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MEET OUR TEAM
Discover Who We Are
DONNA BRIONES
Executive Director
My name is Donna Briones and I have over 30 years experiences in training and education with minors. I have administered and managed federal, state, and locally funded programs through SAMHSA- CSAP and CSAT, ACF- Head Start, CO Department of Education- Title I Funding, Colorado Department of Health and Human Services, and Coors Foundation, for the prevention, treatment, educational and Head Start programs. I have been administering the Head Start program in Del Norte Colorado since 2005 and am also one of the founders of the corporation. Along with being one of the founders and executive director of RGCD&FS Preschool, I have also been a part time, adjunct professor teaching Early Childhood education classes. Above all, I am a proud grandparent of preschool/Head Start alumni.
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Masters Degree in Education; Buell Early Childhood Leadership- Graduate Certificate from Denver University
CPR Certified; Colorado Shines- Level III
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My Favorites:
Color- Red, black, teal, coral
Drink- Coke
Animal- Puppies, hedgehogs
Scent- Euphoria by Calvin Klein, Lauren by Ralph Lauren
ALYCIA DUPONT
Administrative Assistant
My name is Ms. Rae. I am currently the administration assistant. However, I have worked for three years in the classroom. I may not be around the classes as much, but it warms my heart when they're excited to come through the office to say "hi" and "bye". I like the fact that everyone I comfortable around each other here. It gives a comforting environment. I have a really big family all around the states. I have three brothers and 2 sisters. And I like to listen to music, draw, and play video games.
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2 1/2 years BOCES Paraprofessional; 1 year teaching assistant; 1 year administrative assitant
CPR/First Aid Certified
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My Favorites:
Color- Teal
Drink- Sweet Tea
Animal-Wolf/Mountain Lion
Scent- Lavender
Vacation- Japan
RENE RODRIGUEZ
Health & Disabilities Coordinator
Hello! My name is Rene. I am the Health & Disabilities Coordinator. I've had many roles here throughout 19 years. 90% of a child's brain is developed by age five. Having even the smallest role in creating a safe and positive experience for the children is rewarding. I attended this Head Start, as well, and have lived in the Del Norte community all of my life. My husband and I have four children, and soon we'll have 2 grandchildren.
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BA in Early Childhood Education; Masters in Psychology
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Director Licensed; Colorado Shines- Level VI; CPR/First Aid Certified; CO Trainer Credential; CO Coaching Certified
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My Favorites:
Color- Green
Drink- Green Tea; Water
Animal- Frog
Scent- Earthy scents; Rain; Babies
Vacation- Florida; Montana
SUSAN MARTIN
Education Coordinator
My name is Ms. Martin or Ms. Sue. I am the Education Coordinator and have been employed with RGCD&FS for 30+ years. I love my job and being able to see all the children on a daily basis.
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AA- Early Childhood Education (Trinidad State College); BA- Interdisciplinary Studies (Adams State University)
Colorado Shines- Level VI; CLASS Certified; CPR/First Aid Certified
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My Favorites:
Color- Black & Greens
Drink- Sweet Teas
Animal-Cats
Dream Vacation- Italy
ECE COACH & HEAD OF WELLNESS COMMITTEE
It could be you! Contact us today for additional position information.
By observing the performance of our teachers and staff, ECE Coach & Head of Wellness Committee will be responsible for enhancing the quality of the Early Childhood Education environment and promoting overall wellness within the RGCD&FS/Del Norte Head Start staff. This will be done through individual and center-wide set goals and action plans.
JANE SIMPSON
Family Engagement & Nutrition Coordinator
My name is Ms. Jane. I am the Parent Engagement & Nutrition Coordinator. I love working at RGCD&FS, working with the children , children are so funny. It is so wonderful to see how they grow through the years. My husband and I have one daughter, two sons, and six grandchildren. My favorite things to do in my free time are spending time with family, camping, crafts, walking/hiking, and reading.
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AA- Early Childhood Education (Trinidad State College); BA- Interdisciplinary Studies (Adams State University)
Director's Licensed; Colorado Shines- Level IV; CPR/First Aid Certified; CLASS Certified
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My Favorites:
Color- Sage Green
Drink-Raspberry Tea
Animal- Cats
Scent-Woods
Vacation- Beach
DEJA SANDOVAL
Community Resource Specialist
Hi there! My name is Déja and I am the Community Resource & IT Specialist. My past five years of being a Teaching Assistant for RGCD&FS have proven to be fun and insightful, so I am excited to enter my first year in this new position and experience a new adventure! I sure will miss the kiddos, though! Despite growing up in the nearby towns of Romeo and Manassa, Del Norte has quickly become one of my homes. I love the tight-knitted connections that have been and continue to be established in this community! My partner and I have two dogs: Otis and Juno (we refer to them as our son and dog-hter). Together we love to watch films, go camping, and spend time with our families.
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Pursuing AA- Early Childhood Education (Trinidad State College)
Colorado Shines- Level V; CPR/First Aid Certified
My Favorites:
Color- Periwinkle; Lavender
Drink- Arizona Honey Green Tea; Redbull Strawberry Apricot
Animal-​ All; I am a huge animal and insect lover!
Scent- Citrusy, Musky, and Earthy Scents
Vacation- The Mountains
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JOEL ROSALES
Facility Manager & Bus Driver
My name is Joel Rosales - Franco. I am the facility manager at RGCD&FS Preschool. I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, fishing in the Rio Grande; but, what I enjoy the most is archery, elk, and hunting.
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Commercial Drivers License Class B
Colorado Shines- Level II; CPR/First Aid Certified
My Favorites:
Color- Red
Drink- Tamarindo Water
Animal-​ Bull Elk
Vacation- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
JOSEPH MARQUEZ
Facility Assistant & Bus Driver
Hi! My name is Joseph Marquez, or Mr. Joe. Mornings and afternoons, you will find me transporting the children from home to school and school to home. You will also find me helping maintain the children's and staff's safety and wellbeing around the facility. I have a lot of rich childhood memories in Del Norte, so it makes me happy to work in the community now that I am older. When I'm not at work, my favorite things to do are go camping, skateboard, and hang out with my family and dogs.
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Commercial Drivers License Class B
Colorado Shines- Level II; CPR/First Aid Certified
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My Favorites:
Color- Orange & Black
Drink- Redbull/Redbull Juneberry
Animal- Tiger
Scent- Sunday Morning Breakfast
Vacation- The Mountains
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CRYSTAL MARTINEZ
Facility Assistant
My name is Ms. Crystal. I am currently a Facility Assistant her at RGCD&FS. I help where I am needed. I am currently working on getting my AA in teaching. I love working with the kids because I love watching them get excited about learning something new or something that they really like. I was born and raised here in Del Norte. I have a daughter who loves to try new things and is always on the go. My husband and I have been together since high school.
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Pursuing AA- Early Childhood Education
Colorado Shines- Level IV; CPR/First Aid Certified
My Favorites:
Color- Blue
Drink- Pepsi
Animal- Dolphins
Scent- My Mom's Tortillas
Vacation- Las Vegas With My Sisters and Nieces
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CHRIS MARTINEZ
Bus Driver
My name is Mr. Chris and I've been with Rio Grande Child Development and Family ServicesPreschool for going on eight years. I like my job because the children are honest no matter what. I enjoy giving them safe and enjoyable morning and afternoon rides to and from their houses, the Head Start center, and some field trips. I like that the children are still learning, interested in the bus and are not afraid to ask questions and tell me how they feel.
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Class B CDL; Bus and Passenger Endorsements; Welding Certificate
Colorado Shines- Level II; CPR/First Aid Certified
My Favorites:
Color- Black
Drink- Diet Pepsi
Animal- Gorilla
Scent- Breaking ground in field
Vacation- Oregon with my wife and kids
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JOANN GALLEGOS
Nutrition & Education Food Service Leader
My name is Joann Gallegos. I have enjoyed cooking meals and doing food activities for the children and staff here at the Head Start for going on 13 years. I work in the kitchen food service and have 29 years of food service experience. Sixteen of those years were also spent in the Del Norte Public Schools. I have lived in Del Norte now for 68 years and have shared 23 years with my husband. I enjoy being with my husband, three sons, nine grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.
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Basic Food Training; Colorado Shines- Level II; CPR/First Aid Certified
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My Favorites:
Color- Blue
Drink- Diet Pepsi
Animal- N/A
Scent- Nice perfumes
Vacation- N/A
ELAINE LUCERO
Nutrition & Education Food Service Provider
Hello, my name is Elaine. I've been with the RGCD&FS Preschool for three years. I am a cook and do food activities with all classes. It is a joy to do the activities with the children whom always think I'm doing a food lesson or a cooking class. It's such a pleasure with all children. Some fun facts about me are that I have six total in my family and love hanging out with them!
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Basic Food Training; Colorado Shines- Level II; CPR/First Aid Certified
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My Favorites:
Color- Black
Drink- Diet Mountain Dew
Animal- Monkey
Scent- Nivea Shea Lotion
Vacation- Idaho
TRACY VALDEZ
Classroom #1 Lead Teacher
Hello, name is Tracy. I was born and raised in Durango, Colorado. I am the lead teacher in Classroom 1. I have been working here at Rio Grande Child Development and Family Services for 13 1/2 years. My favorite aspect of working with children is getting to see the excitement on their faces when they accomplish something that they have been working so hard on, and to be able to provide them with a safe and nurturing environment. My husband and I have two sons, two grand daughters, and one dog. I love to spend time with my family, go fishing, and I love to read.
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Associates of Applied Science with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Trinidad State College; Bachelor of Arts in Education and Human Development
Large Center Director Credential; Colorado Shines- Level VI; CPR/First Aid Certified
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My Favorites:
Color- Black
Drink- Dr. Pepper
Animal- Dogs
Scent- Eucalyptus/Lavender Lotions
Vacation- Ireland
JENNIFER QUINTANA
Classroom #2 Lead Teacher
Hello, my name is Jennifer Quintana, but my students call me Ms. Jenn. I have worked here at RGCD&FS for 18 1/2 years. My favorite aspects of working with children is knowing that I can be part of a positive learning experience and making a difference in each child's life. Learning can be fun and the children love to have fun! I love working with this age group because you know what the new day will be like- never a dull moment with these excited learners! I have two children and my husband and I have two dogs- Marley and Bailey and a grand fur-baby, Pugsley. In my spare time I like to spend it with my family and play BINGO.
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Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Trinidad State College; Bachelors Degree in Educational Leadership/Administration and Social Work from Ashford University; Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Ashford University.
Colorado Shines- Level VI; CPR/First Aid Certified; Directors Certificate
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My Favorites:
Color- Purple
Drink- Sweet Tea
Animal- Dogs, baby goats
Scent- Vanilla, rain
Vacation- Hawaii​
ANGELA PAULEY
Classroom #3 Lead Teacher
My name is Ms. Angela. I am currently the lead teacher in Classroom 3. My favorite thing about this age group is they all have their own unique personalities. Also, that they are so eager to learn and move on to kindergarten. I started my journey with RGCD&FS Preschool as a parent volunteer when all of my children were students. I have had 5 years experience as a lead teacher and co-director of Noah's Ark Daycare center. I now have 18 years as a lead teacher with RGCD&FS. I grew up in Del Norte and have lived in the valley most of my life. I have my amazing husband, Andrew; three daughters, Alejandra, Alycia, and Madison; and two sons, Anthony and Hayden. My favorite thing to do in my spare time is spend it with my family hunting, fishing, hiking, pretty much anything outdoors. Oh, and let's not forget attending Colorado Avalanche games. My family is my biggest support and inspiration.
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Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education; Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education
Colorado Shines-Level III; CPR/First Aid Certified
My Favorites:
Color- N/A
Drink- Red Bull
Animal- Fox, hippo
Scent- N/A
Vacation- N/A
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AMANDA MEDINA
Exploration Classroom Lead Teacher
My name is Ms. Amanda. I am currently embarking on a new adventure as the Lead Teacher in the Exploration Classroom. I will get to know and interact with every child at the school! I currently have a Level 6 in Colorado Shines, as well as having twelve years experience working with preschool children. I also have three daughters of my own. I am happily married, and together as a family, we enjoy taking our Jeep Gladiator out on the trails on our down time.
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Pursuing BA- Early Childhood Education
Colorado Shines- Level VI; CPR/First Aid Certified
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My Favorites:
Color- Blue
Drink- Iced Coffee
Animal- Turtle
Scent- Baked Goods; Homemade Food
Vacation- Anywhere with my family.
MICHAEL GONZALEZ
Classroom #1 Teaching Assistant
My name is Michael Gonzalez. I currently help educate the three year old room. What I love about this age group is watching them get excited learning and achieving new concepts everyday. I am currently working on my Level II of Colorado Shines. My favorite things to do are travel and spend time with family.
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Associates of Arts in Early Childhood Education; Pursuing Bachelors Degree as infant/toddler advisor and Early Childhood Education Director
Pursuing Colorado Shines- Level II
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My Favorites:
Color- Gold
Drink- Coffee
Animal- Dog
Scent- Cologne
Vacation- Any​
ASHLEY RIVERA
Classroom #2 Teaching Assistant
Hello, my name is Ashley Rivera. I was born and raised in Del Norte, Colorado. My boyfriend and I have two dogs, Oakley and Jax, and a sweet cat named Oscar. Last year I had the pleasure of being a paraprofessional educator here at RGCD&FS through BOCES. This year, I was lucky enough to join RGCD&FS' team. I am a teacher assistant in Classroom 2 working with Ms. Jen. My favorite aspect of working with children is getting to see their curiosity and creativity shine through everyday. I enjoy working with this age group because there is never a dull moment around here. I am currently working towards getting my Dental Hygiene degree to possibly pursue that in the future. In my free time, I enjoy going hiking and spending time with family.
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Pursuing Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene
CPR/First Aid Certified
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My Favorites:
Color- Pink
Drink- Dr. Pepper, coffee
Animal- Elephants
Scent- Champagne Toast by Bath and Body Works
Vacation- Spain
CHRISTY WHITESIDE
Classroom #3 Teaching Assistant
My name is Christy. I currently teach in Classroom 3. My favorite thing about this age group is watching and listening to the children play. There is never a dull moment when their imaginations are working. I have had nine years of experience working with preschool children. I grew up in Del Norte and have lived here for more 30 years and now in Monte Vista for 5 years. I have three children- two girls and one boy. My favorite thing to do in my free time is spend time with my family. I love to support my children in their sporting events. My son, a freshman, plays football, wrestling, baseball, and track. My middle daughter plays volleyball and basketball. My youngest daughter cheers and plays basketball. My kiddos keep me busy in my spare time, but I enjoy every minute of it.
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Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education; Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education; pursuing a Masters Degree with an emphasis in Special Education.
Directors License; Colorado Shines- Level III; CPR/First Aid Certified
