Paras

Ms. Berkompas

1:1 Para

I am from Las Cruces, New Mexico and I like going back for visits as often as I can. I am a nanny to two of my nieces as well as being a paraprofessional. I enjoy hikes and just discovered how fun paddle boarding is. I have fun spending time with and playing with my nieces. My favorite food is pancakes. I have been at Vanderhoof for one year and I enjoy watching little minds learn and work.

Mrs. Bertle

Library ParaMy own kids spent their first seven years here.So twenty-six years ago I decided I wanted to be a part of this amazing team. I have seen, by the success of my own children, having the early building blocks to a sound education will open many doors to higher education. In return this will bring a successful and promising future.
My husband and I just celebrated our 42h anniversary. We are very excited. We loved the mountains. My coworker, Mrs. Councilman and my family have climbed 27 14ers. I love taking care of my two Bernese Mountain Dogs and my little doggie daycare. I have a rose garden that needs a lot of attention. Also, not to mention crafting. Pinecone wreaths ,wooden puzzles, (many kids love at school in the library). Yarn animals, macrame and wooden signs. The list could go on and on.
I appreciate your confidence in our school.Please know that your kids are loved and taken well care of here at Vanderhoof

Ms. Councilman

Hello! I have been a Para at Vanderhoof since my youngest son was in first grade. He is 26 now, so that means I’ve been working here FOREVER! ;-) I have also been a Sunday School teacher for over 30 years, and have been on multiple mission trips with teen groups in Ecuador, the Bahamas and the U.S.. I just really enjoy kids!

I have two sons, and am so happy to also have two grandkids, although I’m not really old enough to be a Grandma ;-). My husband and I enjoy traveling (road trips for the win!), walking, and going to open houses. I love to hike, read and paint.

I am looking forward to getting to know all of you!

Mrs. Hastings

Para supporting 4th and 5th

I was born in Queens, New York and raised in New Jersey. We moved to Colorado when I was a junior in high school and I graduated from Arvada West High School. Before coming to Vanderhoof I worked for a soils engineering firm in the division that handled residential inspections. My husband Tom and I have two grown sons, Matt and Danny who attended Vanderhoof. They both live in the Denver area. In October, our son Matt will be getting married to Alexa, an event that we are so excited for. I have been working at Vanderhoof for 22 years. I started as the Volunteer Coordinator and then became a Para several years later. I really enjoy working with the students and building relationships with them.I enjoy traveling to seaside places and spending time with family and friends.

Ms. McShane

I am beginning my third year working as a para at Vanderhoof. I usually work with the first grade team which is lots of fun. First graders are full of energy and curiosity so there is never a dull moment! I enjoy helping students improve their reading and writing skills and guiding them as they learn how to become good citizens of our school community. My husband and I have been married for over 30 years. We have three amazing sons and one wonderful daughter-in-law. We enjoy riding our bikes and like traveling to the mountains, Disneyland, and Las Vegas. We have been to Ireland twice in one year! Reading and watching old movies are two of my favorite pastimes. I’m looking forward to a unique year at Vanderhoof.

Mrs. Niehoff

Hi Everyone, my name is Mrs. Niehoff. I grew up in Arvada, moved away, and missed it, so I moved back! My husband and I have been together for 20 years. We have 3 kids, 2 boys in high school and a girl in 5th grade. We also have 4 pets, Ginger the dog, Jupiter and Gizmo the cats, and Gomez the bearded dragon.

I love to read, and as a family we like to be outdoors and explore Colorado. This is my 3rd year at Vanderhoof. I spent my first two years with Kindergarten, and now I get to have fun with 2nd grade.