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Six leaders. Six communities. One pipeline built to develop exactly this.
This year, DSST welcomes new school directors, each one a product of the School Director in Training pipeline or DSST leadership experience, and each one ready to lead with the kind of depth that only comes from years of genuine investment.
The School Director in Training (SDiT) program is based on supporting DSST leaders to make the turn from being an accomplished Associate School Director, a functional leader in the parlance of The Leadership Pipeline, to School Director, a business leader. This includes building the competencies and skills necessary to be ready to lead a DSST school. The program utilizes three main pathways to support leaders in their development: participation in a learning cohort, building a sense of self through reflection, and on-the-job training. Each of these is vital to the SDiTs’ growth, and through investment in all three areas, the SDiTs’ development ensures their readiness to lead.
At DSST: Cedar High School, Allie Serina is stepping into the school director role after five years serving the Cedar community as Director of College Success, Associate School Director, and School Director in Training. For Allie, this isn't just a new title, it's the fulfillment of something deeply personal. She grew up in the Cedar neighborhood, and has long dreamed of leading a high school she would have wanted to attend as a student herself. Those who know her best describe a leader who never loses sight of what matters most. "Students are always her guiding light, no matter what," said one colleague, "and that is evident in all of her actions, decisions, rationales, and more." Allie plans to build on Cedar's tradition of academic excellence through data-driven leadership and a relentless focus on relationships — and when she's not at school, you can find her walking her dogs Toodle and Nugget, or exploring Broadway's shops and restaurants, just down the street from home.
At DSST: College View High School, Shannon King is bringing a journey full of full-circle moments to her new role. Originally from the greater Chicago area, Shannon studied math at Valparaiso University and studied abroad in Costa Rica — an experience that ignited her love of education and inspired her to learn Spanish. She began her career at DSST as an Apprentice Teacher at College View Middle School, earning her master's degree while teaching seventh-grade math. She later transitioned to the high school as Director of Curriculum and Instruction, coaching teachers across math, science and Spanish, and most recently served as Associate School Director. "I'm especially energized by thinking about ways to center joy, celebration, and collaborative learning," Shannon shared, "and I'm excited to continue building that culture at CVHS." Outside of school, she bikes around Denver with her husband David, plays guitar and golf, and takes walks with her corgi, Penelope.
At DSST: Cole Middle School, Michelle Ford brings something rare: a decade of DSST experience, deep roots in the community she now leads, and a personal calling that makes the work feel like more than a job. A Denver native with family ties to the Cole neighborhood, Michelle began as a classroom math teacher before growing into roles as Assistant Principal and School Director in Training. Her colleagues describe a leader who holds both high expectations and genuine warmth simultaneously. "She prioritizes creating a fun, engaging environment where students are excited to learn and feel a true sense of belonging," one staff member noted, "while also being deeply invested in building a workplace where staff feel supported, valued, and genuinely enjoy coming to work each day." Michelle's vision for Cole centers on three commitments: brilliance in every classroom, belonging for every student and family, and achievement that opens doors. "I am honored to serve as the new School Director of DSST: Cole Middle School," she said. "Cole has a proud history and a bright future, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead us forward together."
At DSST: Elevate Northeast Middle School, Lindsay Agbalokwu arrives with 17 years in education, six of them in leadership, and an unshakable belief that every student and every teacher is capable of more. She has served as a classroom teacher, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Associate School Director, and School Director in Training, building a track record of strengthening instructional systems, developing leaders, and driving measurable gains in student outcomes. Those who have worked alongside her describe a leader who doesn't let up — not because she's relentless for the sake of it, but because she genuinely believes in the people in front of her. "She is tenacious and unrelenting in her pursuit of excellence for both staff and students," a colleague shared. "She deeply believes that all can succeed and that it is her job to provide coaching and development to get there." Lindsay comes to Elevate with a vision rooted in rigorous, joyful classrooms and a strong sense of belonging for every student — anchored always to DSST's mission.
Shannon Wright is the School Director at DSST: Cole High School and brings more than 15 years of experience in education, including eight years in leadership roles. Prior to joining DSST, she served as a teacher, dean, and principal, building strong instructional systems and developing leaders committed to improving student outcomes. Shannon believes schools have the power to change the trajectory of a young person’s life, and her leadership is grounded in the values of authenticity, integrity, and perseverance. She is passionate about creating rigorous, relationship-centered learning environments where every student feels known, challenged, and supported. Originally from Texas, Shannon relocated to Denver in 2024 as a School Director in Training and is excited to continue building community and advancing educational excellence across the DSST network.
Katie Ethridge has dedicated her career to education and leadership, inspired by a passion for teaching that began when she started leading horseback riding lessons at age 15. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in Elementary Education from High Point University, with a concentration in STEM instruction, and began her teaching career in North Carolina before joining DSST in 2014 as a science teacher at Cedar Middle School. Over the next decade, she served in a variety of leadership roles, including science department chair, house leader, restorative justice coordinator, Dean of Students, and Associate School Director. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her impact in education, including earning a Colorado Succeeds Prize for Educational Leadership in STEM and serving as a Lead Teacher through teacher career pathways. A data-driven leader grounded in equity, service, and relationships, Katie is committed to building strong school communities while keeping students and families at the center of her work. Most recently, she helped lead cultural stabilization and school improvement efforts at DSST: Elevate Middle School and is honored to serve as the next School Director at DSST: Green Valley Ranch Middle School.
What unites these leaders, beyond their titles, their schools, and their years of service, is the path they walked to get here. The School Director in Training pipeline is designed to identify talented educators, invest in their growth across multiple roles and ensure that when a school needs a leader, a deeply prepared, mission-aligned person is ready to step in. These appointments are proof that the pipeline works. They are also a reminder of what DSST's Strategic Plan 2028 makes explicit: that developing leadership from within demonstrates a commitment to the communities DSST serves.