Dr. Ognibene (Dr. O) is excited to serve as coordinator for the Bright MINDS program. He received his Ph.D. in Child Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver in 2002 and has been employed as a licensed school psychologist with Jeffco Public Schools since then, the first 10 years at the elementary level and the past 11 years at Alameda International. He is passionate about helping students overcome challenges related to their academic and social/emotional functioning, and helped develop the Bright MINDS Program. As a licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. O maintains a small private practice specializing in the assessment of dyslexia and related learning disabilities, as well as attentional disorders and executive function skill deficits, among non-Jeffco School students. As a member of the Rocky Mountain Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, Dr. O enjoys keeping abreast of new advances in the field and discussing with others practical ways to implement evidence-based practice for the benefit of all students. When not working, Dr. O enjoys spending time with his wife, their children, and pets. 

Andrea Arguello is an Assistant Principal who provides administrative guidance and oversight to the Bright MINDS Program. In her 9th year at Alameda International, her background includes teaching as a Learning Specialist and serving as the Special Education Department Chair. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education with an endorsement in Secondary Education from the Metropolitan State University of Denver and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Denver. Additionally, Andrea is highly qualified in English Language Arts (7-12), Social Studies (7-12), Elementary Education (K-6), Special Ed Generalist (5-21), and Reading. She is excited to provide administrative guidance and oversight to the Bright MINDS Program, as well as continuing to serve as its Instructional Coach, and has helped develop the Bright MINDS program from its inception. Andrea has a passion for teaching students how to read and realize their potential academically.  Andrea grew up attending Jeffco schools and has made her home in the community. Outside of teaching, she enjoys reading, golf and spending time with her family. 

Sarah is one of the Wilson Level 1 Certified Dyslexia Practitioners in the Bright MINDS Program.   She has a varied international and domestic teaching background ranging in ages from 4th grade all the way to adult education.  She started out teaching Spanish and English in the United States, then earned her Master’s specializing in English as a Second Language while living in Germany where she spent several years.  She is grateful to have completed her Wilson training with her own dyslexic daughter in preparation for the opening of the Bright MINDS Program.  Sarah is thrilled to be part of the team welcoming students with reading difficulties to help them experience success in an otherwise traditional school setting.  In her free time, Sarah loves to ski or swim- depending on the season- and spend time with her family.

Jessica Thurby is a Level I Certified Wilson Reading System instructor and is excited to be a part of the Bright MINDS program. She is a Special Education Learning Specialist at Alameda. She graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2017 majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Special Education concentrating in Childhood Communication. After graduating, she continued her education, doing additional coursework to get her license as a Special education teacher as well as an endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse education. She is passionate about helping students learn and find success. She wants all students to be accepted by their peers and because of that, she strives for opportunities of inclusion. When she is not working, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband, reading books and going camping.