Meet Our Staff
Our dedicated staff and faculty are passionate about fostering a love of learning in every child. From kindergarten to 8th grade, our educators create a supportive and engaging environment where students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Meet the team that makes our school a place of discovery, creativity, and lifelong success.
Staff Image Coming Soon!
Larisa Hegenbarth
School Director
Languages: English, Russian
Larisa is a transformative leader in education with over two decades of teaching and leadership experience. A pioneer in blended learning, she has developed innovative curricula and guided teams in public, charter, and private schools. Larisa’s philosophy centers on student potential, fostering environments where students discover their talents and engage in meaningful, student-centered learning with voice and choice.
Her academic journey includes an M.A. in Philology, an M.B.A. across Udmurtia RF, the Netherlands, and the USA, and advanced studies in Education Leadership at the University of Denver. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Personalized Education under Professor David Hopkins, Larisa continues to blend her expertise with her passion for serving families. A dedicated community advocate, she has launched numerous initiatives supporting Denver’s multicultural families and has volunteered extensively to empower children and families in need.
Shana McMahon
English Language Arts & Humanities Teacher
Languages: English
Shana is a compassionate and experienced educator who has dedicated over a decade to teaching students from diverse backgrounds. She holds a B.S. in Human Environmental Science with a focus on Family Relations and Child Development from Oklahoma State University and an M.A. in Communications from the University of Colorado Denver. Certified in Elementary Education, Shana has taught every grade from K–12, building meaningful connections with students and families while inspiring a love for learning.
Nicolas Wirth
Math & Science Teacher
Languages: English, Spanish
Nicolas brings nine years of expertise in teaching Math, Science, and Computer Science, specializing in bilingual education and support for students with learning needs. He holds a B.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, an M.S. in Engineering Management from Johns Hopkins University, and is pursuing a second M.S. in Computer Science at the University of Colorado Denver. Outside the classroom, Nicolas mentors students as an assistant instructor in Taekwondo, inspiring growth and confidence in children ages 5–19.
Lyle Smith
Elementary Teacher, Curriculum Writer
Languages: English, Chinese, Korean
Lyle is a seasoned educator with a teaching career spanning over three decades. His experience includes K–12 instruction in public and charter schools, as well as international teaching assignments in China and Korea. A former principal, Lyle has a track record of driving exceptional student achievement. He holds a B.A. in Elementary Education, an M.Ed. in Instruction, and School Administrator Certification. His passion lies in fostering growth and inspiring students to reach their full potential.
Staff Image Coming Soon!
Jennifer Hernandez Nieves
Elementary & Special Education Teacher
Languages: Spanish, English
Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in elementary and special education, with a focus on curriculum adaptation and cultural enrichment. She earned her M.S. in Elementary Education from Universidad Central de Bayamón and specializes in creating inclusive classrooms that support diverse learning needs. Jennifer’s dedication to education is matched by her passion for baking, bringing creativity and warmth to every endeavor.
Sofia Kuchma
Russian Language, Literature & Social Studies Teacher
Languages: Russian, English
Sofia is a passionate educator with extensive experience in curriculum development and private school teaching. Holding a B.S. in History and Social Studies, she expertly integrates language and cultural studies into her teaching. Sofia also leads Culinary Arts classes, blending her love for wellness and cooking into engaging, hands-on learning experiences for students.
Staff Image Coming Soon!
Radmila Khusnutdinova
Visual Arts Teacher & Renowned Artist
Languages: Russian, Uzbek, English
Radmila is a gifted artist and educator who blends art, psychology, and teaching to help students overcome challenges and develop social-emotional skills. She holds advanced degrees in Arts and Childhood Psychology and has over 14 years of experience working with children in Colorado. Radmila also founded an art studio in 2015, offering classes in jewelry making, sewing, and crafts that inspire creativity and confidence.
Staff Image Coming Soon!
Tetyana Palamarchuk
Music Teacher
Languages: Russian, Ukranian, English
Tetyana is an accomplished music educator and choir conductor with over 20 years of experience. She holds an M.A. in Choir Conducting and Music Arts from the State Conservatory in Ukraine and is the founder of Adagio Music Studio, where she nurtures young talents. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every individual is a precious creation deserving of care and love. Tetyana’s passion for music, nature, and community shines in all she does.
Staff Image Coming Soon!
Sergei Nazarov
Physical Education Teacher
Languages: Russian, English
Sergei is a dynamic and enthusiastic coach with a passion for youth sports, particularly soccer. He has extensive experience working with children in sports clubs and church youth programs, designing engaging activities that foster teamwork and skill development. Sergei’s expertise also includes school camp programming, creating memorable and active experiences for students of all ages.
Staff Image Coming Soon!
Vitalii Rudenko
Career & Technical Education Instructor
Languages: Russian, Ukranian, English
Vitalii is a technology educator with over five years of experience developing curriculum for Career and Technical Education. He leads engaging classes in Web Design, Graphic Design, Coding, and Gaming Foundations, preparing students for modern careers. Vitalii also heads the school’s STEM Club, inspiring innovation and practical learning in after-school programs.