2nd Grade Teachers
Kassie de Besche
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 school year, meet the community, and begin 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. 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 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 Ken Carl Middle School in Littleton, while their youngest will join BFA as a first 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. Her favorite thing in the world is butterflies (as you will learn quickly). 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 in the classroom for the last eleven years, as an assistant, co-teacher, substitute, as well as a lead teacher.
During the last eleven years, 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 two-year old son and loves seeing him discover and learn from his environment and social interactions. Melinda is originally from Southern California and moved to Colorado three years ago. While she is still getting used to the snow, she enjoys exploring the sights, including the zoo, the gardens, the museums, and sightseeing in the mountains.
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 first year and looks forward to meeting everyone.