Meet your 25/26 R5 High School Staff!

I’m excited to begin my 4th year as the lead learner at R5 High School, I love being with my family and spending time engaging in outdoor activities. I grew up in Colorado and enjoy hiking, camping, biking, skiing, and everything else Colorado offers. I've also developed a love of reading which took me many years to grow since I wasn’t fond of reading when I was young. I enjoy reading a variety of books including philosophy, fiction novels, and about becoming a better father and husband. 

I am an autodidact who loves to learn and grow which has led me to the amazing work I am blessed to be able to do at R5 High School. I have been in education for over two decades now and I continue learning new things every day. I believe everyone can become whomever they want to be and achieve anything they want. I passionately encourage our learners each day to pursue their dreams and become their best selves. I believe there's nothing better in life than helping others. 

If you need to reach me, please email me at nick.steinmetz@d51schools.org.

I am Liza Hines and am delighted to be the counselor at R5. I am a Grand Junction native and this is my third year on the R-5 team, but I have been a high school counselor for almost 19 years!

I am a parent of a high schooler and a guardian of a couple of rescued chihuahuas. I spend my time making art, growing plants, running rapids and listening to audiobooks and podcasts. Also, I am not going to say that I watch too much YouTube, but I am not going to say I don't.

If you need to reach me, please email me at liza.hines@d51schools.org.

Hi! I am Katie Allender, a Restorative Practice Interventionist but formerly an ELA teacher. This will be my ninth year in education and sixth year at R-5 High School. My favorite part of working at R-5 is building relationships with our learners, watching them discover their true potential, and working alongside each learner to problem solve the varied obstacles that life throws. I am passionate about alternative education and giving our youth the opportunity to reimagine life and their future. In the words of Taylor Swift, “It's a new soundtrack, I could dance to this beat, beat, forever more.” 

When I am not at work you can find me cheering annoyingly loud at the soccer and baseball fields, laughing endlessly, or doing just about anything outside soaking up the sunshine with my two kids and our puppy, Pickles!

If you need to reach me, please email me at katie.allender@d51schools.org.

Hi there! I’m Dionna Martinez, but everyone calls me Dee.

I am a behavioral para and this will be my fourth year here at R5. I love being able to build relationships with our learners and being a listening ear for them.

I was born and raised here in Grand Junction, Colorado and outside of work I love reading, watching movies and spending time with my daughter and family. I am always trying to have a positive point of view and you can always catch me laughing or with a smile on my face.

If you need to reach me, please email me at dionna.martinez@d51schools.org.

Hi! My name is Katherine Beeler and this is my first year teaching math at R5 and my 11th year in education. I spent my first few years teaching elementary school before moving to middle school to finally end up in High School. I learned early on that math was a struggle for most students (and adults) so I have devoted my career to learning and understanding the vast greatness of mathematics. It is my goal to make every student in my class hate math slightly less. I completed my Bachelors degree in youth development in Minneapolis and recently completed my Masters degree in Educational Leadership. I hope to someday complete a doctorate program in theoretical mathematics to spend time discovering and learning about all the great mysteries of the world.

I grew up in Minnesota and moved to Colorado after I finished my Bachelors degree after spending a few months here and absolutely fell in love with the outdoors. When I am not in school you can find me doing something active. I love hiking, mountain biking, skiing and just being outside as much as possible. I love to workout and find new challenges for myself. I am thrilled to be a part of R5 High school and can't wait to see what this year holds.

If you need to reach me, please email me at katherine.beeler@d51schools.org.

This is my 6th year at R5 High School. I am a native of Grand Junction, graduating from Grand Junction HS and earning my undergraduate degree in history from Colorado Mesa University.  I am currently working on my graduate degree in American History at Gettysburg College.

Favorite Book- Anything from Rick Atkinson and Timothy Snyder

Hobbies- Taking advantage of Colorado's beautiful scenery! Hiking, Hunting, fishing, Gravel riding, and road bike riding.  I also love sitting on the beach doing absolutely nothing!

Teaching-  I have dedicated a significant portion of my life to teaching.  Not in a traditional classroom setting, but in an athletic classroom, more specifically…a football field. I have dedicated my life to the education and growth of young people. My unique perspective on teaching comes from 24 remarkable years of leading young athletes to state championship games and conference titles.  My philosophy centers around fostering resilience, teamwork, growth, and discipline. This philosophy has always been important on the field as well as in the classroom. I believe in hard work and determination.  I also believe in the holistic development of every student, nurturing them to become better athletes and better individuals.

Quote(s):  "Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail." ---Ralph Waldo Emerson

"I can alter my life by altering my attitude. He who would have nothing to do with thorns must never attempt to gather flowers."---Henry David Thoreau.

If you need to reach me, please email me at jon.mariz@d51schools.org.

Hello, My name is Kassie Heit. I am the Director of the Young Parent Program Child Care Center at R-5 High School. This is my third full year as the YPP Director. I have been with R-5 High School for 5 ½ years. I have been in the Early Childhood field since Oct 2016, in which I graduated in May 2019 from CMU with 2 of my Early Childhood Certificates and this December I will graduate with the last 2 Early Childhood Certificates CMU has to offer.

My family and I have lived in the Grand Junction area for 11 ½  years. We came from Houston, TX. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 12 ½ years. I have 2 children. I have a 2 ½ year old grandson and he is my everything. 

I volunteer with my church in multiple children's groups, on Sundays working in the church nursery during morning service and Impact Girls during evening services and Wednesdays I am helping the infant/toddlers children's ministries.

In my free time, I love hanging out with my family, binge watching all different shows and movies, and I enjoy photography and traveling when I can. 

If you need to reach me, please email me at kassie.heit@d51schools.org.

Aloha! My name is Kierra Barba but everyone calls me Kia! I work in the Young Parents Program as a teacher in the toddler room. I have been working in a daycare for about 9 years now and I Love my job.

I was born and raised on the Island of Kauai. I moved to Grand Junction in 2009 for college and fell in love with the outdoors that Colorado has to offer. I love any type of food, I especially love surfing and the outdoors. I am a mother to a beautiful 2 year old boy and two dogs. They are my world. Mahalo Nui Loa =)

If you need to reach me, please email me at kia.barba@d51schools.org.

Hi! My name is Lindsey, and I’m the Principal’s Secretary here at R5. In short, I help keep things running smoothly behind the scenes by supporting the staff and students with whatever is needed. While a lot of what I do happens out of the spotlight, the results are all around the school. If it needs doing, I’m probably involved!

Aside from a couple of years in Denver during elementary school, I’ve spent my whole life here in Grand Junction. I graduated from Central High School (Go Warriors!)I have two awesome kiddos (Sydney & Ryder) and a 13-year-old American Staffordshire terrier (Snugs) who’s very much part of the family.  

I’ve recently decided to go back to school myself and, as such, am also a full time student at Colorado Mesa University working toward a dual major in Psychology and Political Science.  It feels good working toward a goal like this one, since I didn’t do it way back when I probably should have 🙂

I love being a Colorado native and I most definitely love being a part of R5 High School.  I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!

If you need to reach me, please email me at lindsey.chitwood@d51schools.org.

I was born and raised in the Grand Valley and am a proud graduate of R5.

I have worked in D51 for 19 years, 12 of those at R5, GMYSC Detention School, and the Expulsion Program.

I have two adult sons, one of whom also graduated from R5. I enjoy camping, hunting, watching football and hockey, and chasing around students at R5. I have extreme pride in our school community and love helping our students achieve their goals.

If you need to reach me, please email me at cortney.valerio@d51schools.org.

I'm a person in progress who is learning and growing each day. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, having fun, adventuring in the outdoors, working out, concerts, and eating chips and salsa!

This is my third year at R-5, and I can honestly say I enjoy being here with everyone each day.One interesting fact about me is that I own **at least** 150 rubber ducks - they are my favorite animal. Yes, I know what I said.

“I believe in believe.” -Ted Lasso

If you need to reach me, please email me at candace.jay@d51schools.org.

Mario Morales is a Grand Junction native joining the R5 team after two years as a Mentor at Colorado Mesa University. Mario Has two children, a teen and an eight year old. He spends his time coaching esports at CMU, reading, watching movies and spending time with his kids. Mario enjoys hiking, camping and kayaking as well.

Mario is thrilled to be an ELA teacher here at R5, and taught for six years at Fruita Monument High School and spent a year teaching overseas in Japan as well. He is ready and excited to meet and connect with students!

If you need to reach Mario, please send him an email at mario.morales@d51schools.org.

Hi, I’m Steven Morrow (also known as Mr. Steve). This is my second year at R5 High School as a paraprofessional and my third year in the great state of Colorado.

I was a professional hockey instructor prior to starting at R5 and worked with NHL organizations including - the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

I relocated to Grand Junction by way of Tampa (Florida). I strive to be a valuable and reliable resource for the talented students of R-5 and continue to offer daily encouragement and guidance. I am passionate about coaching, personal fitness, ice hockey, international culture and Arsenal Football Club. My passion for sports and travel has led me to international residence in London (UK) and Munich (GER).

I LOVE DOGS and I am the proud owner of 4 amazing K9s (Avery, Enzo, Sydney and Millie). My wife and I deeply care about public education as we are both proud members of Mesa County School District 51. I love being active and social and can be found downtown most evenings. Cheers!!

If you need to reach me, please email me at steven.morrow@d51schools.org.

Hi! My name is Kauai Fitt and I was lucky enough to grow up in Grand Junction, taking full advantage of everything the Grand Valley had to offer!

This is my second year teaching at R-5, and I am thrilled to be sharing my crazy passion for Math with our students. Being comfortable with Math is crucial in life, and I love helping our students become prepared for their next chapters in life.

When I am not working, you can find me trying out a new recipe, landscaping, practicing yoga, falling trees at the cabin, soaking in hot springs or attending my boys’ basketball games.

If you need to reach me, please email me at kauai.fitt@d51schools.org.

Before finding my fit as a Science Teacher at R5, I’ve done many different things in many different places.  However, the common theme was that I gravitated to helping others while engaging in creative problem solving.  R5 affords the opportunity for all of that!

While not here, I can be found on the river, in the woods, or on the trials!

If you need to reach me, please email me at jd.sheffield@d51schools.org.

I am a Social Studies teacher and am proud to work at the best school in the valley!  As a Colorado native,  I love to mountain bike, trail run, flyfish, read books,  and explore our beautiful state with my family. 

"Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separate from." ― Terry Tempest Williams

If you need to reach me, please email me at jessica.wells-longshore@d51schools.org.

My name is Jennifer Reid and I was born and raised in Grand Junction. I have worked at R-5 for 11 years, first as a para and for the last six years as a special education teacher.

Fun fact: I am an R-5 graduate! I love hanging out with my family (I love spending time with my daughters!) I love my shih tzu- poodle, Zoey and my Cavachon, Willie. I love traveling anywhere a plane or car will take me but especially the beach, and I love going to concerts! R-5 is my passion and I hope to work here for as long as I work!

If you need to reach me, please email me at jennifer.reid@d51schools.org.

Hello, my name is Jeanie Eccher. I have been with the R-5 High School Young Parent Program for 8 years as an Early Childhood Lead Teacher in the infant room.I have been in the Early Childhood field for over 40 years with all ages.

I graduated from CMU in May of 2024 with a certificate in Early Childhood. My passion has always been working and caring for young children, and being a good role model for young parents in our program. I am married to my husband of 38 years. We have two adult kids and I am a proud first time grandma to my grandson.

If you need to reach me, please email me at jeanie.eccher@d51schools.org.

I was born in Chihuahua Mexico, lived in Clifton Co for 16 years, and married for 26 years.  My husband is originally from Cuba.  My two children Jennifer and Carlos, born in Glenwood Springs Co, two Pitbull dogs (Rocco & Chula).

I love my job and I am blessed because it gives me the opportunity to be around wonderful people like children.  Every day I learn a lot from them, they are persevering, transparent, loving and with a big heart.

I enjoy fishing, camping, karaoke nights with family and friends, cooking for my family.  I consider myself good at listening to people.

I obtained by CDA Certification, (Child Development Associate Credential) at Red Rocks College in Glenwood Springs, Co.

Nací en Chihuahua México, viví en Clifton Co durante 16 años y estuve casado durante 26 años.  Mi marido es originario de Cuba.  Mis dos hijos Jennifer y Carlos, nacidos en Glenwood Springs Co, dos perros Pitbull (Rocco y Chula).

Amo mi trabajo y me siento bendecido porque me da la oportunidad de estar rodeado de personas maravillosas como los niños.  Cada día aprendo mucho de ellos, son perseverantes, transparentes, cariñosos y de gran corazón.

Disfruto pescar, acampar, noches de karaoke con familiares y amigos, cocinar para mi familia.  Me considero bueno escuchando a la gente.

Obtuve mediante Certificación CDA, (Credencial de Asociado en Desarrollo Infantil) en Red Rocks College en Glenwood Springs, Co.

If you need to reach me, please email me at maria.castillo@d51schools.org.

Sabrina is a Registered Nurse who went to Fort Lewis College and graduated with a Degree in Interpretive Science in Outdoor Education. She worked as a EMT-I/Fire Fighter reservist and volunteer with Durango Fire and Rescue for 7 years before attending Regis University for her Bachelors of Science in Nursing.

She has been an RN for 10+ years and lives in Fruita with her husband and soon to be 8 year old son. She loves to paint and has her own small fine arts business. Sabrina and her family enjoy rafting, camping, skiing, mountain biking, hiking and traveling.. This is her 6th year as a school nurse with R5 and loves its school culture and students.

If you need to reach Sabrina, please email her at sabrina.motta@d51schools.org.

I am originally from Oklahoma but have lived in Colorado for over half my life and in the Grand Valley for the past 14 years. This makes year 9 in education and my second year at R5. I have taught middle school science and 7th-grade math. I am blessed to have discovered this hidden gem of a school! Our R5 community is the most welcoming where people are uplifting towards one another and valued. This quarter, I am excited to blend my love of science and yoga for a club on Fridays, Science of Mindfulness. When not working, I love hanging out with my pupperdoodles, Daisy and Buddy. You can also find me taking classes to learn new things, pondering the cosmos, hiking, snowboarding, or taking a road trip! 

“The value of an education in a liberal arts college is not the learning of many facts, but the training of the mind to think something that cannot be learned from textbooks.”- Einstein, 1921

If you need to reach me, please email me at michelle.thomas@d51schools.org.

I am thrilled to be teaching at R-5 this year.  I was raised in Grand Junction and attended Fruita Monument High School.  After graduating from FMHS, I attended Mesa College and earned a BA in English and earned a MAT in Humanities from Colorado College.  

I began my teaching career at Central High School  in 1987 where I taught English and directed the theater program.  I transferred to FMHS and worked there from 1990-1994 teaching English and directing theater.  In 1994, I transferred to Grand Junction High School.  I taught English and Music Theater and was the Orange and Black adviser until 2018. 

In 2018, my husband and I moved to Galena, Alaska which is a small village on the Yukon River in interior Alaska.  I taught English and was the theater director, Drama, Debate and Forensics coach, Jr/Sr class adviser, National Honor Society Adviser and the Educators Rising adviser.  

In 2023, we moved back to Grand Junction in order to spend time with our six wonderful grandchildren and their parents.  We have four grown sons and three terrific daughters-in-law.  When I'm not teaching, I love to travel.  I've been all over the world and have loved seeing many iconic places and learning about people and culture. In my spare time, I sew, crochet, read, hang out with my grandchildren  and play with my new puppy, Pearle, and my wonderful husband, Dave.

If you need to reach me, please email me at sutton.casey@d51schools.org.

I was born in Colorado Springs. I was adopted when I was 2 months old and have lived in Grand Junction since.

I earned a business degree from CMU and my Teacher Licensure from Western State College.

This is my 5th year at R5 High School after teaching middle school and elementary school for 12 years.  I love my job at R5. 

When I am not at school I love hanging out with my kids more than anything.  I have been blessed to be able to coach both of my kids in sports for many, many seasons.   I am currently coaching my daughter’s basketball teams and watching her play and helping her is the highlight of my life.

If you need to reach me, please email me at mike.hirons@d51schools.org.

Hi I’m Forrest. I teach math here at R5. I am a second-generation American who runs a small ranch. The river is my second home. If I’m not working that is where you can probably find me. 

“We have an unknown distance yet to run, an unknown river to explore.” - John Wesley Powell

If you need to reach me, please email me at forrest.diaz@d51schools.org.

My name is Christine Harty and this is my 16th year teaching! I received my bachelors in Fish and Wildlife Biology which took me on countless adventures throughout the western US.  My love for nature and the outdoors eventually pulled me towards education where I could share my passions with younger generations.   

In my spare time I enjoy being with my husband and two kids exploring the outdoors and all that Grand Junction has to offer.

If you need to reach me, please email me at christine.harty@d51schools.org.

This is my 13th year teaching history and I couldn’t be more excited to join the R5 team this year!  I’m originally from St Louis and earned my BA in Secondary Education/History from Prescott College in Prescott, AZ. I also earned my MS in Academic Advising from Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS.  I taught middle school for eight years in Prescott and for the past four years I taught high school courses at Caprock Academy here in Grand Junction. I truly love teaching and my goal is to get learners excited to know more about the world around them! 

In my free time you can find me hiking, hiking and hiking some more!  I also enjoy yoga, reading,cooking, playing with my two dogs Honey and Bud, and spending time with my husband, Mike. One of my all time favorite books is The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark" by Carl Sagan.  Fun fact: I love music and have been to over 800 concerts and counting!

Quotes that will never stop resonating with me:

“Without music life would be a mistake.” -Friedrich Nietzsche

“Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." -Dr. Seuss

If you need to reach me, please email me at christina.jones@d51schools.org.

My name is Amy Hrubes. This school year is my 5th year at R-5 High School and my 13th year of teaching! I was born and raised in the Seattle area, but have lived in the Grand Valley since 2007. My background is in teaching Math, English, and Special Education. I truly love my job and working with the learners and staff at R-5!

When I'm not working, you can find me enjoying the outdoors hiking, paddleboarding, camping, and skiing with my family. I absolutely love being in the fresh air, watching college basketball, and cheering our three kids on in all their favorite activities.

If you need to reach me, please email me at amy.hrubes@d51schools.org.

Hello my name is Caleen Street. I have been with the R-5 High School Young Parent Program for 18 years as an Early Childhood Lead Teacher in the infant room. 

I graduated from CMU in May of 2024 with a certificate in Early Childhood. We have two beautiful daughters, 2 son-in-laws, and 3 wonderful grandkids, they are my everything including my kitty Baby. I enjoy spending time with my family, shopping, and watching movies.

If you need to reach me, please email me at caleen.street@d51schools.org.

Hi! I am Miss Katherine. This is my 9th year at R5 High School and my 20th year within District 51.  I enjoy working at R5 and building relationships with our learners.

Outside of work I can typically be found hanging out with friends and family or my new puppy Bailey!! I enjoy going to heavy metal concerts and traveling with my husband.

If you need a hug, come find me!

If you need to reach me, please email me at katherine.oleary@d51schools.org.

Hi, I’m Nicole Lee. The 23/24 school year marks my 5^th year with R5 High School and my 3^rd year as the Registrar.  I was a stay at home mom before I started at R5 and have enjoyed the relationships I have built with our students and my coworkers. I love animals and people like to tease that we have a mini zoo!  We have 2 box turtles (that I have had since I was 8 years old), a bearded dragon, 3 dogs, 2 cats and 2 guinea pigs (one is a skinny pig, a hairless guinea pig). 

I also have 2 beautiful daughters who keep me busy with cheer, track and competitive dance.  I have been married to my husband Mark for 18 years this year.  When we aren’t traveling for cheer or dance or at football games on Friday nights we love to go camping, boating or be out riding our townie bikes. 

If you need to reach me, please email me at nicole.lee2@d51schools.org.