Administration

Brittney Cardwell - Principal

Brittney Cardwell

About Me: I am a native of New Mexico and have twin boys (Swayze and Anderson) that keep my husband and I very busy.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in University Studies with an emphasis on English Comparative Literature, and a Master’s degree in Administrative Leadership and Policy Studies.

I am proud to be part of the Mrachek team and look forward to serving my community!

My job is to accelerate the learning for every APS student, every day. I do my job by contributing to meaningful conversations around equity and removing barriers to ensure success for all students. My community needs me to do my job.

Brittney Cardwell
Assistant Principal
Mrachek Middle School
303-750-2836 ext. 25482
[email protected]

Derrick Parker - Assistant Principal

Derrick Parker

About Me: My name is Derrick Parker, I’ve been in education for 9 years now and I’m very excited to start this journey as the Assistant Principal here at Mrachek Middle School. Prior to coming to Mrachek, I was a 4th grade educator here in Aurora for 5 years. I then transitioned to be a Teaching partner that supports teachers to create effective instruction for students. This year is my first year as Assistant Principal!

I have a degree in Africana Studies with an emphasis in Human Services and I have a Master’s in Education and an endorsement in Culturally Linguistically Diverse Education. In addition to this, I've completed my Principal Licensure Program through CSU Global.

I wish to embody equity, diversity, inclusion and excellence for all students, not just 6th graders, and I thank you for trusting me with your children. I look forward to growing within this community and being able to support you all in this challenging work.

“We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains.”- Assata Shakur

My job is to accelerate learning for every APS student, every day. I do my job by providing behavioral and socio-emotional support to students and teachers to create systems that promote positive student growth academically, mentally and physically. My community needs me to do my job.

Derrick Parker
Assistant Principal
Mrachek Middle School
303-750-2836 ext. 25441
[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. 2544
Email: [email protected]

Katie Nellis - Admin TOSA

Katie Nellis

About Me: I have been a part of the Mrachek community for 7 years, and I am proud to be a TITAN!! I was an 8th grade science teacher from 2016 - 2020 and I've been serving as a Dean here since then. I support Mrachek staff and students in several roles to include as the School Assessment Coordinator, attendance intervention, and student achievement and instruction.

I have also taught 9-12 grades at Vista Peak Preparatory and middle school in the Montbello community in Denver in math, science, and business over the past 12 years. Prior to teaching, I spent over 10 years in the banking industry. I was born and raised in Northern California, and I have lived in Colorado for over 25 years. I am a proud resident of Aurora where I live with my husband and our two sons: Nathan (8th grade) and Theo (2nd 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.

Nellis, Katie
[email protected]
TOSA, Dean of Students - School Assessment Coordinator
Mrachek Middle School
(303) 750-2836 ext. 25418