Meet the Staff

Kandi Hedges

Tutoring Coordinator
[email protected]

Kandi moved to Idaho Springs in the fall of 2020 after retiring from 17 years as an education assistant in Douglas County Schools. I had the privilege of opening Rock Canyon High School with my sister who headed the science department for her entire tenure there. I, however, enjoyed all of my 17 years there in the Special Education Department, primarily assisting our students in understanding math concepts. One highlight of my job was teaching life skills math to students who qualified for individual education plans. Assisting Rock Canyon’s math teachers in their regular ed classrooms for all those years taught me the value of good teaching, good relationships with students and the best ways for me to support both teachers and students in math classes.

Because I joined the Rock House tutoring team in the midst of online-only tutoring fun for all, I was able to ease into the retirement life as well as the workings of the Rock House. The Clear Creek High School culture vastly differs from Rock Canyon’s in many ways, and yet both struggle with how best to help students take ownership of their own education. Both have taught me that parents who value their child’s education contribute in greater measure to their child’s success. In the final analysis, however, success is in the hands of the student. Traditional school settings do not fit every student, just as college isn’t a one-size fits all proposition. Some students will find greater success in the trades, which are in great need of technicians, such as plumbers, electricians, auto mechanics, welders, etc. A lucrative, honest living can be earned by hard work, good work ethic, and the ability to work well with others.

My greatest blessings in life include my husband Clint, who teaches math at Clear Creek High, my children Erika and Justin who live in the Denver area with their families, and my four grandchildren. Clint and I are enjoying the fellowship and worship offered by the First Baptist Church in Idaho Springs. This little community/area provides us with endless outlets for our hiking passion and enjoyment of our glorious state. Thanks for welcoming me here!

Barbara Oakley

Tutoring Coordinator [email protected]

Barbara has a degree in Psychology and a teaching certificate in Elementary Education and Special Education K-12. After leaving public education, she devoted her time volunteering with United Way in a reading program at the elementary level and mentoring days with high school and first-generation college students, as well as volunteering with CASA for two years. After a non-profit meet and greet function, Barbara learned about the Rock House and was shortly after hired on in 2018 as our tutoring coordinator for her expertise and passion.

“Engaging with a student is a very rewarding experience. This is a supportive organization that truly has the welfare of young people at heart. I look forward to another school year at the Rock House with great co-workers and the opportunity to work with students and navigate the challenges of success in the education system.”

Barbara grew up in a military family with a father that served for 30 years and husband for 21 years. She has lived all over the United States as well as France, England, Germany, Korea, and Morocco. Barbara loves gardening, cooking, and walking her two dogs. She loves living in Colorado.

Becca Bernal

Volunteer & Media Coordinator [email protected]

Becca has a degree in History and International Studies with a concentration in the Middle East. At Colorado State University in Fort Collins, she worked for the Office of International Programs as an administrative assistant, specifically marketing on-campus programs. During her time at CSU, she also worked as a live-in mentor for an international community called Global Village and two summers as a mentor for Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program. Since graduation, Becca has worked as a substitute teacher, primarily at the junior high level, while taking time to be a stay-at-home mom for her two kids. In 2017, Cheryl approached Becca to work for the Rock House coordinating our volunteers as well as managing social media outlets and marketing.

“When I volunteered at the Rock House for the first time, I was immediately approached by a number of 6th and 7th graders wanting to know everything about me. We went downstairs for dinner, and I was just so impressed by the sense of family I felt just being together under this roof. I knew I wanted to be a part of that and support promoting the Rock House any way I could.”

Becca grew up in a military family, traveling the nation and the world. She planted roots in Colorado for its beauty and her love of the outdoors. She enjoys time with her family and friends, hiking, and the Chicago Blackhawks.

Marianne Selkirk

Tutor

Marianne has a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with an Emphasis in Reading and Writing from the University of Colorado, Denver. She began her career in education as a teacher in Adams County District 50 for 12 years, followed by four years at the Idaho Springs Public Library. In 1991, Marianne returned to the University of Colorado at Denver as a research assistant in the Colorado Literacy Study of Effective Classroom Practices for Literacy in Elementary School Children. She returned to teaching and as a reading and literacy coach for 12 years in Jeffco and Sheridan Public School. And in 2006 she was a coach of Coaches for Colorado Reading First Schools within the Colorado Department of Education. Marianne began as a mentor for the Rock House in 2002 at our Miner Street location. In 2005, she was on the ground-floor developing our tutoring program. The Rock House could not be more grateful to have such a valuable resource in Marianne, and her impact on students in over a decade is immeasurable.

“The wonderful dedication of so many adults makes a significant difference in the lives of our teens. It is inspiring to be part of this powerful group. I love the friendships, creativity, and school skills that grow from these efforts.”

Marianne is retired and loves to travel, especially, in their vintage RV with her giant French Mastiff doggies. Reading and listening to audiobooks is a passion. She loves Bible study, book clubs, square dancing, and the Clear Creek Rec Center.

Natalie Andersen

Media Volunteer Coordinator

Natalie graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a BA in Journalism and a minor in Psychology. Natalie began working at RMEL, a nonprofit for the electrical energy industry, in 2006. While at RMEL, she was the Manager of Member Services and Retention and the staff liaison for the RMEL Foundation, a 501c3, which awarded scholarships to students pursuing degrees within the industry. Natalie enjoyed working with the Foundation in their efforts to help students obtain their higher education goals. Since staying home with her children, she started a photography business, which she enjoys immensely.

Natalie lives in Lakewood with her husband, Scott, and her two children Abby (5) and Luke (3). Being a mom is her priority, but she also enjoys working out, coffee, attending Flatirons Church and small group, traveling and spending time with her family.

Knoelle Billingsley

Media Volunteer Coordinator
[email protected]

Knoelle graduated from Austin Community College with an AA in General Arts and Now is pursuing a BFA degree in Graphic Design at Liberty University. Knoelle began working at Loaves and Fishes, a nonprofit Food bank located in Idaho Springs across from The Rock House with her husband Taylor Billingsley, who is the new director. While volunteering at Loaves and Fishes, she also works as a Media Specialist and Blogger for a local wedding venue. Knoelle enjoys working with Rock House and Loaves and Fishes in their efforts to help adults and kids obtain their goals. Since staying home with her husband, she is able to work in many different places and ways, from serving food, to training, to outreach, to coordination, and even in her college courses.

Knoelle lives in Idaho Springs with her husband, Taylor. Being a supportive wife is her priority, but she also enjoys helping out wherever she can, coffee, attending local and online churches, shopping, assisting with leading a teens small group, traveling and spending time with her family.

Bob Hamilton

Executive Director

Bob Hamilton serves as Executive Director of Clear Creek Rock House, bringing decades of business leadership, team development, and community involvement to the organization. After a career leading and growing businesses, Bob felt called to use his experience in a more personal way—investing in young people and helping support the Clear Creek community.

Bob is passionate about creating a place where students feel known, valued, supported, and encouraged to become the people they were created to be. He believes strongly in the power of consistent relationships, caring mentors, and simply showing up for young people. Bob and his wife, Mary, live in Evergreen and have been part of the mountain community for over 28 years.

Jon Stockham

Mentoring Coordinator

With more than 30 years experience as a business owner in the insurance and financial services industries and decades as a parent to 3 wonderful children, Jon Stockham felt called to bring his knowledge, skill set and heart to the Rock House mentoring program in 2026. The opportunity to positively impact those around him has always been a driving force and the chance to make a difference in Idaho Springs and the surrounding areas felt like a perfect fit.

Jon enjoys the outdoors and spends his free time skiing, hiking and swimming. He also enjoys spending time with his friends, and always looks forward to attending the small groups and bible studies he is a part of.

 

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