Columbine Hills Elementary School

Jeffco Public Schools

Lauren Kessel, Learning Specialist 

303-982-4031

[email protected]

 Hello all! My name is Lauren Kessel and I am one of the learning specialists at CHE. This will be my 2nd year teaching and my 1st year teaching in JeffCO. I got married in June of 2021 and my husband and I moved to Colorado shortly after. I have a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education Cross Categorical K-12. I believe that every student can be successful when they have a group of people ready to support and encourage them. When I am not teaching, I enjoy being outside exploring the beauty of Colorado with my husband and traveling back to Iowa to see my family. I also love baking, watching movies, helping with youth group at church, and spending time with friends! I can't wait for a great school year!

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Kate Nguyen, Speech-Language Pathologist

303-982-0039
[email protected]

My name is Kate Nguyen and I am the Speech-Language Pathologist who works with students in kindergarten to fifth grade. I started in Jeffco in 2009 and have worked at CHE since 2012. I am a Colorado native and grew up in the mountains. I enjoy going back to visit to explore the outdoors. 

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Jessica Corbin, School Social Worker

303-982-4020
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My name is Jessica Corbin and I am the Social Worker at Columbine Hills Elementary. I have the opportunity to work with students from Kindergarten to 5th grade, including students in the ASD program. I am passionate about providing support to students so they can continue to learn, thrive and reach their full potential. Over the past decade, I have spent my career providing clinical mental health services to both adults and adolescents. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, gardening, baking and riding the Peloton.  I am honored to be a member of the Columbine Hills Community!

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Gina Zezulak, Para Educator

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Hi! My name is Gina Zezulak, but the kids call me Ms. Z! This is my 17th year at Columbine Hills, and my 13th year as a Special Education para. I'm a Colorado native, and I grew up in the Littleton community! Outside of work, I love to read and spend time with my family (especially my new granddaughter)! 

Amber Higgs, Learning Specialist

303-982-7271
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This is my 16th year teaching and 1st year at CHE. I have a bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science and Elementary Education from Metro State University and my masters in Special Education from CU Denver. I am a Colorado native and grew up on the Western Slope. I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 kids, as well as time with friends. We enjoy spending time at the pool in the summer, going to the mountains, and finding time to travel to new places (near and far). 

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Jessica Ensminger, Reading Specialist

303-982-5511
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Hello! My name is Jessica Ensminger and I am Columbine Hills' Reading Interventionist. I have a passion for teaching reading and use Orton Gillingham's multisensory approach to help all students succeed. Before becoming a reading interventionist, I taught First Grade and Second Grade for 10 years. I am a proud University of Miami graduate and also earned my Masters from CU Denver in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialty in Reading and Writing. I love teaching young students, but when I'm not at school I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, reading, and traveling.

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Ashley Crawley, ESL Tutor

303-982-7992
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Mrs. Shannon Callan, Occupational Therapist

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Mrs. Darla Davis, Physical Therapist

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