Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Kindergarten
Della Sperry
Kindergarten Teacher (ELA-E)
Classroom Teachers, Elementary, Kindergarten
Hi! This is my second year as a Kindergarten teacher at Howell and I am so happy to have the opportunity to work alongside some wonderful people here! I went to college at the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University and earned a degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Childhood. I also have an English Language Learner certificate. Over the past several years, I have taught preschool, kindergarten, second grade, and fifth grade. I have a husband and two children, both in their twenties. My husband and I moved to Denver a few years ago and have been enjoying all the hiking, camping, off-roading, exploring and moose watching that the Denver area has to offer.
1st Grade
Mildre Cuenca-Rincon
1st Grade Teacher [Spanish]
1st Grade, Classroom Teachers
I am originally from Zulia Venezuela, I have been living in Colorado for 4 wonderful years. I have been in education for 12 years, this being the 12th year in my teaching career and the second teaching in Denver. My passion is undoubtedly in teaching and helping others. I love dancing and music, in addition to sharing and enjoying the company of good people. I am very interested in culture and all what it has to do with it, being this a very important point in society, I enjoy learning from the experiences and knowledge of others.
Carrie Franklin
1st Grade Teacher (Language Arts)
1st Grade, Classroom Teachers
I am a Colorado native. I have worked for Team DPS for more than 30 years and I have worked at Farrell B. Howell since 2015. The 21-22 school year will mark my 26th year of teaching. I am married and have three grown adult daughters, one which is a high school history teacher, one who is a director of a before and after school program in Adams 12 and my youngest is going to college to become a teacher. Education is a family value and a passion!
Megan Haiges
1st Grade Teacher (Math, Science, Social Studies)
1st Grade, Classroom Teachers
Hello! My name is Megan Haiges! I am originally from Illinois, and have lived in the Denver area for 3+ years now. Some of my hobbies are hanging out with friends and family, going to concerts/sporting events, going to movies, shopping, and hanging out with my dogs. I graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2013, with a degree in Elementary Education, and have been teaching for 7+ years now. I have taught in Chicago, Illinois, Las Vegas, Nevada, and now Denver, Colorado. I also have my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Teaching is definitely a passion of mine, and I love learning more about the field every day. My favorite part of my job is getting to know the students, and their families.
2nd Grade
Caitlin Christy
2ND GRADE TEACHER (LANGUAGE ARTS)
2nd Grade, Classroom Teachers
This year will be my ninth year teaching, and my second year in second grade at Farrell B. Howell! Before I joined the Howell family I taught 3rd for 6 years, and first grade for a year for Omaha Public Schools in Nebraska. I attended the University of Nebraska – Omaha with an Elementary Education degree and a minor in early childhood. I also went to the University of Nebraska – Omaha for my Reading Specialist graduate degree.
I love to play tennis, I started when I was eight and played Division 1 tennis while at UNO. After I graduated undergrad I coached high school tennis and taught tennis lessons at a local country club. I also love all other sports!
I look forward to an amazing year of learning in second grade!
Carlos Hinojoza
2nd Grade Teacher [Spanish]
2nd Grade, Classroom Teachers
My name is Carlos Hinojoza, I currently teach 2nd grade ELA-S at Farrell B Howell. I am from Sonora Mexico, I have been teaching for over thirteen years, I started working for Denver Public Schools in August 2017. I am married, I have two children and I love spending time with them during the weekends. I love sports, I like playing video games with my son and talking to my relatives in my spare time. I look forward to learning more educational strategies and techniques that will help me better support my students to achieve their goals.
Bianca Sharp
2nd Grade Teacher (Math, Science, Social Studies)
2nd Grade, Classroom Teachers
Hello! This is my 12th year teaching and my 6th year at Howell. I am so excited to teach 2nd grade again! I grew up in different places around the world but consider myself a Texan. I am currently getting my doctorate in education from Northcentral University. I have taught Pre-K, Kinder, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade. I love rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and Star Wars!
3rd Grade
Kristina Demarest
3rd Grade Teacher (Language Arts)
3rd Grade, Classroom Teachers
Hello Howell! My name is Kristina Demarest and I’m currently serving as the 3rd grade ELA teacher. This will be my fourth year at Howell – and I couldn’t be more ecstatic to be teaching my favorite grade! I’m originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and received my degree at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. I’m currently working towards my masters degree in Culturally Responsive Instruction – my passion! When I’m not teaching, I like to spend my days relaxing with coffee and a good book or on a trail hiking! I’m so happy to be here and I’m so excited you chose Howell!
Hannah Johnston
3rd Grade Teacher (Math, Science, Social Studies)
3rd Grade, Classroom Teachers
Hello Howell families! This year will be my sixth year teaching, and my third year in third grade at Farrell B. Howell! Before I joined the Howell family, I taught second grade for three years in Minnesota. I attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and graduated in 2016 with an elementary education degree and a coaching minor. During my time at Concordia I was given the opportunity to work in many different classroom settings, ranging from kindergarten to seventh grade.
I love to spend a lot of time traveling with family and friends. Some trip highlights for me are attending the Winter Olympics in South Korea, exploring Iceland in a camper van, and taking a solo road trip to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Calgary, and Banff National Park.
I am looking forward to a wonderful year in third grade!
4th Grade
Rob Evans
4th Grade Teacher (Math, Science, Social Studies)
4th Grade, Classroom Teachers, Elementary
Logan Hunter
4th Grade Teacher (ELA-E)
4th Grade
I am new this year to DPS and Denver! I moved here from Fort Worth, Texas where I was born and raised and lived for 31 years. Harding University, in Searcy, Arkansas is where I graduated from college with a BA in Early Childhood Education and I have been teaching for the past 10 years. I come from a family of educators and knew I wanted to be a teacher at a young age. Teaching how to read and more importantly how to love reading is one of my favorite things to do in the classroom! In my free time, I enjoy walks with my mini doxie Denver Breezy, yoga, cooking and curling up with a good book!
Gabriela S. Martinez
4th Grade ELA-S Teacher
4th Grade, Classroom Teachers
Hello, my name is Gabriela Martinez and I am so excited to be the 4th grade ELA-S teacher at Farrell B. Howell School this year. I was born and raised in Mexico but moved to this beautiful country and to Denver, Colorado 20 years ago. I graduated from Metropolitan State University with a minor in education and a major in human development. When I am not working, I love gardening, exercising, cooking, spending time with my family and traveling. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures student growth in a positive, fun environment.
5th Grade
Kayla Lorberbaum
5th Grade Teacher (Language Arts)
5th Grade, Classroom Teachers
Hi Howell Fam! This is my 5th year in DPS and 4th year at Howell! I am so excited to be returning as the 5th grade literacy teacher again. I couldn’t imagine teaching anywhere else. I grew up in Washington, D.C. and graduated from Elon University in North Carolina in 2017. I am currently getting my Masters in Reading Education from The University of Florida. I have lived in Denver for 4 years now and when I am not teaching, I love spending time with my fiancé, my two dogs and my friends. I love being a teacher and getting to see your children learning every day!
