort Collins before traveling Madrid to teach English. He is currently student-teaching at Polaris Expeditionary Learning School in Fort Collins. In his free time Ed loves to run, play soccer (not his strong suit), read and write, play guitar and play at open mic nights (during non-Covid times). eking@thesteadschool.org
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Kaitlyn Gilham
Founding Visual Arts Guide & School Assessment Coordinator
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Kaitlyn Gilham's Bio
Kaitlyn moved to Colorado from Columbus, OH where she worked for a ceramic glaze company providing professional development support and workshops to Art Educators in her community. She’s had the opportunity to work with students from Pre-K to adults in various educational environments throughout her career. As a working artist, Kaitlyn primarily focuses on abstract painting and ceramics and has shown work in New York, Buffalo, Chicago, and Columbus. She received her BFA from Alfred University with a minor in both Art Education and Art History. When she is not teaching or working in her home studio you might find Kaitlyn experimenting with a new home baking technique, an interest that she picked up while managing a Chicago area bakery. She also enjoys traveling and being outdoors exploring new hiking trails with her husband and their dog Athena. kgilham@thesteadschool.org
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Geoff Rice
Founding Special Education Guide
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Geoff Rice's Bio
Prior to joining STEAD, Geoff was a special education teacher at Johns Creek High School in Atlanta Georgia. He was born in Maine but moved to Georgia when he was nine, splitting his time between the two. Geoff holds a B.A. in History with a minor in education, a M.S. in instructional design and technology and holds a special education certification. Geoff’s teaching philosophy is excitement equals engagement: getting students excited and engaged with their learning is half the battle. In his free time, he travels and camps with his partner Nicolle, is a huge movie buff and an avid gamer. grice@thesteadschool.org
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Mario Padilla
Founding Science Guide and Farmstead Incubator
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Mario Padilla's Bio
Mario Padilla is an entomologist from Alamosa, Colorado. While pursuing his undergraduate degree at Adams State University he became extremely interested in entomology, especially insects in the order Hymenoptera (ants, bees and wasps). After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in Organismal Biology, he attended Pennsylvania State University to pursue a master’s degree in Entomology under the advisement of Dr. Christina Grozinger. His thesis, Social Mechanisms Regulating Reproductive Division of Labor in Bumble Bees (Bombus impatiens) explored how queen bumble bees regulate worker reproduction via pheromone signaling and aggressive behavior. Shortly after defending his thesis, Mario was hired as the laboratory manager in the Grozinger lab, where he managed 40+ colonies of honeybees and was the primary contact for all researcher needs. In 2015 Mario was hired as the entomologist at Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, CO, and in 2019 was promoted to Director of Animal Collections. His job duties included; managing honey bee colonies, teaching beekeeping courses, overseeing multiple research and conservation projects all over the world, and managing all animal care. His work has taken him to Mongolia, Tanzania and Nepal. In 2021 Mario has decided to pursue his passion of education and transition to the STEAD school where he will be supporting the apiaries, greenhouse and sharing his passion for insects and animals with students. Mario has been married to his amazing wife, Halie, since 2015 and in 2019 they welcomed a baby boy named Gus. His hobbies include, traveling, spending time with his family, building LEGOs, watching movies, and reading. mpadilla@thesteadschool.org
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Matthew Guglielmo
Founding Spanish/PE & Student Support
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Matthew Guglielmo's Bio
Matthew Guglielmo is a father of 5: Luke, 20, Shane, 18, Juliette, 17, Kieran 15 and Greer, 12. He currently resides in Lakewood but hails from New England and was born in Queens, New York. Matthew has taught English and Health and Wellness over the last 12 years and looks forward to joining the STEAD team as both a coach and teaching world language this year. He received a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Connecticut. He has been coaching Soccer for over 25 years in both Connecticut and here in Colorado in some elite high school programs and clubs. In his spare time, he loves to read, SUP, train for Spartan races, enjoy all the outdoor activities that Colorado offers and naturally spending time with his kids. mguglielmo@thesteadschool.org
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Kevin Denton
Founding Principal & Lead Learner
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Kevin Denton's Bio
Kevin is the founding principal of The STEAD School. Prior to this role, Kevin was the principal and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director at Buena Vista High School in Buena Vista Colorado. Before that Kevin was a math and science teacher-leader and department chair at Polaris Expeditionary Learning School in Fort Collins, Colorado for seven years. In addition to these roles, Kevin has served with National Geographic Education, Expeditionary Learning Education, Fund for Teachers, Colorado State University’s School Leadership Institute, and as the Chair of Education for a Rwandan NGO, Arise Rwanda. Kevin is a graduate of Colorado State University and holds a B.S. in natural science education and a M.S. in instructional design & technology from Walden University, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kevin lives with his wife Lynelle and three kids and they enjoy spending time in the wilderness, road trips, dance parties and all the adventures that are still to come. kdenton@thesteadschool.org
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Lynelle Denton
Founding PT Co-Office Manager
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Lynelle Denton's Bio
Lynelle is the base command (aka administrative assistant) and farm link of The STEAD School. Lynelle has a BA in education and has a career background as youth director, teacher, and early childhood director. She is passionate about supporting staff, children, and families as they journey through life educationally and otherwise. Lynelle is married to Kevin and together they have 3 children. She enjoys spending time with her family, paddle boarding, gardening, adventuring, and does not enjoy lightning while in the backcountry. ldenton@thesteadschool.org
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Brianna Johnson-Rinkus
Founding Social Worker and Counselor
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Brianna Johnson-Rinkus' Bio
Before The STEAD School, Brianna lived in Southern California as a school social worker at both elementary and high schools as she completed her masters degree at University of Southern California! Her roles included creating a supportive and fun school culture, de-stigmatizing mental health, and helping students learn about who they want to be! Brianna is passionate about working with youth and their families to support their needs and desire to grow. Her other passions include reading, writing, baking, and traveling to new places. Brianna has lived and done research in Peru along with hiking Machu Picchu and petting llamas. She is so excited to get to know each student that enters the STEAD halls and to create an amazing school atmosphere with their help and input! bjohnson@thesteadschool.org
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Jonathan Garner
Founding Math Guide
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Jonathan Garner's Bio
After 23 years of Naval Service, Jonathan decided to transition his experiences to work with high schoolers. He spent his career in submarines and served on USS LOUISIANA, USS MINNESOTA, and USS NEW MEXICO. Among other roles his most recent post was as the Executive Officer. Not quite a Colorado native, he grew up in Pueblo, CO before enlisting. Jonathan has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Mexico and a M.S. in Applied Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School. Jonathan is married and has five children, three are now out of the house pursuing their own dreams. He finds his “zen” state either in the fresh powder with skis or slinging sawdust in the garage. jgarner@thesteadschool.org
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Athletics Team
Kenny Wilson
Founding High School Activities/Athletics Coordinator
Kenny Wilson's Bio
Kenny Wilson comes to STEAD as a seasoned coach and athletic official with over 30 years coaching girls and boys cross country, basketball and track at the high school level. He led his Cross Country team at Smoky Hill High School (5A) to win the state championship and has led multiple teams to numerous regional and league championships. Teams that Kenny has coached averaged a GPA of 3.75 and he has developed numerous athletes who went on to become All-State and All-Americans, competing at the collegiate and professional level. Kenny also has experience coaching at the college level and is a United States Track and Field Level 1 Coach and Official. In addition to his coaching experience, Kenny has served as a NCAA Division 1 and Division 2 basketball official and coordinator of officials in over 5 different conferences. He even spent some time officiating with the NBA and was Coordinator of Officials for a NAIA conference, in additional to various USA basketball training camps.
Kenny will be serving in a part time leadership capacity, while also serving as a lead customer service representative at the Reunion Recreation center and continuing his officiating responsibilities during the NCAA Division 2 Basketball Season. His presence in the community and availability to coaches and students in Reunion will be a huge asset to The STEAD School.
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Naj’la Stokes
Founding Head Girls Volleyball Coach
Naj Stokes' Bio
Coach Naj has been in the game as long as she was able to play. She started playing for Denver Parks and Recreation when she was 10, and continued all through Graduating from South High school. She then began her coaching career as a side gig in college for both of those institutions (DPR for 15 years). Coach Naj coached for both East High, and a Club team at George Washington HS, before taking a break back in 2017, to focus on being a teacher. In July of this year she decided she loved coaching too much to stay away for too long and also coaches with Infinity volleyball club, during the off season.
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Jackie Martz
Founding Head Girls Basketball Coach
Jackie Martz's Bio
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Chris McCarty
Founding Head Boys Basketball Coach
Chris McCarty's Bio
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Matthew Guglielmo
Founding Head Soccer Coach (Boys & Girls)
Matthew Guglielmo's Bio
Matthew Guglielmo is a father of 5: Luke, 20, Shane, 18, Juliette, 17, Kieran 15 and Greer, 12. He currently resides in Lakewood but hails from New England and was born in Queens, New York.
After high school, he played Soccer at Adelphi in Garden City, New York and then one year at Salem State University in Massachusetts. He received a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Connecticut. He has been coaching Soccer for over 25 years in both Connecticut and here in Colorado in some elite high school programs and clubs. He has taught English and Health and Wellness over the last 12 years and looks forward to joining the STEAD team as both a coach and teaching world language this year. In his spare time, he loves to read, SUP, train for Spartan races, enjoy all the outdoor activities that Colorado offers and naturally spending time with his kids.
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Launch Team
Jamie Prijatel
School Design & Launch Team Lead
Jamie Prijatel's Bio
Jamie Prijatel is a national education consultant with two decades of experience in education reform, including various management roles held within the New York City Department of Education, including the role of charter school authorizer. Jamie specializes in charter and small district school design, start-up, implementation, replication, oversight, renewal, and closure. Jamie’s passion is project management, school operations, and partnership development. Her clients include(d) BuildStrong Education, Colorado League of Charter Schools, Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), The Riordan Foundation, the National Association of Charter School Authorizers, the New York City Charter School Center, the Walton Family Foundation, Green Dot Public Schools, Central Michigan University Center for Charter Schools, Catalyst Inc., Cat Alexander Consulting, and Ford Research & Solutions.
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Sofia Romero-Campbell
School Design & Launch Team Member
Sofia Romero-Campbell's Bio
Sofia Romero Campbell, a native of Denver, is a senior at Smith College majoring in government with a minor in Latin American studies and a concentration in sustainable food. As the granddaughter of farmworkers and ranchers with deep roots in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico, Sofia is committed to creating a more just food system by focusing on equity and resource concerns. Sofia’s previous experiences include work at the Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farm, the New Mexico Acequia Association, and the National Western Stock Show. As a member of the STEAD design team, Sofia is proud to be collaborating on school planning and student recruitment in order to ensure continued diversity and sustainable design features within the STEAD community.
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The STEAD School is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, creed, color, age over 40, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other status or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. The Principal is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.