Administration

Brittney Cardwell - Principal

Brittney Cardwell

About Me: As Principal of Mrachek Middle School, I am honored to serve a community that has been my home for the past 10 years. Throughout my time at Mrachek, I am deeply committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

As a mother of twin boys, I understand the importance of strong school-family partnerships and the impact that caring, dedicated educators have on students' growth and development. My leadership philosophy is grounded in servant leadership, and I firmly believe in a distributive leadership model that focuses on growing, empowering, and elevating others. I strive to build a culture where staff, students, and families collaborate to create meaningful opportunities for learning and success.

I am passionate about restorative practices and believe that every challenge presents an opportunity for learning and growth. One quote that continually guides my work comes from Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” This philosophy inspires our commitment to continuous improvement, compassion, accountability, and lifelong learning for both students and adults.

I am grateful to be part of the Mrachek community and look forward to continuing our work together to support every student's success.

Brittney Cardwell
Principal

Mrachek Middle School
303-750-2836 ext. 25482
[email protected]

Tasheka Norman - Assistant Principal

tasheka norman

About Me: I grew up in California and Hawai'i and moved to Colorado where I met my husband in 2002. My husband and I are both educators, and have three amazing children that are now also middle schoolers!

I obtained my B.A in Sociology from Mesa State College (now Colorado Mesa University), a M.A in Sociology from New Mexico State University and principal licensure from the University of Colorado Denver. Additionally, I am currently seeking a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Colorado State University, Pueblo.

This is my 16th year in the field of education; and prior to joining the administrative team, I taught grades kindergarten through 6th. I have served as a 7th grade English Language Arts as well! Outside of the classroom, I have experience in the role of MTSS Coordinator, Dean of Students, Teaching Partner (building Instructional Coach) and Assistant Principal.

I look forward to learning both with and from our staff, students, and parent community.

My job is to accelerate learning for every APS student every day. I do my job by creating a safe yet challenging space for teachers and students so that we, as a school community, can reach our highest potential. My community needs me to do my job."

Tasheka Norman
Assistant Principal

Mrachek Middle School
303-750-2836 ext. 25440

[email protected]

Katie Nellis - Assistant Principal

Katie Nellis

About Me: I have been a part of the Mrachek community since 2016, and I am proud to be a TITAN!! I was born and raised in Northern California, and I have lived in Colorado for nearly 30 years. I am a proud resident of Aurora where I live with my husband and our two sons: Nathan (10th grade) and Theo (5th grade).

My educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, a Master's degree in Business Administration, and teaching licensure and graduate work in Education from Purdue University and the University of Colorado at Denver. I completed my Master of Science in Teaching and Learning - Education Leadership Principal Licensure Concentration degree at Colorado State University - Global Campus in June 2022 and hold my Principal's License.

Each day, you entrust us with your child’s academic growth and safety. I take this trust very seriously. I hold myself accountable to be consistent in my communication and actions with our students and families. The parents and guardians of our students are our partners in supporting our students as they develop both academically and socially. That said, please feel free to reach out to me for any concerns or questions that you may have. My contact information is below.

Katie Nellis
Assistant Principal

Mrachek Middle School
303-750-2836 ext. 25441
[email protected]

Kenyatta Driver - Culture & Climate Coordinator / Assistant Principal

Kenyatta Driver

About Me: Hi, I’m Kenyatta Driver—a wife of 24 years, mom of four, grandma of two, and godmom to four amazing kids. I’ve spent the last 18 years in education, starting as a para and working my way up to Assistant Principal, focusing on alternative programs for at-risk students. I earned my bachelor’s in Special Education from Colorado Christian University and my master’s in Educational Leadership from Walden University.

I love cooking especially TikTok and YouTube recipes, spending time with my family and friends, and creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. I’m so excited to join the Mrachek Team as the new Climate and Culture Coordinator and can’t wait to connect with students, staff, and families!

Kenyatta Driver
Culture & Climate Coordinator / Assistant Principal

Mrachek Middle School
303-750-2836 ext.TBD
[email protected]
303-750-2836 ext. 25401