Special Education Information and Links
The Pikes Peak BOCES' largest program is its consolidated special education program. The BOCES employs special education teachers, school psychologists, outreach counselors, speech therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses and paraprofessionals. These teachers and specialists work with member districts to offer a variety of services for students with disabilities.
Directors of Special Education
Pikes Peak BOCES provides special education support to fourteen districts, six suburban districts and eight rural districts. Because of the diversity of needs among our member districts, our three suburban districts each have a local Director of Special Education who works collaboratively with the Director of Special Education for Pikes Peak BOCES. Questions pertaining to special education programs, staff, or students within our three suburban districts, should be addressed to the Directors within those districts. Similar questions or concerns pertaining to our rural districts, and questions regarding the overall operation of Pikes Peak BOCES special education services should be addressed to the Pikes Peak BOCES Director of Special Education.
| Pikes Peak BOCES & Rural Districts: | |
| Elbert #200 Peyton #23JT Big Sandy #100J Calhan RJ1 Miami-Yoder #60JT Ellicott #22 Edison #54JT Hanover #28 |
Kerry Whitmore, Director Ph: (719) 380-6258 Fax: (719) 380-9685 kwhitmore@ppboces.org |
Team Leaders
What are Team Leaders?
In order to improve communication between Pikes Peak BOCES and itinerant staff, to address needs for ongoing professional development of special education staff, and increase consistency of policies and procedures, six leaders were chosen from among our itinerant staff. Our team leaders are individuals who have demonstrated a variety of qualities and skills including: professional competence, dedication to BOCES and their professions, and a desire to take on a leadership role. During the school year, team leaders will act as representatives for other itinerants, mentor and coach new staff, and assist the Director of Special Education in program planning.
| Who are our Team Leaders? | |
| Occupational Therapist: | Norine Kerstein Ph: (719) 570-7474 Ext. 4011 |
| Physical Therapist: | Jeanine Colburn Ph: (719) 570-7474 Ext. 4002 |
| School Nurse: | Edith Vick Ph: (719) 570-7474 Ext. 4022 |
| School Psychologist and Coord. for Satellite Prog. | Denise Hartman Ph: (719) 570-7474 Ext. 4028 |
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program | Sharon Elstad Ph: (719) 622-2084 |
| Teachers of Visually Impaired | Diane Fitzkee Ph: (719) 622-2097 |
| Speech | Carol Sommers Ph:(719)570-7474 Ext. 4007 |