meet our team
MEET OUR TEACHERS
Ann Marie Andrews, Health Science Teacher
Ms. Andrews teaches all/most of the Health Sciences pathway courses. My background and education is MS in Education and Exercise Physiology but my passion is teaching (and learning from) my students.
Shari Bossmann, HS CTE CNA Instructor & Program Coordinator
Mrs. Bossmann is the CODCA Nursing Assistant Program Coordinator and Instructor. She also teachers other health science classes at CODCA. She has worked in the healthcare field for over 20 years and has been an RN for 14 years. In addition, she has been a Certified CPR Instructor since 2018 and obtained her CTE in Health Sciences from the Colorado Department of Education. Her passion is educating students to care for people as if they were their own family with hands-on curriculum in the CODCA Skills Lab.
Renee Breur, High School Counselor
Ms. Breur has been a high school counselor since 2007. 8 of those years have been working with students online. Ms. Breur earned her bachelors in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado and her Master's Degree in School Counseling from the University of Pheonix. She has her CTE certification for School Counselors as well. Ms. Breur is passionate about working with students. Her goal is for all of her students to earn their diploma and understand their postsecondary goals. She is excited to work with each and every one of you.
Sharon Byrd, MS Math
Mrs. Byrd has a BS in Finance/Economics from Univ of Texas, MS - Information Systems from Univ of Texas, MA in Mathematic Teaching from Texas Woman's Univ. Before relocating to Colorado, Mrs. Byrd was a programmer and math teacher in Texas for many years teaching all grades from MS to HS. Mrs. Byrd has a son serving in the USAF and a basset hound named "Bentley". In her free time, Mrs. Byrd enjoys traveling with her husband and dog, skiing, biking, and hiking outdoors.
Jen Colestock, HS/MS Spanish Teacher
Mrs. Colestock is a National Board Certified teacher of Spanish and is thrilled to work with CODCA students at all levels, from los primeros pasos in Middle School through Advanced Placement courses at the High School. She has been fortunate to travel extensively and live abroad as well and is excited to share with students her love of the people and places that make up the Spanish-speaking world. She is also the Team Lead for our Gifted and Talented program here at CODCA.
Melissa Core, MS Science
Mrs. Core teaches MS science at CODCA. She loves sharing her experiences with the students as well as the students sharing their experiences to show that science is all around us. She loves learning about the diversity and talents of her amazing students.
Denise Dutton, Special Education
Hello everyone! My name is Denise Dutton, and I am the Special Programs Academic Administrator and Dean of Students for Destinations Career Academy. I am so very lucky to work with all of our students in both middle and high school! While I love working with all students, I am very passionate about the work I do to support our Special Education, Gifted and Talented, English Learner, and 504 populations. I have been in education for the last 19 years. I hold a BA in English Language Arts from the University of Northern Colorado (GO BEARS!), an MA in Severe-Affective Education from the University of Colorado, and I am currently working on my EdS in Administration and Special Education Leadership (GO BEARS!). This is my 11th year with CODCA, and I enjoy every minute of it!
Margaret Farnik, HS Engineering and MS Electives Teacher
Mrs. Farnik has been at Destinations since the school opened in 2008. Her degree is in Electrical Engineering. She has been involved in supporting education since 1995. She has taught all levels of Math, plus Programming and Engineering courses here at CODCA. She is enjoying working with the Middle School this year teaching Career Exploration, Art, and Photography, as well as her High School Engineering and Cybersecurity courses. Mrs. Farnik enjoys taking care of a large number of cats on her farm. When things open back up after COVID, she is looking forward to playing Soprano Sax again with the Platte Valley Band in Fort Morgan, CO.
Jorge Gonzalez, HS Social Studies
Mr. Gonzalez has been teaching social students for 6 years. He has a MA in Secondary Education and an MA in Educational Leadership. He has played basketball since he was a child. He currently coaches basketball at Mesa Ridge High School. He is also an avid video gamer and is a coach for the esports team at CODCA. He loves getting to know and teach the wonderful students at CODCA!
Catherine Guerra, Math Teacher
Miss G is passionate about helping her students. She never gives up on students. One of her favorite things to do is to help students to see that they can learn Math and learn it well. With a Bachelors in Science and two Masters in learning interventions, Miss G comes to us with a lot of experience and success in helping students become grade-level Math students and also gain a positive outlook towards themselves as a learner.
Galen Harkness, HS CTE- business
Mr. Harkness has a Masters in Student Counseling and Personnel Services as well as a Bachelors of Business Administration from Kansas State University. Was a Business Teacher at Thornton High School from 2005 - 2012 and Head Boys Basketball Coach. Then taught Physical Education at Westlake Middle School from 2012 to 2017. Currently is the Founder and Owner of EYG Basketball which is a company that provides basketball skills training to players from 6th grade to college as well as a Business Teacher at CODCA.
Jen Hoerning, HS Special Education
Mrs. Hoerning has been working with special populations for 21 years. She also has her MA in Education with a focus on literacy but enjoys supporting students in all of their subject areas. She believes all students can learn, sometimes in unique ways, and strives to help them find what strategies work best for them so they can find success in their educational journey.
Nicole Irwin, HS Counselor Tech
Mrs. Irwin has a background teaching secondary students in Social Studies and English. This year, she transitioned to an advisor role at CODCA and has enjoyed building relationships with her students and families. She loves to help her students develop a strong educational foundation so they can find success in the online learning environment. She has a BA in History with a Social Studies Secondary Credential from CSULB.
Rebecca Jenkins, English Teacher
Mrs. Jenkins has been teaching English at CODCA since 2010. She has her MA in Education and is currently working on a DA in English Pedagogy. She enjoys getting to know her students and helping them achieve their academic goals.
Henry Jones, Social Studies Teacher
Greetings historians! I am Henry "Tersh" Jones the 7th-grade social studies teacher. Years ago I was given the nickname "Tha Docta" by my students because my name is the same as Indiana Jones, and it has stayed with me ever since! I have a BA in Political Science from Colorado State University and an MA in Secondary Social Studies Education from the University of Phoenix. I started with Destinations in 2011 and have loved every minute of it. Making connections with our students in our class connect session is my favorite part of my job! I look forward to sharing that experience with your student!
Josh Kitchen, MS Science
Mr. Kitchen has been teaching middle school science for 8 years and also spent 2 years teaching high school science. He has a MA in education, a BA in Psychology and BS in Science (Biology). He has also spent time coaching both high school and middle basketball and soccer. Mr. Kitchen has a passion for science and loves to share that passion with his students.
Heather Krebs, MS ELA
Ms. Krebs earned her Bachelor's Degree in English and Philosophy from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She also has Master's degrees in English and Education. Ms. Krebs loves to hang out with her dog, cat, and family--playing in the great outdoors and escaping to the mountains whenever possible. She also loves to hang out with her students and discuss all of their wonderful ideas about literature and life.
Courtney Ludwig, MS Counselor Tech
Mrs. Ludwig has been an HS Advisor for CODCA for 4 1/2 years. She works with students to be successful in their academic years with CODCA. Her goal is to help students thrive by incorporating good work habits, attendance, engagement, and schedules to achieve student's goals. Mrs. Ludwig has received her Ph.D. in Child and Adolescence Psychiatric from the University of Wyoming.
Jolene Masek, CTE Teacher
Ms. Jolene Masek earned her BFA at the University of Wisconsin Stout with a concentration in graphic design and has worked as a graphic designer since 1989. Some of her clients include Warner Bros, Disney, Charles Schultz, Universal Studios, and professional sports teams. Ms. Masek received her teaching certificate at Colorado State University, Pueblo, and has been teaching since 1999. She is certified in K-12 Art, CTE Visual & Design Arts, and Elementary Education. She is an Adobe Certified Associate in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver and has earned Adobe Professional status in Visual and Web Design. Ms. Masek joined the K12 team in 2002.
Rachel Murphy, English Teacher
On my professional side, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English from Oklahoma State University and a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. I have been working in education since 1999. I started out as an elementary school librarian. From there, I taught middle school language arts and literature and summer school high school English in the traditional classroom setting for four years. In 2005, I began teaching online middle school and high school English courses. I have also taught introductory research writing courses for the University of Phoenix online. I love being part of this innovative and exciting alternative educational experience, and I look forward to a rewarding and productive time learning and growing with all of you! Personally, I reside in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma with my husband and two children. Our family also includes one cat and three crazy dogs. We like to stay busy outdoors with activities like camping, fishing, hiking, and swimming. When the weather forces us inside, I love to read, cook, and cuddle with the family.
Rustie Robison, CTE Teacher
Rustie Robison grew up in central Illinois and moved to Colorado to attend Colorado State University for graduate studies in Bioagricultural Sciences. During graduate school, Rustie realized she really, really liked teaching and completed a Master of Education, also at CSU. Rustie has been teaching since 2011 and has been at Destinations since 2014. Rustie teaches a wide array of science and agriculture classes, from Chemistry to AP Biology and Agriscience to Food Production. Rustie is super passionate about igniting passion in students and providing students with real-world opportunities to connect to what they are excited about. In addition to teaching, Rustie is a bug nerd, enjoys traveling, reading, gaming, and gardening. Rustie also smiles and giggles a lot!
Hunter Staford, HS Social Studies
Mr. Hunter Stafford earned his BA in Social Studies Education from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Psychology. He has been teaching high school social studies classes at CODCA since 2020 and is developing outdoor programs at the school to provide students with the opportunity to get outside together and enjoy beautiful Colorado outdoors. Before teaching at CODCA Mr. Hunter worked on rivers in Utah taking students rafting, taught avalanche courses in Lake Tahoe, California, and traveled and taught social studies in Panama and Costa Rica. In his classes, he focuses on building relationships with his students and thinking critically about the world and its past. In his free time, Mr. Hunter loves to travel, read, backcountry snowboard, hang outside, and spend lots of quality time with friends and family.
Sara Thomas, MS Counselor
Ms. Thomas loves all things middle school! She is so appreciative of the opportunity to work with such amazing students and staff in a safe and kind educational environment. She has a B.A. from UCLA and an M.A. in Counseling from CU Denver. This her 7th year working as a school counselor (2nd year at CODCA) and she wouldn't change a thing.
Nicolette VanDelinder, MS History
Teaching students, rather than a content area is my focus. Students learn better when they feel safe, appreciated, and respected in the classroom. The genuine connection between an educator and their students is what pushes them to become their best selves. Whether it's Social Studies, Game Design, Programming, or eSports, connecting with students is my specialty.
Beth Vasquez, HS CTE HOSA Legal and Law Enforcement
Ms. Vasquez has been teaching for the past eighteen years. She is currently the lead teacher in the Education and Training and Legal and Law pathways. Her bachelor's degree is in Social Sciences with an emphasis on Secondary Education. She is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Criminology. Ms. Vasquez CTE certified in Education. Her passion is building relationships with her students and helping them pursue their future goals and dreams.
