Lower School Faculty & Staff

MPCS Lead Teacher, Amy Garnsey

Amy Garnsey

Grade 1 Class Teacher

Updated Bio Coming Soon

MPCS Phoenix Logo Placement Holder for Teacher Photo

Coming Soon!

Grade 1 Assistant
Ms. Garnsey

.....@jeffco.k12.co.us

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Bristol, Justine

Justine Bristol

Grade 1 Class Teacher

Updated Bio Coming Soon!

MPCS Phoenix Logo Placement Holder for Teacher Photo

Coming Soon!

Grade 1 Assistant
Ms. Bristol

.....@jeffco.k12.co.us

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Michele MacLeod, MPCS Grades Teacher

Michele MacLeod

Grade 2 Class Teacher

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Mountain Phoenix Instructional Assistant

Candace Unruh

Grade 2 Assistant
Ms. MacLeod

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Katie Williams, MPCS Grades Teacher

Katie Williams

Grade 2 Class Teacher

Educational Experience & Professional Journey. Katie's journey in education began with a summer role as a preschool counselor at the YMCA in Estes Park. Following this, she spent two years working in Denver Public Schools (DPS). Her educational path took a significant turn when she discovered and fell in love with Waldorf Education. Katie initially joined a 4th-grade class, progressing with them to 5th grade, before looping back to 1st grade.

Katie is passionate about the holistic approach to education, emphasizing the integration of arts throughout the curriculum. She values the creativity this method brings and cherishes the opportunity to build strong, meaningful relationships with her students and their families.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
  • Master's Degree in Elementary Education (K-6th)
  • Alma Mater: University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA

Personal Background & Interests. Originally from Southern New Jersey, Shamong, NJ, Katie has always had a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors. This love led her to move to Colorado in 2015, immediately after graduating from college. The mountains and natural beauty of Colorado perfectly align with her interests in hiking, skiing, horseback riding, and yoga. She also values quality time with her husband Terry, friends, family and two cats, Lily and Jem.

Laura Selby, MPCS Instructional Assistant

Laura Selby

Grade 2 Assistant
Ms. Williams

Updated Bio Coming Soon

MPCS Grades Teacher, Courtney Oliver

Courtney Oliver

Grade 3 Class Teacher

Updated Bio Coming Soon

MPCS Student Support Teacher, Cara Olivenza

Cara Olivenza

Grade 3 Class Teacher

Updated Bio Coming Soon

MPCS Instructional Assistant, Amber Tyler

Amber Tyler

Grade 3 Assistant
Ms. Oliver & Ms. Olivenza

Educational Experience & Professional Journey. Amber Tyler graduated magna cum laude from the University of Colorado Boulder with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a minor in Economics. With over 15 years of experience as an environmental educator and naturalist, she has worked with students of all ages across a wide range of educational models. When she first encountered Waldorf education, it felt like coming home. Each year at Mountain Phoenix has brought deeper growth—not only for her students but for herself. Amber sees her work at MPCS not simply as a job, but as a calling to support young learners through meaningful connection with the world around them.

Personal Background & Interests. Originally from Colorado, Amber has also lived abroad, bringing a broad worldview to her work and relationships. She shares her home with her spouse, son, father, and two rescue pups. Her favorite pastimes include reading, sewing, fiber arts, hiking, rafting, skiing, and birding. A believer in the power of purpose, she lives by the philosophy: "Find what you love, let it light you up inside. Then share it with others that they may be inspired to do the same."

MPCS Grades Teacher, Katie Comstock

Katie Comstock

Grade 4 Class Teacher

Educational Experience & Professional Journey. Katherine has specialized her educational approach with an emphasis on early childhood development, coupled with a strong dedication to culturally and linguistically diverse teaching methods. Her background and interests contribute to a rich, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for the young minds in her care. This focus underscores her commitment to creating an inclusive and understanding classroom environment for all her students.

  • Degree in Early Childhood Education
  • Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Endorsement

Personal Background & Interests. A proud native of Colorado, Katherine has developed a deep connection with her home state. Her upbringing in Colorado has influenced her appreciation for the outdoors and the diverse cultural tapestry of her community. In her free time, Katherine enjoys a variety of activities that reflect her creative and active lifestyle. She is passionate about baking and drawing, finding these activities both therapeutic and fulfilling. Additionally, she loves spending time with her dog, going for walks, and unwinding with music.

MPCS Grades Teacher, Theresa Fox

Theresa Fox

Grade 4 Class Teacher

Updated Bio Coming Soon

MPCS Lead Teacher, Ydi Alonso

Ydi Alonso

Grade 5 Class Teacher

Updated Bio Coming Soon

Mountain Phoenix Class Teacher, Lower School

Brooklyn Madden

Grade 5 Class Teacher

Educational Experience & Professional Journey. Brooklyn's introduction to Waldorf education began as a 3rd-grade class assistant at a Waldorf school, where she developed a deep appreciation for its teaching methodology. Her passion for education, art, nature, and community collaboration is central to her teaching approach. 

As a Lower School Class Teacher, Brooklyn brings a unique blend of skills and interests to her teaching. Her dedication to incorporating elements of art, nature, and community into the classroom creates a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Her enthusiasm for education and her connection to her students make her a valued member of the school community.

  • Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Journalism, with a double minor in Child Psychology and Environmental Sciences from the University of Saint Thomas, Saint Paul, Minnesota
  • Teaching License from the University of Colorado Denver

Personal Background & Interests. Originally from Minnesota, Brooklyn moved to Colorado three years ago. Her diverse educational background and her move to a new state have both contributed to her broad perspective on education and community engagement. In her free time, Brooklyn enjoys a range of activities that reflect her creative and adventurous spirit. She loves reading, crocheting, skiing, experimenting with new recipes, and hiking. These hobbies provide her with relaxation and continuous learning opportunities.

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