DCS Montessori Charter School

Samhee Shim, Director of Upper School

As a lifelong learner, I’ve always wanted to know more about what comes next when the children left my classroom. This love of learning led me to take Lower Elementary Montessori training when I was teaching at the Primary level, and I continued into Upper El after that. I completed the Principal Licensure program from Western Colorado University. My job is supporting and working with the Upper El and Middle School staff, students, and parents. My goal is to create a stronger community and continue growing the Upper El and Middle School programs.

I hold Colorado teaching certification in Secondary (English Language Arts), Elementary, and Early Childhood, and Linguistically Diverse Education. I earned a Master’s degree in education from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH.

I became a teacher because of the positive influences from my own childhood teachers. I love teaching and enjoy my job immensely! I live with my husband, Greg, who is also Montessori credentialed, and our cat Goldie. Our daughter, Samera, who is a DCS Montessori alumni, is attending college in NYC.

Email:  Samhee Shim

Sara Dmytriw, Middle School Teacher

Nicole Gassman, Middle School Teacher

Hello. I am beyond excited to be starting my 10th year at DCS Montessori. My family and I moved to Colorado in January 2014 coming from Chicago, Illinois. My family and I enjoy the beautiful scenery and love the wonderful weather here. All three of my children attended DCS Montessori and had a wonderful educational experience.

I have a Secondary Education Degree (6th-12th grade certified) in the Biological and Physical Sciences. I have a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I also have completed my certification from The Montessori Foundation: An overview of Montessori Philosophy and Curriculum: Infant/Toddler- High School.

I am looking forward to a wonderful school year with your kids!

Email:  Nicole.Gassman@dcsdk12.org

Rebecca Jones, Director of Student Support Services

Director of Student Support Services

My name is Rebecca Jones and I’m honored to serve as the Director of Student Support Services for DCS Montessori Middle School. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and a minor in Fish and Wildlife Management. I also hold an IMC MACTE accredited credential in Montessori Leadership.

My husband is US Air Force retired and my daughter is currently serving. Go Falcons! My son was a Montessori student for 10 years, attended Colorado State University, and now works in emergency medicine. Sko Rams! We enjoy time spent together in the great outdoors!

Being a part of our amazing DCS Montessori community fills my heart with joy! Our students are the future and they inspire me every day as I watch them navigate the complicated years of adolescence. Thank you all for sharing your children with us!!

Email:  Rebecca.Jones@dcsdk12.org

Jessica Bunch, Middle School Teacher

Erika Tinker, Middle School Teacher & Counselor

My name is Erika Tinker and I’m honored and excited to serve as the Social Studies Guide for DCS Montessori Middle School. I hold a Master’s Degree in School Counseling and am a state licensed teacher in Social Studies at the secondary level.

I have enjoyed working at DCS Montessori in several classrooms at different levels since 2007. Before my time at DCS Montessori I served as a school counselor at an alternative high school in Northern Colorado and graduate assistant at the Women’s Resource Center of UNC.

I love living in Castle Rock with my husband who is a firefighter and our two daughters, both of whom are DCS Montessori Alumni.

I feel very passionate about Montessori philosophy and supporting each student as they discover their own personal, social, and academic success. I look forward to a wonderful year of meaningful learning and exciting growth in our Montessori middle school community!

Email:  Erika.Tinker@dcsdk12.org

Susan Baysinger, Speech Language Pathologist & Student Support

I am very happy to be part of the Montessori special education and teaching team. Teaching is a joy for me! I have been teaching for almost 20 years. I have a Masters Degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska where I grew up. 

Outside of school, I love traveling with my husband, David. We also like to hike and explore different places in this beautiful state. We have three grandsons that keep us very busy. 

My mission is to provide inclusive services that meet the needs of all students and to build community through communication in a responsive and supportive way.