Barb Gale: I am a Learning Specialist and this is my 22nd year at Westgate. I was born and grew up in Michigan, just outside of Detroit in the suburb of Livonia. I moved to Colorado with my sisters when I was 19 years old. I have three grown children, (a boy and two girls) and five grandchildren. I love watching the Broncos and the Rockies. Spending time with my family is very important to me.
Terese Hutchins: I am a Learning Specialist and this is my 11th year at Westgate. I am originally from Minnesota but have lived in Colorado for more than 30 years. I love my family, love to ski, hike and be outside. Teaching is my dream job and I love it here at Westgate!
Carolyn Hoff: I am the Speech Language Pathologist returning to Jeffco after being in private practice since 2006. This year I will be at Westgate 5 days a week. I love art, being in the mountains and spending time with my family. I look forward to working and learning with the staff and the children at Westgate.
Tesla Stainbrook: I am the social worker at Westgate this year. I am here full time and will support students at all grade levels. Previously I worked at Bell Middle school and prior to that at Smokey Hill High School in Cherry Creek.
Michelle Auer: I have been an Occupational Therapist both in and outside the schools for 24 years. My favorite population to work with are definitely children, where I feel OT can make the most positive impacts. I love living in Colorado to have easy access to my many outdoor "occupations" including hiking with our two dogs, skiing, gardening, climbing, riding horses (2 of my own kids were very active in Westernaires and 4H), or rejuvenating with yoga! I have 3 children who have gone through or are currently still going through JEFFCO schools (2 in college and 1 still in high school). I have also sat on both sides of the fence as both a parent with a child with special needs (SPD, ADHD), and as a professional working with children and families.
As a school OT, I feel my students make the most significant gains with building their physical motor abilities, when they have many opportunities to practice and engage in learning activities in fun, purposeful, and meaningful ways. With this in mind, I look forward to collaborating and working with my many different school teams, my students, and their families this coming school year!