Say hello to your 2023-2024 Rocky Mountain Prep principals! RMP principals inspire and empower every one of our students to be the best version of themselves every day. From late nights to early mornings, they work endlessly to ensure students receive a top-tier education that meets them where they are and pushes them to their full potential. Through rigor and love every single day, principals ensure students are learning in a safe and inclusive space.
Aime Cano – Principal at RMP Berkeley
Q: Who are you and what have you done? Tell us about yourself and your career thus far!
My name is Aime Cano, I am excited to join the Berkeley community! I am just entering my 18th year in the field of education. This is my fourth year as an elementary principal (first year at Berkeley). I have served children Pre-K- 12 as an assistant principal, literacy coach, language program coordinator, and homeroom teacher in a variety of subjects ranging from world geography to A-level business studies. My experience spreads over Mexico, China, and the United States of America. Living and working abroad and at home allows me to better connect with cultures and understand Western vs. Eastern world views and different cultural contexts. Berkeley is a place where children will be cherished for who they are and pushed as thinkers, learners, and doers!
Q: Who has helped shape who you are today and who you want to become?
My husband, my mother, and my children have shaped me into who I am today. My mother gave me a sense of urgency to always strive to do more and to seek growth constantly. My husband pushes me to create balance in all I do, and each of my four children have given me perspective into students’ abilities and learning styles. They anchor me into what it is like to be a child in today’s world.
Q: What excites you the most about this year?
This year our theme is, “Our Time to Shine.” We want every child who walks in our doors to fully feel our pillars of rigor and love and to be able to embody our PEAK values. Children who feel loved can more easily accept academic challenges and take risks. When students take risks, they learn life skills like communication, negotiation, and leadership, and they find inspiration through their voices.
Q: When not at school, what do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?
I LOVE to read crime novels and go for walks in the sun!
Q: Is a hotdog a sandwich? Why?
Hahaha, no way! A hotdog is a specialty meal best reserved for get-togethers or picnics. A sandwich should be able to be transferred over to “regular bread.” Some others may say it is, and I can accept that, just would seem a little off to me 🙂 I am open to discussion.
Grace Han – Principal at RMP Creekside
Q: Who are you and what have you done? Tell us about yourself and your career thus far!I started my teaching career as a kindergarten teacher in Detroit. In 2014, I moved to New York City, where I honed my teaching skills and transitioned to an instructional coach role. When I was moving to Denver, in 2020, I was looking for a school where I could grow deep roots and thankfully found RMP Creekside. I have had the privilege of being the assistant principal for third through fifth grade the past three years here and am excited to continue this journey with all of our students. The RMP Creekside community exemplifies rigor and love, and I am committed to leading with all the PEAK values. We have a beautifully diverse community, and I always love spending time with all of you and your kids!Q: Who has helped shape who you are today and who you want to become?My grandfather was an elementary school teacher, assistant principal, then principal. He is someone I looked up to growing up, and I know he would be so proud that I’m following in his footsteps.Q: What excites you the most about this year?I have been a part of the RMP Creekside community for the past three years as an assistant principal. This year I’m so excited to be leading as principal! RMP Creekside is a truly magical place and the wonderful community keeps me coming back every year. I can’t wait to welcome students back to school and have another wonderful year of learning.Q: When not at school, what do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?I like to read, go on long walks, and hang out with my cats. I’ve recently learned to ski and I am getting pretty good!Q: Is a hotdog a sandwich? Why?It is absolutely not a sandwich.
Julieta Garcia-Vicente – Principal at RMP FletcherQ: Who are you and what have you done? Tell us about yourself and your career thus far!My name is Juli Garcia, and many of you know me as “Ms. Garcia.” I am humbled and honored to lead Rocky Mountain Prep Fletcher. This is my third year at RMP Fletcher and my eleventh year in education. I’ve been an elementary school teacher in Denver, an assistant principal of operations in Boston, and, now, the principal at RMP Fletcher. I am so excited to work with our kids, our families, and our staff to make RMP Fletcher one of the best elementary schools in Aurora!Q: Who has helped shape who you are today and who you want to become?My parents have shaped who I am today and instilled in me the belief that education is the key to endless opportunities. My parents moved our family from Argentina to the United States so that my siblings and I could have a better education and life. My 3-year-old daughter attends RMP Fletcher so she also influences my work. My expectation for every teacher and every classroom at Fletcher is that they are good enough for my daughter because every single kid deserves an excellent school. Q: What excites you the most about this year? I’m just so excited for RMP Fletcher to continue to grow in meeting our academic goals for our students! We had so many successes last year, and I can’t wait for us to continue the progress!Q: When not at school, what do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?I like to hang out with my friends and family, read books, exercise (hike, run, fitness classes), go shopping, and try out different restaurants in Denver! My daughter and I love to hang out at the pool!Q: Is a hotdog a sandwich? Why?To me, it doesn’t seem like a sandwich. I don’t really care as long as the hot dog is crispy burnt! 
Andrew McKee – Principal at RMP Ruby HillQ: Who are you and what have you done? Tell us about yourself and your career thus far!My name is Andrew McKee and I’m the proud principal of Rocky Mountain Prep Ruby Hill. I’m also the parent of a Ruby Hill student and alumna! This is my fifth year as the principal and tenth year overall at Ruby Hill. I love the school and community!Q: Who has helped shape who you are today and who you want to become?My parents and grandparents were the most important influences in my life. They taught me many important lessons like the importance of hard work, learning, and family. I also learn every day from kids at Ruby Hill and am lucky to hear their wise words.Q: What excites you the most about this year? I’m PUMPED to have other elementary schools in our network that we can collaborate with and learn from. I know that with our powers combined, we will do amazing things!Q: When not at school, what do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?When I’m not at school you can find me playing video games, reading, camping, skiing, and cooking with my family.Q: Is a hotdog a sandwich? Why?If the hotdog wants to be a sandwich, I say let it be a sandwich.
Bridget Tiebout – Principal at RMP SouthwestQ: Who are you and what have you done? Tell us about yourself and your career thus far!My name is Bridget Tiebout and I am living out my dream job as the principal of Rocky Mountain Prep Southwest. I started my career as a third- and fourth-grade teacher in New Orleans, LA, and Austin, TX. I moved to Denver in 2017 and am grateful to have found RMP Southwest where I taught third and fourth grades to our founding class before moving to an assistant principal role. This 23-24 school year will be my third year as principal of Southwest.Q: Who has helped shape who you are today and who you want to become?My son Hank grounds me in every decision I make as a principal. I am so excited for him to become a Southwest Lobo. He’s only 1-and-a-half right now and I already can’t wait to see him in one of our pre-K classrooms when he turns 3. Q: What excites you the most about this year? I’m thrilled that this year we have over 90 percent of our students returning to Southwest and over 85 percent of our teachers returning. I know we are going to have incredible outcomes for our kiddos and build a culture of love and joy.Q: When not at school, what do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?I enjoy biking with my husband, Jack, and our son, Hank. We also have two dogs, Quincy & Dot, who we take hiking or to the park for family picnics!Q: Is a hotdog a sandwich? Why?No. It’s a hot dog. I am a New Yorker and trust me, these are two different things. 
Berto Barrett – Principal at RMP FederalQ: Who are you and what have you done? Tell us about yourself and your career thus far!Hello! I am Berto Barrett and I have been at the Rocky Mountain Prep Federal (formerly STRIVE Prep – Federal) campus for the past nine years! I started my career in Milwaukee as a special education teacher, then came to RMP Federal and have been a special education teacher, athletic director and coach, assistant principal of student services, and now in my second year as principal. I live in Athmar Park and love that I can serve the community that is also my home.Q: Who has helped shape who you are today and who you want to become?My parents. My dad taught me that life is not fair and that you cannot use that as an excuse. You need to grind your way through to accomplish your goals and “keep your head down.” My mom was probably the kindest person on the planet and taught me to be welcoming and how to “kill with kindness.”Q: What excites you the most about this year? I am excited for Federal to take another step forward. I want us to be one of the best middle schools in Denver, and this year we can take another step to accomplish that goal. Additionally, I love to meet all of the siblings of my previous students and reconnect with those families.Q: When not at school, what do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?When I am not at school I like to read, run, swim, BBQ, and spend time with my family: Jessie (wife), Stevie (cat), Autumn (dog), and a baby boy who is due to join us in September.Q: Is a hotdog a sandwich? Why?No, it’s a hot dog.
Brittney Cleark – Principal at RMP Green Valley RanchQ: Who are you and what have you done? Tell us about yourself and your career thus far!My name is Brittney Cleark and I am so thrilled to be a Rocky Mountain Prep Green Valley Ranch Dragon again. This will be my seventh year at RMP Green Valley Ranch. When I started in the network I taught eighth grade ELA, then I worked at the central office, and now I am back as the principal. Q: Who has helped shape who you are today and who you want to become?My sister Kenyatta Cleark Pharm, D. is my greatest inspiration. She is the smartest and kindest person I know and I want to be like her when I grow up. Q: What excites you the most about this year? The thing that excites me the most about this year is our deep commitment to all of our students reading tons of exciting and interesting books. Q: When not at school, what do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?When I am not at school I enjoy several hobbies. I read a lot and I am excited to pursue the millionaire goal alongside my students. I also play video games. Right now, my favorite games are Spritfarer and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Q: Is a hotdog a sandwich? Why?No, a hotdog is toast. 
Shinead Amos – Principal at RMP NoelQ: Who are you and what have you done? Tell us about yourself and your career thus far!My name is Shinead Amos, I am humbled and honored to lead Rocky Mountain Prep Noel. This is my second year at RMP Noel and my ninth year in education. I’ve been a middle school teacher and assistant principal in Texas, dean of culture in Tennessee, and managing director of teacher development and DEI with Rocky Mountain Prep before transitioning to the principal role at RMP Noel. I am so excited to partner with our kids, our families, and our staff to achieve the goal of RMP Noel being the top-performing middle school in Denver. Q: Who has helped shape who you are today and who you want to become?I was blessed to be taught by several teachers who went the extra mile to ensure that I practiced perseverance when things were hard and expected excellence from me every single day. I am the leader I am today because of the teachers I encountered along my journey. Mr. Jackson and Ms. Ray believed in me, saw me, and made me feel like I could do anything I set my mind to. I want to make every student feel the same way these teachers made me feel. Q: What excites you the most about this year? I am most excited to prove what is possible! The students at RMP Noel deserve to experience success and grow in their reading and math skills. I truly believe that when the adults in the building get it right, there is nothing our students can’t do. I am excited to prove to our students and families that the Far Northeast can, and will, excel. I am excited to see the results of this community’s hard work. Q: When not at school, what do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?When I am not at school I am thinking about school and I have to remind myself to be present for my family. I love spending time outdoors with my husband and toddler. We love going for walks or being near water. When the little one goes down for bed, my husband and I love to watch movies together or play board games. We are currently obsessed with Azul and Sherlock Holmes. Q: Is a hotdog a sandwich? Why?A hotdog can be whatever it wants to be as long as it is cooked crispy and smothered in bacon jam and mustard. 
Catherine Dance – Principal at RMP SunnysideQ: Who are you and what have you done? Tell us about yourself and your career thus far!Hello! I am Cate Dance and I am extremely excited to be joining the RMP Sunnyside team this year as principal! Education has always been an important part of my life because both my parents are retired college professors, but I decided to become an educator when I realized how much my childhood science teachers shaped my love of and passion for everything science (especially biology)! I believe that through a great education and with educators who care, every student can find something they feel passionate about learning more about! Q: Who has helped shape who you are today and who you want to become?My family makes me believe that I can do anything I set my mind to. Their support is unwavering and every day they teach me something new! My friends, fellow educators, and students also bring me a lot of joy and challenge me to become a better person and educator. Q: What excites you the most about this year? I’m excited to move back into the middle school sphere after being at RMP RISE for the past seven years. With the network merger, being at an RMP middle school means that we will reap the benefits of students who went to an RMP elementary school, and we will have the privilege of setting them up to be successful at an RMP high school – HOW COOL! Q: When not at school, what do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?When not at school, I really enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing and watching sports, reading, baking, and hanging out with my dog, Duke! Q: Is a hotdog a sandwich? Why?According to Google image search,
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Alejandra Najera – Principal at RMP WestwoodQ: Who are you and what have you done? Tell us about yourself and your career thus far!I am a first-generation college student and an American citizen. I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, and a proud graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso, one of the top-performing universities in upward mobility. I started my career serving five years as an early college English language arts teacher in the high school setting, followed by two years as an English middle school teacher, and spending the last three years as a middle school assistant principal. I am excited about the opportunity to serve as the principal at RMP Westwood. Q: Who has helped shape who you are today and who you want to become?I have been lucky to attend schools and work for institutions that have given me excellent teachers, mentors, and coaches. Collectively, they have each formed part of who I am today. This is why I chose to be in education. I recognize and have personally experienced the impact of good people caring for me. This is what we strive to do in our schools every single day. Two of my biggest motivators are my mom, who represents everything I come from and everything I wish to improve for myself and others like me. My mother never had the opportunity to complete a university degree and worked a minimum wage job to uphold her family. I learned perseverance, humility, and excellent work ethic from my mother. But I knew she wanted me to do more. So, I did. The second is my niece, Aria. Aria watches everyone and everything that happens around her, just like our students do. It is for this reason that I choose to set the best example possible – for Aria and the students of RMP Westwood. Q: What excites you the most about this year? The most exciting part about this year is getting to work with a community that is deeply tied to the background and values of my family and people like me. I aim to make a positive impact on the community of RMP Westwood and hope that this community also helps me grow personally and professionally.Q: When not at school, what do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?For fun, I love to read a book by the beach or nice scenery. I travel whenever possible and also love to attend concerts of my favorite artists. Overall, travel is what makes me the happiest, no matter how close or far it takes me.Q: Is a hotdog a sandwich? Why?A hotdog in our culture is not usually regarded as a sandwich. However, if we want to ensure we have clarity and alignment with other perspectives, a hot dog would technically be a sandwich. A sandwich usually consists of two pieces of bread with meat, vegetables, and spread fillings. All of these components are true of a hot dog. Therefore, to most people, a hot dog would be considered (odd, but nonetheless) a sandwich. 
Sarah Elguea – Principal at RMP RISEQ: Who are you and what have you done? Tell us about yourself and your career thus far!Hello, my name is Sarah Elguea and I am the proud principal of RMP RISE. My love for education began while I was a tutor for the GEAR-UP program, but the love really turned into advocacy and passion when I was the social service coordinator for La Tuna Federal Correctional Institution. I do believe that all students should be able to have access to equal opportunities and also be supported holistically. Q: Who has helped shape who you are today and who you want to become?My upbringing has shaped me into the person I am today.Q: What excites you the most about this year? What excites me the most about this year is working alongside a great administrative team and getting to know our students and families. Q: When not at school, what do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and cleaning my casa.Q: Is a hotdog a sandwich? Why?The hotdog is a sandwich due to the fact that the protein is squished between two slices of bread. Corn dogs are the best though!
Chelsea Yondo Feller – Principal at RMP SMARTQ: Who are you and what have you done? Tell us about yourself and your career thus far!I’m Chelsea Yondo Feller, the principal of Rocky Mountain Prep SMART. My journey as an educator began after working for a non-profit organization in Peru that secured adult voting rights and provided two days of education each week to children workers. I learned that cultivating one’s voice and critical thinking skills in school is what enables one to secure the future of their choice. I moved back to the United States with a newfound passion for K-12 education and began my work as an English and history teacher. Now, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of our current ocelotls since they were in sixth grade at our RMP Federal campus! Q: Who has helped shape who you are today and who you want to become?Most nights, I lay awake considering the words a student has shared with me. I am inspired and challenged by our students each day. I am driven to improve because our students deserve high-quality leaders.Q: What excites you the most about this year? I’m excited to prove what is possible as a Rocky Mountain Prep high school. The class of 2024 will be the first RMP graduates and we have the opportunity to make our name synonymous with excellence. It will be iconic!Q: When not at school, what do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?Outside of school, I love to read, ski, and climb with my dog (Dyno) and husband (Matt). Q: Is a hotdog a sandwich? Why?I love corndogs. SLA serves the best mini ‘dogs here at RMP SMART!