We continue to recognize the awesome work of our Center Program staff- join us this week as we head over to the Knight’s Kingdom at Montview HS.
Get to know the team that keeps the kingdom magnificent for the Montview HS Knights who learn in Center Programs: Samantha Lawlor, Jesi Schoengarth, Taylor Pepper, Esmeralda Soto, Brandon Driggers, and Ashley Arnson
Samantha Lawlor, Center Program Lead
Hometown: Lakewood, CO
Favorite Part of Job: Being able to create the structure for the program, and watching my creations help the kids succeed.
Favorite Quarantine Treat: Goldfish crackers!
Currently Watching: Bob’s Burgers
Funniest Thing a Student Has Said: One of our students picks a different name for us to call him each day, and they always make me giggle. I think my favorites so far in the last 3 years have been "Curtain", "Mr. Old Hotdog", "Sharon", and "Pinto the Horse"
Jesi Schoengarth, CP Support Specialist
Hometown: Thornton, CO
Favorite Part of the Job: The students!!
What Brought You To This Work? I started working in school about 11 years ago. I knew working with kids was where I was supposed to be, but was not sure on specifically where yet. So, I got a degree in Elem. Education with a concentration in Iiberal arts and Special Education. 5 years ago, I started working in Sped while enrolled in my program and I honestly loved the environment and fell in love being able to learn from my students. They have so much to say and teach us about life that it is truly amazing to watch!
Fun activity you’ve recently done in Center Programs: Started to create a personal puzzle with one of my students!
Currently Watching: I Can See Your Voice and anything on Netflix
Favorite Vacation Spot: Florida- Disney World
Taylor Pepper, CP Support Specialist
Hometown: Denver, CO
Favorite Part of the Job: My team and our students. Our classroom family as a whole. They are the best part of my day.
What Brought You to this Work?: The work found me, and I do not plan on leaving the field. The relationships made with our center students is indescribable. I love connecting with them on so many different levels. It’s a gift to be able to work in an environment of cyclical learning and motivation between teachers and students. We are safe and free to be ourselves and experience joys and sadnesses and growth together. Teaching tiny skills that have huge impacts is just so rad!
Fun activity you’ve recently done in Center Programs: Working up a sweat and learning some impressive dances in Knights Kingdom movement classes.
Self-Care Practices of Choice: Walking my dog at quiet hours
Funniest Thing a Student Has Said: Me-"What would you order at the McDonalds drive thru?" Him-"Corona virus"
Esmeralda Soto, CP Support Specialist
Hometown: Denver, CO
Favorite Part of the Job: The students! And being back at DSST but in a different position
Why is Special Education important to you?: These students are so unique and different from working in a gen ed classroom. They are challenging and it is so rewarding knowing that I am helping them get the resources to be successful and more independent in life. I want to be an advocate for this population and become a voice that they might not have.
Favorite book: From here to eternity: Traveling the world to find the good death by Caitlin Doughty.
Funniest Thing A Student Has Done: One of the students doing the rubber ducky song from Sesame Street in his Burt and Ernie voices
Currently Watching: Private Practice on Netflix
Brandon Driggers, CP Support Specialist
Hometown: Denver, CO
Favorite Part of the Job: Helping to put a smile on the faces of my students and co-workers
What Brought You to This Work? They give me an opportunity to help one of the most vulnerable populations we have with some of the fewest resources available. I want to do everything I can to make sure these students and their families get everything out of life that they deserve.
Favorite Quarantine Treat: Vegan meats, have really gotten into vegan meats, save the animals!
Self-Care Practice of Choice: Take the time to meditate alone in a quiet place everyday. Be with yourself and love yourself.
Favorite Quarantine Activity: Taking my dog out to all kinds of neat places.
Ashley Arnson
Hometown: Denver, CO
Favorite Part of the Job: Working with the kids. They are all so wonderful
What Brought You to this Work: I was referred to the job from my old boss who was a dean at the time. He thought it would be something that I would enjoy doing. I used to help in my school center programs in middle and high school. I feel so great seeing that these students are getting the care and love that they deserve. It may be challenging at times but seeing them smile at you makes it worth it every time.
Favorite Quarantine Treat: Starbucks, Dunkin, or Dutch Bros
Favorite Vacation Spots: Disneyland or Vegas
Read on Repeat: The Hunger Games Series
