1st grade teachers

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Renee Biondo, 1st Grade Lead

rbiondo@rca-csprings.org

Hello! My name is Renee Biondo.  I am the First Grade Lead teacher, and a Math Curriculum Coordinator for primary grades at RCA.  I am so proud to be a teacher at Roosevelt because it is where I began my teaching career 17 years ago.   I love teaching first graders because they are so honest, and they say what is on their hearts and minds! They are so enthusiastic about learning, and they grow incredibly from beginning to end of year!

I am originally from Thibodaux, Louisiana.  I am married, and I have three grown children, and one mischievous Flat-coated Retriever.  We have lived in five different states, as well as overseas in Germany due to my husband’s career in the Air Force. Outside of school, I love spending time with family and friends, going on hikes, cooking southern foods, cheering the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers football teams, and tending my rose and flower gardens.

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Stephanie Baron

sbaron@rca-csprings.org

Hello Roosevelt Families, my name is Stephanie Baron and I teach 1st grade. This is my 6th year as a teacher and my 5th year at RCA. I earned my education from UCCS and my degree is in biology for elementary education. Some of my hobbies include hiking and enjoying the outdoors, reading, and spending time with friends and family. I love all things that are Pusheen the Cat related. Teaching is my passion and I am excited for what this school year will bring! 

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Yolanda Lassiter

ylassiter@rca-csprings.org

Hello, my name is Yolanda Lassiter. I have been teaching First grade for three years.  I have been at Roosevelt for about 13 years.  I love taking walks and spending time with my family. I enjoy working at Roosevelt because it is like an extended family. No matter the challenges we face, we conquer them as a team. 

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Vanessa Montes

vmontes@rca-csprings.org

My name is Vanessa Montes and I am very excited to be your child’s teacher this year!

I received my bachelor's and teaching certificate at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

I’m married and have two boys. In my spare time I like to hang out with my family and go on adventures together.

Your first grader will be in store for many meaningful and challenging experiences. I strongly feel that in order for the school year to be successful, it is necessary for the child, teacher, and parent(s)/guardian(s) to work closely together throughout the school year. My passion is teaching and love coming to work each day. I look forward to a great year!

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Diana Aparecio, 1st Grade Paraprofessional

daparecio@rca-csprings.org

Hello, my name is Ms. Diana. This is my first year as a paraprofessional here at Roosevelt. I enjoy working with children, and seeing the excitement in their faces as they learn new things! In my free time I love taking my dogs on walks, working out, and spending time with family.

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Stefanie Hale, 1st Grade Paraprofessional

shale@rca-csprings.org

Hi my name is Stefanie Hale. This is my 3rd year here at Roosevelt. I have been working in a school setting for 18 years, 14 of them as a Para. I am married with two children, a 11 daughter and 7 year old son. Working with children has always been my passion. I truly love my job and have worked with Pre-K through 1st grade. 

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling all over the world. I also enjoy crafting, making T-shirt’s and decals for family and friends. I truly look forward to being with your children every day and am excited to be here at Roosevelt! 

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Gehrig Ensor, 1st Grade Paraprofessional

gensor@rca-csprings.org

My name is Gehrig, and this is my first year with RCA. I've been working in schools for 6 years now and I'm about to finish an Inclusive Early Childhood Education program with UCCS. In my time away from school I enjoy playing frisbee golf around Colorado Springs, watching a good movie, or cooking at home. I'm looking forward to this school year!

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Arieliz Cancel, 1st Grade Paraprofessional