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."
Dan Fox, Principal
Dan Fox became Principal of September High School in 2006. He has a MA in Psychology and is a licensed therapist, but his BA in Computer Science makes him the target of technical questions from students and staff. Currently, he teaches the Chess Class twice a week. Says Dan of why he works 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." He began at September High School as the school's group counselor. About the population we serve Dan says, "Over the years I have 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." Under his leadership, the school is ushering in a new era. "I have tremendous respect for our staff and our community," Dan says. Getting to work with them is an awesome responsibility, but it is also a privilege and a pleasure."
Teachers and Staff
Dan Beliveau
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 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
Prior to teaching at September High School, Angela Beloian was a full-time artist. Her BFA degree is from the University of California, Santa Barbara. 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 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."
Joy Chapman
Joy Chapman (BFA, University of Colorado) is one of September High School's art teachers and is in charge of the school's summer school program. As Director of Arts, she also organizes the after school program "After Hour Arts"-a program that utilizes local artists and artisans. Her innovative programming has been repeatedly highlighted in Boulder's Daily Camera. In the After Hour Arts program, students from September High School mingle with other local teens to learn Didgeridoo (an instrument traditional among aboriginal Australians), Fashion Design, Screenprinting, Graffiti Art, Knitting, Furniture Painting, Photography, and Breakdancing-to name a few. Before joining September School, she had her own studio for five years. She became licensed to teach art in 2005. She likes working with teenagers in art classes because "they are inspiring to me. I feel lucky to be teaching a subject that I share such a passion and love for."
Rob Donoho
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's taken students mountain biking, camping, skiing and climbing for September High School's annual spring trips, as well as leading 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
Forrest Dohono 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 in South America asserts it is more important to our changing nation than most people 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."
Lena Elliott
Lena Elliott has been Operations Manager at September High School since 2006. Professionally, she has worked with youth as an educator, Camp Director, and consultant for over 12 years. Her BS (in Education) is from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Of working with teenagers, Lena says, "I love their energy and intensity. Working with young adults helps me remember always to strive to know myself better, to keep looking for ways to improve the world around me and to always keep an eye out for someone who needs a hand-or a push." As an organization, Lena says, September High School still has a feeling, "even after 34 years" of a grassroots organization. "The passion and support of the staff, the students, and the parents really helps this be a place where anything feels possible."
Leslie Gustason
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."
Miguel Halverson-Ramos
Miguel Halverson-Ramos, prior to focusing on music and music education, was a member of the music group, Cabaret Diosa. The band's travels took him to all over the continental United States as well as across oceans: to Dubai, Germany, and numerous other places. His BA in Viola Performance came from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and he completed an alternative teacher licensure program through Naropa University. He has been involved in music education for fifteen years, four of them at September High School. About his work with teens here he says, "Teenagers are in such a dynamic time of transition and discovery, and it is energizing (and sometimes challenging but always worthwhile) to be a part of that." Miguel's reaches his students though his love of music. "Music is the pulse of your heartbeat, the rhythm of ocean waves, the tone of the cosmos, the sound of your personal voice, a means of enjoyment and communication that involves human culture and individual participation. He currently teaches Guitar, Music Ensemble, Band, and Spanish-"another spoken form of music."
Jeff Hamilton
Jeff Hamilton has a BA in Psychology and Anthropology. His black belt in Tae Kwon Do and being a Reiki master 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 people establish or 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 in growing, rather than forcing them to adhere to a system that only wants to construct 'better' citizens." Aside from teaching, he is he is an avid reader, outdoorsman, and father.
Allyn Harker
Allyn Harker has an MA in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her BA is in Physics. Prior to teaching at September High School she taught high school science in North Carolina and led creative writing workshops at the University of Colorado. She came to September High School in the spring of 2006. Of teenagers, she says, "They are more sensitive to the world around them than adults. Teaching allows me to see the world through their eyes, and I love that." This venue suits her. "At September High School, I have the ability to flex the curriculum to reach the students, and that makes all the difference. Our small classes ensure that each day is a new adventure. In the past, I have found teaching to be isolating; there were days when I adrift in the system and went without meaningful interactions with staff or students. There are no days like that at September High School. We are truly a tightly knit community."
Cameron Hays
Cameron Hays has a BA in Ethnomusicology from Lewis and Clark College, a teaching license in Secondary Social Studies, and is a master's candidate at the University of Colorado at Denver in Educational Psychology. He began teaching at September High School in 2008, about which he says, "I love that I'm not constrained by rigid curriculum, but can cover subjects of specific interest to my students. Small classes allow me to share my enthusiasm about history directly with every single student." When not in the classroom, Cameron works with the summer camp he co-founded, The Adventure Education Company. He is also a co-author of the book, Realm of Shards Cameron says, "I love teaching and learning about history. I also love discussing, debating, and arguing about politics." His classes often spark heated debates. "Teenagers are opinionated," Cameron says. "They form complex connections about social studies every day, yet are still learning new information constantly."
Christa Kriesel-Roth
Christa Kriesel-Roth holds a BA in Secondary English Education and is licensed by the state of Colorado in Secondary Language Arts. She has many years experience teaching English, and 12 additional years of experience teaching in the realm of public health and at a youth homeless shelter. She is trained in the "Our Whole Lives" sexual health education program. About the effect that September High School can work on its students she says, "When a new student comes to September High School, it's usually because she/he hasn't quite 'fit' into the public educational system. New students usually come here believing that school is a daily punishment. To the kids that have previously been undervalued or seen as unworthy of attention, I say over and over again, 'We want you here. I love having you in class! Let's see what you're interested in.' I believe each child has a cemented right to wake up each morning and look forward to what the day may bring, to know that she/he will feel happy and healthy at school. Christa is the Drug and Alcohol Intervention Director, and teaches courses in Health and Child Development in addition to English classes like Folklore, Myth, and Legend. Of teaching Christa says, "What an amazing job I have, to be a steward of happiness and a catalyst for inspiring the love of learning." She has been with September High School since 2006.
Josh Lamson
Josh Lamson earned his degree in Asian studies at the University of Montana. He brings his aesthetic sensibilities to the buildings on campus as the resident Feng Shui expert. "I love the beautiful old buildings and grounds," says Josh. Years of working in group homes and residential treatment programs for teens help him understand September High School's adolescent population. "I love their exuberance and sense of humor." Josh often finds himself engaged in numerous ways during the day, subbing for a class in a pinch, painting a door, or supervising detentions. Of his primary responsibilities he says, "The world needs handymen...or persons." Josh has been with September High School since 2006.