Troy has a degree in Music Education from University of Florida and a master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida. Prior to moving to PSD in 2009, Troy served as a high school band director, math teacher, varsity tennis and soccer coach, and an assistant principal. The past 14 years Troy has served simultaneously as the principal of PCA, the principal of the Journey program for expelled and transitioning students, and Assistant Director of Student Outreach. Troy and his wife Andrea have 2 adult children and 1 grandson. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, golf, hunting, and anything involving the Florida Gators. Troy believes that every student deserves a quality education, that honors their path, in a safe and supportive environment.
Steven Watkins - Assistant Principal
Steven Watkins has worked with youth for over 15 years as an educator. He has taught a myriad of middle school subjects including science, history, journalism, and English. He is excited to be an Eagle and participate in the rich traditions embedded in Wellington Middle-High School. Some of his most proud moments in education have included traveling with kids to Costa Rica, teaching preservice teacher at CSU, and experiencing those one-of-a-kind moments where kids feel connected, engaged, and make huge leaps. In his free time, Steven enjoys fishing, hiking, camping, cooking, and spending time with his family. Steven is excited, humbled, and honored to serve the Wellington community.
Hilarie Bartling - Assistant Principal & Athletic Director
Hilarie Bartling has a degree in Elementary Education and English as a Second language K-12 from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from CSU. Prior to becoming an administrator Hilarie was a teacher and coach for 19 years at the elementary, middle & high school levels. She taught 5th grade, 9th/10th grade English, English language development and a variety of newcomer classes. Hilarie has also worked as an ELD and a Literacy Coach, was a teaching & learning mentor, was a trainer for EL Achieve’s Constructing Meaning, and over the years has coached soccer and softball. In addition to 13 years at Boltz Middle School she taught in Lincoln, NE, Denver, Roosevelt High School, and at Lincoln Jr. High as well. Creating connections between people and building lasting relationships are very important to Hilarie. Social emotional learning is something that she has always felt strongly about and utilized in her classroom and she is excited to support WMHS’s work in putting trauma informed practices in place.
Brett Larsen- Assistant Principal
Brett Larsen has worked in PSD for 23 years. He has served as the Director of Special Projects, the interim Executive Director of Human Resources, the principal of Boltz Middle School for 6 years, and an assistant principal at Rocky Mountain HS for 10 years. Brett also taught Social Studies for 10 years combined at Windsor HS and Poudre HS, with a year also spent in Clemson, South Carolina. Brett has 5 kids (2 of whom have graduated) and has been married to his wife, Karrie, for 29 years. He is a Fort Collins High School and University of Colorado graduate and competed in Cross Country and Track & Field in college. Brett wants to provide not only equitable opportunities but amazing experiences for all kids while they learn and grow at WMHS.
Marc Buffington - Assistant Principal
Marc Buffington has served in Poudre School District since 2006 as a social studies teacher, student council advisor, baseball, football and cross-country coach. At Wellington, Marc has served students, families and staff as dean of students, assistant principal, and activities director. Outside of his work with PSD, he has led students on trips to Guatemala and is an instructor for Colorado State University's Center for Educator Preparation. He is passionate about creating a culture that prioritizes relationships and connection. He believes that fostering a sense of safety and belonging are essential to all students' academic, social and emotional growth. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, trail running, and being in nature. A northern Colorado native, Marc is both excited and humbled to be a part of the Wellington community.