Coyote Creek Elementary
COLLABORATING TO INSPIRE ACHIEVEMENT
Mrs. Balchuck
Music Teacher
esbalchuck@dcsdk12.org
Mrs. Balchuck's Website
My name is Mrs. Balchuck and this is my second year at Coyote Creek Elementary! I am a Colorado native, born and raised in Lakewood, CO. I started playing music when I was about 8 years old. I started on the recorder and then switched to the Irish equivalent, the tin whistle. I continued on to play the flute in band for 5 years and decided to go into choir when I got to high school. I participated in multiple choirs at Lakewood High School and that is when I decided that I wanted to be a music teacher. I have my Bachelors in Music Education from Benedictine College in Kansas and my Masters in Irish Traditional Music Performance from the World Academy of Irish Song and Dance at the University of Limerick, Ireland. While voice is my primary instrument, I also play a variety of instruments (mostly Irish). I taught music k-8 at a private Catholic school in Denver for 4 years, and have been at Trailblazer Elementary the past two years. I have played the Irish sport of hurling for the past 6 years with the Denver Gaels and just recently took up kickboxing. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time learning new instruments, reading, and being with my family and friends.
Mrs. Balchuck
Mrs. Balfe
PE Teacher
megan.balfe@dcsdk12.org
Mrs. Balfe's Website
Hello! I'm Megan Balfe and I've been teaching elementary physical education in DCSD since 2001. I graduated from James Madison University in Virginia, with a degree in Kinesiology and Health Education. I earned my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University. I've been teaching P.E. since fall of 1995. I believe in making the most of every day! DO WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU DO! I have always had a passion for health and fitness. I strive to instill the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle to my students through teaching developmentally appropriate skill sets and life time sports.
My professional teaching goal is to provide a high quality physical education program by creating proficient and confidant physically active students. Discover a physical activity you enjoy doing, and do it as long as you can. I enjoy practicing yoga, H.I.I.T. workouts, running, swimming, biking, and skiing. I look forward to a fun and active year.
Mrs. Balfe
Mrs. Montano
Art Teacher
dmontano2@dcsdk12.org
Art Website
Hello Parents & Students! My name is Ms. Dianna Montano. I am the new art teacher for the 2020-2021 school year.
I am so excited to be part of the Coyote Creek community. Despite our unique challenges for this school year I want my art room to be a place where all my students can ACHIEVE. I want each kid to be INSPIRED this year and walk away from my classroom with a positive art experience! Whether it be online through remote learning or in-person learning we will get through this school year together.
A little bit more about myself... I am married and have two kids. I have a degree in art education and a fine arts degree specializing in sculpture. Today I enjoy practicing all art media and I can’t wait to INVEST in my students by helping them express themselves and explore their artistry! My favorite hobbies include kayaking, travel, visiting art museums, and finding inspiration for my artwork outdoors.
Each of my students is special & unique and I want you to know that I CARE. I can’t wait to meet you all! Here’s to a great school year!
Dianna Montano
Specials : Music, PE, Art, Wellness, & Library
Mrs. Star
Wellness Teacher
sstar@dcsdk12.org
Hello Parents and Students! I’m Stephanie Star, and I’m very excited to be part of the Coyote Creek family! This will be my first year teaching at CCE, and my first year as a Wellness
Teacher.
I am new to Douglas County Schools, but I’ve been teaching since 2001 in Denver Public Schools. I graduated from CU Boulder with a degree in Psychology and later earned my
elementary teaching certificate from Metropolitan State College. In the summer of 2022, I earned my Yoga and Social Emotional Learning Facilitator certificate. I was a classroom teacher
for first and second grades for 12 years before moving into a teacher coaching role. As a coach, I was able to work with students and teachers in grades K-5. After that, I became a Reading Interventionist and supported students in grades 1-5. I also have experience working with all students through 6th grade as a substitute teacher since January of 2023.
As a Wellness Teacher, I hope to teach students how to understand themselves, others, and the community better through social emotional lessons that include breathing exercises, creative expression, focus, community building, and yoga. I believe that wellness practice helps our
students grow in their academics because they feel safe, calm, and happy. This school year we will be working on building relationships with ourselves, each other, and the community in order to feel supported to grow as students as well as people.
When I am not busy teaching, I love to spend time with my family! I have been married for 24 years to my husband who is also a teacher in Denver. We have a 17 year old son who will be
going to Colorado State college in the fall. Other things I enjoy are my own yoga practice, hiking, walking, making jewelry, reading, and chatting with friends!
I am looking forward to meeting all of you!
Mrs. Star
Mrs. Stott
Librarian
mstott1@dcsdk12.org
Library Site
Hello! My name is Monica Stott and this will be my first year as the librarian at CCE. My goal is to make the library a hub of curiosity, imagination, and exploration, where both students and teachers can find resources that enrich their academic journey.
My husband and I have 3 children at CCE. Katelin is in second grade, Jared is in fourth grade and Jack is in sixth grade. We enjoy camping, playing board games, watching family movies, and going on trips to see family. We all have loved CCE and I am excited to be able to contribute even more to the school.
As someone deeply passionate about fostering a love for reading and learning, I am eager to collaborate with teachers and parents to create a vibrant and engaging library experience for our students.