Vanderhoof Special Education Providers

Copy of SERS Back to School

Katie Hart


Learning Specialist

Katie.Hart@jeffco.k12.co.us

I am a Jeffco graduate.  I went to elementary school at Slater, Everitt Middle School, and Wheat Ridge High School.

In 2nd grade, I knew I wanted to be a teacher.   I have worked for more than 20 years in education, mostly in Colorado and a few years in Arizona. 

I love to watch my daughter play sports, we play games, and hang out with family.  I enjoy being active outside, play softball, and scrapbook.  

My favorites:







Nycole Bennecke

Learning Specialist

Nycole.Bennecke@jeffco.k12.co.us

I grew up in Southern California and moved out to Colorado in 2011.  I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Special Education from University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  In February of 2021, I completed my master’s degree in Reading with an emphases in Elementary from Grand Canyon University.  I am excited to be returning to Vanderhoof for a 5th year

When I am not at school, I enjoy reading books, spending time with my family, gardening, and spending time outside.  My husband and I have three daughters.  As a family, we love to go outdoors to take hikes, go to rivers to play in the water, and take family road trips during the summer. 

 


Rachel Switzer

Mental Health Provider

Rachel.Switzer@jeffco.k12.co.us

I grew up in San Diego, California and moved to Colorado in 2004 to attend CU Boulder and never left! I taught preschool in Boulder and Denver for 3 years before going to graduate school at Metro State, where I received my Master’s of Social Work in 2013. After graduating, I worked as a social worker providing case management for families living in Section 8 Housing and then became a school social worker in Jeffco, where I have been for the past 9 years. This is my fifth year at Vanderhoof and I am so proud to be part of this team and community. I became a school social worker because I love making connections and working with kids and their families in a creative and constantly changing environment. I enjoy helping students navigate different challenges and choices while helping them to be successful in school. 


My husband, Nick, and I have two children, Evan, 5, a Vanderhoof kindergartener, and Lilah, 2, as well as a dog and cat. We love to spend time together enjoying all of Colorado’s outdoor activities and visiting my family in Southern California.



Amy Park

Speech Language Therapist

Amy.Park@jeffco.k12.co.us

bio


Nancy Nevarez


Learning Specialist

Nancy.Nevarez@jeffco.k12.co.us

Jess Hanne


SSN Teacher

Jessica.Hanne@jeffco.k12.co.us

Darcy Sowards


SSN Speech and Language Therapist

darcy.sowards@jeffco.k12.co.us

I am so excited to work with your child this year! We are going to do so many fun activities and learn a lot. I look forward to helping your child succeed in their education. This is my 17th year working as an educator. A few things I enjoy are the fall season, pizza, reading, and hiking with my 84 lb Alaskan Malamute. I will be here at Vanderhoof Elementary half time. Never hesitate to email me with any questions or concerns. We are a team, and together we can make a significant difference in your child’s life. 

Insert bio

Insert bio