Our Crew: VBE Faculty & Staff

Dr. Logan Gogarty is a strong entrepreneurial and educational leader. He has served as an operations manager at a high performing charter school in Denver, taught at a bilingual elementary school with Teach for America in San Antonio, and served as a principal at an alternative K-12 school. Mr. Gogarty has a BA in Spanish from CSU-P, a Masters in Education and Entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania, an Ed.S in Superintendency, and his Ph.D in Education Leadership.

As a learner, Jessica Ortiz has pursued studies in educational equity and cultural diversity, native american studies, and anthropology. As a professional, she facilitates data-driven and equity-focused teams, leads in the development of high-quality, learner-driven, & purposeful curriculum and instruction and supports the curriculum implementation process. She is the mother of three Colorado adventuring kiddos who spend most of their time hiking, mountain kayaking, and camping under the stars.

Mrs. Pam Pettijohn is a founding staff member of Villa Bella and has been on the leadership team since the school's inception in 2019. She has been in a school office for the last 15 years and loves meeting new parents and students. She and her family have made Pueblo their home for almost 20 years, and working in the school system has allowed her to be present for her now-grown boys and their rodeo adventures over the years. She enjoys spending time with family, riding horses, getting together with friends, and taking her side-by-side to the mountains.

Ms. Sarah Weaver is a Pueblo native. She received her undergraduate degree in the field of psychology from the University of Montana. She later acquired her teaching certification from Western State University and she is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Education Leadership. Ms. Weaver has been teaching elementary education for ten years and she is passionate about whole child development. When she is not teaching, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, daughter and two rescue dogs.

Ms. Payton Stack was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming. She graduated from CSU Pueblo with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies and a minor in Elementary Education. As a crew leader, she is excited to push students to reach their full potential in and out of the classroom. Ms. Stack strives to create a strong culture in her classroom by encouraging students to be kind, passionate, and respectful to all. In her free time, Payton enjoys spending time outside at the lake, camping, and hiking.

Mrs. Nichelle Larsen was born in Southern California and moved to Pueblo at the age of six. She is happily married to her husband, Jeff, and together they have two wonderful children. Mrs. Larsen has over five years of experience as a school secretary, and enjoys such things as cooking, working on race cars, playing with her children, and camping. She is very excited to join the Villa Bella Crew and to meet all the wonderful students and their families.

Mrs. Courtney Lockett was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado. She has been a Kindergarten teacher for 14 years and was awarded Colorado Teacher of the year in 2020. Mrs. Lockett graduated from Adams State College in 2010 with a BA in Elementary Education and completed her master’s degree in Learning and Technology from Western Governor’s University in 2019. Courtney’s goal is to instill a love of learning in her students that she hopes will last them a lifetime. When she is not teaching, she likes spending time coaching soccer, cheering on the Denver Broncos, and camping/traveling with her husband and two children.

Ms. Celine Jones is currently completing her master’s degree in School Counseling. She is grateful for her time spent with VBE students as a paraprofessional and Crew Leader as these opportunities have given her different perspectives to enrich her new position as School Counselor. Ms. Jones and her therapy dog Blake are passionate about supporting students socially, emotionally, and academically. During her free time, she enjoys going on walks with her dogs and spending time outdoors with her family and friends.

Mrs. Stephanie Coy was born and raised in the San Luis Valley. She is happily married to her husband, Steve, and together they have four children and two grandchildren. Mrs. Coy has several years experience working in the medical clerical field and enjoys such things as baking, sewing, camping, fishing and simply being with her family. She is anxious to continue to serve the needs of the Explorers!

Victoria Hund is a dedicated and compassionate educator who is deeply committed to fostering a classroom environment where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn. With a strong passion for social-emotional learning, she believes that nurturing students’ emotional well-being is just as important as academic growth. Victoria intentionally creates opportunities for students to build self-awareness, empathy, and positive relationships, laying a foundation for lifelong success. She values the power of peer collaboration and designs meaningful learning experiences that encourage students to work together, share ideas, and learn from one another. Victoria is devoted to cultivating an inclusive classroom where all learners feel seen, respected, and supported. She strives to create a space where diversity is celebrated, and every child has the confidence to take risks and grow. As a proud boy mom, Victoria brings warmth, patience, and a deep understanding of children’s needs into her teaching. Her personal experiences enrich her ability to connect with students and families, creating a strong sense of community within her classroom. Victoria is excited to join the Villa Bella team as a kindergarten teacher, where she looks forward to inspiring young learners, building meaningful relationships, and contributing to a positive and collaborative school culture.

Ms. Alexandria Anderson was born and raised in Pueblo. She graduated from Colorado State University of Pueblo with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. Ms. Anderson has always enjoyed working alongside students, particularly in early childhood education. She has experience working as a Registered Behavior Technician for Elementary and Middle schoolers and as a preschool teacher’s assistant. As a new teacher at VBE, she is excited to help her students feel encouraged and accepted, and to ignite a passion for learning. During her free time, Ms. Anderson enjoys writing, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Mrs. Halie Wilson was born and raised in Pueblo. She graduated as a student-athlete from CSU Pueblo with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and received a Master’s degree in English Language Learners from Western Governors University. Halie loves to dance and is a dance team coach at East High School and Sarah Shaw Dance Studio. Her hobbies include camping, dancing, and spending time with her family and friends. She loves the hands-on learning within the expeditionary curriculum and enjoys watching her students grow as learners.

Mrs. Carleo is excited to begin her 20th year in education and her first year at Villa Bella as a 1st grade teacher! She earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from CSU-Pueblo in 2006 and her Master's in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education in 2019!  Mrs. Carleo has spent much of her career in 1st and 2nd grade classrooms. She is especially passionate about teaching children how to read and helping them build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Outside the classroom, she loves spending time with her husband Matt, their two sons, Logan and Roman, and their little mini schnauzer. Together, they enjoy traveling to new places and camping acoss Colorado. She also loves going to concerts, painting, and cooking.

Hello VBE Families!
My name is Jessalyn Guzzo, and I am so excited to be returning to VBE this year as a 2nd-grade teacher! I can't wait to meet all of my students and families and begin an amazing school year together!
I was born and raised in Trinidad, Colorado, and earned my Associate of Arts in Mass Communications from Otero College, where I also played basketball. In 2020, I moved to Pueblo to attend Colorado State University Pueblo, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. I am currently working toward my Master's degree in Early Childhood Education at Grand Canyon University.
VBE has always held a special place in my heart. I was fortunate to work here as an interventionist during my undergraduate program, and I feel incredibly lucky to be returning as a classroom teacher. I am passionate about creating a classroom where every student feels welcomed, supported, and excited to learn each day.
When I'm not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend Lucas, our dog Bean, and my family and friends, as well as traveling, shopping, and watching basketball.

Celina is a passionate and experienced educator and mom of two. She grew up in Pueblo, CO and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. She loves Pueblo’s rich culture and history and thinks it’s a hidden gem of Colorado. Outside of the classroom, she finds joy in nature through activities like hiking, running, biking, and gardening. When she is indoors, you will likely find her cooking for her family or reading a good book.

Celina discovered her passion for the field of education while living in Fairbanks, Alaska, where she earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The UAF education program was focused on teaching rural students and students from Indigenous cultures. Celina later received her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Colorado Denver, with a focus on critical pedagogy. During her studies, Celina learned about the critical role schools play in strengthening their communities by recognizing the value of each family's background and experiences.

Her strengths as a teacher include her dedication to building relationships with students and families, classroom management, flexibility, and technology skills. She truly believes that every student can succeed, but that all students have diverse needs that can be met through careful planning and differentiated instruction.

Celina is so excited to join the Villa Bella team for this upcoming school year and can't wait to meet her amazing new students!

Mrs. Benavidez is thrilled to be joining the 3rd grade team at Villa Bella. After earning her bachelor’s degree in business and raising three boys of her own, she felt inspired to step into the classroom. Her classroom is designed to be a calm, cozy and creative space – one where every student feels safe, supported, and excited to take on meaningful challenges. She values building strong relationships and encourages a love of learning through collaboration, curiosity, and care.

Outside of school, Mrs. Benavidez enjoys spending time with her husband and their three boys. She also runs a small at-home bakery and loves sharing her creativity through baking.

Miss Marissa Owens is proud to call herself a first-generation high school and college graduate. She comes to us from Kentucky, where she studied elementary education and completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Kentucky. She is passionate about uplifting students from all backgrounds to reach their fullest potential and believes that access to social emotional learning is a vital stepping stone in that journey.  When she is not working with kids, she can be found hammocking at the park with a good book in hand, exploring different art mediums, or creating memories in a new city. While Miss Owens loves adventuring, there’s nothing quite like spending time with her two snuggly cats, Moo and Chicken Nugget!

Ms. Allie Jones was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado. She graduated from Nicholls State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Education. Ms. Jones has always enjoyed working with children and is excited to bring her passion for learning into the classroom. As a former Division 1 soccer player, Ms. Allie understands the importance of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance. She hopes to inspire, motivate, and support students as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the school year. As a new 4th-grade crew leader, she is excited to join the school community and help guide students through an engaging and successful learning experience.

In her free time, Ms. Allie enjoys staying active, being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and continuing to grow as an educator.

I’m excited to join Villa Bella as the 4th grade teacher!  I’m a proud Colorado native, though I’ve also lived in Wyoming and Texas. No matter where I’ve been, my heart has always stayed in Colorado and I’m so grateful to live here again. Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my family, especially my 4-year-old son. I enjoy camping, fishing, dancing, and singing. In the classroom, one of my favorite activities is read-aloud time, where students can connect with stories, ask questions, and use their imaginations. I strive to create a warm, welcoming space where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. I’m looking forward to a fantastic year of growth, discovery, and joy!

Originally from Thornton, CO, Mrs. Chelsea Miller moved to Pueblo to pursue her degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Elementary Education from CSU Pueblo. After graduating, she taught middle school for three years before starting her family. She taught preschool for a little over four years and is excited to be back in the classroom. While not at work, Mrs. Chelsea Miller enjoys raising her four boys with her husband out in the county, surrounded by their dogs and cows. She also loves cheering her boys on at their different sporting events, being outdoors, and crafting.

Mrs. Melody Arellano is a Pueblo native and a proud graduate from Colorado State University Pueblo. She has experience at both private and public schools in Pueblo and her favorite subject is English. Mrs. Arellano is also a registered yoga instructor and enjoys leading kids’ yoga and meditation. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Arellano loves spending time with her husband Jeff and their five children, traveling, and going to concerts.

Levi Swartwood is an educator who is passionate about creating a positive, engaging, and student-centered classroom where every student feels supported. Drawing from a variety of professional experiences, Levi believes education is about more than academics—it’s about helping students build confidence, develop character, and learn skills they can use throughout their lives.

In the classroom, Levi encourages collaboration, hands-on learning, and real-world connections, making challenging concepts easier to understand and more enjoyable. Outside of school, Levi enjoys staying active through weightlifting, following sports, and competing in fantasy football leagues.

Mr. Benavidez is passionate about making learning something his students look forward to each day. His educational background is in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Education. He has also conducted laboratory research on the brain at the cellular level, which has helped him better understand how learning takes place.Mr. Benavidez’s classroom is an environment where every student is challenged, supported, and empowered with the tools to grow into confident learners who are inspired to make a meaningful impact in the world around them. When he is not in the classroom, you can find him enjoying time with his family, coaching sports, and taking photographs.

Mr. Benavidez is passionate about making learning something his students look forward to each day. His educational background is in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Education. He has also conducted laboratory research on the brain at the cellular level, which has helped him better understand how learning takes place.Mr. Benavidez’s classroom is an environment where every student is challenged, supported, and empowered with the tools to grow into confident learners who are inspired to make a meaningful impact in the world around them. When he is not in the classroom, you can find him enjoying time with his family, coaching sports, and taking photographs.

Mr. Kevin Ferguson is a 4th generational Pueblo native and is the educational product of several Southern Colorado public and private schools from kindergarten through graduate school. With an undergraduate degree in Political Science emphasizing International Relations and World Politics, and having a master’s degree of Education, Mr. Ferguson has spent the past 17 years in education teaching Pueblo’s youth- grades 6th through 12th- their proud history and their potential place in this world. When not teaching, Kevin enjoys reading, golfing, traveling and spending time with his wife and two sons.

Mrs. Amber Henderson was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Science from CSU-Pueblo. Mrs. Henderson has over 18 years of teaching experience with children and adults of all ages. In her free time, Mrs. Henderson enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, traveling and being creative with photography, scrapbooking and painting.

Mr. Bryant Jones was born and raised in Pueblo. He graduated from Colorado State University Pueblo with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology. Mr. Jones has always loved reading and art and is excited to share this passion with his students. He wants to inspire, motivate, and support students to be engaged during their learning experience. As a new teacher, he looks forward to joining the crew and teaching explorers! When he has free time, Mr. Jones loves being outdoors and spending time with his family kayaking, hiking, running, and going on walks with his dogs.

Born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, Mr. Ryder Dean Briggs is a 2026 Colorado State University Pueblo Graduate with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. With five years of education experience with students aged from kindergarten to adults, obtaining a GED. Mr. Briggs has a deep love for teaching and learning.

Hey there! I’m Lila Cordova. I was born and raised in Walsenburg, Colorado. I attended Walsenburg High School and graduated in 1994. I attended TSJC and Lamar Community College, where I obtained my CNA certification. I have 4 awesome daughters. We’ve lived all over the world and settled our lives here in Pueblo. I am a true Colorado girl. I hunt, fish, camp, and take advantage of what our beautiful state has to offer. I love going to concerts, baseball games, and playing softball.

Ms. Melanie Steves has her master’s degree in Learning and Technology, a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Health Promotion, and Recreation, and an associate’s degree in Business. Ms. Steves brings her outdoorsmanship, athletic, and wellness experience into an Adventure PE curriculum that is challenging, creative, unique, develops lifelong application, and is always full of fun! She enters each day with intention and wonder to enjoy as many adventurous moments as possible with family and friends.

Mrs. Audrianna Martinez is originally from southern Colorado. She moved to Pueblo over three years ago and has fallen in love with the community. Mrs. Martinez is currently attending CSU-Pueblo, finishing her degree in K-12 Art Education. Her goal is to help children develop and embrace their own creativity. In her free time, she enjoys coaching youth sports, reading, and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Megan Hart is a Pueblo native, proud wife, mother and forever learner. Mrs. Hart attended CSU-Pueblo where she studied Liberal Arts- Elementary Education. After college, she spent four years teaching 3rd grade before opening a daycare over the next five years to raise her sons. Now, back in the school environment, Mrs. Hart is passionate about helping students to achieve all their academic goals and set them up for success. She enjoys crafts, puzzles, sports, reading, and most of all, she loves being in the mountains, camping with family and friends.

Mr. Gordon will be joining the staff as a Middle School Paraprofessional. Last year he served as longterm substitute for us and built a great connection with all the students. He is looking forward to continuing to provide a positive and productive learning environment for all the students.

Not only will he be helping out students in the classroom, he will also be helping on the court as our head girls basketball coach as well as a coach for our track and field team. He is looking forward to passing down his love and knowledge of sports and hopes to make an impact in our students' lives and prepare them for the future.

Peggy Parkin was born and raised in Southern California. After graduating high school, she moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. She has worked in home and day program settings as well as art programs with children and adults with special needs for over 19 years. Now residing in Pueblo, Ms. Parkin is excited to work with the VBE Crew in pursuing her passion working with children with special needs. When she is not working, Ms. Parking enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, gardening and looks forward to exploring all that beautiful Colorado has to offer.

Mrs. Erica Jordan was born and raised in Pueblo, CO. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a Major in Business Management from CSU-P. Mrs. Erica Jordan is passionate about the natural world and enjoys the outdoors, hiking, and going on many adventures with her husband and 3 children. She demonstrates that it's possible to build a successful career while remaining deeply rooted in faith, family, and personal passions. Her life is a testament to the power of living intentionally, embracing the present moment, and consistently seeking to offer support, encouragement, and to serve by making a positive impact to those in need. She is excited to join and get involved with the Villa Bella family!

Ms. Lewin grew up in Pueblo and graduated from Pueblo County High School. She is currently a dedicated student at Colorado State University–Pueblo, where she is pursuing dual degrees in Elementary Education and Business Management. Her passion lies in supporting student growth and success—academically, socially, and personally. Outside of school, she enjoys watching football, hiking, wake surfing, golfing, reading, and spending quality time with her dog Stella and her family. She is excited to be part of the VBE crew and looks forward to helping every student reach their fullest potential.

Ms. Sydnee Smith is a native of Pueblo, Colorado. She left the state for 4 years during her college adventures, but knew her heart belonged back home in Colorado. She is a graduate of New Mexico Highlands University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology. She is excited to help young minds grow and flourish. Outside the classroom, Ms. Smith loves spending time with her boyfriend, family, and friends. She loves to be out in nature at all times of the year, she particularly loves going to Pueblo Reservoir whether it is having a boat day, paddle boarding, or floating the river.

Mrs. Truelove, a Colorado native, is excited to begin her new adventure in education at Villa Bella. She holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Central Texas College. She is currently a dedicated explorer at CSU-P working on her bachelor’s in health science. When she is not working or at school, Lorina enjoys spending time with her family and baking.

Hello, Villa Bella Families, My name is Rocio Banuelos. I’m so excited to be part of the VBE team. As an Educational Assistant, I’m very enthusiastic for new opportunities and new beginnings for this upcoming academic school year.

I was born and raised in California and moved to Colorado twenty-six years ago. I love the beach, but fell immensely in love with the Colorado Mountains. I’m a mother of three, and as a family, we enjoy camping, road trips, and exploring nature. My kitchen is the place you will always find me; I have a passion for cooking.

My strengths are being a leader, an inspiration, and motivating children to dream big, have fun, and never give up. I’m delighted to be part of Villa Bella’s team and look forward to being an amazing and inspiring crew leader.

Mr. Jaqtravian Whitfield was born and raised in Southern Georgia and comes from a large family. He made his transition to Colorado almost 10 years ago, when given the opportunity to live with his aunt in Colorado Springs who was active military. While in the Springs, he attended Pikes Peak Community College. He later settled in Pueblo and was an employee for the City of Pueblo for five years before joining our CREW. Mr.J is enthusiastic to take care of our beautiful facilities, while also modeling what a positive example of a hardworking role model looks like for all students.