Osage Campus
Laura Pritchard
Special Education Coordinator
Mrs. Pritchard was born and raised in Texas. She earned her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from St. Edward's University in Austin. After a few years of working in the medical field, she obtained her teaching certification. She worked for 10 years in elementary and middle schools with a range of students, including those with severe needs, mild/moderate needs and without disabilities but at risk for falling behind. She joined Colorado High School Charter in 2018 and really fell in love with teaching and decided to obtain a master's degree in Instructional Design, which she completed in August of 2021. She is very proud of her three daughters. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family and friends camping, hiking, biking, boating, stand up paddling and kayaking.
.png)
Shalom Sanchez
Special Education Teacher
Shalom Sanchez is excited to be part of the CHSC team. She grew up in New Mexico and is a proud Aunty of 25 nieces and nephews. She has taught in Kansas, New Mexico, California and now Colorado. While in California she started mentoring students in Los Angeles and training them to run marathons and has been addicted to running ever since. She loves the theatre, hiking, snowboarding or really anything outdoors and has climbed the highest peak in the continental United States.
.png)
Marisa Santarella
Social Worker
Marisa grew up in Littleton, Colorado where she spent most of her time playing soccer and hiking with her dogs. She earned her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology from Lewis & Clark College, and her Masters of Social Work with a concentration in Children and Youth from the University of Denver. Marisa has worked in four school districts across the country including Seattle, Dallas, and Denver. She loves to laugh, hike, bike, and cook. Her passion is working with young people in schools and communities to help them develop skills that promote self-empowerment and healing. Marisa is thankful for all of the young people, professors, colleagues, friends, and family who have shared their knowledge and stories shaping her mind and understanding of the world.
.png)
Rigo Tostado
Concurrent Enrollment Counselor
Rigo comes to Colorado High School Charter after spending nearly 10 years as a Program Director for the “I Have a Dream” Foundation. He is excited by the opportunity to keep working with youth in Denver and supporting them as they discover their own paths towards successful careers. Rigo is a graduate of the University of Redlands where he earned a degree in Spanish and in Race and Ethnic Studies. Originally from San Diego, Rigo grew up just north of Denver in Longmont and has been living in Denver since he graduated from college. Rigo enjoys traveling, trying new foods in new places and meeting new people. He is also a big sports fan, especially baseball and soccer.
.png)
Sandy Vasquez
Office Manager
Miss Sandy was born in El Paso, Texas; Texas born Colorado raised! Her family moved to Denver when she was 8 years old because there were not enough good job opportunities for them in Texas. Miss Sandy graduated from Skyview High School in Thornton, CO. Miss Sandy is fluent in Spanish so our Spanish speaking families and guests can count on an additional support in our office. She is a dedicated scholar support system and is always looking for ways to improve school culture both among staff and students and, of course, our Colorado High families! She is ecstatic to bring her enthusiasm to this team!
Liz has worked at CHSC since 2011. She earned her Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Northeastern University and completed her license in Administrative Leadership and Policies Studies at CU Denver in 2017.
Liz loves helping to direct policy at school that empowers youth to express themselves in authentic ways and grow academically and personally.
Liz got her undergraduate degree from Gettysburg College where she also played on the Women’s Soccer Team. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, listening to live music, traveling and spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Lola.
Liz Feldhusen
Principal
303-892-8472, x1106
.png)
Mr. Neely is fortunate to have had many dynamic teachers in his life and credits this as a main reason for working in education. He also loves to learn and hopes to empower his students to think critically about the world.
Mr. Neely has over ten years of teaching experience at both the collegiate and secondary level, and he joined CHSC in 2015. He has a BS in Geography and an MA in Education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and originally hails from Wisconsin.
Mr. Neely loves the American West and moved to Colorado in 2014. He travels as much as he can and enjoys the mountains for skiing, rock climbing, and backpacking. He also enjoys sports, film, and literature, and dabbles creatively as a guitar player, screenwriter, and cook.
Gabriel Neely
Assistant Principal
303-892-8475, x1108
.png)
Leah Bruce
Science Teacher
-
Mrs. Bruce is from Arizona where is earned her BS in Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology from the University of Arizona. During her time as an undergrad, Mrs. Bruce studied abroad, participated in scientific research, and was involved in multiple organizations. Post-graduation, she became a Teach for America Corps Member and was honored to join the CHSC family! She has now worked for CHSC for four years, became a lead teacher, and earned her Master’s in Secondary Science Education through Relay Graduate School. One day, she hopes to continue her education to become a medical physician. In her free time, Mrs. Bruce is passionate about volunteering, analyzing a good movie, and exploring new areas around Colorado with her husband.
Jay Fuhrman
Language Arts Teacher
Jay has been an English teacher at Colorado High School Charter since 2018. He is originally from central Connecticut and holds a BA from St. Lawrence University and an MA from Middlebury College. Before joining CHSC, Jay taught English and coached a variety of sports at schools in Connecticut. He enjoys adventuring throughout Colorado outdoors with his wife and two dogs.
Gracie Grant
Language Arts Teacher
Originally from Montclair, New Jersey, Ms. Grant is a passionate educator with a thirst for knowledge and relationship-building. Before becoming an educator, Ms. Grant gained both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (GO HEELS!). As an undergrad, Ms. Grant graduated with her degree in English with honors and Linguistics. Then, as a graduate student, Ms. Grant earned a Master of Arts in Teaching. As an educator, Ms. Grant seeks to share her passion for reading and critical conversation. But, when she is not teaching, you can find Ms. Grant hiking, reading, watching reality tv, or doing anything in the sun!
Clark Callahan
Executive Director of CHSC
(720)305-8516
Clark has a deep passion to help all young people realize the value, freedom, and responsibility that comes with education. Clark received his B.S. in Communications and Economics from the University of Northern Colorado, an MBA from Fairfield University and an Ed. M in Urban Educational Administration from Columbia. Bringing 15+ years of experience working in education. When Clark is not at school, you will find him enjoying a medium rare cheese burger with sweet potato fries and a soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie with a little vanilla ice cream on top. A dedicated family man, Clark values every moment he gets to spend with his wife and three children. Clark also enjoys running, skiing, hiking, knitting, and painting.
Jennifer Lilly
Director of Finance
Jennifer joined CHSC in 2020. She has an accounting degree from University of New Mexico and an MBA from Colorado State University. She is a CPA. She spent the first part of her career doing financial analysis and the second part doing taxes. Having had more fun than anyone has a right to have doing taxes, she decided another career change was in order. Working in the educational environment has been a breath of fresh air. While she doesn’t directly work with students, she does strive to keep the wheels on the bus behind the scenes! When she’s not at work, you’ll find her on her bike, remodeling her house, or taking things out of her puppy’s mouth. She loves to travel and spend time with her kids.
Colorado High School Charter
Front Office Staff
Meet the Osage Staff
If you would like to contact any of the teachers or staff, please click the email button below their description.
Manuel Sanchez
Math Teacher
Manuel “Manny” Sanchez has worked at CHSC since 2020. He has been in education for over 22 years, 15 years in teaching Intro to Drafting, Multimedia (Adobe Suite, 3D Printing) and 7 years teaching Mathematics. He enjoys unhinging student’s minds, changing their perspective on education while expanding their horizon, and igniting their intellect. Manny is a graduate from Azusa Pacific University. He has a B.A. in Human Development and a M.A. in Educational Technology. He is from Southern California and enjoys traveling, spending time with family, making noise on his drum kit, and playing golf with his boys.
.png)
Alexander Garst
Social Studies Teacher
Mr. Garst hails from Pennsylvania where he earned a BA in History from St. Joseph’s University and a Social Studies teaching certification from Widener University. He taught Honors American Government and African Studies before relocating to Colorado in 2019. Mr. Garst has a genuine commitment to student development and the learning experience and works to integrate inclusive teaching approaches.
Graziella Pilato
Math Teacher
Graziella Pilato is joining the CHSC team from Pennsylvania; where she grew up and obtained her B.S in Plant Science from The Pennsylvania State University. After graduating, she joined Teach for America and is honored to begin her teaching journey with the wonderful people at CHSC. During Graziella's time as an undergraduate, she was a Millennium Scholar and president of the program’s student council. The Millennium Scholars Program is an academic scholarship program focused on diversifying professional STEM fields. Graziella has also been involved in various community impact programs, such as researching and working with lo al farmers to establish cropping systems to improve biodiversity and the variety of produce on farms near the Vaca Forest Reserve in Belize, CA. Graziella’s passion for STEM education and increasing diversity within these fields drew her to teaching and working with young people.
.png)
Amairani Zuniga-Torres
Student Advocate
303-434-1946
Amairani is a Denver native. She was the first one in her family to finish her education. Amairani earned her Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Human Services from Metropolitan State University. Amairani understands the importance, the adversities, and the opportunities that a higher education brings, first hand. This is why she has a passion to help students succeed. She believes that through dedication and persistence, youth are closer in reaching their dreams. During her free time, Amairani enjoys spending time with family and loves to craft.
.png)
Courtney Capper
Science Teacher
Courtney is from Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania where she earned a BS in Biology from Lock Haven University. She competed in cross country and track and field and loves to bring her passion for exercise into the physical education class. She is excited to teach students about science and the outdoors at CHSC. During her free time, she loves to hike in the mountains, trail run, and hang out with her dog.
Claudia Graham
Language Arts Teacher
Ms. Graham was born in South Dakota but has really only ever lived in Colorado. She has lived
all over Colorado; from small mountain towns like Victor to all around the Denver area! Ms.
Graham started her higher education journey at Community College of Denver and finished it at Metropolitan State University with a BA in English with a Secondary Education License. Her
experience in teaching has a wide range. She has spent time working with toddlers andpreschoolers at the Auraria Early Learning Center, coaching a high school drumline, and
teaching 7th and 8th grade! The absolute joy Ms. Graham gets from working with youth has led
her to Colorado High School Charter. When she’s not teaching, she’s in the kitchen cooking and
goofing around with any one of her four siblings, her mom, her son, and her husband.
Tabari Totty
Dean of Culture
Tabari brings more than 15 years providing effective academic, career counseling and guidance for at-risk youth and young adults. He is a graduate of the University of Sioux Falls, where he obtained his degree in Business Administration/Entrepreneurship. Tabari is also a licensed barber, where he attended Brown Barber College in Atlanta, Georgia. Tabari’s journey of mentoring and leading youth encompassed McCrossan Boys Ranch, Ridgeview Academy, Mount View Youth Services Center, and the Contemporary Learning Academy. Tabari is passionate about positively impacting the lives of youth struggling with life’s dilemmas and student development. Tabari’s vision would be to see an increase in graduation and decrease in dropout rates. Along with improvement in self-awareness, purpose and accountability for one’s actions and foster partnerships within the community to keep the youth engaged in their future. In Tabari’s free time, he enjoys traveling, fly fishing, cooking, reading, biking, hiking, concerts, sporting events, and museums.
Go Chi Bears!
Marcus Duran
Special Education Paraprofessional
Marcus joined CHSC in the spring of 2021. He has 5 years' experience as a paraprofessional in Elementary, Middle, and High school classrooms throughout Colorado. He is currently earning his Bachelor of Arts in Special Education at Western Governors’ University. He plans to find a position as a special education teacher after finishing his degree. Marcus understands that every student desires a place where they feel understood, supported, and challenged and strives to provide that space for every student he works with. Marcus is a Colorado native and LOVES the Denver Broncos. He enjoys playing board and video games, Watching all genres of movies and tv shows, playing bass in his band, and spending time outdoors
.jpg)
Bryan Rusin
Social Studies Teacher
Bryan grew up just outside of Chicago, IL and is a proud graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in Political Science. He has taught for 17 years all around the globe. He started his career in Chicago, but moved with his family and taught for two years in the Marshall Islands, a tiny Pacific island nation, and for two more years in Guatemala. Both of these experiences were extraordinarily valuable and made him a better teacher and person. Since returning to the States he has made Denver his home. Bryan loves being outdoors hiking, skiing, paddle boarding and competing in local and national golf tournaments. While Bryan played golf in college, his favorite sport is basketball. He is excited to join the CHSC family.
Brian Rocha
Post-Secondary Advocate
Brian was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado and attended Colorado State University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Before coming to Colorado High School Charter, he served as an AmeriCorps member and worked as a Post-Secondary Coach with the “I Have a Dream” Foundation of Boulder County. He is excited to bring his experience working with youth over to Denver and be a resource for CHSC and their families. Brian is a huge Colorado sports fan and enjoys being active, whether it’s in the gym or somewhere outdoors.