PROGRAM

INSTRUCTORS AND STAFF

Teachers at September High School stand out for their academic enthusiasm and their special interest in the growth and wellbeing of each student.

They are dedicated professionals and understand the preparation student's need for community and world citizenship.

These teachers believe in the goals of September High School and in the importance of the personal commitment required by each and every member of the community. Their belief in students has often been the inspiration that has "made the difference."

Celeste Di Iorio
celeste@septemberschool.org Celeste Di Iorio has worked in the field of education for the past 25 years in a variety of capacities from teacher to consultant to administrator. She has spent most of her career working in small community settings that support and foster the holistic development of adolescents. Celeste holds both teaching and principal licenses from the Colorado Department of Education, and has passed her administrator licensure exam. She earned her BA from the University of Northern Colorado in Hispanic Studies and Spanish and holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Colorado State University.

Why does she choose to work with teenagers? ÒI have worked with many different populations in education, and teens are my absolute favorite! They are enthusiastic, open to possibility, excited for opportunity, and incredibly creative & thoughtful beings. I learn an immense amount working with teens and feel it is a privilege to support them in their learning to fly.Ó

Dan Fox, Principal
dan@septemberschool.org
Dan Fox was inducted as Principal of September High School in 2006, continuing his support to the community from his previous position as school group counselor. He has a Master's degree in Psychology, a BA in Computer Science and also functions as a licensed therapist.

Why does he choose to work with teenagers?

"They can open up and speak from the heart. They are at a point in their lives when their futures are bright and only have the opportunity to get brighter." -Fox

Over the years, Dan has had the opportunity to know, and become friends with, our students.

"They are powerful human beings. As a part of their lives, here, we have the chance to help them find their potential." -Fox

Under his leadership, his tremendous respect for our community and support have ushered the school into a new era and we appreciate the changes that have been made and anticipate those to come. Alexis Valentine, Director of Administration
alexis@septemberschool.org

Alexis Valentine came to September High School with a respect for the community's uniquely refreshing educational approach. She received her BFA from CU Boulder specializing in sculpture and video installation, and has been at the head of businesses and art collectives alike. Outside of school, she is a working artist and has exhibited her work nationally and internationally. Alexis maintains her passion to teach and makes contributions within Sept School where she can, however, her main function is as "the organizer", "the office super hero", more commonly known as the third addition to the dynamic duo that Sept School dubs as the administration as the Office Manager. She is affiliated with the After Hours Arts program as the registrar in addition to teaching classes such as the Art of Automotive Maintenance and Funky Furniture.
"I enjoy efficiency and organization at work to balance out my free spirited semi-chaotic artist self. It is possible for me to utilize my diverse background in business, counseling and art to support this community and contribute to the students' learning and living experience." - Valentine

Dan Beliveau, Mathematics Teacher
danb@septemberschool.org

Dan Beliveau holds a BS in Traditional Mathematics from George Mason University. He has many years of experience tutoring math and as an assistant teacher. His classes include Pre-Calculus, Geometry and Computer Programming. Regarding the challenge of teaching math, Dan says, "I truly feel that there is something wrong with the way math is traditionally taught; students are taught to approach the subject with disdain and apprehension. I didn't discover my love of mathematics until I began taking upper division math courses at the university level." He believes that math instruction doesn't have to be painful. "Math can be a lot of fun if taught correctly; I love that I have the opportunity to change the way math is taught firsthand."

Angela Beloian, Art Teacher
angela@septemberschool.org

Prior to teaching at September High School, Angela Beloian received her BFA degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and works as a professional full-time artist. She has shown her work nationally in museums, art centers, and galleries. In the spring of 2008, some of her work was selected to be featured at Walker Fine Arts, a well-respected Denver art gallery. She is an enthusiastic and energetic art teacher. "I live and breathe contemporary art," says Angela. "Sharing that with the students rarely feels like work!" She has displayed the work of September High School students in the 29th Street Mall at Nau Clothing and at the Canyon Gallery in the Boulder Public Library. When not teaching Painting, Drawing, or Mixed Media, Angela paints. She loves working at September High School because "it's wonderful to be in an environment that is so supportive of everyone." Her forte lies within her ability to promote personal growth while helping students find motivation through art. Students are able to take what they learn and apply these principles to other areas within their everyday lives.

Joy Alice Eisenhauer, Art Teacher

joy@septemberschool.org

Joy is a University of Colorado alum with a BFA who, after running her own studio for five years, decided to share her passion for art by teaching full-time. Her classes cover ceramics, mixed media, photography, Photoshop, and more. As Director of Arts, Joy has created After Hours Arts, a widely acclaimed program that provides free afterschool programming to all Boulder County Teens. Her vision and inspiration are assets to September High School. "Teens are inspiring to me. I feel lucky to be teaching a subject that I share such a passion and love for." -Joy Alice Eisenhauer

Rob Donoho, Science Teacher
rob@septemberschool.org

Rob Donoho, September School's science teacher, has a degree in Geology from the University of Colorado and has been teaching Physics, Chemistry, and Biology to our students since 1988. Over the years, he's also taught courses in Mathematics, Water Ecology, Human Physiology, Astronomy, and Meteorology, offering a diverse field of science offerings for our students. He takes the students mountain biking, camping, skiing and climbing for September High School's annual spring trips, as well as leading international spring trips to Thailand. He taught for a year in Australia, and was at one time an instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). But he started out on a very different path: earning a BFA in Painting from Boston University. About September High School, Rob says, "We have a strong sense of community among the staff and students." He says he likes his job because he gets "to play with cool toys" and points out that "alternative educators need alternative students." He credits working with adolescents with keeping him young.

Forrest Donoho, Spanish Teacher
forrest@septemberschool.org

Forrest Donoho started teaching Spanish, Algebra, and Geometry at September High School in 2007, but his experience with the school reaches back much further than that. Veteran science teacher Rob Donoho is his father, and Forrest spent a number of days of his childhood and teen years here at September High School. Of his experience teaching math at September High School he says, "I love it. I think of mathematics as the only objective truth in the world." As for Spanish, he has traveled extensively to South America asserts the importance the country has to our changing nation that most people may not realize. To date, Forrest's experience has been positive. "I've grown up with this school," Forrest says. "It's amazing to be a part of it."

John Dunn, Language Arts Teacher

John was toted to Colorado as an infant and grew up here in Boulder. He received his BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Massachusetts and continued on to receive an MA in Education Foundations, Policy and Practice from CU Boulder. He was introduced to September School by good people who knew he would love the school's mission.

"I am excited to be part of Sept School. Helping students grow intellectually is incredibly rewarding." - Dunn

This is John's first experience heading a classroom and he has been well-received by the community since spring semester 2008. His practice is informed by years of tutoring, facilitating writing workshops, and working with teen at various after school programs and summer camps.

"Language is immensely powerful; helping students become better communicators is worthy and wonderful." – Dunn

John is also involved in teaching After Hour Arts classes such as, Ultimate Frisbee, bringing in his intramural championship skills from UMass.

Leslie Gustason, Group Teacher, School Counselor
leslie@septemberschool.org

Leslie Gustason earned her MA in counseling and has 30 years of experience in the fields of education and psychology. She's worked in Colorado and Alaska, and is currently the school's group teacher. "Group class is incredible, students begin to trust and share, explore their thoughts and feelings, learn how to have compassion and respect for themselves and others." In addition to leading group classes, Leslie conducts one-on-one counseling with students, and teaches Mind-Body Wellness classes. Students trust her generosity of spirit, which has a visible presence about her person. Leslie is happily employed: "I love coming to work here every day."

Jeff Hamilton, PE Teacher
jeff@septemberschool.org

Jeff Hamilton has a BA in Psychology and Anthropology. His black belt in Tae Kwon Do and Reiki master status serve him well as the school's physical education instructor. He has been with September High School since 1993, and loves working with teens as it offers "the chance to help students establish and solidify their values at a time when they're questioning the reality of everything in their lives. Jeff teaches classes in Drama, Martial arts, Chi Gung, Basketball, Volleyball, and Health. He has been a licensed hypnotherapist, and integrates mind-body-spirit work into his classes. September High School has been his professional home because here he can "facilitate individual growth, rather than forcing students to adhere to a system that wants only to construct 'better' citizens." Aside from teaching, he is he is an avid reader, outdoorsman, and father.

Cameron Hays, Social Studies Teacher, Music Teacher
cameron@septemberschool.org

In addition to his teaching license, Cameron has a BA in Ethnomusicology from Lewis and Clark College , and an MA in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado . Cameron teaches Government, Geography, and History classes, as well as directing September School's music ensembles, and teaches elective courses on Music Theory, Psychology, and more. In class, he shares his passion for humor, historical trivia and political debate. "I love that I can cover subjects of specific interest to my students. Small classes allow me to share my enthusiasm about history with every single student." -Cameron Hays

Lisa Sweeney, English Teacher lisa@septemberschool.org The newest addition to our English Department, Lisa holds a BA in Comparative Literature and Philosophy and a JD from the University of Colorado School of Law. She comes to September School with overseas teaching experience, and she appreciates our emphasis on treating students as individuals. LisaÕs philosophy and approach allow students the latitude to work through their ideas and problems their own ways. ÒI hope to teach my students not what to think, but how to think, and I hope to ignite in them a passion for reading and literature.Ó ÐLisa Sweeney