Head of School

Heather B. Mock

An engaging and energetic leader, Heather Bushnell Mock is the founding head of school at Compositive Primary. In her 21 years as an educator, she has come to view herself as a “warm demander” and has grown to embrace the social and emotional development of the student as the most effective means to success in academics and life.

Heather’s experience covers the full primary through secondary journey, having taught and administered grades K-12. She comes to Compositive Primary from Dawson School in Lafayette, Colo. As associate head of school and K-8 director, she oversaw 270 students and 45 faculty members in both the middle and lower school divisions at Dawson. During her seven-year tenure, the school saw record levels of applicants, student retention and parental engagement. Prior to Dawson, Heather was an upper school class dean at Kent Denver School, shepherding the class of 2011 from their freshman year through successful graduation. She was responsible for everything from nurturing students’ academic achievement and character development, to serving as the main administrative point person for families and handling the logistical imperatives of class scheduling and discipline. Heather has also held teaching and/or administrative positions with progressively increasing responsibilities at The Maple Street School (Manchester, Vt.), The Head-Royce School (Oakland) and Sandia Preparatory School (Albuquerque).

She has served on four Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS) reaccreditation teams and received multiple awards for excellence in teaching. Additionally, she has served on the boards of The Joshua School Boulder and Montview Community Preschool & Kindergarten.

A graduate of The Spence School in New York, Heather earned a bachelor’s degree in art history from Princeton University and a master’s degree in elementary education from Teachers College at Columbia University. She is also a graduate of the National Association of Independent Schools’ (NAIS) Aspiring Heads Institute. In addition, she attended the Harvard College Admissions Institute (2009) and spent a semester in Patagonia with the National Outdoor Leadership School (1992). Married with two teenage children, Heather is a marathon runner, has performed in community theater productions, and has been a certified Wilderness First Responder.

Director of Outreach

Marcie Prokupek

Marcie joined the Compositive Primary team in 2018 as Director of Outreach, focusing on marketing, admissions, and development initiatives. A fast starter and reflective leader, Marcie quickly gains an understanding of situations, needs, and obstacles, and then develops and implements strategic solutions. She is known for bringing together the right people and resources, including project teams, cross-functional staff, and external community partners, to launch new and manage existing programs and organizations. 

Marcie’s multi-faceted career includes diverse business and community experience, including consulting to businesses in the education, finance, and restaurant industries, corporate banking, and not-for-profit development. As founder of Spring Consulting, Marcie provided client relationship, strategic, and operational support to clients including Graland Country Day School, OnePoint Accounting, and Tava Kitchen. She gained valuable experience managing relationships and making financial recommendations while employed with Geronimo Financial, M&I Bank, and First Chicago Bank. Marcie also spent several years working in non-profit development at the Milwaukee Art Museum, where she co-managed the annual giving program and generated exhibition sponsorships.

Current community board work includes the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (Co-Chair, Nominating Committee) and the Global Livingston Institute (Board Chair). Marcie previously served on the boards of the Kent Denver School (Vice President, Board of Trustees and Chair, Marketing Committee) and Graland Country Day School (Chair, Development Committee). Other volunteer experience includes Young President’s Organization, Teach for America, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Children’s Campaign, and Webb-Waring Institute. Marcie earned an MBA from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Northwestern University. She has two daughters in college and enjoys traveling, the arts, and being active (yoga, cycling and running are current favorites) in her free time.

Director of Inquiry & Instruction

Dr. Clare Hammoor

Clare is a playful educator whose practice is animated by inquiry and joy. With a passion for collaboration and arts integration, Clare brings experience working with a diversity of folks to create genuine questions and deep learning. 

Clare comes from Blue School in Manhattan where he was the Theatre Specialist and Director. During his time at Blue, Clare collaboratively developed an arts integration curriculum with a team of children, teachers, administrators, and arts specialists. While in New York, Clare worked with Brooklyn Acting Lab as its Director of Education while directing theatre professionally. Clare has taught at New York University and University of Denver and given lectures across the US. He has led classes and workshops internationally and his writing appears in articles, chapters, and journal editorships. After moving to Denver, Clare was the Theatre Teacher and Director at South High School. Clare’s passion for joy and justice has also led him to teach university courses in prisons for the past eight years. He is currently an instructor for the DU Prison Arts Initiative where he started a series of play-based arts workshops for children and their incarcerated parents. 

Clare earned an EdD from NYU where his research focused on the agencies of children and things in play. He also holds a MA in Educational Theatre from NYU and a BA in Theatre and Religious Studies from Indiana University. Clare loves reading, cooking, making new theatre, and antiquing with his partner, Ashley Hamilton. 

Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Amira Ababio

Amira joins the Compositive team in 2019 as the founding ECE Lead Teacher. Amira holds a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University and an M.A. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Colorado Denver.

Amira began her career in early childhood here in Denver, teaching at a non-profit preschool for three years. During her time there, she held various leadership roles including assistant director and manager of curriculum and family engagement. Amira holds a State of Colorado Coaching Credential and has coached preschool teachers in one of Denver’s largest Early/Head Start programs, supporting them in their professional growth and creating a quality educational experience for their students.

Amira believes that every child deserves the highest education possible. She is invested in serving the needs of all children and bringing creativity, diversity and most importantly, joy in the preschool
classroom. As a self-proclaimed foodie, you can find Amira exploring Denver’s plethora of fantastic food options with her fiancé and planning her next big adventure in her free time.

Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Meaghan Fitzgerald

Meaghan joined the Compositive team in 2019 as the founding K-1 lead teacher. She holds a B.A. in Architectural Studies from Connecticut College and a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University.

Meaghan started her career in Washington D.C. as the founding K-1 teacher at an International Baccalaureate Chinese immersion public charter school. She later moved to the Lowell School, a progressive independent school in D.C., where she taught both Kindergarten and 1st grade.

In 2013, Meaghan founded her own educational company to provide personalized tutoring for students in grades PreK-3 and therapy for children with special needs. In addition, she designed and created the educational iPad app for children Ollie’s Handwriting & Phonics.

When she’s not in the classroom, Meaghan can be found hiking with her husband and three small children, running, bouldering, or learning to play the guitar.

Resident Teacher

Katherine Foote

Katherine is originally from Georgia and has enjoyed calling Colorado her home for the past eight years. Katherine received her Bachelor’s in Acting with a minor in Dance from the University of Northern Colorado. She has taught dance and drama to students ages 3-17 years old! Katherine has served as a teaching artist for the Aurora Fox Theatre in Colorado and The Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, which is the nation’s largest children’s theatre company. 

She found her calling educating preschool aged children which prompted her to participate in the Boulder Journey School Teacher Education Program. Through the program, Katherine had the opportunity to attend a study tour in Reggio Emilia, Italy to further her study on the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. She also earned a Master’s in Human Development and Education with a Concentration in Early Literacy from the University of Colorado-Denver. Katherine uses her background in the Reggio Emilia approach to honor the competencies and interests of each child in her classroom and to document the growth and learning occurring daily in the classroom. She has presented her work in the classroom with other educators at the Boulder Journey School Summer Conference (2018) and the Colorado Jewish ECE Initiative Annual Conference (2019). 

Katherine volunteers as a delivery driver for Meals on Wheels on the weekends and enjoys hiking and running with her dog, Shiloh. She is excited to be a member of Compositive Primary and looks forward to collaborating with children and families to support each child’s learning journey.

Resident Teacher

Danny Goodman

Danny joined the Compositive team in 2019, after relocating to Denver from New York City. As a performer and theater artist, he combines his passion for theater and music with his love of learning. He previously taught and served as music director with Brooklyn Acting Lab for four years with children of all ages. He is excited to foster opportunities for Compositive students to learn and grow through imaginative play and creative discovery.

After completing his BA in theater from College of the Holy Cross, Danny toured with Hampstead Stage Co. bringing theater to elementary schools and public libraries across the country. He subsequently received his MFA in acting from the American Repertory Theater/Moscow Art Theater Institute for Advanced Theater Training at Harvard University, where he had the opportunity to study and perform in Russia. As an actor he has performed all over the U.S. and abroad. He is also a co-founder of CRASH Theater Co. in New York with his wife and schoolmates.

Outside the classroom, Danny enjoys exploring the Colorado outdoors with his wife: hiking, camping, kayaking, and playing tennis. He likes to have a guitar or mandolin nearby whenever possible.

Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Jackie Hadd

Jackie Hadd is a passionate and warm-hearted educator who has been working with children and families for 10 years. Her career working with children began as a nanny and she quickly realized her passion for early childhood education and the importance of meeting children where they are developmentally, emotionally, and socially. After nannying for many families in Colorado, Jackie made a move to Portland, OR. In Portland, Jackie pursued her loved of early childhood education and became a preschool teacher. She was eager to learn more about education and development so she earned her Master’s in Elementary education. She went on to teach 2nd grade in Portland Public Schools. Jackie has since relocated to Denver, CO.

Jackie received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado in Boulder majoring in both English and Sociology. She then went on to earn her Master’s degree in Education from Portland State University. Her master’s work has a focus on STEAM and integrating arts into education. Jackie is very passionate about mindfulness for children and holds a special children’s yoga teacher certificate. She aims to teach students academically, and also puts a large focus on social and emotional development. Jackie believes that the key to successful teaching is learning about the whole child in order to encourage learning from a place of understanding.

In addition to spending part of her formative years as a student in the French school system, Jackie is well traveled and has participated in community service trips in Costa Rica, Mongolia, India, and Chile.  In her spare time, Jackie enjoys singing, practicing yoga, and exploring Colorado with her husband. She is thrilled to be a part of the Compositive learning team as a lead early childhood teacher!

Resident Teacher

Emily Kern

Emily Kern joined the Compositive Primary team in 2019 as a resident teacher. She holds a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia, and is working on her M.A. in Human Development with a concentration in early childhood literacy from the University of Colorado Denver. 

After graduating college in the summer of 2015, Emily became a wilderness ranger in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. After the ranger season ended, she moved to Boulder, Colorado and became a rock climbing coach at ABC Kids Climbing. It was here that she discovered her love for working with children. She then went on to get her teaching license, working as a teacher candidate in the Kindergarten classroom at Boulder Country Day School. She is passionate about inquiry-based and thematic learning. She believes that no subject should be boring, especially at younger ages where children bring so much life and excitement to the classroom. 

When she is not in the classroom Emily can be found rock climbing, skiing, trail running, experimenting with cooking, or reading one of her favorite novels. 

Resident Teacher

Nick Magles

Nick Magles brings with him to Compositive a diverse set of experiences both in and out of the classroom, and a life-long love of learning. He finds joy in connecting with students to discover their interests and helping them find and pursue their own motivations to learn.

Nick graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Washington. He then discovered the rewarding nature of teaching as an English instructor in South Korea. He later continued teaching English in Mexico, then moved back to his native Seattle, where he worked with the Boys & Girls Club. He then joined Creative Coding, teaching computer programming to kids in after-school classes and camps. He soon branched into curriculum development and became the company’s Development Manager. Having moved to Aurora with his wife, he hopes to use his knowledge of technology education to help enrich the experience of Compositive Primary’s students.

Outside the school, you may find Nick relaxing with his wife and two cats, playing or designing board games, or watching the Sounders beat the Rapids.

Licensing/Care Coordinator & Teacher

Natalie Roth

Natalie Roth joins the Compositive team for the 2019-2020 school year. Natalie’s past experiences are rooted in elementary and early childhood education. She began her career as a teacher at the Birch Wathen Lennox School, an independent K-12 school in New York City, where she taught in the 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms and coached the lower and upper school squash teams. Since moving to Denver, Natalie has worked at the Primrose School at Stapleton, where she most recently served as the School Director. Natalie is passionate about working with teachers to create welcoming and engaging learning environments for students. 

Natalie graduated from Hamilton College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and received her Master’s degree in Childhood Education from Fordham University.   When Natalie is not working to support teachers and students, she can be found skiing with her husband, hiking with her dog, relaxing with a good book, or playing games with her three kids.

Resident Teacher

Elysée Stansbury

Elysée is an enthusiastic educator with a passion for student-centered and inquiry-based learning. Much of her career as a teacher has also been combined with her love for the outdoors. She has spent the past 8 years teaching students ages 3-18 in a variety of nature-based programs designed to support the social and emotional needs of students. These programs include Northwest Youth Corps in Oregon, TRAILS Carolina in North Carolina, and Concordia Language Villages in Minnesota where she served as Assistant Dean of a wilderness French immersion program. Fueled by her interest in progressive education, Elysée traveled to New Zealand to join the organizing team of the 2015 International Democratic Education Conference and work with some of the world’s most innovative leaders in education. This experience furthered her passion for creating meaningful and engaging learning experiences tailored to students’ interests. Elysée then went on to spend three years teaching at High Trails Outdoor Science School in California.

Elysée graduated from Hendrix College with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and French. When she is not spending time with students, she loves rock climbing, cooking, canoeing, and traveling.

Administrative Assistant

Sabrina Zizo

Sabrina Zizo is serving as the Administrative Assistant at Compositive Primary, bringing significant non-profit and communication experience, as well as personal warmth and dedication. As the Administrative Assistant, Sabrina works to build and support the school’s mission by being committed to excellence in service, maximizing efficiency, and exemplifying teamwork.

She previously worked in event and program development for nearly three years at Railroad Park, a nationally award winning urban park in downtown Birmingham. While at Railroad Park, Sabrina executed programs that provided free health and wellness and financial education classes to everyone, promoting a stronger community.

Prior to graduating from the University of Montevallo with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and a minor in Public Relations, Sabrina interned with Alabama Rivers Alliance, Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center, and Shelby County Newspapers, Inc., all organizations working to reveal imperative messages.

In her personal time, Sabrina enjoys paddling on a river, traveling, reading or trying out a new dance class.