Staff Directory

Administration

Ms. Chelsea Behanna

Principal

Ms. Behanna is proud to have been a part of the Rocky Top community since the day Adams 12 broke ground on the school. As a Technology Integration Specialist in the Information Technology Department she was an integral part of the planning team, ensuring that the school was built to maximize the use of educational... View Profile

Mr. DJ Eipper

Assistant Principal

MA

DJ joined the team at Rocky Top as an assistant principal in 2011.  Before coming to Adams 12 he worked in the St. Vrain Valley School District as an English language acquisition teacher providing intensive instruction to new arrivals to the United States at the middle school level.  He then obtained a masters in... View Profile

Mrs. Jennifer Oldweiler

Assistant Principal

BA, MA

Mrs. Oldweiler has been a proud Grizzly for the last nine years!  She grew up in Colorado Springs, attended the University of Colorado, Boulder Campus and taught math and science for six  years in Commerce City before joining Adams 12, where she taught 6th and 7th grade science before moving into administration. ... View Profile

Mr. Robert Sears

Dean of Students

BA, MEd

Teaching in Adams 12 since 1995. Was on opening day staff at Rocky Top in 2004.  Taught in the classroom for 20 years (8th Grade US History) View Profile

Mr. Daniel Jimenez

Unknown

BA

Im a Police Offcier with the City of Thornton. I have been with department for over seventeen years. Im currently assigned as The Rocky Top middle School Resource Offcier. I have been working with kids for over twenty five years. View Profile

Office

Ms. Suzanne Strain

Office Manager

I am originally from Cheyenne, Wyoming and moved to the Denver area 25 years ago for an employment opportunity. I have worked in Adams12 Five Star Schools for almost 20 years. I started my employment with the district at Century Middle School as the bookkeeper and then moved to Rocky Top Middle as office manager.... View Profile

Ms. Heather Dean

Secretary , Secretary

Incomplete Profile View Profile

Mrs. Arlene Gines

Registrar

BA

Mrs. Gines is in her 8th school year at Rocky Top Middle! She enjoys going on vacations with her Husband and Kids and watching TONS of baseball every spring and summer! View Profile

Ms. Janece Evans

Clerk

Hello!  My name is Janece Evans.  I have worked at Rocky Top Middle School for 6 years.  I love it here!  Both my kids attended all three grades which was awhile ago...yikes!  Please pop by the office & say "Hey" View Profile

Mrs. Pam Johnson

Clerk

Incomplete Profile View Profile

6th Grade

Ms. Caitlin Britton

6th Grade Language Arts Teacher

BA

Ms. Britton, formerly of the Chicagoland area, moved to Colorado seven years ago and is currently in her fourth year teaching 6th grade language arts at Rocky Top Middle School. She is grateful for everything Colorado has to offer, from the beautiful landscape to all of the exciting outdoor activities. She was not... View Profile

Mr. Aaron Dees

6th Grade Language Arts Teacher

BA, MA

This is Mr. Dees ' 20th year in education. He spent 15 years at North Mor Elementary teaching 2nd grade for 2 years and 4th grade for 13 years.  He then moved to the district administration building where he worked in professional development for 3 years.  He loves working with the amazing staff and students at... View Profile

Mr. Zachary Hurst

6th Grade Language Arts Teacher

BA, MA

Hello everyone, I am Zack Hurst and I am a 6th grade Language Arts Teacher for the Telluride core. I love reading and writing, so I get to teach things I love. I have a BA in General English from Northern Arizona University, a Masters in 20th and 21st Century Literature from the University of Central Oklahoma,... View Profile

Mrs. Melissa Plane

6th Grade Language Arts Teacher

BA, MA

Mrs. Plane has been teaching here at Rocky Top for 13 years, and is in her 26th year of teaching. She graduated from Adams State College (now University) with a bachelor’s  degree in English and Secondary Education,  has a master’s degree in Reading Instruction/Curriculum from Grand Canyon University, and has a... View Profile

Mr. Jonathan Brunecz

6th Grade Math Teacher

BEd, MEd

Mr. Brunecz is completing his third year teaching math at Rocky Top Middle School! He's originally from a small town in Western New York, called Fredonia. Mr. Brunecz earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Science degree in Reading Education, from the State University of New York... View Profile

Mr. Chris Cramer

6th Grade Math Teacher

BS, MEd

Mr. Cramer is a sixth grade math teacher at Rocky Top Middle School.  He earned his masters degree from the University of Colorado.  He has been working in District 12 since 1991!  He is married and has two teenage boys.  He loves to read and travel the world. This last summer he visited Jakarta and Bali, Indonesia... View Profile

Ms. Trista Harguth

6th Grade Math Teacher

BA, MA

Ms. Harguth has been teaching sixth grade math since 2006. She considers herself fortunate and very lucky to be a part of the amazing Rocky Top staff and community. She earned her Bachelor's degree from University of Northern Colorado and her Master's degree from University of New England. While she is originally... View Profile

Ms. Sarah Kouri

6th Grade Math Teacher

BA, MA

Ms. Kouri has been teaching at Rocky Top since 2011. She loves the staff and students at RTMS. She especially enjoys directing the talented actors in the Theatre productions and leading the amazing kids in Student Council. When Ms. Kouri is not working she is either hanging with the kids she mentors through church,... View Profile

Mr. Steve Bogucki

6th Grade Science Teacher

MA, BA

Mr. Bogucki is a 6th grade science teacher at Rocky Top Middle School. He has been teaching in the Adams 12 School District for 17 years. He earned his undergraduate degree in Education with a minor in Music at Adams State University, and his Masters Degree in Literacy at The University of Colorado Boulder. He holds... View Profile

Mrs. Anne Brickley

6th Grade Science Teacher

MA, BA

Mrs. Brickley has enjoyed teaching in Adams 12 for the past 18 years.  She has been lucky to have been teaching Science at Rocky Top since the building opened.  She completed her Bachelor's degree at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado and then her Master's Degree in Education at the University of Colorado,... View Profile

Mrs. Siobhan Eubanks

6th Grade Science Teacher

Siobhan Eubanks has been teaching in Adams 12 for over twenty years.  She found her passion as a sixth grade science teacher and has spent most of her career in this perfect spot.  Mrs. Eubanks is a native of Colorado and received her Bachelor's in Environmental Science and Masters in Elementary Education from the... View Profile

Mrs. Melissa Lombardo

6th Grade Science Teacher

BS, MA

Mrs. Lombardo is in her 10th year as a middle school science teacher.  She earned her degree in Biology at Regis University in Denver, where she also played softball and was the Student Director for the peer education program on campus.  After Regis, Mrs. Lombardo attended the Morgridge College of Education at the... View Profile

Mrs. Holly Bishop

6th Grade Social Studies Teacher

MA, BA

ARR!  Ahoy thar mateys!  Cap't Bishop be teachin' 6th graders.  Avast...she fancies pirates, rubber ducks 'n nesting dolls. Cap't Bishop has grown up in district 12 from K-12 'n has taught in th' district fer th' past 22 years!  She  be teachin' social studies so that 'er 6th graders 'ave a new love 'n passion same... View Profile

Ms. Andrea Carlini

6th Grade Social Studies Teacher

MA

Ms. Carlini has been teaching since 2011.  She has  taught language arts, special education, and social studies at the middle school level.  Ms. Carlini was born and raised in Wisconsin, and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and her graduate degree from University of Denver. Prior to... View Profile

Mrs. Elizabeth Darnall

6th Grade Social Studies Teacher

BA, MA

Mrs. Darnall is a native of Colorado and grew up in a small farming community in southeastern Colorado.  She attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Mrs. Darnall has been teaching at Rocky Top since the school opened and has been working for Adams 12 since 2000. She is married and has two daughters... View Profile

Mr. Mark Genco

6th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Mark Genco has been teaching since 2006.  He came to Adams 12 in 2007 and has been teaching 6th Grade Social Studies at Rocky Top since 2010.  Aside from teaching, Mr. Genco has been involved in martial arts since he was 15.  Mark is involved heavily with the Jiu Jitsu community and has written the book, Inner Jiu... View Profile

7th Grade

Ms. Bernadette Baca

7th Grade Language Arts Teacher

BA

Welcome to 7th grade language arts! This is my 10th year at Rocky Top and I've taught 7th grade all years. I absolutley love working here with our amazing students and staff. It is my passion helping students discover a love for reading and writing through. When I am not in the classroom, you can find me hiking... View Profile

Ms. LoriLynn Brownell

7th Grade Language Arts Teacher

BS, MA

For 13 years Ms. Brownell has been lucky enough to call herself a Grizzly! Teaching at Rocky Top Middle School is a true point of pride for her. The last five years, Ms. Brownell has been helping her students figure out who they are and how they fit in the world through the vehicles of literature, rich discussions,... View Profile

Mrs. Jennifer Venturo-Valdez

7th Grade Language Arts Teacher

BA, MA

Jennifer Venturo-Valdez teaches 7th grade Language Arts at Rocky Top Middle School. She is currently in her 11th year of teaching. Jennifer started her career as an elementary teacher where she taught first and fifth grade. However, she soon realized that her true passion was literacy and working with middle school ... View Profile

Mr. Don Dennert

7th Grade Math Teacher , 7th Grade Science Teacher

BS, ChE

Hello Everyone, Don Dennert II is the 7th grade Math and Science Teacher for the Rapids Core. This is his first year teaching in Adams 12, but looks forward to a long career in the district. His technical background includes a bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering from the Univeristy of Wyoming and work... View Profile

Mrs. Jacqueline Ku

7th Grade Math Teacher

BA

Mrs. Ku is in her second year teaching as a 7th grade math teacher and first year working with Baking Club at Rocky Top. She earned her bachlorate from San Jose State University and is currently working towards her masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University. She holds an endorsement in... View Profile

Mr. Reuben Maes

7th Grade Math Teacher

Mr. Maes has been a 7th grade math teacher at Rocky Top Middle School for 14 years. He loves being a Grizzly and he is incredibly thankful to be a part of the remarkable staff here at Rocky Top. Mr Maes is very passionate about teaching math, especially to 7th graders! View Profile

Mrs. Kristi Nylin-Reed

7th Grade Math Teacher , 6th Grade Math Teacher

BASc, MA

Kristi Nylin-Reed is an Adams 12 Graduate. Kristi has been teaching middle school mathematics for 18 years. Her first position was at Niver Creek Middle School, where she was there for 4 years. From Niver Creek, Kristi accepted a position at Rocky Top Middle School where she started out as a 6th grade math teacher.... View Profile

Mrs. Victoria Robinson

7th Grade Math Teacher

BA, MEd

Greetings Grizzlies! Mrs. Robinson has been teaching 7th grade math for 11 years spending the last nine wonderful years at Rocky Top. She has also spent the last seven years co-sponsoring Rocky Top's Student Council. Teaching math is her true passion and she is so grateful to live and work in this community. Mrs... View Profile

Ms. Emily Bonder

7th Grade Science Teacher

BASc

Ms. Bonder is a 7th grade science teacher here at Rocky Top Middle School.   After graduating from the University of Delaware with a degree in Environmental Science, Ms. Bonder spent a year being an Environmental Educator to middle school students.   That is where she found her passion for teaching and decided to... View Profile

Ms. Heather Davis

7th Grade Science Teacher

BSBIO, MS

Heather Davis has been a 7th grade science teacher at Rocky Top since the school opened. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences in 2000 and her Master of Science degrees in Anatomy and Neurobiology in 2003 from Colorado State University. She enjoys spending her free time hiking and snowshoeing ... View Profile

Ms. Shelly Ford

7th Grade Science Teacher

BS, MPH

Ms Ford was raised in Cleveland and moved West as soon as graduating from Miami University (in Ohio).  She taught on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico and then in Arizona for six years.  She has a Masters in Nutrition from UNC and a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health.  She has been... View Profile

Mr. Tom Atwood

7th Grade Social Studies Teacher

BA, MA

Mr. Atwood is a Colorado native, product of AD12.  He has over 20 years teaching experience and has been part of the teaching staff at Rocky Top since opening day.  He is a huge Denver Broncos fan, enjoys working out and is an avid golfer.  View Profile

Mr. Vincent Berger

7th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Vincent Berger is a Colorado native from a large family. He is a Sagitarius and enjoys sunsets and South Park binging. History has always been of major interest to him which led to a career teaching middle school social studies. He attended Colorado State University and the University of Colorado at Denver where he... View Profile

Mr. Thomas Malone

7th Grade Social Studies Teacher , 7th Grade Language Arts Teacher

BA, MA

Mr. Malone has taught at Rocky Top Middle School for four years. He graduated from University of Oregon, where he majored in History, Journalism, and Spanish. Then, he earned his master's degree in education at University of Portland. Mr. Malone was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. Outside of school, he... View Profile

Ms. Heidi Maynard

7th Grade Social Studies Teacher

BS

Ms. Maynard has dreamed of being a seventh grade social studies teacher since she was in seventh grade! She graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2015 and has been teaching at Rocky Top for the last three years. When Ms. Maynard is not teaching, she enjoys rock climbing, running, hiking, baking, gardening, and... View Profile

8th Grade

Mrs. Shannon Langdon

8th Grade Language Arts Teacher

Mrs. Langdon joined the wonderful Rocky Top staff in 2016 and has just completed her seventh year teaching in the District of Adams 12.  Prior to joining the team at Rocky Top, Mrs. Langdon also taught at STEM Launch and The International School at Thornton middle. In 2008, Mrs. Langdon received her BA degree in... View Profile

Mrs. Anne Nemeth

8th Grade Language Arts Teacher

BA, MA

A native to Colorado, Mrs. Nemeth was born in Denver and grew up in Thornton; she attended Adams 12 Five Star Schools for elementary, middle, and high school. At the University of Colorado at Boulder, Mrs. Nemeth graduated with a Bachelor's in English Literature and also a Secondary Education Licensure in 2007.... View Profile

Mrs. Darla Ponzio

8th Grade Language Arts Teacher

MA

Mrs. Ponzio is a graduate of Adams 12 schools. She attended Adams State University for her undergraduate years. Mrs. Ponzio began her teaching career at Horizon High School where she initially taught Career and Technical Education. She completed her first MA degree at University of Phoenix in Organizational... View Profile

Ms. Natalie Rivas

8th Grade Language Arts Teacher

Ms. Rivas joined the Rocky Top teaching team in 2013, but has been a part of the Adams 12 community since 1995. Being that she is a native to Colorado, Ms. Rivas was a student in this district well before she ever began teaching in it. Her journey began at Tarver Elementary, continued on to Century Middle School,... View Profile

Mrs. Sonya Fitzgerald

8th Grade Math Teacher

BA

I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California and moved to Colorado in 2003.  I am currently in my 26th year of teaching.  In California, I taught at a private Christian school for 12 years.  While there, I taught Middle School Math for 9 years, High School Math for 3 years, and I was also the Math department... View Profile

Mrs. Mari Harp

8th Grade Math Teacher

Mrs. Harp has taught middle school math for six years. She is in her third year of teaching eighth grade math at Rocky Top. Previously, she taught seventh grade math in Wisconsin for three years. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in middle childhood through early adolescence from the University of Wisconsin-Eau... View Profile

Mr. Lance Pulliam

8th Grade Math Teacher

MS, BS

Mr. Pulliam has been an educator for 37 years now, and he continues to enjoy teaching 8th grade math.  He would say that it has been his privilage to be a teacher at Rocky Top Middle School from the day that it first opened its doors 14 years ago.  He finds great satisfaction in working with some of the finest... View Profile

Ms. Ruzena Sucharova

8th Grade Math Teacher

MS, MEd

Ms. Sucharova is an 8th grade math teacher at Rocky Top Middle School. She's been teaching at Adams 12 since 2001. Ms Sucharova earned her master's degrees in Mathematics, Biology and Teaching from Pavol Jozef Safarik University. She enjoys spending her free time reading, she likes hiking and traveling.  View Profile

Mr. John Davis

8th Grade Science Teacher

BS, MA

Mr. Davis joined Rocky Top Middle School in 2015 and has over 20 years of science teaching experience. Prior to Rocky Top, Mr. Davis taught 8th grade science at Sierra Middle School in Parker, Colorado. Mr. Davis graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a BA in Environmental Science. After moving to... View Profile

Mr. Daniel Fanelli

8th Grade Science Teacher

BA, MA

Mr. Fanelli is originally from Massachusetts and has lived in Colorado for a number of years now. He started working at Rocky Top middle school as an 8th grade science teacher in 2013. Obsessed with Jeeps and actually attempting to use them to their full capability, he has explored a lot of Colorado. He recently... View Profile

Mr. Brent Stauffer

8th Grade Science Teacher

Mr. Stauffer joined the Rocky Top teaching team in 2009 as a 6th grade science teacher.  In 2017 he moved to 8th grade science.  He is passionate about teaching and working with the kids to help them succeed in their future endeavors.  Prior to coming to Rocky Top Mr. Stauffer was a 5th grade teacher at Hillcrest... View Profile

Mrs. Lynda Szumski

8th Grade Science Teacher

Not just Science here, teaching at the junction of applied math, art, engineering and language arts. Budding Ukulelist, ninja, ACS member, master of potions. Fueled by chocolate and all things outside. View Profile

Ms. Nahid Razani

8th Grade Social Studies Teacher

BA

Ms. Nahid Razani have been teaching for Adams 12 Five Star Schools since 1999.  She has a BA in Psychology and went trough teaching program at University of Metro State in Colorado.  Ms. Razani teaches Social Studies particularly United States' History.  She truly enjoys working with students and preparing them for... View Profile

Mr. Nate Roberts

8th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Mr. Roberts has taught at Rocky Top Middle School since 2005.  During that time he has taught language arts and social studies across both 6th and 8th grade.  When Mr. Roberts is not teaching, he loves spending time with his wife and three kids.  Together, they enjoy riding bikes, attending Rockies games, and... View Profile

Miss Katrina Shult

8th Grade Social Studies Teacher

This is Katrina's 5th year teaching Social Studies at Rocky Top. Katrina has enjoyed teaching both 7th and 8th grade over the years. Orginially from Wisconsin, she has grown to love Colorado and all that it has to offer. In her spare time she loves to be outdoors running, hiking, and skiing!  View Profile

Mrs. Jennifer Sykes

8th Grade Social Studies Teacher

BA

Mrs. Sykes is a proud native Texan who has been with the Rocky Top family since 2014.  She is a graduate of Texas A&M with a degree in History and Political Science.   Mrs. Sykes began her teaching career in 1998 and has remained in middle school ever since.  Jennifer enjoys spending her free time with her... View Profile

Multi-Grade Teachers

Ms. Diana Stutzman

Art Teacher

BFA, BA, MSEd

Hello!  My name is Diana Stutzman and I am proud to say that I am an original Grizzly.  I opened Rocky Top Middle School over 14 years ago following three years at Westake Middle School.  My love of art stems from the amazing instruction I received at Northglenn High School.  Following high school, I attended and... View Profile

Mr. Tanner May

SSN Teacher

BS

Mr. May is a Colorado native who grew up in Colorado Springs. He went on to Colorado State University in Fort Collins where he pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology with a specific interest in perception, learning, and memory research. Having joined an At-Risk Youth program on campus, Mr. May decided... View Profile

Ms. Nichole Stimmel

Affective Needs Teacher

Ms. Nichole Stimmel is a Colorado Native. She grew up in Northglenn where she attended elementary, middle and high school in the Adams 12 school district. She is in her 5th year at Rocky Top Middle School as a special education teacher. Nichole earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in... View Profile

Mr. Deano Crumley

P.E. Teacher

BA

Incomplete Profile View Profile

Mr. Zachary Foster

P.E. Teacher

BA, MEd

Mr. Foster has been teaching Physical Education and Health in Adams 12 for 10 years. He has previously taught at Niver Creek Middle School before coming to Rocky Top in the 2012-13 school year. Mr. Foster is a product of Adams 12 having attended Coronado Hills Elementary, Thornton Middle School, and Thornton High... View Profile

Mrs. Marilyn Wohlford

P.E. Teacher

BS, MA

Mrs. Wohlford is a product of District 12 Schools (Westview Elem., Huron Jr. High, and Northglenn HS), and has been teaching in D12 since 1995.  She has been at Rocky Top since it opened in 2004. She has also worked at Hunters Glen Elementary, Northeast Middle, Century Middle, and Shadow Ridge Middle.  She is a... View Profile

Mr. Chris Wohlford

P.E. Teacher

BA, MA

Mr. Wohlford is a product of District #12 schools.  He attended Wyco Elementary, Northeast Jr. High, and graduated from Northglenn High School in 1988.  He received his BA in K-12 Physical Education from Mesa State College in 1993.  Mr. Wohlford received his MA in Computer Education from Lesley University in 1996. ... View Profile

Ms. Rachelle Crowell

Music Teacher

BME, BM, MM

Ms. Crowell loves teaching orchestra, woodwinds, and band classes at Rocky Top! She completed her Bachelor of Music Education and Bachelor of Music Performance degrees with highest honors at the University of Colorado at Boulder. She then earned her Master of Music degree at Colorado State University where she was... View Profile

Mrs. Kim Dunninger

Music Teacher

MM, BME

Kim Dunninger is an accomplished singer and teacher having taught choral and orchestral music, K thru college for 27 years in NH, OR, ND & CO.  She holds a B.M. Education with distinction from the University of Maine and an M.M. in choral conducting from the University of Oregon where she conducted the Women’s... View Profile

Mr. David Wiske

Music Teacher

BME, MMEd

Mr. Wiske is the band king, having taught in Adams 12 for his entire career.  He grew up in Thornton, graduated from Northglenn High School, married his high school sweetheart (who saved him from wasting away his life in college) and has had both his children graduate from Horizon High School. Mr. Wiske taught at... View Profile

Mrs. Kristen Hines

ELL Teacher

BA, MEd

Kristen Hines has been teaching English Language Development (ELD) for the past 8 years. Her and her husband recently moved to Colorado from Austin where she was a Reading Interventionist and finished her masters degree to become a Reading Specialist. She has traveled and taught English all over the world, including... View Profile

Mrs. Krista Gauna

K-8 Elective Teacher

BA, MA

Mrs. Gauna is a Spanish teacher and has been at Rocky Top since 2007.  A native of San Diego, Mrs. Gauna moved to Colorado to attend DU, where she earned her degree in Mathematics and Spanish.  She went on to get her Master's Degree in Spanish at Middlebury College in Vermont.  She loves to spend time with her... View Profile

Mrs. Myra Harris

K-8 Elective Teacher

BS

Myra Harris joined the Rocky Top team in 2017.  She earned her Bachelor of Science degree at Cal Poly University and her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Cal State Bakersfield.  After moving to Colorado in 2009, she added Family and Consumer Science (FACS) and Career and Technical Education (CTE)... View Profile

Mr. Darryl Plummer

K-8 Elective Teacher , Technology Teacher

BA

Mr. Plummer has been working at Rocky Top as a Spanish and Internet Skills teacher since 2016. Before that he worked in Burlington, Colorado as a Language Arts and Social Studies teacher for 2 years. Mr. Plummer joined the US Army after high school for fame and fortune (but acheived neither). He attended Colorado... View Profile

Mr. Robert Samsel

K-8 Elective Teacher

BA, MA

Mr. Samsel has been a Spanish teacher in Adams 12 Five Star Schools since 2004.  Mr. Samsel learned Spanish while living in Guatemala for 2 years.  He has taught at the high school and middle school levels.  View Profile

Mr. John Harden

Technology Teacher

BA, BS, MA

I have been at Rocky Top Middle School since its opening in 2004. I teach 6th grade computers, 7th grade multimedia, and 8th grade computer applications. I also do some technology trouble-shooting throughout the building. View Profile

Ms. Katie MacLean

Technology Teacher

MA, BA

This is Katie's 14th year teaching and her 2nd year at Rocky Top. She started teaching the Humanities at the high school level. She has a Bachelor of Specialized Studies at Ohio University and her Master's in Education at the University of Colorado at Denver. Katie is certified to teach Instructional Technology,... View Profile

Mr. Nicholas Schuster

Technology Teacher , Technology Support

BA

Mr. Schuster has been working at Rocky Top for 11 years.  He started in Language Arts and moved to Electives 5 years ago.  He has two kids and a chubby Golden Retriever.  He is also a proud CSU graduate and is currently attending CU Boulder for his Master's degree in Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity.  ... View Profile

Mrs. Lindsay Darnell

Learning Specialist

MEd, BA

Lindsay is a literacy learning specialist for 6th, 7th and 8th graders at RTMS. This is her third year teaching at RTMS and she's grown very proud of the amazing students that she gets to teach here. A Colorado native, Lindsay was raised in Louisville, skiing the slopes hiking the trails of the Rocky Mountains. She... View Profile

Ms. Ambrosha Galicia

Learning Specialist

BA

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...Ambrosha Galicia found a love for reading, writing, Star Wars and Spider-Man.  I am currently a learning specialist in grades 6th and 7th for literacy. This my 2nd year of teaching and my 2nd year being a Grizzly. I received my undergrad degree in Special Education with... View Profile

Ms. Marie Perez

Learning Specialist

BS

Ms. Marie Perez currently is a Learning Specialist in grades 6, 7 and 8 for math.  She attended school at CU in Boulder and completed her teaching degree at the Metropolitan University of Denver. Ms. Perez holds degrees in child psychology and elementary education, with a minor in the Exceptional Child in the... View Profile

Mr. James Simmons

Learning Specialist

BA

Jimmy Simmons is proud to be an Adams 12 Five Star Schools product. He was born and raised in Northglenn, Co and attended Ted Hulstrum Elementary, Northglenn Junior High, and Thornton High School. He attended Metropolitan State University where he earned a BA in Behavioral Science as well as his License in Special... View Profile

Support Staff

Ms. Nicole Bernabe

Counselor

MA

Ms. Bernabe is the counselor for our 6th grade students. She received her Masters in School Counseling from Gonzaga University, where she also worked prior to becoming a part of our Grizzly family! She enjoys exploring everything that Colorado has to offer and loves working with all the middle schoolers! View Profile

Mrs. Porfidia Beuke

Counselor

MA

Mrs. Beuke is the counselor for 8th grade.  She earned her Masters in School Counseling at the University of Phoenix in 2005, at which time she began interning at Rocky Top where she has since remained.  She loves all aspects of middle school and the opportunity to empower students at a critical time!  Mrs. Beuke is... View Profile

Mrs. Rachel McNiff

Counselor

MA, BA

Mrs. McNiff is the 7th grade counselor at Rocky Top. She attended the University of Denver for her undergraduate experience where she majored in Human Communications and minored in Italian and Psychology. During this time, she also spent four months living and studying abroad in Rome, Italy. Following graduation,... View Profile

Ms. Karmen Austin

Paraeducator

Ms. Austin has worked for Adams 12 since 2001.  She is in her 10th year at Rocky Top Middle School.  She loves working with middle schoolers - they are fun, energetic and constantly changing!  Outside of school, Ms. Austin's life revolves around her 3 grown children and her 2 rescue dogs.  She loves quilting,... View Profile

Ms. Audra Burnett

Paraeducator

 Audra has been a Special Education Paraeducator with Adams 12 Five Star Schools for over 19 years. District 12 is a huge part her life due to the fact that she received her K-12 education in the district, as did her now adult son. She is extremely proud to be an Adams 12 Five Star Schools' former student, parent,... View Profile

Ms. Stacie Hintz

Paraeducator

Stacie is from Iowa originally, but has called Colorado home for 30 years.  She loves biking, reading and hanging out with friends.  View Profile

Mrs. Robin Holcomb

Paraeducator

Robin is a paraeducator and is in her 6th year at Rocky Top.  She has been with the Adams 12 district for 13 years.  In her spare time she enjoys reading, singing and outdoor activities with her family. View Profile

Ms. Amanda Waken

Paraeducator

Ms Amanda has been working with the SSN students at  Rockytop for the last 5 school years. She enjoys getting to know the staff and students. When Ms Amanda is not at Rockytop she spends her time playing with her nieces, nephews and animals.  View Profile

Mrs. Paula Rhoads

Media Clerk

Mrs.  Rhoads has been working in libraries for 12 years 8 of them at  Rockytop. She enjoys watching students fall in love with reading. When Mrs. Rhoads is not at Rockytop she spends her time with her family and friends.  View Profile

Mrs. Irma Balic-Kamic

Health Aide

Incomplete Profile View Profile

Mrs. Frances Montoya

Health Aide

District School Nurse . Currently serves Rocky Top Middle School, North Mor Elementary, Cotton Creek Elementary and Skyview Elementary. Office Number at Rocky Top Middle School - 720-972-2217 View Profile

Ms. Jenai (J) Lombardi

Speech & Language Therapist

MS

Ms. J (Lombardi) is a Colorado Native and grew up in the Arvada area. She has been a Speech Language Pathologist at Rocky Top for three years. Before she took on this role she was the Speech Language Pathologist Assistant from the South to farthest North of Adams 12 schools. She earned her bachelor degree at... View Profile

Mrs. Keri Muzikar

Psychologist

EdS, NCSP

This is Mrs. Muzikar's 2nd year as a psychologist and 8th year in education.  She is proud to be part of Rocky Top's mental health and special education team and looks forward to serving our students! View Profile

Mrs. Lori Underwood

Instructional Coach , K-8 Elective Teacher

MEd, BA

Lori has been working at Rocky Top Middle for the last eight years and has been in education for 21 years.   As the Instructional Coach she works with many teachers and students across the building.  She also teaches Creative Writing, Jr. Great Books, and Yearbook.  As you can see she stays very busy at the Top. ... View Profile

Mrs. Lisa Haugan

Security

BS

I am happy to be at Rocky Top Middle School as the Campus Security Officer.  I spent a number of years as a Trooper with the Colorado State Patrol, and then while staying home with my kids I worked part-time in the classroom teaching safety classes.  I love working with kids, and I am glad I get the opportunity to... View Profile

Nutrition

Mrs. Susan Carew

Nutrition Staff , Nutrition Staff

AA

I have been the kitchen manager since 2004 when the school opened.  I have worked in the district for 20 years. View Profile

Custodial

Mr. Surasak Mungmee

Custodial Staff

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