meet our team
MEET OUR TEACHERS
Jen Sanders, HS/MS ELL
Hello! My name is Jennifer Sanders and I am the ELL teacher at Destinations Career Academy. I've taught English Language Learners for just over 15 years and I love the diverse cultures and backgrounds they bring into the classroom. I received my teaching license and EL endorsement from University of Northern Colorado and then later went on to get my masters in Special Education at Grand Canyon University. I am a Colorado native and when I'm not teaching I enjoy spending time in the outdoors and time with my family.
Sara Thomas, MS Counselor/Advisor
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 a 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.
Claire Morris, MS Special Education
Mrs. Morris has been a Special Education Teacher for three years. She has her MA in Curriculum and Instructional Design and her BA in Special Education. She specializes in math but enjoys helping students in all subject areas. Mrs. Morris loves students who ask thoughtful questions. This is a huge key to success! If you are ever struggling in a class, feel free to reach out to her.
Henry Jones, MS Social Studies
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ali Stone, MS ELA and Math
Mrs. Stone earned her MA in Teaching and Learning from Colorado State University and a BS in Communication from CU Denver. She currently teaches 6th grade ELA and math at CODCA. She recognizes that each student learns in their own unique way, and she is grateful for what that brings to the classroom environment. She loves working with middle school students; they have such a great sense of humor and teach her so much every day! When she is not teaching, she enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and dogs on their family farm.
Kristan Brooks, MS Math
Mrs. Brooks has been a high school and middle school science and math teacher for the last 15 years, teaching in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. She has her B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Biochemistry and Mathematics along with a Master's in Education. She is certified as a secondary science and math instructional specialist, with a heart for student learning and instructional gap achievement. For the greatest success in any academic subject, always reach out for help and ask questions!
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.
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.
Liane Cutforth, MS Advisor
Mrs. Cutforth lives and breathes middle and high school kids! Surrounded by them both at home and school, she sees firsthand how unique and individual each student is. She loves to meet kids where they are at, help them find their footing in a new school setting, develop strong school habits, and watch their confidence grow as they discover their own unique path through school and into the rest of their lives.
Jenna Bruce, MS Social Studies
Mrs. Bruce has been involved in education for six years, serving a variety of students from Kinder through twelfth grade. She received her BA in History before pursuing a credential in Secondary Education at CSU Fullerton. Mrs. Bruce also participates in Movie Club and enjoys chatting with students whenever the free time presents itself! She enjoys showing students their capabilities and assisting them in pursuing success in all goals.
Nicole Irwin, MS Advisor
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.
