Lea is excited to begin her school counseling journey at RRHS this 2023-2024 school year. She started her career in 27J as a teacher in 1994. Lea received a BA and MA from University of Colorado and attended Adams State University for her Professional School Counseling degree.

Lea is excited to support students at RRHS emotionally, academically and career development. Connecting and building relationships with students is her passion! Her therapy dog, Bella, is an 11 year old golden retriever. Bella has been a therapy dog in 27J for 9 years!

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. Next year will be my sixth year at 27J Schools and my 21st year serving as an educator. 

I hold a Master’s degree in Education focusing on School Counseling and graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with a Bachelor’s degree concentrating in Spanish.          

So yes, I am bilingual. Go BLUE!

As a School Counselor, I enjoy helping students realize their personal and academic goals. I support exploring all options for the future. I look forward to engaging with you all during your high school journey

Here’s to a great year together!!

Conor grew up in Brighton, and attended 27J schools from Kindergarten – 12th grade. He got his Bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College (IA) and was a college admissions counselor for 7 years, getting his Masters in School Counseling at the University of Northern Colorado during that time. He was a school counselor at Brighton High School for 5 years. After living in Iowa for the past 3 years, Conor is excited not only to be back in Colorado and 27J, but especially at RRHS! Go Ravens!

Conor is passionate about empowering students as they transition from middle school through high school and beyond. He’s also looking forward to supporting the inaugural graduating class at Riverdale Ridge! Outside of school, Conor enjoys spending time with his wife Kristin, a teacher at Brantner Elementary, and their two young daughters.

Caitlin Mellon is very excited about being a Raven since Riverdale Ridge High School's second year. She is the first in her family to go to college, attending Longwood University in Virginia for a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. After many years working in the non-profit field, she decided to go back to school in pursuit of her Master's in School Counseling.

She is excited to help our Ravens explore their passions, help them navigate post-secondary planning and be a resource for them throughout their four years. When she isn't at school, Caitlin can be found exploring the outdoors with her husband, two kids and pitbull rescue. She welcomed twins in early August.

Hello I am Patty Wageman and I am the counseling intern here at Riverdale Ridge High School. I am originally from California, but have been in Colorado since I was 14. I love to sail and try to get to Bellingham Washington to see my parents in the summer so we can go sailing together. I have a brother who retired from the Air Force after 27 years and is currently working for a contractor overseas. His family is in Waco, Texas.I also love animals and currently am a crazy cat lady with 5 lovely furry friends to keep me company.

Ana Bautista has been with 27j for 7 years. Ana was a kindergarten paraprofessional at Thimmig elementary prior to becoming a Raven. She has worked in the front office and as Campus Supervisor here at Riverdale Ridge. She is excited to join the counseling team to help our students in any way possible. In her free time Ana enjoys spending time with her family and watching her 2 sons play sports (mostly baseball).

Stacy Bushlack joined the Riverdale Ridge High School team in July 2019. Stacy serves as the registrar and counseling secretary assisting families enrolling and withdrawing their students. Prior to joining 27J, Stacy served for 10 years as a processor and underwriter for a home mortgage company. After a short time staying home with her young children, she joined the West Ridge Elementary team as an instructional para professional, SPED para professional and the remaining 6 years as their registrar. She has been with the 27J School District for the last 11 years. Stacy enjoys living in the same community that she serves and her children, Blake (Class of 2020) and Baylee (Class of 2022) attend school. When she is not at school, Stacy enjoys spending time with her family camping, hiking and traveling.

Nicole is a nomad at heart and has lived all over! She has called New Mexico, California, Hawaii, Washington, Massachusetts, and Colorado all her home and is excited to have Riverdale Ridge be her latest and greatest adventure. She joins the Ravens after spending time as a school counselor for 6 years and working in Student Affairs at different universities for 5 years. She will be serving as our MTSS Coach helping students and staff best access all the resources and supports that might be needed. Nicole attended Gonzaga University (Go Zags!) which makes March Madness her favorite time of year.