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!

Birthday: 04/26

Favorite Restaurant: Matsuhisa

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Jimmy John’s

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Fly fishing in cheeseman canyon.

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: My wife and two dogs.

Favorite Starbucks drink: Black coffee

Chocolate or Fruit?: Chocolate covere fruit

Favorite place to shop: Trouts fly shop

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite sports team: New York rangers

Hobbies: Fly fishing Hunting Golfing Camping

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Resolution.

My family includes…: My wife, Alyssa and two dogs. I am also the youngest of 5 boys. My wife has a very large family as well with 6 siblings.

Ms. Bacho joined BFA in 2026 as the Preschool Director.  She brings over 20 years of experience teaching. She loves working at BFA because the environment is so welcoming and everyone extends their support and appreciation, which she loves and is grateful for! Ms. Bacho looks forward to teaming with the school and my amazing colleagues to be innovators who cultivate growth, challenge, independence, and motivation. She looks forward to creating strong relationships with our families, students, and community as a whole, who facilitate quality learning and education.

Ms. Bacho earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Western New Mexico University with minors in Sociology and Early Childhood Education, providing a strong foundation in child development, learning, and social growth. In addition to her academic background, Ms. Bacho holds a Large Center Director Certification, Educational Coaching Certification, Adult Trainer Certification, and an Early Childhood Professional Credential – Level 6. She is passionate about creating positive learning environments, mentoring educators, and helping children build confidence and success both academically and socially.

In her personal time, Ms. Bacho prioritizes quality time with her husband and values maintaining strong mental health and balance as life changes from week to week. She enjoys escaping to the mountains whenever possible to play, reset, and explore new adventures together.

Ms. Bacho loves cooking, reading, hiking, yoga, strength training, and learning about nutrition. Her passion for health and wellness has continued to grow over the years, and she enjoys encouraging healthy habits in young learners whenever possible. She also values faith, close friendships, and building meaningful new connections while embracing new opportunities and challenges.

Birthday is May 27

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Mad Greens, Sweet Greens, Starbucks, Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Favorite Restaurant: Yum!! Anything!!

Favorite Snack Food: Chips & Salsa, Crackers & Cheese, Popcorn

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it… Inside: Coffee, cozy blanket, and reading.

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it… Inside: Reading with a cozy blanket and coffee OR organizing random things. Outside: Hiking or yoga. Even better if it’s by a lake or in the mountains!

On a bad day, these would cheer me up… Hug, coffee, active listening, quiet space, reassurance, motivation, and/or inspiration

Favorite Starbucks/Dutch Bros Drink: Starbucks (Hot) Nonfat Vanilla Latte (Cold) Any refresher

Chocolate or Fruit: I love both and can’t go wrong. I love chocolate with caramel even more (Snickers, Carmello, Twix, Lindor, Ghirardelli)

Favorite place to shop is Amazon, Target, Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, or any home decor store.

Favorite color(s) are Yellow, Coral, Sage green, Black

Favorite sports team: All Colorado sports teams

My hobbies are quality time with husband and close friends, cooking, reading, hiking, yoga, nutrition/health, and strength training.

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue(s) are: I love all of them and feel they each have deep meaning and value. I would choose: Temperance, Tranquility & Humility.

My family includes my husband and his amazing family, who live out of state.

Halsley loves being part of the Ben Franklin Academy family. She was involved with our PTO before we even broke ground on BFA. She initially served on the PTO Executive Team as the Fundraising Coordinator and then as Secretary. She joined the BFA staff in November of 2012 working as the Business Assistant. In March 2015, she moved into her current role.

She is a Colorado native and graduated from Fort Lewis College with a degree in Computer Science. Prior to BFA she worked as the Clinic/Grants & Contracts Manager at the Barbara Davis Center.