Additional Student Supports

Meet the Students with Significant Needs (SSN) Team

Ms. Beth Fling

Hello! My name is Beth Fling and I am one of the SSN teachers at RHMS. The students know me as ‘Miss Beth’. I am a dedicated Special Education Teacher with a passion for helping every student reach their full potential. With 23 years of experience in various classroom settings. In my current role, I now specialize in supporting students with a variety of learning needs through individualized instruction, patience, and a whole-child approach. I have been a teacher here at RHMS since 2023 and I have been an educator since 2000. I started my teaching career in my home state of Pennsylvania and moved to Colorado in 2011. We are so fortunate to have such an amazing SSN team here at RHMS and I look forward to working with all of our new and returning students this year.

Outside of the classroom I enjoy hiking, camping, skiing, cooking, reading and most of all - family time with our blended family of five kids (age range 32-21!). I recently became a grandmother and I am thoroughly enjoying this new role! We also spend a lot of time with our furry pup named Leo. He’s a much loved furry family member!

I look forward to an exciting year ahead for our entire SSN team of staff, students and families!

I look forward to building relationships with our families and I can best be reached at my school email address emfling@dcsdk12.org. I will check email during school hours. If you send an email after school hours, I likely will not read or respond to your email until the next school day. Our SSN team also uses an app called Talking Points for all of our families and this is another great way to stay connected. It’s a form of texting and we find it much easier and more reliable to use within our school. Please feel free to reach out at any time!

Ms. Colleen Pate

With nearly 30 years of experience in special education, I have had the privilege of teaching in both Florida and here in Douglas County, Colorado. Supporting students with diverse learning needs has been a lifelong passion, and I am committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and engaging classroom environment where every child can thrive. Throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with students, families, and colleagues to ensure each learner reaches their fullest potential.

I earned my graduate degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado, where I focused on understanding how students learn, grow, and thrive both academically and emotionally. This program deepened my knowledge of cognitive development, motivation, and effective instructional strategies, equipping me with research-based tools to better support diverse learners. My studies have been instrumental in shaping the way I approach teaching, especially in tailoring interventions that meet individual student needs and fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my two wonderful adult daughters, my sweet new grandbaby, and my best buddy, my 12-year-old dog, Max. I love exploring the natural beauty of Colorado—whether it's hiking a mountain trail or just enjoying the fresh air. I love snorkeling and hope to spend more time snorkeling in the near future!

I look forward to partnering with families and the most efficient way to reach me is via email cavanhorn@dcsdk12.org. (I am never near the phone long enough to receive your calls!) We also use Talking Points for informal, on the fly communication with families. We will reach out to parents with this information.

Ms. Misha Bayles-Gottehrer

Ms. B – Misha BaylesGottehrer

I’m Misha BaylesGottehrer—known to my students as Ms. B—and I’ve proudly called Rocky Heights Middle School home for over eight years. As a teacher and case manager in our Significant Support Needs (SSN) program, I have the incredible privilege of working with some of the most inspiring students you’ll ever meet. Our SSN program serves students with intellectual disabilities, autism, and multiple disabilities, and my role involves creating individualized programming that fosters communication, academic growth, independence, and confidence. Every day, I get to support my students as they reach milestones big and small—and celebrate each one along the way.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado, and I’ve dedicated my career to advocating for inclusive practices and empowering every student to find their voice. I believe that all children deserve to feel seen, heard, and celebrated, and I strive to make my classroom a place where students not only learn but thrive.

Outside of school, I’m a mom to an amazing daughter who is also part of the Douglas County School District. Together, we love exploring the outdoors—whether it's hiking, camping, or simply being in nature with our family and friends.

RHMS is more than just a workplace for me—it’s a community I deeply care about and am honored to be a part of. I’m passionate about what I do, grateful for the relationships I’ve built here, and excited for the continued growth, joy, and learning ahead.

The best way to reach me is via email at mmbaylesgottehrer@dcsdk12.org. We also use TalkingPoints for informal communication and will reach out to families with this information. Each week, we send out a newsletter to families via email highlighting our learning for the week and important information.

English Language Development

Ms. Laurie Williamson

Hello! My name is Laurie Williamson, and I am the English Language Development teacher at Rocky Heights Middle School.

A little about me:

I am originally from South Louisiana.
I am married with two children.
I was a classroom teacher for over 25 years, teaching English Language Arts and Social Studies.
Most of my career has been at RHMS.
I love traveling to new places.
My grandfather was a multilingual learner, speaking French and English.
I am enthusiastic about helping multilingual learners. You are an asset to our school!

Most of the day, I am in classrooms supporting students. If you need to reach me, please do not hesitate. My contact information is provided below.

Laurie Thibodeaux Williamson

English Language Development Teacher

Rocky Heights Middle School

Email: laurie.williamson@dcsdk12.org
Direct Phone: 303-387-3349

Librarian

Ms. Amy Tempel

My teaching career began in the state of Missouri in 1989 in a 4th grade classroom. After eight years, I moved to Colorado with my family and continued my career in education with Douglas County as an elementary librarian, followed by a few years as a middle school media technician and then finally I arrived at Rocky Heights. I have been the Teacher Librarian at RHMS since 2006 and also hold the position of Computer Support Technician (CST). I achieved the Highly Effective Library distinction through the state of Colorado in 2007 and have continued to exhibit the highest level of excellence needed to maintain this accreditation. My interests include; Kansas City Chiefs football, Reading, Puzzles, Motorcycles, Fast Cars, Yoga and PlayStation Gaming. Rocky Heights is a second home for me, and I can’t imagine working anywhere else.

Amy S Tempel

Teacher Librarian

Computer Support Technician (CST)

astempel1@dcsdk12.org

Direct work phone: 303-387-3430

Gifted and Talented

Ms. Sooni Fulton

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Sooni Burton. I am the GT Facilitator at Rocky Heights Middle School. My responsibilities include helping your students write their Advanced Learning Plan Goals, progress monitoring those goals, and providing appropriate support for gifted learners. Here is some information to get us started for the year.

You can expect me to meet with your students 1-2 times (or more) per quarter. I will also make time to meet with individual students as needed. My main focus until September 30th is to help students write their Academic and Affective Goals on their Advanced Learning Plans. After that, our lessons will focus on progress monitoring these goals and lessons related to the unique needs of gifted students.

The best way to contact me is through email at sburton2@dcsdk12.org. If you would like to set up an in-person or phone meeting, I will need to schedule it over email. I look forward to working with you and your kids this year.

Sooni Burton, M.A. Ed
Gifted and Talented Facilitator
sburton2@dcsdk12.org

Occupational Therapist

Ms. Sarah Zabor MA, OTR/L

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a related service to special education. The goal is to support your child's ability to access the motor components of their specialized instruction provided in their Individual Education Plan (IEP). OT services are based on need and impact and may include direct services (if appropriate) or collaboration with your child's school staff to improve participation and performance int he school environment.

About Me

I have been a school-based OT since 2002, following 18 years in the hospital setting. I am a parent of three RCHS feeder school graduates. I love the outdoors and working with students.

My Commitment

I provide personalized OT services tailored to your child's need in their IEP. I help students fully access and participate in their school environment.

My Philosophy

Every cild is unique and should be seen as a whole person - strengths and needs included. Student success happens when families, educators, and therapists work together.

Service Schedule

I am at Rocky Heights Middle School on Tuesday and Friday.

Contact Me

Best contact: sazabor@dcsdk12.org

Please reach out with questions, concerns, or to connect with your child's private OT. I look forward to partnering with you this year.

School Psychologist

Mr. Jeff Budd

Speech Language Pathologists

Ms. Shana Fraley

I have been a Speech-Language Pathologist at Rocky Heights since 2017 and also serve as a Unified Sports coach. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado Boulder and my master’s degree from Oklahoma State University. As a Colorado native, I am grateful to live and work in this community.

Outside of school, I enjoy photography, hiking, volunteering, and cheering on the Colorado Avalanche. I also love spending time outdoors with my rescue Husky, Loki.

From an early age, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in speech-language pathology, and I am passionate about supporting students in their communication and growth. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with individuals across the lifespan, though middle school remains my favorite age group to work with. I am excited to begin another great school year at Rocky Heights!

sfraley@dcsdk12.org

303-387-3449

Additional Resources and Information

American Speech Language Hearing Association

Social Worker

Ms. Amy Freeman

Ms. Jenna Mukai

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Additional Student Supports

Meet the Students with Significant Needs (SSN) Team

Ms. Beth Fling

Ms. Colleen Pate

Ms. Misha Bayles-Gottehrer