Christina Hartsel
Elementary Physical Education
Meredith Locke
Elementary Art
My name is Meredith Locke and this is my first year teaching elementary art at Arvada K-8. I am originally from Arlington, Texas and moved to Denver this past year. In May 2020, I graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education and a minor in Psychology.
As an artist I specialize in painting, printmaking, and ceramics. Currently, I am studying Art Therapy with an emphasis in counseling. In my free time, I am a children’s book illustrator and I enjoy finding new places to go hiking and camping. I have a passion for teaching art and I am so grateful to be a part of the Arvada K-8 team!
Martha Finch
Elementary Music
“Music can change the World because it can change people” Bono
I know music has changed my life. My name is Martha Finch and I teach General Music, Choir, Orchestra and Direct Musical Theatre here at Arvada K8. I have a Bachelors of Music with an emphasis in scoring and arranging, a Masters Degree in Education, and a state endorsement in Linguistically Diverse Education.
I have taught at Arvada K 8 since the school opened in 2010. Over the years, I have developed a deep connection to our community and students. I love teaching music and seeing my students sparkle with pride, laugh with joy and develop musically, academically and socially.
Music has always been my passion. I have enjoyed performing since I was a teenager playing in many different groups, venues and meeting a variety of people. Currently, I am a first violinist in the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra and have returned to my roots of songwriting and playing the guitar posting a song on Youtube.
I am married and have two wonderful children. My husband and I have two rambunctious English Springer pups named Buster and Tootsie. I enjoy swimming, hiking, snowmobiling, camping, snorkeling in the ocean and being a proud member of our Timber Wolf community.
Kristen Melon
5th grade Orchestra
Hi my name is Kristen Melon and I am from Littleton Colorado. This will be my first year teaching 5th grade orchestra at Arvada K-8 as well as other schools in the area. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree with a minor in American Sign Language from the University of Northern Colorado (UNCO). I also received my Masters of Music Education degree from UNCO as well.
I enjoy playing violin as well as singing. In my free time I like to play with my cat, read, garden and crochet. I am excited to be a part of the amazing team at Arvada K-8!
Jacob Reading
5th grade Band
Jeri Troudt
Middle School Art
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” –Henry David Thoreau
What I see are the endless possibilities that are all around us. My name is Jeri Troudt; I am the Visual Arts teacher for Arvada K-8. I was born in a small town in Kentucky, but having lived in Colorado for nearly fifty years, I consider it my home. I have taught various mediums of art from college to kindergarten, as well as being a professional photographer and practicing artist. I graduated from Metro State University with a BA in Fine Arts Education. In addition to being an artist and educator, I am the proud mother of seven children and one grandson. Our household also includes two cats and three dogs.
My interests and hobbies are both vast and diverse, including hiking, camping (anything to get us out in nature), all forms of visual arts – esp. woodworking and photography, as well as gardening and exploring the culinary arts…just to name a few.
Along with my other interests, education is one of the strongest. I consider myself a lifelong learner. I have chosen to share my zest for education through teaching. As a teacher at Arvada K-8 I can be part of a strong and diverse community that learns and grows together. I look forward to pursuing those possibilities.
Paige Ebbers
Middle School Spanish/World Language
¡Hola! My name is Paige Ebbers. I teach Spanish and world languages and cultures for our 6th/7th/8th grade students at Arvada K8. I have been teaching for three years. I graduated from Dordt University in Sioux Center, IA in 2019 with degrees in Spanish, K-12 education, and elementary education. I have studied abroad in Spain and in Mexico. I love to travel and learn about different cultures and languages!
I grew up in Longmont, Colorado, and I love exploring our beautiful state whenever I can. When I am not practicing my Spanish, you can find me reading books, making art, playing a variety of different sports, and hanging out with friends in coffee shops and parks.
I love the work we are doing at Arvada K8! I am looking forward to another great year of learning together!
Marck McKay
MS Band/Orchestra/Music
I have this quote at the bottom of my outgoing emails: “93% of students will not play an instrument after high school. BUT 100% will go on to be human beings. So let’s teach them how to be (better) human beings!” from Scott Lang (mentor to band directors across America)
I love that idea because it is so TRUE! And better human beings make better musicians. That is one reason that I love teaching at Arvada K8. The students here are interested in discovering who they are and what they can be in life, and I have an opportunity to help them find that. We build exploration, discovery, and expression into our music programs so that students can not only learn a musical skill, but they can also learn, practice, and improve their life skills.
Hi! I'm Marck McKay (Mr. McKay to my students), and I have had music as a part of life as long as I can remember. I teach instrumental music for 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Music has helped shape my life and now I get a chance to help others discover the power of music, the peace found in self-awareness, and the pride of building something great together with others. I not only teach music, social-emotional skills and restorative practices, but I am also licensed to teach Math in Colorado and California, so if you ever need some math help don't hesitate to contact me.
Arvada K8 is Timberwolf country! And as such, we are a PACK: one for all and all for one! Welcome aboard!
Stephani Schnake
MS PE
Danie Brandabur
Current Events/STEAM