Career Connect Team

High Tech Early College Audio Production

About Pathways Meet the Team Awards
Jennifer Hochmiller High Tech Early College CareerConnect Director

Jennifer Hochmiller

Assistant Principal & CareerConnect Director

COLLEGE EXPERIENCE:
University of Northern Colorado – BS Secondary Math Education
University of Colorado Denver – Administrative Leadership & Policy Studies Licensure

CAREER EXPERIENCE:
Teacher at Montbello High School and High Tech Early College since 2010 (math, English language development, & special education), & Financial Coach for my own business called The Money Bug.

WHAT EXCITES ME ABOUT THIS WORK:
In all of my educational experience, I’ve never seen such a high level of engagement and life ignited in our students, than through the programming that CareerConnect has brought. The level of high-quality work product and pride that pours out of these classrooms is something I feel so privileged to have a greater intimacy with this next year, and I’m excited to see the momentum that’s been built continue to grow.

CONTACT:
Phone: 720-424-2507
Email: jennifer_hochmiller@dpsk12.org

 

 

Ben Thompson Tech Early College Audio Production Pathway Image

Ben Thompson

Audio Production CreativeConnect Pathway

COLLEGE EXPERIENCE:
Colorado State University – BS Physics Education

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE:
I used to run a not for profit recording studio called Alphabet Recording Studio, still engineer people’s records for money, and make music for enjoyment.

WHAT EXCITES ME ABOUT THIS WORK:
I get to be around kids and make music all day, which is utterly fascinating. I’m never ever bored, and it combines all my favorite things.

WEBSITES:
Audio Production Class Website 
HTEC Audio Production SoundCloud
Denver Youth Music Awards

CONTACT:
Email: benjamin_thompson@dpsk12.org

 

Steve Wiant High Tech Early College Graphic Design Pathway Image

Steve Wiant

Graphic Design CreativeConnect Pathway

COLLEGE EXPERIENCE:
Ohio University – BS Visual Communications in Informational Graphics & Publication Design, Art Minor, Advertising Specialization
Ohio University – MA Visual Communication in Interactive Multimedia Design

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE:
I have worked for a variety of national and local companies and businesses through my own design company called Antelope Creative Designs for the past 15 years.

WHAT EXCITES ME ABOUT THIS WORK:
Sharing my interest in design with the students, and also making them understand they’re capable of a career with an interest in the arts. Some of my students are already realizing at a young age that they can make money selling their work and working for clients, which is exiting.

WEBSITES:
Graphic Design Class Website
Personal Website

CONTACT:
Email: steve_wiant@dpsk12.org

 

Gloria Santos

Environmental Sustainability Pathway

COLLEGE EXPERIENCE:
MSc UC Denver – Chemistry

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE:
Oil&Gas (DNV GL Noble Denton, Halliburton), Pharma (Sidney Ross, Cibran, Abbots), Environmental (Quanterra Labs)

WHAT EXCITES ME ABOUT THIS WORK:
LEARNING!! Also, being on both sides, industry&teaching, the possibility of different perspectives and approaches.

CONTACT:
Email: gloria_santos@dpsk12.org

 

Matt Lapaire Northeast Early College Engineering Image

Matt Lapaire

EngineeringConnect

COLLEGE EXPERIENCE:
North Carolina State University – BS Chemical Engineering, BS Paper Science

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE:
 I was a process engineer with Georgia Pacific Paper in Cedar Springs, GA.

WHAT EXCITES ME ABOUT THIS WORK:
Creation is the highest aspiration of mankind, so seeing students wrestle with the challenges of turning their ideas into reality is highly rewarding to facilitate.  I enjoy using my own experiences to inform their learning, and with that mindset I’m always looking to learn too.

CONTACT:
Email: matthew_lapaire@dpsk12.org

Christian Stober

Computer Science & Robotics Pathway

COLLEGE EXPERIENCE:
University of Florida – BS Electrical Engineering
University of Florida – MS Electrical Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology – MS Computer Science

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE:
I taught math for ten years before joining Northeast Early College and am an avid hobby coder. I’m the Head TA for Georgia Tech’s online section of Graduate Algorithms, I performed code review and optimization for Physics for Game Developers, and I worked as a validation intern at Intel.

WHAT EXCITES ME ABOUT THIS WORK:
I am eager to fuse two of my passions – educating young adults and computing. I believe the computing skills my students gain will prove an asset in virtually any future career path they choose.

CONTACT:
Email: christian_stober@dpsk12.org

Dr. Dan Clarke

Business Pathway

COLLEGE EXPERIENCE:
San Diego State University – Bachelor of Science in Marketing (BS)
San Diego State University – Masters of Business in Marketing (MSBA)
Metro State University of Denver – Bachelor of Arts in History (BA)
University of Colorado Denver – Educational Doctorate (EdD) – Educational Equity and Technology

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE:
Over 10 years of industry experience in sales and marketing designing and selling custom cabinetry. Past owner of own custom cabinetry business. Currently owner of my own wedding videography business.

WHAT EXCITES ME ABOUT THIS WORK:
I have a passion for equity, education, and entrepreneurship. With more than 10 years previous industry experience, I have been lucky enough to teach both in Montbello and at CCA for the past 7 years. I love the students of NEC, and am always looking at ways to make my classes as educational, practical and engaging as possible. I believe in teaching real world business skills that are imperative for the modern student.

WEBSITES:
Business Class Website
Personal Website

CONTACT:
Email: dan_clarke@dpsk12.org