Student Support Services

Mission Statement
To support students academically, socially, emotionally and with career readiness skills, by building relationships with various stakeholders. We help to create an educational environment that is safe and free from discrimination, that allows for equal access to curriculum and classroom instruction.

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Kyrie Adams, Director of Student Support Services/Counselor

Kyrie has worked in Education for over 20 years. Originally from New York, she taught in the greater D.C. area for 7 years and then moved to Colorado to complete her graduate program. Kyrie joined the JA staff August 2010. She has a BS in Secondary Education from Liberty University and an MA in School and Community Counseling from Denver Seminary. Kyrie also holds credentials as a Special Services Provider (SSP), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) specializing in adolescent, adult, and family therapy. She also has three kids that attend JA. You can email Kyrie  or call 303-465-7621.

Marissa Colwell, Social Worker

Marissa is entering her 4th year as a school social worker and first year at JA! Marissa earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wyoming in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She then attended Metropolitan State University of Denver where she received her Master of Social Work degree. Marissa is a Colorado native who enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking, camping, traveling, and cooking. She is passionate about serving students, their families, and the community. You can reach Marissa at mcolwell@jajags.com.

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Marcella Dasta, SEL Coordinator/Teacher/Counselor

Marcella has worked at Jefferson Academy for over 20 years, in various capacities. Currently, she teaches JH and HS Spanish, College Psychology through Front Range Concurrent Enrollment Program, and is also an advisor for Sources of Strength at JA. Marcella earned her MS in School Counseling and MS in Psychology from University of Phoenix. Marcella’s four children graduated from Jefferson Academy. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading a good book, and cooking for fun. You can email Marcella at mdasta@jajags.com. 

Kristin DeFiore, ELA Interventionist

This is Kristin's eighteenth year in education and her seventh year at Jefferson Academy. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in speech communication and her minor in English from Metropolitan State University. In addition, she earned her master's degree in Education from the University of Phoenix. She has worn many hats at JA, including 9th grade English teacher, Internship Coordinator, and currently Literacy Interventionist. When she's not at school, you can find her at church, hiking, biking, reading, listening to live music, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.  You can reach her at kdefiore@jajags.com

Angela LeValley, Post-Secondary Advisor

Angela LeValley has worked in higher education for over 20 years. She has held various positions including Director of Tivoli Student Union on the Auraria Campus, Director of Student Activities at Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Hall Director at San Diego State University and CU Boulder.  Angela earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology and speech communication and her master’s degree in communications. She is a first-generation college student and is a proud alum of the University of Northern Colorado. Angela believes that happiness can be found in the simplest things including a Venti Iced Coffee from Starbucks! Angela joined JA in May 2021. You can email Angela at alevalley@jajags.com.

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Tricia Rosenwinkel, Learning Specialist.

Tricia brings over 20 years of teaching experience to JA, encompassing all ages of students and in a variety of roles. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Idaho in Elementary Education with Reading and Special Education Endorsements.Tricia is passionate about equitable education, assuming positive intent and kindness! Outside of teaching, Tricia loves spending time with her family and dog, cooking, hiking, yoga and watching movies. You can email Tricia at trosenwinkel@jajags.com.

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Scott Schwartz, Speech Language Pathologist

Scott Schwartz is a speech language pathologist who has worked in the schools for more than 35 years. Scott received his M.A. degree from Ohio University and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Scott taught in the Boston Public Schools; the Madison Metropolitan School District in Wisconsin and spent 28 years working in the Boulder Valley School District. Scott’s interests include autism spectrum disorder, the impact of poverty on academic achievement, and trauma informed care.  Scott was a BVSD district autism consultant for 4 years and focused on teaching others about autism and providing appropriate programming for individual students.  Scott teaches graduate level classes at CU-Boulder in the Speech Language and Hearing Sciences department. He loves to travel, hike, bike and eat good pastries along the way. You can email Scott at sschwartz@jajags.com.