Monte Brook

Facilities Manager

Deb Williams

Librarian

This is Deb’s fourth year at BFA, one as a fourth grade aide and three as the Librarian. She grew up in Dallas, Texas and moved here from Columbus, Ohio to be closer to her three grandchildren who have all attended BFA. She currently has one granddaughter in the 7th grade, one granddaughter that just graduated from BFA and will be attending Heritage HS and one grandson that is a Sophomore at Columbine HS. She loves animals, reading, watching the Food Network, swimming and spending time with her grandkids. Deb looks forward to another school year with all of our amazing students and staff!

Michelle Bynum

Office Manager/Volunteer Coordinator

Colleen Bobbin

Registrar

Carrie Keen

Communications Manager

Carrie is a founding family at Ben Franklin Academy and since its inception has dedicated her free time toward serving on various BFA committees including, the CEC (when it was the PAC), the PTO and as an Assistant Room Parent.  She received a BSBA with an emphasis in marketing from Saint Louis University.  Prior to moving to Colorado, Carrie spent 11 years with the Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis where she was an integral part of marketing electronic payments to financial institutions, utilities and the general public.  In addition, she created communication materials and provided training to financial institutions across the country on new Treasury software systems.  Carrie spent her last five years at the Fed working in Human Resources overseeing their Recruiting, Leaves, Payroll and Benefits programs.  Carrie enjoys spending time with family, friends and volunteering.

Jennifer Jones 

Business Assistant

Mindy Green

Receptionist

Teri DeBellis

Health Room

Becky Mullen

Receptionist

Becky is a Ben Franklin Academy founding board member and when her board term ended she wanted to remain part of the team. She now works in the front office at the front desk. Becky loves this community and enjoys the opportunity to welcome you when you arrive at BFA. Becky lives in Highlands Ranch with her husband, Rob and three kids. In her free time, you will find her hiking the Colorado trails, skiing the snowy mountains, volunteering, or laughing with friends. 

Kate Crespo

Elementary PE

Kate is excited to be starting her seventh year with BFA as a middle school Math Teacher. Kate earned her master’s degree in Education from the University of Phoenix in 2010, and received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Information Technology from New Jersey Institute of Technology in 2004, where she played basketball and soccer.

Kate has been married for twelve years, and has two children, both attend BFA.  Kate and her husband, Jose, also have two dogs named Mufasa and Nala. Kate grew up in New Jersey and feels lucky to have called Colorado home for the past twelve and a half years. Kate enjoys staying fit, taking long walks, watching and playing sports, and spending time with her family and close friends. She can’t wait to help kids have fun learning math at BFA.

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Janet Harlow

Life Skills and Middle School Math Specialist

Janet has been with Ben Franklin Academy since the first day and is happy to be back this year teaching Middle School Life Skills in the morning and working with Student Support as a Math Specialist in the afternoon. Janet enjoys teaching the middle schoolers what is necessary for success above and beyond what they learn academically. During the summers, Janet is also the Co-Director of the successful BFA Lightning Bolts Summer Camp program.  

Janet has earned her Bachelor degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and has her Masters of Education in Special Education from Grand Canyon University.  Janet is a mom of two.  Her daughter works a full-time job in Portland OR as she explores her love of art, while her son is a retired Sergeant with the United States Marine Corps who currently resides here in Colorado.  As an empty nester, Janet enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her cats, Harper and Tulo.  Janet has lived in Colorado since 2006, after many years in Texas.  Born in Wyoming, she enjoys the wide-open spaces and the mountains. She enjoys drawing, painting, and reading.  She loves watching sports: the Colorado Rockies, college football, and college basketball.  

Faculty Favorites

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Ali Hinkle

K-8 Art Teacher

Ali has been teaching for more than twenty years. She graduated from Sussex University in England with a bachelor’s degree in Art and Education and went on to teach in England, Spain and Italy for many years before coming to America in 1994. After spending a few years at home with her children, she began teaching again. She has been teaching art in Core Knowledge schools in Douglas County since 2005. She lives in Highlands Ranch with her husband, John, who is  a native Coloradan. They have two children who are busy pursuing their own careers. Their daughter is a Sargent in the Air National Guard working towards her nursing degree and their son is studying engineering at CU Boulder. She loves teaching art and is proud to have been a part of Ben Franklin Academy from the beginning. She is also excited to be able to teach at a S.T.E.A.M. school where art is considered to be an important part of a well-rounded education.

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Jaime Johnson

K-5 Music

Ms. Jaime Johnson is happy to be back as the K-8 music director at Ben Franklin Academy. She is responsible for directing all performances and after school classes as well as teaching elementary general music and middle school music and theatre electives.

Ms. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from University of Redlands and a Masters in Music Education from University of Colorado Boulder. Outside of Ben Franklin, Ms. Johnson is the music director for the theatre group Audience of One and sings with Skyline Chorus, a barbershop group. Prior to BFA, she taught band and orchestra at three Douglas County schools and K-8 general music at a charter school in Denver.

Ms. Johnson truly believes in the power of the performing arts and is thrilled BFA is a STEAM school. Her role as a music teacher is to teach skills that will help students succeed in school and in life such as working with others, listening, storytelling, speaking in front of a group, being a good audience and accepting other people’s interests. Through the arts, she has seen students come out of their shells and embrace learning.

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Beth Konesky

Middle School S.T.E.A.M.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Creighton University, more than 10 years in the computer industry as a programmer and network engineer, along with many years as a Technology Teacher, Beth has a plethora of ideas and hands-on activities to inspire and challenge students. A die-hard Broncos fan, Beth loves Colorado, the outdoors, her two teenage daughters, and learning new things!

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Craig Macias

Middle School PE & Health

I am a sixth year teacher and a graduate of Colorado State University.  My course work and life have prepared me to be an informed, dynamic, professional in the Health and Physical Education field. In high school I was on the baseball, football and tennis teams where my coaches taught me the value of hard work, dedication, being a stand up individual and many other life lessons that I hope I can pass along to my students.   I do not only teach Health and Physical Education, I also live it.  I like to think that I practice what I preach!  Some of my favorite hobbies are exercising and playing/coaching different sports.  I have coached elite youth baseball, football and golf throughout the last ten years which has helped inspire me to pursue my dream of becoming a Health and Physical Education teacher and Athletic Director.  I love to try new things and spend time with my family and friends.  Lastly I truly love and have a lot of passion for what I do.  I believe I have the best job in the world, and get up every day thankful that I get to do what I do.  I love working with all my students, and having the opportunity to teach them how to be healthy and physically fit.

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Laura Tickle

K-5 Technology

Teaching has always been a passion of Laura’s, and she loves being a member of the Ben Franklin Academy staff. Laura has taught for many years. She has taught fourth grade and currently is the K-5 Specials technology teacher. Technology is important to BFA and Laura is able to help effectively integrate technology into the hands of students at BFA.

Laura received her Bachelor’s degree in 2009 in Elementary Education from Purdue University. She has her certification in Linguistically Diverse Education from the University of Colorado at Denver, as well as a Masters in Information and Learning Technologies from the University of Colorado at Denver. Laura also received an award for ‘Outstanding Student in the Program’ at the end of her Masters program course work. This ILT program not only allowed Laura to grow with her own personal education, but it helps bring many of the latest ideas and projects related to technology into the classrooms at BFA. Laura also teaches two educational technology courses at the University of Colorado at Denver.

A Colorado native, Laura loves working out, watching football and spending time with her family.

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Emily Ward

K-5 Science Specialist

Emily is thrilled to partner again with the teachers, parents, and staff as Ben Franklin Academy’s Science Specialist. Her goal is to help students reinforce the concepts they are taught in class as well as delve deeper into the Scientific Process. Emily has been with BFA since it opened; she started at BFA as a fourth grade teacher before becoming the Science Specialist in 2014. In her free time she enjoys outdoor activities with her computer animator husband, Cliff, their independent young lady, Iris, new little miss, Cerise, and crazy mutt, Gertie. 

As our namesake, Benjamin Franklin, said, “The doors of wisdom are never shut.” Emily has always had a passion for science, which has led her to obtain her Master’s in Math and Science Curriculum Instruction. She hopes to instill this love of learning, questioning, and curiosity to the students using meaningful experiments and hands-on explorations. Emily looks forward to continue getting to know the elementary students and fostering their love of science!

Faculty Favorites

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Patricia Connell

Middle School Spanish

Sra. Connell is very proud to be part of such a great school! Even though this is her first year at Ben Franklin, this is her nineteenth year in the educational field with seven years in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and 12 years in Douglas County, Colorado.

After graduating from school in Peru with a degree in Tourism Administration, she moved to the United States where she changed her career to education to become a Spanish teacher.  Sra. Connell has taught at all levels and at all ages from Preschool to women’s college at Denver University. She attended Ashford University and also obtained an endorsement in Spanish from Metropolitan state University. She is a member of the Colorado Congress of Foreign Language Teachers.

Sra. Connell’s believes in learning through hands-on activities and lots of public speaking. She also teaches an adult Spanish class at the Littleton YMCA.

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Sarah Harrell

English Language Development Teacher

Response to Intervention Team Lead

Learning Specialist

504 Coordinator

Phone: 720-383-4519 ext. 3225

Sarah Harrell is a Colorado native and received her B.A. from the University of Colorado.  After working with students of all ages for several years in a variety of settings including residential treatment facilities and charter schools, she decided that she most enjoyed working with struggling students.  Sarah received her Literacy Intervention Specialist certificate from Colorado College in 2010.  She then received her M. Ed in Special Education and ELD endorsement in 2014. She works as one of the Learning Specialists as well as the 504 Coordinator and ELD teacher.

In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family.  She and her husband, David, have two boys, D.C. at Utah State University and Xavier at Arapahoe High School.  They enjoy movies, snowboarding, traveling, and watching the boys play sports.  Sarah also loves to read, hike, and spend time with her big extended family in Colorado.

Sarah Russell

Special Education Team Lead

Speech Language Pathologist

Sarah Russell is an accomplished Speech Language Pathologist who graduated with her Masters degree from the University of Colorado and Undergraduate degree from Miami University.  She has always wanted to work with children and help them improve their communication skills.  Sarah’s experience covers many settings including schools, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and Purdue University as an associate professor.  After taking a few years off from her career to spend time with her three amazing young children and wonderful husband. Sarah is excited to be part of the BFA team!! As a fun fact, Sarah attended school in Michigan as a child, and for 8 years wore the same plaid as the students at BFA! What a coincidence!!

Hugh Redford

School Psychologist

Jennifer Woudenberg

MS Counselor

I am the Middle School Counselor at BFA. I have been in education for over 15 years and love working with middle schoolers! I grew up in Colorado and love living here! I met my husband of 17 years in college in sunny southern CA where I was attending Chapman University. Somehow convinced the SoCal boy to move to CO to be with my family and we have been in Highlands Ranch for 16 years, raising our son and dogs! In my free time, I love spending time with my family outdoors in the mountains, going to the movies, at an Avs game, or doing anything with my son and husband!

Faculty Favorites

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Angela Bond

Gifted and Talented Specialist

Katie Murphy

Gifted and Talented Specialist

Katie completed her 19th year of teaching this past year. She has worked with students in grades three through five for the majority of her career and taught fifth grade for thirteen years. This upcoming year will be her sixth year as the Gifted and Talented Eduction Specialist at Ben Franklin Academy.  Teaching is her passion, and she loves every minute she gets to spend with students helping them meet their academic potential.

Katie has a Bachelor’s degree in Painting from the University of Missouri Kansas City, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver, a Master of Science in Special Education from Western Governor’s University, and her Gifted and Talented Specialist endorsement from Regis University.

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Katie moved to Colorado in 1999. She lives with her husband, Patrick, their three children, Lillia (11th grade), Aidan (8th grade) and Charlie (5th grade), and their dog, Stella,  in Castle Pines. Katie spends most of her free time keeping up with her very active children. She also loves to spend time knee deep in a great book or walking her dog on the beautiful trails throughout Colorado. Katie and her husband also enjoy gardening–she takes care of the flowers and he’s in charge of the vegetables.  As a family, they enjoy being outdoors, family game and movie nights, trips to the mountains, skiing, and visiting her family in Wisconsin.

Faculty Favorites

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Becky Archunde

Occupational Therapist

Courtney Young

Speech Language Pathology Aide

My name is Courtney Young, and I’m excited to be a part of the BFA team this year! I finished my leveling certificate in speech-language and hearing science and completed my SLPA internship from Metropolitan State University in May of 2018. While I’m working as an assistant to Sarah Russell, BFA’s speech-language pathologist, I will also be taking online courses at the University of Northern Colorado to receive my Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology. When I’m done with my degree, I would love to work as either a school-based speech therapist and/or provide in-home intervention for young children with communication disorders.

I live in Parker with my husband, Chris, and our two energetic daughters – Sophie (age 9) and Aria (age 7). Our children attend Global Village Academy in Parker where the classes are taught in English and Spanish. I used to be a teacher of English as a Second Language to refugees and asylum seekers – in the USA and abroad- so travel and learning about different languages and cultures are my life-long passions. I also LOVE to garden and spend time outdoors with my family.

Stephanie Leonard

MS Student Support Specialist

Stephanie is very excited to be a part of the Ben Franklin Academy team as the Middle School Special Education Learning Specialist this year! Stephanie graduated from Gonzaga University with a Bachelors in Special Education and an endorsement in Elementary Education. She has lots of background in the special needs field with numerous years of being a camp counselor for individuals with special needs, tutoring students with autism, and teaching for two years prior in different school districts. Stephanie loves working with kids especially in the special education field as they have always had a special place in her heart. She believes that her kiddos have a lot to offer in the world and that it is her job to understand the way they learn. Stephanie LOVES her Zags, especially during March Madness time! She enjoys the mountains, being outside, music, going to farmers markets and exploring all that Colorado has to offer. Additionally, Stephanie is a spin instructor and absolutely loves it! Stephanie has a golden-doodle fur baby named Yankee that she loves spending her free time playing with and walking. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially her 90 year old grandma, who is near and dear to her heart. 

Ellen Cain

Literacy Interventionist

READ Act Coordinator

This past school year Ellen completed her tenth year working with elementary-aged students in the Douglas County Charter School system. Prior to her Charter School experience, Ellen began her career working for a major test-prep company, where she prepared students for college, grad school, and medical licensure.  When not on the sidelines watching her kids play sports, Ellen can be found hiking, biking, snowboarding, or READing!

Paulette Graves

Literacy Specialist

Mrs. Graves was an Elementary Education Teacher for 17 years in Michigan. She has a B.S. Michigan State University and her masters from Oakland University. She has experience in most elementary grades; she taught second, third, and fourth grades primarily and one year of kindergarten. Her hobbies include needlework, golf and watercolor painting.

Lauren Preciado

Student Support Aide

Janet Harlow

Life Skills and Middle School Math Specialist

Janet has been with Ben Franklin Academy since the first day and is happy to be back this year teaching Middle School Life Skills in the morning and working with Student Support as a Math Specialist in the afternoon. Janet enjoys teaching the middle schoolers what is necessary for success above and beyond what they learn academically. During the summers, Janet is also the Co-Director of the successful BFA Lightning Bolts Summer Camp program.  

Janet has earned her Bachelor degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and has her Masters of Education in Special Education from Grand Canyon University.  Janet is a mom of two.  Her daughter works a full-time job in Portland OR as she explores her love of art, while her son is a retired Sergeant with the United States Marine Corps who currently resides here in Colorado.  As an empty nester, Janet enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her cats, Harper and Tulo.  Janet has lived in Colorado since 2006, after many years in Texas.  Born in Wyoming, she enjoys the wide-open spaces and the mountains. She enjoys drawing, painting, and reading.  She loves watching sports: the Colorado Rockies, college football, and college basketball.  

Faculty Favorites

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Tracy Pierce

Second Step Coordinator

Tracy is thrilled to join the eighth grade team for her third year at Ben Franklin Academy.  Tracy earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in both Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin and a Master’s Degree in Education from University of Colorado at Boulder. 

Tracy grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, visiting Colorado often, and finally moving to Denver after college.  She has a wide variety of teaching experience that ranges from traditional classrooms to directing an overnight camp to homeschooling her own children in an RV for seven months while traveling the country.  

Faculty Favorites

Jackie Losasso

Special Education Paraprofessional

Jackie has worked as an ISS para for several years in Douglas county.  She received her college degree from University of Northern Colorado.  She has worked with various special needs populations over the past 30 years.  Jackie lives in Highland Ranch with her husband and her dog Layla.  She has two adult children, a son and a daughter.  Jackie calls herself an energizer bunny; she enjoys yoga, weight lifting, and speed walking.  She has a unique passion for working with students, and receives tremendous joy from working with BFA students.

Michelle Ziegler

Student Support