Special Education and Interventions
Krista Dean
I was born and raised in Colorado. I grew up in Thornton with a big family. I have 4 siblings, 3 brothers and 1 sister. My youngest brother is 9 and my oldest brother is 24. I went to the University of Northern Colorado for my undergraduate degree. During my time there, I worked as a tour guide for the college and became a pro at walking backwards! I am a self-proclaimed history nerd, as I majored in history. American history is my favorite. After college, I started working at Stuart Middle School in 2009, the first year we opened. I started out teaching 7th grade social studies. I also coached boys and girls basketball for a few years. 2010 was a big year, I married my husband, and I went back to school for my masters degree in literacy. I always thought I would always teach social studies, but I was wrong. In 2012, I changed from teaching social studies to reading intervention and ELL, and it is the best decision I have made. I love what I do. I have a 2 year old little boy who is full of energy and personality. I might bring him in from time to time to say hi! :) When I am not teaching, I love to spend time with my family, cook, watch movies, go camping, and travel. My job is to help give you skills so that you can access materials in your life. This includes anything from a class textbook, a driver’s license test, a college textbook, or directions to build something. Reading is required every day, and it is my job to make sure you are able to be successful. |
Logann Grasteit
Hi, I am Logann Grasteit and I am starting my fifth year here at Stuart! I love this school, staff, and community. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from The University of Northern Colorado; I am a Special Education Generalist. I have since obtained a graduate certificate in Autism and look forward to, again, furthering my education in the very near future. I love to learn! Surprise…. I am not a Colorado native! I do enjoy Colorado, and some of my favorite things about this place include: the changing seasons, the wildflowers, all of the fun things to do in (and out of) nature, and the sun! I enjoy being with my family and friends. I also love traditions and celebrating exciting things! My philosophy on teaching is closely tied to a quote I came across some time ago. A man by the name of Heber J. Grant once said, “Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that power to work is a blessing, (and) that love of work is success.” When I adapted this quote to me, it became: “Let us realize that the privilege to learn is a gift, the power of knowledge is a blessing, and the love of learning is success.” With this goal in mind, I look forward to working hard to help my students achieve a love of learning—one that expands their potential for success and inspires them to work hard along with me. I look forward to working with you and your student(s). |
Joe Simon
I was born in Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, California. I was the 5th child of nine kids. I am married to my wife Dianne and we have 7 children of our own ( 5 boys and 2 girls). I have taught in California for four years and in Wyoming for six. I moved to Colorado last year and we are happy and blessed to be here. I am still a San Diego Padres fan, although I am a convert from Chargers to a Broncos fan; I guess that there is still hope for me yet. Again I am truly blessed to teach in School District 27j and even more to teach at Stuart Middle School. |
Monica Piele-SPED Para
I was born in California and raised in Arizona. I am one of five kids and the only girl. My husband & I have been married for 28yrs. I have 4 boys, 3 grandkids, & 2 amazingly beautiful daughter-in-laws. I've lived in Texas, Washington State, Panama, California, Arizona, & Colorado. My husband was in the Air Force for 10 1/2yrs. I worked retail, then was an at home mom for about 15yrs. I started as a sub Para for 27J until I got my position here at Stuart Middle School. |
Sasita Calascione-SPED Para
I grew up in Thailand. I attended University in Bangkok Thailand and received my Bachelor‘s degree in education. I taught 5th to 8th grade for 12 years in Thailand for language and history. I am married and moved to Colorado in 2007. I earned my early childhood Educator and Para educator certificates from Front Range Community College I spent the next several years working for special needs students at a private school and a non-profit organization. I enjoy traveling, gardening, cooking, and crafting. I am passionate about special needs education and creating activities that support students’ learning environment. I love working with students, Stuart staff, and the community. Thank you for the opportunity for me to join the team at Stuart Middle School. |
Mara Vargas-SPED Para
I was born on June 5th 1980 at the Women’s Hospital in Los Angeles California. I have two brothers, my older brother who is 36 and my younger brother who is 29 years old. I grew up with both my parents who are both from Chihuahua, Mexico. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have two beautiful daughters Adrianna who is 13 years old and Victoria who is 7. Currently I am studying to get my bachelor’s degree in English and my Licensure to teach Elementary school children at CCD and transferring to Metro State University. On my free time I love box and have had 2 fights as an amateur fighter. I love to sing and dance and spend time with my daughters. I also enjoy seeing my daughters play soccer and karate. Overall, I am a very outgoing person, love to meet new people and make friends and I am also adventurous, even though it may scare me I will try it (minus bungee jumping and sky diving). |
ToniJean Stratton
The Brighton area has been home to me for 25 years. I started working as a para here at Stuart last year and have absolutely loved it. After a lot of encouragement from several of my colleagues, I am back in school full time working towards my teaching license. I was lucky enough to be placed at Stuart for my field hours and have continued to receive an abundance of support. I have three awesome kids that are my life. I love watching their personalities develop into unique individuals, as they participate in all their activities. Outside of being a mom and a student I am actively involved with a community theater in the area. Some of my favorite roles include Cosette in Les Mis, Mrs. Salt in Willy Wonka, and Pinocchio in Shrek. I’ve been performing since I was a little girl; and I like to think of the stage as my second home. Life is good, and I can’t wait to see what I will get to add to this little biography in the future. |