Special Education and Student Support


Jennifer Romero, M.Ed. Amelia Graser Catherine Rooney Chantel Albert, Ed.S, NCSP Elizabeth Jordan, OTR/L	Moderate Needs Teacher SSN (Significant Support Needs) Teacher Speech-Language Pathologist School Psychologist Occupational Therapist

Student Support

Jennifer Miller

Merry Collitt

Reading Interventionist

School Nurse Consultant

Introduction from Teachers

Greetings parents!

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! We are thrilled to introduce you to the Special Education Team at Buffalo Ridge. We are looking forward to a productive year filled with excitement, exploration and learning!

Moderate Needs Special Education Teacher, Jennifer Romero, M.Ed.

Hi, I’m Jennifer Romero and I am one of the mild-moderate learning specialists at Buffalo Ridge Elementary. I am extremely passionate about what I do and have worked in education for over twenty years. This is my 12th year in Douglas county and my 10th year at Buffalo Ridge. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to teach many different grades and ages. My belief in developing meaningful relationships is very important to me. I feel this is the best way to support the needs of my students and families. More than anything, I want my students to feel valued, supported, and challenged.
A little more about me... I was born and raised in California and have been married for 23 years. We have four amazing kids! In addition to teaching, I enjoy reading, movies, skiing, traveling and spending time with my family. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice. My Master’s degree is in Special Education, with endorsements in Early Childhood Special Education, Special Education Generalist, Elementary Education, and a Graduate Certificate in Literacy. I believe communication is essential to your student’s success. Please feel free to contact me with any comments, concerns, or questions you may have. I look forward to another great year at Buffalo Ridge! Email is the best way to reach me during the day.

You can reach me at: [email protected]

Welcome Back from Mrs. Romero!

Significant Support Needs teacher (SSN), Amelia Graser

I have been working with students for more than 20 years in Special Education. I grew up and went to school in California and moved to Colorado in 2001. I am married and have two sons. I want the very best for your child! I love teaching and believe in lifelong learning. I will be at BRE Monday-Friday.
You can reach me at: [email protected]

Speech-Language Pathologist, Catherine Rooney

School Psychologist, Chantel Albert, Ed.S, NCSP

I have worked as a school psychologist in a large urban school district and have experience as a community-based children’s mental health case manager. In my free time I enjoy traveling and spending time being active. I am at BRE on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

You can reach me at: [email protected]

Occupational Therapist, Elizabeth Jordan

I have been an occupational therapist for more than 20 years in multiple settings. I grew up in Seattle and have lived in Colorado for 18 years. I have three amazing kids of my own, 2 daughters and a son. I've worked in Douglas County School District for 7 years. I am excited to work with your children for their occupational therapy needs! I am at Buffalo Ridge Elementary on Tuesday mornings and all day Wednesdays and Thursdays.

You can reach me at: [email protected]

In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 720-433-1083.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records by email to [email protected]