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We know how important it is to get a better sense of the school before enrolling! Take a look around SOAR with our new virtual tour.

Virtual Tour
SOAR Denver
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About

Who we are.

Founded in 2010, SOAR is built on the premise that we should “expect more” from our public schools. SOAR is a public charter school committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities to students in Far Northeast Denver.

OurTeam

Administrators & School Operations

Instructional Staff & Student Support

School Administration

Maria Burdine

Principal
About Maria

Sonia Sisneros

Senior Director
About Sonia

Christi Goetz

Director of Academic Programming & Multilingual Education
About Christi

Rosalind Gullatt

Assistant Principal
About Rosalind

Office/Operations Staff

Araceli Quezada-Rodriguez

Office Manager
About Araceli

Derek Begun

Operations Manager & Health Clerk
About Derek

Andrea Macias

Recepcionist & Attendance Clerk
About Andrea

Christopher Landis

Technology Support Coordinator
About Christopher

Download our family handbook.

SOAR encourages parents and students to consult the SOAR Family Handbook for guidance regarding school policies, procedures, and expectations. Parents and students should keep in mind, however, that the school is a constantly changing entity, evolving as circumstances require. The school may modify its procedures and expectations from time to time.
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OurBoard

Picture of Rona Wilensky

Rona
Wilensky

Board President
Picture of Marisela Toscano

Marisela Toscano

Board Vice President
Picture of Jamita Horton

Jamita Horton

Board Secretary
Picture of Liane Morrison

Liane
Morrison

Treasurer
Picture of Michelle Tyrus

Michelle Tyrus

Board Member

Roddrick Marshall

Board Member

Board Meeting Information

The SOAR Board of Directors meetings are held at the school, Building 4 on the Evie Dennis Campus, and via Zoom Conference Call. Please check specific meeting date for details.

Meetings are open to the public and agendas are posted at SOAR in the vestibule of the entrance. Members of the public who want to address the Board by do so by emailing the SOAR Board of Directors at soar.board.of.directors@gmail.com by noon the previous day, giving their name and indicating the topic.

Board Meeting Agenda
Board Meeting Minutes
Board of Directors Oath of Office
Board Manual 2024
Board Bylaws 2024-2025

August 16th,Board Meeting at 9:45 AM; This meeting will be held in person.

September 13th, Board Meeting at 9:45 AM; This meeting will be held in person.

October 18th, Board Meeting at 9:45 AM; This meeting will be held in person.

December 13th, Board Meeting at 9:45 AM; This meeting will be held in person.

January 10th, Board Meeting at 9:45 AM; This meeting will be held in person.

February 13th, Board Meeting at 4:00 PM; This meeting will be held in virtually.

March 13th, Board Meeting at 4:00 PM; This meeting will be held in virtually.

May 9th, Board Meeting at 9:45 AM; This meeting will be held in person.

 

Financial Transparency

SOAR is a Kindergarten through 5th grade elementary school in far northeast Denver, serving students from the Green Valley Ranch and Montbello subdivisions in addition to Aurora . The school has one school building, and anticipates an enrollment of 454 students each year. SOAR currently rents 41,990 square feet of building space from Denver Public Schools. The school employs close to 50 staff as well as provides community resources for the families that we serve.

Contact information for SOAR: Sonia Sisneros, Director of Operations, (303) 895-5305

Contact information for the Colorado Department of Education: https://www.cde.state.co.us

Contact information for Financial Transparency for Colorado Schools: https://coloradok12financialtransparency.com

2024-2025 Title IX Discriminatory Harassment Policy

ContactUs

  • 4800 Telluride Street, Building 4
    Denver, CO 80249
  • (720) 287-5100
  • (720) 287-5119

SchoolDetails

  • School Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:40 am to 2:40 pm
  • Grades Served: Kindergarten through Fifth Grade

Financial Transparency

Key financial data for SOAR in accordance with the Public School Financial Transparency Act, HB 10-1036.
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© 2025 SOAR

About Maria

Maria is excited to join the SOAR community as principal! She grew up in the Denver metro area and has spent 25 years in leadership roles within diverse educational settings serving students, staff and families at the ECE-12 levels. Before joining SOAR, Maria has leadership experience as a Founding Principal of a K-8 Online Program, District Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLDE) Consultant, Assistant Principal, Instructional Coach and Dean of Culture. Maria graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication and Elementary Education (K-6). Maria pursued a Master's degree from the University of Colorado Denver in Curriculum & Instruction, Principal License in Administrative Leadership and Policy Studies and a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (K-12) endorsement. She is an advocate for all students and believes in providing rigor, access and opportunity to improve instructional outcomes and educational experiences for all learners. Maria believes all students deserve a school experience that entrusts rigorous academics, positive relationships with staff and a supportive community. She is a culturally and linguistically diverse education advocate and served on the Colorado Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) Board and had the opportunity to network with colleagues across the state to improve programming, scheduling and post-secondary opportunities for multilingual learners in the state of Colorado. Maria is an advocate for all learners and focuses on ensuring that students receive an equitable learning experience that prepares them each day for school, graduation, college, career and life. She leverages her core values of equity, integrity and connection in improving academic, behavior and social/emotional outcomes for students. Maria is honored to serve the SOAR community as our next principal and invites the community to visit anytime.

About Sonia Sisneros

Sonia has been a part of the SOAR team since it was founded in 2010, starting as a community partner during the school’s planning year. Sonia has supported and led SOAR’s evolution from a small start-up to one of the highest performing community based elementary schools in far northeast Denver. Her work at SOAR has varied from supporting classroom teachers to managing the school’s budget, human resources and leadership in legal services. Sonia’s interest in education is based in child advocacy and comprehensive school operations. Sonia attended Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver earning her certification in Business Ethics and Financial Analytics. In 2015, Sonia earned her law degree from the University of Denver in Social Sciences, and later that year she was sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children (CASA). Sonia went on to finish her Principal Residency Program with Catapult School Leadership (CSL Colorado) in 2016. Sonia has an incredible family! Her son is an architect, CU Boulder graduate and her daughter is a vibrant artist, currently CSU. Go Buffs! Go Rams! Sonia and her husband enjoy their time together as empty nesters, exploring the city’s art district, taking in the outdoors and traveling whenever possible.

About Christi Goetz

Christi has worked in education for over18 years. She has served as a teacher, coach and was an Assistant Principal for 7 years, before becoming Interim Principal in Aurora Public School.  Christi graduated with her B.A. from the University of Nebraska and started her teaching career in Omaha before moving to Colorado in 2006.  While teaching, Christi continued her post-graduate education to complete a Linguistically Diverse Endorsement and then Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, from the University of Colorado.  In 2017 Christi joined SOAR to design and lead Multilingual Education and instructional programming.   All of her educational experience has been at schools serving students from diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about ensuring an equitable education for all students.

About Rosalind Gullatt

Rosalind is excited to be SOAR’s Assistant Principal beginning this school year. She is a product of Denver Public Schools and graduated from George Washington High School. Rosalind is passionate about educating students in an equitable and compassionate manner. Rosalind attended Metropolitan State College and earned a BS in Secondary Mathematics. She earned her first Master’s at Denver University in Educational Leadership Policy Studies, a second Master’s in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University-Irvine and a Professional Principal’s License. Rosalind’s experience includes being an Athletic Director, Dean of Culture, Admin Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) and Assistant Principal. Her core values are in alignment with SOAR’s beliefs and values. Rosalind is relentless, honest, courageous and compassionate. She will do everything in her power to ensure that our students, staff, and families know how much we care about them and how much we believe in them at SOAR!

About Araceli Quezada-Rodriguez

Araceli has worked with SOAR since 2012, initially as the Office Manager at SOAR@Oakland. Araceli moved to SOAR@GVR in 2014 and immediately enjoyed her work with families, teachers and students. Araceli truly enjoys working at the front desk because it allows for her to support everyone and that is what is most important to her. Before working with SOAR, She worked in the Oakland Elementary School office and prior to that she was at the Montebello High School office. Living and working in our community has enabled her to get to know a lot of the families in our area. Araceli enjoy seeing students and their families when she is out with her own family. Araceli is from Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. While visiting Colorado 28 years ago she fell in love with the Mile High City and decided to make it her home. Araceli and her husband have two children and a grandson and they are very proud to call the Far Northeast area home. When Araceli is not at work you can find her going to the movies, traveling and once in while enjoying some time in the mountains.

About Derek Begun

Mr. Derek is back! Derek is a Colorado native who started with SOAR in 2013 as the director of the before and after school daycare and quickly was hired on to work at SOAR directly. He has had many different positions at SOAR, Recess Coach, Cheer Coach, Paraprofessional and even was the Theatre teacher for half a year. In 2017 Derek moved with his husband to Utah to be near family, but just after 2 years they were ready to move back. He is so excited to be back and in a new position as the Health Aide to our student community. In his down time, you will see Derek playing competitive Nintendo, camping, and is also a freelance makeup artist.

"Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today"
Malcom X

About Andrea Macias

Andrea Macias has joined us as our Receptionist/Attendance Clerk. Andrea comes to SOAR from Aurora Academy Charter School, where she started as a Paraprofessional. After a short time, Andrea made her way into the office where she worked as an Office/Registrar Assistant. Andrea is a proud mom of two boys. She enjoys TV shows, usually action or superhero's because her boys. Andrea also enjoys the outdoors, embarking on activities such as going to the lake and hiking.

About Christopher Landis

Chris comes to us from Full Duplex, Inc. where he is a contracted IT Coordinator, and has been the IT Coordinator at SOAR since 2014. He has a passion for technology and education, and works tirelessly to ensure that students, teachers, and staff have access to the latest technology and support. A man of mystery, Chris is known for his exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to solve any technical issue with ease. In his free time, you might find Chris tinkering with his latest tech gadgets, playing video games, or spending time with his family and friends.

About Aileen Ragan

About Catherine Erb

Hello everyone! My name is Catherine Erb and I am so excited to be your student's teacher this year! I am originally from Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University with my degree and license in Elementary Education. I have lived in Colorado for five years now and in that time have acquired my Master's Degree in Elementary Literacy Education from University of Colorado: Denver. I love to go hiking, watch movies, and go to brunch!

About Alexandria Kehrberg

Hello! My name is Alexandria Kehrberg and I am so excited to join the 1st grade team at SOAR elementary. This is will be my fourth year teaching and all in first grade. I am originally from the Midwest where I attended North Dakota State University for my undergrad in Elementary Education and University of North Dakota for my graduate degree in Leadership and Curriculum. I recently moved to Denver with my 2-year-old goldendoodle, Maya May. We are big fans of being outside and staying active! 

About Jennifer Rosss

About Amy

Amy Twardowski has been teaching Kindergarten at SOAR for 3 years.  She has been working in schools for 19 years, and has taught every grade from Kindergarten through 6th grade.  Amy has also served in other roles including Instructional Coach, Interventionist, and Special Education teacher. In July 2018, Amy moved to Denver from Chicago where she was born and raised. She loves hiking, camping, traveling, yoga, and reading.  Her favorite role in life is being Aunt Amy to her awesome niece and nephew.  Amy loves being a part of the SOAR community!

About Jennifer Chacon

Jen was born in Southern California. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and her teaching credential from California State University, Fullerton. Her first job was in the Bay Area where she spent the last seven years teaching grades Kindergarten to Third Grade. After teaching in the Bay Area Jen made the move to Colorado is extremely excited to be teaching 1st grade at SOAR!

About Lauren

About Kristi

About Diane

Diane grew up on the beaches of North Carolina where she fell in love with the ocean and outdoor adventures. She has recently moved to the beautiful city of Denver and is enjoying the beauty of the mountains. Diane has always had a passion for helping people, which aligns perfectly with education. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. It was there in Charlotte where she began her teaching career. In her free time Diane is reading, cooking, doing yoga, at a local concert, or watching scary movies! Feel free to reach out and say hello.

About Chloe

About Bobbi

About Martin

About Sara Herr

My name is Sara Herr and I am a fourth grade teacher.  This is my first year at SOAR but my 13th year teaching fourth grade.  I live with my husband, Jon, and dog, Gracie.  I grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  My husband and I have lived in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Colorado.  I love to cook, bake, run outside, walk with my dog, read, and travel. 

About Maura

About Katie

About Samantha

My name is Samantha and I am so extremely excited to be your student’s teacher this year.

I love teaching math and reading. This is the start to my 9th year teaching elementary students.  I spend my free time playing volleyball and relaxing by the pool! Please feel free to communicate with using email, ReachWell, or phone. I am more than happy to answer any questions you might have!

About Lindsay Burns

I am a California native, but have been in Colorado for six years. I have been teaching for over ten years and I  have been in education for twenty. I am a mother of two boys, but I also have two cats and a dog. When I’m not working and taking care of my boys I am hiking in the mountains or reading my favorite fantasy novel. I love inspiring students to think critically and work through academic challenges when the learning gets hard.

About Mary

About Ayerin Gomez

About Abby

About Marissa Salas

I am a student at Metropolitan State University of Denver studying Special Education. I have worked with children for roughly 5 years and am so excited to be joining the SOAR team in the Autism Center Program!

In my free time I enjoy hiking, cooking and spending time with my family. I look forward to working with you all!

About Mika

My name is Shamika Jhagroo but I go by my nickname Mika. I am originally from Jamaica but grew up in New York City. I moved to Denver, CO right at the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Some favorites I have are eating chocolate and pizza, traveling and experiencing all the world has to offer, fall as a season, the color electric blue (which is the same color of my car), and cheerleading as a sport and hobby. I have completed by Associate and Bachelors in Psychology from Morrisville State College. I am looking forward to starting my Masters in Clinical Mental Health. I have a passion to work with kids and I am beyond excited to work in the Center Program and continue my journey in this field. I have been in this field with numerous roles for 5 years. Starting my 6th year with SOAR’s Center program and I can’t wait to continue learning and growing.

About Buseje

Buseje joined our team on January 9th.  Her time is split between the center program, SPED and general education. Buseje brings several years of experience in supporting students with disabilities, providing direct instruction, as well as assisting case managers in the development of students goals and the IEP writing process.

About Kason

About Alisha Lucero

About Dannia Herrera

Hi everyone, my name is Dannia Herrera. You may know me as Ms. D from the before and after school program. I worked in the B&A care field for 6 years. My Goal is to be an Elementary Teacher in the next two years! I enjoy spending time in the mountains, there are so many beautiful places to visit. I love spending time with my family and friends. My favorite animals are horses, they are intelligent and self-spirited. This is my first year with SOAR as a Paraprofessional, and I am excited to be part of the team!

About Dulce Salazar

Hello! My name is Dulce Salazar. I enjoy working here at SOAR Elementary school. I have been working in early education  for about 8 years and two years in special education. I enjoy working with children of all ages. In my free time I enjoy dancing and going out with my family

About Estrella Blanco

About Keeshawn

About Lakisha Wortham

Hello, my name is Lakisha Wortham. I was born in Jackson, TN but move to Colorado 11 years ago with my family. My career in childcare has led me to work with children of all ages for 15 years. During my career I have worked as a lead teacher, assistant teacher and bus driver in a childcare setting. I enjoy doing photography, making hair bows, and DIY projects during my spare time. I’m excited to be working with the students in my community.

About Sylvia

About Paola Reyes-Badillo

Hola! My name is Paola. I was born in Mexico but raised in Denver, Colorado. I graduated from Montbello High School. My passion for working with kids started about 4 years ago when I was working at a school at their afterschool program. I love working with children of my community. In my free time I like to eat, spend time with my family, try new restaurants, being outdoors, and enjoy life.

About Jacob

About Bailey

About Mari

About Leah

About Meghan

About Brianna

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About Ariel

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About Eliana

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About Katie Swenson

Katie Swenson is a Colorado native with a bachelors degree in performing arts from Colorado State University. She began working with SOAR in January 2018, teaching dance to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade, by way of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Educational Outreach Program. Dance has been an integral part of her life for 28 years, during which she trained and performed with Rennie Harris Grass Roots Project, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Moraporvida Contemporary Dance, and Impact Dance Company. Katie has always enjoyed utilizing dance and its methods as malleable tools used for holistic wellness, and in 2014 she co-produced and co-directed BlackListed, a project focused on transforming perceptions of personal deficits into growth-geared mentality. More recently, as a co-founder of In the House, she hosted workshops taught by prominent hip hop and house dance educators, contributing to the edification of the Denver dance community. Katie is very excited to continue teaching dance through her partnership with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and SOAR.

About Aaron Williams

About Jennifer Russo

Originally from upstate New York, Jennifer has lived in the Denver area for the last several years. She knew at an early age that being an art educator was the career for her. She has taught in varied environments, including enrichment, traditional, parochial, and year-round. She has a master’s degree in Educational Psychology, which enhances her work with her students. She has two children of her own, both teenagers, and in her free time, she enjoys creating art, shopping and hiking. She is excited to continue her work at SOAR, providing students with a well-rounded and rich art education, encompassing varied media, art history, multiple applications and instilling a lifelong knowledge and appreciation of Art.

About Louisa

About Libbi

About Tyler

About Jamie Wieck

My name is Jamie Wieck and I am moving from Chicago, Illinois to the beautiful city of Denver
this summer. I have been an educator and a school counselor for the past 15 years and truly
love what I do! I grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana where I received my Bachelor’s in Education at
Indiana University Fort Wayne and my Masters in School Counseling from University of Saint
Francis. I have always had a passion and drive to help all students succeed. My goal as a
school counselor is to help all students discover themselves as learners, advocate for self and
others, and become leaders at school and in their communities. I was excited to be given this
opportunity at SOAR because their mission and values align greatly with my own. I’m very
excited to be a part of this amazing team and build a counseling program that we will all be
proud of. I am currently a mom to two girls, ages 15 months and 4 years old. I’m excited to
show them the amazing places of Colorado and help them with their educational journey in
Denver as well. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and going on little
adventures locally and across the globe. I can’t wait to explore more of what Colorado has to
offer!

About Megan Marulli

Hi all! My name is Megan Beltran and I have worked at SOAR for six years! To tell you a little about myself, I was born in Rochester, New York where I lived with my mother, father and three siblings. After high school, I longed for independence (classic teenager) and attended the State University of New York (SUNY) at Plattsburgh for my bachelor’s degree and then down to the SUNY Albany where I earned my master’s degree in social work. After graduate school I relocated to Vermont, where I worked for two years as a school based Clinician for a trauma informed therapeutic program for students in kindergarten through six grade. On July 2nd, 2019, my partner and I relocated to Denver, Colorado for another great adventure! In case you were wondering, there is more traffic here than the country roads in Vermont! In my free time you can find me traveling, camping, hiking, and running. I am excited for another year at SOAR!

About Hope

About Jessica Brouillettte

My name is Jessica Brouillette and I have lived in Colorado for almost 3 years. Before moving to Colorado I lived in New England where I graduated from Bradford Christian Academy in 2012 and am currently finishing up my Bachelor of Arts in Children and Family ministry at Northpoint Bible College in Haverhill, Massachusetts. I have been working in special needs for a little over 4 years with a lot of knowledge in ABA. I’m so excited to be an employee at SOAR and get to know all the amazing staff and kids

About Lindsay Regnier

About Jake Myers

About Madelline Gebhardt

Madelline (Maddy) was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri. She attended the University of Missouri and earned her Bachelors in Elementary Education, and her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. Maddy has been working in education for the last 10+ years. She has spent time in classrooms teaching 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade, and now works with teachers specifically coaching on Math Instruction. Maddy believes that all students are capable mathematicians and is passionate about helping students grow in their math knowledge!

About Erinjean Patrick

Erinjean Jewell Patrick began her career by following her passion for the performing arts and teaching theatre from a young age. She received her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University in Music Performance. After performing nationally, her love for teaching began to grow as she became a resident teaching artist in schools all over New York City. Ej then graduated from The City College of New York with a Masters in Education. After moving to Denver in 2013, she joined Teach for America to obtain her license in Special Education. EJ has been a teacher at SOAR since 2013 holding various positions such as, Special Education Teacher, Arts Integration Specialist and is currently supporting both staff and students in the role of Engagement in Learning Coordinator. Over her time at SOAR, Ej has contributed to SOAR in a variety of facets, including Habits & Belief development team, Teacher Professional Development, SEL curriculum, Fieldwork and supporting Community engagement opportunities. She is excited to continue her journey at SOAR to support students and teachers reach their full potential. 

About Renee

Renee was born and raised in Wisconsin. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She has been teaching for 10+ years, with experience in both third and first grades. Renee is excited to work with K-5 teachers and students for both Literacy and Multilingual Education.