Our Staff

OUR STAFF

Kelly Amadeo (Director of Little School) has been in the field of education for 16 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development and a master's degree in Elementary Education. In addition to teaching preschool and elementary students, Kelly taught graduate students in the college of education in the fields of Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education for eight years. Kelly started as a parent at Little School when both her son and daughter attended Little School. Kelly then taught at Little School as a lead teacher before becoming the director. In addition to providing a quality educational experience, Kelly's vision as the director of Little School is to create an environment where each child and his or her family feel like they are part of a larger family, and they are loved unconditionally.

Kelly grew up in the Methodist church in Steamboat Springs and has attended St. Luke's for ten years. In her spare time, she loves to teach young children ballet and spend time with her husband and two children.

Email Kelly at kelly(at)stlukeshr.com

Tushka Breen (Assistant Director and Lead Teacher 4's) has been at Little School since 2000. She grew up in South Africa where she received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, but she has been living and teaching in Colorado for the last 30 years. She also has her Colorado Director Qualification. She has two grown children: Nic, a Financial planner and Amy, a PA student.

She loves preparing her students for Kindergarten in a fun, structured environment. In her free time she loves to work in the yard, hike, snowshoe, walk her Cairn Terrier/Schnauzer rescue, Trouble, and have coffee with friends.

Email Tushka at tushkab(at)stlukeshr.com

I am Amanda Lewis (Office Manager) and have been at St. Luke's Little School first as a parent since 2012 and later as a teacher since 2015. I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from The College of New Jersey. In addition, I have experience working with non-profit organizations and office administration. I moved to Colorado in 2007 and live in Highlands Ranch with my husband, ten-year-old daughter, and seven-year-old son. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, cooking, running, and do-it-yourself home projects. I love watching young children grow and learn new things!

Email Amanda at amandal(at)stlukeshr.com

2 1/2 Year Old Teachers and Assistants

I am Amy Goings (Lead Teacher and Assistant) and I have been teaching at St. Luke's since 2009. Prior to St. Luke's I taught kindergarten and third grade. I have my bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from CSU and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I live in Castle Rock with my husband and two boys. I love working with children and look forward to each year!

Email Amy at amyg(at)stlukeshr.com

I am Julie D'Ascoli (Lead Teacher) and I have been teaching at St. Luke's since 2009. I have a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from CSU. I live in Highlands Ranch with my husband, three daughters, and a son. I come from a family of 10, and I am a Colorado native. I enjoy watching children learn and grow. :)

Email Julie at julied(at)stlukeshr.com

Michele Costa-Phair (Lead Teacher, Assistant Music Teacher). I feel blessed to be a part of St. Luke’s Little School; I have been on staff since 2012. My children, Alexander and Rachel attended Little School and they loved it! We have also been members of St. Luke’s UMC, since 2006. It’s wonderful to work with young children and I’m proud to be a part of their preschool years as they play, learn and grow. I am originally from Florida where I attended Tampa College, as well as Broward College. Colorado has been my home since 1993; I adore the beautiful seasons, and I love living in Highlands Ranch. I attained my teaching credentials through Arapahoe Community College in 2011. Teaching preschoolers adds even more laughter and beauty to my world! When I am not teaching, some of my favorite activities include: enjoying time with my family, playing with my cats, and reading. I also like experimenting with photography, singing and dancing around the house, and occasionally practicing yoga. It’s going to be another amazing year at Little School!

Email Michele at michelec(at)stlukeshr.com

I am Missy Hart (Lead Teacher and Assistant) and have had the pleasure of working here at St. Luke’s Little School since 2002. I attended school at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado where I earned my associate's degree. I then attended ACC and received my Early Childhood Group Leader Certificate. I was born and raised here in Colorado. I live in Littleton with my husband Scott. We have been married for 31 years and have two grown daughters Kelsey and Kortney . I have worked with all age groups here at St. Luke’s during my 16 years and find that I enjoy the 2 ½ yr olds the most. Teaching is what I love to do! I look forward to getting to know each of you and your children.

Email Missy at missyh(at)stlukeshr.com

3 Year Old Teachers

My name is Amy Curtis (Lead Teacher). I have been teaching at Little School since 2004. I have a bachelor's degree in Humanities with an emphasis in Elementary Education from Ft. Lewis College. My husband, Barry, and I have 2 children, Kyle and Hannah. I love to hike in the beautiful Colorado mountains, read, bake, and spend time with my family. Teaching three and four year olds is a joy and a blessing because they make me smile every day and keep me feeling young!

Email Amy at amyc(at)stlukeshr.com

I am Calista (Cali for short) Miodonski (Lead Teacher), and I have been teaching at Little School since January 2016. I received my bachelor's degree from CSU in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education (specializing in pre-k through 3rd grade). I am (an almost) native to Colorado - I moved to Fort Collins at 1 and moved to Highlands Ranch when I married my husband, Karol (Carl). We have three wonderful children - Emilia (12), Anika (9) and Oliver (6). During the summers you will find me with my children, often on ball fields as both of my girls play softball and my son plays t-ball! When not with my children, I love to read, and my passion is quilting! I love to come to work each day because the kids are so much fun; seeing the light-bulb come on when they discover something new is so wonderful!

Email Cali at calim(at)stlukeshr.com

Maria Fox (Lead Teacher) I have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Pennsylvania. I have had the privilege and joy of working here at St. Luke’s Little School since its opening in 1995. Previous to working here I taught pre-school in Pennsylvania and Michigan, started a Toddler Program and Storytime for 3 year olds at Northridge Rec Center (back when there was only one rec center in Highlands Ranch!), was certified and taught Infant Massage, and was a stay-at-home mom. I have 3 grown children, a wonderful daughter-in-law, two granddaughters and a grandson. In my free time I love to quilt, work in my garden, read and spend time with family and friends. I look forward to meeting you!

Email Maria at mariaf(at)stlukeshr.com

My name is Michelle Schwartz (Lead Teacher). I have been teaching at St. Luke's Little School since 2009. Before coming to Little School, I taught preschool in Littleton for 14 years. I have a bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders from Colorado State University. I live in Highlands Ranch with my husband of 35 years. We have two grown children and one grandchild who is such a joy! In my free time I enjoy reading, hiking, baking and spending time with family and friends. I love teaching preschoolers, and watching them learn and grow each year is so rewarding!

Email Michelle at michelles(at)stlukeshr.com

Nancy Mussetter (Lead Teacher) I have been living in Colorado since the fall of 2008. I moved here from the Midwest where I was born and raised (Minnesota), went to college (Sioux Falls, S.D.), taught elementary school for 30 years (Iowa and Minnesota), and retired (Wisconsin). I “flunked retirement” and have been a part of Little School since 2014. I have 2 grown sons—Mitch an engineer at Bridgestone Tires in Aiken, South Carolina, and Matt—an attorney in Denver. Plus, I have 5 grandchildren who are the joys of my life. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, exploring new places, riding my bike, and spending time with family and friends.

Email Nancy at nancym(at)stlukeshr.com

3 Year Old and 4 Year Old Teachers

Jennifer Smith (Lead Teacher 3's and 4's) I joined the St. Luke’s Little School staff 8 years ago. I feel blessed to have found my perfect profession – a blend of teaching lessons on life, enriching academics and expressing creativity (both for the children and myself!). I enjoy helping children grow and learn while having fun. I have lived in Colorado for most of my life, so I consider myself a native. I met my husband, Brian, while attending Kansas State University. We have three children, two in college and one in middle school. All three of our children attended St. Luke’s Little School. As parents, we feel Little School gave them a strong foundation through caring relationships with both teachers and classmates. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, biking, gardening, and cooking healthy food. I aspire to make a difference in the lives of children, their families and the community through my faith and love of life.

Email Jennifer at jennifers(at)stlukeshr.com

My name is Annie Van Hoosen (Lead Teacher 3's and 4's) and this will be my sixth year teaching at Little School. I have a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. I am a proud Colorado native. My husband Jay and I have been married for almost sixteen years and we have two boys; Cameron, who is in ninth grade, and Thomas, who is in seventh grade. We also have a miniature Schnauzer named Penny. We have been members of St. Luke’s since 2001, and both of our boys attended Little School. I have always loved the mission of Little School, and I feel very blessed to be able to teach young children in such a loving, supportive environment! In my spare time, I love to watch my boys play sports and participate in local theater. I also like to go to movies, go shopping, read and spend time in the mountains with my family.

Email Annie at anniev(at)stlukeshr.com

4 Year Old Teachers

Hi! I’m Deon Zitek (Lead Teacher) and I have had the pleasure of working here at Little School since 2010. I have a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Special Education. I have teaching experience in a variety of situations and grade levels but my heart is with these sweet little preschoolers. I love being part of their first steps in a journey of lifelong learning and strive to create a classroom of learning, friendship, and fun! I am a Colorado native and love our beautiful state. My husband and I are still adjusting to an empty nest, after raising three very active and adventurous sons. Two are now married, and I am truly blessed with 2 amazing daughters (in law). I love to travel, read, and spend time with my family and friends.

Email Deon at deonz(at)stlukeshr.com

Kara Overman (Lead Teacher) I went to the University of Northern Colorado, where I earned my teaching degree, and I received my master's in Education from Grand Canyon University. I started my teaching career in Elementary School, and am blessed to have ended up at Little School. My family and I are members of St. Luke’s. My own children have all gone to Little School. What a great place it is to be!

I have three boys. Tyler is 9, Nathan is 7 and Jordy is 5. My husband and I are raising our family in Highlands Ranch and love calling Colorado home. We spend a lot of time on baseball fields, playing outdoors, and in the mountains at our family cabin. We also have two wild dogs that keep us busy. When I am not playing with my boys, my favorite thing to do is read. I also enjoy visiting museums, cooking and anything the color purple. I love being able to help children find what they love about school and learning!

Email Kara at karao(at)stlukeshr.com

I am Katie Wolfe (Lead Teacher), and I have been working at St. Luke’s since 2015. I received my bachelor's from UNC in Elementary Education and my master's from UCCS in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Linguistically Diverse Education. I taught kindergarten, 3rd grade, and was a literacy coach/interventionist for eight years before joining the St. Luke’s team. I am a Colorado native and currently live in Highlands Ranch with my husband, daughter, son, and beloved pets. I love my job and am looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you.

Email Katie at katiew(at)stlukeshr.com

My name is Kristi Tomlinson (Lead Teacher) and this will be my 3rd year teaching 4's at Little School. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family Relations and Child Development/Early Childhood Education from Oklahoma State University (I was born and raised in Ponca City, Oklahoma so I am a mid western girl at heart). I taught kindergarten and first grade in Oklahoma and California for 9 years before staying at home for 10 years with my own children. My husband Thane and I have been married for 19 years, and we've made our home here in Colorado in Castle Pines. We have a 13 year old daughter Avery, an 9 year old son Jack, and a 2 year old Australian Shepherd named Skylar. We are a very busy family as our children love participating in sports including swimming, soccer, basketball, and flag football. I enjoy reading, snow skiing, paddleboarding, yoga, shopping, watching movies, being outdoors, and spending time with my family and friends. I absolutely love my job and teaching at Little School and look forward to helping your children learn and grow!

Email Kristi at kristit(at)stlukeshr.com

Shelley Ritchie (Lead Teacher and Assistant) I have an A.S. degree in Child Development from Moorpark College in Moorpark, CA. I taught P.E. for five years in Park Oaks Elementary School, Thousand Oaks, CA. I was a transitional Kindergarten Teacher/Asst. Director at The Enriching Hour Preschool in Westlake, CA for 7 years. I received the Professional Association for Childhood Education Teacher of the Year Award in 2004. I have been Married 43 years, I have three children, and I have 5 grandchildren. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, cooking, and snow skiing.

Email Shelley at shelleyr(at)stlukeshr.com

My name is Sandi Thompson (Lead Teacher) and I have worked in the field of Early Childhood Education since 1975. My background includes a BA in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Special Education and 15 hours of masters course work in the field of Gifted Education. Working with young children is my passion! I was on the board that helped start Little School in 1995. I worked for Little School for four years, and then taught kindergarten enrichment in Douglas County School District for six years. However, Little School was calling me back and I answered! I have been on staff again since 2005. My husband and I have been married for 31 years and we have three children (born within 19 months; a son and twin girls) who are now in their mid-twenties.

Email Sandi at sandit(at)stlukeshr.com

Explorers Teachers

My name is Dawn Burger (Lead Teacher) and I have been teaching at St. Luke’s Little School since 2007. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from the University of Northern Colorado. I have taught different grade levels, but I truly love teaching preschool children. I feel very blessed to be at St. Luke’s, working with preschoolers and watching them learn and grow during the year. My husband, Mike, and I are both Colorado natives and live in Highlands Ranch. We have one daughter, Michael who just finished her first year of college. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going to the mountains, and reading.

Email Dawn at dawnb(at)stlukeshr.com

My name is Marla Dillsaver (Lead Teacher), and I teach the MWF Explorers class. I have a degree in Elementary Education and consider it a great joy and privilege to work with children. After residing in Highlands Ranch for over 29 years, my family made the move to property in Sedalia. My husband Alan, our son Sam, and horse Josie have enjoyed the transition and love that we are still so close to Highlands Ranch. This will be my 18th year at Little School and I consider it my home away from home. When I am not teaching, I love to read, horse back ride and walk my dog.

Email Marla at marlad(at)stlukeshr.com

Music Teachers

My name is Kristen Norton (Music Teacher and STEAM Teacher) and I am so grateful to be a part of the Little School staff this year! I am originally from Denver, but lived in Texas for 25 years before moving to Highlands Ranch with my husband and two daughters last summer. My youngest daughter started at Little School in the 3’s class and my oldest daughter is in first grade. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies from Texas Tech University, where I was also employed to develop and implement a health and wellness curriculum for at-risk youth. I spent a few years in social work, then went on to teach elementary math and science in the Houston area. Since moving back to Colorado, I was selected to lead a team of UNICEF USA volunteers to advocate for legislation that effects children in the US and worldwide, and regularly meet with Congressional offices to do so. My family loves spending time in nature, traveling, and volunteering in our community. I strongly believe in every child’s right to feel loved, play, and learn in the most engaging and fun environment possible. Little School has welcomed our family with such tremendous love, and I am so honored to have the opportunity to share this with your children!

Email Kristen at kristenn(at)stlukeshr.com

My name is Ms. Laura (Music Teacher) and this is my 23rd year of teaching music at Little School. It has been a very joyful journey. The children light up my life every day that I am with them. I love it when the children of St. Luke's learn to experience joy and get a sense of accomplishment from their participation in music. I studied Elementary Music Education at Brigham Young University and have an AA degree from Cypress College in California. I have been teaching music to children since I was 16 years old. I sing opera with the Denver Opera Collective (a local company) and I have taught voice, piano, and guitar for 26 years. I am a member of Delta Omicron which is a music fraternity. I have 3 married children, 3 grandchildren, and two step-grandkids. I love to go skiing and biking with my husband of 37 years, crochet, sew, grow flowers, spend time with my family and, of course, make music! Looking forward to another wonderful year at St. Luke's!

Email Laura at laurab(at)stlukeshr.com

Hi, my name is Sheri Urdiales (Music Teacher). I’m excited to begin my fourth year on the music team at Little School. My husband Aaron and I have lived in Highlands Ranch for the past 13 years with our two children and one crazy dog. My journey at Little School began 5 years ago when my daughter attended the 4 year old program. The loving community at Little School welcomed us from day one. When the opportunity presented itself to join the music team, I was more than thrilled! I have been active in the performing arts community most of my life through dance, musical theater and show choirs. I have a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Psychology from Colorado State University. I was a preschool Sunday school teacher for 2 years and have been an active classroom volunteer for the past 6 years at my children’s elementary school. Singing, acting and dancing has been a passion of mine since I was little, and I feel blessed to share this joy with your children!

Email Sheri at sheriu(at)stlukeshr.com

Assistant Teachers

My name is Adrienne Saito (Assistant Teacher) and I’ve been at St. Luke’s Little School as a parent since 2012. I have a degree in Elementary Education from Saint Mary’s College of California. Prior to working at St. Luke's I was a stay at home mom to my three boys and before that I taught 5th and 6th grade in California. I live in Highlands Ranch with my family and love working with preschoolers!

Email Adrienne at adriennes(at)stlukeshr.com

Anita Christensen (Assistant Teacher) I started working at Little School when I moved to Colorado eleven years ago. I am a retired Chicago Public School elementary teacher. My teaching experience has ranged from teaching preschoolers and elementary students to teaching college students and adults abroad in China and Mongolia! I like to read, sing, play hand-bells in the St. Luke's hand-bell choir, spend time with family and friends, be a grandmother to my eight grandchildren, and travel to faraway places!

Email Anita at anitac(at)stlukeshr.com

My name is Carol Verk (Assistant Teacher). I have been an assistant teacher at St Luke's Little School for 10 years, and I love it! I have 2 boys and a husband of 21 years. All of my free time goes to my family. We are a big basketball family. My favorite place to vacation is Disney World and we go every year! One of my sons is in college in Florida so it makes it so easy to go.

Email Carol at carolv(at)stlukeshr.com

My name is Ms. Courtney (Assistant Teacher). I have a bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Northern Kentucky University and a license to teach Special Education from Xavier University. I enjoy camping with my family, riding horses, skiing, and traveling. I grew up in the small town of Rabbit Hash, KY and moved to Colorado 5 years ago. I have been married 1 years and have two little girls and a golden retriever. Stella is 6 and Sophie is 5. They both attended St. Luke’s Little School! This will be my first year teaching at St. Luke’s. I fell in love with this school on my first visit, and I'm excited to now be a part of the amazing St. Luke’s family!

Email Courtney at courtneyp(at)stlukeshr.com

I am Diana Roppolo (Assistant Teacher). I have worked at St. Luke's Little School for 15 years as an assistant. I love my job here. I am married and have two grown children. I am looking forward to working with your children each year.

Email Diana at dianar(at)stlukeshr.com

My name is Kandace Boudra (Assistant Teacher) and I have been working at St. Luke’s Little School since 2010. I have been married over 30 years and have two adult boys and a daughter who is currently at CSU. I enjoy exercising and spending time with my family. We love living in Colorado which we have called home for over 25 years. I love working at Little School and enjoy watching the children learn and grow through the year.

Email Kandy at kandaceb(at)stlukeshr.com

My name is Kerrie Maas-Baldwin (Assistant Teacher) and I'm thrilled to be a part of the St. Luke's Little School family! I earned my Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a double major in Human Development and Family Studies as well as Psychology. I, also, hold a teaching credential and Master's Degree in Education from Pepperdine University. I taught 1st grade for 13 years before resigning to raise my 2 boys. They are ages 3 and 5 and will be attending Little School again this year. Last April, our family welcomed with happy hearts boy/girl twins. Needless to say, life has been wild, chaotic, and wonderful! In my free time (ha!), I love yoga, stand up paddleboarding, skiing, biking, reading, shopping, and gardening. My family loves watching sports, especially the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers (yes, I'm a cheesehead)! My husband and I, along with our 4 children and 2 awesome dogs, live in Highlands Ranch. I'm looking forward to getting back into teaching this year and watching the students at Little School thrive!

Email Kerrie at kerriem(at)stlukeshr.com

Kristy Rael (Assistant Teacher) I went to the University of Northern Colorado where I earned my teaching degree. I received my master's in Elementary Education from the University of Colorado. I taught full day kindergarten for six years, and then I stayed home with my children until 2014 when I started working at St. Luke's. I live in Highlands Ranch with my husband and three children. Kendall is 12, Lacey is 11 and Trey is 9. I am a Colorado native which makes me a DIE HARD BRONCOS FAN!!!! I volunteer in my children's classrooms at school and enjoy watching my kids play sports on the weekends and spending time with my friends and family. I love working with children and watching them grow.

Email Kristy at kristyr(at)stlukeshr.com