Cass Poncelow serves as a 9th Grade Success Coach in Colorado after working as the Ninth Grade Engagement Specialist at Poudre High School for the past eight years, a role that allows her to continue her lifelong passion for student success and engagement. Inspired by the guidance of her own high school counselor, Cass pursued a career in counseling and education, earning her M.Ed. from Colorado State University in 2011. She is known for her unwavering commitment to students, fostering meaningful relationships, and implementing innovative programs that support students’ academic and personal growth.

With a CTE Specialist Endorsement, Cass has been instrumental in developing key initiatives such as Opportunities Unlimited, a dropout recovery program, and ‘Mental Health Matters’, a community-wide learning opportunity. She played a crucial role in establishing the nationally recognized Ambassadors mentoring program, where she played an essential role, that has made a significant impact, addressing critical topics like suicide awareness, stress management, diversity, and sexual assault prevention. Cass was recognized as a finalist for the American School Counselor Association’s National School Counselor of the Year in 2018. 

Cass excels in pathway development in her current position, ensuring ninth-grade students stay on track. Her efforts contributed to Poudre High School’s recognition as a National Demonstration School by the Center for High School Success. She also played a pivotal role in launching the Behavioral Health Pathway at Poudre School District’s Career and Tech Center, providing students with valuable work-based learning opportunities, college credit, and certification pathways.

Cass’s deep commitment to helping students succeed and thrive is rooted in her belief that strong connections and innovative support systems are crucial to unlocking their full potential. Despite structural challenges, she believes strongly that public schools are the central ecosystem capable of driving social change through intentional and comprehensive support for all students.

Cass lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, and spends time with her family – traveling, exploring the outdoors, cooking, and reading. 

cponcelow@highschoolsuccess.org