Ms. al

Hello! My name is Tara Al Taei, and I graduated from MSU Denver with my Master’s of Art in Elementary Education. Before I started teaching, I was a special needs paraeducator in the district. A fun fact, I graduated high school from the Cherry Creek School District. 

Outside of teaching, I enjoy lifting weights, attending concerts, and trying new things. I also love spending time with family, friends, and my adorable husky, Kai. I am a huge fan of the Broncos and the Nuggets. 

This will be my first-year teaching, and I couldn’t be more excited to start this journey at Eastridge. I look forward to getting to know the Eastridge community and having a fun year learning!

taltaei@cherrycreekschools.org

(720)747-2226

Ms. blake

Hello! My name is Valerie Blake. This will be my 6th year of teaching and I could not be more excited to be back in Kindergarten after two years in second! I graduated from Black Hills State University with my degree in elementary education with a minor in reading! I can not wait to welcome your child into my classroom! 

vblake@2cherrycreekschools.org

(720)747-2251

Mrs. gates

Hello!  My name is Jaime Gates.  I am a Colorado native but have also lived and taught in Columbus, Ohio.  I attended Colorado State University for my undergrad and I completed my Master's at the University of Colorado Denver in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education.  I am a huge sports fan and especially love the Denver Broncos and Ohio State football!  I also enjoy hiking, biking and anything outdoors! I live in Parker, Colorado with my husband Zach, twin 4 year-olds Harper and Dash and our dog Gus. This will be my 17th year teaching, all of which have been in kindergarten.  This will be my 15th year at Eastridge Elementary.  It is such a special place and I could not be more excited to start this new school year.  

jgates4@cherrycreekschools.org

(720)747-2241

Ms. houck

Hello!  My name is Katie Houck, and I graduated from Saint Louis University in Missouri with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. While at SLU, I was also on the Women’s Soccer Team – I’m a huge soccer fan and love attending games whenever I can! 

Outside of teaching, I enjoy lifting, hiking, and going on adventures. I currently live in Golden, Colorado with my fiancé and our dogs Chance and Louie! 

This will be my 2nd year teaching, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the Eastridge community! 

khouck2@cherrycreekschools.org

(720)747-2273

Ms. nielsen

Hi! My name is Leah Nielsen, and I was born/raised on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. I received my bachelor's degree from the University of Oklahoma (Boomer Sooner!). This is my 3rd year teaching Kindergarten with two years' experience working with students who have special needs. I'm a mom of a 7th grader named Brodie and 3rd grader named Freyja. We moved from the Colorado Springs area this summer and can't wait to be a part of the Eastridge family.  When I'm not in school, we are at the baseball field, volleyball court, pickleball court or basketball court. I love reading and paddleboarding with my family on weekends when the weather cooperates. I'm excited to start this Kindergarten journey with you and your families!  

lnielsen3@cherrycreekschools.org

(720)747-2263

Ms. sherman

My name is Delaney Sherman, I was born and raised in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. I went to the University of Kansas - Rock Chalk - and just graduated this past May with my Education degree. I've grown up in a big sports family and support all of the Colorado teams, but my main team is the Colorado Avalanche! I love reading, going on walks, and spending time with family and friends. I live at home with my parents, Greg and Tamara, and my very best friend, Rocky. He is a 7-year-old Chocolate lab, and he is the best boy! I also have an older sister, Kate, who lives in Boston, but we call every single day. This is my first-year teaching, and I could not be more excited and hopeful for what's to come!  

dsherman@cherrycreekschools.org

(720)747-2222

MRs. Lopez (ELS Specialist)

Hello! My name is Gabrielle Lopez. I was born and raised in Southern Colorado and then moved to the Denver area where I attended the University of Colorado Denver. There I earned my endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education.  I enjoy spending time in the Colorado sun and hiking in the mountains with my dogs, Maggie and Winnie, and my husband Cody.  I am also a huge fan of live music, especially at Red Rocks! This will be my 8th year teaching and my 7th year at Eastridge. I am looking forward to the upcoming year and learning more about you and your family! 

glopez@cherrycreekschools.org

(720)747-2251