Program Counselor - Monica Voehringer
Hello, I'm Monica and this year I will be starting my 5th year working for the Engagement Center program. I am originally from Northern California and moved to Colorado six years ago. I have three children who are now grown and off living their best lives and will soon be a first time grandmother to two granddaughters. My role with the Engagement Center includes helping oversee the day to day functioning of the program at each of our school sites - Columbine MS, Centennial MS, Olathe Middle High, and Montrose High School. I am here to support students, families, and teachers, connecting them to resources as needed. I coordinate program field trips, activities, and other community involvement with our students. I am also responsible for fielding all Engagement Center referrals and acting as a liaison between program staff, building staff, students, and parents.
I have worked as a licensed school counselor for 14 years now and have worked extensively with higher risk student populations since first becoming a counselor.
I often bring my therapy dog, Moose, to many of our program sites and the students really enjoy seeing him. Moose is a 7 year old Australian labradoodle and this will be his 5th year being a part of the Engagement Center.
MHS Engagement Center Teacher -Jessica Wallace
Hi y’all, I’m Jessica Wallace, I’m “basically” a native to Colorado. I've been here the past 30 years. I graduated from Olathe and moved to the big city of Montrose when I was 18 and haven’t left. I have a blended family that consists of my husband, Brandon, our four kids, a dog, and two hamsters. We love to be outdoors or living in the car going in between games/competitions/tournaments. My kids play everything from football (which is life in our house), basketball, track, baseball, softball, and competitive cheer. Being a mom is a full time job of its own but in my spare time I have fallen in love with being the Montrose High School Engagement Center (MHS EC) teacher. Go Redhawks!
My background is in clinical psychology, and I’m currently working towards my alternative teaching license in K-12 health. I will be applying to pursue my Masters in either Psychology or Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. Emphasis in Substance Use Disorders or maybe both! The sky's the limit. I truly believe in each one of my students and anyone who I come in contact with. I love getting to know people and helping them discover their passion in life. I will talk to anyone and I will advocate for each of my students and our program to the best of my abilities.
I to have had a hard life like many of my students, I have experienced trauma, abuse (emotional and physical), I have been broke, I have had to work multiple jobs to keep my family upright, I have had to move on the drop of a dime, and I have been divorced (twice). I still struggle with PTSD and anxiety from time to time and have learned how to cope with these things through breathing and being outdoors. I love to be outdoors, the mountains, rivers, and the beach are where I find peace. There is something about the sounds of nature that helps heal the heart and slow the mind down.
I’m so lucky to have found a “job” that I don’t feel like it’s a job. Please reach out with any questions or just to say hello, I love meeting new people and having visitors join our class.
OMHS Engagement Center Teacher - Darcie Oxnam
Centennial Engagement Center Teacher - Cassidy Bowman
Columbine Engagement Center Teacher - Beth Nelson
Hello, my name is Beth Nelson and I am native to Colorado. I was raised in Georgetown, Colorado where my love for the outdoors began. I went to Colorado Mesa University where I received a degree in Exercise Science. During my college years I was a raft guide for Adventure Bound where we guided one-to-seven day trips on Westwater Canyon, Cataract Canyon, Desolation Canyon, and my favorite the Gates of Lodore. In the winters I taught ski lessons at Powderhorn Ski Area. When I finished college I became a personal trainer at Crossroads Fitness Center and volleyball coach at Grand Junction Central.
Through the relationships I made during my college years, I was presented an opportunity to work for Colorado Discover Ability as their Program Director. CDA is an adaptive outdoor recreation program where I could share my love for adventure with children and adults with special needs. I resigned from CDA when my husband Jesse and I were expecting our first daughter.
I was blessed to stay at home with my daughters Lilly and Reese in their young years. When they started public schooling I began subbing which led me to go back to school and the opportunity to obtain my Alternative Teaching License. I taught elementary PE for 3 years at Garnet Mesa Elementary and then Success Foundations and Female Weights at Delta High School for the past 3 years. I enjoy teaching and look forward to helping the Engagement Center grow.
One true passion that has been very consistent in my life is sports. I started competing at a young age and now love coaching. I have been a head high school volleyball coach for the past 23 years and now have the opportunity to assist the Montrose High School team this season.
I am excited to join the Black CanyonTeam where I can share my passion and experience for helping others.