Board Members
Board President: Alyssa Pae, M.Ed
As President of the School Board, Alyssa Pae is honored to serve students, families, educators, and the broader community. Her commitment to education is deeply rooted, and she has dedicated her life to serving others in a variety of capacities.
Alyssa holds a Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction and Applied Behavior Analysis. Throughout her career, she has led HCBS agencies serving children and adults with disabilities in Colorado and New York, with a strong focus on inclusive practices, equity, and meaningful support systems that empower individuals to thrive.
Outside of her professional work, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her family, camping, boating, and embracing all that life has to offer. She believes strongly in living a life of purpose, love, and kindness, and in making a positive impact on those around her.
Board Vice President and Legislative Liaison: Darvin Harrell
Darvin Harrell came to Colorado in 1999 and quickly found his calling with the City of Aurora, where he has spent the past 26 years working as a Crime Scene Investigator. He and his wife settled in Bennett 21 years ago, drawn to its small-town feel and strong sense of community—qualities they knew would make it the perfect place to raise a family. Today, their children, Audrey and Kody, keep life lively and full, whether the family is chasing down 4-H deadlines or cheering from the sidelines at local events.
When he’s not on the job, Darvin can often be found supporting his children’s 4-H projects, volunteering as a shooting sports instructor, attending school athletic events, or staying actively engaged in local government. He also enjoys a good movie night and spending quality time with friends and family. Over the years, Bennett has become more than just a hometown—it’s where the Harrell family has grown, built lasting connections, and created a life they are proud to call their own.
Board Secretary and ECBOCES Representative: Nancy Barden
Nancy Barden was born and raised in Bennett and carries a deep sense of Tiger pride, embracing the history and traditions of her community. Her four grandchildren attend Bennett School and proudly represent the fifth generation of Tigers in her family. Nancy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She taught for five years, four of which were at Bennett Middle School. She later became the Bennett Center Director for Morgan Community College, serving students and adults from Agate to Bennett. Over her 31-year career with MCC, she advised thousands of students, guiding them through their college plans and helping them achieve their educational goals. After retiring, Nancy increased her involvement in volunteering at the school, her church, and throughout the community—always ready to lend an extra set of hands wherever needed. She served on the Bennett School Board for eight years and is currently serving her second term on the board.Her husband of nearly 45 years, Kevin, is also a dedicated supporter of Bennett School and the community. Nancy is the proud mother of two grown children, Alyson Meyer (Kyle) and Luke Barden (Karla). Together with their spouses, they generously volunteer countless hours in support of the school and the Bennett community.With that, it’s always a great day to be a Tiger!
Board Treasurer: Brennan Westendorf
Brennan Westendorf was born in rural South Dakota and moved to Colorado in 1986. He relocated to the corridor in 2000 and has proudly called Watkins home ever since. He and his wife, Kaitlyn—a lifelong corridor resident—have built their life in the community and are raising their four children there. Two of their daughters, proud “Sandbox Kids,” graduated after attending school in the district since kindergarten. Their younger daughter and son are also enrolled in the district, having attended since preschool.
Brennan currently serves as the Equipment & Fleet Manager for Fiore & Sons, Inc., where he has worked for nearly 20 years. He began his career as a diesel mechanic after completing his education at Pickens Technical College. His background fuels his strong support for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and his appreciation for the CTE opportunities available at Bennett schools.
Deeply committed to community service, Brennan has served on various boards prior to joining the School Board in 2023. He approaches challenges with a solution-oriented mindset and a strong sense of common sense leadership. He credits his personal success to a steadfast work ethic and determined ambition, and he is dedicated to helping the district prepare students to contribute meaningfully to the world and their communities.
Agriculture has always been an important part of Brennan’s life. Having grown up on a farm in South Dakota, he values the farming and ranching heritage that remains along the corridor, even as it continues to diminish. When he is not working or reviewing board materials, Brennan enjoys spending time with his family. Together, they stay active supporting one another at sporting events, school plays, 4-H and FFA activities, traveling, and caring for their small cattle herd.
Board Member and DAC Representative: Hazel Statkiewicz, MPH
Hazel is a dedicated public health professional, educator, and community advocate with a strong record of service both locally and nationally. As a bilingual (English & Spanish) Program Director and Public Health Incident Response Liaison, she brings more than eight years of experience leading community-centered initiatives, strengthening interagency partnerships, and advancing equitable outcomes for diverse pop. Hazel currently serves with Arapahoe County Public Health, where she supports emergency preparedness, community engagement, and health equity initiatives. Her background spans public health program development, tobacco-free environments, healthy housing, emergency management, and cross-sector collaboration during critical incidents. She has also supported children and families through her work as a Healthcare Access Specialist and as a Wellness Educator focused on chronic disease prevention. In Bennett School District, Hazel previously served as a long-term high school English Language Arts substitute teacher, where she built strong relationships with students, supported academic success, and contributed to a positive learning environment. Her experience as PTA President on a military installation and volunteer leadership roles—including Family Readiness Group Secretary and Child Life Assistant—reflect her commitment to families, educators, and community cohesion. A U.S. Navy veteran, Hazel served honorably for nearly a decade, including providing humanitarian assistance during Operation Unified Response in Haiti. She holds a Master of Public Health from Eastern Virginia Medical School and Old Dominion University and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from South University. Hazel is passionate about creating safe, healthy, and supportive school environments where students can thrive. She is committed to transparent leadership, community engagement, and ensuring that every student and family in the district has a voice.
