Governor's Ranch Elementary School

Jeffco Public Schools

District Special Education Partner

Matt Palaoro Matt Palaoro is an Assistant Director of Special Education at Jeffco, where he serves as a special education partner for 14 elementary schools, including the Governor’s Ranch school community. Over the course of Matt’s career in education, he has served students in many different capacities including School Volunteer, Special Education Paraprofessional, Special Education Teacher, Assistive Technology Coordinator, Special Education Coordinator, and now Assistant Director of Special Education. In 2017, Matt received the ARC of Excellence Award for Special Education for his exceptional efforts and commitment to students and families. You can expect honesty, strong communication, and a child-centered approach when working with Matt. Matt is a husband, dog lover, and avid vegetable gardener. He loves what he does for a living and looks forward to making a difference in the life of every child. Please e-mail Matt.Palaoro@jeffco.k12.co.us or call (303)982-3500 to contact Matt.

Learning Specialists

George-Ann Smith George-Ann Smith is a Learning Specialist here at Governor’s Ranch. She is originally from Birmingham, AL where she worked 6 years as a Learning Specialist for sixth grade in the middle school setting. After teaching for two years in Dallas, TX, she and her husband, Kip, moved to Denver! Last year, she worked half time at Green Gables Elementary and here at Governor’s Ranch! She will be full-time at Governor’s Ranch this year and looks forward to collaborating with you regarding your child. She enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, traveling, and spending time with family. Kip and George-Ann have been married 29 years and have two children. Their son, Austin, lives in Atlanta, GA and daughter, Ivy, just graduated from Auburn University with a nursing degree. George-Ann looks forward to building a relationship with the community, the school, and the parents of all of her students this year!

Mary Liz Sullivan Hello, my name is Mary Liz Sullivan. I have been in education for the last 11 years. I have worked in various positions and have spent the most time in Special Education. I grew up in western New York and moved to Colorado in 1999. I am married and have a five (soon to be six) year old son. We enjoy family time camping, skiing, and biking. My son and I enjoy baking together and making all different kinds of sweet treats.

 

Mental Health Providers

Michelle Myers, School Social Worker Michelle Myers has lived in Littleton since 1999. She has previously worked for the Jeffco Schools Medicaid Program, and as a School Social Worker in Jeffco. Most recently, she has been a substitute Social Worker, and has been substitute teaching at GRE for the past year or so. She spent several years in between her experiences staying home with her three kids. She’s very excited to increase her professional role at GRE. In her free time, she loves to get outdoors with her three kids, husband, and dog. She especially enjoys mountain biking, skiing, rock climbing, hiking/walking the dog, camping, and fishing.

David Romig, School Psychologist David Romig is the half time school Psychologist at Governor’s Ranch Elementary School. He is a Colorado native and attended Kullerstand Elementary, Manning Junior High, and Wheat Ridge High School. Mr. Romig earned a Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University, a Master of Science from St. Cloud State University and an educational Specialist from the University of Northern Colorado. He has been working for the district for more than twenty years. Mr.Romig works with the Boy Scouts as an Assistant Scout Master. He is involved in the Timberline district Training Team and works with the Order of the Arrow Running Antelope Chapter.  In the summer, Mr. Romig enjoys opportunities to camp with the Boy Scouts and with his family.

 

Occupational Therapist

Staff pic coming soon!

Rebecca Henderson

Physical Therapist

Staff pic coming soon!

Jenna Schuetzle

 

Speech/Language Pathologist

Kaitlyn Welden Kaitlyn Welden is excited to begin her first year of work at Governor's Ranch Elementary! She recently completed her Master's of Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Colorado Boulder. Prior to graduate school, Ms. Welden spent several years working within Denver Public Schools in a variety of roles. After completing a year of service with AmeriCorps, she worked for Reading Partners, a literacy nonprofit that delivers tutoring sessions to students throughout the Denver area. Ms. Welden is originally from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, but she now spends as much time as she can in the mountains.

 

SSN-2 Teachers

Ericka Krantz Ericka Krantz is excited to return to Governor’s Ranch Elementary as the primary SSN2 teacher! She began in January 2018 and has really enjoyed getting to know the students, parents and community in the GRE area. Prior to working at Governor’s Ranch, she worked a variety of roles in elementary and middle schools while earning her Master’s in Special Education from Regis University. She has lived in Colorado most of her life and enjoys spending time outside, going to concerts, visiting new places with her family (her brother and parents are in the picture!) and walking her dog Odin! She’s looking forward to the upcoming school year and continuing to work with GRE students!

Heather Farrell Heather is very happy to be joining the Governor's Ranch team this year in the Intermediate SSN II program. She came to teaching as a career after 12 years working as a flight attendant for Republic Airlines. During her "traveling years" she volunteered both here in Jefferson County as well as in Africa with child victims of trauma. This work led her to her passion for working with kids with special needs and she is excited every day to wake up and do the work she loves full time. Heather currently lives in Denver with her dog Annie and loves to get up into the mountains as often as possible.

 

More about Special Education and Related Services

Check out our Raccoon Videos for all that you need to know about our incredible team!