Coaches
Grant Thomas
Program Director
Grant Thomas teaches speech and debate at East. He earned his BS in Education from the University of Nebraska and his MA in Communication Studies from Arkansas State University. Grant serves as Chair of the Rocky Mountain-South District and sits on the NIETOC Executive Board. He loves leading the DEFT program and there is nowhere else he would rather be.
Noah Kaplan
Coach
Noah Kaplan is an alumnus of East Speech and Debate, and was a quarterfinalist at NSDA Nationals. He graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Creative Writing and English Education. He has worked in the arts, politics, non-profit, and publishing. He coaches interpretation and speech events for the Denver East Forensics Team.
Katie Hellrung
Coach
Katie Hellrung is an Assistant Coach and also teaches English at East. She graduated from DU with a BA in English Education and a MA in Curriculum & Instruction. Her passion for debate comes from work in the journalism and political sectors prior to committing her career to education. She is inspired every day by these young people, who ask the right questions, research significant current events, and give her faith in the future of our Democracy.
Lydia Bohac
Logistics Coordinator
Lydia Bohac is the Logistics Coordinator extraordinaire at DEFT. From navigating the concrete jungle of NYC to negotiating with hotels, Lydia ensures every DEFT trip goes off without a hitch! Between judging rounds and creating arts & crafts, Lydia is always on the look for the best sweet treat on the trip. Trips we couldn't do without her!
Nawledge Brewington
Coach
Nawledge Brewington graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2023 and began coaching at East the next school year. He feels passionately about educating artists and loves coaching East Speech & Debate.