Meet Our Team

Our Kindergarten team consists of Lindsey Forsberg, Callie Rieger, Amanda Stevenson, and Brittany Steiger. 

With a combined educational experience of 30 years, our dynamic team of teachers is dedicated to creating a fun and engaging learning environment for all students. We believe in the power of early education and strive to make every moment in the classroom memorable and impactful.

As one wise educator once said, "A good kindergarten teacher can make a lasting impact on a child's life." Our team embodies this philosophy, working tirelessly to foster a love for learning and to support each child's unique journey. Together, we celebrate creativity, curiosity, and the joy of discovery, ensuring that our students not only gain knowledge but also develop a passion for education that lasts a lifetime.

 

Our first grade team consists of Tobias Holleman, Joel Villalobos, Lindsey Craigle, and Sarah McClain. On the weekend we are all adventure seekers, however, during the work week, we strive to create a safe learning environment for our students. Students  feel inspired to come to school each day knowing they will be met with a positive learning environment, filled with high expectations, while engaging in challenging academic experiences. Our team has 43 years of classroom teaching experience and we focus on developing positive relationships with our students. We strive to teach the whole child and meet their emotional and academic needs.

 

 

Our second-grade team consists of Madelyn Clark, Heather Morton, Heidi Goulet, Jupiter Floros, and Sydney Roberts. With a combined teaching experience of over 38 years, we bring a lot of knowledge, compassion, and creativity to our learning community. As a team, we work hard to inspire our students and instill a love of learning as well as a desire to seek out new opportunities to expand their interests and knowledge. We strive to build strong relationships with our students to ensure their individual growth - academically, behaviorally, and emotionally.

Our third-grade team consists of Pam Greteman, Nicole Ramos, Robin Miller-Ayers, and   Kyrstyn Ventura-Hart.  We are a dynamic group of educators dedicated to fostering a love of learning and nurturing each student's unique potential. With a combined teaching experience of over 45 years, our team brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and passion to the classroom every day. Together, our third-grade teaching team creates a supportive and stimulating environment where every child is encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We're proud to be part of their journey and excited to watch them thrive!

Our fourth-grade team comprises Megan Ullman, Parker Edwins, and Reyel Tex. With a combined teaching experience of over 28 years. We all love A LOT of caffeine and a little healthy competition! As a team, we work hard to instill respect into our students. We also prepare students for the next big step, which is middle school! Our fast-paced curriculum and activities help the transition to 5th grade go as smoothly as possible. There is nothing more rewarding than to see our students thrive!

Specialists Team
Our team consists of Ginger VanOrden and Rene Olden with the library, Lindsay Baciuska with PE, and Tristyn Fleming with Music. Even though we only have each child for an hour a week, we know ALL of the kids. We see the students grow both in our content area and as individuals throughout their five years at Saddle Peak. We aim to foster and expand students’ knowledge of physical fitness, health, music, and reading. Most importantly, we want students to have fun!

 

Behavior Team
Our behavior team consists of Megan Simons, Erika Alexander, and Chloe Estep. Between the three of us, we have 39 years of experience in education. On the weekend you can find Megan fishing on the rivers, Chloe at the gym, and Erika exploring the outdoors. Our team focuses on preventative strategies to help students gain lifelong skills.

 

Special Education 
The special education team at Saddle Peak is a dedicated group of professionals committed to supporting over 30 students on their educational journeys. Led by teachers Nicole Hagen and Stephanie Bishop, alongside para-professionals Daffney Bluemer and Cindy Hibl, the team works collaboratively to meet each student's unique needs.

Their mission focuses on equipping students with essential tools and educational strategies to foster meaningful progress. Through individualized approaches and supportive guidance, they create an environment where students can develop skills and confidence. The team's expertise and compassion help students overcome challenges and celebrate achievements, making a significant impact on the Saddle Peak community.

 

Counselor 

Hello everyone! My name is Sara Hickok, and I am excited to be your school counselor at Saddle Peak Elementary. I have been a school counselor in the Belgrade School District for 20 years. My job is to support students in feeling happy, safe and successful at school. I help with things like making friends, solving problems and being successful in class. I am also here to help support families! On the weekends you can find me spending time with my family, hiking and camping or reading a good book.

 

Interventionists

Monika Oldham (Mrs. O- I am the ML (Multi Language Learner) teacher at Saddle Peak. I have been teaching ML students for more than 20 years. For 14 of those years, I taught in Alaska at the 9th most diverse school in the nation.  I am passionate about helping ML students and their families feel safe and welcome and to become more confident in their English skills. During my off time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, my family and my dog.

Paraprofessionals
Marilyn Ridder is our Speech-Language Pathology Assistant, she works alongside our virtual SLP Rachel Cuff. Outside of work, Marilyn enjoys chasing after her two kids, and time with family going on adventures.

 

School Nutrition

 

Nurse

Hello! I’m Nurse Heather, and I’ve had the privilege of serving as the school nurse at Saddle Peak for the past five years. My goal is to keep our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn by providing medical care, health education, and ongoing support. Whether it’s treating minor injuries, managing chronic conditions, or offering guidance on wellness and hygiene, I’m always here to help. If you ever have a health concern or need assistance, don’t hesitate to stop by the nurse’s office-I’m happy to support you!

Secretary 

Hello, I am Mrs. Brown, your secretary here at Saddle Peak.  I aim to be a welcoming face to everyone as they enter our school.  I take attendance calls, check in any students coming in late for the day, call students to the office when they need to be dismissed early and deliver items to students and teachers as needed. To help keep our families informed, I send out weekly messages and update the message board out front of the school. As we have new students join our school, I give them a tour of the school and show them to their classroom on the first day. Anything I can do to help our students, our families and our staff I am happy to help with!

 

Recess
The recess team consists of Katie Eder, Jackson Karp, and Nikki Hinkle. We all have a combined 37 years in the district.  We are here to ensure all students on the playground are having fun and being safe. We like to see students return inside the same way they came outside- happy and in one piece.

 

Thrive Liaison
I serve two roles at Saddle Peak Elementary School. I am a Thrive Parent Liaison and a Thrive CAP Mentor Coordinator. Thrive offers resources to help every student and family in our community thrive. Allthrive.org is an informative site. As a Thrive Parent Liaison, I desire to develop a rapport with parents and be a bridge between school and home. As a CAP Mentor Coordinator, I also match volunteers with students who have been nominated for mentoring. CAP mentoring takes place an hour a week, within the school. You can nominate your student.  Please reach out to me. I am here to support you with any concerns. 

I have served a lifetime in education and social work. I am a grandmother of eight children in this valley. Fun fact: I rode my motorcycle solo across the country. If you spot me on the bike during summer, smile and wave! My name is Roselle Shallah Smiles.

 

 

Hello everyone, I am Chelsey Iglecias one of your school resource officers for the Belgrade School District. I have been with the Belgrade Police Department for three years and have been a school resource officer for one year. My job is to protect both the staff and students, educate students on being safe in school and outside of school, and mentor students. I enjoy interacting with the children and seeing them grow throughout the school year. In my off time, you will find me somewhere outdoors with my dog.