OUR STAFF 2024-2025 School Year
I am Kelly Amadeo (Director of Little School) and have been in the field of education for over 20 years. I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development, a master's degree in Elementary Education, and a doctoral minor in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. I am currently working toward completing my doctoral degree. I have served as both a teacher, a university instructor, and a school administrator. I currently hold a large center director certificate, a current teaching license, and a current principal license for PK-12. I was also part of a small group of early childhood professionals who created the preschool director competencies for the Colorado Department of Early Childhood in 2024.
I started as a parent at Little School when both my son and daughter attended the school. I taught at Little School as a lead teacher before becoming the director.
I love the outdoors and enjoy hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, river rafting, camping, and anything else that gets me outdoors to enjoy my native state of Colorado with family. I have also been a ballet teacher and competitive dance coach for many years.
Email Kelly at kelly(at)stlukeshr.com
I started as a parent at Little School when both my son and daughter attended the school. I taught at Little School as a lead teacher before becoming the director.
I love the outdoors and enjoy hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, river rafting, camping, and anything else that gets me outdoors to enjoy my native state of Colorado with family. I have also been a ballet teacher and competitive dance coach for many years.
Email Kelly at kelly(at)stlukeshr.com
I am Amanda Lewis (Assistant Director and Assistant Teacher) and have had the pleasure of being on staff since 2015. I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from The College of New Jersey. In addition to teaching, I have experience working with a non-profit organization, educational grants, and office administration. I moved to Colorado from New Jersey in 2007 and live in Highlands Ranch with my husband and two children. My daughter and son are both Little School alumni. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, exercising, gardening, spending time outdoors, and playing with our fur babies. We have two cats and two corgis.
Little School is such a warm and loving place and was wonderful for my own children. I love working with this amazing staff and watching young children grow and learn new things!
Email Amanda at amandal(at)stlukeshr.com
Little School is such a warm and loving place and was wonderful for my own children. I love working with this amazing staff and watching young children grow and learn new things!
Email Amanda at amandal(at)stlukeshr.com
I am Cali Miodonski (Assistant Director), and I have been a part of the Little School staff 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 (pronounced Karl) and I have called Highlands Ranch home since 2005. We have three wonderful children - Emilia (18), Anika (15) and Oliver (12). Emilia is a freshman at CSU studying Civil Engineering and is in the CSU Marching Band color guard. Anika is a sophomore at Mountain Vista and she does color guard with their marching band too. Oliver is a 6th grader at Bradford Intermediate School and is a competitive (level 8) gymnast at Incline gymnastics. When not with my children, I love to read, watch movies and spend time outdoors, BUT, my passion is sewing - especially quilting! I believe that Little School has the most amazing staff that I am lucky to call my co-workers, and the most wonderful children and families I have ever worked with!
Email Cali at calim(at)stlukeshr.com
Email Cali at calim(at)stlukeshr.com
I am Theresa Richards (Registrar and Aftercare Teacher) and this is my third year with Little School. I retired from the U.S. Navy in 2018 after 22 years of active duty service. Our family loved the area and community so much we decided to stay in Highlands Ranch after retirement. I have my Bachelor’s of Science in Healthcare Management. In my free time, I love to travel, visit with friends and family, and read.
Email Theresa at theresar(a)stlukeshr.com
Email Theresa at theresar(a)stlukeshr.com
I am Nancy Mussetter (Special Programs Coordinator) and 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
Email Nancy at nancym(at)stlukeshr.com
I am Sam Leahy (St. Luke's Early Childhood Ministry Liaison to Little School) and currently serve as the Director of Community & Early Childhood Ministry on St. Luke's church staff. I have been on staff since 2003. I studied health care administration at Kirkwood College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. My 30 years of personal and professional experience coupled with my genuine love of children and connecting with people has allowed me to develop my passion for the care and tutelage of others. My partner Tom & I love spending time in small mountain towns, at Colorado sporting events, and with our 4 adult children and their four legged friends.
Email Sam at sam(at)stlukeshr.com
Email Sam at sam(at)stlukeshr.com
2 1/2-Year-Old Teachers
I am Julie D’Ascoli (Lead Teacher), and I have been teaching at St Luke’s since 2009 when my youngest daughter Chase was in the 4-year-old class. She is now 19! I also have a son that is 22 and twin daughters that are almost 24. My husband Tony and I are Colorado Natives and we have been married for 28 years. Our family loves to be outdoors doing all sorts of activities, and we love to travel anywhere we can be on the sand at the beach. I come from a family of 10 and have 20 nieces and nephews that all live close by so we enjoy spending time with family.
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from CSU. Two of my children attended CSU and my husband graduated from there as well. So I guess you can say we are huge CSU Ram Fans!!! I love to teach, and the little ones are my favorite. They are so eager to learn and so curious about the world. I truly enjoy getting to know all of my kiddos and their families.
Email Julie at julied(at)stlukeshr.com
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from CSU. Two of my children attended CSU and my husband graduated from there as well. So I guess you can say we are huge CSU Ram Fans!!! I love to teach, and the little ones are my favorite. They are so eager to learn and so curious about the world. I truly enjoy getting to know all of my kiddos and their families.
Email Julie at julied(at)stlukeshr.com
Hello my name is Katie Maldonado (Lead Teacher), and I am looking forward to starting my fourth year at Little School this year! I am so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful school, community and family. I am a Colorado native and was born and raised in the nearby town of Parker. I have been working with young children in a variety of environments since 2018 and quickly realized that the preschool age group is my favorite to work with! I am currently doing undergrad work at Arapahoe Community College for an Early Childhood Education Associates Degree. I am also a big animal lover and own two precious “fur babies”, Summer Lily (dog) and Holly Jolly (cat). I also love to dance and focused on training in ballet for most of my childhood. In my free time I teach dance to kids ages 3-8 at a local dance studio. I also love to do crafts, play music, read books and hang out with friends and family. Above all I love being a teacher and can’t wait to meet and watch all your Little Schoolers grow!
Email Katie at katiem(at)stlukeshr.com
Email Katie at katiem(at)stlukeshr.com
I am Missy Hart (Lead Teacher), and I have had the pleasure of working here at St. Luke’s Little School since 2002. I have worked with all age groups here at St. Luke’s and I enjoy the 2 1/2 yr olds the most. Teaching is what I love to do! I have been teaching the 2 1/2 year old program for the last 15 years.
I attended school at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado and then attended ACC and received my Early Childhood Group Leader Certificate. I was born and raised here in Colorado and live in Littleton with my husband Scott. We have been married for 37 years and have two grown daughters Kelsey (32) who is married and Kortney (29)! We have a 2-year-old granddaughter who is the love of my life!! They all live here in Colorado! In my spare time, I love walking, camping and golfing with friends and family. I look forward to getting to know each of you and your children.
Email Missy at missyh(at)stlukeshr.com
I attended school at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado and then attended ACC and received my Early Childhood Group Leader Certificate. I was born and raised here in Colorado and live in Littleton with my husband Scott. We have been married for 37 years and have two grown daughters Kelsey (32) who is married and Kortney (29)! We have a 2-year-old granddaughter who is the love of my life!! They all live here in Colorado! In my spare time, I love walking, camping and golfing with friends and family. 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 adult 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
Email Amy at amyc(at)stlukeshr.com
My name is Jessica Crean (Lead Teacher), and this will be my third year teaching at Little School. I have spent the previous two years as both an Aftercare teacher and an Assistant teacher and am very excited to be a lead teacher this year! Two of my children are Little School alumni and I couldn’t imagine a better place for their early years. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Design and am currently taking Early Childhood Education classes through Arapahoe Community College.
I grew up in Southern California and have called Highlands Ranch home for the last 13 years. My husband and I have 3 children: Audrey (12), Noah (8) and Emily (5) who keep us very busy with sports and activities. In my spare time, I love cooking and baking, traveling, spending time outside and cheering my children on in their activities.
I have always loved spending time with children and seeing the world through their eyes. I feel lucky to spend my days at Little School with your children and learning together.
Email Jessica at jessicac(at)stlukeshr.com
I grew up in Southern California and have called Highlands Ranch home for the last 13 years. My husband and I have 3 children: Audrey (12), Noah (8) and Emily (5) who keep us very busy with sports and activities. In my spare time, I love cooking and baking, traveling, spending time outside and cheering my children on in their activities.
I have always loved spending time with children and seeing the world through their eyes. I feel lucky to spend my days at Little School with your children and learning together.
Email Jessica at jessicac(at)stlukeshr.com
I am Kathy Peters (Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher), and this is my third year teaching at Little School. However, this will be my 13th year teaching preschool! I have worked in a variety of settings with children, but teaching preschool is my passion. I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation, with a minor in Speech Pathology. I later attended Arapahoe Community College for more Early Childhood Education courses. I am a Colorado native, and currently live in Highlands Ranch. I have been married for 23 years, have a 19-year-old son, 12-year-old daughter, a cat, and a dog. I love to travel to the mountains, swim, play minature golf, spend time with family and friends, and play board games. I am excited for my third year at Little School!
Email Kathy at kathyp(at)stlukeshr.com
Email Kathy at kathyp(at)stlukeshr.com
I am Katie Devlin (Lead 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 at 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 16 years, my husband Tom and I, have called Highlands Ranch our home. Up until just a few years ago, I was a stay-at-home mom to my two children Addyson (16) and Brady (12). 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, gardening, 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
Email Katie at katied(at)stlukeshr.com
My name is Katie Matthews (Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher). I graduated from Westmont College with a degree in Elementary Education. I taught Outdoor Education, 6th grade social studies, and 4th grade before becoming a full-time mom. My children (Nate-12, Natalie-10, and Julia-7) all attended and LOVED Little School. I had a wonderful experience as a St. Luke’s parent and once my youngest graduated, I was blessed with the opportunity to join the Little School staff! I love supporting my kids in their many activities, walking my dog Frisco, skiing, camping, shopping, and listening to audiobooks. I look forward to working with your children and helping them learn and grow!
Email Katie at katiemat(at)stlukeshr.com
Email Katie at katiemat(at)stlukeshr.com
My name is Tiffany Van Woensel (Lead Teacher). I graduated from Colorado Christian University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Theory and taught preschool for a year in Nebraska. I am a Colorado native and grew up in the Green Mountain/Lakewood area. My husband Eric and I met in high school, and we have been blessed with two wonderful children who I had the privilege of staying home with for 8 years. Our daughter Kaeleigh (11) will be a 6th grader, and our son Landen (8) will be a 2nd grader this year. We also have a furry family member, a 11-year-old golden doodle named Bailey. During our free time, my family and I enjoy camping, family vacations and spending time with family and friends. I love working at Little School, where I can watch the children learn and grow, and I also get to work with an amazing group of ladies!
Email Tiffany at tiffanyvw(at)stlukeshr.com
Email Tiffany at tiffanyvw(at)stlukeshr.com
4-Year-Old Teachers
My name is Colleen Goad (Lead Teacher) and this will be my third year at Little School! Prior to teaching, I worked for many years as a nurse in pediatrics, and have my Master's of Science Degree in Nursing. My husband and I relocated from Chicago 9 years ago, and live in Highlands Ranch with our 4 young children - Riley (11), Myles (9), Norah (6), and Maverick (2). Through our many years attending Little School, I fell in love with this wonderful program. In my free time, I love to run marathons, coach my childrens' teams, hike with my family, and spend time watching my kids in all their activities! Thank you for sharing your children with me, and I look forward to helping them learn and grow at Little School this year!
Email Colleen at colleeng(at)stlukeshr.com
Email Colleen at colleeng(at)stlukeshr.com
My name is Dawn Burger (Lead Teacher and Assistant 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, our daughter Michael, and I are all Colorado natives and live in Highlands Ranch. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going to the mountains, reading, and making jewelry.
Email Dawn at dawnb(at)stlukeshr.com
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 live in Centennial and have three grown sons and 2 daughters (in law). Our newest excitement in life is becoming grandparents. We now have 2 granddaughters (age 4) and 2 grandsons under 2. We also have a German Shepherd named Luna who still thinks she's a puppy and a cat named Bo. In my free time I love to travel, read, and spend time with my family and friends.
Email Deon at deonz(at)stlukeshr.com
Email Deon at deonz(at)stlukeshr.com
My name is Jennifer Noonan (Lead Teacher). I am originally from the Chicago area and moved to Highlands Ranch in 2017. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish Language and Literature and a Master's Degree in Education. Previous to staying home with my two kids (Nathan, 7 and Annalise, 5), I taught high school for 2 years and middle school for 5. I started as a Little School parent in 2019 and later became a substitute teacher, aftercare teacher, and lead teacher. I love the Little School community and am excited to get to know your littles this year. In my free time, I like to garden, hike, go camping, play board games, and spend time with my family.
Email Jennifer at jennifern(at)stlukeshr.com
Email Jennifer at jennifern(at)stlukeshr.com
My Name is Jennifer Smith (Lead Teacher and Beforecare), and I joined the St. Luke’s Little School staff 15 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 young adults and one starting her freshman year in college. 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
Email Jennifer at jennifers(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 midwestern 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 25 years, and we've made our home here in Colorado in Castle Pines. We have a 19-year-old daughter Avery who is a sophomore at Franklin College in Franklin, IN, a 16-year-old son Jack who is a sophomore at Rock Canyon High School, and an 8-year-old Australian Shepherd named Skylar. We are a very busy family as both our children are active athletes. I enjoy reading, yoga, being in the water, 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
Email Kristi at kristinat(at)stlukeshr.com
My name is Laura McGee (Lead Teacher) and I’m excited to be starting my fourth year at Little School. I have a Master of Arts in Education and have been involved with teaching in many ways. In the past I’ve worked as a media specialist in an elementary school and have done dyslexia intervention, kindergarten enrichment, science camps, and a preschool co-op.
I’ve lived in Highlands Ranch since 2006 with my husband, an aerospace engineer. We have two high schoolers, Whitney and Will, and two crazy doodle pups. In my free time I enjoy going to live trivia, book club, and volunteering with Joyful Light Youth Theater.
Email Laura at lauram(at)stlukeshr.com
I’ve lived in Highlands Ranch since 2006 with my husband, an aerospace engineer. We have two high schoolers, Whitney and Will, and two crazy doodle pups. In my free time I enjoy going to live trivia, book club, and volunteering with Joyful Light Youth Theater.
Email Laura at lauram(at)stlukeshr.com
My name is Mary Jane Smith (Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher), and I’m so excited to be teaching this year! I have a degree from Southern Utah University in child psychology with a minor in early childhood development. I am a mother of five children and love to travel and explore National Parks. My family loves to ski in the winter and hike in the summer. I love decorating, hanging wallpaper and all things homemaking. I can’t wait to spend the school year with your child!
Email Mary Jane at maryjane(at)stlukeshr.com
Email Mary Jane at maryjane(at)stlukeshr.com
My name is Sandi Thompson (Lead Teacher and Assistant 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 over 35 years and we have three children (born within 19 months; a son and twin girls) who are now in their early thirties.
Email Sandi at sandit(at)stlukeshr.com
Email Sandi at sandit(at)stlukeshr.com
Explorers Teachers
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 who are growing up faster than I can comprehend! 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 have three boys who are growing up faster than I can comprehend! 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
Email Katie at katiew(at)stlukeshr.com
Music Teachers
My name is Laura Butler (Music Teacher), and this will be my 29th year of teaching music at Little School. It has been a very joyful journey. I love seeing the children learn to experience joy and obtain a sense of accomplishment through their participation in music. I studied elementary music education at Brigham Young University, and I have an AA degree from Cypress College in Southern California. I have been teaching music to children since I was 16 years old.
I have sung opera with several local opera companies, and currently sing with the Under the Rug Band and a ladies’ trio called The Three of Us. I have taught beginning piano, guitar, and voice for 30 years. I have three married children and six grandchildren. I love to go to concerts, ski, and bike with my husband of 43 years, crochet, sew, grow flowers, spend time with my family, and of course, make music. I live in Highlands Ranch with my husband, two dogs, and a bunch of birds (parrots, doves, and pigeons). I'm looking forward to another wonderful year of music at St. Luke’s Little School!
Email Laura at laurab(at)stlukeshr.com
I have sung opera with several local opera companies, and currently sing with the Under the Rug Band and a ladies’ trio called The Three of Us. I have taught beginning piano, guitar, and voice for 30 years. I have three married children and six grandchildren. I love to go to concerts, ski, and bike with my husband of 43 years, crochet, sew, grow flowers, spend time with my family, and of course, make music. I live in Highlands Ranch with my husband, two dogs, and a bunch of birds (parrots, doves, and pigeons). I'm looking forward to another wonderful year of music at St. Luke’s Little School!
Email Laura at laurab(at)stlukeshr.com
Hi, my name is Sheri Urdiales (Music Teacher). I’m blessed to have been part of the St Luke’s music team since 2016. My husband Aaron and I have lived in Highlands Ranch since 2005. We have two active children, Aucencio (17) and Siena (14), and one crazy dog Captain. My journey at Little School began when my daughter attended the 4-year-old program, with Ms Sandi! 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 was 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 was a classroom volunteer for 9 years at my children’s elementary school. I enjoy being with my family (majority live in Colorado!), cheering my children on at their many activities and everything our beautiful state has to offer! 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
Email Sheri at sheriu(at)stlukeshr.com
I am Jana Wesson (Assistant Music Teacher) and St. Luke’s is my second home! I grew
up in the church, married a boy from youth group, and now I have the honor of working
here. My husband and I have two beautiful children and two fur babies, all keeping us
very busy! I love to perform in Wesley Players Theater shows and also teach part time at
the Performing Arts Academy. In addition to my love for music, I also love working with
children and have been involved in childcare for 10 years, working as the director of a
before and after school program and in the nursery here at St. Luke’s.
Email Jana at jana(a)stlukeshr.com
up in the church, married a boy from youth group, and now I have the honor of working
here. My husband and I have two beautiful children and two fur babies, all keeping us
very busy! I love to perform in Wesley Players Theater shows and also teach part time at
the Performing Arts Academy. In addition to my love for music, I also love working with
children and have been involved in childcare for 10 years, working as the director of a
before and after school program and in the nursery here at St. Luke’s.
Email Jana at jana(a)stlukeshr.com
Assistant Teachers
I am Amy Goings (Assistant Teacher) 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
Email Amy at amyg(at)stlukeshr.com
My name is Carol Verk (Assistant Teacher). I have been an assistant teacher at St Luke's Little School for 16 years, and I love it! I have two adult sons and a husband of 28 years. All of my free time goes to my family and we love basketball. My favorite place to vacation is Disney World and we go every year!
Email Carol at carolv(at)stlukeshr.com
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 and dog, Buddy. I have two beautiful girls who are grown and now live and work in Denver and New York. Before children I was a registered nurse at Children’s Hospital in Denver. And now in my empty nest years I love supporting children and families in education. I feel incredibly privileged to be a part of the Little School family!
Email Chanda at chandas(at)stlukeshr.com
Email Chanda at chandas(at)stlukeshr.com
My name is Holly Marx (Assistant Teacher). I am originally from the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania and received my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development from the University of Delaware. My husband Chris and I live in Castle Pines and have 2 children. Our daughter Ferron is a sophomore in college and our son Sullivan, aka “Mr. Sully”, is a sophomore in high school. Before taking time off to be a stay-at-home-mama, I taught kindergarten in Douglas County at Arrowwood Elementary. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching movies, shopping, and going back to the East Coast to visit my family and friends. I am so super excited to meet all of your children and do what I LOVE!
Email Holly at hollym(at)stlukeshr.com
Email Holly at hollym(at)stlukeshr.com
My name is Mandi Wineinger (Assistant Teacher) and this will be my first year assistant
teaching at St. Luke’s Little School. As a mom of two Little Schoolers, I knew that I wanted to be
involved in this amazing community from the moment I stepped through the door. I have my
Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Colorado at Denver in English Writing, and I’m
passionate about sharing my love for learning with little ones. Before becoming a mother myself,
I worked in childcare for a decade; it is my greatest joy to support children in their growth
socially, emotionally, and academically. In my spare time, I love chasing after our kids
alongside my high school best friend and now husband, Paul. We love playing music, traveling,
and having fun together! Thank you for sharing your kiddos with me. I look forward to getting to
know you all, while providing a safe and compassionate school life for your children!
Email Mandi at mandi(at)stlukeshr.com
teaching at St. Luke’s Little School. As a mom of two Little Schoolers, I knew that I wanted to be
involved in this amazing community from the moment I stepped through the door. I have my
Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Colorado at Denver in English Writing, and I’m
passionate about sharing my love for learning with little ones. Before becoming a mother myself,
I worked in childcare for a decade; it is my greatest joy to support children in their growth
socially, emotionally, and academically. In my spare time, I love chasing after our kids
alongside my high school best friend and now husband, Paul. We love playing music, traveling,
and having fun together! Thank you for sharing your kiddos with me. I look forward to getting to
know you all, while providing a safe and compassionate school life for your children!
Email Mandi at mandi(at)stlukeshr.com
My name is Michelle Schwartz (Assistant Teacher). I have been teaching at St. Luke’s Little School since 2009. Before coming to St. Luke’s I taught preschool in Littleton for 14 years. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders from CSU. I live in Highlands Ranch with my husband of over 40 years. We have two grown children and two grandchildren who are such a joy. 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
Email Michelle at michelles(at)stlukeshr.com