ST. LUKE'S LITTLE SCHOOL - Key Persons
I am Amy Goings (Assistant Teacher) and I have been teaching at St. Luke's since 2009. Prior to St. Luke's I taught kindergarten and third grade. I have my bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from CSU and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction. I live in Castle Rock with my husband and two boys. I love working with children and look forward to each year!
My name is Chanda Stites (Assistant Teacher). I am a Colorado native and live in Highlands Ranch with my husband, two girls and our dog, Buddy. I was a registered nurse at Children's Hospital Denver for 6 years. I left nursing to stay at home and raise my wonderful girls. After volunteering at their schools for the last 20 years, I realized my love for supporting children in education. I feel incredibly privileged to be a part of the Little School Family!
Hi! I'm Deon Zitek (Lead Teacher) and I have had the pleasure of working here at Little School since 2010. I have a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's degree in Special Education. I have teaching experience in a variety of situations and grade levels but my heart is with these sweet little preschoolers. I love being part of their first steps in a journey of lifelong learning and strive to create a classroom of learning, friendship, and fun! I am a Colorado native and love our beautiful state. My husband and I live in Centennial and have three grown sons and 2 daughters (in law). Our newest excitement in life is the addition of 2 beautiful grand-daughters and a very active German Shepherd puppy! In my free time I love to travel, read, and spend time with my family and friends.
Jennifer Smith (Lead Teacher) I joined the St. Luke's Little School staff 13 years ago. I feel blessed to have found my perfect profession - a blend of teaching lessons on life, enriching academics and expressing creativity (both for the children and myself!). I enjoy helping children grow and learn while having fun. I have lived in Colorado for most of my life, so I consider myself a native. I met my husband, Brian, while attending Kansas State University. We have three children, two young adults and one in high school. All three of our children attended St. Luke's Little School. As parents, we feel Little School gave them a strong foundation through caring relationships with both teachers and classmates. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, biking, gardening, and cooking healthy food. I aspire to make a difference in the lives of children, their families and the community through my faith and love of life.
I am Kara Clapp (Lead Teacher). I feel lucky to be both a parent and a teacher at Little School this year! I have two daughters, Emma who is 6-years-old and will going into kindergarten, and Ava who is 8-years-old and going into third grade. I have my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University and have experience working in both elementary and early childhood education. In 2013 we moved to Colorado, and now I live in Highlands Ranch with my husband, two girls and cat, Pumpkin. I love to spend time outside with my family hiking, snowboarding and enjoying the beautiful Colorado weather.
Kara Overman (Lead Teacher) I went to the University of Northern Colorado, where I earned my teaching degree, and I received my master's in Education from Grand Canyon University. I started my teaching career in Elementary School, and am blessed to have ended up at Little School. My family and I are members of St. Luke's. My own children have all gone to Little School. What a great place it is to be!
I am Katie Devlin (Lead Teacher) and I have been a parent of St. Luke's Little School since 2011 where both of my children attended. I am excited to be at St. Luke's and feel fortunate to be a part of this wonderful family! I am a native of Colorado, growing up in Grand Junction, CO. I first attended UNCW in Wilmington, NC, and a few years later moved back to Colorado graduating with a Bachelor's degree at Colorado Mesa University in 2004. For the past 15 years, my husband Tom and I, have called Highlands Ranch our home. Up until just a few years ago, I was a stay-at-home mom to my two children Addyson (14) and Brady (10). I am so happy to be able to work with your preschoolers and to watch them learn and grow. It is certainly an honor to be a part of this caring and welcoming community. In my free time, I enjoy reading, crafting, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. We enjoy many outdoor activities and love all that Colorado has to offer.
My name is Katie Matthews (Assistant Teacher) and although I have been a St. Luke's parent since 2015, this will be my first year as an assistant teacher. I graduated from Westmont College with a degree in Elementary Education. I taught Outdoor Education, 6th grade social studies, and fourth grade before becoming a full-time mom. Now that my three children, Nathaniel, Natalie, and Julia are all in school, I can't wait to get back into the classroom! In my free time, I love to walk and run with our dog Frisco, ski, play soccer, hike, camp, stand-up paddle board, make greeting cards, and listen to audiobooks.
I am Katie Wolfe (Lead Teacher), and I have been working at St. Luke's since 2015. I received my bachelor's from UNC in Elementary Education and my master's from UCCS in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Linguistically Diverse Education. I taught kindergarten, 3rd grade, and was a literacy coach/interventionist for eight years before joining the St. Luke's team. I am a Colorado native and currently live in Highlands Ranch with my husband, daughter, son, and beloved pets. I love my job and am looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you.
Job Titles:
- Director of Little School
Kelly Amadeo (Director of Little School) has been in the field of education for 19 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development and a master's degree in Elementary Education. In addition to teaching preschool and elementary students, Kelly taught graduate students in the college of education in the fields of Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education for eight years. Kelly started as a parent at Little School when both her son and daughter attended Little School. Kelly then taught at Little School as a lead teacher before becoming the director. In addition to providing a quality educational experience, Kelly's vision as the director of Little School is to create an environment where each child and his or her family feel like they are part of a larger family, and they are loved unconditionally.
Kelly grew up in the Methodist church in Steamboat Springs and has attended St. Luke's for thirteen years. In her spare time, she loves to teach young children ballet and spend time with her family.
My name is Kerrie Maas-Baldwin (Lead Teacher) and I'm thrilled to be a part of the St. Luke's Little School family! I earned my Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a double major in Human Development and Family Studies as well as Psychology. I, also, hold a teaching credential and Master's Degree in Education from Pepperdine University. I taught 1st grade for 13 years before resigning to raise my 2 boys and boy/girl twins. Needless to say, life has been wild, chaotic, and wonderful! In my free time (ha!), I love yoga, stand up paddleboarding, skiing, biking, reading, shopping, and gardening. My family loves watching sports, especially the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers (yes, I'm a cheesehead)! My husband and I, along with our 4 children and 2 awesome dogs, live in Littleton. I'm looking forward to another school year and watching the students at Little School thrive!
My name is Kristi Tomlinson (Lead Teacher) and I have been teaching 4's at Little School since 2015. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family Relations and Child Development/Early Childhood Education from Oklahoma State University (I was born and raised in Ponca City, Oklahoma so I am a mid western girl at heart). I taught kindergarten and first grade in Oklahoma and California for 9 years before staying at home for 10 years with my own children. My husband Thane and I have been married for 23 years, and we've made our home here in Colorado in Castle Pines. We have a 17-year-old daughter Avery, a 14-year-old son Jack, and a 6-year-old Australian Shepherd named Skylar. We are a very busy family as our children love participating in sports including swimming, soccer, basketball, and flag football. I enjoy reading, snow skiing, paddle boarding, yoga, shopping, watching movies, being outdoors, and spending time with my family and friends. I absolutely love my job and teaching at Little School and look forward to helping your children learn and grow!
My name is Laura McGee (Assistant Teacher) and I'm excited to be starting my second year at Little School. I have a Master of Arts in Education and have been involved with teaching in many ways. In the past I've worked as a media specialist in an elementary school and have done dyslexia intervention, kindergarten enrichment, science camps, and a preschool co-op.
My name is Lindy Busbee (Lead Teacher), and I have been a parent at Little School since 2017. I am originally from Roswell, Georgia and moved to Colorado in 2010. I live in Highlands Ranch with my husband Michael, and my children Baker (8), Bo (Heavenly 5), Charlsey (4) and our littlest man, Bailey (almost a year old). I graduated with my Bachelors degree from The University of Alabama and received my Masters in Education from The University of Denver through the Denver Teacher Residency program. I taught kindergarten in The Denver Public School District at Green Valley Elementary and Montclair Elementary. After having Baker in 2014, I took maternity leave and became a stay at home mom raising my sweet babies.
Maria Fox (Assistant Teacher) I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Pennsylvania. I have had the privilege and joy of working here at St. Luke's Little School since its opening in 1995. Previous to working here I taught pre-school in Pennsylvania and Michigan, started a Toddler Program and Storytime for 3-year-olds at Northridge Rec Center (back when there was only one rec center in Highlands Ranch!), was certified and taught Infant Massage, and was a stay-at-home mom. I have 3 grown children, a wonderful daughter-in-law, two granddaughters and a grandson. In my free time I love to quilt, work in my garden, read and spend time with family and friends. I look forward to meeting you!
My name is Michelle Schwartz (Assistant Teacher). I have been teaching at St. Luke's Little School since 2009. Before coming to St. Luke's I taught preschool in Littleton for 14 years. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders from CSU. I live in Highlands Ranch with my husband of 38 years. We have two grown children and two grandchildren who are such a joy. I enjoy reading, hiking, baking and spending time with family and friends. I love teaching preschoolers and watching them learn and grow each year is so rewarding!
My name is Sandi Thompson (Lead Teacher) and I have worked in the field of Early Childhood Education since 1975. My background includes a BA in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Special Education and 15 hours of masters course work in the field of Gifted Education. Working with young children is my passion! I was on the board that helped start Little School in 1995. I worked for Little School for four years, and then taught kindergarten enrichment in Douglas County School District for six years. However, Little School was calling me back and I answered! I have been on staff again since 2005. My husband and I have been married for over 30 years and we have three children (born within 19 months; a son and twin girls) who are now in their early thirties.
Shelley Ritchie (Lead Teacher and Assistant) I have an A.S. degree in Child Development from Moorpark College in Moorpark, CA. I taught P.E. for five years in Park Oaks Elementary School, Thousand Oaks, CA. I was a transitional Kindergarten Teacher/Asst. Director at The Enriching Hour Preschool in Westlake, CA for 7 years. I received the Professional Association for Childhood Education Teacher of the Year Award in 2004. I have been married for 47 years, have three children, and have 5 grandchildren. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, cooking, and snow skiing.
My name is Tiffany Van Woensel (Lead Teacher). I graduated from Colorado Christian University with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Theory and taught preschool for a year in Nebraska. I am a Colorado native and grew up in the Green Mountain/Lakewood area. My husband Eric and I met in high school, and we have been blessed with two wonderful children who I have had the privilege of staying home with for 8 years. Our daughter Kaeleigh (9) will be a 4th grader, and our son Landen (6) will be a kindergartener this year. We also have a furry family member, a 9-year-old golden doodle named Bailey. During our free time, my family and I enjoy camping, boating, family vacations and spending time with family and friends. Volunteering for several different organizations is a passion I take joy in doing. I am excited to be back working in the classroom and to have the opportunity to work with an awesome community of teachers at St. Luke's.