Our Staff

My name is Althea Ellis. I am from the beautiful island of Jamaica. I have a Masters of Education in Literacy, a Bachelors in Language and Literacy, and a Teaching Diploma in Literacy and Social Studies. I am thrilled to be a part of the Lower Elementary Team!

Andy Waterman, M.A. in School Counseling, has been working and playing in the Southwest for over twenty five years. “Mr. Andy,” started out as an elementary teacher and then transitioned to be a school counselor over a decade ago. Mr. Andy divides his time between presenting SEL lessons in the classroom and working with students individually and in groups. When not at work he is most likely spending time with his family somewhere in the mountains.

Brenna Spencer is a Colorado-licensed teacher who has been a classroom teacher, American Sign Language Interpreter, and professional photographer for many years. She has been involved in education for decades. Her hobbies include writing books, reading, researching sign language topics, training dogs for Search and Rescue, service dog training, and participating in dog shows nationwide. She is very honoured to work at Kiva with all of our amazing staff, students, and parents!

Mr. K is very excited to join our amazing team as the Assistant Principal! He graduated with Honors from Grand Canyon University with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management, completed PEBC’s Teacher of Record Program, and received his Colorado Teacher license, and is currently enrolled in a Principal Licencing program. He moved to SW Colorado from Phoenix, Az. and has absolutely fallen in love with the Cortez area. In his free time, he can often be found hitting the pickleball courts or the trails on his mountain bike. He is also an avid archer and enjoys exploring the outdoors while hunting, hiking, and camping. He also loves watching his beloved Philadelphia Eagles play football, although they are often known to ruin his Sunday afternoons…haha.

I came to Cortez 21 years ago from Pittsburgh, PA and I love living here for all the various outdoor activities. I have been a registered nurse since 1990. During my time as a Montezuma-Cortez district school nurse from 2004-2020, I achieved my national school nurse certification and was nominated CO School Nurse of the Year. I left school nursing in 2020 to care for my terminally ill husband and to work for Indian Health Services in Towaoc, CO. Last November 2023, I had the joyful pleasure of returning to school nursing part-time at Children’s Kiva Montessori School. I especially enjoy working with parents to help their students be the healthiest that they can be. I encourage parents to reach out to me with any health concerns that I can assist with either through the school office or at [email protected].

I have a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University with a major in Theatre Education and a minor in Mathematics Education. I also have a Master’s degree from Xavier University in Montessori Education. I am licensed as a teacher in Colorado with endorsements in Theatre and Mathematics. This is my tenth year working at Kiva Charter and my ninth year serving in the position of Middle School Teacher.

Ms. Katie is a very passionate educator with a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities, English and Spanish, and two masters degrees in English and Education. She comes from Medellin, Colombia with experience in K-12, as a college professor, and as a head of school for both kindergarten and elementary school! Specializing in the fundamentals of the English and Spanish languages, she not only brings knowledge to her classroom, but also brings charisma, enthusiasm and a love for teaching. Her kindness helps her build strong connections with her students and creates a fun and positive learning environment.

Lurleen McCormick is our Head of School and grew up in a very rural area of SW Georgia. She is embarking on her 20th year in education and 5th year as a principal. She studied Ag & Animal Sci. at Florida A & M University and the University of Georgia, and then she taught sustainable animal production while in the Peace Corps serving in Ecuador, South America. She received her Masters in Education at Regis University and completed her Education Specialist degree in Administrative Leadership & Policy Studies at the University of Colorado. Lurleen loves learning, hiking, snorkeling, and fishing with her family and friends. She is honored and humbled to have an opportunity to put her years of experience and education to use to serve our community.

With a diverse background in graphic design, culinary arts, snowboarding, and computer building, I bring a range of skills to my role as part-time specials teacher. Currently studying medical coding, I was born and raised in southwest Colorado. Outside of school, I enjoy mountain biking and cooking for my wife, and I share my home with two dogs and a tuxedo cat.

 I have an associates degree in science. I have experience with food service. When I moved to Cortez, I started with Kiva as a substitute and did some administrative work and sort of just fell into the finance position. I have one cat and she is spoiled rotten. My husband and I love to explore nature and do rockhounding and panning for gold!

Ms. Panther grew up in Iowa City, Iowa where her parents still live. She studied Biology and Spanish in college and later went back to earn her teaching license. Ms. Panther is teaching P.E. and wellness this year, which will incorporate the school garden and cooking lessons. When not teaching, Ms. Panther spends time in the desert wandering canyons or climbing with her friends.

Hi, I am Robert Rime. My professional educational experience includes being a teacher, principal, superintendent, Tribal Division Educational Director, and a District Career and Tech Ed Director. My current role at Kiva is functioning behind the scenes for administrative and operational duties.