Leadership Team

Diana Simpson has been a part of Ben Franklin Academy since the school opened in 2011.  She is excited to see the founding Board’s mission and vision being realized on a daily basis in the school.  She looks forward to continuing to partner with families to make Ben Franklin Academy THE Charter School of Choice in Douglas County.

Since 1997, Mrs. Simpson has been involved in charter schools. Most recently, she served as the assistant principal for fifth through eighth grade at BFA, and before that was the assistant principal for kindergarten through fourth grade. She was a teacher for 13 years, with experience in fifth grade, sixth grade, and as a 6-8 grade Social Studies teacher. A self-described “Colorado girl,” Mrs. Simpson received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado and her Master’s Degree in Administration from Western State University.

Mrs. Simpson wants to see every child succeed and grow academically.  She wants to make sure that the teachers have all the tools they need to make that happen for each of their students.

“I look forward to working with students, parents, teachers, and staff to build on BFA’s dedication to meeting the needs of each student and furthering the school’s mission and vision,” said Mrs. Simpson.

Mrs. Simpson and her husband, Kevin, live in Parker.  Her son, Kenny, and daughter-in-law, April, live in Omaha, Nebraska, where he works in marketing and she is going to med school.  The whole family loves to travel and spend time together, cheering on the Broncos and the Rockies.

Birthday: 07/18

Favorite Restaurant: Maggianos

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-Fil-A

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Reading and watching movies.

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Chocolate, tulips, cheerful notes

Favorite Starbucks drink: Hot Chocolate

Chocolate or Fruit?: Chocolate (dark!)

Favorite place to shop: New York and Company, Kohls, Target

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite sports team: Broncos, Rockies, Cardinals (baseball)

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): Reading, Scrapbooking, Movies

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity

My family includes,…: My husband Kevin, My son Kenny and our three dogs: Maybee (beagle), Mollee (Schnauzer) and Mayzee (dachshund)

Michael joins the Ben Franklin community, and he brings years of classroom and admin experience. He is excited to live and breathe the Ben Franklin values and virtues along with sharing his passion for education and students. He looks forward to partnering with students, families, and all stakeholders of the community.

Most recently, Michael was an Assistant Principal in Aurora Public Schools for 4 years, and prior to that, he supported Brighton Schools as a Dean of Students for two years. He began his career in education in DPS as a Gifted and Talented teacher who supported multiple schools. Michael will always call Minnesota home, however, from a distance (brr). He very much likes the scenery of the mountains and the mild winters here which was a major reason he decided to call the Centennial state his permanent home. Michael received his Bachelor of Science from Minnesota State University Moorhead and his Master’s of Arts degree from Concordia University Portland. Shortly after moving to the Denver metro, Michael embarked on his Educational Leadership journey by attaining his credentials by enrolling in the ALPS leadership program through the University of Colorado Denver campus. He then enrolled in an educational leadership doctorate program also through the University of Colorado Denver. Michael believes every student can thrive and be successful in the classroom and life. It’s up to us as the adults and educators in the building to provide the tools and resources to ensure each and every child has an equal opportunity to succeed. “I can’t wait to hit the ground running, and building and fostering as many relationships as possible. If not us, who? If not now, when?” Is a favorite quote he tries to implement into his daily workday because he truly believes our student’s futures depend on us stepping up and doing our jobs as educators.

Michael and his wife, Lilli, live in Centennial with their daughter and son, Hudson (7) and Henry (6), respectively. In his free time, you can find him playing basketball with friends or out and about with his family to explore and enjoy all the great things Colorado has to offer. He is also a die hard Minnesota sports fan even though it causes quite a bit of heartbreak each year, he is committed and loyal. You will probably see him at Ball arena or Sports Authority Stadium when the Timberwolves or Vikings are in town.

My name is Richard Zaccaria and I am very excited to be a part of the Ben Franklin team! I have been an educator for the past nine years, working in various types of schools across multiple grade levels. I began my teaching career in New York City, working in both high schools and middle schools. While teaching in New York, I also attended Lehman College, where I earned a masters degree in Social Studies education and curriculum development. In 2018, I moved to Colorado with my wife, and began teaching 7th and 8th grade social studies in Aurora. While teaching in Colorado, I also attended the University of Denver to get my principal license. In my free time I enjoy fly fishing, hunting and being outdoors with my wife and two dogs!