Faculty & Staff - STEM School Highlands Ranch

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Faculty & Staff

STEM School Highlands Ranch faculty and staff are the driving force behind our mission to create future leaders who do good in the world.

Our Team

Leading with Expertise, Inspiring Future Innovators

Our team brings a wealth of expertise across various disciplines, fostering an environment where students are challenged to think creatively, collaborate effectively, and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

Beyond academics, our staff plays an integral role in supporting the emotional and social development of students, ensuring they are well-prepared for success in every aspect of their lives.

Our Staff

Meet the Leadership Team

Our leadership team is committed to advancing the innovative spirit and high standards that define STEM School Highlands Ranch. Their guidance helps shape our programs, drive student achievement, and create an environment where students can thrive.

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Cartier is the founder and owner of Compass Educational Services, Inc., which is a school consultant organization that specializes in helping develop and open new schools. It also helps students transition from middle to high school, as well as into postsecondary. Cartier earned his Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in May of 2005, also from Biola University in La Miranda, Calif.

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Matt Cartier

Chief Innovation Officer

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Kovalesky is the Executive Director of STEM School Highlands Ranch, officially stepping into the role in 2022. She previously served as Elementary School Director and began her career in Arizona. After 11 years of teaching, she moved into leadership roles and earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. Kovalesky relocated to Colorado in 2019 and soon joined STEM.

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LynAnn Kovalesky

Executive Director

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Chaput joined STEM School Highlands Ranch as Director of Human Resources in 2024. He has 30 years of HR experience, holds PHR and SHRM-CP certifications, and earned a bachelor’s in Communication from Emporia State University. A Navy veteran and Parker Rotary Club member, he is passionate about youth sports and volunteers as a football coach.

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Brian Chaput

Director of HR

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Alsup joined STEM School in 2021 after serving as Assistant Principal at Thomas B. Doherty High School. He previously held leadership roles at Evergreen High School and Juneau-Douglas High School in Alaska. Alsup began his career in Douglas County School District in 2000 as a Social Studies teacher before moving into administration. He is passionate about supporting students and staff to ensure all students are prepared for life after high school.

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Ryan Alsup

High School Director

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Ridder is the Middle School Director at STEM School Highlands Ranch, now in her 13th year at STEM. She previously taught English for nine years and held leadership roles in professional development. Ridder holds a J.D. from UOP McGeorge School of Law, an M.Ed. from Regis University, and a Principal Certification from Lamar University. She has directed STEM’s Got Talent for 12 years.

Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.

Maura Ridder

Middle School Director

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McElroy joined STEM in 2020 as K-8 Dean and became Elementary School Director in 2022. She previously taught chemistry for 13 years in Jeffco Public Schools. Passionate about equity in education, she leads STEM’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. McElroy holds a bachelor’s in Biology from Colorado State University and a master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Colorado.

Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.

Amie McElroy

Elementary School Director

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Gasser joined STEM School in 2017 as a fourth-grade teacher and has served as an Instructional Coach, Director of Professional Development, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction. She holds a master’s from Walden University and a National Board Certification in Elementary Education. Passionate about STEM education, she has worked with CDE to develop curriculum for Title One schools.

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Michelle Gasser

Director of Curriculum

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Bio coming soon!

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Samson Barrios

6-12 Dean

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Bio coming soon!

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Jessica Manzanares

K-8 Dean

Join our team

Are you passionate about innovation in education? Do you want to be part of a team that is setting new standards for STEM learning? Explore our Careers page to see current job opportunities and join us in shaping the future of education.

Professional Development

0 %

of teachers believe they receive ongoing support and coaching to improve their practice.*

faculty support

0 %

of new teachers agree that they have instructional and classroom support.*

Student Focus

0 %

of school faculty believe their work is guided by a shared vision that is student-focused.*

Innovative practices

0 %

of STEM teachers feel supported to try new instructional strategies.*

*Results from the Teaching and Learning Conditions Colorado (TLCC) Survey, 2020

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors plays a critical role in shaping the strategic direction of STEM School Highlands Ranch, ensuring that the school remains at the forefront of educational innovation.

Their collective expertise and dedication provide essential oversight, supporting both the school’s mission and its long-term sustainability.

Financial documents & additional board information

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