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 moved into his current role as school counselor in 2020. 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.

B.A. - Psychology
M.A. - Counseling Psychology
LMFT - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Claire Mancini joined Kent Denver in 2020 from the Castilleja School in Palo Alto, California, where she served as school counselor, Wellness Department team member, lacrosse coach and teacher. Ms. Mancini has a passion for adolescent health and development, social-emotional learning and the cultivation of life-long skills, resilience and self-reliance.

M.Ed. - Education Leadership
M.Ed. - Special Education
B.A. - Communication

"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.Ed. - Educational Leadership

“Working with youth bring 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 Dean of Students in 2019 and is excited to be part of a team of educators who research, dissect and provide opportunities for professional growth. He previously 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 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.

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 chooses to work at Kent Denver because of the professional opportunity and chance to live near the Rocky Mountains. Prior to joining Kent Denver he taught first at Greenwich Country Day School in Greenwich, CT then at Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, PA.

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 look forward to immersing myself in the Sun Devil community and to 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.