MEET our STAFF!

Teachers

ABOUT ME
I am originally from South America, Ecuador, and I have been living in the states for 6 years now. I have a son and two bonus kids. My husband and I have been married since 2020. We are an army family and have been living in Colorado since 2022.

EDUCATION
I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Special Education from Universidad Casa Grande (Ecuador).

EXPERIENCE
I have been teaching since 2012 in my home country as a preschool teacher. I spent 5 years in North Carolina as a Kindergarten Teacher and now preschool!

I LOVE WORKING AT CONRAD PreK BECAUSE
Teaching is my passion and watching them grow and learn so much along the way is such a joy!
Ms. Beli's favorites

Ms. Janel

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. Erika

Mrs. Erika M.

About me
I have three wonderful children, two daughters and a son. My husband and I have been married since 2009 and have spent the majority of our lives together traveling with his career in the Army. We have been in Colorado since 2020 and enjoy spending time outdoors, especially riding our go karts. I love reading, drawing, and writing stories.
Experience
I have been teaching since 2021. I have my BA in Early Childhood Education and am working towards my Masters in Early Childhood Special Education. In 2022, I took an immersive course learning how to teach reading to new learners.
I enjoy working at Conrad because
Teaching is my passion and I am always pursuing new ways to teach and learn.
Mrs. Erika's favorites

Mrs. Jenn

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

Mrs. Kate T.

ABOUT ME
I have lived most of my life in the Fountain Valley. My husband and I have been married since 2005 and we have 3 teenagers. One in college, one in high school, and one in middle school. We have three crazy, but loveable dogs. Most of my free times is spent at sporting events, but we try to get out in nature as much as possible. I love to read and listen to Audible. Good food and fresh cut flowers are my love language!
EXPERIENCE
I have been working off and on in the Early Childhood field since I was as teen and have been teaching full time since 2015. Through my experiences as an educator and as a student working towards my degrees, I found my way to district 8 as a paraprofessional in the preschool classroom and it drove me to go back to school to specialize in Special Education. I have Bachelors in ECE from Colorado Christian University and a Masters in Early Childhood Special education from the University of Northern Colorado.
I ENJOY WORKING AT CONRAD BECAUSE
I enjoy working at Conrad because of the focus on creating an inclusive classroom, welcoming to all students, and promoting play as the main form of instruction for preschoolers. Play is the most important work a preschooler can do, so I love creating intentional play experiences to help preschoolers grow and develop both socially and academically.
Mrs. Kate's Favorites

Ms. Katelyn H.

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. Kayla

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

Mrs. Sandra (Eagleside)

ABOUT ME
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico- a beautiful island in the Caribbean. I fell in love with CO in 2007 and have called it my home ever since. I LOVE its mountains and all the outdoor activities we get to do here. I’ve been married since 2001 and have 3 kindhearted daughters and a precious black lab female. I love Summer and Fall season, yoga, any outdoor sports, to do missions with my church and family, and fruits and veggies. Anything natural and holistic fulfills me.

EDUCATION
I earned my preschool/elementary degree in the University of Puerto Rico. I obtained a Director Qualification in 2013 and love to take trainings regarding special education and cultural awareness.

EXPERIENCE
I’ve been a teacher since 2005!!! I taught 5th grade my first year in PR and then moved to preschool. From 2015-2021 I had the opportunity to work as a Play Based Facilitator with Special Education students. I am glad to join the D8 family and serve my community.

I LOVE WORKING AT STAFF PreK BECAUSE
Early Childhood is my passion. I believe the first years of a kid’s life are extremely important and so I love being part of it, contributing to their inquisitive minds and loving hearts.
Mrs. Sandra’s Favorites

Ms. Tico

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. Yenny

Mrs. Yenny, 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

Paraprofessionals

Ms. Cheyenne

ABOUT ME
I was raised in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, although I have live in Colorado for a long time. I am married with 5 beautiful children. I was a stay-at-home mom for 20 years. I like to go hiking and putting puzzles together.

EXPERIENCE
I have worked in the district since 2022 in the preschool program. I also was a life skills para in a different district.

I LOVE WORKING AT CONRAD PREK BECAUSE
I love it when the preschoolers really learn something and that light shines!

Ms. Cheyenne'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. Dawn

Ms. Erica A.

Ms. Jackie

Ms. Jessie

Ms. Jessie

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

Ms. Jordan F.

Ms. Jordan M. (Eagleside)

Ms. Kate W-D. (Eagleside)

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. Kathy's Favorites

Ms. Lynnae

Ms. Lynnae

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. Sandy

Mrs. Sandy

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. Stacey

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

Mrs. Sue (Eagleside)

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. Tasha (Eagleside)

ABOUT ME
I am originally from Minnesota, but we were brought here due to the military in 2010 and we loved it so much we decided to stay! My husband and I have 3 amazing kiddos that are in D8 as well. I love reading, going on walks, movies and spending as much time as I can with my family!
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
I graduated from St. Cloud Technical College with a degree in Practical Nursing.
I was a stay at home mom until our youngest attended Conrad and now have been in District 8 since 2021. Started off as a lunch monitor at Aragon Elementary and loved being in the school.
I LOVE WORKING AT STAFF PreK BECAUSE
I enjoy working with younger kids because they always keep you on your toes! Watching them grow and learn so much along the way is such a joy!
Mrs. Tasha’s Favorites

Mrs. Vicki

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

Ms. Yerika (Eagleside)

ABOUT ME
I'm from Puerto Rico and I have been married for 8 years, I have 3 children and 1 dog, a big family! I have been living 6 years in colorful Colorado and I love hiking, camping, road trips, and nature.
EDUCATION
I have a BA in Regular and Adapted Physical Education.
EXPERIENCE
I have worked about 2 years with special education students, most of them teaching Physical Education and assisting.
I ENJOY WORKING AT CONRAD BECAUSE
I really enjoy working with kids! Teaching, helping kids and watching them grow one tiny little step at a time is my passion.
Mrs. Yerika's favorites

Custodians

Ms. Tina, Supervisor

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

Ms. Liz Marie

Mr. Ernesto

Office staff

Mrs. Browning, Administrator

Nurse Lisa

ABOUT ME
My husband and two sons recently moved to CO from New Orleans, LA. We have two dogs, Toby and Cheetah. I am a swing dancer, a painter, and avid outdoors enthusiast.
EDUCATION
I grew up in Western Massachusetts. After high school I moved to New York where I completed my first Bachelor’s degree from Stony Brook University. For the next five years I lived in Brooklyn, NY working as a preschool teacher and nanny. I moved to New Orleans, LA in 2010 and attended Louisiana State University where I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Nursing to become a Registered Nurse.
EXPERIENCE
After graduating nursing school, I worked in the Pediatric Acute Care and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in New Orleans at a level 1 Trauma hospital caring for children from birth to 18 years old. I then transitioned into the role of school nurse, working for Jefferson Parish Public Schools in a Pre-K through 8th grade Elementary school.
I ENJOY WORKING AT CONRAD BECAUSE
I love the enthusiasm of Pre-K! They are growing and learning so much in these early years. Their love for life is contagious!

Nurse Lisa'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

Ms. Juaquina Broughton

Occupational Therapist

ABOUT ME
I’ve lived in Colorado for the last 11 years and have been married for 8 years to my husband, Chris. I enjoy exploring Colorado, traveling (most friends and family live out of state), reading, and spending time with friends and family when time allows.

EDUCATION
Bachelors in Special Education from New Mexico Highlands University
Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University
Currently working on my Post Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Texas Tech University

EXPERIENCE
This is my fourth year at FFC8 as an occupational therapist. I was an outpatient occupational therapist at a small clinic in Pueblo, Colorado for the previous 8 years. I’ve had the opportunity to work and various schools in FFC8 and enjoy watching students grow their motor skills!

I LOVE WORKING AT CONRAD/STAFF PreK BECAUSE
I love the staff and students at Conrad/Staff PreK. They are inclusive and allow me to engage in interact in all kinds of activities, often greeting me with a smile and hug!
Ms. Keena's Favorites

Mr. 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
Ms. Marina Kelly

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

Ms. Marina Kelly

ABOUT ME
I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I enjoy being outside and some of my favorite hobbies include, hiking, camping, fly fishing, and spending time with my fiancé and our two dogs.
EDUCATION
I received my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado and my Master’s from Texas Woman’s University.
EXPERIENCE
I have been a Speech Therapist since 2021.
I ENJOY WORKING AT CONRAD BECAUSE
I look forward to getting to know and work with you and your child and everything speech related!

Ms. Kelly's favorites