Meet Our Crew!
School Leaders
Danielle Dickson
My name is Danielle Dickson. This is my third year as the principal of Welby Community School of the Arts, but I have been with Mapleton Public Schools for 15 years. I started my career as a kindergarten teacher at Adventure Elementary where I taught for 5 years before I moved into administration. I was honored to serve as the elementary assistant principal for York International in Mapleton for 6 years before I came to be the Principal here at Welby. I am blessed to be supported by a strong team dedicated to Welby's success and I am excited to continue building upon the traditions of excellence that Welby Community School of the arts is known for. My passion is helping teachers realize their full potential so they can bring out the best in their students. Our kids deserve nothing less than the very best education we can provide, and it requires us to continuously refine and improve our practice so that we can best meet the needs of each individual student. I believe students learn best in a positive, inclusive, and nurturing environment that fosters a growth mindset dedicated to high expectations and excellence in a dynamic learning community where every child can thrive.
Email: dicksond@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1701
Garrett Gabalis
My name is Garrett Gabalis and I am the Assistant Principal at Welby Community School of the Arts! This is my third year at Welby and it has been awesome getting to learn and grow within this community! I am excited to continue our work around student agency, ownership, and independence this year! When I'm not at school, you will find me in the mountains, running, biking, skiing, and exploring our incredible state!
Email: gabalisg@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1702
Instructional Guide
Angie Edmundson
Hello! My name is Angie Edmundson and I have the privilege and honor to be Welby’s Instructional Guide for the 2025-2026 school year. This new school year marks 32 years as an educator and my sixth year serving the amazing Welby community. I look forward to working with all of you as we support our students in becoming their very best and preparing them for bright and happy futures.
Email: edmundsona@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1770
ECE Teachers & Paraprofessionals
Melanie Barron
Hello, my name is Melanie Barron. This is my sixth year as and Early Childhood Special Education Teacher here at Welby Community School. I absolutely love working with our littlest learners. I cannot wait to see watch all my students grow. When I am not at school, you will find me running PerformAbility. A non-profit for children and adults with special needs. I am the Director and Owner. I am incredibly proud of the work that we do. I enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband and family.
Email: rufienm@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1723
Greg Morgan
Hello, my name is Greg Morgan. This is my fourth year teaching preschool at Welby Community School of the Arts. It's such a pleasure working with the children in this community. I love finding the joy of learning with my students and helping them to understand how capable they are. When I am not teaching, I like to play board games and video games. I also perform with a local contemporary dance company called Lifer/Art Dance Ensemble. I have regular performances, if you would like to come be an audience member please let me know!
Email: morgang@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1717
Carma Bauderer
I have lived in the Denver area my whole life, with thirty of that, here in Mapleton. Working with children has been a significant part of my life for over thirty years. I love helping children learn and grow and I especially love the “aha” moments and seeing them make connections. In my spare time, I spend as much time with my family as possible. I also love to go for walks, swimming, watch movies and just relax! This year, I’m looking forward to working with others who share my passion for teaching children, as well as connecting with families and their children.
Yesenia Guerrero
Diana Rodriguez
My name is Diana and I have 18 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. I am committed to building a supportive and inclusive environment, and work closely with families to ensure each child thrives academically, socially, and emotionally.
Ashley Videl
My name is Ashley Videl and I am a Mapleton graduate who is also a mom of two. I am a dedicated preschool paraprofessional with three years of experience fostering a nurturing and engaging learning environment for young children. I am passionate about helping children develop foundational skills and thrive in their learning.
Kindergarten Teachers
Jodi Henderson
My name is Jodi Henderson and this is my 16th year at Welby! Throughout these last sixteen years, I have worked in Special Education, taught 4th grade, and now enjoy teaching kinders! When I’m not teaching, I spend time with my family and friends. I also love baking and photography! I’m super excited for this year!
Email: hendersonj@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1669
Maiong Ly
Hello, my name is Maiong Ly. I am a kindergarten teacher at Welby. I have been teaching primary education for almost 2 decades and I love this grade level. I enjoy teaching the EL Curriculum and teaching state standards through engaging activities, creativity, and the science of reading. When I am not teaching, I love being a full-time mother/teacher to my 3 sons. I also enjoy every kind of crafting and baking available. One of my favorite hobbies is baking 5-tier wedding cakes for my family.
Email: lym@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1671
1st Grade Teachers
Lisa Aguado
My name is Lisa Aguado, and I am a first-grade teacher at Welby Community School of the Arts. This is my tenth year teaching here at Welby, and my twenty fifth year as a teacher. Teaching is my passion, seeing my students’ grow as learners fills my heart with joy.
Email: aguadol@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1709
Melissa McKenny
My name is Melissa McKenny and I am one of the first grade teachers at Welby Community School of the Arts. At Welby, I have taught preschool, kindergarten, and now first grade. I enjoy building a community with my students as well as their families. It is amazing to see our students grow into confident learners each year. Outside of school, I love to travel, visit family, read, and hike and camp in the Rocky Mountains.
Email: mckennym@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1670
2nd Grade Teachers
Gretchen Hundemer
My name is Gretchen Hundemer, and I am thrilled to be back at Welby this year as a second-grade teacher. It's a wonderful community to be a part of, and I'm looking forward to continuing to help students to grow and take ownership of their learning this year. When I'm not at school, I'm probably reading, doing something active, or hanging out with my adorable cat, Jellybean.
Email: hundemerg@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1714
Bethony Johnson
Hi! My name is Bethony Johnson. I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama where I received my bachelor's and master's degrees in education. This will be my 8th year teaching. I am joined the Welby Crew part way through last year and I am excited to continue learning and growing alongside the students!
Email: johnsonb@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1722
3rd Grade Teachers
Bailey Carrero Heinz
Email: Phone: 303.853.1708
Amanda Murphy
Hello! My name is Amanda Murphy and I’ll be starting my 13th year teaching 2nd grade at Welby Community School of the Arts. Welby’s community holds a special place in my heart as I have met and worked with incredible staff, students, and families over the years. I am passionate about guiding students to become effective and independent learners. In my free time I enjoy traveling, playing golf, and spending time with my husband, 10-year-old daughter, and Frenchie named Bean.
Email: murphya@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1719
4th Grade Teachers
Christine Conkey
Hello! My name is Christine Conkey, I am a fourth grade teacher here at Welby. I received my teaching degree in Florida in 2008 and started my teaching career in Utah, I have also taught in Nevada, and online. It is great to be back in Colorado (where I grew up) working at Welby for my third year. This is a great school and community! 🙂
Email: conkeyc@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1713
5th Grade Teachers
Brianna Atomode
My name is Brianna Atomode, I am a fifth-grade teacher here at Welby! I have been here for four years, and I have enjoyed every minute of it! I am so excited to help our students learn and grow as learners. When I am not at school I enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, reading, and spending time with friends and family!
Email: atomodeb@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1715
Sara Thorp
Hello! My name is Sara Thorp and I teach 5th/6th grade here at Welby. This is my fourth year at Welby but my 13th year teaching. I love the close-knit community and collaboration between our students, teachers and families at our school. This year I look forward to proving to my students that with some hard work, determination and fun, we can move mountains! In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and our 3 kids and 3 cats, paddle boarding, knitting, shopping and getting into a good book!
Email: thorps@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1715
6th Grade Teachers
Jess Masterson
My name is Jess Masterson, and I am a proud Coloradan from the Gilpin County Mountain Community. This is my third year with Mapleton Public Schools, with many years of experience in outdoor education and experiential, creative learning. I am a Master's candidate from the University of Colorado Boulder, with a degree in Elementary Education and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education. I love to teach creativity and problem-solving skills to young learners and inspire a love of learning! I enjoy creative writing, acting, and winter sports.
Email: mastersonj@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1716
Studios Teachers
Ryan Gonzales
My name is Ryan Gonzales and I’m in my 5th year as the music teacher and 2nd year as gym instructor at Welby Community School of the Arts. I have a strong background in the performing arts, working as: a lead actor in dozens of musicals, operas, and plays, director of children’s theatre in multiple after-school programs, regular collaborative pianist, featured soloist, and sound designer for productions. I also enjoy cooking, photography, aquariums, video games, movies, nature, and most of all, spending time with my wife, dog, cat, and many aquarium pets!
Email: gonzalesr@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1711
Tia Nevil
My name is Tia M. Nevil, and I am the Studio Arts Teacher at Welby Community School of the Arts. I have been teaching at Welby since 2018. I love all things related to art. My bachelor’s degree is in Sculpture and Painting with a minor in Digital Media from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. I went back to school later in life and completed my master’s degree at the University of Denver in the Boettcher Teachers Program where I earned my MA in Urban Curriculum Design and Instruction. I have taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th grade in addition to teaching art for several years. I love how the Welby community has embraced the arts!
Email: nevilt@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1710
Special Education Teachers and Paraprofessionals
Lauren Wells
Email: Phone: 303.853.1721
Kelly Rothe
Hello! My name is Kelly Rothe and I am the Inclusive Learning Community teacher here at Welby. I have previously worked in Weld County and in Metro Detroit as a teacher for Intensive Autism and Cognitive Impairments. I am very excited to be with the Welby Crew for my second year! In my free time you can typically find me with a book in my hand, petting my dogs, baking a new recipe, or exploring Colorado with my husband.
Email: rothek@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1672
Nicole Arvio
My name is Nicole Arvizo and I am the Special Education Generalist Paraprofessional at Welby Community School of the Arts! I've been a part of Welby Community for the past ten years and it has been amazing! I enjoy enhancing student engagement, teaching different methods to make learning more interactive and enjoyable. Outside of school I enjoy playing softball, adventures with my family and shopping.
Email: arvion@mapleton.us
TBD
Email:
Emily Reeser
My name is Emily Reeser and I am one of the Special Education Paraprofessionals for the Inclusive Learning Center at Welby Community School of the Arts! This is my fifth year at Welby, and my tenth year working in Special Education. Every day we challenge ourselves to learn and grow in the Inclusive Learning Center, and it is such a joy to witness student triumphs! When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time in nature, practicing photography, and I have recently gotten into voice acting!
Email: reesere@mapleton.us
MLL Specialist
Kara Arany
My name is Kara Arany, and I am the English Language Development teacher at Welby. This is my twelfth year here, and it has been wonderful to see students grow over the years! This year, I am looking forward to supporting students with their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two young children. I also love baking, reading, riding my bike, and practicing yoga.
Email: aranyk@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1769
Sarah Klaiber
Email: Phone: 303.853.1720
Speech Language Pathologist
Devon Harger
My name is Devon Harger and I am the Speech-Language Pathologist at Welby. I have enjoyed working at Welby for the past 9 years. It has been so fun getting to help students with their speech and language skills as they progress from preschool to 6th grade! In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, reading, painting, and traveling the world.
Email: hargerd@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1143
School Psychologist
Chelsea Alles
Email: allesc@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1146
Office Staff
Fabiola Castillo
My name is Fabi and I am the bilingual Office Clerk here at Welby. I work in the front office with Ms. Linda assisting parents with any questions they have. I also assist during lunch duty helping the students. 🙂
Email: castillof@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1700
Linda Washa
Hi, I am Linda Washa, I am the Secretary for Welby Community School of the Arts. I have been with Mapleton Public Schools for 27 years. I watched many students grow from PK – young adults. In my spare time I enjoy time with my fur baby and grandbabies and riding motorcycles.
Email: washal@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1705
Health Office
Joline Sanchez
Hi, my name is Joline Sanchez and I am the Health Assistant here at Welby Community School of the Arts. This is my 16th year at Welby and it has been a great experience being a part of the growth of Welby. I am committed to making the health of our students the priority and encouraging daily healthy habits. On my off time I enjoy scrapbooking, camping and being with my family.
Email: sanchezj@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1703
Instructional Paraprofessionals
Brenda de Luna
My name is Brenda de Luna. My parents and I immigrated from Mexico almost 40 years ago. I am a mother of 3 and aunt to 5. I love helping teachers help our students learn! There is no magic in my eyes like the magic of kindergarten!
Email: delunab@mapleton.us
Nutrition Services
Kassandra Sims
My name is Kassandra Sims and I manage our kitchen here at Welby. I have been in Nutrition Services for 10 years. When I am not making delicious food for our amazing kiddos, I enjoy reading a good book!
Teresa Belisle
My name is Teresa. I am a Kitchen Assistant at Welby Community School of the Arts and this is my 5th year in this position. I enjoy spending time with family and reading when not at work.
Mariel Cortes
My name is Mariel Cortes. I am part of the kitchen Staff. I am in charge of preparing the meals for the following day.
Facilities Management
Sixto Monge
My name is Sixto Monge and I have been employed for Mapleton Public Schools for 10 years. My position with the district is Lead Custodian at Welby Community School of the Arts. My responsibilities are to keep the school running smoothly, make sure everything looks good, classrooms are cleaned on a daily basis, and the cafeteria is taken care of during the day. I am very humbled to be part of this team. Thank you everybody at Welby and on the Mapleton team!
Delfina Torres
Gabriela Mendoza