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Mission: To inspire the pursuit of excellence, one student at a time.
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Cindy Golden
Secretary
Hello everyone! My name is Cindy Golden, and I have been the Secretary here at Marsh since 2010. I have worked as a hairdresser, banker, pharmacy technician and in many office settings over the years, but this has been the most rewarding job I have ever had. Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of the children every day brings me so much joy! Thank you for letting me be a part of their lives!
I was born and raised here in Monte Vista and graduated in 1984 from Monte Vista High School. I have been married to my High School crush for 30 years. We have two grown boys. Dylon is a Police Officer in Monte Vista, and also works as the School Resource Officer for the Monte Vista School District. Daniel works as an aircraft mechanic and is going to school to also become a Police Officer.
In my free time I love to go to the mountains, camp, hike, do yard work, read scary books and watch documentaries on Egypt and other ancient civilizations. I also enjoy cooking and baking when I find the time.
Peggy Haslar
Counselor
Hi everybody, I’m Peggy Haslar, the counselor at Marsh since 2002! After earning my BA in English at Adams State I spent ten happy years as an adjunct English professor before entering the counseling program there. I received my Masters degree in counseling in 1998 and served as a K-12 counselor before coming to Monte Vista and “the Sunshine School.” Working with young children has been my joy ever since.
I’ve lived in the San Luis Valley since 1985. I was born in western New York but spent most of my childhood in Kansas, so that’s always where I say I’m from. I’m married and have two grown sons, a beautiful daughter-in-law and two fun-loving grandchildren. Our family likes to camp together and enjoy the mountains. We love our pets and we try to zoom once a month to catch up on what everybody’s been up to.
When I’m not working with children at school, I’m usually winding down with some reading and writing of my own. I built the Marsh counseling program around books that connect with the themes we teach to help children become capable and caring members of our school community. I love supporting families, so feel free to call me if you’d like to consult about support for your child!
Briana Villagomez
School Nurse
About me
Lori Christensen
Preschool Teacher
Hi! My name is Lori Christensen. I have been with the district for 20 years with 19 of those years being in Preschool. Prior to working in Monte Vista I worked for one year in the LaVeta Schools and one year in a preschool program in Grand Junction. I then took time and stayed home with my kids until they were in school full time.
I have been married to my husband Ryan for 30 years and we have two grown children who are graduates of Monte Vista High School.
My son Riley and his wife Jacey live in Pagosa Springs where Riley is an Electrical Lineman for LaPlata Electric. They have also blessed our family with the cutest baby ever and her name is Maizey. She's the BEST!
My daughter Kelee has finished her schooling in Business and has recently moved home from Texas and she currently works for Friday Health Plans in Alamosa.
During my free time I really enjoy using our new camper and taking our side by side or four wheelers to the mountains. And of course any time spent with my family is my absolute favorite!
Kelly Avila
Preschool Teacher
Hi, I'm Kelly Avila. I have been married to my husband Cory for 25 years. We have 3 children, 1 daughter in law and 1 granddaughter. In my spare time I like to read, go camping, fishing and spending time with my family.
This is my 4th year at Marsh in the Preschool room, I started working for BOCES at Marsh in 2013, and subbed. I have worked in different Head Start programs. I have been working in education for almost 15 years. My passion has always been with the younger children.
Kim Maestas,
Preschool Teacher
I have worked in the Monte Vista School District for 27 years. I started subbing in the Administration office and then started working at Marsh in the Preschool. I have also worked in the Resource rooms at both Marsh and Bill Metz,I have supported children in both Kindergarten and First Grade classrooms. My true passion is Preschool, the shaping of little minds and bodies is what I love. I have 2 grown children, and 2 grandsons. My husband and I love riding our Harley Davidson on the weekends. I love this quote: "The littlest feet make the biggest footprints in our hearts." I love seeing the kids I have had in Preschool graduate, it makes me so proud that I was a part of the education.
Tammy Gallegos
Preschool Paraprofessional
About me
Kindergarten Teacher
Luella Lopez
This is my 38th year teaching. I currently teach kindergarten, but have been a migrant ed teacher, Title 1 teacher, fifth grade teacher, Reading interventionist for 7-12th graders, parent liaison for the district, PE/music teacher, PE/Spanish teacher and an ELL teacher with all those years. Although kindergarten is the most challenging; it is also the most rewarding grade level I have taught. Children come in with various learning styles and abilities. As a kindergarten teacher I try my best to challenge children to learn all they can while having fun.
I also am the Summer Dorm Director and Tutor Coordinator for the Upward Bound Program at Adams State. This is also a wonderful place to be. I enjoy the students and learn so much from them and all the staff.
I love what I do as an educator in both arenas of my life, but I also enjoy my personal life. My life revolves around my nieces and nephews. We have endless hours of investing, playing, learning and just chilling.
Monica Mata-Alvarez
Kindergarten Teacher
I would like to begin by saying I am enthused to have joined an awesome team. My name is Monica Mata-Alvarez. I was born and raised in Alamosa. My dream job always involved working with children. Graduating from high school, I realized that I could pursue a career in teaching. I started off with Early Childhood; this consisted of working with infants, toddlers, and preschool children. I have eight years of experience which have been of great advantage. I have graduated with my BA in Education and Human Development, and hope to soon start working into my MA.
I am married and have two children, a three year old son and a six year old daughter. We like to spend time together at the park, out of town, and reading. I am excited to start this new journey with such a wonderful community.
Jeannette Casias
Kindergarten Teacher
Hello my name is Jeannette Casias, I am entering my 13th year of teaching kindergarten at Marsh Elementary.
Originally I am from Antonito, but after graduating from Adams State with my Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Education (’09), I moved to Alamosa. In 2012, I finished my Master’s in Special Education and I am currently pursuing a second Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction (anticipated ’23).
I am married to my wonderful husband Alfonso. We have two precious boys and a girl. In our spare time we like to go bike riding or walking. Ever since I met my husband, I have enjoyed being on the farm with him. My family and I now help his dad with everything we can. We help with branding, feeding cows, and picking up bales in the summer. We even help with processing deer/elk, cows and pigs.
Two years ago my parents built a cabin. They decided not to have technology there yet, so we are able to spend some good quality time with each other. My kids have loved to play Frisbee and football altogether.
I love teaching this age group because every single day is a different experience. I am very passionate about teaching Math to my students too!
Fae Naranjo
Kindergarten Teacher
About me
Sara Hindes
First Grade Teacher
About me
Kirsten Whitmer
First Grade Teacher
About me
Jason Hinds
First Grade Teacher
About me
Heidi Stevenson
First Grade Teacher
I am Heidi Stevenson and I have been working in the Monte Vista School district and teaching first grade for the last 15 years.. I graduated from St. Mary of the Plains College with a BA in Education and taught fifth and sixth grade for two years in Kansas. I came back to Colorado and taught in Deer Trail, Colorado for two years before getting married and moving back to the valley. I was hired to teach 6th grade in Center, and after doing that for a few years, I moved “down” to teach second graders. After eight years in Center, I took a position in Del Norte teaching kindergarten. During that time, I went back to school and got my masters degree in Reading. I came to Monte Vista in 2006 to teach first graders and have been here ever since!
I was born in Monte Vista and grew up in Center. My mother was raised here too and comes from a very large family. I love doing things as a family! We love to camp and picnic in the mountains and my husband and I enjoy riding our bikes on the trails in Colorado. I also love to sew and read in my spare time. .
First graders are my favorite people! I love working and learning with them! I am very grateful to be a part of the Marsh family.
John Plane
SPED/Paraprofessional
About me
Paul Lince
Marsh Kitchen
About me
Erika Goodland
Marsh Kitchen
About me
Greg Castro
Custodian
About me
Karyn Futrell
Handwriting/Music Teacher, RtI Coordinator
About me
Jessica Rivera
Metz Art Teacher, Marsh Literacy Paraprofessional
About me
Tanya Lopez
Computer Teacher, Paraprofessional
My name is Tanya Lopez, I was born in Alamosa Colorado, raised in Denver Colorado where I attended school up until 1993 I moved back to the Valley (Monte Vista Colorado) where I finished High School and graduated in 1994. I am happily married to my wonderful husband of 28 wonderful years, we have two beautiful grown children. I LOVE to have fun, laugh, and be loud. I LOVE being outdoors fishing, camping, four wheeling and spending time with my family! I started a career in education with the Monte Vista School District in 2010 as a substitute and in 2015 I started a job as a full-time Paraprofessional at Marsh Elementary.I love to help children succeed. It is a passion! This year 2021-2022 I will be taking on the roll of being a Paraprofessional/Computer Teacher at Marsh Elementary where I will be helping First graders and Kindergarten students grow and be successful! I am very happy to be part of Marsh Elementary "The Sunshine School"
Rosa Hayes
Metz STEM, Marsh PE Paraprofessional
About me
Gianna Canestri
AmeriCorp Volunteer
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