Jessica O'muireadhaigh

Jessica O'muireadhaigh

Director, Mental Health and Counseling

Jessica joined APS in 2000, and is responsible for influencing and empowering the school social workers, psychologists, and counselors to support whole child development. Jessica demonstrates that having a strong vision for what's possible and collaborating with an expert team can bring school communities together for the benefit of all APS.

Brie Tonk

 

Brie Tonk

Coordinator, Counseling Services

Gabrielle "Brie" Tonk, MA received her master's degree from The University of Colorado at Denver in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education in 2003. Brie has been a School Counselor for a total of 12 years, including 5 years at the high school level in Tucson, AZ; 3 years at the middle school level in Denver Public Schools; and 4 years at the elementary level right here in Aurora Public Schools after working as a Victim Advocate with the District Attorney's office for domestic violence victims. She is also a proud mom to 3 APS students, including one Rangeview graduate. Brie has served as a member of the APS Crisis Team, Counseling Leadership Team and ICAP Steering Committee and is passionate about providing leadership and support to School Counselors and Academic Advisor Teams. Brie believes in implementing systemic approaches that enhance the academic, career and personal/social issues while serving to eliminate access and equity barriers for all P-12 students.

Dr. Dan Gurzick

Dr. Dan Gurzick

Coordinator, Northeast Community

Dr. Gurzick is a school psychologist with over 20 years of experience. He is an Aurora native and proud APS graduate! His passions in school mental health involve bilingual services, culturally responsive practices, and special education assessment. In a leadership role, Dan is interested in promoting social-emotional learning opportunities, creating mental health systems for all students, and supporting staff who experience burnout.

Kim Kaspar

Kim Kaspar

Coordinator, Northwest Community

Kim Kaspar, MSW received her master's degree in social work from the University of Denver. Kim has served the community of Aurora for the past 14 years as a school social worker, PBIS district level coach, MTSS Community Partner, and most currently the AWARE coordinator. Kim is responsible for building systems that support whole-child development. She has a deep passion for working to support the social, emotional, and behavioral development of students and consulting with other youth-serving adults.

Dena Joslyn-Custer

Dena Joslyn-Custer

Coordinator, Central Community

Dena Joslyn-Custer, MSW earned her Masters in Social Work degree from the University of Denver. Dena has served the community of Aurora since 1998. Dena was a child protection caseworker for Arapahoe County Human Services for 7.5 years and then wanted to work more directly Iwith students to make an impact. Dena worked as a the only school social worker at Aurora Central High School for 11 years. In 2016, Dena moved to a new position as the Risk Response Coordinator developing threat assessment protocols, training and support. Also, she enhanced suicide risk assessment protocols, training and support. Since 2020, Dena has worked as a Mental Health and Counseling Coordinator, District Crisis Response Team Coordinator, and NM Coordinator. Dena has a deep passion for working to support the social, emotional, and behavioral development of all students, consulting and supporting other youth-serving adults along with creating and supporting a safe, equitable, and inclusive learning environment for all students and staff.

Lindsey Parks

Lindsey Parks

Coordinator, South Community

Lindsey Parks MSW, LCSW earned her Masters of Social Work from Colorado State University, as well as an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from University of Northern Colorado. She has worked in schools for the last 8 years as a School Social Worker and Dean after working in Child Welfare for 5 years. Lindsey is passionate about supporting the integration of mental health and social emotional learning within school systems to ensure the whole child needs of every student are met, the role of mental health in preventing exclusionary disciplinary practices, and supporting safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for students and staff.

Support Team

Dennitta Piilola

Dennitta Piilola

Assistant to the Director

Jane Yim

Jane Yim

Program Manager

John Damhof

John Damhof

Technology Systems
Specialist

Maria Martinez

Maria Martinez

Clerk

Yamel Ramirez Morales

Yamel Ramirez Morales

Systems Specialist