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 16 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 fourth year at Welby and it has been awesome getting to learn and grow with 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 33 years as an educator and my seventh 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 seventh 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
Richelle Mascarenas
Hi! I’m Ms. Richelle, and I’m so excited to be part of the preschool team here at Welby Community School of The Arts! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Developmental Psychology and have experience working with children in both elementary and early childhood settings. I’m passionate about creating a classroom where every child feels safe, loved, welcomed, and excited to learn. Outside of school, I’m a proud mom to my amazing 3-year-old son, Leo. I love spending time with my family, making memories, and finding reasons to laugh! I’m looking forward to a wonderful year of learning, growing, and having fun together! 💕
Email: mascarenasr@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1717
Carma Bauderer
Hi! My name is Miss Carma, I'm excited to begin my fourth year with Welby Preschool! Working with children, has been a significant part of my life for thirty years, plus. I love helping them learn and grow and I especially love the “aha!" moments when I get to see them make connections. I'm so thankful I get to be a part of their journey!
In my spare time, I spend as much of it as possible, with my family. I love to go for walks, swimming, watch movies and relax! This year, I’m looking forward to working with others who share my passion for teaching children, as well as connecting with families, alongside 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 four 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 17th 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 eleventh year teaching here at Welby, and my twenty sixth 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
Ferris Andrews
My name is Ferris Andrews and I am one of the first-grade teachers at Welby Community School of the Arts. This is my first year at Welby, and I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful community. My goal with all of my students is to foster a love for learning and reading at school and in life! This year, I moved to Colorado from Memphis, Tennessee, and I have fallen in love with exploring the beautiful mountains in this state!
Email: andrewsj@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1720
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 9th year teaching. I am joined the Welby Crew two years ago 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
My name is Bailey Carrero and I am thrilled to be returning to the Welby community this year as a 3rd grade teacher! I began my education journey in the arts teaching theatre and I have experience teaching 1st and 3rd grade. Outside of school I enjoy hiking, baking, dancing and spending time with my family.
Email: carrerob@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1708
Amanda Murphy
Hello! My name is Amanda Murphy and I’ll be starting my 14th year teaching 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, 11-year-old daughter, and Frenchie named Bean.
Email: murphya@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1719
4th Grade Teachers
Sara Kitchen
My name is Sara Kitchen. I have been teaching in Mapleton for 9 years, but this is my first year here at Welby Community School of the Arts. I am so excited to be a part of this amazing crew! I love how welcoming this community of learners has been, and I look forward to getting to know all of our incredible students better. When I am not at school, you can find me chasing around my toddler son and spending time with my family. I love to read and cook and soak up as much time outdoors as I can.
Email: kitchensa@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1713
Marissa Miles
Howdy Hawks! My name is Marissa Miles (Mrs. Miles. I teach fourth grade at Welby Community School of the Arts. This is my 10th year teaching fourth grade. I just moved from Texas, so this is my first year in Colorado and Welby! I am so grateful that I am a part of your child's educational journey. I look forward to working as a team (student, families and myself) to help them be the best that they can be! When I am not educating young minds at Welby you can find me on a hike with my family, reading a book, or trying a new craft!
Email: milesm@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1715
5th Grade Teachers
Sara Thorp
Hello! My name is Sara Thorp and I teach 5th grade here at Welby. This is my fifth year at Welby but my 14th 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
Candace Dunbar
Hello! My name is Candie and I have been teaching since 2007. I am so excited to be joining the Welby community this year. I have taught at all levels but really love middle school the most! I love to support kids in seeing their potential to help them grow as learners and leaders. Outside of school I love to spend time with my four dogs, cooking, mountain biking and paddle boarding. I also have one daughter who I enjoy spending time with as well.
Email: dunbarc@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1716
Studios Teachers
Ryan Gonzales
My name is Ryan Gonzales and I’m in my 6th year Welby Community School of the Arts and this year I am taking on the role of Performing Arts teacher! 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
Daniel Wilk
My name is Daniel Wilk and I am the Physical Education teacher at Welby Community School of the Arts! I have over 20 years of experience as a strength and conditioning coach and am incredibly excited to bring that experience into working with students of all ages. My goal is to help students develop independence, movement and fitness fluency, and critical thinking while building a positive relationship with movement and their own health. Outside of school, I love playing guitar, gardening, lifting weights, and spending time with my family.
Email: wilkd@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1712
Special Education Teachers and Paraprofessionals
Lauren Wells
Hello! My name is Lauren Wells and I’m delighted to be returning to the Crew at Welby Community School of the Arts this year. I’m originally from Baltimore Maryland and I’ve been a Special Education Teacher for 11 years. I’m excited about getting to know you and I look forward to working together with you in supporting the academic needs of our learners. In my free time, I enjoy playing outside! I love working in the garden, going on walks and hikes, and taking day trips to explore beautiful Colorado.
Email: wellsl@mapleton.us Phone: 303.853.1721
Joanna Langston
Hello! My name is Ms. Jo and I am the ILC (Inclusive Learning Center) teacher here at Welby. I have been a Special Education teacher for the last 12 years. Helping our differently-abled students gain empowerment through learning skills and academic mastery is my passion, and I am excited to be returning to Welby for a second year. When I'm not at work, you can find me hiking in the mountains with my big, fluffy dog or relaxing at home with a good book!
Email: langstonj@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 11 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
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MLL Specialist
Kara Arany
My name is Kara Arany, and I am the English Language Development teacher at Welby. This is my thirteenth 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
My name is Sarah Klaiber and I am thrilled to be returning to the Welby team as an ELD Teacher this year! I’ve been an educator for over 13 years and am passionate about supporting multilingual learners through inclusive and engaging instruction. I’m especially excited to collaborate with teachers and families to empower students as confident readers, writers, and thinkers! In my free time you’ll find me gardening, enjoying live music, hiking Colorado’s trails with my pup, or trying out new recipes.
Email: klaibers@mapleton.us 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 10 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
My name is Chelsea Alles and I am the school social worker at Welby Community School of the Arts! This is my second year at Welby and I am so excited to get to know the wonderful students, parents, and caregivers that make this community! I will be working with students on their social-emotional skills! When I'm not at school, you will find me walking my dogs, exploring new restaurants with my husband, reading mystery books, and practicing yoga.
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
Jennifer Proctor
Hi! My name is Jennifer Proctor, and I’m excited to be the secretary here at Welby Community School. When I’m not at Welby, I enjoy spending time with my family. I also love singing in a band and crocheting. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone and being part of the Welby community!
Email: proctorj@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 17th 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 11 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 6th 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 11 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