About

Proven and recognized educator and transformational leader with over 3 decades of focused experience in education. Excellent record in the classroom and on the board. An award-winning middle school educator, small business owner, charter school director, technical college board president, local school district board president, and member of the Colorado Association of School Boards. Strategically led the RE-1 school district through COVID as school board president with a focus on teaching and returning the students to the classroom in a positive learning environment was the highest priority. Experience working with the Colorado State Senate and House, served on the Senate Severance Committee. Active in the Republican Party, served as Precinct Co-Chair.

Experience

  • High School English Teacher

    Montezuma-Cortez School District

    Jan 2024 - Present 5 months

    Cortez, Colorado, United States

    Full time to end at semester. Filled in on a critical need.

  • Farmer

    Four Corners Ranch

    Sep 1974 - Present 49 years 9 months

    Cortez, Colorado, United States

    Hay industry

  • Board of Directors

    Colorado Association of School Boards

    Dec 2020 - Dec 2023 3 years 1 month

    Denver, Colorado, United States

    Was on the board 2006-2009 and was on the executive board, again in 2015-2017. Lobbied for Colorado Education. Was on financial and legislative committees.

  • Director Board of Directors

    Montezuma Cortez RE-1 BOD

    Nov 2012 - Dec 2023 11 years 2 months

    Cortez, CO

    Started on the board in 2001-2009, came on in 2012. In 2023 under our leadership the district raised the district scores two levels by listening and working with the superintendent. I served as secretary, treasurer, vice president and president. During the COVID pandemic I led, as president, the students in classroom learning to better their education.

  • Board Member

    Montezuma Fire Dept

    Jun 2015 - Jun 2019 4 years 1 month

    Cortez, Colorado, United States

    Build a new fire house with saved money and grants by aligning expenditures to income.

  • Director

    Battle Rock Charter School

    Jul 2010 - Jun 2012 2 years

    Was able to raise the state scores 2 levels in a year, I actively engaged parents to accomplish this.

  • President of the Board of Directors

    San Juan Basin Vocational and Technical College

    Dec 2001 - Dec 2010 9 years 1 month

    Cortez, Colorado, United States

    Led the technical school to move to technical college, working with Colorado Community College. After 8 years worked with the Colorado Community College to successfully merge with Pueblo Community College.

  • Owned and Operated

    Tropics Day Spa

    May 2000 - Oct 2009 9 years 6 months

    Ran a successful business for day spas. The company consisted of tanning, massage, hair and nails.

  • Co-Owner of nationally certified mobile drug company

    First Alert Drug and Alcohol Testing

    Aug 1999 - Oct 2009 10 years 3 months

    Cortez, Colorado, United States

    Traveled to different locations to test employees. Was nationally certified. Wrote safety policies and helped implement them.

  • Committee Member

    Senate Severance Committee

    May 2004 - Sep 2004 5 months

    Denver, Colorado, United States

    Studied where severance taxes were applied and made recommendations to the senate on how to reallocate the money

  • Middle School Teacher

    Montezuma-Cortez School District

    Aug 1981 - Dec 1998 17 years 5 months

    Cortez, CO

    Taught 7th grade language arts. I received Who's Who award in education.

  • Middle School Teacher

    Northside Consolidated School District

    Aug 1991 - Jun 1992 11 months

    San Antonio, Texas, United States

    Was hired to bring middle school concept and arrange schedule to change from Jr. High to Middle School.

Education

  • Adams State College Alamosa, CO

    Master of Education (MEd) Secondary

  • Ft Lewis College Durango, CO

    Bachelor of Education (BEd)

Volunteer Experience

  • CO State Chaplin

    VFW Auxiliary

    Nov 1968 - Present 55 years 7 months

    i18n_veterans

  • Board Member

    Montezuma Cortez Fire Board

    Apr 2018 - May 2020 2 years 2 months

    Disaster and Humanitarian Relief

  • Director

    Colorado Association of School Boards

    Jan 2020 - Present 4 years 5 months

    Education