KUNSMILLER CREATIVE ARTS ACADEMY
Middle School Program
Imagining and Achieving since 2009
7th Grade - To access the 7th Grade Website, Click Here
Gary Bahr - gary_bahr@dpsk12.org
7th Grade Science
Gary Bahr was born and raised here in Denver Colorado. He has two Bachelor of Arts degrees. One with a major in Recreation from Western State College in Gunnison Colorado and one with a major in Biology from Metro State College in Denver. He also received his teacher certification in secondary science from Metro State College. He has been teaching secondary science for over twenty years in Denver Public Schools. This is his third year at KCAA and he is excited to start this new path in his career. Being from Colorado he simply loves the Rocky Mountains and all that goes with them. Hiking, fishing, and 4-wheeling are at the top of the list.
Julie Waugh - julie_waugh@dpsk12.org
7th Grade Language Arts
I have been teaching for sixteen years and absolutely love my career. I have taught both English and social studies to grades sixth through college. I have a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern Colorado, a Master of Arts from the University of Colorado, and a Master of Education Administration from Grand Canyon University.
Although I am originally from California, I have lived in Colorado since 1977, so I consider myself a native of our beautiful state. I have four wonderful children: Amanda (Evan), Garrett, Jordan (Alicia), and Savannah (Forrest). In addition, I am the proud grandmother of six: Liam, Scarlet, Tristan, Rylan, Kennedy, and Jackson. My hobbies include skiing, hiking, drawing, reading, traveling, and various arts and crafts. I live in Aurora with my two chihuahuas, Jack Jack and Chiquita.
Eric Mendoza - eric_mendoza@dpsk12.org
7th Grade Math
Eric is from Medellin, Colombia and moved to Denver in 2003 with his wife Amparo and their two children, Felipe (14) and daughter Fernanda (10). His wife is a stay at home mom, going to school to learn English and the children are already in mainstream classes. He is personally very happy in Denver due to the tranquility this city offers. Eric attended the ‘Universidad Eafit de Medellin’ and graduated in Business Administration. After graduating he was hired for three years to work for Chemical Bank in New York as a Loan Officer. When he went back to Colombia, he started an investment firm and sold it when they decided to move to the States. He is a fourth year as a middle school math teacher working on his Masters in Education. He was just awarded the Mile High Teacher 2008-2009 for Kunsmiller Middle School. Eric likes to go hiking with his family in summer and since they are new in the states they do a lot of road traveling – as far as Florida, visiting the various cities Dallas, New Orleans, and of course Orlando (Disney). They have also visited Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles and San Diego. They admire the roads and beauty of this country.
Richard 'Franky' Wade - richard_wade@dpsk12.org
Middle School Science
Mr. Wade is from Biloxi, Mississippi and is a proud southerner! He grew up in Mississippi and went to Mississippi State University and is a proud alumni. Mr. Wade majored in Biological Education with a concentration in Secondary Education. He has been teaching for 15 years in cities of: Memphis, TN, Tampa, FL, New Orleans, LA, Louisville, KY and Gautier, MS. He has taught subjects ranging from 6th grade science to College Prep Human Anatomy & Physiology. When he is not teaching, he likes to workout out and stay active, go to the movies, enjoying the outdoors, playing with his two pugs, and watch and support SEC college sports and the New Orleans Saints. It is an honor to be working at KCAA and looks forward to a great year!!!
Renee Sullice - renee_sullice@dpsk12.org
Middle School Science
My name is Renee Sullice and I am thrilled to be teaching at Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy because I am a firm believer in the arts playing a major part in a child's development. I have been teaching since the 2000-2001 school year, in Denver where I have taught French, Journalism, and Language Arts. After I taught in Denver for seven years, I moved to teach in JeffCo where I taught Language Arts, Reading, English as a Second Language, and English Language Development classes. In 2009, I found the time and ability to pursue my master's degree, and I graduated in January 2013 with an MA in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in Linguistically & Culturally Diverse. I always longed to come back to Denver, I guess because it is my home. From the time I was twelve years old, I have lived in the Sloan's Lake area, and Denver is truly where my heart is.