Staff
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Timeri Tolnay
Executive Director
Timeri Tolnay is honored to serve as the Executive Director of the Girls Athletic Leadership School (GALS) Denver. She has spent her career helping students, teachers, and schools thrive, always guided by a belief in the power of education to change lives.
Timeri started as a classroom teacher and was named Denver Public Schools Teacher of the Year early in her career. Since then, she has coached teachers, led schools and programs, and even started two of her own education companies to make sure schools have the tools they need to support students.
At GALS Denver, Timeri is passionate about creating a safe, joyful, and empowering environment where every student feels seen, supported, and ready to lead. She believes in the GALS mission of using movement, leadership, and academic excellence to help young women grow into confident and courageous leaders.
When she’s not at school, Timeri loves to travel, ski, hike, do yoga, golf, zumba dance, cook, and spend time outdoors.
HEAD OF SCHOOLS
Leah Bock
Principal
After graduating from Luther College, she received her Master's Degree in Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity from CU Boulder. Ms. Bock has been in education for 14 years, and is headed into her tenth year at GALS. This will be her 6th year as Principal. She is passionate about costumes, karaoke, and serving the students of GALS Middle School.
Molly Smemo
Assistant Principal
After receiving her Masters in Education in 2011, Molly dove deep into the world of education, teaching several different subjects (including outdoor leadership) but found her true passion in social studies. Teaching at GALS has provided her a way to bring active learning into her students' learning experience and she loves seeing students thrive in our school model. Molly has provided immense leadership to her colleagues as an instructional coach and is now stepping into the role of assistant principal with deep experience in the classroom and beyond. Molly spends her time outside of GALS living life with her family of four, cooking, reading, playing team sports and swimming in any body of water she can find.
Austin Doyle
Assistant Principal, Director of Exceptional Student Services
Austin has been in education for nearly 10 years and joins us to lead the ESS department with a background in Special Education & Interdisciplinary studies. He is excited to join a team that promotes focus & intentionality for our ESS students and is looking forward to supporting young women to become leaders on our campus and in the greater Denver community. Austin is a hockey fanatic, a concert-goer and a lifelong learner, seeking to learn sign language in the near future.
GALS SERIES
6th GALS Series
Carlie is passionate educator with over eight years of experience in public secondary education, now starting her ninth year at GALS. She loves to create inclusive, student-centered classrooms and use data-driven, culturally responsive teaching to connect learning to students’ real lives and experiences. Outside the classroom, Carlie loves playing piano, learning the alto sax, exploring Colorado, and spending time with her dog, Batman. Teaching is truly what she loves to do, and she is so grateful to be doing it everyday!
7th GALS Series
After spending nine years working with middle and high school students through a nonprofit in Denver, Kelsey Bradley is thrilled to bring her passion for youth empowerment to her first year teaching 7th grade GALS Series! Having coached soccer at GALS last year (undefeated baby!), Kelsey fell in love with the school’s supportive culture and close-knit community. She’s excited to blend movement and meaningful connection in a classroom that helps kids grow into the best versions of themselves. When she’s not at school, you can find her traveling, savoring delicious food, or playing basketball with friends.
8th GALS Series
After spending three years in elementary counseling, Sydney brought her SLE skills to GALS to teach GALS series in the Middle School. The team approach and school atmosphere here has been a place where Sydney can explore all the ways to help our students and support their whole self and body, heart and mind growth. Costa also co-coaches our soccer team, developing leaders on and off the field. In her free time, Costa enjoys finding delicious pizza and ice cream, reveling in the mountains and ocean, spending time with her dog and perfecting the art of flipping a pancake in the pan in the morning.
SOCIAL STUDIES
6th Social Studies
After being placed at GALS as a student teacher, Keith quickly became a part of our team, finishing his masters in education from the University of Denver and being offered the 6th/7th social studies job for the 24-25 school year. He looks forward to finding creative ways to better meet the various needs of students and is inspired by the staff dedication around him. Eager to grow and make an impact, Keith works around the clock to learn what it takes to be a strong teacher. He loves to move and play--you can find him jumping in a game of Mighty Mighty Scoop Noodle, playing baseball or teaching our girls softball during morning movement.
7th Social Studies
8th Social Studies and MLE Coordinator
MATH
6th Math
Julie Thornton
7th Math
Julie teaches math in a room with no furniture, creating a space for students to develop their math skills in a space that promotes group work & collaboration skills and movement focused learning. She enjoys guiding students to take risks in their academic pursuits, and enjoys risk-taking herself outside of work; ice climbing yearly and pushing her body to physically dangerous feats. Look for Julie in the bookstore one day, as she wants to write and publish her own.
Eric Messerli
8th Math
Eric Messerli (Mess) has been with GALS for 12 years and in education for over 30. He pours his dedication to students' growth into every day of his teaching career, and says that he couldn't have picked a better way to spend his working day. His half turkey sandwich is always eaten during his near daily tutoring he provides to his students. Eric has made GALS home due its high expectations and support services for our students, gender and movement focused education and a creative and dynamic nature of working for a charter school. You can find Eric playing ice hockey multiple nights of the week, practicing becoming proficient on the mandolin. walking his wife and dogs or staying up to date on his daughters experiences in life. His rigorous math class has propelled students to academic success for years.
SCIENCE
6th Science
Mr. Davis is starting 4th year in education and 1st year at GALS teaching 6th grade science. Alongside his teaching experience Davis has coached soccer at the competitive level for the past 6 years. The focus on movement and quality instruction at GALS fits hand in hand with Davis's love of science and sport. Outside of the classroom you can find Mr. Davis rock climbing, working on his kickflip and tailslide, playing with Ollie Bear his border collie/aussie mix and trying out any Indian restaurant he can find.
Jared Rankins
7th Science
Jared Rankins provides engaging learning and energy for his students daily. When not in his classroom, you can find him helping students improve their basketball shot, cheering on the Nuggets, or being a dad of three. He enjoys the culture and people he gets to surround himself with at GALS and the challenges that present themselves as a chance to grow.
Katie Lou McCusker
8th Science
With a master's in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Denver and a concentration in STEM teaching and learning, Katie Lou is a welcomed addition to our GALS team. She has seamlessly woven content-embedded movement and kinesthetic practice into her curriculum and pushes students to think outside the box. She loves to run (13 half marathons and two full), and loves sharing that joy with students, leading our first track unit and first morning movement track meet. You can find Katie Lou enjoying a thoughtfully prepared three course meal every day at staff lunch, attempting to identify birds based on their calls, taking in the pages of a book or the scares of a thriller movie.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA)
Hayden Griggs
6th ELA
Hayden joined the GALS team in the 2022-2023 school year, drawn to the focus on inclusion, celebration of diversity and commitment to academic and physical wellness. Shortly after became a beloved addition by students and staff alike. Bringing his degree in English Literature and Anthropology to the classroom, Hayden helps students find excitement for reading, writing and discussion through various avenues. His passion in the written form belongs to the fantasy and horror genre--he even plans to begin writing a young adult or middle reader novel. When not exploring pages and leading the classroom, Hayden loves to hike and fish around the centennial state with his dog and spend time with his toddler and wife. You’ll often find a lacrosse stick in one hand and a book in the other for Mr. Griggs.
Lindsay Drapkin
7th ELA
With a master's degree in curriculum & instruction and over five years in education, Lindsay is an ELA teacher that creates a classroom environment with clear success criteria as ample avenues for growth. Lindsay joined the GALS team because she was drawn to the community and vision. When not teaching, you can find Lindsay climbing nearly every day or getting certified in skydiving.
Amanda Christos
8th ELA
Mandy Christos loves the movement aspect of learning at GALS and seeing students grow their academic skill set and confidence through As a big proponent of sports & fitness, she feels that a place to engage with academic material in a physical way is unique, impactful and rewarding. Additionally, Mandy focuses on designing strong curriculum for her students to acquire effective reading and writing skills. During the day, you can catch her on the GALS turf playing Mighty Mighty, reading in the sunshine with her students, or snacking on string cheese. On the weekends, you’ll find her in the outdoors--hiking, camping, skiing and playing with her dog.
ADMIN & SUPPORT STAFF
Katie Wittenberg
Office & Enrollment Coordinator
Katie is passionate about people getting connected to what they need, which is why she feels her role at GALS is a perfect fit. After a few years of teaching ECE and English to students aged 5-17, she wanted to be able to transition out of the classroom but remain in the education world. Then she found GALS. The intrinsic themes of social justice work with a feminist, gender-positive lens at GALS spoke to her identity and what matters in the community service work she does. Katie loves to walk to and from work, and beyond, as well as organize community work centered in social justice, feminism and LGBTQIA+ rights.
Dolores Schaack
Director of Operations
Danielle Ennis
Director of Athletics, Movement; Marketing & Enrollment Specialist
Danielle Ennis leads our athletic and movement programming. After four years in the classroom teaching 7th grade ELA, Danielle transitioned to a role where she feels most fulfilled, providing athletic opportunities and promoting the leadership, confidence and joy of sport and movement for our students. Danielle enjoys all things movement, from skiing to skateboarding, basketball to baseball, skimboarding to pogo sticking. When not on the move, you can find Danielle writing, enjoying a great magazine, relishing a lunch out on the town and pouring care into crafting the ultimate tuna melt.
Andrea Hernandez
Marketing & Enrollment Specialist
Tania Guy
School Nurse
Tania is with us on Mondays and Fridays as our nationally certified school nurse of nearly 10 years of experience. She enjoys supporting students and their health, and mentors other school nurses in their practice. Here at GALS, Tania appreciates the staff-student connection, teaching of confidence and advocacy skills, and incorporation of benefits of movement and physical activity to optimize academic achievement. When not working to ensure care and health Tania can be found cooking, baking, reading or biking.
Maryanna Brunkhorst
MLE Coordinator
After 10 years of teaching English to international students at the University of Denver and overseas as well as seven year stint as a C-130 pilot, Maryanna made the transition to Middle School where she helps our English Language Learners develop their reading, writing and speaking skills. Maryanna’s dedication to the craft helps empower and give voice for all of our students; a pillar of GALS that she stands by diligently. She delights in the movement model as well--the sight of students running and skipping through the hallways brings Brunkhorst daily joy. As for her own form of movement, you can find Maryanna paddleboarding, rollerblading, practicing yoga or just enjoying a simple stroll.
Alyssa Sanchez
Instructional Coach
After starting in Elementary education, Alyssa realized quickly that math was her favorite subject to teach and wanted to spend her working day building students confidence in the subject. Which landed her at GALS, a place that allows her to give her all to a population not expected to excel in STEM. Alyssa loves to dance and groove with her band, constantly working on improvising her bass guitar skills. You can find her husband playing beside her on stage, and her kids celebrating in the audience.
PERFORMING ARTS
6th/7th/8th Director of Performing Arts
Clove Love is a Theatre Artist and Educator who is thrilled to be the new Director of Performing Arts at GALS! With a B.A. in Theatre Arts (Education & Directing) and a certification in Arts Entrepreneurship, Clove aims to help GALS students find their creative side, allowing them to explore ways of expression through acting, directing, designing, technical production, playwriting, improv, and stage/production management. Clove also enjoys watching a community bloom throughout play rehearsals as each GALS student works collaboratively towards the production at hand. By the end of a show, it feels like one big family and everyone has had a part to play in making the production successful. In their free time, Mx. Love enjoys spending time in nature with friends, playing with their cat, and watching all the latest tv shows/movies and calling it 'professional development'.
CHARACTER & CULTURE
Kasizn Smith
School Dean
Kasizn brings five years of educational experience to GALS, helping our students navigate responsibility, accountability, and more. Kasizn sees every students’ worth and appreciates being surrounded by a staff who feels the same way. Running, hiking, or dancing - Kasizn is always on the move.
COUNSELING & WELLNESS
Anastasia Robirds
Lead Mental Health Clinic
With a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and her LPCC (Licensed professional Clinical Counselor). Anastasia brings an informed and holistic approach to supporting our students' needs. We are grateful to have such a dedicated counselor on staff and our students benefit from it everyday. You can find Anastasia rocking out at a concert or getting focused on a video game, playing soccer or practicing Spanish.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
Samantha Homer
School Psychologist
PARAPROFESSIONALS
Noah Jackson
Paraprofessional Lead
After a few years of work as a paraprofessional, Noah stepped into the role of leading our para team to ensure daily & strong support for our ESS (exceptional student services) caseload. Noah is currently studying Sociology, theater, and sign language at Metro State University; loves to run and roller skate and eat anything with cheese (if there’s mac n cheese in the staff lounge, it’s his). He shares his craft and skills of crocheting with our students and helps them try their hand at solving a Rubik's cube. A master scheduler and problem solver, we are happy to have Noah on the team.
Jax Faggan
Paraprofessional
Jax has been part of the para team for four years and loves the role of helping kids every single day. Whether supporting their learning, or sharing drawing & painting tricks and tips; Jax is also present for our students. This year, Jax hopes to continue their love for art and learning but taking on a new drawing style.
Carmen Ramos
Paraprofessional
Carmen enjoys the holistic approach to education that GALS provides for our students and thrives in a student-centered environment. You can find Carmen at concerts and conventions, doing arts and crafts or spending time with loved ones. This year and beyond, Carmen plans to travel and encounter new experiences.
Dylan Walker Burton
Paraprofessional
Our newest addition to the para team, Dylan comes to us from overseas and shows up every day with an open mindset for learning and experiencing as well as sharing his own. This year, he wants to re-teach calculus and AP physics. He loves to run, surf, and listen to music and study flags - he can identify all 197.
Molly Dean
Paraprofessional
Cendy Guerero
Paraprofessional
Paraprofessional
LEARNING SPECIALISTS
Lori Riley
Learning Specialist
Lori enjoys the culture at GALS and spending her days getting to witness the academic, physical, and emotional growth of our students. As a learning specialist, Lori works to guarantee the correct accommodations are identified so students are most supported in their learning and success. Both Lori’s daughters graduated from GALS and though she doesn’t get to see them in the hallway she enjoys spending her free time with them, whether cooking, traveling or just simply hanging. You can also find her getting her steps in, lifting weights or keeping the balance with yoga. Still as determined as her first day in education 13 years ago, Lori is a force for our students.
Jeanette Lauffer
Learning Specialist