4th Grade Teachers
Kristen Donhowe
Kristen joins BFA from another Core Knowledge Charter School where she taught fourth grade for the last two years. This is her twelfth year teaching having taught second and third grade in Cherry Creek Schools, and then second through sixth graders at Moriah Christian School. Kristen decided to teach at BFA this year, because she is excited to be a part of the “birth” of a new charter school founded by an amazing board. She looks forward to bringing the vision and mission of this school to “life”.
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 nineteenth year teaching middle school. They have three children (ages 16, 14, and 11) 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 free-time, she loves to spend time with her husband and children, read, garden, and go running.
Emily Ward
Emily will begin her teaching career in the fourth grade at BFA. Emily received her undergraduate degree and teaching license from the University of Northern Colorado. She is currently finishing a graduate program at the University of Colorado Denver where she will earn 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.
Emily was married just this past her summer. Her husband is a computer animator for Lego (and if we are lucky, he may visit the school to share his passion with the students). Emily is a Colorado native and enjoys being outdoors camping, hiking and bicycling as well as exploring her newfound interest, photography. But Emily can never say “no” to relaxing in the sunshine with a good book. Emily looks forward to getting to know everyone as the new school year begins.
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 third 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 will be beginning a master’s program in Educational Technology in the fall at the University of Colorado at Denver.
A Colorado native, Laura loves running, soccer, and watching football. Laura ran her first half marathon in March and is planning to do another one this October.
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.
