Josh Richey
Principal of Boltz Middle School
Josh Richey 970-472-3711
This is my seventh year as Principal of Boltz and my tenth year here in the building. I couldn’t be more excited to work with the Boltz community daily, and I am grateful and appreciative to the families and staff who call Boltz their home school.
I am originally from Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and graduated from Metro State University in Denver with an undergrad in English Literature and teaching. I have earned a Master's Degree in Special Education, with a Generalist License and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership with a Principal License and a Special Education Director's License endorsement. I started my education career teaching 4-5 year old students how to ski directly out of high school. I finished school in Denver and moved to Fort Collins in 2004 working as an English Teacher and Special Education Teacher in a Residential Treatment Center. I transitioned to Fort Collins High School in 2009 and continued there as a Special Education (Integrated Services) teacher until 2013. I then moved on to become a Dean of Students at FCHS until moving to Boltz in the fall of 2018.
In my free time my family and I ski / snowboard, hike and camp. I have daughter who is in middle school, two dogs and nine chickens.
Thank you again for choosing Boltz.
Gabriel Vigil
Assistant Principal/ Athletic Director
Gabe Vigil 970-472-3704
I am a proud Phoenix for going on 24 years. I was a Social Studies teacher, coach (football, tennis, golf, wrestling) and spent 7 years as Dean of Students. I am now assistant principal and athletic director. It has been a journey full of amazing experiences and memories. I wouldn’t want to be with any other group than middle school right now. They are amazing.
I grew up in Green River, Wyoming, but have called Colorado my home for the past 20 years. I went to school at Mesa State College, now called Colorado Mesa University. After teaching world geography for 10 years, I got my master's degree from CSU in Educational Leadership. Although I am an administrator, my passion is helping others find their path. No matter if it is students, staff, or parents. I am always here to help.
During my free time, I love to spend time with my family, traveling, going to sporting events, and I miss my lake from back home.
Stacey Souders
Assistant Principal
Robin Howard 970-472-3000
I am thrilled to be joining the Boltz team this year! As I kick off my 21st year in education, I bring a diverse background of experience, having served as a special education teacher, school facilitator, and instructional coach.
A proud Denver native, I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Wyoming before returning to Metro State to earn my Master’s Degree in Special Education. Driven by a passion for continuous learning, I later earned my Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership along with my Principal and Special Education Director licenses from the University of Northern Colorado.
Outside of school, you’ll usually find me enjoying the Colorado outdoors, traveling to experience new cultures, or catching a live concert with my daughter. Rounding out our family is a lively household that includes our dog, two cats, and a hedgehog named Potato!
MTSS, Assessment, and Gifted & Talented Site Coordinator
Carolyn Smith-Karl 970-472-3000
I’ve spent the past 21 years in the middle school classroom as a Language Arts teacher and reading interventionist. It has always been a passion of mine in helping students dive into their love for reading, find their voice as writers, and discover the young adult they aspire to be.
I’m excited to now serve as our MTSS, Assessment, and Gifted & Talented Site Coordinator! In this role, I will partner with teachers to dig into all areas of data, to aid in strengthening and differentiating instructional practices to help make sure every learner is supported, challenged, and celebrated. I’m especially motivated about helping to build and support systems connecting reading, writing, math, behavior, and attendance so we can meet students where they are and help them succeed. I'm also excited to support our gifted learners by helping teachers incorporate the depth and complexity tool to promote higher level student thinking and connection to the real world, to ensure our advanced students are meaningfully challenged and engaged in their learning.
Beyond my experience in the classroom, I’ve had the opportunity to work as an educational consultant and professional trainer, collaborating with districts all across the country and Canada. This unique experience has given me a direct view into different ways of how effective building-wide MTSS systems can be created and observations of practical ways in which to support educators.