Elementary Staff Directory
Kristin Arnold
Kindergarten
EmailI am originally from Minnesota and my husband and I moved to Colorado for the scenic landscape and our love for skiing, hiking, and biking. We have two adult daughters that we love to travel with and this year will mark our 23th year in Colorado.
While attending college in MN, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health Education & Corporate Fitness and after moving to CO, I attended CSU and earned a Master’s in Education and Human Resource Studies. Throughout my professional career, there has always been a “teaching” component to my work so as my own children grew older and more independent, I took the opportunity to step into the role of substitute teacher at BFA. After completing an alternative teaching licensure program, I taught fourth grade for four years and will be making the move to kindergarten for the 2023/24 school year. I am excited about the new opportunity to work with the kindies! It is going to be a great year!
Faculty Favorites
Julie DePasse
Kindergarten
EmailJulie DePasse loves being a part of the BFA team! She began her career after graduating from Metropolitan State College of Denver with a degree in Elementary Education. She first taught in Littleton Public Schools for a few years, then later at Monument Academy Charter School where she was introduced to the Core Knowledge Sequence. She enjoys being at BFA where the curriculum is packed with exciting subjects to study, including lots of history and science!
Julie grew up in Littleton, where she discovered her love of reading and learning. She believes that reading helps people see the world from a whole different window! She still loves to read today and hopes to share her love of reading and learning with her students. In addition to reading, she also likes watching movies, playing games (including Minecraft) with her grown-up boys, and traveling with her family. Her favorite trips have been to Europe and Japan. She also has a big, silly dog, Buster, who takes her for walks on the Highline Canal Trail…whenever he gets the chance.
Mrs. DePasse is looking forward to working with you to create an electrifying year for our BFA kiddos. GO LIGHTNING BOLTS!
Faculty Favorites
Candace McGinty
Kindergarten
Candace has been teaching more than 15 years now. Candace received her Bachelor’s of Science in Education from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. Candace taught third grade in Clyde, Texas and later moved to Aurora, Colorado to teach first, second, and third grades. In 1993, Candace had her first child and decided to be a stay-at-home mom. She went back to teaching after raising her children.
Candace earned a Master’s degree in Reading and an endorsement as a reading specialist at Regis University. She uses it to reinforce literacy for her Kindergarten students. Candace has been teaching first grade at Ben Franklin Academy for 11 years. She is now teaching our sweet Kindergarten students. She truly loves the students and families at BFA. She is heavily invested in the Core Knowledge curriculum, given that her own two children attended a Core Knowledge charter school.
Candace lives in Highlands Ranch with her husband Scott of 34 years and two cute wiener dogs named Dot & Dash. She has a son, Preston, who is pursuing a nursing degree and a daughter, Monica, who teaches kindergarten at BFA. She enjoys traveling, reading and crafting in her spare time.
Candace truly loves the BFA community and can’t wait to meet her new class of Kindergarteners!
Monica McGinty
Kindergarten
Kayla Murray
Kindergarten
Kayla will be beginning her 15th year of teaching kindergarten this year. A Colorado native, she attended schools in the Douglas County School District. She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Elementary Education where she played for the women’s soccer team for four years on an athletic scholarship. She received her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix.
She lives in Lakewood with her husband Jay, her son Joel, daughter Blair, and two dogs. Two kids keep her very busy at home, but she loves every minute of it. Kayla enjoys spending time with family, watching her son and daughter grow each day, running, traveling, playing soccer, and watching movies. She has been teaching at Ben Franklin Academy since it opened and she feels so fortunate to be a part of the BFA family. She is looking forward to another great year!
Erin Crowe
1st Grade
Staci Ferguson
1st Grade
This will be Staci’s third year teaching first grade at BFA. She was also a founding board member of BFA and served as the Secretary for five years. She is a graduate of Western Governor’s University where she earned her bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-6). She also earned her certification in Orton-Gillingham reading instruction. Staci is excited for another year in first grade, as she loves being a part of her students’ sense of pride and accomplishment as they learn and grow.
Staci lives in Roxborough with her Husband (Henry), son Kyle (14) and pup Grizz. She loves to be in Colorado’s outdoors doing activities like camping, hiking, paddle boarding, and kayaking, to name a few. Staci also loves baking, decorating cakes, and crafting.
Jackie Knight
1st Grade
Jackie is a Colorado native and grew up in Littleton. She graduated from CU Boulder with her psychology degree and elementary teaching certificate. Since then, Jackie has gone on to pursue her master’s in education, taking graduate-level education courses in school counseling and literacy instruction. She has taught for thirteen years—seven years as an elementary school teacher and six years running a licensed in-home preschool.
When not teaching, Jackie loves spending time with her family, including her husband Kyle, her son Austin who will be in second grade at BFA; her two-year-old daughter Caroline; and their dog Faith. Jackie and her family love spending time at the pool, visiting new playgrounds, hiking, and attending Austin’s sporting events. They are also huge Disney fans and save for trips to Disneyland every chance they get!
Jackie is eager and excited to teach first grade, meet her new students, and partner with their wonderful families. Her favorite aspect of teaching is getting to know each student individually and pointing out their strengths while encouraging them to challenge themselves and make new goals.
Jenna Lukasiewicz
1st Grade
EmailJenna has been teaching for over 4 years. She is a Colorado State graduate (go Rams!) and is licensed in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. She has taught Kindergarten, 3rd grade, 1st grade and reading intervention. Growing up with seven siblings (4 brothers and 3 sisters), Jenna considers her classroom an extension of her family. She has a high expectation for her students, believing they have the capability to encourage and challenge each other. Through a formative year, she loves seeing their character develop as they learn and grow academically. In her free time, you would most likely find Jenna hanging out with her family. She loves a good laugh and breaking out her dance moves when a good song comes on. Jenna is a Colorado native and enjoys all things outdoors: hiking, fishing, kayaking, camping, and backpacking. Jenna is excited to be continuing at BFA as a first grade teacher!
Faculty Favorites
Erica Hildebrand
2nd Grade
Erica is excited to begin her seventh year teaching Second Grade at Ben Franklin Academy!! She has worked as a classroom teacher for 14 years and as a Literacy Specialist for 5 years. Erica graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a BA in English/Elementary Education. She also earned a M.Ed in Reading/Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University. In her spare time, Erica enjoys reading, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, cooking and spending time with her husband, three children and her dogs.
Faculty Favorites
Erin Hinz
2nd Grade
Erin Hinz is very excited to begin her eighth year of teaching at Ben Franklin Academy. Shortly after receiving her degree in Psychology with a Minor in Education from the University of Colorado, Boulder, she enrolled in the University of Northern Colorado to obtain a Master of Arts in Teaching. She was fortunate to complete her student teaching here, in second grade, at Ben Franklin Academy. She taught fourth grade her first year, third grade her second year, and is now very excited to continue her educational journey in the second grade. This is her sixth year teaching 2nd grade.
In her free time, Erin enjoys hiking, cooking, yoga, Zumba, singing, spending time with her two year old son Tate and husband Alex, and playing all types of sports. She is very passionate about working with children and families, and welcomes all to stop in at any time for a question, concern, or even a friendly hello. Erin is very eager for the new school year, and is happy to be a part of the BFA family.
Kelly Whelan
2nd Grade
Kelly is extremely excited to be teaching at Ben Franklin Academy as she continues her teaching career. In 2011 she received her bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science with an Elementary Education license from Metropolitan State College of Denver. In 2014 she received her Masters in Special Education from Grand Canyon University and is currently working towards her ASL certification. Kelly was born and raised in Colorado and is following in her mother’s footsteps (a second grade teacher for many years). In her free time, Kelly enjoys snowboarding, hiking, dancing, snowshoeing and water skiing. She is also a Zumba instructor 2 days a week on the side.
Faculty Favorites
Angela Loehr
3rd Grade
EmailI am so excited to be teaching third-grade here at Ben Franklin Academy. This is my 18th year in education and third year at BFA.
I grew up right outside Houston in Cypress, TX with my mom, stepdad and younger sister. I attended the University of Texas San Antonio where I received my Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. After receiving my Bachelors Degree, I attended Concordia University and graduated with my Masters in Educational Administration.
My husband and I moved to Colorado in the summer of 2021 with our dog Denver and our two cats Luke and Kitten Boots. We both love the outdoors and having seasons! On May 23, 2023 we welcome our son Carter Loehr. Carter has been our biggest blessing and I love being a mom. It is truly the greatest gift.
I love spending time with my family, traveling, and being adventures. I also, enjoy watching and playing sports. I played volleyball growing up and it is still my favorite sport.
I look forward to this year and know it will be amazing!
Faculty Favorites
Christine McMahon
3rd Grade
EmailChristine is excited to teach third grade at Ben Franklin Academy. While new to BFA, she is not new to teaching. She spent the last two years teaching in Highlands Ranch, and taught for 12 years in Massachusetts. Christine graduated from Framingham State University with a bachelor’s degree in Education and Natural Science, and earned her Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Fitchburg State University. Christine and her family moved to Colorado four years ago and love living here! One of her favorite activities is hiking with her husband Mike, son Ronan, and two dogs Copper and Cleo. She also enjoys reading and traveling.
Faculty Favorites
Sierrah White
3rd Grade
EmailSierrah is excited to be a part of BFA for her third year as a Kindergarten AM and 3rd Grade PM Instructional Aide! She graduated Brigham Young University-Idaho with a Bachelors in Child Development and Minor in International Studies. With that, she has a newfound love to learn continually and enjoys being able to help others find their love to learn as well. She is currently working on her Masters in Education with an emphasis in Elementary Education. In her free time she enjoys: Movie marathons, Hiking, Biking, Sleeping, Roadtrips, Being with family and friends, and Spontaneous adventures. She is ecstatic for the beginning of a great year and is ready to learn new things and meet new faces!
Faculty Favorites
Linda Wilson
3rd Grade
EmailMrs. Wilson joined Ben Franklin Academy during its inaugural year as a fifth grade teacher. After taking a few years off to care for her grandson, she returned as a third grade teacher. She states that this school has a strong and lively community where all are invested in the educational and emotional growth of each student.
Amy Lukasiewicz
4th Grade
Amy is thrilled to continue with the fourth grade team as she begins her 9th year at Ben Franklin Academy. She remembers fourth grade to be one of the most influential years in her life. It was in this grade that she started to develop her life long passion to become a classroom teacher.
As a Colorado native, Amy attended Arapahoe High School and went on to go to Azusa Pacific University in Southern California for undergrad. After graduation she moved back to Colorado to continue her education. Amy attended MSU Denver where she received her teaching license and Masters in Education.
Amy lives in Denver with her husband Charlie. In her free time she loves to sew, golf, and spend time with friends. When she gets the chance, she loves to travel to as many new places as possible.
Amy is inspired by the way Ben Franklin uses Core Knowledge to produce life long learners and is excited to continue to be a part of this great school and community.
Faculty Favorites
Megan Mares
4th Grade
Karen Wall
4th Grade
Karen is thrilled to be teaching another year of fourth grade at BFA. This will be Karen’s 15th year teaching fourth grade. Karen earned her master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix in 2009 and received a bachelor’s degree in Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design from Utah State University.
Karen has two children of her own, and she gained five bonus children when she married Travis Wall eight years ago. She grew up in Littleton and feels lucky to have a large extended family in the area. Karen enjoys traveling, attending sporting events, and reading books by the pool. She describes herself as the ultimate soccer mom, and some of her favorite things include Coke Zero, the beach, pedicures, flip-flops, chocolate, and spending time with her husband, kids, and especially her grandkids. Karen looks forward to meeting more of the wonderful BFA families and to an amazing school year.
Angie Van Wyk
4th Grade
Angie loves teaching 4th grade at Ben Franklin Academy. Angie went to CU Boulder (Go Buffs!) and has a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix. This will be her 18th year teaching.
Angie grew up in Littleton and is lucky to have a large extended family living in the Denver area. She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Trevor, for 26 years. They have three boys, a senior in college, freshman in college, and a junior in high school.
Rachelle Calahan
5th Grade
EmailRachelle is very excited to teach another year of 5th grade. She began her career in finance with an undergraduate degree in International Business along with minors in Finance and German from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She previously has worked as a substitute teacher in the Cherry Creek school district and at Ben Franklin Academy. Rachelle has a teaching certificate and believes in continuous learning to hone her skills and stay updated on best practices. She grew up in Nebraska. She and her husband, Scott, have three children who keep them very busy with activities and sports. She loves to travel, and has been fortunate to visit many different places over the course of her studies and holidays. She also loves to ski and sew in her free time. Rachelle looks forward to a great year with the incoming 5th graders!
Faculty Favorites
Lyndell Dunn
5th Grade
Mrs. Dunn is thrilled to continue as a part of the BFA family, where she has been teaching 5th grade since January of 2015. Prior to that, she taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grades in California and Utah. She holds a BS in Elementary Education (cum laude) from BYU, and a MS in Mathematics Education, K-6. She is adored by her dog, her four children, and her husband of more than 20 years. Mrs. Dunn doesn’t get around to participating in sports as much as she once did, but still enjoys taking long walks and spectating at each of her children’s games, shows, dances and events. People are surprised to learn that she speaks fluent French, lived in Geneva as a young adult, and has a penchant for Swiss chocolates, because she’s neither fussy nor fancy!
Faculty Favorites
Jessica Richardson
5th Grade
