MEET our STAFF!
Teacher & Para Teams
- Mrs. Horton & Mrs. Diane
- Ms. Janel & Mrs. Sandy
- Mrs. Jenn & Ms. Jessie
- Mrs. Kate T. & Ms. Brittany
- Ms. Katelyn H. & Mrs. Vicki
- Mrs. Kayla and Ms. Lynnae
- Mrs. Quiana & Ms. Dawn
- Ms. Tico and Mrs. Stacey
Mrs. Horton & Mrs. Diane
Mrs. Horton, Teacher
ABOUT ME:
I am originally from the south, but as a military wife I have lived all over. My husband and I moved to Colorado with our pup Valentine in 2021 and welcomed our first child in April 2022. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, being outside, jeeping, and going on new adventures with my family.
EXPERIENCE:
I have been teaching since 2016, and have a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction where I specialized in Student Services and hold a Special Education certification. I taught a variety of grades in Georgia and New York; however, Pre-K continues to hold a special place in my heart.
I ENJOY WORKING AT CONRAD BECAUSE:
I love engaging with this age group, seeing their excitement of learning new things, and watching the significant growth from the beginning to the end of the school year. I look forward to a new and exciting school year at Conrad!
Mrs. Horton's Favorites
Mrs. Diane, Paraprofessional
ABOUT ME:
I have been married to my husband Kevin since 1981 and we have two sons, Eric, and Adam. I love Colorado and enjoy seeing it from the back of my husband’s motorcycle as we travel through this beautiful state.
EXPERIENCE: I have been a para with D8 since 2019. My love for preschool education started back in 1990 when I helped start a preschool at my church here in Colorado Springs.
I ENJOY WORKING AT CONRAD BECAUSE:
I have always felt that the most important job that I have as a preschool educator is to help my students learn how to be part of a learning community in the classroom. By learning to be independent and to advocate for themselves, I feel my students will be successful in kindergarten and beyond.
Mrs. Diane's Favorites
Ms. Janel & Mrs. Sandy
Ms. Janel Lippy, Teacher
ABOUT ME
I am mom to two fantastic teenagers, wife to an Army musician, and provider-of-treats to an opinionated bearded dragon. We have lived in many places from Alaska to Virginia, and currently call Colorado home. I enjoy nature, music, stories, and messy art.
EXPERIENCE
I’ve been teaching since 2000: five years in K-12, seventeen years of homeschooling my own and their friends, and now preschool!
EDUCATION
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in K-12 Special Education from Indiana University in 2000, and am now working on my master’s in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education at University of Oregon.
I AM EXCITED TO JOIN CONRAD'S TEAM BECAUSE
Preschool is everything I love: nature, music, stories, messy art, and the magic of early learning.
Ms. Janel's Favorites
Mrs. Sandy, Paraprofessional
ABOUT ME
I grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, the oldest of eleven children. I joined the Army right out of high school, where I met my husband who was also a soldier. We both retired from the Army and moved to Fountain in 1996. We have 5 children and 6 beautiful grandchildren.
EXPERIENCE
I have been working as a para in this district since 2007, all but 2 of those years in preschool.
I ENJOY WORKING AT CONRAD BECAUSE
I love working with preschool-aged children, watching them grow and learning new skills every day.
Mrs. Sandy's Favorites
Mrs. Jenn & Ms. Jessie
Mrs. Jenn, Teacher
About me:
I was born in Alaska in Alaska but grew up in Colorado. Spent a few years in Florida while my husband was in the Army and moved back in 2007.
I enjoy coffee, football (go broncos!), walking my dogs and listening to audiobooks or podcasts.
Experience:
I started as an Early Childhood Teacher in 2011. I have worked with ages 6 weeks-5 years, primarily with children ages 3-5. I spent a few years at a private preschool in northern Colorado Springs and spent the last 6 years at UCCS teaching preschool. I transitioned to Conrad ELC in 2021.
I enjoy working at Conrad because:
I love teaching self-regulation and social/emotional skills and watching these skills flourish in preschoolers!
Education:
I am currently working on a Master’s degree in Special Education from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. I expect to graduate in May 2023.
Mrs. Jenn's favorites
Ms. Jessie, Paraprofessional
About me:
I am a single mom with three wonderful kids. In my spare time I am a Girl Scout Leader. I am majoring in Inclusive Early Education at UCCS. I also love to read.
Experience:
I joined FFC8 in 2013 as a para at Jordhal. I transferred to Conrad in 2015 when the school opened.
I enjoy working at Conrad because:
I love working with preschoolers because they always keep you on your toes.
Ms. Jessie's favorites list
Mrs. Kate T. & Ms. Brittany
Mrs. Kate, Teacher
About me
I have lived most of my life in the Fountain Valley area. My husband and I have been married since 2005 and we have three boys, two in high school and one in middle school. We also have three crazy, but loveable dogs. Most of my free time is spent at sporting events, gardening, and walking my dogs while listening to Audible. We try to escape to the mountains to camp, fish, and off-road in my Jeep as often as possible, but never nearly enough. Although I was born in Germany, I am a Colorado Girl through and through!
Experience
I have been working on and off in the Early Childhood Education field since I was a teen and started teaching full time in 2015. Through my experiences, both as an educator and as a student working towards my degree, my path has led me to special education and creating an inclusive classroom, so I am thrilled to be part of the Conrad Team!
I enjoy working at Conrad because
Through my experiences, both as an educator and as a student working towards my degree, my path has led me to special education and creating an inclusive classroom, so I am thrilled to be part of the Conrad Team!
Mrs. Kate's Favorites
Mrs. Brittany, Paraprofessional
About me
I am a military wife and mom of three kids. Spent most of my life in Washington state but I am originally from Montana. I enjoy crafting, shopping, family time and watching my favorite football team (Montana Grizzlies). The army life has brought us to Colorado and we have enjoyed what this place has to offer.
Experience
I worked at a childcare center (TreeHill) in Camas WA from 2011 to 2018 before we relocated with the Army. I have had experience working with several different age groups from infants all the way up to school age children. I joined FFC8 at the end of the 2021-2022 school year as a lunch monitor at Weikel and now I am here at Conrad since October 2022.
I enjoy working at Conrad because
I enjoy working at Conrad because I have always loved working closely with preschool aged children and watching them grow in the classroom! The conversations and laughter we share during our day together are what make Conrad a great place to be a part of!
Mrs. Brittany's favorites
Ms. Katelyn H. & Mrs. Vicki
Ms. Katelyn, Teacher
About me
I’ve lived in Colorado my whole life! I grew up in Rye, Colorado and I moved to Colorado Springs in 2015 for school. In my free time, I love curling up with a good book and getting outside! I love hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending as much time as possible with my family!
Experience
I started as an Early Childhood Educator in 2017 when I became a Lead Teacher at UCCS. I spent the last four years there teaching preschool with ages 2 ½ to 5 years, mainly teaching children ages 3-5. I recently transitioned to Conrad Early Learning Center in 2022.
Education
I earned my BA in History in 2017 from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. I am currently working on a Master’s of Arts in Special Education from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. I expect to graduate in May of 2023.
I am excited to join Conrad's team because
I am excited to begin building connections with my students, their families, and my fellow teachers! I love the environment that those connections create and I can’t wait to get started!
Mrs. Katelyn’s Favorites
Mrs. Vicki, Paraprofessional
About me
I have lived in Colorado all my life. I grew up in Manitou springs and then moved to Fountain in 1991. I have a son and a daughter and 2 grandsons that I really enjoy spending time with. I love to go camping and hiking. Really anything in the mountains. Reading is another thing that I enjoy. I love to watch hockey, either the avalanche or my son and grandson playing.
Experience
I started with FFC8 in 2000. I have worked as a para in preschool every year. I've worked at Mountainside, Jordahl, Eagleside and Mesa Elementary Schools and then to Conrad when it opened. I joined Conrad in 2015 when it opened.
Mrs. Vicki's Favorites
Mrs. Kayla and Ms. Lynnae
Mrs. Kayla, Teacher
About me
I have been married to my amazing husband Matt since 2016 and we have two dogs, Sullivan and Bristol! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my dogs, traveling, hiking, cooking, and trying out new restaurants!
Experience
I have been teaching since 2013 within the Fountain School District. I have taught kindergarten at Abrams Elementary and preschool here at Conrad since 2019. I thoroughly enjoy developing long lasting relationships with all my students and families and while having so much fun learning and growing together!
Education
Graduated in 2013 from CSU-Pueblo with BA in Elementary Education
Graduated in 2021 from UNC - MA in Early Childhood Special Education
I enjoy working at Conrad because
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher! I love working and learning with the younger kiddos! They bring such joy to my life and I love how curious they are about everything! Everyday is an adventure in preschool! I am looking forward to meeting my new students and families and working with the wonderful staff at Conrad!
Mrs. Kayla's Favorites
Ms. Lynnae, Paraprofessional
About me
I have lived in the Fountain community since 1997. I have 4 children and four grandchildren. They have all gone through preschool, Jordahl, FMS, and FFCHS! So you can see, the district 8 community is truly the place we call home. I love to read a good book, go on hikes, watch movies, and most of all spend time with my grandbabies.
Experience
I joined FFC8 in 2017 as a para at Jordahl. I transferred to Conrad in 2019.
I enjoy working at Conrad because
I am excited to spend this next school year getting to know each of your children as we learn and grow and have a fantastic year with Ms. Kayla!
Ms. Lynnae's Favorites
Mrs. Quiana & Ms. Dawn
Mrs. Quiana
About me
I enjoy working with children and seeing them come to life as they meet and learn new milestones. In my spare time I like spending time with my husband and 3 beautiful children, baking, coaching sports and just exploring new things!
Experience
I joined Conrad Early Learning Center in 2019. As a military spouse, I worked in the education field in Missouri, Washington and recently in Germany. I have a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and am working on my Early Childhood Special Education degree.
I enjoy working at Conrad because
I enjoyed working with children and seeing them come to life as they meet and learn new milestones.
Mrs. Quiana's Favorites
Ms. Dawn
About me
Aloha! I am originally from Hawaii. I moved to Colorado in 2011. I enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming and going to the park with my three children.
Experience
I began working at Conrad in 2017.
I enjoy working at Conrad because
I enjoy laughing with the staff and students.
Ms. Dawn's Favorites
Ms. Tico and Mrs. Stacey
Ms. Tico, Teacher
About me
I am so very excited about being your teacher! I am originally from a tiny little town in Iowa, but I have called Colorado home since 2014. My doggo and I love to take walks in the beautiful Colorado weather! I also enjoy exploring the gorgeous Colorado mountains.
Education
I earned an elementary education degree with endorsements in early childhood and reading from Simpson College in Iowa. I completed my Masters' Degree in Early Childhood Education at UNC in December 2021.
Experience
I began teaching in Iowa in 2007, where I taught preschool for 7 years. After moving to Colorado, I taught kindergarten in Colorado Springs for 3 years. In 2018, I joined the incredible team at Conrad Early Learning Center and I am thrilled to be working with preschoolers and their families!
I enjoy working at Conrad because
My goal this year is to help our students develop a love of learning and to be kind, loving human beings! I can't wait to watch them grow! And I am excited about building great relationships with each and every family along the way!
Ms. Tico's Favorites
Mrs. Stacey, Paraprofessional
About me
I’m married and have three amazing children. I have five grandkids that I absolutely adore! I enjoy sports and keeping busy on weekends with my family.
Experience
I became a para for FFC8 in 2015. I worked in the Autism room at both Eagleside and Jordahl before coming to Conrad.
I enjoy working at Conrad because
I am having so much fun learning through play at Conrad!
Mrs. Stacey's Favorites
Floating Teacher & Para 2's
What is a Para 2 and Floating Teacher?
Conrad benefits from the flexibility of three Para 2’s and one Floating Teacher.
These Paraprofessional 2's are an integral part of Conrad’s team who support ALL students in ALL classrooms.
Conrad’s floating teacher is ready to step in to fulfill the role of a teacher with minimal notice. When not filling in as a teacher, she also supports ALL students in ALL classrooms.
Mrs. Yenny
Mrs. Yenny, Floating Guest Teacher
ABOUT ME:
My name is Yenny Mares, I have been married for 26 years and have 3 children and 2 beautiful grandchildren. We are an army family and have been living in Colorado for 12 years.
EXPERIENCE:
I have an MA in Early Childhood. I have been working for D8 for 9 years. I became a substitute teacher to be able to enjoy and have more time with my family. I love my job 😊.
I ENJOY WORKING AT CONRAD BECAUSE:
Conrad has been one of my best schools to sub for. I always enjoy being at Conrad because they always make me feel welcome and they always make me feel part of the team, especially when I am working as a long-term sub.
Mrs. Yenny's Favorites
Mrs. Danielle
ABOUT ME:
I am a Colorado Native. Born in Colorado Springs raised in Fountain.
I grew up playing Fastpitch softball and even played in college.
My husband and I have two children. Our son is in elementary school and our daughter is in preschool.
Together we have 3 dogs. Zeus is our English bulldog, Nala is our chihuahua mix and Charli is our terrier mix.
EXPERIENCE:
I’ve worked in FFC8 since August of 2022 as a softball coach at FFCHS.
EDUCATION:
I received an Associate of Arts Degree in Sociology at Otero Junior College.
I ENJOY WORKING AT CONRAD BECAUSE
I enjoy working with children and this age group is so fun! I also get to be close to my daughter who is a student at Conrad.
Danielle's Favorites
Mrs. Kathy
About Me: I am originally from Utah. My husband and I have been married for 37 years. We have lived in the Fountain and Colorado Springs communities since 2011. We have also lived in Washington, Texas and lived overseas in Japan for 13 years! We have two daughters and I love to spoil our grandson and granddaughter!
Experience: I have worked as a Sub and a Para in FFC8 since 2013. In addition, I have worked in Autism and SSN programs in Washington, Texas and overseas. Before joining the Conrad team in 2023, I worked as a Sub in FFC8 and really enjoy working in Preschool!
I Enjoy Working at Conrad Because: I really love working with this age group of students being able to watch and facilitate in their growth and learning!!
Mrs. Sue
ABOUT ME:
I grew up on a horse farm in Iowa and moved to Colorado in 1980. I have always loved horses but have traded them in for extra-large dogs instead. My favorite holiday is Christmas because I love to spoil my 3 beautiful granddaughters. My favorite children’s books are Dr Seuss and my day doesn’t start without coffee.
EXPERIENCE:
I’ve worked in FFC8 since 2009. I started at Eagleside. I joined Conrad back in 2017 as a sub but soon realized that it was an amazing place to work.
EDUCATION:
I received my bachelors in Business in 1998.
I ENJOY WORKING AT CONRAD BECAUSE:
I absolutely love hanging out with these wonderful, fun-filled little humans.
Mrs. Sue’s Favorites
Mrs. Tiffany
Custodians
Ms. Tina
About me:
I was born and raised in Germany. I moved to Colorado in 2010. I have three grown children and four grandchildren.
Experience:
I joined FFC8 in 2014. I worked at FFCHS for 7 years and Carson Middle for one year. I joined Conrad’s team as the Building Supervisor in 2022.
I enjoy working at Conrad because:
Each day is different and unpredictable. The little ones are so cute.
Ms. Tina's Favorites
Mrs. Jessica
Office staff
Mrs. Browning, Administrator
Nurse Sheena
ABOUT ME:
I grew up Billings, Montana. My husband is in the Army. I have three daughters and a dog named Zeus.
EDUCATION:
I graduated from Pacific Lutheran University Magna Cum Laude in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. During my time at Pacific Lutheran University, I completed a semester as a nurse extern in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Madigan Army Medical Center.
EXPERIENCE:
After graduating, I moved to Killeen, Texas where I worked for approximately 3 months in a Neonatal intensive Care Unit before my family was moved to South Carolina with the Army.
While in South Carolina, I worked for 14 months in a level one trauma center in the emergency department. I was trained both in the adult ER and the children’s ER but primarily worked in the adult ER.
In 2016, the army moved my family to Dekalb, Illinois. While in Illinois, I worked full time at Rochelle Community hospital emergency room and part time at Kishwaukee hospital.
During my emergency room experience, I cared for people of all ages, neonatal to elderly. I have cared for a variety of children in this setting with a variety of health care concerns including but not limited to: children with cerebral palsy, children that have behavioral issues, children with acute respiratory issues such as asthma or croup, traumatic head injuries, conscious sedation, appendicitis, strep throat, fever, overdose, and more.
I ENJOY WORKING AT CONRAD BECAUSE:
I enjoy the many opportunities to work with and meet the many amazing kiddo, families and staff of FFC8.
Nurse Sheena’s Favorites
Mrs. Donna
Secretary
ABOUT ME:
I grew up in Massachusetts and moved to Vermont in 1991 when I married my husband. My husband and I moved to Colorado in 2016 to be closer to our children and grandchildren. I have three sons, two daughter-n-laws, two grandsons, and one granddaughter. We enjoy spending time with our family and going to various events like, auto and supercross races, county fairs, and just getting out to see the beauty of Colorado.
EXPERIENCE:
Before moving to Colorado, I worked for six years as the Business Administrator/Secretary in a Christian School and then ten years as the Guidance Secretary for a Middle/High School. I started at Conrad ELC in August 2019 as the Special Education Secretary and love working with our families in a variety of areas.
MY FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT CONRAD:
I love watching the progress our little ones make from their first day at Conrad to their last day when we say goodbye for the last time and they move on to Kindergarten. I love watching the shyness and tears they have when they start turn to smiles, laughter and joy in such a short period of time.
Mrs. Donna’s Favorites
Mrs. Melissa
Secretary
ABOUT ME:
I am originally from Illinois where I met my husband. Before my husband retired from the Army, we lived in New York, Hawaii, Washington, Texas and Colorado. I have a son in the Marine Corps. and a son who graduated from college with a degree in Zoo Keeping.
EXPERIENCE:
I worked at FMS as an Affective Needs Paraeducator before transferring to Patriot as a Secretary in 2013. I transferred to Conrad when it opened in August 2015. It was a lot of fun to setup a new office and open a new school.
EDUCATION:
Chaminade University of Honolulu, BFA in Interior Design
MY FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT CONRAD:
I enjoy being one of the first people to greet parents and students at Conrad.
Mrs. Melissa's Favorites
Motor Team
Ms. Juaquina Broughton
Occupational Therapist
ABOUT ME:
EXPERIENCE:
I ENJOY WORKING AT CONRAD BECAUSE:
Ms. Keena's Favorites
Dr. Simon Pratt
Physical Therapist
ABOUT ME:
I grew up in Seattle, WA by the water all my life before coming to the Rocky Mountains for grad school and sunshine. I live with my partner and two kitties, Kiki and Calcifer. On the weekends you can find me in the backcountry or falling down the blues at Monarch.
EDUCATION:
Doctor of Physical Therapy from Regis University, Class of 2020
EXPERIENCE:
I started at FFC8 near the end of 2020 and provide physical therapy services to all the schools in district.
I ENJOY WORKING AT CONRAD BECAUSE:
The young kiddos keep you young and creative. My goal for each student is to encourage them play hard outside so they can learn inside.
Mr. Simon’s Favorites
Speech Team
Mrs. Jessica Meyer
ABOUT ME:
I grew up in Nebraska. I enjoy watching football especially rooting for the Huskers and Broncos. I also enjoy spending time with my family. My husband and I have two children.
EDUCATION:
I received my Master's degree from the University of Nebraska Lincoln.
EXPERIENCE:
I have been a Speech Language Pathologist in Fountain Fort Carson School District 8 for over ten years.
I ENJOY WORKING AT CONRAD BECAUSE:
I look forward to working with you and your child to help them meet their goals and achieve their dreams.
Mrs. Meyer’s Favorites
Mrs. Nicole Roberts
ABOUT ME:
I just relocated to Colorado with my husband, daughter, and two dogs. We are originally from Southern California. I enjoy reading and scrapbooking in my free time.
EDUCATION:
I earned my Master’s degree at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2020
EXPERIENCE:
I have been working with students of all ages for over 10 years and as a Speech Language Pathologist since 2021.
I ENJOY WORKING AT CONRAD BECAUSE:
I appreciate how the staff works together as a team to support all of our wonderful students
Mrs. Robert’s Favorites