Our Team

Tera Helmon Zazenski brings more than thirty years of experience in education in such diverse roles as bilingual teacher at the elementary level, elementary school principal, executive director of elementary education for the Cherry Creek School District, assistant superintendent for learning services for Littleton Public Schools, adjunct professor at University of Colorado Denver, and leadership consultant. She holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, an M.A. in Educational Administration, and a B.A. in Elementary and Special Education. Dr. Zazenski (also known as “Dr. Z”) possesses a proven track record leading schools through significant transitions, and she has led initiatives to promote excellence and equity within educational systems. Dr. Zazenski’s experience with navigating change, coupled with her focus on fostering collaboration, positions her well to provide effective leadership within our unique educational environment.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Z enjoys time with family, traveling, writing, and voraciously reading. She is always eager to delve into new books and expand her knowledge.

Lara Pausback holds both a Colorado teaching license and a Colorado Reading Teacher license. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Colorado Boulder and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Colorado Denver. Additionally, she is trained in the Orton-Gillingham reading approach. Ms. Pausback has worked in a variety of teaching environments, including public and private settings, and has held roles ranging from reading intervention and gifted enrichment to elementary classroom teacher before joining Mackintosh Academy.

Annie Slothower has been part of the Mackintosh Academy community since 2015. Annie is a parent of two Mack alums who graduated in 2021 and 2024. She also served as a member of the Board of Trustees for six years. In addition to her deep understanding of and commitment to Mack’s mission, Annie brings a professional background in development and marketing to this position. She earned her undergraduate degrees in business administration and communication and holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management. Knowing firsthand the transformational power that is possible when finding the right environment to support a child’s unique learning profile, Annie could not be more grateful for the opportunity to partner with families and students who will benefit from Mack’s caring culture and gifted programming.

Maria Cardona completed her Social Communication degree from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia and has taught in Ohio and in the Cherry Creek School District in Colorado. Maria worked for Cherry Creek Schools both in the classroom and as a translator and interpreter. She is very passionate about languages and Hispanic/Latino cultures and loves education. Always pursuing new challenges, Maria has taught Spanish to our students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, and is currently working with our third through eighth graders. Maria has been part of the Mackintosh Academy community since 2010. Maria loves exploring Colorado and the Rocky Mountains.

Roger Chow, MYP Individuals and Societies Teacher, holds a Colorado teaching license as well as a Colorado Reading Teacher license. He earned his bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Middlebury College in Vermont as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Denver. He is trained in the inquiry-based instructional approach by Dr. Lauran Resnick from the Institute for Learning at the University of Pittsburgh. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree, Roger traveled the globe to seek out unique experiences and people. He began as a paraprofessional in Broward County, Florida, then moved to Denver where he taught in Denver Public Schools, until moving to Tacoma, Washington to take on the role of Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Roger returned to Colorado and served as Executive Director of Secondary Education for Pueblo City Schools.

Jess Dauchy joined Mackintosh Academy in July 2024 as finance manager through CFO Selections, a finance and business consulting firm. Jess started her professional career as a high school math teacher, teaching in public, independent, and charter schools. A self-described “cheerful math nerd,” Jess was struck by the need for financial and operational expertise in nonprofit and school settings, and left teaching to obtain a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado. For the past fifteen years, Jess has served as CFO, COO, and similar roles with a variety of nonprofit organizations, including serving as CFO for Mack Boulder. Outside of work, Jess is an adventurer at heart who is often outside skiing, climbing, hiking with her husband and dog, and more recently, learning how to mountain bike.

Grace Garrow joined our team in 2024. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education with additional certification in early literacy. Grace has taught in a wide variety of K-12 schools both in the states and Ireland. Most recently, Grace worked at Kipp Northeast Elementary as a Third grade teacher as well as an executive in the school’s early literacy initiative committee. Grace has a passion for empowerment and was a head coach for Girls on the Run which inspires individuals of all abilities to discover, build and grow their self-confidence. Originally from St.Louis, Grace loves watching sports, traveling and experiencing new cultures.

Brynn Jaouen-Starr has a master of arts degree in K-8 education and a bachelor’s degree in communication and theater arts, as well as over twenty-five years of experience as a teacher, mentor teacher, and administrator. Prior to teaching at Mackintosh, Brynn worked at Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma, Washington and Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington. Brynn enjoys spending time with her family, who live together as three generations in their home. Brynn and her wife are current Mack parents of a middle schooler. Brynn plays fiddle and sings Irish music, and she has recorded five studio albums. She enjoys cooking, backyard bird watching, and photography.

Kelly Kates was born in Montreal, Canada and raised in Nigeria and Northern British Columbia. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver. She shares her passion for service with Mack students in her additional role as service learning coordinator. Kelly shared her teaching expertise at the Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented Association’s conference in a presentation entitled “The Power of Play in Helping with Anxiety and Perfectionism.” Kelly was a counselor and teacher for ten years at Options Alternative High School, where she led the school drama, dance, and choral programs. Kelly has worked as an actress and choreographer in Denver for over twenty years, receiving recognition from the Denver Post and the Colorado Theatre Guild. She loves sharing her passion for the performing arts with children and youth and founded the children’s program at Town Hall Arts Center in Littleton. Before coming to Mackintosh, she taught musical theater and tap dance for Centennial Academy of Fine Arts Education and the drama enrichment program for Wilder Elementary. Kelly and her husband live in Littleton and have two dancing daughters. She enjoys international travel with her family, and has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity in El Salvador and Canada.

Jodie Leatherman joined our staff in 2024, bringing eighteen years of experience in education in both the elementary level and in special education. Jodie has also held the role of IB curriculum coordinator and most recently served as assistant principal at Bradley International School. Jodie holds a master’s degree in education with an elementary education endorsement and special education endorsement. In addition, she holds a Colorado teaching license and Colorado principal authorization. Jodie brings expertise in learning differences as well as extensive experience as a teacher coach and mentor. Jodie enjoys spending time in the mountains enjoying outdoor activities with her family (including a Mack alum and a current Mack student). She loves to play in the snow by skiing and to enjoy the warm sunshine by playing tennis. Her family enjoys traveling and spoiling a very cute pup!

Uta Letbetter is a native of Colorado and joined Mackintosh Academy as a part-time teacher associate in the pre-K classroom in January 2022. She is a Fulbright Scholar and has a bachelor’s degree in English and German and a business minor from the University of Denver. She is Early Childhood Education (ECE) lead teacher certified and has plans to earn her master’s degree in early childhood education. Prior to joining Mackintosh Academy, Uta worked as a co-owner and primary administrator of a Denver-based retail and wholesale import/export business for 25 years. Uta lives with her husband, has two energetic students in College, and Rooney, their family cockapoo. She has lived in Germany and Shanghai and has many volunteer hours in both the public elementary and British International elementary schools that her sons attended. Uta is passionate about creating and supporting a joyful and creative environment which instills a joy and passion for learning among our youngest students. She loves to spend time with her family and friends, and likes to hike, canoe, snowboard, read, travel, and write.

Lisa Lewis earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Colorado Boulder and has worked as a paraprofessional in public schools since 2013. She recently received her teaching degree from the University of Colorado Denver. Ms. Lewis is trained in the Orton Gillingham instructional method and has worked with youngsters all her life. She was attracted to Mackintosh for its mission-driven approach to working with gifted students. Lisa loves fostering animals, reading, gardening, and raising her son.

Nancy Muhich is originally from Toledo, Ohio. She was educated at Miami University, OH in marketing, but came to teaching as a second career. She learned her teaching trade through the Stanley British Teaching Program, and completed her master’s degree in education at University of Colorado Denver. Nancy started teaching at Mack in the fall of 2013. The strong culture of kindness at Mackintosh was a terrific fit with Nancy’s natural cheery disposition, and she loves teaching her students through the units of inquiry in the International Baccalaureate program. Nancy loves sparkles, children, and dogs, dabbles in crafting, and is a roller coaster enthusiast.

Erin Noonan holds a masters of arts degree in School Counseling and a Colorado Special Services Provider license. Erin’s school counseling experience includes supporting the social and emotional learning (SEL) of diverse elementary, middle, and high school students. As a mother of two teenage boys who are both gifted and twice-exceptional, Erin has a passion for empowering youth to embrace their individual differences. Erin grew up in Littleton and her family enjoys all things mountains, including camping, hiking, and skiing. Traveling and adventuring with her two sons brings her great joy. Erin is so grateful to be a new member of the amazing Mackintosh community!

Josh Onderdonk, Physical/Health Education Teacher, has a teaching license in both Physical Education as well as Health Education in Colorado. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. After graduation from Canisius, he spent a year with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest, which serves underprivileged groups in the greater Northwestern United States. Josh served as a volunteer at St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, Montana, which serves the Crow and Northern Cheyenne reservations. He served as the academic support to all high school students, as well as a substitute teacher when needed. After his year of service, he stayed at St. Labre as a physical/health education teacher. After three years of teaching at St. Labre, Josh moved to South Bend, Indiana (Go Irish!), where he spent the next five years teaching at Success Academy Charter School. When not teaching at Mack, Josh is doing something pertaining to sports or outdoor activities. He loves hiking in the mountains with his wife Sam, and takes any chance he can get to hit the links. Josh and Sam are also the proud parents of a 140 pound St. Bernard/Great Dane mix.

Pilar Ricke Zegers joined Mackintosh as a kindergarten teacher in fall 2023. Pilar also teaches Spanish to our pre-kindergarten through second grade students. Pilar was born in Chile and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Humanities and Art from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Her journey as an educator began as an art teacher in elementary schools, during which time she pursued her master’s degree in International Education at Melbourne University in Australia. Pilar’s dedication to education led her to specialize in the Primary and Middle Years Programme under the International Baccalaureate. During her teaching experience, PIlar realized the remarkable impact of arts on children’s learning in all subjects, prompting her to further her expertise in elementary education and to obtain a teaching license. At Northwestern University, she earned endorsements in Spanish, visual arts, and bilingual/ESL education. Her master’s thesis focused on creating an educational environment that fostered hands-on experiences with natural materials, investigating its influence on students’ curiosity. Beyond the classroom, Pilar finds solace in the great outdoors, often engaging in hikes, mountain biking, and skiing. When indoors, she indulges in her passions for baking delicious treats, drawing, and sewing.

Sarah Schultz joined the Mackintosh team as a parent in 2018 and as office manager in 2019. In 2023, she joined our teaching staff as a second grade teacher. Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Colorado College and a master’s degree in education policy from the University of Colorado School of Education. She is currently enrolled in a graduate-level teacher preparation program through the Friends School in Boulder. Prior to coming to Mackintosh, she was the Director of International Programs at Colorado College, where she advised students interested in study abroad, worked with faculty to design new overseas programs, and provided support to the international students on campus. She has two children, one of whom is a middle school student at Mackintosh Academy. She loves reading, baking, listening to podcasts, and maintaining her Wordle streak.

Ocean Sehlmeyer earned her early childhood education director’s certificate at Arapahoe Community College in 2016, and in 2020 she completed her master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education at the University of Colorado Denver. She is currently completing additional graduate work in educational coaching to be a supportive resource for fellow educators. Ocean’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the inquiry-based educational model that promotes creative thinking, independence, and problem-solving. As a teacher she intentionally provides moments and materials that spark curiosity and a love of learning while also building a community of compassionate students. Ocean lives in Sedalia with her husband Jesse. They have dogs, cats, and even a couple of sheep! Her daughters are both in college attending the University of Colorado and Colorado State University. Ocean enjoys traveling, both locally and abroad, whenever possible.

Ryan Thimsen received his Early Childhood Assistant Teacher certificate from Arapahoe Community College this past May and is pursuing his full early childhood educator certification. He has served as the on-staff substitute teacher for Mackintosh and is excited to start his first year as full-time teacher, serving as the assistant to both the pre-K and kindergarten classrooms. Before coming to Mackintosh, Mr. Thimsen worked as a server at Shanahan’s Steakhouse in Denver; he’s also known for his delicious cooking as a caterer. He grew up in Littleton where he lives with his wife, Carrie Ann, three children (two of whom attend Mack) and his nephew. Ryan enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, live music, and spending time with his two dogs and six chickens.

Nick Vialpando attended Colorado Mesa University where he received a Bachelor of Fine Art in Studio Art. He then went to The University of Mississippi, earning a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art with an emphasis in sculpture and three-dimensional media. Before coming to Mackintosh, Nick was most recently the gifted arts coordinator for Colorado Early Colleges Castle Rock (a high school program that allows students to concurrently take college level classes). A Colorado native, Nick is also a professional artist using metal casting as his main medium, and he is a member of Next gallery in Lakewood. Outside of teaching and art he is the team captain of a competitive trading card game team sponsored by Level 7 Games. His artwork can be viewed at compleatartworks.com

Tami Vinson joined Mackintosh in 2019 and is a parent of a Mack student. Tami leads the development program and philanthropic efforts for the school. Prior to joining Mackintosh, Tami was a fundraising consultant with Dini Spheris, where she worked with various non-profit organizations including more than a dozen independent schools. Tami brings over twenty years of fundraising experience and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Auburn University, a master’s degree in management in non-profit organizations from the University of Georgia, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Philanthropy and mission have been in Tami’s vocabulary since she was a young volunteer. Today, Tami still gives her time actively to various nonprofit organizations including serving as a Past Chair of the Steering Committee for the Institute for Leaders in Development program at the University of Denver, a program of which Tami is also a graduate. Tami has also served as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Colorado Chapter and National Philanthropy Day Chair. Tami comes from a family of educators and is inspired and fueled by Mackintosh Academy’s mission of keen minds, compassionate hearts and global action.

Paige Wohlert handles everything from managing an endless influx of packages to greeting campus visitors to providing care for kids with ouchies or sniffles! Paige joined Mackintosh in the fall of 2023; she loves the school’s vision of nurturing each child’s unique natural brilliance and looks forward to supporting both parents and children in her role. Paige holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Colorado State University. An avid cook, she worked for Williams Sonoma for many years. She also managed the office for Anderson Greenscapes, a local landscaping firm. Paige and her husband are parents of three children and a Great Pyrenees dog named Petal. In her spare time, Paige enjoys playing tennis, creating, reading and hiking.

Anne Wolf is our Middle Years Programme Language and Literature Teacher, and previously served as MYP Learning Specialist, collaborating with our team in serving the needs of our gifted and twice-exceptional students. Anne has over 30 years of experience in gifted education, both in the classroom and in leadership roles. She earned her Master of Science in Education at the University of Southern California and her undergraduate degree at Penn State. Prior roles include Coordinator of Gifted Education in Adams 12 School District, Associate Director of Curriculum at the Ricks Center for Gifted Children in Denver, and a wide variety of Gifted and Talented roles in both Colorado Springs 11 and Douglas County School Districts. She has been involved in Future Problem Solving for many years, and has been the Colorado Affiliate Director for the last ten. In her spare time, Anne enjoys creating textiles and dabbling in textile arts, kayaking, photography, and reading.