Kristin Ball
Learning Specialist
Hi! My name is Kristin Ball and I was born and raised in Colorado. I went to college at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and majored in Elementary Education and Special Education. This will be my sixth year teaching Elementary Special Education at Arvada K-8.
I love to spend time with my friends and family outside of school. I enjoy going to concerts and sporting events, especially Nebraska Husker football games! GBR! I also enjoy camping and being outside. I have a three-year-old cat named Jax who has a huge personality.
I love Arvada K-8 because of our AMAZING students! They challenge me to be a better teacher daily and are such a joy to be around. Our staff and administration are another reason I love Arvada K-8. They are always all in to support OUR students with any need. K-8 is a great place to be!!
Erin Burns
Learning Specialist
Hello! My name is Erin Burns and I am so happy to be a teacher at Arvada K8! I was born in Philadelphia, PA but moved to Arvada, CO when I was in kindergarten. I grew up in Arvada, and did all of my schooling in Jeffco. I have a bachelor’s degree in history from Wheeling Jesuit University, a Master’s Degree in Irish History from University College, Dublin (Ireland), and most recently a Master’s in Special Education from Regis University. Before coming on board at Arvada K8, I taught prekindergarten for seventeen years.
I love to run, hike, read, and watch The Golden Girls. I am engaged, and am looking forward to getting married in the mountains next summer. I have a twelve year old baseball-loving son named Evan, and our favorite thing to do together is watch the Rockies play at Coors Field. We spend lots of our free time at Evan’s baseball practices and games. We currently have a cute little tabby cat named Millie.
I am working at Arvada K8 this year as an elementary learning specialist. I was so fortunate to do my student teaching last spring with Kristin Ball, and during this time it became evident to me that Arvada K8 is a gem in Arvada. The staff, students, and families make this school truly unique and wonderful, and I look forward to coming to work everyday.
Christopher Eden
Learning Specialist
Hello Timberwolves! I'm Chris Eden and I've been a learning specialist for 7 years, working for some private schools and DPS before. This is my third year in Jeffco. I will be working half time at Arvada K-8, working with 6th grade.
I have welcomed my first son into our home. He will be 9 months old as the school year starts. My wife and I have been reading fantasy books to him since he was in utero. I also enjoy science fiction and scientific non-fiction. I have a 15 -year-old dog that acts like a puppy, River.
I enjoy playing basketball, playing the piano, hiking, backpacking, and camping. I am a native Coloradoan and cannot imagine living anywhere else.
Erin Galligan
Learning Specialist
Hello, my name is Erin Galligan and I will be supporting 6th and 7th grade students this year. I am a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Special Education. I have been a learning specialist for the past 2 years in Adams 12 school district. I am new to Jeffco and this year I hope to become part of this school’s diverse community and help support students during this unprecedented time.
Ana Ko
Learning Specialist
I am a learning specialist supporting middle school students. This year, I will be working with 8th and some 6th graders. I have supported learners from elementary to high school in my professional teaching career.
I was raised on the islands of Guam and Hawaii, so I am all about flip flops and listening to waves on the beach. Colorado does have some of the friendliest people and sunniest skies. When not at school, I love to bike and exercise outdoors.
Kristi Hall
SSN3 Teacher
My name is Kristi Hall and I am a special education teacher here at Arvada K-8. This is my 8th year in this school! I grew up in Arvada and went to Pomona High School. I then attended Colorado State University where I got a degree in Occupational Therapy and Psychology. I then went on to receive my Master's in Special Education from the University of Colorado.
Outside of school I love spending time with my dog Hazel and my husband Steve. We love to go hiking or on road trips. I enjoy spending time outside growing flowers and reading books. I also love to travel and have been lucky enough to visit several other countries, including Scotland, Italy and Sweden.
I love working at Arvada K-8 because the students and staff here are amazing! I think I have one of the best jobs in the world because every day I get to work in a place where I laugh and I feel like I am making a difference!
Hannah Olin
SSN3 Teacher
Hello! My name is Hannah. I was raised in Golden, Colorado and earned my Master's in Special Education from MSU Denver. I co-teach our SSN program with a fantastic teacher, Ms. Kristi Hall! I have been teaching SSN for 3 years and I have been at Arvada K-8 for 6 years.
I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I love to play volleyball, go camping, and travel. I have 2 cats, Milo and Tobias, and I also have a puppy, Archie! I enjoy walking around the lake near my home and visiting the dog park with Archie. I also love to sit in my backyard and read Sci-Fi novels while enjoying a huge cup of coffee.
I love Arvada K-8 because I have met so many amazing teachers and students while working here. I am lucky to come to a building every day full of dedicated people that are changing lives. I laugh every day in my classroom, which makes my job the best!
Justin Khalil
Speech Language Pathologist
Abby Dorn
Speech Language Pathologist
Kim Hernandez
Speech Language Pathologist