About Ms. Walker & Mrs. Dot
I came to Westerly Creek with many years of elementary teaching experience in Adams County School District #14. I’ve taught 3rd grade, Reading Intervention, and most recently, Kindergarten. I earned my Teaching Certificate (1999) and my Master’s degree (2001) from the University of Colorado, Denver.
My husband, children ("tweenage twins") and I (and our beloved cat, Boots) live in the Whittier neighborhood of Denver. We can be spotted at soccer games, libraries, biking around City Park, hiking, camping, and eating frozen yogurt. We also love to travel...especially to see our families in Ohio (Kent is my hometown), Florida, California and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. When I’m not teaching or with my family, I love to play tennis, do yoga, run, hang out with good friends, watch movies, and read. I am a firm believer that building and sustaining a safe, caring and responsive classroom is the key to academic success for ALL children. When students feel supported, excited about learning, and challenged, they SOAR!! Parents, I look forward to partnering with you this year. As a working parent myself, I know that involvement looks different for everyone! I promise to keep you in the loop about your child’s progress, opportunities for in-school and outside-school involvement, and general classroom happenings. |
Greetings, first grade families! This will be my second year teaching first grade at Westerly Creek Elementary. I look forward to supporting your children as mathematicians, scientists and explorers!
I earned my Teaching Certificate from the Stanley British Teacher Prep Program here in Denver (2016), and am a Master's candidate for a degree in Education & Human Development (Early Literacy emphasis) with CU - Denver. I have an MBA in Marketing from Regis University, and my undergraduate degree is from Salem College. I have worked in education since 2013, supporting 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th graders as either a paraprofessional or teacher intern. I also worked at a private school in Littleton teaching highly-gifted 1st/2nd graders before returning to DPS. I grew up on the east coast (VA & NC) in a military family. I moved to Colorado in 2003 and love living here with my husband Mike, 10-year old son Ryder, and 2 dogs (Sophie & Shadow). Outside the classroom, I'm a soccer and hockey mom trying to get to practice on time. Whenever possible, I indulge in yoga, weekend mountain fun, reading, gardening, vacation planning and the occasional DIY project. My intention is always to engage EVERY learner by creating a safe and supportive community. I strongly believe the world is our classroom. Making those connections from the classroom to everyday life is my goal. Social and emotional learning happens every day, and I will strive to show respect, sensitivity, and integrity in every interaction. It is an adventure and honor to be on this journey with your child! I look forward to collaborating with all of you to support our rock-star first graders! |