Staff
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Timeri Tolnay
Executive Director
GALS is excited to welcome our new Executive Director, Timeri, to the team. With over 30 years experience in education from teaching to leading secondary English instruction for DPS to starting two educational companies (Inquiry by Design and EdCuration), Timeri brings so much experience and accomplishment to our organization. She is excited to enter a stage of her career empowering future generations of women to work hard, strive for greatness, and aspire to personal independence. In her free time, Timeri enjoys swimming or scuba diving, skiing, golf, zumba, cooking and sharing delicious meals with her friends and family.
HEAD OF SCHOOLS
Leah Bock
Head of High School and Middle School
With nearly 15 years in education, a BA in proof-oriented mathematics and gender studies, and an MA in educational Equity & Cultural Diversity; Leah leads our Middle school with knowledge, problem-solving skills, energy, passion, and deep care. Co-founder of the high school, former Mile High Teacher of the Year and avid runner, you can find Leah enjoying all things GALS-- playing with students at recess, running the mile at lunch, or dressing in costumes for community meeting. When not running all things Middle School, or just simply running, you can find Leah finding joy with people, playing the guitar, skiing or climbing, painting and writing.
Molly Smemo
6-12 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.
ELECTIVES
Amanda Flageolle
Director of Performing Arts
In her near 10th year at GALS, Amanda continues her secret talent of finding the inner actor in everyone and her belief in female focused movement pedagogy. When she isn't enjoying time with her theater students or enjoying the theater herself, she is spending time with her family, riding bikes or drinking unsweetened iced tea in the staff lounge as she tries her hand at learning Spanish.
Jasmine Wynter
Secondary Art
Jasmine, or Jazz as she’s affectionately known as, teaches art . Jazz makes meaningful projects and utilizes a variety of mediums and art forms to inspire the creativity in our high schoolers. The GALS mission is aligned with her passions as an educator and feels that GALS is a place with a positive learning environment that promotes students acquiring tools to be prepared, confident, aware and proactive about their choices, why they are, and what they value. Now the holder of our GALS Action content and material, Jazz is the perfect fit to help students find the communities and relationships they want to be part of and make a difference in. Outside of GALS, Jazz likes to converse in deep and important ways to understand new perspectives, roller skate and play tennis, and might be embarking on learning how to glasssmith.
Gianinna Gatica
High School Spanish
Gianinna brings over 10 years of experience in TESOL education to our team at GALS. She loves to see the progress students make as they gain comprehension and speaking skills of a new language. You can find her running or bumping the volleyball in her off time and soaking up time spent with her family.
GALS SERIES
Jennifer Derosby
GALS Series
Jen has been in education for 23 years and with GALS since it’s opening year in 2010. Jen guides our students in their exploration of voice and identity and supports their social emotional learning in GALS 101. Deeply rooted in the importance of connection, Jen enjoys being part of the GALS team, hosting friends for gatherings centered around her love of cooking and community, and spending time with her family. You can also find her growing her own food and gaining knowledge around food preservation, traveling the country or finding mediums to express her creativity.
Sydney Costa
7th & 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 a pancake in the pan in the morning.
KJ Zarella
GALS Series
KJ has been teaching Middle School for over five years. With a BA in Political Science and a MA in Contemplative Psychology, KJ brings thoughtful discourse to our classroom and school spaces. KJ is inspired in a community that works together to transgress structural boundaries and limitations and creates opportunities for so many different students. You can find KJ swimming (collegiate spring board diver), eating pasta, meditating, or reading and writing.
SOCIAL STUDIES
6th/7th 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.
Jessica DeMink
7th/8th Grade Social Studies
Jessica brings her educational experience to us at GALS in her second year in the Middle School. You can often find Ms. Demink in her classroom before sunrise, dreaming up the next thoughtful assignment for her students. She has also brought her yoga practice to our community as a morning movement teacher. When not leading her 8th graders in creative humanities projects and discussions, Jess can be found in the great outdoors--hiking, climbing, swimming, and even identifying species of mushrooms. She plans to learn how to white water kayak in the near future.
Reggie Melbrough
HS Social Studies
With over 17 years of experience teaching social studies and history, Reggie joined GALS due to its movement teaching practices and opportunity to work with athletes. He enjoys bringing exercise to his history curriculum and seeing students take action over the legacy their generations will leave. Reggie can be found working out, playing music throughout the hallways, beginning the energy and accomplishing a long-time goal of learning to swim.
MATH
Eric Messerli
8th Grade 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.
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.
Alyssa Sanchez
6th Grade Math
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.
Sara Cougill
HS Math
After working in chemical engineering, obtaining a degree in the recording arts and taking a winding path to Denver; Sara Cougill landed at GALS Denver; teaching Geometry, algebra and pre-calc to our high schoolers. An expert in growth-mindset & small group instruction, Cougill ensures students expand their math skills daily. Additionally, as an L1 certified CrossFit teacher, Cougill shares her expertise in the sport during morning movement in our very own CrossFit gym. An avid mover herself, Cougill is drawn to the benefit of moving the body for optimal learning for our students and the support we provide as a community. When not cultivating a classroom of mathematicians, she’s tending to her backyard garden or trying her hand at the banjo.
SCIENCE
Jared Rankins
6th/7th Grade 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
7th/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.
Darbby Hodge
HS Science
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA)
Hayden Griggs
6th Grade ELA Teacher
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 Grade ELA Teacher
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 Grade 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.
Molly Gonzalez
HS ELA
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
Kathryn Brown
School Counselor
With nearly 25 years of educational experience, creating schoolwide curriculum for post-secondary paths, helping rewrite the CO Dept. of Education rubric for school counselor evaluation, presenting at the CO School CO Counselor Association annual conference and speaking in the CO state senate on youth mental health as a representative for the CO Education Association; we are so pleased to have welcomed Kathryn Brown onto our staff. She is excited to spend everyday working with a close, supportive community of learners who feel known and loved. Outside of GALS, you can find Kathryn swimming or choreographing living room dances with her daughter.
Danielle Ennis
Director of Athletics, Movement; Marketing & Enrollment Specialist
Danielle Ennis leads our 6-12 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.
Reilly Selinger
Marketing & Enrollment Specialist
Reilly Selinger is a Western Colorado University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications and Business Administration. With experience spanning across Colorado’s vast nonprofit sector, her career has been dedicated to youth development and investing in those most vulnerable. She is excited to help families navigate the enrollment process and ultimately support their students as they begin their journey at GALS. In her free time, you can find Reilly snowboarding in the Winter, gardening in the Summer, or trying new restaurants year-round!
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.
CHARACTER & CULTURE
Kasizn Smith
Behavior Technician
Kasizn brings five years of educational experience to GALS, helping our students navigate responsibility, accountability, and more. Kasizn see’s 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
Yolanda Dandrige
Director of 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.
Marrissa Montgomery
Mental Health Clinician & Art Therapist
Marrissa brings her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and art therapy skills to us to help contribute to the betterment of our students' health, happiness and success. Seeing students apply what they have learned to improve their own mental health has been a highlight of her time here at GALS. You can find Marissa rock climbing, kickboxing, knitting or working with various forms of art and design.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS
Stacey Bennington
School Psychologist
Stacy has been in education for over 10 years and is thrilled to be working on the GALS team--she’s been interested since GALS first opened. Her support for the students on her caseload has been impactful and we look forward to her continued diligence to the craft. You might find Stacey hitting a volleyball with her high school students, walking Wash Park, spending time with her sons or whipping up any delicious meal with no recipe. She also hopes to continue to inch closer to Spanish fluency.
INCLUSION TEAM
Austin Doyle
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.
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.
Esmeralda Escaname (Lala)
Paraprofessional
Molly Dean
Paraprofessional
Cendy Guerero
Paraprofessional
Jeanette Lauffer
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.
Kelly Grove
Learning Specialist
After spending many years working in private schools, Kelly decided to work in the public school setting and found herself at GALS. She brings with her 20 plus years of experience working with various ages and has supported our GALS Middle Schooler’s in their learning needs and growth. Kelly can be found in many forms of physical activity - swimming, biking, golfing or practicing restorative yoga - and helps the greater Denver community by serving meals at the downtown Rescue Mission.
Michael Kengmana
Learning Specialist
With a masters in Special Education and nearly 10 years of educational experience, Michael brings a strong asset to our team here at GALS and helps support our high schoolers growth and achievement. He enjoys being in school full of staff that care about creating space for kids to be their full self and wants to continue to learn from a team that values this. You can find Michael playing music on his guitar or ukulele, working out in our various spaces designed for movement, or playing rugby. Being a part of a team is a must for Michael. You'll find this guy chomping on cucumbers throughout the day as he invigorates himself with the joy of teaching.