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Our Leadership

​Matt Carlton, Principal

 

Education:

I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, CA. I completed my teaching credential through California State University, Dominguez Hills. I earned a Master of Arts in Educations/School Administration from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA.
 

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

I started my career as a public school teacher in 1996 in Southern California. I taught first in the city Pasadena and later in the city of Alpine, just outside of San Diego. I taught grades 1, 2, 4, and 6, as well as middle school. In 2005, I moved into school administration with the South Bay Union School District and was the Principal at Imperial Beach Elementary School until the summer of 2010, when I left to join Landmark Academy.
 

What do you like most about working here?

Working with students, families, and our staff is the best part of my job. I have the opportunity to work daily with people that want the best for one another and most of all for kids. It is very rewarding and challenging at the same time. There is no end to the good things we can do each day in our work.
 

Personal Information:

I enjoy spending time with the people that I love, seeing new places in the great State of Colorado, attending/watching sporting events and reading great books!
 

Kristen Huizingh, K-2 Dean

  

Education:

 BA in Education- Calvin College, Grand Rapids MI; MA in Curriculum & Instruction from Western Michigan University, MI; Educational Leadership Certification in CO

 

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

 ½ year at Platte Christian School in South Dakota- 5 & 6 split class 8 years at Cross Creek Charter Academy in Grand Rapids, MI- 4th grade 2 years at Highline Academy in Denver, CO- 4th grade and 5th grade (1 year each) 4 years at Landmark- 2 years as New Teacher Coach, 1 year as Instructional Coach, 1 year as Dean
 

What do you like most about working here?

I love the opportunity to play a part in so many kids’ lives. As a Dean, my impact is larger than it was when I was a classroom teacher. I have the opportunity to work with teachers and encourage them to continue to perfect their practice. I also have the opportunity to work with kids who need extra encouragement to be successful in their classrooms. My favorite parts of the day are watching my talented teachers teach, meeting with them to come up with new, cool ideas & when my boys come down at the end of the day to check out with me!
 

Personal Information:

My family lives in Michigan- my parents, my brother’s family and my sister’s family. I have 3 nieces and 2 nephews who bless me immensely!
 

Suzanne Schwartz, 3-5 Dean

 

Education:

 I graduated from Calvin College in 1988 with a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education and a major in Language Arts. I graduated from Western Michigan University in 2001 with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
 

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

 6th grade at Dutton Christian School – one semester as a long term substitute teacher 5th grade at Jenison Christian School – one semester as a long term substitute teacher 6th grade at Millbrook Christian School – 5 years 6th grade at Cross Creek Academy – 4 years 5th grade at Landmark Academy – 1 year 6th grade at Landmark Academy – 2 years
 

What do you like most about working here?

There are many things that make me love working for Landmark Academy. I really appreciate working with a staff that is so committed to providing the best education for our students. Teachers work together and challenge each other to grow and develop in their craft. I also love the Landmark community. It is wonderful to team with parents who are committed to their child’s success.
 

Personal Information:

Some of the things I like to do for enjoyment are downhill skiing, hiking, reading, and spending time with my family.

 

 

Libby Rowe, Middle School Dean

 

Education:

I graduated from Mary Washington College (now University of Mary Washington) in 2003 with my undergraduate degree.  I majored in Psychology and got my certification to teach K-6 in Virginia.    I received my Master's in 2006 from George Mason University in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Instructional Technology.   My principle licensure program was through Colorado State University which I completed in 2012.
 

Previous education experience and number of years in the field:

I taught 4th grade in Stafford, Virginia for 4 years at Widewater Elementary School.   When I moved to Colorado in 2007, I opened Landmark Academy teaching 4th grade and then moved up to 6th grade for Landmark's second year.   I taught 6th grade for 3 and a half years, when I was hired mid-year as a dean in the fall of 2011.
 

What do you like most about working here?

I love Landmark's laid back culture and high standards for our students' education.   Since working for NHA, I have been amazed at the amount of support given to teachers and staff from administration and the service center.   I have never felt more supported in my career and encouraged to grow into new positions.   The company-wide dedication to student achievement and moral focus fall in line with my own philosophy of education.   NHA and Landmark could not be a better fit for me.  
 

Personal Information:

I have an amazing husband, Jeremy, and we welcomed our first child, Wyatt, in December of 2011.   We also have a dog, Zeppelin (4 years), and 2 cats, Charlie and Jack (8 and 7 years, respectively).   I love being a mom to my sweet baby boy and enjoy spending our time outside of school playing, hiking, camping, and going to the pool.   Since moving to Colorado we have learned how to ski and enjoy hitting the slopes in the winter.   Both of our families live on opposite ends of the country, so we like to take road trips to visit them and see the sites along the way. 
 
 

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