Executive Board

Doug Alexander
President
Doug Alexander's Bio
Doug Alexander, MA NBCT, is the current president and has served on CAGT boards since 2020, first as communications chair, then as president-elect/conference chair. Gifted education is a passion. In his day job, Doug serves as a district-level gifted education specialist in Boulder Valley School District. He has a master’s degree and National Board certification in gifted education, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree focused on gifted education through the University of Northern Colorado. He also serves as a network chair for CAGT’s parent organization, the National Association for Gifted Children. Doug is thrilled to be part of CAGT and to advocate for gifted and advanced learners everywhere!

Paula McGuire
President Elect
Paula McGuire's Bio
Paula is the Gifted Education Regional Consultant for Northeast Colorado, serving 13 rural school districts. In addition, she is an adjunct professor for the University of Northern Colorado. Most importantly, she is married with four children who cover a range of gifted identifications and capabilities. Prior to becoming CAGT President-Elect, she was the CAGT Legislative Chair and assisted in the passage of legislation to fully fund the Universal Screening and Qualified Personnel Grant. Paula takes special interest in the areas of creativity in gifted education and the intersection between rural and gifted.

Mark Hess
Past President
Mark Hess's Bio
Mark is a Colorado native with over 37 years in Colorado K-12 public education. He is an NAGC board member and a Teacher on Special Assignment for Gifted and Talented in Colorado Springs. Mark has published nine books and over 150 digital units–including his social-emotional curriculum series, a hands-on literacy series, and I Used to Be Gifted, a guide for adults, teachers, and parents.

Diane Neff
Secretary
Diane Neff's Bio
I have been in education for over 32 years. After 28 years in the classroom, I moved to the Gifted Specialist role for District 49. This is now my 3rd year as the district’s Coordinator of Gifted Education, and I love it. Helping to support the needs of our gifted learners is a passion of mine, and I’m so happy that I now get to help the entire state do so.

Connolly Sherwood
Treasurer / Membership
Connolly Sherwood's Bio
After my child, age 5, was identified as highly gifted (and later 2e), I spent the past decade steeping myself in all things gifted and 2e. During this time, I was inspired to establish SoMe, a CAGT affiliate whose mission is to create community. Eventually, I earned an M.Ed in gifted and talented. With a professional teaching license with endorsements in special education and gifted and talented, I am the gifted specialist for Sheridan School District No. 2. When not working or volunteering, I am raising my child with my husband, spending time with my family and friends, traveling, and discovering the strengths that accompany being 2e.

Miranda Harper
At-Large Representative – Eastern Plains
Miranda Harper's Bio
I live in Fort Morgan with my husband, Chris, and two children, CJ and Loganne. I have been the Gifted Coordinator for Morgan County School District since 2013. I love working with gifted students and getting to know their passions and interests. I truly value my role in advocating for their unique needs and supporting parents. In my free time, I can be found reading, gardening, remodeling my home, or camping in the beautiful Colorado Rockies with my family.

Angie Powers
At-Large Representative – Western Slope
Angie Power's Bio
I am currently the Director of Gifted and Talented Education for Mesa Administrative Unit. My other professional roles have included BOCES gifted director, university faculty member, curriculum developer, and chemistry teacher. I came to gifted education after many years in science education and embraced it fully, earning a master’s degree and gifted director licensure at the University of Northern Colorado before moving to Mesa County. When I’m not working, you can find me cycling, hiking, camping, or searching for exceptional ice creamI am currently the Director of Gifted and Talented Education for Mesa Administrative Unit. My other professional roles have included BOCES gifted director, university faculty member, curriculum developer, and chemistry teacher. I came to gifted education after many years in science education and embraced it fully, earning a master’s degree and gifted director licensure at the University of Northern Colorado before moving to Mesa County. When I’m not working, you can find me cycling, hiking, camping, or searching for exceptional ice cream.
Consulting Staff

Nanette Jones
Executive Director
Nanette Jones's Bio
A veteran teacher of over 33 years, my work with gifted and 2e children began almost three decades ago when it was apparent my son was gifted, and in school was diagnosed with ADHD. With a Masters in Education and M.A. endorsement in GT, most of my career was spent as a GT Teacher and Gifted Facilitator at a gifted magnet school. When “retired” I became a 2e Consultant for the Colorado Department of Education. I’ve been with CAGT for over a decade and am now the Executive Director. A former principal said I eat, sleep and dream gifted – it’s truly my life’s work!

Jessica Rickert
Executive Assistant
Jessica Rickert's Bio
20 years ago I began my elementary education career. While teaching I obtained my master’s degree in reading and my principal’s license. I then became a literacy coach for elementary teachers. Having been a bookworm all my life, literacy teaching and learning was fitting. In addition to teaching I assumed many roles in CCIRA Inc., a nonprofit literacy organization, I have been a part of for most of my life. I served as President, planned and supported the annual conferences, and led leadership meetings since 2009. I am excited to continue involvement in education by supporting gifted education with CAGT.
Committee and Appointed Chairs
Communications – Molly Gibney and Lisa Turner
Community Outreach – Shalelia Dillard
Education – Teresa Brown
Legislative – Paula McGuire and Robin Shirley-Granville
Diverse Populations – Cecilia Quintanilla
CAGT Student Liaisons – Mabel Kim and Ella Gibney