Mrs. Joan Goston
Food Services

Hi, my name is Joan Goston and I have been employed by Littleton Food Services since January, 1963.

I enjoy serving elementary children and have made it my career for thirty-eight years. I was married to my husband, Stanley Goston, for forty-six years and he passed away in May, 2000. I have two grown children, Judy and Stanley. Judy is a Registered Nurse, a recent graduate of Regis University, currently practicing as an OR Nurse. Stanley is a Systems Engineer working in the Denver Tech Center. I have three grandchildren, Stanley, Jessica, and Mandi. Stanley is fifteen years old and a softmore at Ponderosa High School, who received recognition for the National Presidential Honor Roll. Jessica is twelve years old and in the seventh grade at Sagewood Elementary School. Mandi is eight years old and is in the third grade at Franklin Elementary School. This is all my immediate family.

I enjoy my time off from the school and spend my time boating, water skiing, gardening, traveling, designing and decorating features in my house, going places with my grandchildren, playing with my two schnauzers, and cooking for my family. I am an avid animal lover and belong to groups representing the rights of animals including The Humane Society located here in Denver. I'm a parishoner at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Littleton.

I look forward to a super year here at Mark Twain Elementary School. I have a great rapport with the children because I believe if you give them respect, they in turn will give you respect.

Mr. Tom Helle
Building Facilitator

My name is Thomas Helle and I have been the facilitator at Twain for almost eight years. I am married and have four children. Prior to working at Twain, I spent 15 years as a Quality Engineer at Lockheed Martin. I met my wife, Shirley, while serving in the U.S. Army in Europe and we settled in Colorado in 1978. I love the atmosphere at Twain and truly enjoy the staff and parents.

Mrs. Laurie Hiland
Special Education

My name is Laurie Hiland. I am the special education teacher for Mark Twain. I service students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. Prior to coming to Mark Twain, I worked in the Cherry Creek School District at the elementary and middle school levels. I choose to come to Littleton because of the amazing sense of community and in order to be closer to home.

I have my Master’s degree in Special education, Moderate Needs. I have my undergraduate degree from Towson University in Maryland, where I began my teaching career.

On a personal note, I am married and have 2 children, Brennan and Fiona. In my free time, I hike, bike, and swim. I enjoy making jewelry and gardening.

Mr. Chip Reava
Speech & Language

“Mr. Chip,” as he is know by the students at Twain, began serving in the district during the 02-03 school year. His current responsibilities include the identification, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of communication disorders, while functioning as a part of the Twain Elementary Special Education Multidisciplinary Team. He works with kindergarteners through fifth grade students in a variety of settings including the general classroom, large groups, small groups and individually. He values parent partnerships and is very proud of the progress and success he sees students make on a daily basis. He can be contacted at creava@lps.k12.co.us

Mrs. Cara Warren
Literacy Specialist

I began teaching first grade at Twain in 2000 and in 2006 I became our school’s literacy specialist. I provide additional reading and writing support to students K-5.

I grew up in Dallas, Texas and attended college at Texas A&M University. I have wanted to be a teacher my entire life! I received my degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in reading from Texas A&M University. I taught second grade in the Richardson Independent School District in Richardson, Texas for several years before we moved to Colorado.

My husband, David, and I were married in November 1999 and moved to the Denver-area in January 2000. We have a precious little boy, Jack David, who was born in November of 2005.

In my free time, I like to read books and magazines, volunteer, ski, and shop!

Mr. Larry Wilson
Psychologist

Before beginning my career as a school psychologist 23 years ago I completed a Master of Arts degree in counseling and guidance and a Ph.D. in school psychology. I am currently endorsed as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and I am licensed to provide K-12 psychological services in the state of Colorado. For the past six years I have provided counseling and assessment services for Twain's special needs students and I consult with parents, teachers and staff on a variety of educational issues.

Personally, I enjoy skiing, mountain biking and snowshoeing. I would like to spend more time exploring new and favorite Bed and Breakfast Inns and increasing my cooking skills. So, if you have a question about your child, or if you have a recommendation for a great B&B or a tasty recipe you would like to share, stop by my office and say "Hello".