Staff List

Front Office

Pete Martinez : Executive Director

Pete Martinez

Executive Director

pete@odysseydenver.org
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Helen Baker-Moon : Office Support

Helen Baker-Moon

Office Support

helen@odysseydenver.org

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Colin Hynes : 5-8 Assistant Director

Colin Hynes

5-8 Assistant Director

colin@odysseydenver.org

Originally from the Boston area, my wife and I have lived in Denver since 2004. My professional journey has taken me from private to charter to neighborhood public schools, from rural to suburban to urban and from New Hampshire to Massachusetts to Colorado. Most recently, I have served as the Director of Curriculum & Instruction of The CUBE School in Park Hill. I am excited to join the Odyssey crew!

I earned my B.A. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Princeton and my M.Ed. from Harvard's Graduate School of Education. My wife and I have two children, Owen and Maeve, and dog named Oakley. I enjoy cooking, eating, traveling, sports and being a dad. In my spare time, I pretend to know how to coach youth lacrosse.

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Emilie Lederer : Adventure Director

Emilie Lederer

Adventure Director

emilie@odysseydenver.org

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Suzanne Mapatano : Dean of Culture

Suzanne Mapatano

Dean of Culture

suzanne@odysseydenver.org

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Kim Neal : Office Manager

Kim Neal

Office Manager

kim@odysseydenver.org

I am a proud Denver native and a past Odyssey Mom. My beautiful one and only son attended Odyssey K-8 and graduated in 2015. I have been the Front Office Manager for 13 years and blessed to be with the Odyssey community for over 23 years. I continue to enjoy being involved in the strong Odyssey foundation, working alongside the amazing staff and being gifted to work with the children.

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Elki Neiberger : Director of Operations, Title IX Coordinator

Elki Neiberger

Director of Operations, Title IX Coordinator

elki@odysseydenver.org

I am a Denver native and graduate of Denver Public Schools. I attended the University of Colorado, Boulder and received a Bachelor's degree in Film Studies. I have two amazing children, Jack & Maggie, who are Odyssey graduates.

I have worked at Odyssey since fall of 1999!  The Odyssey community is my extended family and I feel so fortunate to watch and participate in the growth and learning of so many awesome young people!

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Katie Shenk : K-4 Assistant Director

Katie Shenk

K-4 Assistant Director

katie@odysseydenver.org

I was born and raised in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, but have called Colorado home for the last 25 years. I earned my bachelor degree from the University of Virginia and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver.

I first learned about Expeditionary Learning while exploring the glaciers and rivers of Alaska and immediately connected to the vision of EL. I spent the first decade of my career teaching at Odyssey and the Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning. I then joined the EL Education national staff as a school coach and curriculum designer. Most recently, I supported Tollgate Elementary School in Aurora as their instructional coach.

I am to thrilled to “come home” to Odyssey and am eager to join this amazing Crew of families, students and teachers. In my free time, I love to swim, arrange flowers, and explore and play with Henry (9) and

Hazel (7), rising 5th and 2nd graders at Odyssey.

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Teachers/Specialists

Judy Alvarez-Rysavy : Social Worker

Judy Alvarez-Rysavy

Social Worker

judy@odysseydenver.org

 

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Deb Aruca : Special Education Teacher

Deb Aruca

Special Education Teacher

deb@odysseydenver.org

Originally from the Washington DC area, I moved to Colorado after graduating from the University of Virginia for a change of scenery and a sense of adventure — I never left. Nowadays, whenever I ride a ski lift with my family, I encourage our kids to look around, take in all the incredible beauty of the landscape, and thank their lucky stars they get to call Colorado “home.”

Raised with a spirit of activism and public service, I was drawn to public education, pursued a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado in Boulder, and earned my teaching license in Secondary English Language Arts. Since then, I have been a classroom teacher, consulted as a curriculum specialist, developed community-based educational programs and taught a wide range of learners from preschool to graduate school.

When my children were learning to read, I became fascinated by the process of literacy development and have dedicated all my recent training to early literacy and reading intervention.

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Taylor Aureden : Paraprofessional

Taylor Aureden

Paraprofessional

taylor@odysseydenver.org

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Culver Benedict : 6th Gr Math/SPED Intervention

Culver Benedict

6th Gr Math/SPED Intervention

culver@odysseydenver.org

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Amy Berlin : Art Studio Teacher

Amy Berlin

Art Studio Teacher

amy@odysseydenver.org

Amy Berlin was born and raised in Colorado Springs, lived in Boulder while studying photography at the University of Colorado, and discovered my passion for art education while volunteering at a children’s art studio there. I moved to Denver to attend MSU Denver’s Art Education program and since graduating in 2011, I have taught art at all levels (ECE-12th, and beyond) in both public and private contexts. I recently began work toward a Master's in Art Education, but I am taking it slow. I am excited to collaborate with the staff at Odyssey on EL module-related projects throughout the year that extend and enhance student knowledge while infusing the art room with choice and a focus on learning through experimenting and exploring.

My family and I live in the Whittier/Five-Points neighborhood, and our boys attend a DPS school nearby. We are always up for an adventure - hiking, camping, skiing, visiting museums, impromptu picnics, outdoor movies, cross-country road trips - and enjoy hanging out with family and friends.

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Emily Bremer : K-3 Literacy Specialist

Emily Bremer

K-3 Literacy Specialist

emily@odysseydenver.org
My name is Emily and I have been at Odyssey for the majority of my teaching career, first as a K/1 lead teacher and in recent years as a literacy specialist. I love the beautiful and joyful process of supporting students on their journeys as readers.
When not at Odyssey you can find me enjoying time outdoors with my sweet little family. Camping, hiking, exploring, cooking and reading together.
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Laurie Brockett : 4th Grade Teacher

Laurie Brockett

4th Grade Teacher

laurie@odysseydenver.org

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Paul Cindric : 3rd Grade Teacher

Paul Cindric

3rd Grade Teacher

paul@odysseydenver.org

Growing up in OH-IO as the youngest of six siblings I spent a lot of time trying to keep up with my brothers and sisters on all of their adventures.  After graduating from Ohio University I spent several years teaching in the classroom, as well as guiding and directing various outdoor programs including 5 years as the Director of Adventure at Odyssey.  This will be my eleventh year at Odyssey.  What keeps me coming back is that at Odyssey, "together, students and adults discover they can do more than they thought possible and find aspects of themselves that they didn't know were there.  Odyssey cultivates citizen scholars for life-long learning."

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Lindsay Clarke : 7th/8th Grade Math Teacher

Lindsay Clarke

7th/8th Grade Math Teacher

lindsay@odysseydenver.org

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Lisa Damm : Librarian

Lisa Damm

Librarian

lisad@odysseydenver.org

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Ashley Davis : Paraprofessional

Ashley Davis

Paraprofessional

ashley@odysseydenver.org

I am a Denver native first year para. excited about being here at Odyssey! Can't wait to see what's in store for the school year!

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Grace Downs : Kindergarten Teacher

Grace Downs

Kindergarten Teacher

grace@odysseydenver.org
Hi everyone! My name is Grace Downs and I am thrilled to be one of Odyssey's Kindergarten crew leads. I grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana where I attended Butler University and studied Elementary Education and Mild Intervention. I then taught Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and K-3 Special Education at a project-based, inner-city public school. Colorado has always held such a special place in my heart, and I finally made the decision to make the move over the summer. I am passionate about early childhood education and I can’t wait to explore, wonder, and grow alongside Odyssey’s youngest learners!
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Kicha Evans : Paraprofessional

Kicha Evans

Paraprofessional

kicha@odysseydenver.org

I have been a member of the Odyssey community since 2002!  I'm a Denver native growing up in Park Hill mostly.  I love watching the learning that happens here every day and seeing children grow.  I also love my co-workers!  My kids are also Odyssey students and love it here!

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Sharon Forbes : 6th/7th/8th Grade Humanities Teacher

Sharon Forbes

6th/7th/8th Grade Humanities Teacher

sharon@odysseydenver.org

 

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Beth Gerson : 5th Grade Teacher

Beth Gerson

5th Grade Teacher

beth@odysseydenver.org

 

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Andrew Godfrey : 5th Grade Teacher

Andrew Godfrey

5th Grade Teacher

andrew@odysseydenver.org

 

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Jessica Goldberg : Middle School Interventionist

Jessica Goldberg

Middle School Interventionist

jess@odysseydenver.org

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Liza Hubbell : GT Coordinator

Liza Hubbell

GT Coordinator

lizahubbell@odysseydenver.org

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Lauren Karpel : 3rd Grade Teacher

Lauren Karpel

3rd Grade Teacher

lauren@odysseydenver.org

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Jeff Kean : Special Education Teacher

Jeff Kean

Special Education Teacher

jeff@odysseydenver.org

 

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Mary Ellen Korby : Kindergarten Teacher

Mary Ellen Korby

Kindergarten Teacher

maryellen@odysseydenver.org

My name is Mary Ellen Korby and I am thrilled to join the Odyssey Crew as one of the Kindergarten Crew Leads. I grew up in Louisville, Colorado and graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota with a degree in Elementary Education. After graduating, I taught preschool at Countryside Montessori in Boulder, Colorado for 2 years. For the past 11 years I taught kindergarten at Tollgate Elementary School of Expeditionary Learning in Aurora, Colorado. I am passionate about creating experiences where primary learners have the opportunity to explore the world through wonder and learn through joyful experiences. I am excited for a school year full of collaboration, adventure, and learning. Outside of school I enjoy walking my dog, baking, and spending time with my family and friends.

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Linnea Krizsan : EL Education School Designer

Linnea Krizsan

EL Education School Designer

lkrizsan@eleducation.org

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Lisa Larsen : Kindergarten Asst Teacher

Lisa Larsen

Kindergarten Asst Teacher

lisalarsen@odysseydenver.org
Hello, my name is Lisa Larsen and I'm happy to be the new kindergarten teacher this year. I am a fifth generation Coloradan. I have my bachelors degree in Psychology and my masters in Special Education. Between my times in school I traveled extensively including teaching English in Japan for 3 and a half years. After getting my teaching license I taught K-2 special ed for four years and then middle school math special ed for two years. I decided to retire early, but I just couldn't stay away, and after one year I'm back. In my free time I enjoy camping, canyoneering, rafting, hiking, snowshoeing, and reading. I am very excited to be working with your students.

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Dawn Loge : Staff Representative

Dawn Loge

Staff Representative

dawnl@odysseydenver.org

Dawn Loge Greer has been a part-time school psychologist at the Odyssey School since 2021, and a staff representative to the board since 2022. She is a Clinical and School Psychologist who has 30 years experience in mental health and educational settings providing direct care, supervision, program and policy development, and administrative leadership in mental health and special education. She is dedicated to discovering and nurturing the unique needs of each student. Her goal is to be that "one extra adult" in a child's life to ensure they feel seen, valued and empowered to accomplish their goals. Her connection to Odyssey goes back to 2000, when her two daughters began their K-8 journeys at the school, and she believes in the influence of genuine family engagement on the emotional and academic growth for all students.

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Kelly McKinley : 6th/7th/8th Grade Literacy Teacher

Kelly McKinley

6th/7th/8th Grade Literacy Teacher

kelly@odysseydenver.org
I am so excited to be at Odyssey! I grew up in Minnesota, and earned a B.A. in child psychology and Spanish at the University of Minnesota. After graduating I worked in canoe-centered outdoor education and Montessori special education in the Twin Cities area. I also spent 3 years teaching internationally in Valencia, Spain in both primary and secondary schools. I still love to use my Spanish speaking skills whenever possible. In my free time I enjoy exploring the outdoors here in Colorado, traveling to new places, and reading with a strong cup of coffee in hand. I look forward to meeting and growing with Odyssey students and families this upcoming year.

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Alexis Miller : Paraprofessional

Alexis Miller

Paraprofessional

alexis@odysseydenver.org

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Mizu Mizuki : Music Teacher

Mizu Mizuki

Music Teacher

mizu@odysseydenver.org

I grew up around Denver, but decided to explore the world a bit and moved to California for my college education. I received my BA in Music Composition from Westmont College, and my Master of Arts in Teaching from the Longy School of Music in Los Angeles. After teaching for a few years in California, I finally returned to my home state of Colorado in 2021.

My primary instrument is the cello, but you can catch me singing, playing guitar, piano, ukulele, and any other instrument I can get my hands on! In my free time, I enjoy walks and hikes with my dog, tabletop and video games, and learning new things like rock climbing, martial arts, and cultural music traditions.

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Ali Morgan : 4th Grade Teacher

Ali Morgan

4th Grade Teacher

ali@odysseydenver.org

I joined the Odyssey community in 2000, as an intern teacher through a University of Denver graduate program.  Since that time, I've been captivated by EL Education schools and the engaging, joyful, and meaningful learning possibilities within their walls.  For the last 20+ years, my education journey has included various teaching and leadership roles at Odyssey, RMSEL, APS, and within EL Education.  I am passionate about helping students see how much they matter in the world- their brilliance and effort are already making our world a better, more beautiful place- and they are capable of more than they know.

At my core, I am an ocean-loving New Englander but have now lived in Colorado longer than I ever lived in Massachusetts or Maine.  I feel equally at home in the mountains and I love adventuring close to home with my wife (MB), daughter (Josie), and our friends.  We’re happy biking, skiing, camping, or paddleboarding, and especially enjoy escapades in our VW camper van.  I also appreciate recharging with a healthy dose of downtime- taking care of my plants, being a bit crafty, playing games, baking, meeting up with friends, and reading.  It feels like a dream come true to be at Odyssey again, and I can’t wait to return to what makes my heart most happy- designing and teaching amazing learning expeditions while building community with students and families.

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Anne Oberdzinski : 1st Grade Teacher

Anne Oberdzinski

1st Grade Teacher

anne@odysseydenver.org
I am thrilled to be one of the 1st grade teachers at Odyssey!  I grew up in the Denver area and went to school at the University of Colorado in Boulder.  I then joined Teach for America, which brought me to Houston to teach for for three years.  I received my Master's in Education during that time.  It was in Houston where I met Dave, my husband.  We then moved to Chicago, where we have been for the past 12 years.  While teaching for a few years in the windy city, I found my way to Polaris Charter Academy, the only elementary Expeditionary Learning School in Chicago.  I helped start the school as one of its founding teachers.  As a Nationally Board Certified teacher, I have worked with students from kindergarten through 8th grade, both in multi-age classrooms as well as looping with students.  I spent my last three years in Chicago developing the role of High School Placement Coordinator at Polaris, helping students and families navigate the complexities of the Chicago high school application process.  While I loved the opportunity to work with 8th graders get into excellent high schools, I missed the classroom and the wonder and joy of learning new things.
I am so happy to get back to my roots and my passion- early elementary education and mathematics.  I believe that children learn best through meaningful, authentic, real-world experiences and I can't wait to work with some of Odyssey's youngest learners!  I have two lovely and lively children of my own, Jack and Katie.  In our free time, we love to play, read, swim, and enjoy the outdoors.
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Emma Pickett : 1st Grade Teacher

Emma Pickett

1st Grade Teacher

emmap@odysseydenver.org

I am Emma Pickett and I am incredibly excited to continue my career at the Odyssey School of Denver as one of the 1st grade crew leads. I am a Colorado native and grew up in the town of Castle Rock, Colorado.  I myself have a background in Expeditionary Learning, as I attended an EL school as a K-5 student.  My passions for the outdoors and working with children lead me to become an elementary teacher. Graduating from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2018 with a degree in Elementary Education (Go Roadrunners!) My background in Expeditionary Learning as a child has carried into my adulthood and I couldn't be more excited to give back to your children the experiences that shaped me. My life’s work is to make a positive impact on each child I cross paths with.  I believe in an equitable approach that creates a learning environment that is fun, engaging and full of adventure. Outside of school, I enjoy time with family, my dog Jaxson, mountain biking, or just relaxing with a good book and cup of coffee.

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Clarissa Pohlman : 2nd Grade Teacher

Clarissa Pohlman

2nd Grade Teacher

clarissa@odysseydenver.org

My name is Clarissa Pohlman and I couldn't be more excited to join the Odyssey crew as a 2nd grade crew lead for the upcoming school year! I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. I studied exercise science and originally wanted to pursue occupational therapy, but after spending time working as a special education paraprofessional in an elementary school, I realized the incredible joy that teaching is. After receiving my masters from Regis University, I taught first grade at Tollgate Elementary School of Expeditionary Learning in Aurora, Colorado for the past three years. I am passionate about making learning relevant and meaningful for students through adventure, art, wonder, and creativity. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors camping and hiking, reading, creating art, and hanging out with friends.

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Lee Rains Thomas : 6th/7th/8th Grade Science Teacher

Lee Rains Thomas

6th/7th/8th Grade Science Teacher

lee@odysseydenver.org

 

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Kristen Reilly : Adventure Coordinator

Kristen Reilly

Adventure Coordinator

kristen@odysseydenver.org

 

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Rachel Schreier : 2nd Grade Teacher

Rachel Schreier

2nd Grade Teacher

rachel@odysseydenver.org

I grew up in North Carolina with my parents, my older sister, and younger brother. I went to college at the University of North Carolina at Asheville and graduated in 2007 with a degree in literature and creative writing. After graduating, I moved to Chigasaki, Japan where I taught at a small international school for three years.

I moved to Colorado in 2010 to attend graduate school at CU Boulder. I graduated with a degree in Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity in 2012. I have been teaching in Denver Public schools ever since. I am thrilled to be starting my third year at Odyssey and my 13th year of teaching. I love surfing, hiking, and traveling and I have two dogs named Boom and Basil.

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Kaylie Titus : PE Teacher

Kaylie Titus

PE Teacher

kaylie@odysseydenver.org

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Dominic Williams : Paraprofessional

Dominic Williams

Paraprofessional

dominic@odysseydenver.org

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Krissy Zayner : Long Term Substitute 1st Gr

Krissy Zayner

Long Term Substitute 1st Gr

krissy@odysseydenver.org

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DPS & Other Outside Support Staff

Jane Jensen : OT/PT

Jane Jensen

OT/PT

jane_jensen@dpsk12.org