Our Staff

OUR STAFF

Kelly Amadeo (Director of Little School) has been in the field of education for 18 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 twelve years. In her spare time, she loves to teach young children ballet and spend time with her family.

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 32 years. She also has her Colorado Director Qualification. She has two grown children: Nic, a Financial planner and Amy, a Physician's Assistant.

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, eleven-year-old daughter, and nine-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

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 32 years and have two grown daughters Kelsey and Kortney . I have worked with all age groups here at St. Luke’s during my 18 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-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 Cali 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 in Early Childhood Education. I have lived in Colorado most of my life, and have always considered myself a native. My husband, Karol and I have three wonderful children - Emilia (14), Anika (11) and Oliver (8). I spend a lot of time cheering on Emmi at Marching Band competitions, and cheering for Oliver at gymnastics competitions; Anika is often tagging along to cheer on her siblings! When not with my children, I love to read, watch movies and spend time outdoors, BUT, my passion is quilting - I have made over 20 quilts! I believe that Little School has the most amazing staff that I am lucky to call my co-workers, and the most amazing children and families I have ever worked with!

Email Cali at calim(at)stlukeshr.com

My name is Kerrie Maas-Baldwin (Lead 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 and 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 Littleton. I'm looking forward to another school year and watching the students at Little School thrive!

Email Kerrie at kerriem(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

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 37 years. We have two grown children and two grandchildren who are 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 9 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 seventh 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 tenth grade, and Thomas, who is in eighth 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

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 is in 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

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

My name is Kristi Tomlinson (Lead Teacher) and I have been teaching 4's at Little School since 2015. 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 21 years, and we've made our home here in Colorado in Castle Pines. We have a 15 year old daughter Avery, a 11 year old son Jack, and a 4 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 kristinat(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 for 45 years, have three children, and 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 33 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 Courtney Poetter (Lead 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 7 years ago. I have been married 14 years and have two little girls. Stella is 9 and Sophie is 8. They both attended St. Luke’s Little School! This will be my fourth 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

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 11, Nathan is 9 and Jordy is 7. 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

Music Teachers

My name is Laura Butler (Music Teacher) and this is my 24th 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 28 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 39 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 fifth year on the music team at Little School. My husband Aaron and I have lived in Highlands Ranch for the past 14 years with our two children and one crazy dog. My journey at Little School began 6 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 8 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

Anita Christensen (Assistant Teacher) I started working at Little School when I moved to Colorado twelve 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 11 years, and I love it! I have 2 boys and a husband of 23 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 Chanda Stites (assistant teacher). I am a Colorado native and live in Highlands Ranch with my husband, two girls and our dog, Buddy. I was a registered nurse at Children’s Hospital Denver for 6 years. I left nursing to stay at home and raise my wonderful girls. After volunteering at their schools for the last 20 years, I realized my love for supporting children in education. I was a substitute teacher last year at Little School and am super excited to be an assistant this year!

Email Chanda at chandas(at)stlukeshr.com

I am Diana Roppolo (Assistant Teacher). I have worked at St. Luke's Little School for 17 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 26 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

I am Katie Devlin (Assistant Teacher) and I have been a parent of St. Luke’s Little School since 2011 where both of my children attended. I am excited to be a part of St. Luke’s and feel fortunate to be a part of this wonderful family! I am a native of Colorado, growing up in Grand Junction, CO. I first attended UNCW in Wilmington, NC and a few years later moved back to Colorado graduating with a Bachelor’s degree at Colorado Mesa University in 2004. For the past 12 years, my husband Tom and I, have called Highlands Ranch our home. Up until just recently I was a stay at home parent to my two children Addyson (12) and Brady (9). I am so happy to be able to work with your preschoolers and to watch them learn and grow. It is certainly an honor to be a part of this caring and welcoming community. In my free time I enjoy reading, crafting, and spending time with family and friends. We enjoy many outdoor activities and love all that Colorado has to offer.

Email Katie at katied(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 14, Lacey is 13 and Trey is 11. 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

Maria Fox (Assistant 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