OLA Staff
Devon Davey - Elementary & Middle School Instructor
Growing up in Texas, I always knew that I wanted to live in Colorado. After high school graduation, I attended Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO and graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education Studies. After an alternative career choice, I quickly realized that my true passion is in education! Most recently I have taught at Monte Vista Middle School as the Special Education Teacher and Reading Intervention Teacher. During this time, I earned my M.A. in Special Education from Adams State University in Alamosa, CO.
During the summers you can find me reading a good book (I'm always open to suggestions so please send me your favorite book title!), camping, hiking, or rafting down the river. Winters are spent at Wolf Creek Ski Area skiing or cross country skiing with my amazing husband, daughters, and dog. Regardless of the season or activity, I love spending time with family and friends, and creating new opportunities for my students in order for them to reach their full potential.
Feel free to contact me with any questions or just to say hi. We have a great year ahead of us!
Contact: devondd@monte.k12.co.us
Growing up in Texas, I always knew that I wanted to live in Colorado. After high school graduation, I attended Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO and graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education Studies. After an alternative career choice, I quickly realized that my true passion is in education! Most recently I have taught at Monte Vista Middle School as the Special Education Teacher and Reading Intervention Teacher. During this time, I earned my M.A. in Special Education from Adams State University in Alamosa, CO.
During the summers you can find me reading a good book (I'm always open to suggestions so please send me your favorite book title!), camping, hiking, or rafting down the river. Winters are spent at Wolf Creek Ski Area skiing or cross country skiing with my amazing husband, daughters, and dog. Regardless of the season or activity, I love spending time with family and friends, and creating new opportunities for my students in order for them to reach their full potential.
Feel free to contact me with any questions or just to say hi. We have a great year ahead of us!
Contact: devondd@monte.k12.co.us
Dave Davoudlarian - School Counselor
Mr. Davoudlarian is new to Colorado, after spending the last six years in Alaska. Of those six years, five were spent in “bush” Alaska. He worked in fly-in only villages that were 100% either Inupiaq or Yup’ik Native Alaskan. This is a huge difference from where he grew up. He spent 33 years in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and never thought he would leave the area, but things changed. He spent over a decade in corporate America until he realized that education is where he belongs. Outside of school he spends as much time with his wife and three daughters as he can. He and his family like raising chickens and ducks. Along with these animals they have 4 dogs, 4 cats, and a guinea pig. If the season is right, and all chores are done, you can find Dave outside hunting and fishing.
Contact: davidd@monte.k12.co.us
Mr. Davoudlarian is new to Colorado, after spending the last six years in Alaska. Of those six years, five were spent in “bush” Alaska. He worked in fly-in only villages that were 100% either Inupiaq or Yup’ik Native Alaskan. This is a huge difference from where he grew up. He spent 33 years in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and never thought he would leave the area, but things changed. He spent over a decade in corporate America until he realized that education is where he belongs. Outside of school he spends as much time with his wife and three daughters as he can. He and his family like raising chickens and ducks. Along with these animals they have 4 dogs, 4 cats, and a guinea pig. If the season is right, and all chores are done, you can find Dave outside hunting and fishing.
Contact: davidd@monte.k12.co.us
Tish DeHerrera - Office Manager
Tish was born and raised just outside of Dallas, Texas. She has been married for 20 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: tishd@monte.k12.co.us
Tish was born and raised just outside of Dallas, Texas. She has been married for 20 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: tishd@monte.k12.co.us
Shawn Haddican - English Instructor
Shawn was born on the island of St. Thomas, which is located in the United States Virgin Islands. His family moved from the island to Orlando, Florida after Hurricane Hugo caused a lot of damage to the island. From Orlando, they moved to Knoxville, Tennessee then to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In Fort Lauderdale Shawn attended William T. McFatter Vocational Technical High School where he received a high school diploma and a Vocational-Technical certificate in Graphic Design in 2004. After graduating from high school he attended Florida Atlantic University for two years. He pursued a desire to work in the video game industry at F.A.U. by majoring in 3d Art & Animation. After completing his second year at F.A.U. in 2006, Shawn decided to move to Atlanta, Georgia and attend Point University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies and Preaching. Shawn has a passion for youth and literature so the degree program was a perfect fit. After earning his Bachelor’s degree Shawn worked in retail management until the end of 2015. Currently, Shawn is working on a Masters Degree in Education through Adams State University and will finish in December of 2017.
Shawn moved to the San Luis Valley in December of 2015 and began substituting in various school districts. Over the summer of 2016, he entered the Boettcher Teacher Residency to begin working on his Colorado alternative teaching certification. During the first semester of the 2016-2017 school year, Shawn taught fifth grade Reading and Writing at Haskin Elementary in Center, during the second semester he taught seventh grade English Language Arts at Centauri Middle School. When the opportunity arose to teach 8-12 English Language Arts at the Monte Vista Online Academy and DELTA Center Shawn jumped on the opportunity. Upper Secondary is Shawn’s passion in terms of teaching English Language Arts and he build’s computers and enjoys all things technology so the position is a dream come true for him.
Some things Shawn enjoys are working with youth, teaching, hiking, the mountains, nature in general, the amazing views of the stars we have at night, video games and building computers.
Some fun facts about Shawn are while he lived in Fort Lauderdale, he studied Tae Kwon Do and attained the rank of First Degree Black Belt. He was heavily involved in youth ministry before going into education. He once ate eel and thought it was nasty, the taste was fine but the texture was gross. And lastly, Shawn has swam with dolphins and manatees.
Contact: shawnh@monte.k12.co.us
Shawn was born on the island of St. Thomas, which is located in the United States Virgin Islands. His family moved from the island to Orlando, Florida after Hurricane Hugo caused a lot of damage to the island. From Orlando, they moved to Knoxville, Tennessee then to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In Fort Lauderdale Shawn attended William T. McFatter Vocational Technical High School where he received a high school diploma and a Vocational-Technical certificate in Graphic Design in 2004. After graduating from high school he attended Florida Atlantic University for two years. He pursued a desire to work in the video game industry at F.A.U. by majoring in 3d Art & Animation. After completing his second year at F.A.U. in 2006, Shawn decided to move to Atlanta, Georgia and attend Point University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies and Preaching. Shawn has a passion for youth and literature so the degree program was a perfect fit. After earning his Bachelor’s degree Shawn worked in retail management until the end of 2015. Currently, Shawn is working on a Masters Degree in Education through Adams State University and will finish in December of 2017.
Shawn moved to the San Luis Valley in December of 2015 and began substituting in various school districts. Over the summer of 2016, he entered the Boettcher Teacher Residency to begin working on his Colorado alternative teaching certification. During the first semester of the 2016-2017 school year, Shawn taught fifth grade Reading and Writing at Haskin Elementary in Center, during the second semester he taught seventh grade English Language Arts at Centauri Middle School. When the opportunity arose to teach 8-12 English Language Arts at the Monte Vista Online Academy and DELTA Center Shawn jumped on the opportunity. Upper Secondary is Shawn’s passion in terms of teaching English Language Arts and he build’s computers and enjoys all things technology so the position is a dream come true for him.
Some things Shawn enjoys are working with youth, teaching, hiking, the mountains, nature in general, the amazing views of the stars we have at night, video games and building computers.
Some fun facts about Shawn are while he lived in Fort Lauderdale, he studied Tae Kwon Do and attained the rank of First Degree Black Belt. He was heavily involved in youth ministry before going into education. He once ate eel and thought it was nasty, the taste was fine but the texture was gross. And lastly, Shawn has swam with dolphins and manatees.
Contact: shawnh@monte.k12.co.us
Ethan Huff - Social Studies Instructor
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 also enjoys leading an annual field trip for OLA students to the State Capitol building in Denver each year in February. 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 the country of 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 47 states and 32 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.
Contact: ethanh@monte.k12.co.us
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 also enjoys leading an annual field trip for OLA students to the State Capitol building in Denver each year in February. 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 the country of 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 47 states and 32 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.
Contact: ethanh@monte.k12.co.us
Laura Moore - Science Instructor
I was born in Biloxi, MS and raised in Colorado since I was four and been an off and on again resident of the San Luis Valley since I was six. I graduated from Alamosa High School in 2005 and from Adams State College (before it turned into a university) in 2011 with a BS degree in Biology Education. Over the next few years I bounced all over Colorado teaching secondary science. In 2014 I went back to school to get my MA degree in Education and graduated from the University of Phoenix Online in 2016. Then I bounced around a few more jobs in education before happily landing myself here at OLA/Delta center in Monte Vista, CO.
Hobbies: Reading, Cross stitch, Traveling, Spending time with friends
Contact: lauram@monte.k12.co.us
I was born in Biloxi, MS and raised in Colorado since I was four and been an off and on again resident of the San Luis Valley since I was six. I graduated from Alamosa High School in 2005 and from Adams State College (before it turned into a university) in 2011 with a BS degree in Biology Education. Over the next few years I bounced all over Colorado teaching secondary science. In 2014 I went back to school to get my MA degree in Education and graduated from the University of Phoenix Online in 2016. Then I bounced around a few more jobs in education before happily landing myself here at OLA/Delta center in Monte Vista, CO.
Hobbies: Reading, Cross stitch, Traveling, Spending time with friends
Contact: lauram@monte.k12.co.us
Cammie Newmyer - Math Instructor
Ms. Newmyer has been teaching math in the San Luis Valley since 2000, and for the Monte Vista Online Academy/Byron Syring Delta Center since 2011. Her Bachelor's Degree is in Mathematics - Secondary Education with a double major in History/Social Studies from Adams State University which she received in 2000. She later went on to complete her Master's Degree in Mathematics from the University of Houston in 2011. Ms. Newmyer presented at the National Space Educators Exploration Conference at Space Center Houston in 2017 and at the CS&IT Conference held at Google Headquarters in California in 2010. Ms. Newmyer is the author of Math That Makes Sense Book One and Book Two. In addition to spending time with her three children, she enjoys playing the piano, fishing, hiking, exploring, and visiting hot springs and waterfalls. She enjoys live music and spends her weekends working on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad as a tour guide.
Contact: cammiern@monte.k12.co.us
Ms. Newmyer has been teaching math in the San Luis Valley since 2000, and for the Monte Vista Online Academy/Byron Syring Delta Center since 2011. Her Bachelor's Degree is in Mathematics - Secondary Education with a double major in History/Social Studies from Adams State University which she received in 2000. She later went on to complete her Master's Degree in Mathematics from the University of Houston in 2011. Ms. Newmyer presented at the National Space Educators Exploration Conference at Space Center Houston in 2017 and at the CS&IT Conference held at Google Headquarters in California in 2010. Ms. Newmyer is the author of Math That Makes Sense Book One and Book Two. In addition to spending time with her three children, she enjoys playing the piano, fishing, hiking, exploring, and visiting hot springs and waterfalls. She enjoys live music and spends her weekends working on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad as a tour guide.
Contact: cammiern@monte.k12.co.us
Julie Romero - Administrative Professional
Ms. Romero has been with the Monte Vista On-Line Academy/Byron Syring Delta Center for many 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, bike riding and going on walks.
Contact: jromero@monte.k12.co.us
Ms. Romero has been with the Monte Vista On-Line Academy/Byron Syring Delta Center for many 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, bike riding and going on walks.
Contact: jromero@monte.k12.co.us
Tracy Simon - Special Education Instructor
Mrs. Simon is a native of Tennessee but has lived in Colorado since 1995. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Marketing from the University of Tennessee, in 1992. The natural beauty, cultural history, and quiet living brought her to the San Luis Valley in 1999. After moving to Colorado, she felt the need to have a greater purpose in life and decided to return to school, earning her teaching certification and Master's Degree in Special Education from Adams State College in 2003. Since that time, Mrs. Simon has been passionate about serving at-risk students who face multiple life challenges. During her tenure with the Monte Vista School District, she has served as a middle school Special Education teacher, the district Instructional Coach, district New Teacher Induction Coordinator, and currently as the Special Education/Literacy teacher at Byron Syring Delta Center and Online Academy. "Empowering students to realize the greatness they all possess brings me great joy!" In her spare time, Mrs. Simon loves to mountain bike, garden, and spend time along the creek with her husband and furry kids.
Contact: tracyws@monte.k12.co.us
Mrs. Simon is a native of Tennessee but has lived in Colorado since 1995. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Marketing from the University of Tennessee, in 1992. The natural beauty, cultural history, and quiet living brought her to the San Luis Valley in 1999. After moving to Colorado, she felt the need to have a greater purpose in life and decided to return to school, earning her teaching certification and Master's Degree in Special Education from Adams State College in 2003. Since that time, Mrs. Simon has been passionate about serving at-risk students who face multiple life challenges. During her tenure with the Monte Vista School District, she has served as a middle school Special Education teacher, the district Instructional Coach, district New Teacher Induction Coordinator, and currently as the Special Education/Literacy teacher at Byron Syring Delta Center and Online Academy. "Empowering students to realize the greatness they all possess brings me great joy!" In her spare time, Mrs. Simon loves to mountain bike, garden, and spend time along the creek with her husband and furry kids.
Contact: tracyws@monte.k12.co.us
Kevin Wright - Director
Kevin Wright grew up in Evergreen, a small mountain town just west of Denver. He attended Evergreen High School, and post-graduation enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a Security Specialist (his enlistment included a short tour of duty in the Middle East). After the military, he worked in the ski industry, traveled to Nepal (to mountaineer), and attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
When he graduated from the University of Northern Colorado, Kevin took a job as the lead security guard at a large metropolitan high school. The Columbine High School tragedy occurred during this time period, and the experience motivated Kevin to pursue a life-long career as an educator. While attending Metropolitan State College of Denver and getting licensed to teach, he worked as a part-time substitute teacher and a part-time private school teacher. After becoming licensed, Kevin worked as a teacher for the Colorado Department of Youth Corrections for several years, and in the summer 2006, he moved to the San Luis Valley and began teaching for the Monte Vista School District.
In the past, Kevin has also taught at Adams State University, for the local search & rescue team, and for the Alamosa Sheriff. In the summer of 2013, Kevin worked as a Teacher Ranger Teacher (TRT) at Great Sand Dunes National Park. In 2015, Kevin published a book, Search & Rescue in Colorado's Sangre de Cristos. In 2016, Kevin received the Colorado Department of Education's Online & Blended Teacher Recognition Award (one of only four recipients in the state for the year). In 2017, Kevin transitioned from teaching into administration, and he is honored to serve the community of Monte Vista as well as online students across the state. Outside of work, Kevin loves to enjoy time in the outdoors hiking and backpacking with his wife and two micro dogs (a chiweenie and a rat terrier).
Contact: kevingw@monte.k12.co.us
Kevin Wright grew up in Evergreen, a small mountain town just west of Denver. He attended Evergreen High School, and post-graduation enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a Security Specialist (his enlistment included a short tour of duty in the Middle East). After the military, he worked in the ski industry, traveled to Nepal (to mountaineer), and attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
When he graduated from the University of Northern Colorado, Kevin took a job as the lead security guard at a large metropolitan high school. The Columbine High School tragedy occurred during this time period, and the experience motivated Kevin to pursue a life-long career as an educator. While attending Metropolitan State College of Denver and getting licensed to teach, he worked as a part-time substitute teacher and a part-time private school teacher. After becoming licensed, Kevin worked as a teacher for the Colorado Department of Youth Corrections for several years, and in the summer 2006, he moved to the San Luis Valley and began teaching for the Monte Vista School District.
In the past, Kevin has also taught at Adams State University, for the local search & rescue team, and for the Alamosa Sheriff. In the summer of 2013, Kevin worked as a Teacher Ranger Teacher (TRT) at Great Sand Dunes National Park. In 2015, Kevin published a book, Search & Rescue in Colorado's Sangre de Cristos. In 2016, Kevin received the Colorado Department of Education's Online & Blended Teacher Recognition Award (one of only four recipients in the state for the year). In 2017, Kevin transitioned from teaching into administration, and he is honored to serve the community of Monte Vista as well as online students across the state. Outside of work, Kevin loves to enjoy time in the outdoors hiking and backpacking with his wife and two micro dogs (a chiweenie and a rat terrier).
Contact: kevingw@monte.k12.co.us