Classroom Websites + Contact Information

Kindergarten

• Robert Sutro - robert_sutro@denvergreenschool.org

• Stacey Garcia - stacey_garcia@denvergreenschool.org

Robert Sutro (Mr. Robert, he/him): I have been a teacher since 2004 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2016. I am currently a kindergarten teacher. I have a Master’s degree in interdisciplinary social science and I have been a National Board Certified Teacher since 2010. Before becoming a teacher I did peacebuilding work with children in Bosnia and Kosovo. When I am not teaching, I write children’s books and take long walks in the mountains.

Stacey Garcia (Ms Garcia, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2000 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2022. I am currently a kindergarten teacher. I have a Master’s degree in teaching Reading, Writing, and Language. I was recognized by DPS as a Mile High Teachers of the year in 2010. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and attending their sporting events,

Jasmine Gunderson (Ms. Gunderson, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2019 and joined the Denver Green School community in 2024. I hold a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, hiking, gardening, and spending time with my family. I am passionate about creating a joyful, engaging learning environment where students feel curious, supported, and inspired every day.

Melissa Colunga (Ms. Melissa, she/her): My journey in education began in 2013 as an assistant teacher in ECE. I joined the Denver Green School community in 2018 as a first grade paraprofessional for three years, then a reading fellow for two years where I supported students to grow as readers. Now I have had the privilege of teaching first grade. My passion lies in the joy I see when students find connections between learning in the classroom and the natural world. I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, live music, art, and nature. 

Brooks Hardcastle (Mrs. Hardcastle, she/her):  I have been a teacher since 2021 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2023. I am currently the second grade literacy teacher. I have a Master’s degree in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. When I am not teaching, I enjoy all things outdoors– skiing, hiking, running, biking, fishing, and camping with my family, friends, and dogs!

AJ Ecton (Ms. E, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2016 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2025. I am currently the second grade math teacher. I have my Master’s Degree in curriculum and instruction with a Bachelor’s Degree in social work. I earned the Green Apple Teacher of the Year Award in 2018. When I am not teaching, I enjoy running, hiking, camping, and spending time with my family, friends, and dog! 

Katie Heinz (Mrs. Heinz, she/her): I have been an educator since 2015 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2022. I am currently the third grade math teacher. I have my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from MSU Denver. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time outside, hiking, camping, gardening, traveling, and spending time with my husband Will. 

Kari Ouellette (Ms. Ouellette, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2019 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2025. I am currently our third grade literacy teacher. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Ohio State. When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading, cooking and exploring Colorado with my dog Koda!

Travis Ostrom (Mr.Ostrom, he/him): I have been a teacher since I joined the Denver Green School community in 2011. I am currently a 4th grade literacy teacher. I have a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Colorado. I have received many years of a Distinguished Teacher rating and recognitions from the district for high student growth. Before becoming a teacher, I was a wilderness instructor for Outward Bound. When I am not teaching, I enjoy the outdoor activities Colorado offers, making delicious coffees, and reading. 

Matt Meyer (Mr. Meyer, he/me): I have been a teacher since 2008 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2016. I am currently the fourth grade math teacher. I have a Master’s Degree in Education from Stanford University and an Ed.S in Educational Leadership from UC Denver. When I am not teaching, I enjoy baking bread, watching football, and riding bikes with my stepdaughter. 

Bethany Morton (Ms. Morton, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2020 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2025. I am currently the 5th grade literacy teacher. I have a Master’s Degree in Education Instruction and Curriculum from the University of Colorado Boulder, where I also went for my undergrad. When I am not teaching, I enjoy traveling, spending time with friends and family and cooking.

Maddie Sarlo (Ms. Sarlo, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2022 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2023. I am currently the fifth-grade math teacher. I graduated from the University of Florida. When I am not teaching, I enjoy weightlifting, being outdoors, watercolor painting, and reading philosophy books. 

Bethany Lutz (Ms. Lutz, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2025 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2010 as a student. I loved DGS so much that I came back as a teacher! I am currently the sixth-grade mathematics teacher. I have my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with an Emphasis in Secondary Teaching from the University of Northern Colorado. When I am not teaching, I enjoy traveling, sewing, baking, and watching the Broncos and Nuggets.

Rowan Deaton (Mr. Deaton, he/him): I have been a teacher since 2020 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2025. I am currently the 6th grade Literacy teacher here at DGS. I grew up in Texas and have a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of North Texas, a Master’s Degree in English from Texas A&M Central Texas, and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado. I also frequently speak at conferences around the United States about teaching neurodiverse students. Before becoming a teacher I worked at a robotics company! When I am not teaching, I enjoy hiking, reading, and playing Warhammer 40,000.

Bailey Wagner (Ms. Wagner, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2015 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2015. I am currently the 7th grade math teacher. I have a Master’s Degree in environmental engineering. I worked as a consultant for a few years but switched to teaching via an alternative license program and haven’t looked back since. I am on the Partnership here at DGS, our leadership team. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time in the mountains with my family - especially cross country skiing and swimming in cold colorado lakes.

Teresa Sena, (Ms. Sena, she/her), Emancipatory English Language and Literary Studies Educator. I have been a secondary educator since 1995, both in middle schools and high schools. I’m fortunate to be our 7th grade language and literature studies educator. I joined the Denver Green School community in 2025 upon my return to Denver after living in Beijing, China for 2 years, and Tucson, Arizona for 8. I adore teenagers and am so grateful to have your children with me every day, laughing and learning together. My mantra:  I Lead with Love. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in English, Secondary Education, a Master’s Degree in Education, Curriculum Design and Instruction, and I am currently a PhD candidate (ABD) in Educational Leadership and Policy at The University of Arizona, School of Education. My research focuses on emancipatory educational practices in 8 through 12 education and reflexive practices, including Indigenous Methodologies that focus on community action. Before becoming a teacher, I was a stay-at-home mom, a 20-year business owner, and an evening newswoman for The Associated Press (The AP). I have 3 grown children and 10 grandchildren. When I am not teaching, I enjoy sports, music, theater, the outdoors, dancing, and gardening. I love to read, sing, and hang out with my grandchildren and our dogs. I recently adopted a Rhodesian Ridgeback from Colorado Humane; her name is Athena. I love cooking and eating with friends and family. I love laughter, so if you have a great joke, share it with me when we meet.

Dr. Angel Montoya (Dr. Montoya, she/her): I’ve been a teacher since 2009 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2025. I am currently our 8th grade literacy teacher. I have a Bachelors of Science in Communication/Sociology, a Masters of Arts in Communication, a Masters of Arts in Secondary Education, an Administrators Certificate, and a Doctorate of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity. Before I was a teacher, I worked in event coordinating and marketing for a CBS affiliate ,but it was in my first Master’s program that I fell in love with teaching. I have a wealth of experience in the field of education from being a classroom teacher, school building leadership, central office leadership, the Public Education Department, college leadership, and an adjunct professor. The classroom is the place where I feel most comfortable and happy, and I enjoy sharing my love of literature with students. When I am not teaching, I am reading, attending concerts, attending musicals at DCPA, traveling, going to movies, exploring new restaurants, spending time with family and friends, playing video games, and enjoying my two yorkies: Archimedes and Maple. 

Clea Stiebel (Mrs. Stiebel, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2013 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2020. I am currently our 8th grade math teacher as well as a senior team lead supporting our amazing K-8 math team. I have a Master of Music Performance and Pedagogy from CU Boulder from my previous career as a professional musician as well as teacher licensure in 7-12 mathematics education through MSU Denver. When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading (both with and without my family), camping, running, playing Legend of Zelda video games, cooking, and gardening.

Middle School Teachers

• Paula Zendle (Emerging Bilingual Language Support) - paula_zendle@denvergreenschool.org

• Kyla Aude (4-6 Science) - kyla_aude@denvergreenschool.org

• Anna Edelman (7-8 Science) - anna_edelman@denvergreenschool.org

• Alexia Peck (7-8 Social Studies) - alexia_peck@denvergreenschool.org

• Anna Krah (7-8 Special Education) - anna_krah@denvergreenschool.org

Paula Zendle (Ms. Zendle, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2012 and I joined the Denver Green School community in August of 2012. I am currently a teacher in our multilingual program. I earned my Master’s in Education and started with DGS right after that. I am entering my twelfth year of being an ELD. I am endorsed and have taught Spanish as a World Language to 5th-8th graders. I am certified & trained in OG Phonics for elementary & adolescents. I earned my CLD endorsement in 2015, I earned my  and I earned the National Boards in 2021. Before becoming a teacher, I earned a Business (BBA) degree from the University of Iowa and I was in Marketing & Sales with IBM for 13 years. When I am not teaching, I enjoy hiking, swimming, singing, and traveling to Spanish-speaking countries.

Kyla Aude (Ms.Kyla, she/her):  I joined the Denver Green School community in 2022 as a paraprofessional and I became a DGS teacher in 2025. I am currently the fifth/sixth grade science teacher. I have my Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences with a focus on Early Childhood Education. When I am not teaching, I enjoy hiking, knitting, and exploring new cities.

Anna Edelman (Ms. Edelman, she/her):  I have been a teacher since 2012 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2024. I am currently the 7th and 8th grade science teacher. I have a Bachelors degree in biochemistry from Barnard College and a Masters in Engineering from Boston University. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, running, and going to the mountains.

Alexia Peck (Ms. A, she/her): I have been in education since 2022 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2025. I am currently the 7th and 8th grade social studies teacher. I went to school at the University of Idaho for my educational degree. After coming to Colorado I started long term substituting around the area. Since graduating college I have always been in education! When I am not teaching, I enjoy taking care of all my house plants and getting into the mountains whenever I can!

Anna Krah (Ms. Krah, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2019 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2023. I am currently the 7th/8th Grade Mild/Moderate Special Education Teacher and the Special Education Team Lead at DGS. I studied Elementary and Middle School Education for my undergraduate degree and Special Education for my Masters degree, both from Boston College. I am licensed in Special Education, Elementary Education, and Middle School Mathematics. When I am not teaching, I enjoy hiking, doing yoga, reading, and spending time with my friends and family.

Michael Colassi (Mr. Colassi, he/him): I have been a teacher since 2011 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2023. I am currently the Physical Education teacher. I have a Master’s Degree in Teaching and a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with family.

Jordan Dwyer (Mr. Dwyer): I have been a teacher since 2005 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2025. I am currently the music teacher at DGS. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Adams State College. I have played the saxophone since the 5th grade and currently perform with the Denver Concert Band.  When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and performing.

Jessie Byrnes (Ms.B, she/her): I have been an art teacher since 2017 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2023. I am currently working with K-8 teaching them all kinds of art such as drawing, painting, and sculpting!. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts and a Master’s Degree in Education. Before becoming a teacher I was a dance instructor, life guard and in the service industry. When I am not teaching, I enjoy working with clay, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, backpacking, camping, climbing, going to concerts and so much more!

Barbara Javors (Ms. Barb, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2005 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2025. I am currently teaching Theater and Dance. I began studying performing arts pedagogy at the University of Texas, after graduating high school from the University of the Arts in Winston Salem, NC.  After graduation, I taught performing arts at McCallum Fine Arts Academy Performing Arts high school in Austin, TX and Manhattan Middle School for Arts and Academics in Boulder, CO. While becoming a teacher I enjoyed performing professionally and continue performing to this day. When I am not teaching, I enjoy time with family, friends, and in nature.

Francisco Ibarra Lillo (Mr. Ibarra): I have been an educator since 2013, specializing in the teaching of English, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education. In 2024, I became part of the Denver Green School community, where I currently serve as the K–1 ELD teacher. I also hold an international certification as a Teacher of Spanish as a Foreign Language, as well as a certification in Tools and Practices for Inclusive Schools. In addition, I had the privilege of serving as an Ambassador Teacher through the Participate Education program. Beyond the classroom, I am passionate about martial arts, diverse fitness practices, and outdoor activities.

Liz Pattison (Ms Pattison, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2013 and joined the Denver Green School community in 2014. Currently, I serve as the 2nd grade ELD teacher and Senior Team Lead. I hold a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education. I have also been recognized as a Distinguished Educator multiple times by Denver Public Schools. Prior to teaching, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala from 2009 to 2012. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy gravel biking, hiking, gardening, and spending time with the people I love.

Margarita Gomez (Ms. Gomez, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2017 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2025. I am currently an ELD teacher for 3rd and 4th grade. I have a masters in educational administration. Before becoming a teacher I was a behavior therapist working with kids with autism and worked in a nonprofit organization with special needs kids teaching social behavior. When I am not teaching, I enjoy being outside, reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and spending time with my family and dog. 

Maggie Sgier (Ms. Sgier, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2005 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2019. I am currently the 5th & 6th grade English Language Development teacher. I have a degree in International Studies with an emphasis in language. Before becoming a teacher in Denver Public Schools, I taught English in Japan and Mexico.  When I am not teaching, I enjoy doing yoga, snowboarding, baking, and gardening.

Paula Zendle (Ms. Zendle, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2012 and I joined the Denver Green School community in August of 2012. I am currently a teacher in our multilingual program. I earned my Master’s in Education and started with DGS right after that. I am entering my twelfth year of being an ELD. I am endorsed and have taught Spanish as a World Language to 5th-8th graders. I am certified & trained in OG Phonics for elementary & adolescents. I earned my CLD endorsement in 2015, I earned my  and I earned the National Boards in 2021. Before becoming a teacher, I earned a Business (BBA) degree from the University of Iowa and I was in Marketing & Sales with IBM for 13 years. When I am not teaching, I enjoy hiking, swimming, singing, and traveling to Spanish-speaking countries.

MULTILINGUAL EDUCATION (MLE):

Transitional Native Language - Spanish Language Arts (K-5th) Teachers:

• Dayhana Duarte (K-2nd) - dayhana_duarte@denvergreenschool.org

• Nataly Ixchop (3rd-5th) - nataly_ixchop@denvergreenschool.org

Dayhana Duarte (Ms. Duarte, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2019 and joined the Denver Green School community in 2025. I am currently a K-2 ELA-S teacher, meaning I teacher literacy in Spanish. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Modern Languages and a Master's Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language. Before becoming a teacher, I studied marketing. When I am not teaching, I enjoy walking, hiking, reading, and being with my family and friends.

Nataly Ixchop (Ms. Ixchop, she/her): I have been a teacher since 2019 and I joined the Denver Green School community in 2025. I am currently an ELA-S teacher, meaning that I teach literacy in Spanish. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Immigration in Political Science and a Master of Arts in education. Before becoming a teacher I was a paralegal. When I am not teaching, I enjoy cooking and doing exercise.