Administration
Principal
Melanie Baker
My name is Melanie Baker and I am honored to serve as the principal at Mountainside Elementary. I have a passion for working with students, teachers, parents, and the community to ensure the best educational experience possible for our students. As an employee of Fountain Fort Carson School District since 2005, I know this community well. I am dedicated to my role in supporting students and providing every opportunity possible for all students to be successful.
I completed my undergraduate teaching degree at Colorado State University-Pueblo in 2004. The following year, I was hired at Abrams Elementary on Fort Carson, where I taught for almost 12 years. During my time at Abrams, I taught 2nd and 3rd grade. I also worked as a K-5 Interventionist and Instructional Coach. I completed a Master's Degree in Reading Curriculum and Instruction in 2006 and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration in 2016. I was an assistant principal at Weikel Elementary for 7 years before moving to Mountainside. In my spare time I enjoy reading, hiking (especially during the fall!), and spending all the time I can with my son. I feel so fortunate to serve military families and to have the opportunity to support children every day.
Assistant Principal
Julie Christiansen
Hello Mountainside Families! I am excited to be working with you again as your Assistant Principal!
Since beginning my educational career in 2001, I have served as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, and assistant principal in Virginia, Arizona, and Colorado, at both the elementary and middle school levels. I am passionate about creating opportunities for my students to experience the greater world around them, ensuring that they receive the social and academic building blocks to be successful citizens. Outside of school, my time and energy are devoted to enjoying the outdoors with my husband, daughter, and friends, through hiking, camping, horseback riding, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.
I am thrilled to return to Mountainside, and I look forward to seeing and talking with our students during morning drop-off, in classrooms, at lunch, and at recess. Families, feel free to reach out at any time with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Dean
Andrew Egeler
I am grateful to join the Mountainside team as our Dean of Students. It is a privilege to be a part of a community that strives to create an environment where students can thrive every day. I hold strongly to the belief that every student can succeed and positively impact the world around them. I look forward to working towards this goal together.
In 2013, I completed my undergraduate degree and teaching certification at the University of Colorado-Denver. I taught several years in Colorado both as a Social Studies and Spanish teacher. My family then moved to Taiwan where I worked as a Learning Coach and Dean at an international school for seven years. During this time I also completed a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Northern Colorado.
My family and I are happy to return to Colorado where we can enjoy the sunshine, mountains, and continue to support our favorite Colorado sports teams.