Vanderhoof Special Education Providers
Katie Hart
Learning Specialist
Katie.Hart@jeffco.k12.co.usI am a Jeffco graduate. I went to elementary school at Slater, Everitt Middle School, and Wheat Ridge High School. I completed my undergraduate at the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo with a degree in communication disorders.
In 2nd grade, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. After my undergrad, it was my work as a 1 to 1 para-educator for a child with autism that really “sealed the deal” for me to work with kids with learning difficulties. I went back to school to obtain a dual license for general education and special education, along with a masters in special education. I am currently in my 20th year of teaching and enjoy it every day!
I am married and have 10 year old daughter. We also have a dog named Pookie and puppy named Pax. We enjoy camping, bike rides, playing games, and laughing.
I love playing softball and scrapbooking.
Nycole Bennecke
Learning Specialist
Nycole.Bennecke@jeffco.k12.co.usI grew up in Southern California and moved out to Colorado in 2011. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Special Education from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In February of 2021, I completed my master’s degree in Reading with an emphases in Elementary from Grand Canyon University. I am excited to be returning to Vanderhoof for a 4th year.
When I am not at school, I enjoy reading books, spending time with my family, gardening, and spending time outside. My husband and I have three daughters. As a family, we love to go outdoors to take hikes, go to rivers to play in the water, and take family road trips during the summer.
Rachel Switzer
Mental Health Provider
Rachel.Switzer@jeffco.k12.co.usI grew up in San Diego, California and moved to Colorado in 2004 to attend CU Boulder and never left! I taught preschool in Boulder and Denver for 3 years before going to graduate school at Metro State, where I received my Master’s of Social Work in 2013. After graduating, I worked as a social worker providing case management for families living in Section 8 Housing and then became a school social worker in Jeffco, where I have been for the past 8 years. This is my fourth year at Vanderhoof and I am so proud to be part of this team and community. I became a school social worker because I love making connections and working with kids and their families in a creative and constantly changing environment. I enjoy helping students navigate different challenges and choices while helping them to be successful in school.
My husband, Nick, and I have two children, Evan, 4, and Lilah, 1, as well as a dog and cat. We love to spend time together enjoying all of Colorado’s outdoor activities and visiting my family in Southern California.
Amy Park
Speech and Language Therapist
amy.park@ jeffco.k12.co.us