Sand Creek Zone Staff

Lauren serves as the Community Liaison for the Sand Creek Zone in District 49. In this role, she strengthens connections between schools, families, and the community through family engagement initiatives, community partnerships, and programs that support student success.

Lauren earned a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master's Degree in Education with a concentration in Linguistically Diverse Education from Colorado State University Pueblo. She began her career as a mathematics teacher at Sand Creek High School, where she also served as the student council advisor for 10 years. Through her work with students and families, Lauren helped create the Community Liaison position in District 49, a model that has since expanded across the district. She also founded the Community Resource Center, the district's first community food and clothing pantry, providing wrap-around support for hundreds of students and families each year.

Lauren is a founding member of Engage49, District 49's Family, School, Community Partnership initiative, and facilitates the Student Board of Representatives, where students work directly with the Board of Education to provide feedback and help shape district decisions. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships and believes strong partnerships between schools, families, and the community create the best opportunities for every student to succeed.

Dawnise serves as the Special Education Coordinator for the Sand Creek Zone in District 49.

Dawnise was born and raised in Arizona. She is a retired military spouse, an experience that has shaped her appreciation for resilience, flexibility, and the importance of strong relationships. She and her husband have three daughters and three granddaughters. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family.

She has 22 years of experience in K–12 special education. In her current role as Special Education Coordinator, she supports special education teachers and paraprofessionals through coaching, mentoring, and professional development, ensuring high-quality, compliant special education services. She collaborates with school leadership to strengthen instructional practices and to help build systems that improve student outcomes and support inclusive learning environments. She also partners with families to build trusting relationships, navigate the special education process, and ensure students receive the support they need to be successful.

She holds a Master of Arts in Special Education from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Wyoming, and has completed the Principal Licensure Program at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. She is a licensed as a Special Education Generalist and holds an Initial Principal License. She is currently completing her SpEd Director’s license through the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Throughout her career, she has been committed to fostering positive school cultures, using data-driven practices to improve student achievement, and partnering with educators, families, and the community to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.