Specials Classes
Specials : Music, PE, Art, & STEM
My name is Emily Balchuck and this will be my 8th year at Coyote Creek Elementary! I am a Colorado native, born and raised in Lakewood, CO. I started playing music when I was about 8 years old. I have a BA in Music Education from Benedictine College, and a MA in Irish Traditional Music Performance from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick, Ireland. While voice is my primary instrument, I also play a variety of instruments (mostly Irish). This is my 14th year teaching music. I taught music K-8 at a private Catholic school in Denver for 4 years, and at Trailblazer Elementary for 3 years before coming to CCE. I played the Irish sport of hurling/camogie for 6 years with the Denver Gaels and will proudly say it is the best sport out there! When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time learning new instruments, reading, and going on adventures with my husband and 2 children.
~Mrs. Balchuck
Hello! I'm Megan Balfe and I've been teaching elementary physical education in DCSD since 2001. I graduated from James Madison University in Virginia, with a degree in Kinesiology and Health Education. I earned my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University. I've been teaching P.E. since Fall of 1995. I believe in making the most of every day! DO WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU DO! I have always had a passion for health and fitness. I strive to instill the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle to my students through teaching developmentally appropriate skill sets and lifetime sports.
My professional teaching goal is to provide a high quality physical education program by creating proficient and confident physically active students. Discover a physical activity you enjoy doing, and do it as long as you can. I enjoy practicing yoga, H.I.I.T. workouts, running, swimming, biking, and skiing. I look forward to a fun and active year.
~Mrs. Balfe
Hello CCE students and families! I am so thrilled to be stepping into this new role as the Art teacher this year! My mission is to make the art room a vibrant "creative laboratory" - a safe and inclusive space where all students are encouraged to experiment boldly, make mistakes, and discover their own artistic voices. I truly believe that the process of creating is a powerful way for children to process the world, build their confidence, and communicate in ways that words sometimes can't.
Art has always been the cornerstone of my life. I hold a BFA in Fine Arts and a Master's in Teaching, and while I have years of classroom experience under my belt, my passion for art and for helping students find their "aha!" moment is as strong as ever.
I am a painter and illustrator at heart, though I love to experiment with multimedia work and find much inspiration in art, architecture, and the human form. When I am not teaching, my husband, Peter, and our dog Jack, enjoy hiking and spending time in the mountains. On the weekends, you might catch me at Red Rocks for a concert or at a First Friday Walk downtown. I also enjoy reading a good book and spending time with family and friends.
I am so excited for this year! Let's make it a magical one!
~ Mrs. DeBenedictis
Kirstin Pulioff
STEM Teacher
Bio Coming Soon!