There are at least 49 new educators and professionals working for schools in Fort Morgan in the Morgan County School District Re-3 for the 2021-22 school year.
District Support Center
Brett Bull
Brett Bull is a new school psychologist for the Morgan County School District Re-3.
He was born in Bristol, Pennsylvania, and previously lived in Hadley, New York.
Bull earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the State University of New York Potsdam, in Potsdam, New York, in 2016 and has a master’s degree in school psychology in progress through Castleton University in Castleton, Vermont.
He was a College Steps Mentor at Castleton University for exceptional students.
Bull previously worked in school psychology at Fort Edward School District in Fort Edward, New York, from 2020 to 2021.
His interests include music and clothing.
Bull shared this “unusual fact” about himself: “I am the owner of a federally trademarked clothing line!”
Jyl Coats
Jyl Coats is the new Early Childhood Find Coordinator for Morgan County School District Re-3.
Chandler Freauff
Chandler Freauff is a new school nurse for Morgan County School District Re-3.
Sherman Early Childhood Center
Audra Davies
Audra Davies is a new kindergarten teacher at Sherman Early Childhood Center.
She was born in Topeka, Kansas, and lives in Fort Morgan.
Audra is married to Tyrel Davies, who works as a social studies teacher at Fort Morgan High School and is the head football coach. They have two children, 9-year-old Charlee and 5-year-old Teller.
Kristy Hoffman
Kristy Hoffman is a new school counselor at Sherman Early Childhood Center.
She was born in Valentine, Nebraska, and previously lived in Vernal, Utah.
Kristy is married to Matthew Hoffman, and they are the parents of adult daughters Heather and Amanda.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Utah State University and a master’s degree in school counseling.
Kristy previously worked as a school counselor in Vernal, Utah, from 1993 to 1998.
In her free time, she enjoys scrapbooking and collecting Barbies.
Kristy is a member of OOAK Club and Fashion Doll Club of the Rockies.
Ashley Montes
Ashley Montes is a new preschool teacher at Sherman Early Childhood Center.
She was born in Morgan County and lives in Fort Morgan.
Ashley is married to Gegorio Montes, who is a farmer with Keith Bath Farms. They have three children, 15-year-old Adam, 13-year-old Eden and 11-year-old Adrian.
She earned bachelor’s degree in education from Western Governors University in 2018.
Ashley previously worked as a paraprofessional for teachers at Sherman from 2015 to 2020.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking and being outside with family.
Ashley was a member of the Cadet Program with Morgan County Ambulance Service from 2006 to 2008.
Pioneer Elementary School
Joyce Ann T. Dinglasan
Joyce Ann T. Dinglasan is a new special education teacher at Pioneer Elementary School.
She was born in Manila, Philippines.
Dinglasan earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with focuses on guidance and counseling stream in April 2015 from Philippine Normal University – Manila. She graduated from college with magna cum laude honors. She also is working toward earning her master’s degree of education through De La Salle University Manila.
She previously taught special education at Captain Albert Aguilar National High School from June 2016 to July 2021.
In her free time, Dinglsan enjoys traveling, baking and singing.
Janet Hobbs
Janet Hobbs is a new special education teacher at Pioneer Elementary School.
Jonathan Martin
Jonathan Martin is a new fourth-grade teacher at Pioneer Elementary School. He was born in Greeley and has lived in Sterling.
Martin is married to Amanda Martin and they have a 2-year-old daughter, Lily.
He earned an associate’s degree in early childhood education theory from Northeastern Junior College in 2016 and a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education agreement from Colorado Christian University in 2020.
Jonathan previously worked as a paraprofessional at Weldon Valley School from 2018 to 2021.
In his free time, Jonathan enjoys backpacking, fishing and hunting. He is interested in history, both local and global.
Donald “Trey” Payne
Donald “Trey” Payne is a school counselor at Pioneer Elementary School, where he will be working with students in first through fifth grades.
He was born in Alabama and previously lived in Bellevue, Nebraska.
Payne earned an associate’s of technology degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a bachelor’s degree in K-8 education at Peru State College in Nebraska. He is currently working on earning a master’s degree.
He graduated from Peru State College with summa cum laude honors.
Payne received a Making a Difference Award, and his TikTok video “Trey Payne Leather Shoes” went viral.
He previously taught reading, home economics and behavior from 2012 to 2021 in Bellevue, Nebraska. He also was a coach and club sponsor during this time.
Payne was a military kid, with a dad who served for 20 years. His mother was a school nurse for 20-plus years.
While in college, he was a volunteer fireman and participated in thevoiceprojectomaha.com, which provides counseling and other resources to support the Black youth of Omaha, and dogfellasomaha.com, which trains service dogs.
Payne is a member of the American School Counseling Association.
In his free time, Payne enjoys being outdoors, fishing, disc golf, slowpitch softball and reading.
Rebekah Tirrell
Rebekah Tirrell is a new EFL special education teacher at Pioneer Elementary School, where she will work with students in first through fifth grades.
She was born in Alamosa and previously lived in Akron.
Tirrell has a 8-year-old daughter.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in art, with focuses in drawing, painting and art history, and a second bachelor’s degree in history, with a focus on anthropology, from Adams State University in Alamosa in May 2013. Tirrell completed the Alternative Teaching License program through East Central BOCES in Limon in May 2020. She is licensed to teach general studies for K-6, art for K-12, history for seventh to 12 grades and special education for ages 5 to 21.
Tirrell previously taught pre-academic social and emotional skills at Thomson Primary School in Brush over the 2020-21 school year.
In her free time, she enjoys drawing, painting and singing.
“I love the mountains,” Tirrell said, adding that she likes hiking and camping.
She also used to do jui jitsu with her daughter.
Columbine Elementary School
James Carillion
James Carillion is a new special education teacher at Columbine Elementary School, where he will be working with first to fourth grades.
He was born in Baldwin, New York, and has lived in Fort Morgan for 24 years.
Carillion is married to Carol Boedakian, who teaches art at Fort Morgan High School.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Long Island University in Brookville, New York, in 1998, as well as drug and alcohol counseling certification level II for Colorado in July 2013.
While at Long Island University, Carillion received an Equestrian Team Scholarship.
He previously taught at the former Brush correctional facility from 2004 to 2009, with subjects including Impact of Crime on Victims, Anger Management, Reintegration and Parenting, as well as serving as a G.E.D. program instructor.
In his free time, Carillion enjoys spending time with his dogs, hiking, reading about history and Zoom visits online with friends.
“I have a very broad range of life experiences, from working at a Children’s Museum on Long Island, to working at the women’s prison in Brush, to counseling for substance abuse issues, to working with at-risk adolescent boys, to helping northeastern Colorado underprivileged residents find resources,” Carillion said. “I know I have found my niche in elementary education.”
Audrey Hoffman
Audrey Hoffman is a new third-grade English dual language immersion teacher at Columbine Elementary School.
She was born and raised in Fort Morgan, where she continues to live.
Hoffman earned a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from Colorado State University in May 2020 and a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado in June 2021.
As a child, she was in 4-H for 12 years.
“I’m excited to teach in my hometown and inspire students to learn,” Hoffman said.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, gardening and reading.
Kathleen “Katie” Newens
Kathleen “Katie” Newens is a new fifth-grade teacher at Columbine Elementary School.
She was born in La Junta and has lived in Wiggins.
Newens earned an associate’s degree from Otero Junior College in May 2013 and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in May 2019.
She previously taught fifth grade at Wiggins Elementary School from fall 2019 to spring 2021.
In her free time, Newens enjoys sewing, digital photography and playing tabletop games, like Dungeons & Dragons.
Brennda Sand
Brennda Sand is a new third-grade teacher at Columbine Elementary School.
She was born in Aurora, Colorado, and previously lived in Jacksonville, Florida.
Sand is the mother of 21-year-old Ryan and 17-year-old Brianna.
She earned an associate’s degree in accounting from Keiser College in 1999, an associate’s degree in early childhood education and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Western Governors University in 2021.
Sand was named to the Dean’s List while in college.
She previously taught at Head Start in Fort Morgan and as a special education TA.
In her free time, Sand enjoys reading, baking and camping.
Sofia Saravia
Sofia Saravia is a new first-grade dual language immersion teacher at Columbine Elementary School.
She was born in Los Angeles, California, and previously lived in Fort Morgan and now in Wiggins.
Saravia is engaged to Fransisco Garcia, who works as an auto refinisher at Concept Auto Body in Fort Morgan.
She has two children, 6-year-old Neylani and 2-year-old Liam.
Saravia earned an associate’s degree from Morgan Community College in 2016 and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, with a focus in interdisciplinary studies K-8, from Western Governors University in 2021.
She also previously earned a phlebotomy certificate.
Saravia previously worked as a paraprofessional at Columbine from 2016 to 2019 and as a substitute at Columbine from 2018 to 2019.
She completed her student teaching, during which she worked with fourth-grade students.
In her free time, Saravia enjoys reading, travelling — especially to the beach— and spending time with her family.
Blanca Vazquez
Blanca Vazquez is a new fourth-grade dual language immersion teacher at Columbine Elementary School.
A Fort Morgan native, she has lived in Log Lane Village.
Vazquez earned an associate’s degree from Morgan Community College in May 2019 and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado with elementary education and culturally and linguistically diverse education endorsements in December 2021.
She previously worked as a substitute teacher in Fort Morgan focused on dual-language immersion from September 2018 to summer 2021.
Vazquez was a member of UNC Cumbres and UNC Stryker from 2019 to 2021 and involved with MCC Multicultural in 2019.
She volunteered with the District 6 Afterschool Read Aloud Program from October 2020 to March 2021.
In her free time, Vazquez enjoys reading, traveling and being creative.
She shared that she “would love to teach abroad someday.”
Jason Wendling
Jason Wendling is a new interventions teacher at Columbine Elementary School, where he will work with students in first to fifth grades.
He was born in Brush and previously lived in Haxtun.
Wendling earned a bachelor’s degree in history, with an emphasis in secondary education, from the University of Northern Colorado in 2005.
He graduated cum laude from UNC.
Wendling previously taught reading and math in Weldon Valley School District from 2005 to 2020.
He has an interest in “promoting reading and math fluency.”
Wendling was added to the Fort Morgan High School Hall of Fame for his contributions with golf in 1993.
In his free time, he volunteers as a youth soccer coach.
Shannon M. Wilde
Shannon M. Wilde is a new fifth-grade dual language immersion teacher at Columbine Elementary School.
A Fort Morgan native, she previously lived in Sidney, Nebraska.
Wilde earned a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University in 2000 and a master’s degree in education from the University of Phoenix in December 2007.
She previously taught in the Sidney Public School in Nebraska from August 2010 to May 2021, including teaching third grade for seven years and second grade for four years. She also was involved with the Continuous Improvement Program and served on various curriculum committees during her time with Sidney Public Schools.
Wilde is a member of Christian Educators Association International.
In her free time, she enjoys travel, photography, cooking/baking and spending time with family.
Green Acres Elementary School
Alisha Gutierrez
Alisha Gutierrez is a new third-grade teacher at Green Acres Elementary School.
She was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, which is also where she most recently had lived.
Gutierrez earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education K-6 from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in May 2021.
She did her student teaching in spring 2021 at Youens Elementary in Houston, Texas, where she worked with a third-grade math and science block.
Jamie Kosman McMullen
Jamie Kosman McMullen is a new third-grade teacher at Green Acres Elementary School.
She was born in Fort Morgan and continues to live in her hometown.
Jamie is mother to 3-year-old daughter Lila and 2-year-old daughter Stella.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, with a minor in reading and a language arts emphasis, from the University of Northern Colorado in 2017.
Jamie graduated from UNC with magna cum laude honors.
She previously taught third grade at Green Acres from 2017 to 2019 and was a toddler teacher at Evan Early Childhood Center in 2019.
Jamie said she loves teaching reading and science.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her girls, running and reading.
Jamie ran a half marathon in July 2021.
Breann Parks
Breann Parks is a new first-grade teacher at Green Acres Elementary School.
She was born in Thornton, Colorado, and has lived in Fort Morgan.
Parks earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado in May 2021.
She is an alum of Sigma Kappa.
Baker Elementary School
Nora Carrillo
Nora Carrillo is a new special education teacher at Baker Elementary School.
She was born in Los Angeles, California, and previously lived in Fresno, California.
Nora is married to Jorge Carrillo, and they have three children, 18-year-old Angel, 15-year-old Lily and 12-year-old Jesse.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State University at Fresno in 2002.
In her free time, Nora enjoys walking, reading, cooking and camping.
Kezia Endacott
Kezia Endacott is a new first-grade teacher at Baker Elementary School.
She was born in Kansas and previously lived in Spring, Texas.
Endacott is married to Jason Helms, who works as a driver for Morgan Sand & Gravel. They have two dogs, ages 10 and 8.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology, with a minor in psychology, from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2013.
Endacott previously worked as a special education teacher’s assistant at Baker Elementary in spring 2021.
She also previously worked in public health in Lakewood, Colorado.
In her free time, Endacott is an amateur artist, and she loves art and plants.
Mikayla Vogt
Mikayla Vogt is a new third-grade teacher at Baker Elementary School.
She was born in Nebraska City, Nebraska, and has lived in Sterling.
Vogt is married to Aaron Richards, who works as a mail route private contractor in Morgan County. They have two children, 13-year-old Melina and 10-year-old Ariana.
She earned a bachelor’s degree, with an individualized structured emphasis in elementary education, from the University of Colorado Denver in December 2015.
Vogt graduated from college with distinction.
She previously taught third grade at Campbell Elementary School in Sterling from 2019 to 2021.
In her free time, Vogt enjoys singing, music, swimming and volleyball.
She previously served as a cantor at a school in Denver.
Fort Morgan Middle School
Samantha Arteaga
Samantha Arteaga is a new social studies teacher at Fort Morgan Middle School, where she will be working with students in seventh grade.
Antonio A. Garapan Jr.
Antonio A. Garapan Jr. is a new special education teacher at Fort Morgan Middle School, where he will be working with students in sixth grade.
He was born in Davao del Norte, Philippines, and previously lived in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines.
Garapan earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, with a major in special education, from Liceo de Cagayan University: Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Philippines, in March 2016.
He graduated from college with magna cum laude honors.
Garapan previously taught special education at Liceo de Cagayan University from June 2016 to May 2021. The subjects he taught included: reading, English, science, Filipino, math, social studies, values, health, self-help and functional skills. He also served as an activity coordinator and was in charge of promotions.
Garapan has experience as a student assistant and tutor and is a member of Love for Children Organization.
In his free time, he enjoys singing, hosting events, playing guitar, playing badminton and playing volleyball.
Lucy Griesinger
Lucy Griesinger is a new seventh-grade literacy teacher at Fort Morgan Middle School.
She was born in Evanston, Illinois, and previously lived in Broomfield, Colorado.
Lucy is married to Justin Griesinger, and they have one child, 8-year-old Gus.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, and a master’s degree in teaching English from Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina.
Lucy previously taught English language arts to sixth, seventh and eighth grades at Drake Middle School in Arvada from August 2002 to June 2021.
She served as the instructional leader for the ELA Department at Drake Middle School.
In her free time, Lucy enjoys writing, watching movies, hiking and scrapbooking.
Kate Harmon
Kate Harmon is a new language arts teacher at Fort Morgan Middle School, where she will be working with students in sixth grade.
She previously lived in Los Angeles.
Harmon earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Azusa Pacific University in 2017.
Paul Rose
Paul Rose is a new mathematics teacher at Fort Morgan Middle School, where he will be working with students in seventh grade.
He was born in “Philly,” Pennsylvania, and previously lived in Charleston, South Carolina.
Paul is married to Erin.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the College of Charleston in May 2020.
Paul is a medically retired U.S. Air Force veteran.
Audrey Rosenbrock
Audrey Rosenbrock is a new electives teacher at Fort Morgan Middle School, where she will be working with students in journalism and wellness/leadership classes in sixth, seventh and eighth grades.
She was born in Sidney, Nebraska, and has lived in Brush.
Audrey is married to Brian, who retired from teaching and now is a farmer in Brush.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and language arts from the University of Northern Colorado.
Audrey previously taught physical education and health in Brush School District for the last 25 years.
She is a member of CVOA and has served as a volleyball referee and a middle school volleyball coach at Brush Middle School.
Audrey enjoys sports coaching, traveling and family gatherings.
A point of interest about Audrey is that she has climbed eight 14-ers, which are mountains that reach at least 14,000 feet above sea level.
Theodore Walker
Theodore Walker is a new social studies teacher at Fort Morgan Middle School, where he will be working with students in seventh grade.
He was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and previously lived in Fort Lauderdale.
Walker earned a master’s degree in history, with an emphasis on classics, from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, in August 2016.
He previously taught government and law at Imagine Weston from 2015 to 2021. He also taught English in Japan for a time.
Walker has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America and the Renaissance Festival.
In his free time, he enjoys playing hockey, going to the gym, rollerblading, reading, history and law.
Walker is a member of USA Hockey and Boy Scouts of America.
Jane Wentrack
Jane Wentrack is a new social studies teacher at Fort Morgan Middle School, where she will be working with students in eighth grade.
She was born in St. Clair, Michigan, and previously lived in Woodland Park, Colorado.
Wentrack earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
She graduated from college with honors.
Wentrack previously taught history, current events and psychology in Cripple Creek, Colorado, from 2019 to 2020. She also served as Chess Club sponsor and yearbook sponsor.
She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, which is an international honor society of education.
In her free time, Wentrack said she enjoys “all things history!!!”
Fort Morgan High School
Lilibeth G. Bendol
Lilibeth G. Bendol is a new English language learners teacher at Fort Morgan High School, where she will work with students in ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th grades.
She was born in Maguindanao, Philippines.
Bendol earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education – English and a master’s degree in teaching – English, both from Filamer Christian University in Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines.
She previously taught English at Estefania Montemayor National High School from December 2003 to July 2021. Bendol also served as the girls basketball coach, dance trainer and impromptu speech/declaration coach/trainer during this time.
Her interests include basketball, dance and speech activities.
In her free time, Bendol enjoys sports, dancing and role playing.
Ian Blake
Ian Blake is a new English teacher at Fort Morgan High School.
He was born in San Antonio, Texas, and previously lived in Yuma, Colorado.
Blake earned a bachelor’s degree in English, with an emphasis in secondary education, from the University of South Dakota and a master’s degree in English, with an emphasis in secondary education, from Colorado State University.
He received distinction on his master’s project defense at CSU and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta at the University of South Dakota.
Blake previously taught at Yuma High School from 2017 to 2021, with his subjects having included English, yearbook, college composition, college literature and college public speaking.
He is a member of the Colorado Education Association, the National Council of Teachers of English and Disabled American Veterans.
Blake is a U.S. Army veteran, who served in Kosovo and Iraq. He worked in the Army as a photojournalist.
Robert “Bob” Campbell
Bob Campbell is a new social studies/history teacher at Fort Morgan High School, where he will be working with students in 10th grade.
He was born in Denver and previously lived in Lakewood, Colorado.
Campbell is married to Jenny Anderson. They are the parents of two adult children, Carolyn and Tanner, and they have two grandchildren.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in history, with a minor in human performance and sport, from Metropolitan State University of Denver in May 1995. He also played baseball in college.
Campbell previously taught history and physical education at Holy Family High School from 1998 to 2001. He also served as the school’s athletic director for a time.
Olivia Graham
Olivia Graham is a new English language arts teacher at Fort Morgan High School, where she expects to be working with students in the 10th grade.
She was born in Steamboat Springs and previously lived in Corvallis, Oregon.
Graham is in a relationship with Dylan O’Shaughnessy. They have a female blue heeler named Winter.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education, with a minor in business, from Colorado State University in May 2020.
Graham previously worked as a paraprofessional in SPED room at Oaklea Middle School in Junction City, Oregon, from 2020 to 2021. While there, she also filled in for other paras as needed.
Her interests include reading, camping, hiking, drawing, listening to music, soccer, backyard games and going on walks.
“I grew up in Steamboat Springs and absolutely love the outdoors,” Graham shared. “From chilling in the sun to going skiing, I am always up for the outside adventure. Love family and friends and play cards or other games together. I also enjoy coming up with creative projects and participating in community events like live music, fairs, etc.”
Heidi Guggisberg-Coners
Heidi Guggisberg-Coners is a new English teacher at Fort Morgan High School.
She was born in Hendricks, Minnesota.
Guggisberg-Coners earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master of arts degree from North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota, a master of science degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and a doctorate from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
She has 20-plus years of teaching at the college/university level.
Guggisberg-Coners shared that she is also a certified bilingual auctioneer.
Christopher S. Kelley
Christopher S. Kelley is a new teacher at Fort Morgan High School.
He was born in Broken Bow, Nebraska, and has lived in Sterling, Colorado.
Kelley is married and has four children.
He earned an associate’s degree in electrical technology from Mid-Plains Community College, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and certification as a CTE director for grades 7-12 from Colorado State University.
Kelley previously taught in YSD-1, University and Sterling, with subjects including financial algebra, marketing, accounting, computer applications, web design and communications.
He also has experience serving as FBLA advisor.
Kelley is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having been honorably discharged.
Maricel Aliñar Maundo
Maricel Aliñar Maundo is a new math teacher at Fort Morgan High School, where she will work with students in ninth through 12th grades.
She was born in Malalag, Davao Del Sur, Philippines.
Maundo is married to Roy M. Maundo. They have three children, 15-year-old Ahdamme Roy A. Maundo, 13-year-old Ahldrtz Jay A. Maundo and 11-year-old Ahlyssa Mai A. Maundo.
Maricel earned a bachelor’s of education degree in math from Philippine Normal University in March 2005 and a master’s of education, Ed. Ad., from Bukidnon State University in Malaybalay, Philippines, in March 2013.
She previously taught mathematics for the Department of Education in the Philippines from 2009 to 2021. She also served as a math coordinator, guidance advocate and classroom adviser during this time.
Maricel also has experience as a math trainer.
In her free time, she enjoys dancing and singing.
Kelly Newens
Kelly Newens is a new social studies teacher at Fort Morgan High School.
He was born in La Junta, Colorado, and previously lived in Kersey.
Newens earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Northern Colorado.
He previously taught business and digital learning at Wiggins High School from 2020 to 2021.
Newens shared that he ran a Dungeons & Dragons Club at Wiggins High School.
Lori Pruett
Lori Pruett is a new special education teacher at Fort Morgan High School.
She was born in Denver and has lived in Wiggins.
Pruett’s significant other is Gary Geisick, who is a farmer at Geisick Brothers. She is the mother of adult daughter Roxanne and 16-year-old Garrett.
Pruett earned a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University in 1992 and a master’s degree as a reading specialist from Western State Colorado University in 2014.
She previously taught special education at Prairie View High School from 2016 to 2021.
In her free time, Pruett enjoys dog shows, camping, hiking and “anything crafty.”
Traci Reeves
Traci Reeves is a new school counselor at Fort Morgan High School.
Joseph “Joe” Skerjanec
Joseph “Joe” Skerjanec is a new freshman English and humanities teacher at Fort Morgan High School, where he will be working with students in the ninth grade.
He was born in Wellington, Colorado, and has lived in Sterling, Colorado.
Joe is married to Marybeth, who is a teacher at Sterling Middle School. They are the parents of four adult sons, Stanton, James, Brennan and Liam.
Joe earned a bachelor’s degree in history education from Colorado State University in 1989, a master’s degree in teaching from Grand Canyon University in 2001 and completed the administrative leadership and policy studies principal licensure program at the University of Colorado Denver in 2006.
He also holds an endorsement in secondary language arts/English.
Joe previously taught language arts and social studies in Burlington from 1989 to 1995 and at Sterling High School from 1995 to 2004. He also has experience coaching, teaching and advising journalism and yearbook classes and with service learning.
In his free time, Joe enjoys sports photography.
“I have been a principal for the last 17 years,” he shared. “I’ve also taught classes at Morgan (Community College) and Northeastern (Junior College).”
Joe is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Kaitlyn Zweig
Kaitlyn Zweig is a new social studies teacher at Fort Morgan High School, where she will be working with students in the 10th grade.
She was born in Denver and previously lived in Lakewood, Colorado.
Zweig earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies secondary teaching from the University of Northern Colorado, with a major concentration in Africana studies secondary licensure.
She did her student teaching at Jefferson Jr. Sr. High School from January to April 2021, working with social studies classes. Her other duties during this time included “MTSS, I2, PLC.”
Zweig has been a volleyball coach and player for 15 years.
In her free time, she enjoys painting and the outdoors.
Zweig’s interests include: Colorado history, tutoring, coaching, gardening, being outdoors and spending time with her dog, Oliver.
She is a member of the University of Northern Colorado Alumni Association.
Lincoln High School
Laura E. Moore
Laura E. Moore is a new science and health teacher at Lincoln High School, where she will be working with students in ninth through 12th grades.
She was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, and has lived in Greeley.
Moore earned a bachelor’s degree in biology education from Adams State College in 2011 and a master’s degree in curriculum design and instruction from the University of Phoenix in 2016.
She previously taught middle school and high school science in Ault and Monte Vista from 2017 to 2021.
In her free time, Moore enjoys young adult fiction, cross stitch and anime.
Zachery “Zach” Patton
Zachery “Zach” Patton is a new social studies teacher at Lincoln High School, where he will be working with students in ninth through 12th grades.
He was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and previously lived in Woodland Park, Colorado.
Patton earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Newman University and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from UCCS.
He was inducted into Sigma Alpha Pi Honor Society while at Newman University.
Patton previously taught social studies at Cripple Creek-Victor Junior/Senior High School from 2020 to 2021. He also served as middle school football coach.
In his free time, he enjoys running ultra-marathons, camping, hiking and weightlifting.
He retired from the military and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was a wounded warrior.
Fred Pinzenscham
Fred Pinzenscham is a new math teacher at Lincoln High School, where he will be working with students in ninth through 12th grades.
He was born in Abilene, Texas, and has lived in Strasburg, Colorado.
Fred is married to Cindy, who works for a school in Morgan County. They have a daughter, Allison.
He earned an associate’s degree from Community College of Aurora and a bachelor’s degree in computer science, with a minor in math, from Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Fred previously taught computers and technology at Morgan Community College from fall 2018 through 2021. He also has been involved with the S.T.E.M. programs at MCC.
Zoë Sowers
Zoë Sowers is a new school counselor at Lincoln High School, where she will be working with students in ninth through 12th grades.
She was born in Seattle, Washington, and previously lived in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Sowers is engaged to Philip Pieczynski.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in contemplative psychology, with a concentration in transpersonal/humanistic psychology, from Naropa University in December 2015 and a master’s degree in counselor education, with a concentration in school counseling, from Adams state University in July 2021.
While in college, Sowers was the student government president from 2012 to 2013 and the president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society from 2012 to 2013. She also received an Outstanding Scholar Award, a Rising Star Award, was on the All-Academic Team and was named an outstanding sophomore student.
Sowers previously taught student success strategies at Forsyth Technical Community College from 2020 to 2021.
Sowers also has experience working at Attention Homes, which is a shelter for homeless/at-risk youth in Boulder, Colorado, as an admissions rep. for Colorado Northwestern Community College and working for Lindley Habilitation Services in North Carolina, where she worked with individuals with learning disabilities.
She was a member of the Craig Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors from 2016 to 2017 and was secretary of Yampa Valley Young Professionals from 2016 to 2017. She is a member of the American School Counseling Association, which she joined in 2017.
“I love to travel, be outdoors, play guitar, sing and write songs,” she shared, adding that she is “happy to be back home in Colorado!”