Leadership
Jessie Massey, Principal
Ms. Massey is a Denver native, but she explored the East Coast in college, graduating from Colgate University with a degree in Spanish and a minor in Educational Studies. She missed our beautiful state and decided to move home to pursue her career in education. She began teaching at Adventure Elementary, another Mapleton school, and taught Spanish Literacy, 1st, 2nd and 4thgrades in her time there. She then joined the community at Valley View K-8, serving as the Instructional Guide and Assistant Director. Most recently, she has been the Assistant Director at Global Intermediate Academy. A lifelong learner, Ms. Massey has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Denver University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Regis University.
Ms. Massey is thrilled to return to a school that partners with EL Education. She is excited to work with the staff and families to support students’ development in the 3 Dimensions of Achievement: Mastery of Knowledge and Skills, Character and High-Quality Work.
Ms. Massey and her husband live in Denver with their two elementary-aged daughters.
Hanna Cardenas, Assistant Principal
Hannah Cardenas is thrilled to be an assistant principal at Trailside Academy! This will be Mrs. Cardenas’ sixth year working at Trailside. She has worked in Mapleton since 2013, teaching kindergarten, first, second, and third grade at Monterey. Mrs. Cardenas has served as the English Language Development Lead at Trailside.
She attended Colorado State University and Metropolitan State College of Denver with a degree in Spanish and Elementary Education. She has her master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Northern Colorado. Mrs. Cardenas enjoys working with both students and teachers to help them grow.
Mrs. Cardenas is a proud fourth generation Colorado native and grew up in Denver. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with her son, daughter, and husband.