Employee Rock Stars

Rock Star

DCSD Rock Stars is a program created that recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments and outstanding work of DCSD employees. Nominated by District leaders, managers, and peers, ‘Rock Stars’ are recognized in INSIGHTS, the DCSD employee newsletter, and receive a small gift from DCSD. 

Is there somebody you would like to recognize? Nominate them by clicking here!
(Note: Nominations are only accepted by DCSD Employees for DCSD Employees)


Drew Phelps, Budget Manager, West Support Center

In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?

Drew has helped us all through the rollout of our new budget program. He has been kind, patient, responsive and helpful.

How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)

Drew has truly gone above and beyond to help very confused principals by walking us step by step through our budget processes, having group or individual meetings, and being open to walking us through the entire process.

Nominated by

Douglas County Feeder Principals 


Drew Phelps, Budget Analyst, West Support Center

In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?

Drew has consistently gone above and beyond supporting leaders throughout the transition to Questica. He is patient and knowledgeable and works to provide clarity in so many of the steps needed to understand all the nuances in Questica.

How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)

Drew has demonstrated an understanding of the complexities of change while supporting that change through his availability to support individuals, small groups, and large groups of leaders. Each person comes with different levels of understanding and different questions regarding budgetary needs. Drew takes the time to answer questions individually and in small groups. Additionally, he has worked to create supports and structures that are familiar as we bridge from one system to another. Thank you, Drew!

Nominated by

Jill Casas, Principal, South Ridge Elementary


Dennis O'Hara, Educational Assistant IV, SSN, Castle Rock Middle School


In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?

Denny is a reliable and steady presence in the Significant Support Needs room.

How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)

Denny is always cool under pressure, which in a Significant Support Needs room, is pretty much all the time! When the lead teacher was out for two weeks, Denny was invaluable in keeping the students front and center during this atypical time. However the chips fall, Denny can always be counted on to be all-in to help.

Nominated by

Karen Davis, Health Assistant, Classified Mentor, Castle Rock Middle School


Priscilla Hunt, Educational Assistant IV, SSN, Castle Rock Middle School

In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?

Priscilla is very knowledgeable and capable of caring for our most vulnerable students.

How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)

Priscilla has demonstrated many times how she can switch from student to student and their different needs from academics to medical. When the lead teacher was out for two weeks, Priscilla was instrumental in helping her team handle the challenges that arose from that atypical situation. Her ability to work with any student makes her a true asset to her team.

Nominated by

Karen Davis, Health Assistant, Classified Mentor, Castle Rock Middle School


Jessica Martinez, Educational Assistant IV, SSN, Castle Rock Middle School

In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?

Jess is amazing at working with students with challenging behaviors.

How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)

Jess came to this team with a wealth of experience working with students having behavior challenges. When the lead teacher was out for two weeks, a couple of the students were having trouble with the absence. Jess brought her experience to the team and helped get them through that rough patch.

Nominated by

Karen Davis, Health Assistant, Classified Mentor, Castle Rock Middle School


Carolina Gonzalez, Educational Assistant IV, SSN, Castle Rock Middle School


In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?

Carolina is amazing with the students!

How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)

Carolina came to Significant Support Needs by way of Affective Needs. She brings a background in behavior which has been an asset to the team. She is also bilingual and proves every day that she is a true treasure in the department. Carolina was rock steady during a challenging time when the lead teacher was out for two weeks. When there was a behavior spike in the class, Carolina could be counted on to do her part to defuse the situation.

Nominated by

Karen Davis, Health Assistant, Classified Mentor, Castle Rock Middle School


Phillip Hall, Educational Assistant IV, SSN, Castle Rock Middle School

In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?

Phill is always up for a challenge!

How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)

Phill has been a valuable addition to the Significant Support Needs Team. He can always be counted on to make sure students get to where they need to be and their academic responsibilities are taken care of. When needed, Phill is happy to help fill in and help the team be successful.

Nominated by

Karen Davis, Health Assistant, Classified Mentor, Castle Rock Middle School


Rebecca Milne, Educational Assistant IV, SSN, Castle Rock Middle School

In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?

Rebecca is so knowledgeable!

How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)

Rebecca came to the team after winter break but wasted no time fitting in like she'd been there all along. Rebecca has a background in significant support needs and that is such a rare gift in SPED. The team can rely on Rebecca to lend a hand wherever she's needed. We are so lucky to have her!

Nominated by

Karen Davis, Health Assistant, Classified Mentor, Castle Rock Middle School



Catherine MacInnes, Assistive Technology Team Assistant, Student Support Services, StateWide Assistive Technology, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, West Support Center


In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?

If you looked up the word "Rock Star" in the dictionary, you would see a picture of Catherine. Catherine is the assistant for all of the assistive technology specialists for the district. She juggles all of our requests. It is almost like she thinks of things before we even do and it is already done. Catherine manages our equipment for students, which is a big job. She always has a smile on her face no matter the task asked of her. Every day we are so thankful that she decided to work with us.

How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)

Recently I have had a few schools with a couple of big requests for materials for students. Catherine's turnaround time was so fast! If it was on my list it would be at least a week or two out. I have had multiple schools that are so thankful to have Catherine make accessible materials and visual supports available for their students. Catherine may not know it, but she makes a difference in the lives of teachers and students daily!

Nominated by

Sara Rode, Assistive Technology Specialist, WSC, Student Support Services, SWAAAC


Denine Kysar, Administrative Assistant, Mesa Middle School


In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?

Denine is always willing to jump in and help.

How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)

Thank you, Denine for jumping in at the last minute to help a neighboring school's office staff that was depleted due to illnesses.

Nominated by

Debbey Quintana, School Leadership


Cari Lazarony, Administrative Assistant, Renaissance Magnet Elementary

In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?

Cari is always a friendly face, and willing to help out.

How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)

Cari answered the call to go to a neighboring school to help their depleted office staff when they were all out sick. Thank you!

Nominated by

Debbey Quintana, School Leadership


Erika Pope, Occupational Therapist, Early Childhood Education, Pioneer Elementary


In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?

Erika is a great leader on the preschool team! She is so dependable and always wants to lend a helping hand!! She is also so compassionate and thorough with her parents.

How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)

Erika has stepped up to serve as a licensing director for our team. It is a time-consuming role but she completes it with an easygoing personality.

Nominated by

Meg Lowrimore, Speech Language Pathologist, Early Childhood Education, Pioneer Elementary


Michelle Royer, Educational Assistant, Cloverleaf Enrichment School

In your opinion, specifically, what makes this person a Rock Star?

Michelle helps with whatever is needed at Cloverleaf. She cares about all of the students and will help teachers with anything they may need. She also helps with the "kiss and go" drop-offs and pick-ups. She takes care of lunch duty and recess for the students. She helps me set up and take down equipment for PE. Michelle will come into the classes and help with the students on top of her other duties. She helps me with K-2 PE classes. She also helps with the Kindergarten class throughout the day when needed. She is kind, compassionate, and caring to students, teachers, and parents.

How has this person gone above and beyond? (please give an example)

When I found out I would have to go on medical leave during the first semester, I asked her if she would teach PE. She went above and beyond and got her sub-license to be a long-term sub for me. Michelle did an amazing job teaching PE and had a great connection with the students. She is back now as the educational assistant and makes such a difference for our Cloverleaf Community and is very loved by everyone. We all appreciate everything she does!

Nominated by

Beth Cushman, PE Teacher, Cloverleaf Enrichment School


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In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 303-387-0127.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records at this link ( Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests ).