Dear Families and Students,  

Welcome to Traverse Academy!

It is a great honor to continue serving as Traverse Academy's principal and lead such an incredibly talented team of educators and clinicians. For those of you new to Traverse, I’m a proud product of the Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) myself, and this marks my 24th year in education. My background includes roles as a Paraeducator, general and special education teacher, district-level SPED Coordinator, and Assistant Director of Special Education in CCSD. I deeply understand and fully embrace the core values of our wonderful community and district.

Traverse Academy is leading the way with a pioneering mental health care program, the first of its kind in the nation. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is seamlessly integrated into the school day, providing students with mental health care and the support they need while ensuring their education continues. Upon completing the IOP, students transition to our DSENT program, where they apply the skills they’ve learned in IOP to a more typical school day. With its increased content and academic rigor, this phase helps students build academic stamina and practice using their skills before returning to their home schools. The DSENT program works closely with families and home schools to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Having walked alongside many families and students who have struggled to access this type of care, I am grateful that we now have a place to offer such incredible support. I firmly believe that students and their families can successfully understand and manage their mental health needs with the proper care, support, and expertise to foster connections and resilience.

At Traverse Academy, we believe that strong relationships and the holistic well-being of our students are fundamental to their academic and personal success. In today’s world, mental health is of increasing importance, and we have taken on the responsibility to create an environment that not only fosters intellectual growth but also prioritizes our students' emotional and mental well-being. I am confident that Traverse Academy is setting a precedent for fostering a culture of compassion, empathy, mental wellness, and academic excellence.

I couldn’t be more excited to get to know you and your child and to support their learning and progress. Your child will receive the best care at Traverse Academy to support their mental health needs. Thank you for entrusting us with your children.

Warm regards, 

Kimberly Avalos
Principal Traverse Academy, Cherry Creek Schools