Professional Learning & Licensure

Dr. Chris Jenkins is an educator with over 25 years of experience in K-12 and higher education in Colorado and Oklahoma. He is a certified superintendent, K-12 principal, secondary English teacher, and secondary history teacher. He is a former assistant superintendent, principal, athletic director, and teacher. His career in higher education has encompassed being a professor of educational leadership and a dean in a school of education at universities in Colorado, Oklahoma, and Oregon. He has also spent the last 18 years training aspiring teachers and administrators for certification. Chris is currently a field supervisor for Colorado mountain BOCES where he continues to do what he loves—working with aspiring educators in the field. 

Dr. Christine Rochester has a doctoral degree in Education from the University of Northern Colorado, her MS in Education from Canisius College and her BS in Education, Health and Physical Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She has worked as a professor at Colorado State University since 2000.  She taught in the public schools in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Buffalo, New York before becoming a professor.  Dr. Rochester teaches and advises the Health and Physical Education graduate and undergraduate students. Her research interests include: youth development through physical activity, in particular opportunities for high-risk youth. She also studies curriculum reform. Her hobbies include outdoor activities, especially hiking, kayaking and biking. She has two active dogs and enjoys living in both Chaffee and Pueblo Counties.

John began his education career in Colorado as a science teacher for Eagle County Schools, where he also served as a Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent of Schools.  There, he gained extensive experience in the development and implementation of education reform initiatives involving teacher training and evaluation systems designed to improve instructional effectiveness and student achievement. After leaving Eagle County, he was Headmaster of Stone Creek Charter School where he created a professional development program focused on teacher quality and improvement. Most recently he was a senior consultant and trainer for the Colorado Charter School Institute and the League of Charter Schools. His work there focused on charter school leadership development, improvement and accountability. As an instructional leader his goal is to “ensure that students are given the opportunity to achieve their academic potential, and the most critical part of the process is making sure that a dedicated and well-trained teacher is in front of every student, every day.”

Kathleen has served Colorado children and families for over thirty years. Her career as an education leader for the Lake County and Eagle County Schools included being a K-12 Special Education Teacher, Early Childhood Education Director, Alternative High School Principal, and Director of Special Education. She has extensive experience in the design, development, and operations of new schools and programs designed to improve teacher effectiveness and improve student learning. Throughout her career, she has focused on improving the quality of a student’s education experience through building positive relationships and improving teachers’ skills and instruction. As a result of her work, she has been recognized with the Milken Foundation National Educator Award, the Temple Buell Fellowship Award, and the Colorado Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education. She is committed to excellence in all schools and recognizes that teacher quality and effectiveness are the most important variables in education.

Laura is a passionate educator and leader in public education. She has held various positions that have shaped her professional career throughout the past several years. Laura has been a teacher at various grade levels from 2nd-6th grade, a Teacher on Special Assignment for Curriculum and Instruction and Literacy K-12, an Assistant Principal, and Principal. When she is not at work, her husband, 3 children, 3 dogs, and 2 cats keep her very busy!

 Lindsay Hamacher serves as a Field Supervisor for the Mountain BOCES. Utilizing her Bachelors  degree in Special Education and teaching experience to assist candidates is seeking their alternative license. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family participating in outdoor activities.  

Ryan Cronshaw is a Field Supervisor for the Alternative License Program with Mountain BOCES. Ryan holds a Doctorate in Education, is a full time Math Instructional Coach and Teacher, and coaches Cross Country. Professionally, he enjoys helping teachers create a sustainable practice through personal growth and development practices. When not working, Ryan enjoys running, skiing, and biking in the mountains.

This is LaRee’s seventh year working for Mountain BOCES, where she worked as a special education coordinator and professional learning instructor.  This year, she will be working as the Assistant Special Education Director and continuing as a Professional Learning Instructor.  She is passionate about teaching and has been an educator for many years, working in K-College. She taught elementary education and special education for many years. Later, she worked as an associate professor at Adams State University in the teacher education and special education department. Currently, she teaches the Special Education Generalist course for the Mountain BOCES Alternative Licensure Program.

When she’s not immersed in her professional endeavors, she finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. Spending quality time with her family, exploring the beauty of the mountains, and nurturing her garden are some of the things that bring her happiness. And of course, she always finds solace in the pages of a good book. 

Bio. coming soon!