Renu B. Rose is the Head of School and provides leadership in the overall management and administration of the school, as well as direction in the implementation of the vision and philosophy of Mackintosh Academy. She has a Masters in Education from Harvard University with a concentration in Special Education & Administration. She also holds a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.S.) in Human Development and Counseling from Harvard University. Since 1987, she has served in executive management positions in private school programs and specialized in meeting the unique educational and administrative needs of high caliber private schools.
Our staff for the 2010 - 2011 school year is:
Pre-K
Sandy Burke received her Bachelor of Arts in dietetics in 1996 from the University of Northern Colorado. She was then hired by the Tri-County Health Department as an educator for the Women Infant and Children (WIC) program. Her passion for education combined with her love of children inspired her to return school in 1999. In 2001, she graduated from the University of Denver with a Master of Arts in Education. Mrs. Burke has taught multiple grade levels, including pre-school, kindergarten, second, third, and fifth grades. Her personal interests include camping and interior design.
Kelli Wilson received her teaching degree at the Metropolitan State College of Denver, where she focused her studies on Early Childhood Education and Human Development. While earning her degree, Kelli worked as a Social Skills Facilitator within public schools, preschools and after-school programs. Her passion for developing environments and lessons that promote children’s social-emotional development in unison with their love of learning led her to Mackintosh Academy in March of 2008. Outside of the classroom, Kelli likes to run, hike, roller blade, go on bike rides and pretty much any other activity involving the great outdoors.
Kindergarten
Melinda began her education at Pennsylvania State University where she completed the honors program. She then transferred to Edinboro University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with her bachelor's degree in elementary and special education. Melinda began her teaching in North Carolina and then moved to Florida where she has taught at an IB candidate school for the past three years. Through this experience she was extensively trained in the IB programme and philosophy and participated in the authorization process from start to finish. She also had three years of training in reading and writing strategies through Karyn Carlson, a literacy specialist from Columbia University's Teacher College. Melinda's passion in life is education through teaching and personal life long learning. Melinda also treasures time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and creative arts.
1st Grade
Mindy Lambert is a certified Pre-School Director and holds a Colorado class K-6th grade teaching license. Her teaching experiences began in 1975 in public schools and later owned and operated a large day care facility in Littleton. As a top graduate from Loretto Heights College she also holds a degree in art history, fine arts, early childhood education, with additional education in business and photography. Graduate hours include emphasis in gifted studies, reading, art, literature, and history. Ms. Lambert comes with many years of experience teaching and managing elementary and early childhood education and special needs children. She has been with Mackintosh since 1996, opening and implementing our EC/pre K program, and being a lead teacher in 1st and 2nd grades. Ms. Lambert's passion for art is reflected in her teaching style, which integrates art projects with our units of inquiry, history, language arts, and science.
Lara Pausaback
Primary 2
Stephanie Sihpol holds an Associates in Liberal Arts with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education. She has a
BA in Behavioral Science with a customized minor focusing on Early Childhood Ed. Elementary Ed. and Human Services, and a Masters in Educational Counseling. She began working with children fifteen years ago, and her work history includes tutor, teacher, mentor, counselor, and Assistant Director of a day care center. Stephanie started at Mackintosh in 2003 as a substitute teacher, and moved into a full time position as one of the Lead Teachers for the Early Childhood classroom in 2005. Her passion in life is to be a good mother, and feel confident about her contributions to this world. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family and friends, hiking, and biking.
Jennifer Budden
3rd and 4th Grade
Lula Guilbert began her experience in gifted education with her own elementary and secondary education. She went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Liberal Studies from Sonoma State and then earned her Masters of Education from UMass Boston. Throughout her college career, Lula worked with students ranging in age from preschool to high school and her educational philosophy was shaped in part by her interactions with children at various stages of growth and development. Lula moved to Colorado with her family in 2002 and began working at Mackintosh in 2003. She became the lead teacher in the Primary 2 classroom before taking time away to nurture her own young family. She is now one of two lead teachers in our Elementary 1-A classroom. She has a passion for gifted education and also has interests in gardening, paper crafting, dancing and cooking.
Mrs. Melinda McNamee is our Elementary 1-A co-tacher. Lini holds a master's degree in public administration and a bachelor's degree in advertising from Michigan State University but has found a sense of fulfillment in teaching. 'The goal of life is living in agreement with nature' (Zeno). This quote encompasses Lini's love of wilderness, education, and travel. Her interests include her family (Nick and two siberian huskies), reading, gardening and other outdoor activities.
5th - 6th Grade
Joe Pausback, known affectionately as “Mr. P” began teaching at Mackintosh in 1998. He received an undergraduate degree in anthropology and history from the University of Colorado in Boulder. After a brief career as a field archaeologist in Alaska and New Mexico, he retuned to school and earned a secondary social studies license from Fort Lewis College. He later earned a Master’s Degree in elementary education from the University of Colorado at Denver. Mr. Pausback is passionate about his family and outdoor recreation. He is a very enthusiastic rafter, mountain biker, skier/snowboarder, and world traveler.
Delinda Passas received a dual degree in Psychology and Anthropology/Sociology with a concentration in Urban Change and Planning from Western Connecticut State University. She is ardent about children and the honoring of all they are. Delinda has worked as an advocate for children involved in the court system as a result of abuse and neglect and has been committed to advocating for educational needs of gifted children. Delinda loves to play with her family camping, hiking, rafting and reading.
Molly Keishnick.
Angela Mundt.
Middle Years Program
Mrs. Beth Steklac is our Middle School 1 lead teacher and Middle School Science and English instructor. Mrs. Steklac was a co-teacher in Elementary 1 from 2003 – 2007 and is thrilled to now be working with Middle School students. Beth has a passion for mathematics and all things scientific. She loves reading and listening to music. Beth has her Executive MBA from the University of Toronto and her B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s University. When not working with students, Beth loves traveling with her husband and two children. Her most recent adventures include Ottawa, Dubai and Bratislava.
Greg Ashworth-Fanch received his teacher’s licenses through CU of Denver in 2005 by completing the teacher training program at Stanley British Primary where he co-taught under the supervision of two mentor teachers in a multiple-age classroom. Mr. Ashworth earned his BA in journalism with a minor in anthropology through Metropolitan State College. He has also completed nearly 2000 hours of study in therapeutic massage, half of those spent in anatomy, physiology, and neurology, and is a certified massage therapist. Greg has been at Mackintosh Academy since 2005 as the MS2 lead teacher. His passions in life include his family, sharing a love of learning, music, and mountain biking. During rare free moments Mr. Ashworth enjoys playing his blues harmonica, bamboo saxophone, and his Native American flute.
Amber Peterson is the MYP English instructor. Amber received her degree in Journalism from Baylor University in 1995 and her certificate in Secondary Education from Texas Tech in 1996. She has taught 7th grade English as well as sophomore English for nine years. Amber is passionate about raising and nurturing her own children, building strong, meaningful relationships and volunteering within the community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, swimming, and biking.
Performing Arts
Eric Peterson was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA and received his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Juniata College and his Master of Fine Arts from The University of Texas. Eric spent many years in Los Angeles and working in film, television, theatre and voice-overs, and finally teaching for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Eric relocated to Colorado in 2005 and currently he lives in Stapleton with his wife and three children. Eric has been teaching at Mackintosh Academy since March of 2006.
Elizabeth Horne.
Visual Arts
Hunter Lawrence graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in Psychology and is currently completing his B.F.A. in Art History at Metropolitan State College of Denver. Mr. Lawrence started at Mackintosh in 2000. His passions in life in addition to teaching include: his faith, music, dogs, watercolor painting, and Asian aesthetics. In addition, he enjoys yoga, golf, photography, and the ocean.
Jodi Patsiner.
Physical Education
Patty Weston has a B.S. in Education from Emporia State University. Mrs. Weston has been the Physical Education teacher at Mackintosh since 1993. She has outstanding experience working with gifted children and truly enjoys witnessing their physical growth and development. Mrs. Weston also teaches an Elementary math class. Mrs. Weston's positive outlook in all situations is a wonderful model for our children and inspiring to our staff. Her passions in life are her family, tennis, and a variety of sporting activities.
World Language-Spanish
Stephanie Moyer.
Learning Specialist
Stacey Anderson is a certified teacher with a Bachelor of Arts dual degree in Elementary Education & Special Education. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Special Education. Her educational training is from the University of Northern Colorado. She has completed a Resident Internship Program in Programming for the Gifted. She has over 15 years of teaching experience with children ages four to ten years old. Since joining Mackintosh Academy in 2002, Mrs. Anderson has been an Early Childhood, Primary 2 and Elementary 1 lead teacher. Her enthusiasm and passion for children and the learning process is evident immediately upon meeting her. Mrs. Anderson loves spending time with her three children and her husband. She is an avid reader, sings in her church choir and enjoys spending time outside during all four beautiful Colorado seasons.
Curriculum Coordinator
Sharon Muench is the Educational Coordinator and is responsible for curriculum coordination and daily teacher support in the areas of curriculum and instruction. Ms. Muench also coordinates our Information Technology program and provides on-going support to teachers and students regarding IT needs. Ms. Muench has been affiliated with Mackintosh Academy since 1994 as a lead teacher, a co-teacher, a tutor at all age groups, and the technology coordinator. She holds a Masters certificate from the University of Colorado in Web Based Instructional Technology. She has her B.A. from the University of Iowa in English and has her certificate in Secondary English Education. She attends regional conferences regularly for gifted education and subject specific educational needs. She also attends regional IBO conferences annually.
Business Manager
Arleen Brogan-Smith, CPA came to Mackintosh Academy in 2003 after a successful business career in public accounting where she provided tax, accounting, and auditing services to a variety of individuals and businesses. Mackintosh provides her a nurturing place where a balance between professional and personal life is achieved. She graduated summa cum laude, continues professional education annually, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. When not digging in her flower gardens or hiking, Arleen will be found reading, entertaining friends, or working at her passion in life, painting. She is an active member with the Lakewood Arts Council and the Colorado Watercolor Society.
Van Transportation Coordinator
Scott Reetz is our Van Transportation Coordinator. Originally from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Mr. Reetz moved to Littleton in 1978. Scott attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for his undergraduate degree and the University of Nebraska-Omaha for graduate school majoring in Recreation Administration. He retired from Metro State College in 2005 after almost 30 years of working in Recreation Administration. Scott stays busy working part-time with the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Crush, and the University of Denver. He is married with three children and enjoys spending time with his family, officiating, listening to music, and playing racquetball.
Renu B. Rose is the Head of School and provides leadership in the overall management and administration of the school, as well as direction in the implementation of the vision and philosophy of Mackintosh Academy. She has a Masters in Education from Harvard University with a concentration in Special Education & Administration. She also holds a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.S.) in Human Development and Counseling from Harvard University. Since 1987, she has served in executive management positions in private school programs and specialized in meeting the unique educational and administrative needs of high caliber private schools.
Sandy Burke received her Bachelor of Arts in dietetics in 1996 from the University of Northern Colorado. She was then hired by the Tri-County Health Department as an educator for the Women Infant and Children (WIC) program. Her passion for education combined with her love of children inspired her to return school in 1999. In 2001, she graduated from the University of Denver with a Master of Arts in Education. Mrs. Burke has taught multiple grade levels, including pre-school, kindergarten, second, third, and fifth grades. Her personal interests include camping and interior design. 
Kelli Wilson received her teaching degree at the Metropolitan State College of Denver, where she focused her studies on Early Childhood Education and Human Development. While earning her degree, Kelli worked as a Social Skills Facilitator within public schools, preschools and after-school programs. Her passion for developing environments and lessons that promote children’s social-emotional development in unison with their love of learning led her to Mackintosh Academy in March of 2008. Outside of the classroom, Kelli likes to run, hike, roller blade, go on bike rides and pretty much any other activity involving the great outdoors. 
Mindy Lambert is a certified Pre-School Director and holds a Colorado class K-6th grade teaching license. Her teaching experiences began in 1975 in public schools and later owned and operated a large day care facility in Littleton. As a top graduate from Loretto Heights College she also holds a degree in art history, fine arts, early childhood education, with additional education in business and photography. Graduate hours include emphasis in gifted studies, reading, art, literature, and history. Ms. Lambert comes with many years of experience teaching and managing elementary and early childhood education and special needs children. She has been with Mackintosh since 1996, opening and implementing our EC/pre K program, and being a lead teacher in 1st and 2nd grades. Ms. Lambert's passion for art is reflected in her teaching style, which integrates art projects with our units of inquiry, history, language arts, and science.
Stephanie Sihpol holds an Associates in Liberal Arts with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education. She has a
BA in Behavioral Science with a customized minor focusing on Early Childhood Ed. Elementary Ed. and Human Services, and a Masters in Educational Counseling. She began working with children fifteen years ago, and her work history includes tutor, teacher, mentor, counselor, and Assistant Director of a day care center. Stephanie started at Mackintosh in 2003 as a substitute teacher, and moved into a full time position as one of the Lead Teachers for the Early Childhood classroom in 2005. Her passion in life is to be a good mother, and feel confident about her contributions to this world. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family and friends, hiking, and biking.
Lula Guilbert began her experience in gifted education with her own elementary and secondary education. She went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Liberal Studies from Sonoma State and then earned her Masters of Education from UMass Boston. Throughout her college career, Lula worked with students ranging in age from preschool to high school and her educational philosophy was shaped in part by her interactions with children at various stages of growth and development. Lula moved to Colorado with her family in 2002 and began working at Mackintosh in 2003. She became the lead teacher in the Primary 2 classroom before taking time away to nurture her own young family. She is now one of two lead teachers in our Elementary 1-A classroom. She has a passion for gifted education and 
also has interests in gardening, paper crafting, dancing and cooking. 
Joe Pausback, known affectionately as “Mr. P” began teaching at Mackintosh in 1998. He received an undergraduate degree in anthropology and history from the University of Colorado in Boulder. After a brief career as a field archaeologist in Alaska and New Mexico, he retuned to school and earned a secondary social studies license from Fort Lewis College. He later earned a Master’s Degree in elementary education from the University of Colorado at Denver. Mr. Pausback is passionate about his family and outdoor recreation. He is a very enthusiastic rafter, mountain biker, skier/snowboarder, and world traveler. 
Delinda Passas received a dual degree in Psychology and Anthropology/Sociology with a concentration in Urban Change and Planning from Western Connecticut State University. She is ardent about children and the honoring of all they are. Delinda has worked as an advocate for children involved in the court system as a result of abuse and neglect and has been committed to advocating for educational needs of gifted children. Delinda loves to play with her family camping, hiking, rafting and reading.
Mrs. Beth Steklac is our Middle School 1 lead teacher and Middle School Science and English instructor. Mrs. Steklac was a co-teacher in Elementary 1 from 2003 – 2007 and is thrilled to now be working with Middle School students. Beth has a passion for mathematics and all things scientific. She loves reading and listening to music. Beth has her Executive MBA from the University of Toronto and her B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s University. When not working with students, Beth loves traveling with her husband and two children. Her most recent adventures include Ottawa, Dubai and Bratislava.
Greg Ashworth-Fanch received his teacher’s licenses through CU of Denver in 2005 by completing the teacher training program at Stanley British Primary where he co-taught under the supervision of two mentor teachers in a multiple-age classroom. Mr. Ashworth earned his BA in journalism with a minor in anthropology through Metropolitan State College. He has also completed nearly 2000 hours of study in therapeutic massage, half of those spent in anatomy, physiology, and neurology, and is a certified massage therapist. Greg has been at Mackintosh Academy since 2005 as the MS2 lead teacher. His passions in life include his family, sharing a love of learning, music, and mountain biking. During rare free moments Mr. Ashworth enjoys playing his blues harmonica, bamboo saxophone, and his Native American flute. 
Amber Peterson is the MYP English instructor. Amber received her degree in Journalism from Baylor University in 1995 and her certificate in Secondary Education from Texas Tech in 1996. She has taught 7th grade English as well as sophomore English for nine years. Amber is passionate about raising and nurturing her own children, building strong, meaningful relationships and volunteering within the community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, swimming, and biking.
Eric Peterson was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA and received his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Juniata College and his Master of Fine Arts from The University of Texas. Eric spent many years in Los Angeles and working in film, television, theatre and voice-overs, and finally teaching for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Eric relocated to Colorado in 2005 and currently he lives in Stapleton with his wife and three children. Eric has been teaching at Mackintosh Academy since March of 2006. 
Hunter Lawrence graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in Psychology and is currently completing his B.F.A. in Art History at Metropolitan State College of Denver. Mr. Lawrence started at Mackintosh in 2000. His passions in life in addition to teaching include: his faith, music, dogs, watercolor painting, and Asian aesthetics. In addition, he enjoys yoga, golf, photography, and the ocean.
Patty Weston has a B.S. in Education from Emporia State University. Mrs. Weston has been the Physical Education teacher at Mackintosh since 1993. She has outstanding experience working with gifted children and truly enjoys witnessing their physical growth and development. Mrs. Weston also teaches an Elementary math class. Mrs. Weston's positive outlook in all situations is a wonderful model for our children and inspiring to our staff. Her passions in life are her family, tennis, and a variety of sporting activities.
Stacey Anderson is a certified teacher with a Bachelor of Arts dual degree in Elementary Education & Special Education. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Special Education. Her educational training is from the University of Northern Colorado. She has completed a Resident Internship Program in Programming for the Gifted. She has over 15 years of teaching experience with children ages four to ten years old. Since joining Mackintosh Academy in 2002, Mrs. Anderson has been an Early Childhood, Primary 2 and Elementary 1 lead teacher. Her enthusiasm and passion for children and the learning process is evident immediately upon meeting her. Mrs. Anderson loves spending time with her three children and her husband. She is an avid reader, sings in her church choir and enjoys spending time outside during all four beautiful Colorado seasons.
Arleen Brogan-Smith, CPA came to Mackintosh Academy in 2003 after a successful business career in public accounting where she provided tax, accounting, and auditing services to a variety of individuals and businesses. Mackintosh provides her a nurturing place where a balance between professional and personal life is achieved. She graduated summa cum laude, continues professional education annually, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. When not digging in her flower gardens or hiking, Arleen will be found reading, entertaining friends, or working at her passion in life, painting. She is an active member with the Lakewood Arts Council and the Colorado Watercolor Society.
Scott Reetz is our Van Transportation Coordinator. Originally from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Mr. Reetz moved to Littleton in 1978. Scott attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for his undergraduate degree and the University of Nebraska-Omaha for graduate school majoring in Recreation Administration. He retired from Metro State College in 2005 after almost 30 years of working in Recreation Administration. Scott stays busy working part-time with the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Crush, and the University of Denver. He is married with three children and enjoys spending time with his family, officiating, listening to music, and playing racquetball.
