Student Wellness

B.A.—Psychology
Priscilla Scobie Distinguished Leadership Chair

"We take care of each other."

Prior to joining Kent Denver, Ms. Scobie was Associate Director of Admission at Dana Hall School. In her current role, she's able to work with the entire family to help students realize their full potential. "It's the best possible job at the best possible school," Ms. Scobie says. "Our community is wonderful, and I love working with my colleagues."

B.A.—History
B.A.—French
M.Ed.—Secondary Education

MSW, LCSW

"A community that values the holistic education of every child, Kent Denver believes in developing not only excellent scholars, but also incredible people of upstanding character."

After serving as a history and English teacher, and advisor and dean in the Middle and Upper Schools, Mr. Jackson became a school counselor in 2020. He was named Director of Wellness prior to the 2023-24 school year. Along with his therapy dog, Bilbo Waggins, he provides much-appreciated care and support for the entire Kent Denver Community!

B.A. Sociology and Communication
MSW, LCSW—Social Work

"I have a passion for working alongside teenagers and young adults as they navigate this ever-changing developmental stage of life, while supporting them on their own, individual pathways."

Prior to joining Kent Denver, Ms. Feinberg worked in New York City in mental-health outpatient clinics and various nonprofit settings, providing therapeutic services to teens and adults. She's excited to be back in Colorado, loving all the adventures this beautiful state has to offer.

M.Ed.—Human Development Counseling
B.A.—Elementary Educations
NCC (National Certified Counselor)

“My passion is to help students navigate life's challenging and rewarding ventures while supporting them through their individual journeys. Seeing that light bulb go off, whether it is choosing a small coping strategy or hearing students process their self-actualization, is my hope for when students step into and out of my office.”

Ms. Wheeler is passionate about helping young people prioritize their physical, mental and emotional health on their way to becoming upstanding, well-rounded individuals. Since earning her M.Ed. In Human Development Counseling in 2020, she has spent the last three years as an elementary and middle school counselor in Fairfax, Virginia, and, most recently, at the Highline Academy Charter School in Denver. In all of her work, she aims to create a safe and welcoming space for all students to become lifelong learners and leaders.

B.A.—Sociology, Minor Journalism
M.A.—Education and Human Development Concentration Learning

“I aim to encourage the talents and potential of diverse learners and promote an academic program that is inclusive of all learning styles and needs.”

Ms. Roberge joined Kent Denver in 2022 as a Learning Specialist, the same title she held for the past four years at the Regis Jesuit High School Girls Division in Aurora. Prior to her time at Regis Jesuit, she was a Disability Services Assistant at the Colorado School of Mines.

B.A.—Communication

M.Ed.—Education Leadership
M.Ed.—Special Education

"I love working with parents and teachers to optimize the learning experience and alleviate stress related to a student's education."

Sarah Stanford joined Kent Denver after six years as a Learning Specialist and teacher at Cherry Hills Village Elementary School. While well-versed in helping students with a variety of learning needs, Ms. Stanford has a particular passion for helping young people develop their executive functioning skills. "Especially in middle and high school, putting just a few interventions in place can help kids overcome some big obstacles," she says.

B.S.—Nursing
B.A.—Anthropology

Ms. Thomas joined Kent Denver in 2020 with a wealth of experience from her work as an elementary, middle and high school nurse in Denver Public Schools and a longtime home hospice nurse.

While much of her current focus is on helping the Kent Denver community stay well in the time of coronavirus, Ms. Thomas also embraces a broader role in wellness.

"My priority is that students have a sense of well-being physically, mentally and emotionally," she explains. "I want to help them make health a priority, whether it be getting enough sleep, making time to exercise, drinking enough water or practicing good hygiene. Developing healthy living habits now can lead to a lifetime of wellness."

B.A.—History
M.A.—Social Studies Education

"My role makes a difference in students lives because it supports them so they can grow personally and academically."

Mr. Ballantyne says he chose to work at Kent Denver because of the professional opportunity and chance to live near the Rocky Mountains. After serving as an Upper School Dean for eight years, Mr. Ballantyne was named a Middle School Dean of Students in 2023. He continues to teach history in the Upper School.

Prior to joining Kent Denver, he taught at Greenwich Country Day School in Greenwich, CT and Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, PA.

B.A.—Communications
M.A.—Women's History
M.Ed.—Curriculum & Instruction

“I make a difference in students' lives because I make efforts to build relationships, nurture their curiosity and creativity, and be a listening ear as they grow and develop in middle school.”

Tatiana McKinney-Stokes joined Kent Denver in 2022 after teaching 7th grade U.S. History & 8th grade Civics at Trinity Prep in Florida, while also serving as the Middle School Assistant Dean of Students. Before becoming a social science teacher & administrator, she pursued a public policy and education career. After working in the non-profit sector, she moved to Beijing, China, to teach for Disney English. Ms. MicKinney-Stokes has also taught for over ten years in public, private and with international companies. She hopes to educate, include and empower students within the classroom and school community to find their voice and become engaged in the world around them.

B.A.—History
M.Ed.—Educational Leadership

“Working with youth brings so much joy to my life. When students understand a concept and grow on a social and emotional level it tells me that I am making a difference.”

Mr. Barnes joined Kent Denver as a Middle School Dean in 2019. In 2023, he was named the Upper School's Dean of the Class of 2027. He enjoys working closely with students and being part of a team of educators who research, dissect and provide opportunities for professional growth.

Before coming to Kent Denver, Mr. Barnes served as a social studies teacher, coordinator of diversity and global awareness and multi-sport coach at an independent school in Tampa, FL.

B.A.—English
M.A.—Holocaust and Genocide Studies
Graduate Certificate—Native American Studies

"Kent Denver has a rich tradition of both academic excellence and real-world preparation for its students. I enjoy immersing myself in the Sun Devil community and fostering impactful and lasting relationships with students and faculty members alike."

Mr. Barocas joined Kent Denver after 12 years at Overland High School, where he was named Teacher of the Year in 2017. At Overland, he served as an English teacher, yearbook advisor, boys' lacrosse coach and Student Council sponsor among other duties.

B.A.—English and American Literature
M.A.—English

"I became a teacher because I wanted to spend my life learning and seeking out new perspectives and ideas, which I often find in my classrooms from my students. I love discussing stories of the present and past with the people who will be a part of building the future."

Melanie Haas arrived at Kent Denver in 2020 from Greens Farms Academy in Westport, Connecticut, where she served as a 10th-grade dean, English and history teacher, and Equity and Inclusion Coordinator. She previously taught history and English at the Pomfret School.

B.A.—English and Technical Writing

"In working with Kent Denver students, I get to experience the beauty, the a-ha moments, the innovation, the inquiry, and the joy that exists within the adolescent mind. It's exciting to think about how our students will impact and influence our changing world! There's space to create, question, revise and synthesize. I am fortunate enough to be able to listen to students' goals and allow for reflection along the way."

A seasoned educator, Ms. Larson joined Kent Denver in 2021 after serving as a teacher, department chair, and most recently, assistant principal at KIPP Denver Collegiate High School in Denver. Before that, she taught at Sheridan High School and was the diversity and equity facilitator at Teach for America.