Don Kotnik, Principal
Hiring Announcement - July 2022
Hello Lesher Families and Community,
I wanted to take a quick moment to introduce myself. My name is Don Kotnik and I am beyond excited to be your principal. I am humbled by this opportunity and will work hard to build lasting relationships with staff, students, and the community based on respect and trust.
My wife, Caitlin, works at Colorado State University as an academic advisor. We have three children (or wombats as we like to call them), Josephine (6), Caroline (4), and Anna (1). They keep us busy, tired, and proud. They will one day walk Lesher’s halls, as O’Dea and Lesher are our neighborhood schools. I’m willing to bet that you’ll meet them soon, running down the halls after school hours or in the gym watching volleyball, waiting for Dad to finish up his work day.
Both my wife and I hail from the great state of Ohio and are both alumni of THE Ohio State University. Go Bucks! I was born into a crazy family of Green Bay Packer fans. GO PACK GO! As a family we love to travel, hike, fish and kayak up in Red Feather, tend the garden, find a park, play Uno, have movie nights, and eat tacos.
I started my career in education teaching high school English at Huntington High School in Chillicothe, Ohio. When my wife and I moved to Colorado I took a job at North Valley Middle School in LaSalle, teaching reading and writing. At this point in my career I attended Colorado State University and received my principal’s license. From there, I wanted an experience in an elementary school. This desire brought me to Brantner Elementary School in Thornton, where I worked as a dean and then assistant principal. For the past four years I’ve been an assistant principal at Mountain View High School in Loveland. All of these experiences combined gives me fourteen years in education and I’m still learning something new every day.
At Lesher we have a strong history of academic and cultural success. We also have an experienced and dedicated teaching staff. As I take on this opportunity I look forward to collaborating as a community to make Lesher the best possible place it can be for our students, staff, and neighborhood. Thank you for the support and I look forward to meeting you all!
All the best,
Don
Deana Kochis, 6th Grade Asst. Principal / Assessment Coordinator
Deana Kochis is a Colorado native and a proud mom, wife, sister, friend, and educator. She earned a B.A. in Public Relations and Language Arts with a minor in Spanish at Colorado State University. After teaching Language Arts and directing the theatre program at Fossil Ridge High School for over a decade, she earned her M.A. in Educational Leadership at Arkansas State University. Deana stepped out of the classroom in 2019 to serve as Dean of Students at Fossil. Her leadership journey continued as she perused additional leadership positions within Poudre School District and is honored to now be a Lesher Viking. Deana believes working with students, teachers, and families is the best job there; there is no greater power than learning and being part of a community.
Ryan Wulff, 8th Grade Asst. Principal / Athletic & Activities Director
Ryan Wulff is the new Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Lesher Middle School. A proud product of the Poudre School District, Ryan brings 23 years of educational experience to his new role. He has served as an elementary teacher at both Timnath and Tavelli Elementary Schools and most recently as the Dean of Students at Fossil Ridge High School, where he also coached Girls Golf.
Ryan graduated from Midland University with a BS in Business Administration. Driven by his passion for working with students, he returned to school to earn an MA in Elementary Education and later completed the Principal Licensure program at Colorado State University.
Ryan is a firm believer in the importance of building strong relationships with students to help them succeed both in the classroom and in their athletic pursuits. He is excited to join the Lesher community and is looking forward to supporting the Vikings.
Matt Mitchell, Dean of Students, 7th Grade Administrator / Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Coordinator
With 23 years of experience in education, I am proud to serve as the Dean of Students at Lesher Middle School. My journey in teaching has been fueled by a passion for fostering positive relationships and creating an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. Over the years, I've had the pleasure of connecting with students and parents alike, building a supportive and engaged school community.
I began my career as a Special Education teacher, where I developed innovative teaching methods that resonated with students. My dedication to educational excellence led me to take on various leadership roles, including Integrated Services Department Chair, Avid Coordinator and MTSS coordinator, which have prepared me well for my current position as dean.
In my role, I am committed to promoting a culture of respect, responsibility, and resilience. I believe in the power of restorative practices to teach valuable life skills and instill a sense of accountability in our students. By working closely with students, parents, and staff, I strive to ensure a safe and nurturing environment where everyone feels valued.
Outside of my professional life, I am an avid traveler and golfer. Exploring new places and cultures enriches my perspective and brings fresh ideas into my educational approach. Golfing is a great way for me to relax and enjoy some quality time outdoors.
I hold a master’s degree in education from Arkansas State University. My extensive experience and dedication to student success are at the core of my work, and I am excited to continue making a positive impact at Lesher Middle School.