Looking Back: Many Faces of CHSAA Leadership Features
AURORA – With 2023 coming to a close, the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) is looking back at some of the moments that made 2023 so special.
Thanks largely in part to the work of CHSAA Assistant Commissioner Rashaan Davis, CHSAA was able to launch its Many Faces of CHSAA Leadership series. The series features an interview between Davis and one of the many female leaders throughout the CHSAA membership.
The goal of the series is to elevate female leaders voices and experiences. CHSAA’s hope is that by taking a small glipse into the window of their leadership backgrounds, we’ll gain a greater undersatnding of why these women are such strong advocates for the vision and core values of the Colorado High School Activities Association.
Take a look below at each of the Many Faces of CHSAA Leadership that were featured on CHSAANow.com throughout 2023:
February 1, 2023
Terita Walker has been in education for the past 20 years, having been at Denver East High School for the last 15; serving as the principal of the school for the past two years. CHSAA has benefitted from her expertise in many areas of the Association. Terita has served as a member of the CHSAA Board of Directors, a member of the Equity Committee, and she is currently the chairperson of the Ice Hockey Advisory Committee. With so much expertise and practical experience, you know that our conversation was only going to provide more depth into her leadership origin story.
February 8, 2023
For the past two years Mrs. Booker has served as the principal at Colorado’s most racially diverse high school. With a total student enrollment of 2,075 students, the racial profile of the student body is reported to be 28% African-American, 42% Hispanic, 18% Caucasian, 6% Asian/Pacific Islander, 1% Native American, and 5% multiracial. CHSAA has been lucky enough to benefit from her unique perspective as Mrs. Booker currently serves as a member of our Board of Directors.
Our interview with this graduate of Western Kentucky University, where she earned both her undergraduate degree in education and her master’s in educational leadership, gave us greater insight into why she is such a positive presence in all her leadership roles.
February 15, 2023
I am excited to talk with a good friend, a true CHSAA supporter, and a proud Colorado State University alum.
A huge shout out to Eaglecrest High School Activities Director and Student Leadership adviser, Melissa LaFerrara, for making time for us. Let’s do this…
February 22, 2023
In this feature, we sit down with first-year Lake County School District Athletic and Activities Director, Amy Peters.
While this is Amy’s first year in the position, she brings a youthful energy and passion for sports, including the life lessons they teach and the relationships they help build, that will help her to grow student athletes and programs.
March 1, 2023
I am pleased to sit down with Overland High School Activities Director, Adria Herscher. She is a graduate of Metro Metropolitan State College of Denver, where she earned her Bachelor’s in music education and Colorado State University, where she received her Master’s in Music. After several years in the classroom, Adria returned to school and earned a Master of Educational Leadership, from Regis University. With 18 years in education behind her, including the past three years in her current role, it is an honor to share her story.
March 8, 2023
It is a privilege to sit down with Wendy Dunaway, who is a member of the CHSAA Board of Directors and an administrator at the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).
With multiple degrees, starting with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado, Wendy has chosen to devote over 30 years to serving students, educators, and communities through her various roles in education.
March 15, 2023
This week we are joined by Melissa Sivernell, Northglenn High School Athletic Director. With 27 years in education, Melissa has been a district and building-level administrator for the past 15 years, serving as the Northglenn AD for one year. With an undergraduate degree from the State University of West Georgia and a master’s degree from University of Georgia, Melissa brings a perspective to her job that is unlike many others. Her insight will leave you looking forward to hearing more.
March 29, 2023
Cora Lanter serves the Severance High School community as an Assistant Principal and Athletic Director.
The Hastings College graduate is in her 17th year in education and her second year as an administrator, her first at Severance.
April 5, 2023
In this feature, we talk with Janay Bird, the St. Vrain Valley School District Fine Arts Coordinator. Janay has been in education for 13 years, serving in her current role for the past three years.
The CU-Boulder graduate has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Music Education and is currently working to achieve a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
September 19, 2023
Davlyn Edgett is an Assistant Principal/Activities Director at Rampart High School, in Academy School District 20 (Colorado Springs). This is her second year in this position, and her 13th year in education.
Davlyn is a home town kid who graduated from Wasson High School, moved on to earn her B.A. in English from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, and then received her M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Arizona State University.
October 3, 2023
This week we talk with Brynn Thomas, Cherry Creek High School’s Assistant Athletic Director.
Thomas is a University of Northern Colorado graduate who has been in education for the past 18 years, serving the last six as Assistant Athletic Director.
October 10, 2023
This week we spotlight a 1995 University of Northern Colorado graduate, who received her degree in Music Education. She currently serves as the president of the Colorado Music Educators Association (CMEA) and as the CHSAA Music Advisory Committee chairperson. Cynthia has been an educator for 28 years, serving the past 23 years at Lewis Palmer Elementary as the K-6 Music teacher. Cynthia has successfully completed the Orff-Shulwerk Level I and II certification. The Orff-Shulwerk teaching model is defined as “an approach to building musicianship in every learner through the integration of music, movement, speech, and drama.”
October 23, 2023
This week we sit down with Natalie Muñoz-Garcia. Natalie is an Assistant Principal and the Activities Director at Ponderosa High School. With 30 years in education and 12 years in her current role, the Colorado State University graduate still enjoys coming to work every day.
This year, Natalie is looking forward to working with her second-year principal, continuing to provide students with opportunities, and creating new traditions.
October 31, 2023
It is my privilege to introduce our readers to Andrya Hernandez-Robles, the Activities Coordinator and Student Leadership teacher at Westminster High School. Andrya, who received her undergraduate degree from Florida State University and her master’s degree from Colorado State University, is in her seventh year in education and her second year as the Activities Coordinator. It’s also important to note that Andrya is a current member of the CHSAA Student Leadership Advisory Committee.
November 14, 2023
This week, the spotlight centers on JaLynn Oquist, the McClave School Athletic Director, English teacher, and the high school girls basketball assistant coach. Oquist is a graduate of the University of North Texas, where she earned her degree in Psychology. She also has a master’s degree in English from the University of Northern Colorado. While Oquist is a 16-year veteran educator, she is currently in her fifth year as a school administrator.
November 28, 2023
This week we are talking with Heather Nelson, Eaglecrest High School Athletic Director. Heather is in her 24th year in education, and her second year as an Athletic Director.
With an undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa, a master’s degree from Lesley University, and her administrative license from Lamar University, Heather is among the very best when it comes to putting in the work to be the very best.
December 12, 2023
In this feature, we talked with first-year Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, Skyline’s Lindsay Yost. Lindsay is not a stranger to education, as she is in her 19th year, having served as a classroom teacher prior to accepting the role of building administrator.
This is the interview you didn’t know you needed, but Lindsay’s depth, honesty, and love for this profession will help you to understand what it means to be an educator.
December 19, 2023
Dr. Erika James-Bouwmeester is in her first year as a building administrator at Boulder High School, serving as the Dean of Students. With a degree in Speech Communication & Business Administration, this proud Colorado State University graduate went on to earn both a master’s degree in business communication & project management along with a doctorate in business administration. Before taking on her role at Boulder High School, Dr. James-Bouwmeester served as Project Manager at the Colorado Department of Education and as a classroom teacher and building administrator.
