Gia Nold – Art Specialist
I’m very excited to be the art teacher at Marrama Elementary! Previously, I have taught at Morey Middle School and Place Bridge Academy. I am originally from Lima, Peru. I live in Denver (my second home) where I went to school and raised my family. I studied at Metro State College and Naropa University. My Bachelor degree is in English. My Masters is in Fine Art and my endorsement is in Visual Arts. When I’m not teaching, I value family time with my husband, kids and my adorable doggies! I practice poetry, drawing, painting, pottery, mixed media and other forms of art. I love inventions, transformations, gardens, water adventures, and definitely traveling any chance I have. Teaching art is a passion I’ve had since I was in grade school and it motivated me to pursue my education in Visual Art. Making art with students at Marrama is so fun. I love helping them discover, explore, and learn from their creations!
Erika Cleven – Library Specialist
Amanda Brannon – Music Specialist
Hello! My name is Amanda Brannon and this my first year at Marrama Elementary. I am excited to be teaching music, band, orchestra, and choir this year! Be prepared for a fun year as we learn to play the guitar, ukulele, piano, bass guitar, drums, recorder, and many other instruments throughout the year. I believe that music is an essential part of a child’s education. Playing music strengthens the connections between the left and right sides of the brain, literally making you smarter! Students will be performing in many concerts and events this year, and I can’t wait to see families at these events!
Kathleen Gappa – PE Specialist
Hello, I’m Kathleen Gappa this is my second year with Denver Public Schools and Marrama Elementary. I moved to Colorado from Oklahoma a couple of years ago. This is my 8th year of teaching. I am excited to be teaching physical education. I enjoy hiking, water sports, playing basketball, volleyball and tennis. I also like to garden and spend time with my family and dog. I am married and have 3 children. My oldest daughter in Allison. She lives in Oklahoma and is a sports broadcaster. My daughter Amanda goes to University of Colorado in Denver. She is senior majoring in economics. My son Aaron attends Arvada West High School. He is a junior and plays football and track and field. My dogs name is Hudson. He is a puppy that we adopted this summer.
Hi my name is Jake LaCross and I am from Manchester, Michigan. I received my teaching degree from Eastern Michigan University in 2012. I spent my first year of teaching in Laveen, Arizona teaching 4th grade. I moved to Denver in the summer of 2014. This will be my fourth year at Marrama! I spent the first two years teaching 5th grade. Last year was my first year teaching Physical Education! I look forward to creating a comfortable and supportive environment for your student. I have a passion for mentoring students, and aiding them in becoming wonderful, well rounded young people. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, canoeing, snowboarding, various sports, and trying new things. GO LIONS!!
Mrs. Roche – GT/STL
Hello! I’ve been teaching for the past 13 years, and in this time, I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with students from France, Ireland, Steamboat Springs, and right here in Denver. When I’m not working, I love going to yoga, reading, running, traveling, and relaxing. I look forward to another fun and fantastic year with my fabulous students as we explore the beauty and mysteries of the world!