Greetings! My name is Michele O’Dell and this is my second year at RHMS. I started at this amazing school to lend a hand during Covid teacher shortages and ended up loving it so much that I am back again this year moving from science to my favorite subject to teach
~ social studies. I feel lucky indeed!
I have been married to my husband Pat for a very long time. When I said "I do" all those years ago my name started to rhyme - Michele Jolley became Michele O’Dell - and I became a little more Irish. Though I strongly maintain my Italian heritage! We have three children. My oldest daughter, Keira, lives in Houston and has her doctorate degree in clinical neuropsychology. Her husband Nic is a high school English teacher. My son, Bryant, lives in Denver and is a talented musician and hopes to start his own painting company. My youngest daughter, Lari, is a self-published author and heading back to school to become a nurse. I was blessed to become a grandmother almost 4 years ago, and I am the happy Gigi of two bold, beautiful boys - Hudson Montague and Dean Patrick. They make my world spin crazily around! My hobbies include digital design, playing mahjong, and traveling. I grew up in Montana, so I head north a lot, but my sweet grandchildren are in Texas so I now tend to head south now much more often. I have traveled extensively around the US as well as to multiple countries including Spain, Ireland, and New Zealand.
Like my marriage, I have also been teaching for quite awhile! I started my career in California and then taught for a bit in Alaska. Most of my time spent teaching has been here in Colorado for Douglas County School District, where I taught primarily 3rd grade, but also a reading intervention program, health, and first grade. Just over 5 years ago, I made the decision to work part-time after my mom suffered a major stroke and I became a substitute teacher for the district. It was during that time in my career that I discovered how much I enjoy working with both middle and high school students. I have my master’s degree in technology- Curriculum and instruction and my bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. Most recently, I have taken courses in autism, gifted and talented education, and differentiation.
Please know that I am will do absolutely everything in my power to give each and every child success in social studies and joy in their learning.