Still moving around but settled with Re-2

Growing up, Tina Cox lived in 18 places during the first 16 years of her life. For the past three decades, she has settled in Colorado, but that doesn’t mean that her wanderlust has been quieted.

“I fell in love with Colorado,” she explained. “That is why I came back.”

Cox, the financial secretary at Cactus Valley Elementary, began her Colorado adventure in Greeley for college, but then set off to see the rest of the state. For the past 34 years, Cox and her family have been wandering around the Western Slope working at Ski Sunlight and outdoor bag manufacture Mountainsmith when they were located in Rifle.

For the past six years, Cox has worked for Garfield Re-2, and true to form, she has traveled around the three-community district. She began work as a substitute teacher, but then became a paraprofessional at Coal Ridge High School, Rifle Middle School and Cactus Valley. 

A little over a year ago, she took over as financial secretary for the Silt elementary school.

“I love how everyone is friends here,” she enthused. “Cactus Valley has such a family atmosphere.”

This year, some additional challenges have fallen on her plate.

“Budget, budget, budget,” said Cox. “It is the most challenging part of my job right now. Trying to maintain all of the budgets and continue to help seek reductions. That’s tough.”

In her spare time, Cox likes to travel citing Beijing, China as her favorite spot thus far.  She also serves as a ski instructor at Ski Sunlight, and has for the last 15 years.

“I love the physical activity, the challenge and being outdoors in the weather,” said Cox. “I really love that ‘A-ha’ moment when my students finally get it.”

Her love for being active began early. In her youth; Cox competed competitively in gymnastics – an activity that put her head-to-head with former Olympian gymnast Cathy Rigby.

“Needless to say, I came in second,” laughed Cox.