TEAM

Sue Sava, MA
she/her/hers

Yunuen Cisneros
she/her/hers

Yunuen Cisneros is PEBC’s Community Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator, and supports the PEBC Teacher Residency in recruiting diverse and talented individuals to join the teaching profession and supporting the selection process.

Yunuen, was born and raised in Mexico City. When she was a girl, she attended the National School of Ballet, and started helping family members with their political campaigns at age 10.
She has always been involved in social justice projects. She enrolled in the “Rescuer Program” at the Mexican Red Cross, where she was able to help injured people around the city in ambulances. Later on, she helped delegates of the International Red Cross, where she discovered her other passion: the study of human rights in armed conflicts. This was her inspiration to study International Relations at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Later she worked at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of International Affairs. She also worked in the Youth Program of a political party and participated in Presidential and Senatorial campaigns.

Yunuen arrived in Colorado when her daughters were 2 and 4 years old. When her daughters began school she also began to learn the school system and saw it had very little inclusion, diversity and equitable education. This advocacy became a career for her, helping other families and students to close the achievement gap.

She is a proud “helicopter” mom of Yunuencita and Nina.

Kari Colley
she/her/hers

As the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Kari Colley oversees the development and facilitation of curriculum across PEBC’s Teacher Residency program.

Prior to PEBC, Kari worked in public and private elementary schools in Colorado and California as a classroom teacher, EdTech consultant, and a research assistant. She earned a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of San Diego.

Kari finds her balance enjoying the Colorado outdoors with her husband and three young boys- from camping to hiking, she is happiest exploring and living life with her family.

Favorite children’s book: Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Megan Cook
she/her/hers

As the AmeriCorps Coordinator, Megan Cook provides compliance and operational support to PEBC’s growing AmeriCorps program. She is excited to support members through their years of service. 

Prior to joining PEBC, Megan worked in small business consultation and business education for the entrepreneurs of the Greater New York City area and is a two-term AmeriCorps VISTA alumna. Megan holds a B.S. in Business Administration/Marketing from Canisius College. When she isn’t working, Megan loves to explore local cafes and restaurants, cook, travel with family and friends, and hike. 

Craig DeLeone
he/him/his

Craig oversees business development efforts related to PEBC’s professional learning and teacher residency program opportunities including: job-embedded coaching, lab classrooms, courses and institutes. He manages both new and current customer inquires, writes and executes contracts, and works with clients on budgets and grant opportunities. Craig loves working with teachers and school leaders to develop professional development plans and bringing those plans to life.

Originally from Connecticut, Craig came to Colorado in 1996 to pursue his degree at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He currently lives in Denver with his wife, Karen and his 3 dogs. When Craig isn’t in the office, you can find him playing drums in his bands or hiking the Front Range.

Favorite children’s book: The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey

Emory Dinner
she/her/hers

Emory Dinner supports all three arms at PEBC – Teacher Prep, Teacher Professional Learning, and Policy as the Director of Development. Emory’s fifteen-plus years of social impact experience include roles as the Colorado director for the international nonprofit, Soles4Souls and an Elementary Educator. At Soles4Souls, she developed, led, and oversaw all day-to-day partnership activities while executing strategies aligned with Soles4Souls’ business objectives to deliver maximum value to the organization.

Emory’s prior experience includes ten years as an elementary educator in Denver Public Schools, three of which she also served on the leadership team as a Senior Team Lead. Emory is passionate about developing opportunities that support educators.

Emory earned a certificate in International Development with a concentration on Monitoring & Evaluation from Regis University in conjunction with the Posner Center for International Development, a master’s degree in Elementary Education from UNC, and a bachelor’s degree from KU in Environmental Policy.

Emory is passionate about lifelong learning and learns best through conversation.  She enjoys international travel, the Redwoods, scuba-diving, drinking wine on Colorado’s sunny patios, and supporting her local community.

Emory’s favorite book: Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor

Lynne Forstot
she/her/hers

Lynne Forstot is the Manager of Early Childhood Education (ECE) Initiatives. She has taught students between the ages of preschool to sixth grade, in both public and private schools.

Lynne joined PEBC in 2014, when the Stanley Teacher Preparation Program merged with the PEBC Teacher Residency.  She has mentored and coached residents and teachers.  She works to develop classrooms where equity and individuals are valued.  Lynne supports teachers to create classroom environments where students can engage in meaningful learning experiences to achieve higher levels of competence. She has also taught communication workshops to parents and teachers.

In her spare time, Lynne loves spending time with her grandchildren and extended family, reading, traveling,  and attending the theater.

Favorite children’s book: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.

Teresa Goncalves
she/her/hers

Teresa Goncalves is the Admissions and Selection Coordinator for the PEBC Residency Program. She works as a member of the resident team to attract high quality and diverse applicants to the program, facilitates the selection process and supports residents’ transition into full programming once they are accepted. Before joining PEBC’s team, Teresa began her career as an educator in the neighborhood of Montbello and remained there for nine years as an English teacher and an assistant principal. She loves this community deeply and the people there have inspired in her a lifelong pursuit of racial and educational justice. 

Teresa holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs with a minor in Anthropology – a field choice that was initially spurred by her interest in non-profit work. She received her teaching license from Metropolitan State University in Denver and hopes to soon return to school to obtain a Master’s degree in her true love – English and Literary Arts. 

When she is not working, Teresa is likely to be with her dogs whether she is hiking, trying to make plants grow, bopping around Denver or reading. She is aspiring to perfect the art of the boa bun, is completely smitten with being an aunt and loves to travel with her partner. 

Carolyn Gratton
she/her/hers

Carolyn Gratton coordinates and supports PEBC’s marketing and communication efforts both internally and externally.

Her background in communications ranges from helping launch non-profit start-ups and small businesses to working in the public sector with the Colorado Department of Human Services and Colorado PERA. Her passion for educators stems from her own experience teaching children Spanish and working as an assistant elementary teacher in Denver.

Carolyn holds a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Spanish. She is a Midwest native but has also lived in New Mexico, Mexico and Spain. She found her current home in Castle Rock, CO with her husband, son and basset-lab mutt. Carolyn loves music and singing, interior design, cooking and enjoying food and any chance she gets to go horseback riding, hiking and travel abroad.

Favorite children’s book: anything by Roald Dahl!

Yolanda Greer
she/her/hers

In her role as Director of Talent, Growth and Renewal, Yolanda Greer helps foster a strong culture that helps the organization achieve its ambitious goals by engaging in a range of internal talent development through growth plans and coaching conversations.

Yolanda earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish: bilingual/bicultural education from the University of Northern Colorado. She earned her master’s degree in school administration from the University of Phoenix. For the past four years, she has supported new and aspiring school leaders via a principal pipeline for aspiring leaders that she co created in Aurora Public Schools (APS). Yolanda has also coached and consulted leaders through her Elevate U Consulting business and in APS.

In her leisure time Yolanda cherishes moments with her husband of 24 years and their three comical college aged children who keep her quite active as a parent. She loves traveling and the theater.

Favorite children’s book: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

Rose Hagood
she/her/hers

Rose Hagood leads day-to-day operations at PEBC where she implements and oversees communications, organizational systems, processes and impact data. Rose provides strategic and operational direction as well as project management to PEBC initiatives, services, programs, and program evaluation. Rose has spent her career working for non profit organizations that make impactful social and cultural change. She has worked in a variety of education, cultural and arts organizations in Denver, Washington, D.C., and New York City. Rose has a master’s degree in art education from Indiana University and a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies and art history from Northern Arizona University.

When she’s not working, you can find Rose at the park or in the pool with her husband, two kids and two dogs, on a walk to the coffee shop, volunteering at her kids’ school, browsing a vintage clothing shop, or learning to quilt.

Favorite children’s book: The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson

Lindsay Hall
she/her/hers

As a Clinical Instructor, Lindsay helps to plan and facilitate the licensure coursework for pre-service teachers in the PEBC Residency program. Prior to joining PEBC, Lindsay worked as a high school social studies teacher. She holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Political Science and Advertising from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from Colorado State University. When Lindsay is not working with residents, she is often cooking, water skiing and surfing, gardening, or exploring her beautiful home state with her husband, daughter, and two boxer pups.

Favorite children’s book: Corduroy by Don Freeman

Jenny Hochmiller
she/her/hers

Jenny Hochmiller is the Manager of DEI & Residency Initiatives, meaning she (1) supports PEBC’s teacher preparation program by providing high-quality instruction to teachers who are working toward their licensure across the state of Colorado, and (2) utilizes data to support colleagues in successfully transferring DEI theory into practice. Jenny holds a strong passion for building out a robust teacher pipeline for schools, ensuring new teachers are met with the full support they need to thrive within their profession, and being a champion for equity within every school environment and educator she supports.

Prior to joining PEBC, Jenny spent a decade in the Montbello community of Denver, Colorado working as an educator in a diverse range of roles – teacher, track and cross country coach, instructional coach, and assistant principal. Jenny earned her undergraduate degree in Secondary Math Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She earned her graduate degree in Leadership of Educational Organizations from the University of Northern Colorado Denver.

In her spare time, Jenny loves going on adventures with her husband Ryan and their daughters Ariana and Raegan. This includes getting outdoors, exploring the city, and being in community with family and friends.

Favorite children’s book: Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

Wendy Ward Hoffer
she/her/hers

Wendy Ward Hoffer, PEBC’s Senior Director of Content Development and Publications, believes that math education is an important lever for civil rights activism. She designs and presents professional learning for teachers at all levels and across the curriculum focused on creating learning opportunities that honor students’ thinking. Wendy, a proud nerd, is the author of five books on teaching for understanding and the co-creator of PEBC’s math and science institutes, as well as many of our newest online courses. 

Prior to her work with PEBC, Wendy taught middle school math and science at Expeditionary Learning schools, where she earned National Board Certification. Originally from Los Angeles, Wendy is the daughter of an immigrant, attended Dartmouth College, and earned her masters degree in education from Stanford University. 

Wendy loves to swim, sing in Sanskrit, crush the New York Times mini-crossword and, above all, spend time with her teenage children.

Favorite children’s book: One Grain of Rice by Demi

Jamita Horton
she/her/hers

Jamita Horton is the Policy Manager at PEBC. She works with the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and Public Policy to represent PEBC at key stakeholder meetings with legislators, agency leaders, and partners with a focus on early childhood education. 

For the last 10 years, Jamita has worked as an educator, advocate, and leader. Most recently, she worked as an assistant principal in Southwest Denver and a Senior Research Fellow for Teach Plus.

Jamita holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Women studies with an Education Policy Certificate from the University of Wisconsin. After graduating, she worked as a Teach for America corp member, while she earned her masters degree at Cardinal Stritch University. Currently, she’s a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Denver.

When she’s not working, Jamita loves to travel, write, watch Formula 1 with her partner, and snuggle with her dog Milo on the couch. 

Favorite Children’s Book: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Jailyn Jenkins
she/her/hers

Jailyn Jenkins is a Manager of Resident Development with the PEBC Teacher Residency. Jailyn believes that both relationships and authentically, holistic equity is at the core of successful school communities, from learners to leadership. As a coach, instructor, and leader, Jailyn specializes in S.T.E.M. education, social-emotional learning, and culturally responsive teaching and leadership. 

Prior to joining PEBC, Jailyn served within the metropolitan communities of Phoenix, Arizona, and Aurora, Colorado. Some of her most recent duties include science instructional coach, district professional learning facilitator, as well as an elementary and secondary science teacher.

Jailyn has her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education (S.T.E.M.) from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree in Education Administration (Principalship) from Grand Canyon University.

In her spare time, Jailyn loves giving way to her inner “travel bug” to lead her on various vacation adventures! When she is not traveling, she can be found riding Antwon the Peloton, weightlifting at the gym, and scooting through the city to taste the best food.

Favorite children’s book: Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry

Jeff Johnson
he/him/his

Jeff Johnson is PEBC’s controller and is responsible for the finance department of the organization.

Prior to joining PEBC, Jeff worked for SCL Health’s finance and philanthropy departments. To start his career Jeff spent 10 years within the public accounting industry focusing on federal grant and not-for-profit financial statement audits.

Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Elon University.

Jeff lives in Broomfield with his wife and two young children. When he isn’t working Jeff spends most of his time working on home improvement projects or pursuing outdoor activities in the mountains.

Favorite children’s book: Quiet by Tomie dePaola.

Michelle Morris Jones
she/her/hers

Michelle Morris Jones supports teachers, leaders, and systems to create professional learning opportunities that promote agency, ensure equity, and foster understanding for each and every learner.  She believes that learners deserve to experience learning opportunities that provide intellectual bite while being meaningful, asset-based, and culturally sustaining. 

As the Director of Professional Learning Design, Michelle supports action planning, course development, institute design, and publications that lead to learner inspiration and innovation. She co-facilitates the Thinking Strategies Institute, Making the Workshop Work, Impact Facilitation and teaches a handful of online courses related to the PEBC Teaching Framework.  When she’s not working with teammates or clients she is producing PEBC’s Phenomenal Teaching Podcast which strives to share the stories of how teachers, leaders, and authors are teaching for agency, equity and understanding. Michelle is committed to expanding her understanding of culturally sustaining and responsive pedagogy and bringing others into this important conversation.

She received her degree in Communication Disorders & Speech Science along with an Elementary Education Certification from CU Boulder. After teaching in a variety of urban settings Michelle earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Literacy, Language and Culture from CU Denver which elevated her understanding of the importance of creating equitable systems and structures for students and teachers so that everyone has access to high quality learning opportunities. 

In her spare time Michelle and her husband enjoy spending time with their young adult and teenage children, sports, gardening, and reading great books. 

Favorite children’s book: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Sarah Kappel
she/her/hers

Sarah Kappel is an alumna of the PEBC Teacher Residency program. She completed the program in 2014 and returned to PEBC in 2022 as a Rural Manager of Resident Development, helping to prepare aspiring teachers in rural southwest Colorado for the classroom. 

Prior to PEBC, Sarah spent her career in education in various capacities. She joined the United States Peace Corps in 2010, where she spent 2 years serving as an English teacher and teacher trainer in a small rural town in Mongolia. Upon returning stateside, Sarah worked as an Early Childhood Educator at New Horizons preschool in Minneapolis. She also worked as a private tutor during this time, working with kids from kindergarten through high school. Sarah moved to Colorado in 2013, where she took part in the PEBC Teacher Residency Program. Sarah spent 8 years as a 4th grade teacher at Ignacio Elementary School before joining the PEBC team. 

Sarah earned her BA in English from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota and her MA in Education from Adams State University. 

In her spare time, Sarah enjoys being with her family and exploring all the mountains, lakes, and rivers the southwest region has to offer. She is an avid reader, hiker, cook, and a committed life-long learner. 

Favorite Children’s Book: Sideways Stories from Wayside School

John Kearney
he/him/his

John Kearney serves as The Director of Recruitment and Alumni Engagement for the PEBC Teacher Residency.  In that capacity, he works to recruit a talented and diverse cohort of pre-service teachers in urban and rural settings throughout Colorado as well as support the vast network of PEBC alumni.  

Prior to joining PEBC, John taught middle and high school social studies in the Aurora Public Schools. During his time as a classroom teacher John served as a mentor teacher in the PEBC Teacher Residency. He holds a bachelor’s degree in corporate communications from Elon University and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from The University of Colorado-Denver.

John enjoys college basketball, golf, and getting up to the mountains with his wife and daughter. 

Favorite children’s book: What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Ellin Oliver Keene
she/her/hers

Ellin Oliver Keene is author of Talk About Understanding: Rethinking Classroom Talk to Enhance Understanding, To Understand: New Horizons in Reading Comprehension, co-author of Comprehension Going Forward and of Mosaic of Thought: The Power of Comprehension Strategy Instruction. Ellin has been a classroom teacher, staff developer, non-profit director and adjunct professor of reading and writing. In addition to her role as Senior Consultant, Professional Learning for PEBC, she works with schools and districts throughout the country and abroad.

Evan Kennedy
he/him/his

Evan Kennedy has spent the past 10 years working with mission-driven nonprofit organizations in the education sector, helping develop the structures, processes, and partnerships that lead to positive outcomes for students and communities. At PEBC, Evan focuses on partnerships and sustainability for the PEBC Teacher Residency. Additionally, Evan represents PEBC on various statewide working groups and advisory boards, and in the policy space, helping to elevate the voice of teachers, business leaders, schools, and systems in support of legislation to strengthen Colorado’s K-12 system. Prior to joining PEBC, Evan served as Program Director for Playworks in Northern California.  

Originally from Middletown, Connecticut, Evan holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Political Science from Quinnipiac University, and was an Education Policy Fellow at the School of Public Affairs at UC Denver in 2018. A voracious reader and avid explorer, you can find Evan playing and relaxing in all corners of the Centennial State, especially if there is a good disc golf course nearby. He lives in Denver with his beautiful wife, their dog, and two increasingly feral children.

Favorite children’s book: Drawn Together by Minh Lê

Moker Klaus-Quinlan
she/her/hers

Moker Klaus-Quinlan partners with teachers, teams, schools, and districts through coaching, facilitation, and professional learning.  Relentlessly asset-focused, she has worked with K-12 educators across all content areas, in Colorado and nationally, since 2003. . She leads the Effective Mentoring & Coaching Institute, co-facilitates the Math Institute, and is a designer/instructor for PEBC’s 45-hour CLDE relicensure course. She brings her experience teaching elementary and middle school, serving as a reading specialist, ELL/CLD coordinator, mentor teacher, instructional coach, and adjunct professor. Co-leader of PEBC’s Equitable Practices Initiative, Moker is passionate about engaging educators in the pursuit of student agency and equity and facilitating learning around culturally responsive/sustaining education practices.

Moker achieved National Board Certification in Early Adolescent English/Language Arts. She earned a Master’s degree in K-12 Literacy from California State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Brown University.  Moker loves rooting for her daughters at their sporting events and listening to audiobooks while walking her dogs.

Favorite children’s book: Life by Cynthia Rylant

Annette Konoske-Graf
she/her/hers

Annette Konoske-Graf is the Senior Program Manager of TEACH Colorado, of which PEBC is a proud partner. Launched in 2019, TEACH Colorado is a statewide, cross-sector initiative aimed at improving the quality and diversity of Colorado’s teacher pipeline. Annette has worked in a variety of education and philanthropic organizations in San Diego, New York, and Washington D.C. She spent two years teaching ninth- and tenth-grade English literature in Little Haiti, Miami. Annette was named runner-up as Miami-Dade County’s 2013 Rookie Teacher of the Year. As an education policy analyst at the Center for American Progress, she worked with more than 65 leading education organizations on the TeachStrong initiative, building partnerships to elevate the teaching profession.

Annette has master’s degrees in journalism and international affairs from Columbia University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science and Spanish from the University of California, Berkeley. She is a board member of Friends of Profamil Haiti, Haiti’s leading reproductive health organization. When Annette is not in the office, she enjoys live music, writing letters, hiking, and random acts of kindness.

Favorite children’s book: Stellaluna, by Janell Cannon

Brittany Lang
she/her/hers

Brittany Lang started in 2022 as PEBC’s Rural Manager of Resident Development. She believes in individualized instruction for all learners. She coaches and mentors others to take ownership of the learning and to, “learn as much as you can.”

Prior to PEBC, Brittany taught in the Cortez School District for ten years. From a 5th grade classroom to an 8th grade science lab, Brittany acquired a wide-range of skills to later be used as a Learning Lab instructional coach and 8th Grade Ambassador program director. She implemented many programs within her school to encourage students to step outside their comfort zone of learning. Ute Mountain Ute Science Night was designed for students to showcase their science knowledge on the Towaoc Reservation; the goal was to help bridge the gap between cultural groups within the Cortez community. She also created a robust Gifted and Talented Program and MakerSpace which produced a podcast and website titled, Water Matters.

Brittany earned her undergraduate degree from Fort Lewis College in interdisciplinary studies: elementary education. She is licensed to teach grades k-6 and is highly qualified in science, grades 7-12. Brittany also earned her graduate degree from Fort Lewis College in educational leadership where her thesis focused on culturally responsive pedagogy and its influence on student attendance.

In her spare time, Brittany enjoys working on her small-scale homestead. She grows most of her own food and raises her own livestock with her husband. They whitewater river raft as much as they can, fly fish the local rivers, and ski the snowy hills in the San Juan National Forest.

Favorite Children’s Book: We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

Katrina Litzau
she/her/hers

Katrina Litzau is a Manager of Resident Development with the PEBC Teacher Residency.  With a focus on culturally responsive pedagogy, she brings research based practices into the coaching and instructional spaces.  Katrina is committed to creating space for teacher residents to flourish into outstanding teachers.  

Prior to PEBC, Katrina served staff and students in Adams 12 Schools as a professional learning specialist, instructional coach, and intermediate teacher in Title 1 schools.  

Currently, Katrina is pursuing an Ed.D. in Leadership for Educational Equity at the University of Colorado – Denver.  The focus of her DRP is on the development of mentor identity centered on mentors in the PEBC Teacher Residency.  

Katrina’s reason for working for social justice is found in her daughter as she strives to create an equitable future.  She is the chauffeur for music lessons, theater rehearsals, volleyball practice and anywhere else her daughter needs to go.  In between, she might find a little to be creative, read, and cook for family and friends.

Favorite children’s book: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Jessamyn Lockhart
she/her/hers

In her role as Senior Director of Residency, Jessamyn Lockhart oversees the PEBC Teacher Residency program across the state. This includes working with all of the brilliant urban and rural residency staff to ensure programmatic excellence and sustainability.

Jessamyn is a graduate of Stanley Teacher Prep and prior to joining PEBC in 2015, taught 1st and 2nd grade at Mountain Phoenix Community School, a Waldorf Charter School in Jefferson County. Jessamyn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Tufts University, a Master of Arts degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado, Denver and recently earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Denver. Jessamyn’s dissertation, entitled “Excerpts from Silence – Radical Critical Feminism and Adolescent Girls’ Social Emotional Development: A Case Study of Red River Middle School”, analyzed the ways in which dominant patriarchal structures in America influence our educational system and how schools can disrupt systems of oppression through intentional curricular choices.

In her free time, you can find Jessamyn and her husband introducing their young son to all of the natural wonders of the outdoors through trail running, backpacking, and kayaking.

Favorite children’s book: Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson

Rachele McCawley Robertson
she/her/hers

Rachele McCawley Robertson is the PEBC Teacher Residency’s Director of Clinical Experiences. She collaborates with various residency stakeholders across Colorado to ensure support for PEBC Teacher Residents in their classroom placements through mentorship and coaching. Robertson joined PEBC in 2016 as a field coach in the Denver metro area.

Prior to joining PEBC, Robertson taught high school science at William Smith High School, a project-based Expeditionary Learning high school serving a diverse population of learners, in Aurora, CO. She was also formerly a resident in PEBC’s residency program and has served as a mentor teacher for two teacher residents. She knows firsthand the power of the residency model in preparing new teachers to meet the needs of their students and is extremely grateful that she gets to work to support new teachers entering the profession as her day job.

She earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Denver and holds bachelor’s degrees in molecular, cellular and developmental biology and advertising from the University of Colorado-Boulder.

Favorite children’s book: Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty

Brianna Mestas
she/her/ella

Brianna Mestas is an alumna of the PEBC Teacher Residency Program. She completed the program in 2008 and then returned to the PEBC community as a Clinical Instructor and Instructional Coach with the residency in 2018. 

After two years of training culturally responsive pre-service teachers, Brianna transitioned into the role of Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) where she supports the organization in systems change efforts. 

She attended CU Boulder where she studied Ethnic Studies and Sociology. She conducted an honors thesis on Queer Xicana Student Activism. She is currently a PhD candidate in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Denver, where she also earned her MA. Her research focuses on the intersections of social justice, elementary education, and teacher preparation.  

In her spare time, Brianna loves supporting local music, embarking on paddle boarding adventures, building comunidad, and spending time with loved ones. 

Favorite children’s book: We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

Andrea Mikulin
she/her/hers

Laura Morsch-Babu
she/her/hers

Laura Morsch-Babu is PEBC’s director of communications, and is responsible for the development and execution of PEBC’s marketing and communications strategy.

Prior to joining PEBC, Laura led public and private sector communications teams that supported children and educators at all stages of their lives – from early childhood through retirement.

Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a master’s of public policy from the University of California-Berkeley.

Laura lives in Denver with her husband and two young children. These days, when she isn’t working she spends most of her time cooking one-handed or singing/dancing to something from the Encanto soundtrack. Laura also loves to travel, drink wine, take long walks, do karaoke, and practice taekwondo.

Favorite children’s book: Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery.

Scott Murphy
he/him/his

Scott Murphy is forever an educator who believes in the power of every person, school and community in which he partners.  In his mission of every person a capable scholar, leader and learner, he supports school and district leaders to create empowering environments worthy of each and every student and teacher.  His work toward equitable communities and practices leads Scott to efforts in Kentucky, Wyoming, Idaho and across the rural and urban parts of our great state of Colorado.

Scott has walked the educator path as an Language Arts teacher, principal, coach and director in public schools for 30 years.  He is the author of the Future Protocol for visioning with organizations and facilitates various leadership labs with PEBC.  He earned his masters in communication from University of Colorado and his bachelors in English from San Jose State University in California where he grew up.  When not in schools, Scott can be found with family and friends climbing rocks, skiing, biking or playing guitar around a campfire.

Scott writes many blogs about leadership and schools which can be found on LinkedIn:  Scott Murphy

Favorite children’s book: The Essential Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson

Brooke O’Drobinak, MA
she/her/hers

Brooke O’Drobinak, M.A., believes that people and relationships are at the heart of school communities. Her work focuses on issues pertinent to successful K-12 education, including leadership, school culture, professional learning, and overall wellbeing. She believes that cultivating conditions under which adults in school communities can meaningfully focus on students–both as scholars and people–is essential to the task of school leadership.

She is the co-author of the book Teaching, Learning, and Trauma (6-12): Responsive Practices for Holding Steady in Turbulent Times (Corwin, 2020).  This body of work defines an integrated and comprehensive approach to student learning by weaving together effective practices in mental health along with those in the teaching and learning. 

Most recently, Brooke has served in district administration in Aurora Public Schools. Prior, she served in school administration for 13 years at a high-functioning, urban Denver high school. She has been a classroom teacher, district staff developer, PEBC coach, university educator (DU and Regis University), senior state department consultant and school design consultant. 

She earned her BA in Economics and English and a Post-Baccalaureate Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Arizona, Post-Secondary Degree in Spanish Language and Culture from the Universidad de Sevilla and her MA in Curriculum Leadership from the University of Denver. 

Annie Patterson
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Annie Patterson, Senior Director of Education, leads the PEBC Lab Network and has led extensive work with schools and systems to develop classrooms that bring equity, agency, and understanding to life in K-12 classrooms both locally and nationally. She is a lifelong learner who focuses on designing professional learning that brings learning communities together to create classrooms worthy of students. Through facilitating and coaching, Annie works closely with teachers, instructional coaches, and district leaders to customize professional learning to increase student achievement for each and every learner. A co-facilitator of the Thinking Strategies Institute, Investigating Thinking Strategies, Annie also leads teacher inquiry groups that focus on argument writing. 

Annie joined the PEBC in 2002 and brings over 31 years of experience in education. A former middle school teacher, Annie taught Language Arts, reading, social studies and math. She earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in Reading and Writing, from the University of Colorado. She is the recipient of the 2012 O’Rourke Award from Learning Forward Colorado for distinguished achievement in educator staff development. When she isn’t learning in a classroom, Annie loves spending time hiking with her family and her dog, Henry.

Favorite children’s book: The Three Questions by Jon J. Muth.

Frank Reeves
he/him/his

Frank Reeves is the Manager of Rural Growth and Partnerships for PEBC.  

Frank has been involved in rural public education for 33 years.  Frank grew up in Laramie, Wyoming. He attended the University of Wyoming,  majoring in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Social Studies, and then taught for 14 years in Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado.  

After he received a Master’s in Educational Administration, he embarked on a career in school administration in rural Colorado, first as a high school principal at Clear Creek High School, followed by Wray High School.  In 2012 Frank became the Superintendent of Genoa-Hugo School District in Hugo, and in summer 2016, Frank became the Superintendent of East Grand School District in Granby, where he retired in 2022.  

Frank has served on numerous governing boards related to public education including the national Superintendents Association (AASA).  He has also been active on local and state-level boards and nonprofits that serve to support our citizens.  

When Frank is not working, he enjoys the outdoors, sports, travel and finding new breweries around the state.  

Favorite children’s book: The Tawny Scrawny Lion by Kathryn Jackson (because it reminds him of growing up much like the Tawny Scrawny Lion).

Julian Roldan
he/him/his

Julian Roldan joined PEBC in 2021 as a Manager of Resident Development. As a coach and instructor, he values equity, building positive relationships and culture, and adopting inclusive practices in the classroom.

Prior to joining PEBC, Julian served in several roles for Denver Public Schools including instructional coach, literacy interventionist and 3rd grade teacher in a bilingual classroom. Having transitioned from the corporate accounting world to teaching and education, he is excited to support residents as they follow their passions in their new teaching career.

Julian has his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver via the Denver Teacher Residency program.

In his spare time, Julian enjoys tackling endless home improvement projects in his old Denver bungalow. He also finds his balance through running, indoor climbing, and traveling with his wife. He spent his childhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico until age 12 when his family moved to Colorado.

Favorite children’s book: Marcus Vega Doesn’t Speak Spanish by Pablo Cartaya.

Ashley Ruhl
she/her/hers

Ashley Ruhl is the Program & Event Manager at PEBC. She is responsible for coordinating and managing operational logistics for PEBC program and events, with particular emphasis on PEBC’s Professional Learning Institutes.

Prior to joining PEBC, Ashley worked as an elementary school teacher in both Seattle and Salt Lake City.  Her passion for supporting students and making the education field a more equitable place brought her to PEBC where she feels she can make an impact.

Ashley earned her bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences, elementary education from Seattle Pacific University.  In her free time she enjoys getting outside in her hometown of Portland, Oregon and watching Seahawks games with her cat Jezzy.

Favorite children’s book: The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

Lisa Scott
she/her/hers

As Program Manager, Lisa Scott provides operational support for the PEBC Teacher Residency. She is honored to support new teachers throughout the journey of the residency year and beyond as they navigate the enrollment and licensure process. Prior to joining PEBC, Lisa worked in reading instruction in Denver Public Schools and is a graduate of the Stanley Teacher Preparation Program (which merged with the PEBC Teacher Residency in 2015). Lisa has been with PEBC since 2015 and with Stanley Teacher Prep since 2013.

Lisa holds an MA from the University of Colorado Denver in Educational Psychology and a BA in History from the University of Oregon. Lisa loves to hike, garden, read and laugh with her family and friends. 

Favorite children’s book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Jonathan Sisk
he/him/his

Jonathan Sisk is PEBC’s Director of Technology. Jon originally attended school for Chemical Engineering but switched full time to IT when his company IT Jon, Inc. took off in 2001. Jon has maintained PEBC’s technology infrastructure since 2009. He provides technical support for staff, teachers and residents, develops and supports the website, edits and produces videos, and provides technical assistance for marketing and communications.

Favorite children’s book: The Way Things Work by David Macaulay

Dana Sorensen
she/her/hers

Sorensen joined PEBC in 2010 and consults both locally and nationally, co-facilitates the Thinking Strategies Institute and supports data collection and evaluation of services. Sorensen has had the privilege of serving in many roles during her 30 years in education resulting in her steadfast belief in students, teachers, and administrators. Sorensen began her career in Houston Texas and spent fifteen years there working in third grade, Reading Recovery and as a literacy specialist. Beginning in 2004, she coached teachers and served as Director of Professional Development in a Denver area school district.

In addition to her educational roles, Dana takes a particular interest in being a training associate for Cognitive Coaching and works with systems thinking through the Water’s Foundation. She earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Type D Administrative certifications from Regis University.

Favorite children’s book: Marvelous Cornelius by Phil Bildner

Lindsey Thomson
she/her/hers

As Residency Field Manager in Eagle County, Lindsey Thomson leads PEBC’s teacher preparation work as an instructor and coach, supporting candidates throughout their residency year and into post-residency pathways. She currently teaches English as a Second Language at Colorado Mountain College and has taught in high schools in Colorado and South Korea.

Lindsey earned her BA in Cross-Cultural Studies from Whitworth University and her Master’s in Teaching (Secondary) from Gonzaga University.

When she isn’t teaching, Lindsey enjoys rock climbing, Nordic skiing, camping, and exploring the world with her husband and two young daughters.

Favorite children’s book: Mo Willem’s Elephant and Piggie series

Jay Vasconcellos
she/her/hers

Jay Vasconcellos is the Office Manager at PEBC and Executive Assistant to Sue Sava. Jay is passionate about organization and efficiency and strives to bring calm to chaos. Prior to joining PEBC Jay worked as an Executive Assistant and Project Manager in the Telecommunications field. She has also worked as a chef, realtor and a glass blower.

Jay enjoys spending time with her husband and two teenage daughters exploring the western US. She is passionate about roller skating, hiking, cooking, eating, Xeric gardening and travel.

Favorite children’s book: Pickles and Pete by Berkeley Breathed

Tracy Wagers
she/her/hers

Tracy Wagers (she/her/hers) supports new teachers as a Manager of Resident Development for PEBC’s Residency team.  Her approach as a coach and instructor includes an emphasis on social-emotional learning, inclusion, and creating safe spaces for growth and reflection.

Prior to joining PEBC, Tracy served as principal of an alternative middle and high school for students with learning differences. She also taught secondary language arts in the Denver Metro Area for eleven years and has endorsements in special education and gifted and talented support. 

Tracy earned a Master’s in Humanities from CU-Denver, focusing on creativity and spirituality in education, and a BA in English from CU-Boulder.  

Tracy is the mother of twins, a girl and a boy, and sees her parenting as a crucial opportunity for anti-racist work. She believes that humility is key to being a lifelong learner.  Tracy grew up on a wheat farm in eastern Colorado and is passionate about living in a way which prioritizes people over things.

Favorite children’s book: Anh’s Anger by Gail Silver