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Our Team

St. Vrain Community Montessori School educators are known as “Guides.” Each classroom has a combination of Lead Guides and Guides depending on the needs of the classroom. 

 

All Guides provide a warm, nurturing, and safe environment which enhances self-direction, encourages independence, and respects individuality. Guides meet the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of both the individual and the group in the classroom environment.

 

All Lead Guides are either Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) or American Montessori Society (AMS) credentialed for the level at which they teach.

 

Combined, the SVCMS faculty possesses over 150 years of Montessori teaching experience.

Who do I contact about...

Not sure who to contact? Email office@svcmontessori.org.

Children's House

Ages 3-6

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Maple Co-Lead Guide

Barbara Beumee

Barbara joined SVCMS in 2023. She has her AMS Early Childhood Credential and over 20 years of experience teaching Montessori at the primary level.

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Aspen Lead Guide

Masako Brauneis

I am the Aspen Lead Guide. I have worked in Montessori classrooms since 2013, joining SVCMS in 2021. Before I began teaching, I worked for an environmental organization where I discovered my passion for educating young children. I hold an M.A. in Education, with a Montessori focus, an M.A. in International Environmental Policy, the AMS Early Childhood Credential, and the Colorado Director Qualification. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, hiking, traveling, and playing the piano.

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Aspen Guide

Steph Nicols

I joined SVCMS in 2024 as a children’s house guide. I have been working as an assistant in a Montessori preschool since I graduated from St. Lawrence University, where I earned my bachelor’s degrees in Sociology with an educational studies minor. I love Montessori because it emphasizes a holistic approach to education where children can develop not only academic skills, but essential life skills as well. I enjoy spending time outside trail running, biking, and skiing.

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Oak Guide

Brittney Bittner

Brittney joined Oak as a guide in 2023. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in dance from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ and recently moved to Colorado from Florida. She has several years of experience as a children’s dance instructor and worked as a preschool teacher at Guidepost Montessori.

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Preschool Director

Oak Lead Guide

Heather Gonsalves

I am Director of the Children’s House and Lead Guide in the Oak classroom. I joined SVCMS in 2012 as a Guide in the Oak classroom and have had the pleasure of teaching in each Children’s House classroom over the years. I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work and I worked for years as a play therapist in New York City where I am from before becoming a teacher. I graduated from the Montessori Center of the Rockies in 2012. I enjoy being a mother, herbalism, camping, crocheting, and cooking for my family.

Tina Wigert

Maple Co-Lead Guide

Tina Wigert

I joined SVCMS in August, 2022. I have taught at the primary level for over 20 years. I love this age because the children are like little sponges absorbing everything around them. My favorite work is the golden bead work in math since it is so visual and manipulative. I have 2 grown children who fortunately live in the Denver area. I became a grandmother last March and am loving every minute of this new role in my life! You can find me hiking year round and on the ski slopes all winter!

Lower Elementary

Ages 6-9

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Conifer Lead Guide

Frankie Buffington

I have worked at SVCMS since 2022. I have been a lead Montessori guide since 2020. Before discovering the joy of Montessori, I worked as a math interventionist and ESL teacher in a traditional fifth grade classroom. I have a history degree from CU-Boulder, a teaching license, and an LE Montessori certification from MECR. In my free time I enjoy listening to audio books, doing various craft projects, going on long walks, and spending time with my friends and family.

Sarah Gramm

Ponderosa Lead Guide

Sarah Gramm

I joined SVCMS in 2019 as co-lead guide for Blue Spruce and have been Lead Guide in Ponderosa classroom since 2020. I have been in childcare and education for most of my adult life; I've taught in traditional and non-traditional public schools and love Montessori philosophy and methods. I hold a Master of Teaching and am Lower Elementary certified through Montessori Education Center of the Rockies. I enjoy hiking, reading, swimming, eating delicious food, and exploring the world with my daughter.

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Literacy Interventionist & Art Consultant

Heather Legendre

I joined SVCMS in 2012 as the Lead Guide in the Ponderosa classroom. Previous to that, I was a Lower Elementary Guide at Jarrow Montessori school in Boulder. I am currently the Lower Elementary Reading Interventionist, as well as SVCMS’ Reading Support Coordinator. My training includes a Lower Elementary Montessori Credential from MECR, as well certificates in both the Basic and Advanced Orton Gillingham approach to reading instruction. My family is fully steeped in Montessori, as my wife is also a Montessori elementary teacher, and both of my sons, who currently attend SVCMS, have been in Montessori since they were 18 months old. I love to paint, hike, camp, play board games, travel to the ocean, as well as to my home state of Vermont.

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Blue Spruce Guide

Aimee Rawls

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Blue Spruce Lead Guide

Zoë Bulick

As a Montessori child myself, I always knew I wanted to return as a teacher. This is my third year as a Lead Guide in Willow Northeast. I have an MFA in Poetry and Book Art and still enjoy writing and creating in my spare time. I also love to sew, read, and knit. My favorite Montessori materials are the cubing and squaring math materials, but our math materials in general, and working with them with children bring so much joy to my heart.

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Ponderosa Guide

Ryan Brink

I joined SVCMS in 2021 as a Guide in Blue Spruce. My favorite Montessori work is grammar symbols because using color and shapes to categorize words makes so much sense for long term retention. I am new to Montessori instruction but so looking forward to learning everything I can. I love to read and knit in my free time.

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Blue Spruce Co-Lead Guide

​Lucía Llanes-Kuhlmann

I joined SVCMS in 2020 as a Lower Elementary guide. Among my favorite Montessori works are geographical maps, because kids can study about the different countries and cultures all around the world - and I love traveling! I’m originally from Mexico City where I obtained my bachelors degree in Graphic Design and also my AMI certification as a Montessori guide. I have 12+ years of experience working in Montessori’s Children’s house, here in Colorado. I love painting, music, and running.

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Conifer Guide

Adena Stedman

Upper Elementary

Ages 9-12

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UE Level Lead

Willow North Lead Guide

Heidi Genty

I joined SVCMS in 2013 as a Lead Guide in the UE after a short time as a Guide in Blue Spruce. My previous educational/professional experience was as an elementary teacher with the St. Vrain Valley School District mostly at Lyons Elementary. My training includes an Elementary Education/ Science degree from Seattle Pacific University and Montessori training in LE and UE from MECR. I love Montessori because it teaches the whole child in which students grow through choice, community responsibility, lessons connected to a unique understanding of the universe, and independent work. I enjoy spending time in coffee shops and bookstores with my husband and gardening. Someday, I hope to have chickens to care for.

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Willow South Lead Guide

Laura Marble

I joined SVCMS in 2021 as lead guide in Willow South. Before that, I lived in Tucson, where I taught at Khalsa Montessori School for 12 years. My master's degree and work background are in magazine-style writing and photojournalism, and my upper-elementary training came from MECR in Boulder. My favorite Montessori materials are the math ones, because I love the way they hold answers to the question "Why?" When I'm not at school, I enjoy hiking, reading, ruminating, and drinking tea.

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Willow North Guide

Ainsley Woodfin

I joined SVCMS in 2024 as a guide in Willow North. My previous educational experience was as an instructor at Mathnasium. Additionally, my training includes a Bachelor's of Psychology from CU. I love Montessori because it fosters creativity and independence in both children and adults! I enjoy crochet, reading, and hiking.

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UE Program Coordinator

Guide

Paula Harshbarger

I joined the SVCMS community in 2014 as a UE Guide. I have been a guide in both the Willow classrooms and currently hold the position of level coordinator. With a knack for organizing, I enjoy supporting the UE team by meeting the needs outside of the classroom so that our guides can focus their attention within the classroom. I hold a degree in Anthropology from Montana State University. When I am not with the lovely humans of the UE I spend my time with my family and 4-leggeds.

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Willow South Guide

Eve Shelden

I joined SVCMS in 2016 as a parent. Since then, I've worked as a substitute teacher across all levels as well as a Guide in Willow South. I just finished my Lower Elementary I training in the summer of 2024! I love Montessori because it is a large part of what has shaped my children into the self-actualized people they are today. I enjoy cooking, rewatching Ted Lasso, and gardening.

Middle School

Ages 12-14

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Evergreen Guide

Brooke Bowen

I joined SVCMS in 2024 as an Evergreen Guide. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Media Arts & Design with a minor in English from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. I am originally from Northern Virginia and have several years of experience working with children in a Nanny and Homeschooling setting. I love Montessori because it allows students to be independent and curious in their learning. In my spare time I enjoy photographing major milestones in other people’s lives, doing yoga, riding and working with horses, trying out and experimenting with new recipes, and reading sappy romance novels.

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Evergreen Lead Guide

Agroecology Occupation; Literature

Kyle O'Brien

I joined SVCMS in 2023 as the Middle School Science and Agriculture Lead Guide. My background includes education, regenerative agriculture, and mindfulness, with a B.A. in Wholeness-based Education from the California Institute of Integral Studies and certifications in permaculture and holistic orchard management. Previously, I was an environmental science and school garden educator for Pajaro Valley School District, managing school gardens. Passionate about Montessori education and the Erdkinder philosophy, I emphasize experiential learning and mindfulness. Living in Longmont and originally from Pacific Grove, I enjoy family time, developing a micro homestead, and training for trail ultramarathons.

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Evergreen Lead Guide

Art Occupation; Languages; Literature

Amy Clarke Moore

I joined SVCMS as the Art Guide in 2016. In 2014, I left a career in publishing as the Editor of Spin-Off Magazine at Interweave Press to pursue a growing interest in Montessori education. I studied adolescent Montessori pedagogy for two years in the Great Work Apprenticeship program at Compass Montessori in Golden, Colorado. I earned an MFA (Fiber Arts) at Colorado State University in 1997. I am a writer, gardener, and fiber artist as well as a mom of two adolescent daughters. I fell in love with Montessori as a preschooler where I learned how empowering it was to do things myself.

Christine Rivas Arriaga

Evergreen Level Lead

Performance Occupation; Math; Movement; Music Exploration

Christine Rivas Arriaga

I joined SVCMS in 2021 as a Lead Guide in Evergreen and became Level Lead in 2024. I graduated from CU Boulder with a degree in English Literature with an emphasis in Shakespeare and a degree in Music Education with an emphasis in Vocal Performance. In 2015 I began teaching as a middle school Theater and Choir director before transitioning to SVCMS and earning my Secondary Montessori Educator Training in 2023 through CMStep. Other certifications I’ve earned are a Wilderness First Responder certification through NOLS and my Level 2 CrossFit Trainer certification. I love Montessori because of the reverence her philosophy shows young people in the stages of adolescence. I enjoy fitness and physiology, fiber arts, and spending time with my husband and 3 children.

Integral Staff

Special Education & Multi-department Staff

Jessica Chervenak

Children's House & Lower Elementary Program Coordinator

Jessica Chervenak

I am the Program Coordinator for Children's House and Lower Elementary. I joined SVCMS in 2011. This will be my 24th year as a Montessori Educator. I enjoy hiking, visiting National Parks, knitting, and reading.

Jenny Grassley

Special Education Lead Guide

Jenny Grassley

I joined SVCMS as a co-lead guide in special education in 2022. After four years of teaching in Seattle and abroad, I earned a Master in Teaching in elementary education and taught for six years as a Children’s House teacher and interventionist. I love Montessori’s emphasis on honoring and supporting each child as a unique person. Since joining SVCMS, I completed my special education endorsement, and I am currently the special education lead guide. I love a cup of coffee and exploring the mountains with family and friends.

Casie Hanson

Floating Guide

Special Education Paraeducator

Casie Hanson

I am a Floater Guide and Special Education Paraeducator, though when I joined SVCMS in 2023, I was a Guide. My previous educational/professional experience is as a Para at various other schools. My training includes a BA in Dietetics and raising my own beautiful children. I love Montessori because it is a privilege to work with such amazing people and be a part of so many children thriving in this school. I enjoy spending time doing literally anything with my family and friends. I like gardening, especially during good years. For special occasions, we like to go to dinner and a movie.

Lynn Lovett Barr

Communications

Middle School Program Coordinator & Peace Instructor

Lynn Lovett Barr

I wore a few hats when I joined SVCMS in 2016 and spent several years full-time in the Middle School. After completing an MA in Communication & Applied Psychology at Regis University, I transitioned to Communications and teaching SEL Improv in Evergreen. I also hold a Secondary Montessori certificate specializing in ages 12-15. I enjoy pastel painting, cross-stitch, TTRPGs, and spending time with my family.

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Children's House Floating Guide

Special Education Paraeducator

Maria Melendez

Biography to come

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Special Education Paraeducator

Cheri Powers

I have taught private piano lessons for more than 30 years and was a music educator in a private school for three years. In addition, I have worked in assisted living and nursing care facilities as an activities director. I have a BS in Human Rehabilitative Services from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master of Practical Ministry from Cincinnati Christian University. In 2023, I joined SVCMS as a SPED paraeducator. I have three grown children and two beautiful granddaughters. I love to hike/walk, read, sing, and travel.

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Special Education Paraeducator

Yvonne Telep

I joined SVCMS in February of 2021 as a SPED Para. Previously I have taught English, ESL, and various other topics with both secondary and college students. This is my first time teaching younger children and I really enjoy it! I have a Masters of Arts in Teaching English, as well as training and endorsements in the teaching of English to speakers of other languages. Both my children attended Montessori school and I love that Montessori follows the child and lets them pursue their own interests in their own way. I also enjoy music, training my dog, reading, and hiking.

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Social-Emotional Learning Guide

Special Education Paraeducator

Gwenevere Davis

I have been a Montessori educator for over 20 years, having first discovered Montessori when I was in my early 20’s. I was so excited by what I saw that I moved to CO to do my Montessori primary training at RMMTTC (now MECR). Since then I have worked as a guide in CH, LE, UE, SPED, and movement. I was a founding parent and teacher at SVCMS. I am thrilled to be implementing our Social Emotional Learning Program and love our school’s commitment to educating the whole child. I enjoy playing games with my family, walking, and live music, especially festivals. My other pastimes include making art of all sorts and refinishing furniture.

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Upper Elementary & Middle School Writing Instructor

Jamie Hamilton-Jurkovich

I've been with SVCMS since 2018. For five years, I served as the Communications Manager, and currently I'm the Writing Guide for 4th - 8th grade. Additionally, I serve as the staff secretary to the SVCMS Board of Directors. I’m thrilled to be a part of Montessori education for so many reasons, but mainly because of the way that children are respected as unique individuals and learners. I have an MA in English Education from CU and a Montessori Writing Certificate from AMS. In addition to teaching at the high school level, I have worked in publishing and content development for large tech companies. I'm an avid reader and enjoy all that Colorado has to offer with the beautiful outdoors.

Charlie Hickman

Art & Special Projects Guide

Literacy Interventionist

Charlie Hickman

I was raised in Boulder and adore art, science and nature. After teaching art for 4 years on the western slope I found my way to SVCMS in 2010. Currently, I live in Longmont with my lovely wife and son, several obnoxious chickens, and a tortoise. My favorite Montessori works are the Great Lessons and their extensions, these serve to root our work in wonder and a state of unknowing. This, to me, is the root of all education, and I hope to cultivate the spirit of wonder in my daily practice.

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School Social Worker

MTSS Coordinator

Special Education Paraeducator

Lea Mangus

I am the School Social Worker and MTSS (Multi Tiered Support Systems) Coordinator, though I joined SVCMS in 2019 as a Special Education Paraeducator. My previous professional experience includes working with young adults to successfully reintegrate into the Community after attending treatment, in Boulder, CO. My training includes a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work with a focus on high risk youth, and a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. I also have an Animal Assisted Therapy Certificate. I love Montessori’s follow the child philosophy. I enjoy traveling, and spent 6 months traveling on a sailboat across the Caribbean, and 6 months living in/traveling in a van across New Zealand. I also love camping with my family and crocheting.

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Movement Lead Guide

Amy Miller

I have been involved with SVCMS since 2009, starting as an involved parent, and becoming the Movement Lead Guide in 2010. I delight in combining Montessori philosophy with my love of physical activity and joy in working with children. With Montessori Physical Education training from MECR, the Denver Institute of Physical Education & Dance, and SHAPE America, I am also a licensed soccer coach with over ten years of experience in youth soccer. My journey into Montessori began as a child at the Austin Montessori School, and I sought Montessori education for my two children - first at Gateway Montessori, then at SVCMS. In my free time, I am almost always moving! I enjoy time with my family and friends, hiking, yoga, and various sports, along with reading, baking, crochet, and puttering in my garden as creative outlets. I strive to inspire students to embrace a lifelong love of movement, develop independence, and be ready to explore the world with confidence and curiosity.

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Special Education Lead Guide

Elizabeth Ramlet

I joined SVCMS in 2020 as a guide, became the Lead Guide of Blue Spruce, and have now moved into the role of Special Education Guide. I earned my degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado - Boulder, and I received my Montessori Elementary I credential from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies in 2022. I appreciate the emphasis that Montessori education places on independence and confidence. When I am not at school, I enjoy reading, crochet, and spending time with my dog and husband.

Office & Administration

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ABAR Coordinator

Shara Davis

I joined SVCMS in 2021 as Anti-Bias Anti-Racism (ABAR) Coordinator. I hold BA and MA degrees in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and completed additional training in Clinical and Community Psychology at the University of Illinois. My personal and professional work has focused on community mental health, trauma-informed care in juvenile settings, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence. I enjoy traveling the world, as well as everyday adventures with my family

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Reception

Tiffany Min

I'm the Monday through Thursday receptionist here at SVCMS and have worked at our lovely school since 2022 (first as a substitute teacher). I hold a master's degree in international education and previously worked as a school administrator for many years at a middle school. I aspire to visit all the national parks, pet as many animals as possible, and eat ice cream with every meal.

Jennifer Ramsey

Director of Business Services, HR, & Integral Programs

Title IX Coordinator

Jennifer Ramsey

I joined SVCMS in 2009 as a Guide in Children's House in the Oak room. Over the past 15 years, I have had the privilege of experiencing a variety of roles at SVCMS, including Middle School and Upper Elementary Art Guide and my current role of Director of Business Services and Human Resources, ELL Guide, and Title IX Coordinator. I received my MFA in Printmedia from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago as well as my Early Childhood Montessori credential from Montessori Education Center of the Rockies and, most recently, my Montessori Leadership credential from The Center for Guided Montessori Studies. One of the things I love most about Montessori is its emphasis on cosmic education and the interconnectedness of all beings. I enjoy creating embroidery and other art, gardening (particularly weeding!), and spending time with family and friends.

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Health & Safety Clerk

Administrative Coordinator

Jobie Stom

I joined SVCMS in 2018 as office staff and have been the Health and Safety clerk since spring 2019. I have enjoyed getting to know the students and experiencing the Montessori environment. I spend most of my free time with my family and our dog.

Tom Vanderhoeven

Facilities Manager

Tom Vanderhoeven

Biography to come

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Event & Volunteer Coordinator

Library

Jessa Fink

I became a SVCMS Parent in 2014. Through involvement with the PVO I came to adore our community of educators and families. When a part time receptionist opportunity arose I was all in! Currently I support the school as the Event and Library Coordinator. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from San Francisco State University and I worked in costumes and wardrobe for theater, film and television until we relocated our family to Colorado in 2013. I’ve discovered there are a lot of parallels in Montessori education and the creative arts: collaboration, the ability to grow and explore within defined boundaries, and the celebration of individuality. I’m excited to grow with SVCMS!

Cindy Moran

Director of Non-Instructional Programs

Cindy Moran

I've worked at SVCMS since 2009. I earned a BA in Psychology and English from the University of Massachusetts, an MA in English Literature from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Masters in Library Science from San Jose State University. Prior to joining SVCMS, I was an Instructor of Writing and Rhetoric at the University of Colorado . I am the parent of one current SVCMS student and one SVCMS alumnus.

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Head of School

Jessica Rawlings

I have been privileged to work with a wide range of student ages in my career as a guide and Head of School. I first began assisting in my mother’s Montessori toddler classroom as a college student, learning to love the method and the absorbent minds of these young children. I attended college on a dance scholarship, then taught ballet to children of all ages, as well as young adults. I have a deep love of ballet and the arts and have facilitated arts integration into classrooms and programs to increase student engagement and learning. I earned a MACTE accredited Montessori certificate (3-6) and spent more than ten years as a guide in Montessori Primary classrooms, including serving as a curriculum coordinator and working with AMS and International Guided Studies teacher training programs. In taking coursework toward my MEd at Westminster University, I completed Montessori elementary coursework for credit. I have taught elective classes to our elementary aged students and served as interim Head of School for our secondary program, inclusive of middle and high school students. I enjoy working with children of all ages, seeing their progress in each unique plane of development.

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Reception

Pearl Spinharney

I am the receptionist at SVCMS on Fridays. My children first began attending SVCMS in 2013 and I have been working at the school since 2021 where I started as a substitute in the classrooms. I have 3 children currently at the school as well as 2 alumni students. I enjoy spending time with my family, our animals and reading whenever possible.

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