Denise Cutkelvin Heern

Restorative Practice Coordinator (RJ)

My name is Denise, and I serve as the Dean of Discipline and Restorative Practices at Colfax Elementary. A native New Yorker, I’ve called Colorado home since 2018 and have proudly worked with Denver Public Schools since 2022. With a background in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, I bring a deep understanding of behavior, empathy, and accountability to my role.

Having started as a Special Education paraprofessional and now serving as Dean, I am committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive school environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. As both an educator and a DPS parent, I am deeply invested in creating a school culture that values relationships, encourages growth, and supports restorative approaches to discipline. I believe in working collaboratively with students, staff, and families to build a community rooted in trust, dignity, and shared responsibility.