Edgewater Elementary School

As the Assistant Director of Family and Community Partnerships, Janace Fischer will oversee the Family Response Service Team (FRST). This team will partner with schools to provide access to district resources and address the needs and concerns of Jeffco families.

Janace is a dedicated education professional with an impressive 23-year tenure in Jefferson County Schools. Her roles as a school social worker, assistant principal, and principal highlight her commitment to academic excellence and student well-being. Janace's personal journey, marked by frequent relocations during her childhood, drives her compassionate approach as a leader in Jeffco. Her leadership as an assistant principal and principal reflects a balance between innovation and tradition, fostering an inclusive learning community.

Beyond her career, Janace is a devoted wife and mother. She skillfully manages her role as a wife to Andrew and a mother to Sienna (18) and twins Jason and Brianne (14), while maintaining an active lifestyle filled with outdoor pursuits like hiking, camping, and skiing. Family cooking endeavors and a shared love for culinary shows inspire their collective passion for creating delicious meals and desserts.  

With an unwavering commitment to education spanning 15 years, Nathan is a distinguished professional who has made a profound impact as both a science teacher and administrator. Ten years spent nurturing young minds in the classroom and five years serving as an Assistant Principal at Kearney Middle School within the Adams 14 School District exemplify his dedication to educational excellence. Nathan's journey has now come full circle, as he takes pride in returning to Jeffco, where his teaching career initially flourished.His leadership style revolves around nurturing a cycle of growth, encouraging students, families, and staff to engage in a collaborative journey of learning.

A devoted husband to an educator and a caring father to two, Nathan's personal values mirror his professional mission. In his quest for knowledge, he indulges in a diverse range of interests—from devouring enriching literature and perfecting culinary skills to mastering the piano and guitar, all while enjoying the Colorado outdoors.

Bernadette Marquez brings a wealth of experience and a heart full of dedication to her role as a Case Manager for the Family Response Service Team (FRST) in Jeffco. With a remarkable 15-year journey of service, Bernadette's impact has been deeply felt in the Green Mountain, Golden and Lakewood articulation areas. Her journey has seen her serve as a Family Engagement Liaison, an Early Childhood Teacher, and Director of Preschool—a testament to her unwavering commitment to families.

A proud Colorado native, Bernadette's roots are firmly grounded in her beloved state. She is the devoted mother of three accomplished Jeffco graduates, aged 26, 22, and 20, alongside an 8-year-old future Jeffco graduate. Bernadette's 28-year marriage to her wonderful husband, Pablo, has been a pillar of strength in her personal journey. Together, they share a deep love for their four-legged companions and a genuine appreciation for the bounties of the great outdoors.

With an unwavering commitment to educational excellence, Damien Lopez has spent the past 5 years making a lasting impact within Jeffco Public Schools. His journey within the district has been marked by his role as a Family Engagement Liaison at Jefferson Jr. Sr. High School, where he worked tirelessly to foster a strong connection between families, students, and the school community. Damien's dedication further extended to his role as a McKinney Vento Liaison within the Community and Family Connections Program, where he worked to ensure that every student had the support they needed to thrive.

Born and raised in Denver, Damien's roots run deep within the community he serves. He finds joy in spending cherished moments with his family, indulging his passion for cooking, enriching his mind through reading, cheering for his favorite sports teams, and embracing the natural beauty of the outdoors.

Born in Lima, Peru, Maria's journey led her to Texas, where she pursued education at Texas Tech University. Throughout her decade of service in Jeffco, Maria's multifaceted roles as a Paraprofessional, Dual Language Tutor, and ESL Tutor have showcased her deep commitment to academic excellence and community connection. Her recent four-year tenure as a Family Engagement Liaison at Emory Elementary stands as a testament to her ability to foster meaningful relationships that transcend school boundaries. Maria's passion for supporting families and students is palpable, as she tirelessly provides the resources and guidance necessary for academic success and personal growth.

With a rich family life and two accomplished children—Micah, a CSU student, and Makenna, a Columbine High School sophomore—Maria's commitment to education mirrors her own nurturing parenting. As a Case Manager with the Family Response Service Team (FRST), Maria exemplifies her dedication to empowering families and equipping them for success. Her international journey and steadfast passion make her a beacon of support for both education and community growth.

Cara brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for education to her pivotal role on the Family Response Service Team (FRST). Over the past ten years, she has been a cornerstone of the Jeffco educational community, serving eight of those years as a dedicated School Liaison at Prospect Valley Elementary. In this role, her daily commitment to the well-being of students, families, and staff was evident and unwavering. Cara's journey in education began as a preschool, kindergarten, and 1st-grade classroom teacher, where she laid the foundation for her deep commitment to fostering inclusive education. Her versatility and dedication then led her to a pioneering role within Jeffco—a pilot program designed to cater to students on the Autism Spectrum.

Family lies at the core of Cara's life, with a strong and loving 30-year marriage to her husband, George, and the joy of raising four remarkable children, aged 24, 19, 17, and 15. Cara's commitment to education has recently been fortified by her academic achievements, earning a master's in administration and obtaining a principal's license from the University of Colorado-Denver. Cara's current role is a testament to her enduring dedication to Jeffco's students, families and staff. She stands as a valuable asset to the community, embodying the spirit of support and commitment to educational excellence.