Kirstin Amidon
Speech Language Pathologist
I am the speech/language pathologist at SRE. My job is to support students with communication needs. I love my work and have a passion for incorporating a child’s energy and natural desire for fun into activities that help them grow in their speech and language skills. I graduated with both my Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in communicative disorders from California State University Long Beach. I have almost 30 years of experience in schools, early intervention, private practice and home health. I have worked in DCSD for 7 years, two of those at SRE. However, I have been an SRE parent and proud community member for many years. I am originally from the San Fransisco Bay Area in California, but then lived my college years and beyond in southern California. Although I miss living by the coast, I love living in CO. I try to take advantage of all the outdoor activities here including tennis, cycling, hiking, skiing and just hanging out in my yard with my family. When not outdoors you'll find me reading a book, working out at the gym, trying to learn ukelele, playing boardgames/cards with my kids, or hanging out with friends. I am truly grateful to be a part of the SRE community!
Cassie Banzhaf
Learning Specialist
Hello my name is Cassie Banzhaf. This year will be my fourth year as a Learning Specialist at SRE. I graduated from CSU with a degree in Human Development and went on to complete my Special Education MA degree at Metropolitan. Outside of school I enjoy the outdoors and being active. I have a passion for music and enjoy attending Red Rock shows and music festivals. Most importantly, I love spending time with my friends and family and will be welcoming my first child (baby boy) to the world this Fall.
Rachel Carlston-Alexander
School Psychologist
Hello! I am the part-time school psychologist for SRE! I am passionate about supporting the social and emotional needs of all students so that they can pursue anything they want in life! Outside of work, I am a mother to two beautiful daughters, 3 cats, and a dog. My husband and I love planning family adventures either here in Denver or out of state! I enjoy running, yoga, knitting, ceramics, and swing dancing (this is how my husband and I met)!
Lexi Garcia-Kohntopp
Counselor
I am the school counselor at Saddle Ranch Elementary and this will be my second year at this wonderful school! I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Texas at San Antonio and completed my graduate degree at Northeastern University in Boston! I have been settled in Colorado for the last seven years now and I have been a school counselor for K-12 students for the last 6 years. I love my profession! I currently live in Denver with my husband, Ben and our pug puppy, Odysseus!
Katie Juan
Learning Specialist
I am one of the Learning Specialists at Saddle Ranch. I have been part of the teaching and parent community at SRE since 2013. Prior to teaching at SRE, I was a learning specialist at Annunciation Catholic School in Denver for 5 years. I have enjoyed being part of the SRE community. I truly believe SRE is one of the most amazing schools and I am so blessed to be able to call it home. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. We are a big hockey family. Go Avs! Both of my children, Jayden and Kennedy, play hockey so this consumes most of our time outside of work. We also enjoy camping, traveling, and having family movie nights.
Colleen LeCompte
ESL Specialist
Hello SRE Community! I have over 30 years of teaching experience. I have a BS degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Stephen F Austin State University and a MA in Multicultural Education from the University of New Mexico. I also teach at Summit View Elementary School. I have three grown children who still continue to keep me very active. My family loves everything about Colorado and enjoys the outdoors all year. We have a new addition of a standard poodle puppy named Winnie and we adore her. I look forward to working with and getting to know the entire SRE Community.