Staff Directory

Ches is the Green Band Collaborator and is in his 4th year at TSOI, though he also spent a year observing and student teaching in Black Band prior to being hired. He studied Secondary English education at The University of Northern Colorado and holds a certification in Secondary English Education as well as a certification in Elementary Education. Ches values being an advocate for children and believes in the ability for kids to have a safe place to share their voices in school. Ches also values spreading positivity all things creative and novel, which he engages in by dressing up as a Ghostbuster at community events and for charity. In addition to his role as the Green Band collaborator, Ches also helps students learn about 3D printing and serves as the Staff Wellness Champion.

Savannah works with Purple Band! She is a recent graduate of UNC with a Bachelors in Elementary Education with a Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language. She believes that every student has the right to an education and is dedicated to creating an environment where students can flourish. When she is not teaching, Savannah can be found reading in a coffee shop and doing crafts.

As one of the three co-founders of TSOI, Courtney has been a part of the school since the beginning. Currently, she is a lead collaborator and a floating collaborator, serving in many capacities, including teaching groups and supporting staff in instruction. She started her career 20 years ago teaching high school English and speech and debate. Courtney is licensed in secondary English and elementary education. She also has a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado. She frequently says that "The point of school isn't school!" and believes education should serve a greater purpose than just preparing kids for future school. Beyond teaching core content, Courtney also directs the plays and musicals, helps teach in the TV Studio, and has taught everything from outdoor sports to kindergarten music and movement. 

Tatum brings 20 years of experience to her role as a floating collaborator.  She has a masters in elementary education and has earned her doctorate in reformed education.  Tatum believes that knowledge is best formed through experience.  Outside of TSOI she enjoys reading, painting, and watching her sons compete in the pool or on the baseball diamond.

Chelsea works with Orange Band at TSOI and is in her 5th year of teaching elementary school. She studied Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at CU Boulder and earned her Masters of Teaching through UNC. She believes literacy is an essential life skill and is driven to inspire a love for reading in all students. Outside of school, Chelsea loves to paint, camp and spend time in her garden.