Staff

I have the distinct honor of being the principal for The Digital School and Achieve Online. I’m also very fortunate in that I get to work alongside the very best teaching and support staff in the business! We pride ourselves on communication and can ensure you that your student will be completely supported when attending our schools. Feel free to call/email/text me as I love hearing feedback on how we can improve our educational practices. “Hakuna Matata!!”

I have been teaching English and various electives over my many years with Achieve Online. My favorite part of this job has always been connecting with students. I am constantly looking for new ways to communicate and build relationships. On a personal note, my husband Steve and I enjoy spoiling our grandkids. When I have time off, I like to read and garden and cook and travel. One of my happiest places is at a country music concert! Yee Haw

I am really excited to be the art teacher at Achieve Online! I look forward to getting to know all of my students and watching them grow as artists! I am originally from Iowa and have a BA in Visual Arts from Grandview College in Des Moines. From St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX, I received a Master’s in Human Services with a specialization in Counseling. I also have a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Technology from UCCS. In 2016, I graduated from CSU Pueblo with a Master’s in Education, specifically in Art Education. At CSU Pueblo, I took the coursework needed to obtain my K-12 teaching endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, as well. When I am not teaching, I spend time with my family and friends and enjoy hiking, creating art, gardening, reading, and traveling.

I am so excited to be working with all of you this year. I have taught Social Studies in both Arizona and Colorado. My bachelor's degrees are in History and Anthropology and I obtained my M.Ed. in Special Education. I look forward to exploring the past and our current society with you as we prepare for our journey into the future.

Hi! I am looking forward to getting to know you as we explore math together. Math can be so much fun. My goal is to empower you with tools you can use to solve all kinds of problems like how to plan a trip or budget for a new hoodie. When I am not teaching math, I like to play in the mountains with my family. My husband and I have two super kids and two wonderful dogs.

I graduated from Colorado State University in 2009. I've worked with Achieve since and couldn't imagine a better place.

I’m originally from Iowa but excited to call Colorado my new home. I graduated from Luther College, where I earned a degree in education and specialized in teaching mathematics. I’ve been a proud educator every since. Recently, I became an online student myself and earned a Masters Degree in Learning and Technology from Western Governers Univesity. In my free time, I enjoy riding and racing my bicycle. I enjoy teaching at Achieve Online because I know each day I can make a difference for my students by helping them with precisely what they need the most.

I was born in Hastings, NE and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Yes, I am still a Corn Husker at heart! My passion for hiking and the great outdoors brought my husband and me to Colorado. I returned to college and earned a master’s degree in school counseling from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. The thing I like best about working at Achieve Online is the honor of working with each student/family and their unique educational needs.

I was born in Chicago, but moved to Colorado at age 14. I worked in retail for 30 years before coming to work for District 11. I am married and have one son that graduated from Doherty HS. I enjoy traveling, reading and am currently singing in a band!

I have been an Educator since 1971 and in D11 since 1975 teaching grades Pre K through college. CEO of Education Resources, Adjunct Professor for Cal State University, Brandman University, and Colorado Consulting, Dance Instructor, Musical Theatre Director of Center Stage, and Private Music Instructor are all current Professions as well. Being at Achieve is my favorite! I love our students! My hobbies are dancing, running, tennis, skiing, and hiking with the loves of my life, Chaucer, my King Charles Cavalier, Koda and Simba, my Huskie Granddogs, and Cali, a tri color King Charles Cavalier puppy. Maui, Hawaii and Disneyland are my favorite places.

Achieve is a great place to be and I look forward to continuing to help and support our students and their families. I grew up in New Mexico but have lived in Colorado for 18 years. My husband and I are devoted dog parents and when I am not inside reading a good book, I love being outside doing things like hiking, biking, and pickleball.

I am the counselor for students last names A-K at Achieve. I have been a counselor in D11 since 2007. I have a BA in Psychology and English Literature as well as my MA in Counseling and Human Services. My goal is to see each student for who they are while working on who they want to become. I absolutely love being able to help my students turn their dreams into reality while helping them find their right path. In my free time, I love to do crossword puzzles wrong, dye my hair, dance, spread glitter, and listen to all of the music. She/her/hers.

I am very honored and excited to be the Assistant Principal at Digital High and Achieve Online. I was born and raised here in Colorado Springs. After graduating from Montana State University, I came back to Colorado Springs to start my teaching career. During my career, I have been an elementary teacher, a high school math, technology, and online teacher, a building technology coordinator, and an online credit recovery coordinator. In my free time, you can find me cheering on my two boys at their sporting events, hiking with my family, trying new restaurants, traveling, skiing, and biking. It is hard to imagine a better way to start my 25th year in education, than working with the staff and families to do great things for our students.

I earned a BA in Mass Communications from CSU-Pueblo in 2005 and worked in radio for five years. After that, I worked at the D11 Admin office for seven years before joining the Achieve/Digital team in 2012. Best career change ever! I'm a Colorado native with a husband in the military and a daughter in preschool. I love working with students, parents, and staff. I like spending time with my family (very important), hiking, running, biking, kayaking, and trying new adventures. It makes me happy when I enroll a student and then see that student walk across the stage as they receive their dipla. This is when I know my team did a great job!

I hold a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning through CSU-Global. Before becoming a teacher, I earned my BS in Human Biology with minors in Chemistry and Pre-Med from UCCS in 2005. I spent many years in the medical field, but I eventually realized my true calling was teaching. I am very passionate about science, and it is my goal to help students find something in life that they love to do! Making a difference in the lives of students who face difficult situations is incredibly rewarding. Being a part of the Achieve team has been a blessing for me and my family, and has allowed me to spend more time taking care of my three-year-old daughter with medical special needs. I am a proud Colorado Native and love to spend time outdoors with my family. I am excited to continue my adventure at Achieve Online this year!

This is a wonderful place to learn and work – I hope you join us! A quick blurb about me: I grew up in the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico. The next chapter found me at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Thanks to my Naval service and time in development work, I learned about the importance of believing the best in others and working together. I count my blessings every day I get to spend with my wonderful wife and four great daughters in our beautiful state.

I graduated from Western Illinois University’s teacher program and then worked in insurance and marketing before returning to teaching. I earned my Master’s in Teaching English as a Second Language from The College of New Jersey, and I have taught English and English as a Second Language to high school and middle school students in Illinois, at an American international school in Brazil, and, now, in beautiful, sunny Colorado. I prefer teaching in alternative school settings because of our unique ability to better meet the needs of our students. I am looking forward to getting to know my students and to learning with you all this school year!

After teaching middle school, I decided to make the move to high school. I look forward to the challenge of something new and am excited to try new things! I graduated in 2010 from UCCS with a BS in Biology and then went on to earn my Masters in Teaching from USC. I was raised in a family of teachers so I am a life-long learner and born to be an educator. I grew up in Pueblo so I’m a Colorado native and love this beautiful state. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my two daughters and husband in the outdoors. I enjoy running long distance so if you see me at a local 5K, say hello!

Josh Smit grew up in Manitou Springs, Colorado and went to college at the University of Northern Colorado. He graduated in 2000 with his degree in Kinesiology. Josh started his teaching career at Arapahoe Community College in Denver where he taught Physical Education and Fitness classes. In 2002, he returned to the University of Northern Colorado to complete his Master's degree in Physical Education with an emphasis on Pedagogy. After completing his Master's degree, Josh returned to teaching at Nikola Tesla Opportunity School. He taught Physical Education and Science courses for twelve years at Nikola Tesla. Josh is currently the Physical Education and Health teacher at Achieve Online School. He coordinates club activities and enjoys creating community with the students. His hobbies include travel, sports, hiking, skiing, building computers, and listening to audio books.

My name is Jacob Stiedemann and I am the new High School Special Education teacher at Achieve Online and Digital High School. I was born in Wisconsin and am a huge Packers fan. I have a multitude of degrees in Economics, Anthropology, History, Special Education, and Accounting. I was formally an Anthropologist who worked with at risk youth in Residential Treatment Facilities and Foster Care but got into teaching about ten years ago. I’ve taught in Special Education, History, and have had coteaches in the Sciences and Mathematics. I love Archaeology, Subaltern History, Economic Theory, and am raising a son with my wife. I’ve published multiple articles on water finance and infrastructure as well as educational finance.

Before becoming an educator I was a Geochemist. I truly believe that science is everywhere in today’s world, and I look forward to getting to know you, as you get to know the world around you better. I have taught science in oceans, caves, colleges, and classrooms, and I am truly excited to share this journey with you. Teaching at Achieve Online is a dream come true, and the other loves of my life are one girl and my husky Koda. When not delving into the scientific mysteries of the universe, you might find me with a bike, tent, snorkel, and some skis in my truck, headed for the wild unknown.

I am so excited to join the Achieve team this year! I am originally from Louisiana, where I earned a BA in Psychology, a MAT in Secondary English Education, and an EdD in Curriculum and Instruction. In 2020, my family decided to move to Colorado Springs, and we absolutely love it. This is my 9th year of teaching, and I am thrilled to be able to share my passion for English and Literature with others. I have an amazing spouse and three silly kids who keep me busy. When I’m not teaching, you can find me reading, painting, scrolling TikTok, or tap dancing!

I dreamed of the mountains as a kid growing up in Oklahoma, so when the Army recruiter said he could get me stationed in Colorado I signed the dotted line. I chose to stay in Colorado Springs after my four-year enlistment ended and attended Pikes Peak Community College, then transferred to UCCS for my bachelors and masters degrees. I have taught in many other schools, to include a maximum security detention center, and Mitchell and Palmer High School in Colorado Springs. I currently teach at Achieve Online because it reminds me of the alternative school that I graduated from, which saved me from dropping out of high school before earning that vital diploma. I believe that every student is unique, and therefore needs a unique education.