CiMS Counseling Department
Megan Cruz- 6th Grade Counselor
Welcome to Cimarron, 6th graders! Middle School is my favorite place to be! My door is always open!
I grew up in Colorado and am a JeffCo graduate. I taught middle school math for 9 years before becoming a counselor. I coach volleyball at Valor Christian High School, and love to watch all sports! My husband is a PE teacher and baseball coach in DCSD too! We have two daughters: Taelyn (6) and Mazlyn (1). We also have two dogs named Finn and Coqui.
If you have any questions, I can be reached at 720-433-1404 or mcruz1@dcsdk12.org
Valerie Fincher - 7th Grade Counselor
Welcome! I look forward to reconnecting with returning students and connecting with all my new students as you join us in the journey through middle school. I look forward to getting to know each of my students and families. I love middle school and I am happy to provide support to students throughout their time at CiMS; I am a resource for both parents and students. Please stop by and introduce yourself!
I grew up in California where I loved being near the beach. I graduated with my undergraduate degree in psychology from Cal State Fullerton and taught at a non public high school there for 7 years. I moved to Colorado in 2005 when my husband opened a business here so that we would have more family time together. At that time, I went back to school at University of Phoenix for my masters in counseling because my passion is working with kids. I have my LPC and work in private practice as well. I enjoy swimming, biking, and time with my family. My girls have finished college and are now on their own.
If you have any questions, I can be reached at 720-433-1339 or vcfincher@dcsdk12.org.
You can request to schedule a virtual meeting time here. You will receive an email in return including a google meets link when your requested time is confirmed.
Valerie C. Fincher
Krystal Mitchell - 8th Grade Counselor
We made it to 8th Grade!! I am so excited to watch this amazing group of kiddos become 8th graders and head to high school. It has truly been an honor getting to know these students and watching their transformations through this pivitol time in their lives!
I have a passion for Middle School students and I love making connections with kids and helping enhance their education as well as their social emotional skills!I am a Colorado native and attended Douglas County Schools myself, growing up. I love how this school district is always looking for ways to improve and remains student focused. I particularly love the community culture that is created here at Cimarron and look forward to continuing my career here.
I have always found mental health to be an important component to overall health and success. I believe the best way to make a large impact on society as a whole is to support our children and students!
My husband and I have been married for 16 years and have three boys. We love being outdoors hiking, camping, and fishing. We also love our animals dogs, goats, and chickens!
Please reach out:
email: kmitchell4@dcsdk12.org
Phone: 720-433-1365
Kim McNulty - Group Counselor
I am very excited for the 2025/2026 school year and look forward to working with our amazing students and community! I am a proud Colorado native, I earned my Bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from Colorado State University, and my Master's degree in School Counseling from the University of Phoenix. I have enjoyed working in Douglas County for many years as a middle school FACS teacher and school counselor. Middle School is my absolute favorite age, and this year I look forward to being an advocate for students and parents as the Groups Counselor.
If you have any questions, I can be reached at 720-433-1309 or kmcnulty@dcsdk12.org.
You can also request to schedule a virtual meeting time here. You will receive an email in return including a google meets link when your requested time is confirmed.
Kimberly McNulty, M.S.
Kanani Cullum - Group Counselor
Hello! I am honored to be the newest member of your counseling team here at CiMS. I cannot wait to serve this community as a Group Counselor. This is my fourth year as a school counselor in DCSD and my fifth year as a school counselor overall. I also have a few years of teaching in my tool bag. I find my passion in counseling through student advocacy, equity, skill building, and giving students the opportunities to lean into their growing leadership qualities.
I moved to Colorado in 2022 and am an alumni of Sam Houston State University (TX) and University of Denver. Prior to being here, I have lived in many different states and continue to expand my knowledge through my love for travel. When I'm not working, you can find me running, hiking, paddle boarding, reading, cooking, baking, and snuggling my two cats!
Ask me about: National Parks, 14ers, camping, and my summer reading list!
I look forward to building relationships and fostering a community of trust with students, families, and community members this year.
I invite you to reach me at 720-433-1357 or kkcullum@dcsdk12.org
CiMS Special Education Department
Taylor Risner - School Social Worker
This will be my fifth year as a school social worker. I graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in psychology and went on to pursue a masters in social work at Washburn University. I have a passion for connecting with middle schoolers and helping them be their best selves.
You may reach me at 720-433-1314 or trisner@dcsdk12.org