Our Team - Jeffco Public Schools (2024)

Amanda Pierozaria has worked for Jefferson County Public Schools for 15 years. Prior to joining the School Leadership team, she served as the principal of Coronado Elementary for five years and Weber Elementary for one year. She was also an assistant principal at Chatfield Senior High, Powderhorn Elementary and Summit Ridge Middle School. Amanda taught Spanish and French at Chatfield for six years.

She earned a bachelor of arts in spanish with minors in french and educational computing from Iowa State University and also holds a masters in curriculum and instruction from Colorado Christian University and principal licensure from the University of Colorado-Denver. Amanda is a servant leader who believes in the value of relationships and positive partnerships in order to support all students in achieving success.

Tayo Adeeko began her career in education as a founding elementary school teacher in Crown Heights, Brooklyn (NYC), teaching second and third grade. She also worked as a founding school administrator at a charter school in Washington, D.C. These experiences in urban education guided her research interests in education policy, school systems and governance as a graduate student at Ohio State.

Tayo is a proud Jeffco graduate. She earned her undergraduate degree in political science and international affairs from the University of Colorado Boulder. She has a masters of education in elementary education from Hunter College and a doctorate in education from Ohio State University.

Wendy Doran has worked in education for over 20 years. Prior to joining the School Leadership team, she served as the principal of Carmody Middle School for five years and as a high school principal in Aurora Public schools for three years.

Wendy served in multiple roles throughout her career including, an education consultant, teacher, instructional coach and principal in both neighborhood and alternative schools. Those experiences sparked a great passion in Wendy for innovative schools, equity and systems that serve all families. Wendy is a proud graduate of Jeffco Public Schools, earned a bachelor of arts in communication studies from University of Nevada, Las Vegas, A masters in curriculum and instruction from University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and earned her principal licensure and is in the process of earning her doctorate from University of Colorado, Denver.

Wendy oversees all schools in the Arvada West articulation area, as well as Connections Learning Center, Long View, McLain, Mount View and the Warren Tech Campuses.

Beth Elmgreen has worked in public education for almost 30 years. Prior to joining the School Leadership team as a community superintendent, Beth was the principal of Bergen Valley Elementary. Under her leadership, Bergen Valley received many academic awards and was awarded the number one elementary school in the state of Colorado by GreatSchools ratings. Beth has also served as an instructional coach and classroom teacher for Jeffco. An accomplished instructional leader, she believes that every student deserves an exceptional educational experience. Beth graduated from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. In addition, Beth holds a master’s degree focused in educational leadership and administration.

Beth oversees all schools in the Ralston Valley and Standley Lake articulation areas.

Mindi Feir has worked in Jeffco Public Schools for over 25 years. Prior to joining the School Leadership Team, she served as the principal of Drake Middle School for 4 years and Deane Elementary School for 5 years. Mindi was also a master teacher, instructional coach, and classroom teacher for Jeffco. She earned her bachelor of science in elementary education from Minnesota State University at Moorhead and holds a masters in curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix as well as her principal licensure. Mindi is a passionate educator that believes in instructional excellence and advocates for equity and belonging for all students, while helping them find their pathway to success.

Mindi oversees all schools in the Green Mountain and Jefferson articulation areas.

Mike Freeman has served Jeffco in various capacities for twenty five years. Mike started his career with Jeffco in college as a student at CU Boulder in 1990, joining Jeffco as a paraeducator to students with special needs and an athletic coach. He was inspired by the teachers, coaches and administrators and pursued his teaching degree. He taught fifth and sixth grade at Shaffer Elementary School and eventually received his administrative licensure from CU Denver. Mike became the assistant principal and then principal at Powderhorn Elementary. After nine years in this role, his love of educational leadership led to the community superintendent role.

After three years in this role, Mike stepped away from Jeffco to attend to his family, but soon took a job as the executive director of a non-profit. Now Mike returns to his role as a community superintendent.

Mike oversees all schools in the Columbine articulation area and option schools.

Dr. Donetrus G. Hill began his educational career in Houston, Texas as a high school science teacher and head baseball coach. He was an instructional specialist in the area of secondary science. Dr. Hill served as assistant principal and principal at the high school level in both Texas and Ohio as well as a Chief of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development for math and science. His most recent role was principal at Belmont High School in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Hill has been heralded as one of the most effective school administrators in the Midwest.

Dr. Hill graduated from Wiley College with a bachelor of science in biological sciences. He also holds a masters in sports management from the United States Sports Academy, and a doctorate of education in Leadership and management.

Dr. Hill oversees all schools in the Alameda and Lakewood articulation areas.

Samantha Hollman has served school communities for over 25 years. Prior to her current role, she was the principal at Mitchell Elementary in Golden for nine years. She enjoyed working as an instructional coach and teaching prior to becoming a school administrator.

Wes Paxton has worked in public education as a classroom teacher, assistant principal and principal for over 32 years. Prior to his current role, he was the principal at Conifer High School for nine years. Wes brings a wealth of school leadership experience to his current role from working in the Greeley-Evans School District, Adams 14 School District and Denver Public Schools. Earning his bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder in economics and a master's degree from the University of Phoenix in school leadership, Wes has continued his pursuit of providing students with exceptional learning experiences by working in partnership with educators and garnering the support of the greater school community. He advocates for school leaders as president of the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals, president-elect of the Colorado Association of School Executives and leadership liaison for the Jefferson County Administrator Association.

Wes works directly with the elementary, middleand high schools in the Conifer and Evergreen articulation areas, as well as D’Evelyn Jr./Sr. High School, Dennison Elementaryand Mt. Blue Sky/Windy Peak Outdoor Education Lab Schools.

Lynn Torr has served in public education for 20 years. Prior to joining the School Leadership team, he spent 15 years as a high school administrator,12 years as a high school principal and three years as an assistant principal/athletics director. Lynn's most recent experience was leading Bear Creek High School as principal.

He graduated magna cum laude from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in history with a social studies teaching concentration. He spent 5 years teaching high school social studies (Haxtun High School and Bear Creek High School). Lynn received his master's in educational administration in 2006 and transitioned into administrative leadership in 2007. Lynn has worked in diverse school settings, which ignited his passion for equity and serving all students and families. He works hard to develop and coach other school leaders to reach their full potential.

Lynn oversees all schools in the Golden and Wheat Ridge articulation areas.

Terry Walderman has worked in public education for 20 years. Prior to joining the School Leadership team as a community superintendent, Terry was the principal of Sobesky Academy. Terry has also served as an assistant director of special education and a special education teacher.

In addition to her role as Community Superintendent for our separate schools, Terry is the executive director of Student Services, overseeing crisis response, suicide prevention, CPI, 504 and Homebound Services, MTSS implementation, employee wellness and healthy schools, and direct support, coaching and supervision for all of our general education mental health providers, including counselors and social emotional learning specialists. Terry graduated from Stony Brook University in New York. In addition to her education licensures, Terry hold a master's degree in social work. Terry believes strongly that each student matters and every moment counts.

Terry oversees Fletcher Miller School, Jeffco Transition Services and Sobesky Academy.

Brenna Copeland brings exceptional skills in program management, financial management and operational leadership. She has experience in education strategic initiatives, financial programming and grant management, and in public education as director of portfolio management & instructional superintendent with Denver Public Schools.

Brenna’s blend of strategic skills and abilities in the financial and education areas allow her to serve as CFO and lead our financial services team in a manner that aligns with needs identified by our superintendent: the right balance of coherence and autonomy, positive climate and culture, efficient and effective use of resources, pandemic recovery, and effective district organization to support schools and student achievement.

Brenna has twenty years of experience in education and finance and holds a master's degree from Duke University and a bachelor’s degree from Rice University.

Financial Services Organizational Chart

Jeff Gatlin joined Jeffco Public Schools in May 2023 as a seasoned operations executive with more than 15 years of experience. As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Roaring Fork School District, in Carbondale, Colorado, he supported students through facilities and maintenance, custodial services, food and nutrition, and transportation. Jeff also pioneered innovative housing programs and internet access for low-income families. Jeff's visionary leadership also facilitated the implementation of bond programs and innovative affordable housing initiatives for school employees, through strategic partnerships with municipalities and community organizations. Prior to joining Roaring Fork, Jeff was the director of technology and operations at the Woodland Park School District in Woodland Park, Colorado. His journey in education began as a high school teacher, and his commitment to the field has only grown stronger over time.

Jeff holds bachelor's degrees in business administration and entrepreneurial and small business management from the University of Colorado - Boulder. Moreover, he earned a master's degree in educational leadership and policy from the University of Texas - Arlington.

Operations Organizational Chart

Jill Ibeck joined Jeffco Public Schools in July 2021 as Chief Information Officer. Jill has 21 years of professional experience in information technology (IT) with 17 years in the education industry. Prior to joining the Jeffco Public Schools cabinet team, Jill served in numerous technical and techno-functional roles in K-12 and for the University of Colorado, serving all four campuses. In addition, she has held numerous technical and product advisory roles and enjoys volunteering with the Arvada Festivals Commission and the Ralston House.

As chief information officer, she oversees technology related strategy and initiatives for the district and leads the IT department while assuming responsibility for designing and recommending appropriate technology solutions to support the district’s goals and objectives.

Information Technology Organizational Chart

Jenifer Jones helps shape and oversee an inclusive team culture, vision, strategy and operations to cultivate a thriving and supportive experience for Jeffco employees. Jeffco Thrives 2025 includes a section called Our People: Our Strength. It recognizes that, in a thriving district, a collaborative, inclusive team culture with high expectations for staff and student performance contributes to instructional excellence and extraordinary student experiences. Most recently with Denver Public Schools (DPS), Jenifer served as executive director of human resources strategic support where she set vision and strategy for a team of human resources business partners who serve as senior advisors to all DPS schools and district leaders.

Jenifer started her career as a classroom teacher and spent a number of years in school leadership roles in New York and Colorado. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Kansas State University, and a master’s degree in school administration and supervision from Wichita State University where she also earned a superintendent's license.

Human Resources Organizational Chart

Over the course of her 26-year career in education, Renee Nicothodes has served as elementary director of curriculum and instruction, principal supervisor, principal, instructional coach and classroom teacher. Renee holds a master’s degree in education and a reading specialist credential from San Diego State University. Renee has a passion for working with at-risk student populations and advocating for equity and excellence in educational systems.

Renee previously served as Jeffco's Chief of Schools overseeing elementary schools. Now, in her role as chief academic officer, Renee works with instructional partners and teams to design and direct the planning, implementation and evaluation of districtwide instructional programs.

Division of Teaching & Learning Organizational Chart

Matt Palaoro provides guidance in support of the district’s mission to prepare all Jeffco students for a bright and successful future. Matt started in Jeffco as the assistant director of special education in 2018, following a decade in the field as a special education paraprofessional, teacher and coordinator. Matt has served as a special education leader in Jeffco for the past four years, most recently as the executive director of special education.

Matt earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Indiana University and a Master's degree in educational leadership and special education administration from the University of Northern Colorado.

The chief student success officer is responsible for developing, directing and rolling out systems and programs to serve students and families who require educational, physical, and emotional support beyond standard programming. Matt provides leadership and management for the following departments: special education, gifted and talented, health services, homebound instruction, student services, and healthy schools.

Student Success Organization Chart

Tara C. Peña serves as chief of family and community partnerships. This position brings cohesion to Jeffco’s important efforts to prioritize family and community partnerships at the district level. Tara oversees the community engagement and partnership vision, strategy, and operations to cultivate a thriving and supportive experience for Jeffco students. Jeffco Thrives 2025 includes a section called Our Communities: Our Legacy. It recognizes that, in a thriving school, Jeffco’s families and partners embrace a shared vision for education and collaborate to support student learning.

Most recently, Tara served as executive director of middle schools at Adams 12 Five Star Schools. Tara previously served Jeffco Public Schools as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal and principal. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in english with a secondary education/ESL endorsem*nt from the University of Northern Colorado, a master’s degree in educational counseling from the University of Phoenix and she holds a professional principal license from the State of Colorado. Additionally, Tara serves on the executive board of the Colorado Association of Latino/a Administrators and Superintendents (CO-ALAS).

Family and Community Partnerships Organizational Chart

Lisa Relou’s work in the field of education started over 22 years ago when she worked on a successful school bond campaign. She then went on to lead her own consulting company working directly with school superintendents and their administrations across Colorado to battle declining enrollments and public perception issues and to improve customer service.

In 2006, she was hired by Denver Public Schools (DPS) to create a marketing office for the district. Lisa worked with schools to create marketing and communications tools that targeted enrollment, student retention, stakeholder engagement and investment in the district’s strategic vision and initiatives. In 2010, Lisa left DPS to join TNTP (formerly The New Teacher Project) in order to support the organization’s work toward ending the injustice of educational inequality through national, state, and local efforts related to teacher effectiveness. Lisa also has experience working on the philanthropic side of education, working at Grantmakers for Education as their director of strategies.

Most Recently, Lisa operated her own strategic consulting business - Lisa Relou Consulting. Focusing on the field of education, both in Colorado and around the country. In her role at Jeffco, Lisa manages the district’s strategic initiatives and leads our communications team.

Communication Services Organizational Chart

Strategy Organizational Chart

Julie C. Tolleson is an experienced leader and expert in educational law. Julie provides guidance and counsel in support of the district’s mission to provide a world-class education for all students.

Most recently with the Colorado Department of Law as the First Assistant Attorney General for K-12 Education, Julie led a five-lawyer team in representing and advising the Colorado Department of Education, Charter School Institute, Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, and the Colorado State Board of Education. Her previous roles of service have included General Counsel for the Tucson Unified School District (Ariz.), Deputy Public Defender for Washington County (Ark.) and as Partner for Kennedy & Christopher, P.C. (Colo.), among others.

Julie is licensed to practice law in Arizona, Colorado and Arkansas. She serves as the Chair of the National Council of State Education Attorneys, and is a board member for the following professional organizations: the National Association of State Boards of Education and the Range of Motion Project. She has formerly served on the boards of the ACLU of Colorado; and the Colorado Bar Association. She has been published in several peer-reviewed law journals and earned her Juris doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley Boalt Hall School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University.

Legal Services Organizational Chart