Monte Vista On-Line Academy

Counselor Dave has been with MVOLA and the Delta Center since 2017. He and his family were previously in Alaska, where they had many adventures. Before that they lived in Minnesota. Dave and his wife are both from the Washington, DC area where they spent more than 3 decades before deciding to move on. 

Dirk Oden is a semi-retired former science teacher and prior director of the DELTA Center and On-Line Academy. In addition to fifteen years of teaching in the traditional classroom, he has worked in the online environment as a teacher, curriculum developer, or administrator for over twenty years. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, and wildlife photography, and is an avid pickleball player.  He is thrilled to be teaching science this year for the DELTA Center and On-Line Academy.

Mr. Huff began teaching with the On-Line Academy in 2009.  He enjoys getting to know students as individuals and the creative aspects of online teaching and learning.  Mr. Huff also enjoys leading an annual field trip for OLA students to the State Capitol building in Denver each year in February.  Mr. Huff grew up in the small town of Marshall, Missouri, before attending Colorado College where he earned a Bachelor's degree in History, with an emphasis on African history.  From 1999 to 2001, Mr. Huff served as a volunteer in the U.S. Peace Corps, living with a host family in a remote village in the country of South Africa.  On returning to the U.S., Mr. Huff earned a law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School and a Master's in Teaching from Eastern Oregon University.  Mr. Huff loves travel and has visited 47 states and 32 countries.  He also enjoys spending time with family, listening to all types of music, running, hiking, camping, backpacking, snowboarding, and bicycling.  He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife and daughter.

Mrs. Noonan is the Elementary Teacher for Monte Vista On-Line Academy and enjoys the experiences/challenges that come with being an online teacher. She considers herself a lifelong learner. She looks forward to getting to know her students each year and building a positive, supportive and productive relationship with each individual. Mrs. Noonan is a native of Colorado. She grew up in Littleton, Colorado.  She attended Metropolitan State College in Denver where she received a BA in Psychology and Minor in Human Services in 1994. She married her husband in 1996 and became a “military wife” while they were stationed at Fort Bragg, NC until 2003. Her and her family moved to the Monte Vista, CO in 2004. She was a preschool teacher at Sargent Early Learning Center from 2006-2009. In fall of 2009 she went to Adams State College where she received her Interdisciplinary Degree (Elementary Education Degree).  She intended to teach elementary aged children, but landed a preschool teaching position, which she loved, within the Monte Vista School District from 2012-2018. She has also created a summer art program over the past three years for elementary aged students. She is passionate about art and what it does for the well being of people. She also loves gardening, hiking, spending time with family and friends as well as renovating her 1903 house with her husband, their two sons, their cat, Bubbles and dog, Buddy.

Ms. Romero has been with the Monte Vista On-Line Academy/Byron Syring Delta Center for many years. She says this about the staff, " I work with a wonderful staff that always goes above and beyond to help students succeed and achieve their goals for the future." She enjoys spending time with her family. Her other interests include sewing, drawing, bike riding and going on walks.

Mrs. Johnson is a Colorado native who has been an educator for more than 17 years, working with students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. The majority of her teaching career was in secondary mathematics but she also has experience teaching reading, writing, and health classes. After completing her masters degree in Educational Leadership at Adams State University and receiving her principal license, she chose to pursue a career in administration. Mrs. Johnson was the district Instructional Math Coach for two years before accepting the position as the Principal at Byron Syring DELTA Center and Director of Monte Vista On-line Academy.

"Living in the San Luis Valley, Monte Vista, for 40+ years allows me to understand the unique dynamics of the students, families, and community that we serve. I am honored to start my career in administration in the same school district where I started Kindergarten and graduated from High School. I am proud of Monte Vista School District and excited to be part of the Byron Syring Delta Center and Monte Vista On-line Academy staff."

"Great schools are the result of great partnerships. That partnership includes administration, teachers, staff, parents, students and the community. Along with the teachers and staff of DELTA/MVOLA, I will work hard to continue the legacy established of offering high quality educational opportunities for students needing a personalized approach in a non-traditional setting." 

Tish was born and raised just outside of Dallas, Texas. She has been married for 25 years to her San Luis Valley native husband. They have four children, three boys & one girl. Her husband's medical practice has brought them back to the Valley. She is a city girl living a farm life, living on ten acres with an ever growing population of animals.  
​Tish's previous jobs include pre-school Head Start teacher, Executive Director of Camp Fire USA, and floral/retail shop owner.  Her hobbies include cooking, fishing, writing poetry, floral design and good music. Most importantly, she loves being a mom. "I'm a nurturer. That's why I love being a part of this school. I get to be a small part of the everyday lives of some amazing kids and work with  passionate, professional educators that make my job all the more enjoyable."

Mrs. Simon is a native of Tennessee but has lived in Colorado since 1995.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Marketing from the University of Tennessee, in 1992.  The natural beauty, cultural history, and quiet living brought her to the San Luis Valley in 1999.  After moving to Colorado, she felt the need to have a greater purpose in life and decided to return to school, earning her teaching certification and Master's Degree in Special Education from Adams State College in 2003.  Since that time, Mrs. Simon has been passionate about serving at-risk students who face multiple life challenges.  During her tenure with the Monte Vista School District, she has served as a middle school Special Education teacher, the district Instructional Coach, district New Teacher Induction Coordinator, and currently as the Special Education/Literacy teacher at Byron Syring Delta Center and Online Academy.  "Empowering students to realize the greatness they all possess brings me great joy!" In her spare time, Mrs. Simon loves to mountain bike, garden, and spend time along the creek with her husband and furry kids.