OLA Staff
Tish DeHerrera -
Office Manager
Tish was born and raised just outside of Dallas, Texas. She has been married for 27 years to her San Luis Valley native husband. They have four children, three boys & one girl. Her husband's medical practice has brought them back to the Valley. She is a city girl living a farm life, living on ten acres with an ever growing population of animals.
Tish's previous jobs include pre-school Head Start teacher, Executive Director of Camp Fire USA, and floral/retail shop owner. Her hobbies include cooking, fishing, writing poetry, floral design and good music. Most importantly, she loves being a mom. "I'm a nurturer. That's why I love being a part of this school. I get to be a small part of the everyday lives of some amazing kids and work with passionate, professional educators that make my job all the more enjoyable."
Contact: [email protected]
Office Manager
Tish was born and raised just outside of Dallas, Texas. She has been married for 27 years to her San Luis Valley native husband. They have four children, three boys & one girl. Her husband's medical practice has brought them back to the Valley. She is a city girl living a farm life, living on ten acres with an ever growing population of animals.
Tish's previous jobs include pre-school Head Start teacher, Executive Director of Camp Fire USA, and floral/retail shop owner. Her hobbies include cooking, fishing, writing poetry, floral design and good music. Most importantly, she loves being a mom. "I'm a nurturer. That's why I love being a part of this school. I get to be a small part of the everyday lives of some amazing kids and work with passionate, professional educators that make my job all the more enjoyable."
Contact: [email protected]
Danielle Gibbs -
Counselor / Student Coordinator and Math Instructor
Mrs. Gibbs has been at the DELTA/On-Line Academy now for two years. She is a native of Colorado and has lived in the San Luis Valley since 2009. After attending Adams State University for her teaching degree, she completed a MS-Ed in 2014 and is receiving her MS-Ed in Mathematics in 2021.
Mrs. Gibbs began her teaching career as a 6th grade Language Arts teacher at Monte Vista Middle School and after a few years, taught 6th grade Math before transitioning to the MVOLA/DELTA to teach math! While she is not as involved with the MVOLA anymore, she still will be teaching higher level math classes such as Pre-Calculus, Probability and Statistics, and any of the AP course for math.
Outside of school, you can see Mrs. Gibbs chasing around her two kiddos. Kael was born in December of 2016 and Kolter was born in September of 2020. She loves to fish, hike, bowl and play sports!
Contact: [email protected]
Counselor / Student Coordinator and Math Instructor
Mrs. Gibbs has been at the DELTA/On-Line Academy now for two years. She is a native of Colorado and has lived in the San Luis Valley since 2009. After attending Adams State University for her teaching degree, she completed a MS-Ed in 2014 and is receiving her MS-Ed in Mathematics in 2021.
Mrs. Gibbs began her teaching career as a 6th grade Language Arts teacher at Monte Vista Middle School and after a few years, taught 6th grade Math before transitioning to the MVOLA/DELTA to teach math! While she is not as involved with the MVOLA anymore, she still will be teaching higher level math classes such as Pre-Calculus, Probability and Statistics, and any of the AP course for math.
Outside of school, you can see Mrs. Gibbs chasing around her two kiddos. Kael was born in December of 2016 and Kolter was born in September of 2020. She loves to fish, hike, bowl and play sports!
Contact: [email protected]
Bill Golsan -
English Instructor
Mr. Golsan spent most of his teaching life in the Alamosa Schools, but he found an opportunity to move up in the world when he joined Monte Vista On-Line Academy and Byron Syring DELTA Center in 2019. Bill has spent 30+ years working with students in the classroom and as a coach. He attended Adams State University where he earned his BA and MA degrees many years ago. Mr. Golsan is a San Luis Valley native. He loves the people of the valley, the diverse history, the culture and the open spaces,
"I love elbow room. It is important to breath that in." Both of his parents are retired educators, and his mom, Wanda, taught elementary with Monte Vista School District for twenty years. Mr. Golsan has three children and one grandchild, a little fat dog and two annoying cats who watch his place when he is out. He also loves movies, art, music and wishes he could travel more.
Contact: [email protected]
English Instructor
Mr. Golsan spent most of his teaching life in the Alamosa Schools, but he found an opportunity to move up in the world when he joined Monte Vista On-Line Academy and Byron Syring DELTA Center in 2019. Bill has spent 30+ years working with students in the classroom and as a coach. He attended Adams State University where he earned his BA and MA degrees many years ago. Mr. Golsan is a San Luis Valley native. He loves the people of the valley, the diverse history, the culture and the open spaces,
"I love elbow room. It is important to breath that in." Both of his parents are retired educators, and his mom, Wanda, taught elementary with Monte Vista School District for twenty years. Mr. Golsan has three children and one grandchild, a little fat dog and two annoying cats who watch his place when he is out. He also loves movies, art, music and wishes he could travel more.
Contact: [email protected]
Ethan Huff -
Social Studies Instructor / Online Student Advisor
Mr. Huff began teaching with the On-Line Academy in 2009. He enjoys getting to know students as individuals and the creative aspects of online teaching and learning. Mr. Huff grew up in the small town of Marshall, Missouri, before attending Colorado College where he earned a Bachelor's degree in History, with an emphasis on African history. From 1999 to 2001, Mr. Huff served as a volunteer in the U.S. Peace Corps, living with a host family in a remote village in South Africa. On returning to the U.S., Mr. Huff earned a law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School and a Master's in Teaching from Eastern Oregon University. Mr. Huff loves travel and has visited 48 states and 33 countries. He also enjoys spending time with family, listening to all types of music, running, hiking, camping, backpacking, snowboarding, and bicycling. He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife and daughter, and is the only staff member that does not work in the building in Monte Vista.
Contact: [email protected]
Social Studies Instructor / Online Student Advisor
Mr. Huff began teaching with the On-Line Academy in 2009. He enjoys getting to know students as individuals and the creative aspects of online teaching and learning. Mr. Huff grew up in the small town of Marshall, Missouri, before attending Colorado College where he earned a Bachelor's degree in History, with an emphasis on African history. From 1999 to 2001, Mr. Huff served as a volunteer in the U.S. Peace Corps, living with a host family in a remote village in South Africa. On returning to the U.S., Mr. Huff earned a law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School and a Master's in Teaching from Eastern Oregon University. Mr. Huff loves travel and has visited 48 states and 33 countries. He also enjoys spending time with family, listening to all types of music, running, hiking, camping, backpacking, snowboarding, and bicycling. He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife and daughter, and is the only staff member that does not work in the building in Monte Vista.
Contact: [email protected]
Jenny Noonan -
Student Coordinator / 6th grade Instructor
Mrs. Noonan is the 6th grade Teacher for Monte Vista On-Line Academy and enjoys the experiences/challenges that come with being an online teacher. She considers herself a lifelong learner. She looks forward to getting to know her students each year and building a positive, supportive and productive relationship with each individual. Mrs. Noonan is a native of Colorado. She grew up in Littleton, Colorado and attended Metropolitan State College in Denver where she received a BA in Psychology and Minor in Human Services in 1994. She married her husband in 1996 and became a “military wife” while they were stationed at Fort Bragg, NC until 2003. She moved with her family to the Monte Vista, CO in 2004. She was a preschool teacher at Sargent Early Learning Center from 2006-2009. In fall of 2009 she went to Adams State College where she received her Interdisciplinary Degree (Elementary Education Degree). She taught preschool, within the Monte Vista School District from 2012-2018. She is passionate about art and what it does for the well being of people. She also loves gardening, hiking, spending time with family and friends as well as renovating her 1903 house with her husband, their two sons, their cat, Bubbles and dogs, Buddy and Stella.
Contact: [email protected]
Student Coordinator / 6th grade Instructor
Mrs. Noonan is the 6th grade Teacher for Monte Vista On-Line Academy and enjoys the experiences/challenges that come with being an online teacher. She considers herself a lifelong learner. She looks forward to getting to know her students each year and building a positive, supportive and productive relationship with each individual. Mrs. Noonan is a native of Colorado. She grew up in Littleton, Colorado and attended Metropolitan State College in Denver where she received a BA in Psychology and Minor in Human Services in 1994. She married her husband in 1996 and became a “military wife” while they were stationed at Fort Bragg, NC until 2003. She moved with her family to the Monte Vista, CO in 2004. She was a preschool teacher at Sargent Early Learning Center from 2006-2009. In fall of 2009 she went to Adams State College where she received her Interdisciplinary Degree (Elementary Education Degree). She taught preschool, within the Monte Vista School District from 2012-2018. She is passionate about art and what it does for the well being of people. She also loves gardening, hiking, spending time with family and friends as well as renovating her 1903 house with her husband, their two sons, their cat, Bubbles and dogs, Buddy and Stella.
Contact: [email protected]
Dirk Oden -
Science Instructor
Mr. Oden is a semi-retired former science teacher and prior director of the DELTA Center and On-Line Academy. In addition to fifteen years of teaching in the traditional classroom, he has worked in the online environment as a teacher, curriculum developer, or administrator for over twenty years. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, and wildlife photography, and is an avid pickleball player. Although he is enjoying the slower pace semi-retirement offers, he is thrilled to be teaching science for the DELTA Center and On-Line Academy.
Contact: [email protected]
Science Instructor
Mr. Oden is a semi-retired former science teacher and prior director of the DELTA Center and On-Line Academy. In addition to fifteen years of teaching in the traditional classroom, he has worked in the online environment as a teacher, curriculum developer, or administrator for over twenty years. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, and wildlife photography, and is an avid pickleball player. Although he is enjoying the slower pace semi-retirement offers, he is thrilled to be teaching science for the DELTA Center and On-Line Academy.
Contact: [email protected]
Julie Romero -
Administrative Paraprofessional
Ms. Romero has been with the Monte Vista On-Line Academy/Byron Syring DELTA Center for more than 30 years. She says this about the staff, "I work with a wonderful staff that always goes above and beyond to help students succeed and achieve their goals for the future." She enjoys spending time with her family. Her other interests include sewing, drawing, and going on walks.
Contact: [email protected]
Administrative Paraprofessional
Ms. Romero has been with the Monte Vista On-Line Academy/Byron Syring DELTA Center for more than 30 years. She says this about the staff, "I work with a wonderful staff that always goes above and beyond to help students succeed and achieve their goals for the future." She enjoys spending time with her family. Her other interests include sewing, drawing, and going on walks.
Contact: [email protected]
Adam Atencio -
Principal
Mr. Atencio is a proud native of the San Luis Valley and values being part of this great community. When he's not supporting students and staff, he enjoys quality time with his wife and three children. During the summer months, you’ll often find Mr. Atencio camping, boating, or fishing. As the cooler weather sets in and lake adventures wind down, he takes full advantage of Colorado’s unmatched outdoors—whether it’s hiking, exploring, or simply soaking in the beauty of the state.
Mr. Atencio began his teaching career in 2007 after earning his BA from Adams State University in 2002. He continued his academic journey with an MA from Western Governors University in 2014, and most recently completed his Colorado principal licensure through CSU Global University in 2021. His diverse teaching background spans elementary, middle school, special education, and most recently, middle/high school math at the DELTA Center and MVOLA.
Now serving as principal for the Monte Vista On-Line Academy and Byron Syring DELTA Center, Mr. Atencio brings a student-centered approach to leadership. He is passionate about creating flexible learning environments that empower students to thrive—whether they are engaged virtually or in person. As a leader, he prioritizes building strong relationships with students, families, and staff to ensure a collaborative and inclusive school culture. His commitment to educational excellence is matched by his drive to foster innovation and ensure every student feels seen, supported, and successful.
Together with our talented and dedicated team, I’m focused on providing meaningful, high-quality learning experiences—especially for those who thrive with a more personalized, non-traditional approach. Whether in a virtual meeting or a hallway conversation, I value the relationships that make our school community unique, and I’m honored to be part of the journey
Contact: adamza@monte.k12.co.us