Gia Nold – Art Specialist
I’m very excited to start the 2016-17 year as the Art teacher at Marrama Elementary! Previously, I have taught Visual Arts at Morey Middle School and ,prior to Morey, I taught at 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 Mark, my kids David, Jamie and stepsons Josh and Seth. I have two adorable doggies: Luna and Hunter!
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. Working with kids is a challenge and an opportunity to keep me learning and thinking! I am looking forward to work with students at Marrama; helping them discover, explore, and have fun with their creations!
Erika Cleven – Library Specialist
Ledama Tajeu- Music Specialist
Hello, my name is Ledama Tajeu. I was born in Kenya, spent my early years in Ithaca, NY, and graduated high school outside of Chicago. I moved to Colorado after earning my Master of Arts in Instrumental Music Education at the University of Alabama to be in a more diverse area, with a genuine appreciation for arts education. I have spent time as a performer, producer, composer, and arranger, and have always had a desire to spread my passion for music to younger generations. I also hold a master’s degree in jazz arranging and a bachelor’s degree in music technology, two areas I hope to incorporate in my teaching. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, camping, gardening, and learning about technology.
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 third year at Marrama! I have spent the last two years teaching 5th grade. This will be 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, various sports, and trying new things.
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!