2nd Grade Teachers
Kassie de Besche
For questions please contact Emily Winter, long-term sub ewinter@bfacademy.org
Kassie is ecstatic to have this wonderful opportunity to be a part of the growth and successes of BFA. She is eager to start the new school year and continue a successful journey with BFA.
Kassie graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. She also recently graduated from University of Phoenix with a Masters of Arts in Elementary Education. Over the next few years she will be working on becoming a Certified Academic Language Therapist, in which will give her the opportunity to help children reach their fullest reading potential.
She was born and raised in Colorado and cannot envision ever wanting to leave this beautiful state. Her passions in life include spending time with family and friends and exploring new challenges. In her free time, she enjoys hunting, camping, hiking—really any outdoor activity—working out, and eating great food.
Nicole Harms
Nicole began her career teaching kindergarten/first grade multiage at Whittier Elementary School in Oak Park, Illinois for four years and then transferred to Mann Elementary School to teach a straight first grade. She most recently taught for five years at Collegiate Academy, a Core Knowledge school in Littleton, where she taught second and first graders.
Nicole graduated from Concordia Lutheran University with a bachelor’s in Elementary Education, specializing in English and Language Arts.
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Nicole and her husband chose to relocate to Colorado in 2004. Their oldest son attends Columbine High School in Littleton, while their youngest is at BFA as a second grader. In their spare time, Nicole’s family enjoys white water rafting, biking, fly-fishing, camping, skiing, hiking, and kayaking. Nicole loves to cook, do yoga and pilates, swim and garden and, of course, Nicole loves to teach children. Nicole describes herself as very open and urges you to feel free to contact her. Nicole is there for the parents and the children: “together we are a TEAM!”
Melinda Walter
Melinda has been working with children of varying ages for the last twelve years. She has been an assistant teacher, co-teacher, substitute teacher, as well as a lead teacher.
Melinda has also pursued her own education. She has obtained her bachelor’s degree in Child Development, completed a teaching credential program, and earned a master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Reading Development.
Personally, Melinda enjoys spending time with her family. She has a soon to be four-year old son and loves seeing him becoming his own person. She spends most of her time finding new and exciting adventures for her son. Melinda is originally from Southern California and moved to Colorado five years ago.
Kelly Whelan
Kelly is extremely excited to be teaching at BFA as she begins her teaching career. She recently received her bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science with an Elementary Education license from Metropolitan State College of Denver. She completed her student teaching at a Core Knowledge Charter School.
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 scrapbooking, snowboarding, hiking, shopping and water skiing. Kelly is excited for her second year and looks forward to meeting everyone.
