4th Grade Teachers
Kristen Donhowe
Kristen continues her 4th year of teaching 4th grade using the Core Knowledge curriculum. This is her twelfth year teaching having taught second and third grade in Cherry Creek Schools, and then second through sixth grade at Moriah Christian School. Kristen decided to teach at BFA last year, because she was excited to be a part of the “birth” of a new charter school founded by an amazing board. She was astonished with the accomplishments Ben Franklin Academy made as a team of parents, students, teachers, staff and board members. The goals and dreams that were realized last year were far beyond her expectations. Kristen believes this second year will be even more fun and fulfilling as she hopes to build deeper relationships, expand on past lessons and projects, and continue to make a bucketful of beautiful memories with her students.
Kristen grew up in Newport Beach, California. Many of her favorite memories include spending time at the beach with family and friends. She earned her bachelor of arts in Psychology/Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Kristen’s husband is in his twenty-first year teaching middle school. They have three children (ages 17, 15, and 12) and two loveable labs (one is a labradoodle). As a family, they love to spend time in the mountains hiking, fishing, skiing and just hanging out together. In Kristen’s personal free-time, she loves to read, garden, and go running.
Emily Ward
Emily is starting her second year of teaching fourth grade here at BFA. She received her undergraduate degree and teaching license from the University of Northern Colorado and her graduate degree from the University of Colorado Denver where she earned a Masters in Mathematics and Science Curriculum Instruction. Emily has always enjoyed math and science and is eager to share her love for these subjects with the students. Her latest venture is training to become a Certified Academic Language Practitioner, which she will finish by next summer.
When she is not at school, Emily stays busy hiking, biking and doing anything else active with her computer animator husband, Cliff, and their new crazy mutt, Gertie. She can never say “no” to relaxing in the sunshine with a good book or exploring her newfound interest, photography, though.
Emily looks forward to getting to know everyone and is excited to see what the new school year will bring!
Laura Goldin
Teaching has always been a passion of Laura’s, and she is very thankful for this amazing opportunity to work at BFA. This will be Laura’s fourth year teaching fourth grade.
Laura received her bachelor’s degree in 2009 in Elementary Education from Purdue University. She recently received her certification in Linguistically Diverse Education and is working on a master’s program in Educational Technology at the University of Colorado at Denver. This program not only allows Laura to grow with her own personal education, but it helps bring many of the latest ideas and projects related to technology into the classroom.
A Colorado native, Laura loves running, soccer, and watching football. Laura will be the head coach for middle school Cross Country at BFA. Go Lightening Bolts!
Karen Tenney
Karen is thrilled to be teaching fourth grade at BFA. This will be Karen’s third year teaching fourth grade, after spending the past two years at Trailblazer Elementary. 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, a seventh grader at Ranch View Middle School and a fifth grader at Trailblazer Elementary. Karen grew up in Littleton and feels lucky to have a large extended family close by (including two nieces who will be attending BFA). Karen enjoys playing tennis, bike riding, and reading books by the pool. She describes herself as the ultimate soccer mom, and some of her favorite things include Coke Zero from Sonic, the beach, pedicures, flip-flops, chocolate, and spending time with her kids. Karen looks forward to meeting all of the wonderful BFA families and to an amazing school year.
