HAN WASSERBAECH — LEAD KINDER – 2ND GRADE TEACHER, MUSIC TEACHER
Han believes every child deserves to discover joy in learning as well as be adequately supported and challenged to grow academically and socially. As a licensed teacher with a Master’s degree in Education, extensive experience teaching single and multi-grade classes in Denver and Jeffco Public Schools, and accolades including the Orton-Gillingham Certificate and Talented Teaching award, Han brings a wealth of expertise to our school. Her dedication to data-driven decision-making, contagious passion for all subject areas, and warm, playful demeanor allows all children to reach their full potential! Han’s hobbies include reading non-fiction books, listening to podcasts, and embarking on skiing and backpacking adventures with her husband and loyal canine companion.
JAIME CARRAHER — LEAD 3RD – 5TH GRADE TEACHER, P.E. TEACHER, INCLUSIVE PRACTICES COORDINATOR
Jaime brings to our school a wealth of knowledge and experience from many years of teaching in independent and charter schools. She has taught grades K-5, PE, STEAM, and Literacy Intervention over the course of her career. In addition, she’s a trained yoga instructor who brings yoga and movement into the classroom. Jaime’s work in diversity, equity and inclusion has led her to become a co-presenter at a National Association of Independent Schools conference. Her passion for social justice education is a thread that flows throughout her instruction. When she’s not teaching, she’s busy wrangling her two young children and leading them on grand adventures that include road tripping, hiking, skiing, swimming, and exploring the natural world.
KATE GIACOMINI — DIRECTOR/OWNER, K-2 SUPPORT
Although Kate’s official title is School Director, she has never strayed far from the classroom. Teaching children will always be one of her passions. She earned her K–6 teaching license through the University of Northern Colorado and taught kindergarten for eight years, primarily with Denver Public Schools. She also holds an Orton-Gillingham Certificate.
Now in her 10th year at Micro, Kate enjoys leading the school through the eyes of a seasoned educator. She also runs a small online business making and selling crochet blankets. In her spare time, she loves gardening, reading, watercolor painting, spending time on her family’s ranch, and exploring national parks with her husband and son in their travel trailer.
HANNAH GAMACHE — OPPORTUNITY WRANGLER
Hannah is a Jill-of-all-trades around here and has been here since the beginning of Highlands Micro School. This year she is back at assisting with administrative duties and running LSB and summer camp program registrations, but can also be seen around the school as needed. Hannah enjoys spending time with her young children, baking, hiking through the Rockies, and swing dancing. Hannah has been with Micro since the beginning, and loves to be a part of this amazing community.
ADRIENNE YOSHIHARA — 3-5 SUPPORT STAFF
This is Adrienne’s 3rd year as support staff in the 3-5 crew, and this year she is also adding Fieldwork Coordinator to her description. She has her Bachelor’s in Environmental Sciences, and Masters in Deaf Education. She has taught in different districts in Littleton and the Seattle area. When she’s not in a classroom, she hangs with her busy teenagers with soccer, volleyball, skiing, and hiking with the dog (who holds the family together). She’s hoping to get back into mountain biking with her husband. She loves road trips and small building projects.
GEORDAN HILL — LSB AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR
This is Geordan’s 2nd year at Highlands Micro School as our Life Skills Block (LSB) instructor, bringing several years of experience working with students from preschool through middle school, and this year he also leads our students in a weekly art class. Geordan has served as a Head Teacher with KinderCare, where he supported K–8 students through homework help, hands-on STEM activities, and cooperative indoor and outdoor play. He has also led preschool classrooms, assisted with STEM-focused after-school programs, and brings a strong foundation in classroom management, relationship-building, and student engagement. Geordan is passionate about creating fun, structured environments where students feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn. His background in leadership, classroom management, and safety allows him to foster a positive, inclusive space where students can build confidence, collaboration skills, and independence during Life Skills Block.
SARA ROVE — LONG-TERM SUBSTITUTE TEACHER FOR K-2
A former Micro teacher, Sara has returned to the classroom as our temporary substitute teacher for kindergarten through second grade this fall semester. We’re thrilled to have her back, and she has jumped right in as though she never left. Sara also leads an after-school STEAM enrichment program and hosts a monthly Parent’s Night Out for families.
ANNE WINTEMUTE — FOUNDER
Anne Wintemute is the Founder of Highlands Micro School and believes that a great education demands small class sizes, individualized support and expert teachers. By combining her passion for research-supported, evidence-based practices and her background in business development, we are eternally grateful to Anne for creating an outstanding school choice in Northwest Denver.
Are you interested in teaching at Highlands Micro School? Let us know!
We keep resumes of awesome teachers and support staff on file.
Please email your resume to kate@highlandsmicroschool.com.
