Our Crew

I’m excited to continue my leadership in the Explore community as principal in 2025. With eight years in educational administration and a background in teaching middle school history and elementary grades (3rd, 4th, and 5th), I bring a deep commitment to student growth and learning. I’ve had the privilege of working in several schools, including Explore about 13 years ago, and I’m thrilled to return to the community in this new role.

My wife serves principal next door in Adams 12, and together we’re raising three wonderful daughters. As a family, we love spending time outdoors—whether it’s hiking, flyfishing, camping, or simply exploring Colorado’s natural beauty.

I look forward to partnering with families and the community to create a supportive, engaging, and inspiring environment for all our students. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m eager to connect and collaborate with you.

Hi! I’m Allison Casillo, and I’m excited to be in my 8th year at Explore and my 3rd year as an instructional guide. I’ve taught grades K–6 for over a decade in Hawaii, New Jersey, and Colorado. I earned my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Hawaii Pacific University and my master’s in International Education with a specialization in ESL from Endicott College, where I studied abroad in Prague and Switzerland. I’m especially passionate about early literacy and creating equitable learning environments where all students can thrive and pursue their passions. Outside of school, I love traveling the world with my husband Chris, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with our dog Gunther.

Hello everyone!

My name is Erika Robles, and I am one of the preschool teachers at Explore PK8. This is my ninth year working at Explore, and my fourth year as a preschool teacher. However, my years in Mapleton go even further back! I am a proud Mapleton graduate, and this has been my community for many years!

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education. I love working with our youngest learners! My goal is to create an inclusive environment where every child feels safe, supported, and excited to learn. I believe in meeting each child where they are and setting meaningful goals that help them grow in their development and learning.

I’m committed to creating a strong foundation that helps children become curious and passionate lifelong learners. I know how important those first school experiences are, and I’m so excited to work together with you to make sure your child has a joyful and meaningful preschool journey!

Hello Explore Community!

My name is Michelle Olivas, or "Ms. Michelle," as my preschoolers call me. I'm excited to be starting my 17th year in the Mapleton community and my 13th year teaching preschool at Explore PK-8, a special place that truly feels like a second home.

I'm a longtime Thornton resident and raised my own family here. I hold a master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education from CU Denver and am passionate about teaching our youngest learners. My goal is to create an inclusive environment where every child can grow, no matter where they are in their development. I believe a positive first school experience is crucial, and I take pride in creating a classroom where children feel safe and welcome. My students develop skills and confidence engaging in learning experiences through play, all while building positive relationships with their classmates and teachers. I look forward to working together with you, to ensure that your child has the best preschool experience!

Hello Explore Crew!

My name is Lauren Hamner. I’ve been teaching for 11 years—mostly in kindergarten, with two years in first grade. Kindergarten is my jam! 

My husband and I have two young kiddos, and together we love traveling, spending time outdoors, and discovering new libraries! 

I earned my B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies with an Early Childhood Education Certificate from Colorado State University (Go Rams!) and recently completed my Master’s in Literacy at UC Denver. I’m passionate about early learners, literacy, and supporting students as they grow into their fullest potential.

I believe that structured, routine, inclusive, and joyful classrooms help children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Feel free to stop by and say hello—my door is always open!

Lauren Hamner

I am Mr. Page and excited to be in my third year at Explore as a Kindergarten teacher!!! I have been teaching Kindergarten since 2018 and hold a Master’s in Education with a focus on Culturally and Linguistically Diverse teaching. I find so much joy in being a part of our small and mighty learning group! Learning and continual growth for both students and adults is a strong passion of mine. The Latin phrase docendo discimus defines my teaching philosophy: “by teaching, we learn.” Aside from the classroom, I am a tutor for elementary school students. I also enjoy all things outdoors in our beautiful Colorado!

Hello! I’m Elena Baca, and I’m excited for another great year ahead!  I’m passionate about teaching reading and love helping students build their skills and confidence. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing kids get excited about books and grow as readers. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Colorado at Boulder. I’ve been teaching here  in Mapleton for over 30 years. Over the years, I’ve taught 1st, 2nd, and English as a Second Language K-8. We are so happy to have you as part of our community here at Explore!

Hi Explore families! I’m Kara Hollis and I am so excited for my 2nd year here at Explore in 1st grade! My first year here was amazing and I can’t wait for another great year of learning and fun! I hold a bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas, and I will be completing my master’s at UC Denver in the spring of 2026 in Learning, Developmental, and Family Sciences, with a concentration in Early Literacy. In my free time I love to read, be outside, craft, and spend time with my dog and friends!

Hello, Explore! I am Louis Baldwin. I joined the Explore family with a lifelong dream of being an educator and 23 years experience in the field. I graduated from Colorado State University with my Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Upon graduating from CSU, I taught at California School of the Arts, focusing on pre-professional ballet and elementary reading; while working with an accounting firm. It was this experience that made me realize that my passion for teaching went beyond dance and decided to return to school to achieve a Masters in Educational Psychology focusing on assessments and data, and a Masters in Curriculum Development. Since then, I have taught all grades (K-5) and have been an instructional coach. When it comes to education, aside from teaching, MTSS, PBIS, and data analysis are my biggest passions.

Outside of school and dance, my “children” are the biggest love of his life.

Hello, Explore Crew! I am so excited to be teaching 4th grade literacy and social studies this year! 

Originally, I am from Kansas City, MO, where I taught grades 1, 3, and 5 and was a literacy coach and interventionist. I graduated from the University of Missouri, received a master’s degree in School Administration, and am currently working toward a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education endorsement. I have been in the Mapleton school district for 7 years, teaching 4th and 5th grades at Adventure Elementary and serving as an Instruction Guide at Global Intermediate Academy.

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband, friends and family, being in nature, hiking, biking, camping, swimming, attending concerts, watching football and soccer, trying new coffee shops and exploring.

Hello Explore!
While I’m a new face to the crew, nearly all of my 12 years in education have been right here in Mapleton. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, both from CU Denver.

I was born and raised in Denver. Outside of school, I enjoy painting, anything spa-related, and spending time with friends and family, especially my new niece. I’m excited to be part of the Explore community!

Hi! I’m Mrs. Taz, and I’ve been teaching for 20 years—eight of those right here at Explore. Art and teaching have always had a special place in my heart, ever since I was little. I used to play “teacher” with my sister and spend hours crafting with my younger cousins. These days, when I’m not in the classroom, you’ll probably find me painting, baking, reading, walking my two dogs, or swapping stories with my husband, who’s also a teacher.

Hi there! I’m Mr. Coach K., and I’ve been teaching for 19 years—11 of those right here at Explore! I believe in helping every student discover that movement can be fun, meaningful, and something they’ll love for life. I have a K–12 teaching license from Metro State and a Master’s degree in Physical Education and Educational Leadership from UNC (Go Bears!). When I’m not leading adventures in fitness, you’ll probably find me soaking up the sun at the beach or enjoying Disney days with my family.

I'm Mrs. Pick, and I'm thrilled to be working with our incredible multilingual learners — from right here in our neighborhood to students from around the world! This year marks my tenth year teaching English Language Development in Mapleton and over twenty years in education overall. As an English Language Development (ELD) teacher, I am passionate about supporting multilingual learners as they build their English language skills and thrive academically. I believe that language development is not only essential for academic success,  but also for helping students confidently express their identity, connect with others, and participate fully in their school and community. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Master’s degree in Linguistically Diverse Education. Supporting language learners is my passion, and I’m committed to helping every student grow in confidence and communication.

We’re so happy to have you as part of our Explore community—I can’t wait for all we’ll learn together!

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, hiking, swimming, cooking, and drinking coffee.

Hi! My name is Bethany, and I’m the kindergarten para here at Explore. This is my second year in the role, and I absolutely love it! Watching our kinders grow from their very first day to when they’re ready for first grade fills my heart with joy—it's such a rewarding journey to be a part of.

Outside of school, I stay busy with my family. My husband and I have one amazing kiddo, Andrew, who’s in 3rd grade. We love going to the race track together, and when we’re not there, I’m usually enjoying the outdoors, hiking, working out, or spending time with our sweet pup, Blue. I’m also a passionate at-home baker—there’s always something fresh in the kitchen!

Hi, my name is Jackie. I am an Instructional Para. This is my third year working at Explore.  This year I’ll be in Kinder, 5th and 6th.  It is very rewarding to help the students learn and grow.

When I am away from school, I enjoy traveling, gardening, jewelry making, and spending time with my family.