CREEDE — The Creede School District welcomed students back for the 2022-2023 school year and with all the new faces gracing the halls, some new staff members will be among the masses. The Creede School District introduced the new teachers and staff, some of whom are making a comeback and some who will be new to the scene this year.

Kailtin Birdsey

Exceptional Student Services

Birdsey is a Creede native who is excited to be a Miner once again. She worked as a teacher at the Creede Early Learning Center for three years before moving to Grand Junction. She spent several years in Grand Junction working in the school system there. She is thrilled to be back “home” and is looking forward to working with the Creede students and their families!

Anthony Contello

Receptionist-Administrative Assistant

After discovering Creede 10 years ago, working for the Creede Repertory Theatre, he has spent most of his career working in professional and educational theatre. Contello is excited for the opportunity to work for the Creede School District as the Administrative Assistant-Receptionist and to return to Creede with his partner and daughter.

Bryan Eubank

Science Teacher

Eubank graduated from Creede High School in 2000. He joined the Navy and volunteered for Submarine Service as a Nuclear Machinist’s Mate. He was enlisted for 12 years. He was stationed onboard the USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) as part of the original crew. As a “plank-owner,” Eubank saw the entire construction process, its first underway, and beyond. Of the 12 years in the Navy, he spent seven years at training commands as an instructor. While in the Navy, he achieved his bachelor’s in Nuclear Engineering Technology. Following the Navy, he moved to Phoenix to work as an Operator for a Nuclear Power Plant. He spent the last 8 years there and most recently held the position of Control Room Supervisor. He is married with two children. He enjoys spending time with family, sports, and off-roading. He is grateful for the opportunity to move back to his forever home in Creede and looks forward to teaching and being part of the Creede community.

Jesse Ophoff

Paraprofessional

Ophoff will be working as a K-12 paraprofessional through the 2022-2023 school year. He has years of experience working on an individual basis with students from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds in Creede, the Denver metro area, and Oslo, Norway. He has also worked with neurodivergent adults in employment settings. His bachelor’s is in History and Secondary Education, and he also has a master’s in History of Religions and a doctorate in Early Christian Studies. His wife Brooke was born and raised in Creede and is a photographer and potter. His daughter Elsie, 5, will be starting kindergarten this year, and his son Everett, 3, will be at the Creede Early Learning Center. Ophoff is excited to work closely with teachers and students as a part of the Miners team.

Jim Tillery

Third Grade Teacher

Tillery is returning to the Creede School District as the new third grade teacher. He previously held the role as Athletic Director from 2018-2020 before taking time off to travel. This will be his 21^st year in the classroom where he has taught multiple subjects. Prior to coming to the Creede School District, he taught and coached at Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho, N.M. When he is not teaching, you can find Tillery bowling, fishing, gem hunting and enjoying the outdoors.