Steffany Bacho

Preschool Director

Bio

Mrs. Bacho earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Western New Mexico University with an Associates in Sociology and Early Childhood Education, providing a strong foundation in child development, learning, and social growth. In addition to her academic background, Mrs. 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 and effective learning environments, instilling confidence and love of education in our young learners to succeed and be challenged to the best of their ability. She is also very passionate about mentoring educators who she recognizes as her team and her family, whether it be in the classroom, or on a more personal level.

In her personal time, Mrs. Bacho prioritizes quality time with her husband and values strong mental health habits while balancing all of lifes blessings week to week. She enjoys escaping to the mountains whenever possible to play, reset, and explore new adventures that are at our fingertips in breathtaking Colorado.

Mrs. Bacho loves cooking, reading, hiking, yoga, decorating, strength training, learning about nutrition and of course cheering on ANY Colorado sports team!! Personal favorite is hockey!! Go Avalanche!! Her passion for health and wellness has continued to grow over the years since going through her own health journeys only to come out on the other side by God’s grace and stronger for each one of them. She enjoys encouraging healthy habits in our young learners physically, mentally and emotionally at an age appropriate level to facilitate a healthy foundation. She deeply values her faith, close friendships and building meaningful connections while embracing new opportunities and challenges big or small!!

Favorites

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.

Ms. Aaron

Angel Aaron

Preschool Aide

Bio

Ms. Angel considers it an honor to be part of the preschool team at Ben Franklin Academy. She joined BFA during the 2025–2026 school year as the Preschool 3’s and Pre-K assistant teacher. She values the school’s positive reputation for celebrating diversity and achieving academic excellence. Ms. Angel strives to motivate and inspire children by nurturing their creativity and curiosity. She believes early education is a blend of innovative and traditional methods that help build a strong foundation for lifelong learning, combining fun with challenge to create a stimulating classroom environment.

Ms. Angel earned her master’s degree in English Literature and was inspired by her mother, who was also a teacher. She taught at colleges in India for three years before relocating to Colorado. While raising her family, she became a storyteller at her neighborhood library, which opened the door to volunteering opportunities with children. She then served as a teacher’s aide at her church’s school and was encouraged to pursue an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Arapahoe Community College.

Ms. Angel and her husband, Joshua, enjoy family life with their two sons, Shane and Allan. She finds joy in handmade crafts, yoga, reading, and dancing. Ms. Angel is excited to continue her teaching career at Ben Franklin Academy and looks forward to creating a warm, engaging environment where young children can learn and grow.

Favorites

Birthday: August 23rd

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: The Dumpling Kitchen

Favorite Restaurant: Pappadeaux  and Olive Garden

Favorite Snack: crackers of any kind

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it doing Yoga and painting..

On a bad day, these would cheer me up: Listening to Mozart or going for a nature walk.

Favorite Starbucks/Dutch Bros: I don’t drink coffee.

Chocolate or Fruit: Fresh fruit.

Favorite Place to Shop: Kohl’s and Target

Favorite Colors: Turquoise

Favorite Sports Team(s): Gymnastics from Russia.

Hobbies: Painting and reading stories to kids

Favorite BFA Virtue: Resolution and Tranquility are my favorite BFA virtues.

My family includes my husband, Joshua, our best versions, Shane and Allan, our sons, and Harry, our cat, our muse to all of us.

Ms. Eframo

Melissa Eframo

Preschool Teacher

Bio

Mrs. Eframo is so excited to be a part of the Ben Franklin Academy preschool team! She started working at BFA in 2017. She has a strong passion for working with young children and is excited to help them learn to love coming to school and succeed in the preschool classroom!

Mrs. Eframo studied Elementary Education at the University of Kansas and has worked in education off and on for over 25 years. She began her career working as a parent educator for the Parents as Teachers program in Summit County. She has been a preschool teacher, working in Head Start and Montessori classrooms. She has also worked in the kindergarten classroom as an instructional aide for several years, including at BFA.

She lives in Littleton, Colorado, with her husband, Steve.  They have  three children, Brittain is a nurse in Highlands Ranch, Christian is a freshman at Bellarmine University where he plays lacrosse, and Rowan is a sophomore at Valor.  She enjoys watching her kids play sports, traveling with her family, walking her dogs, hiking, and spending time in the beautiful outdoors of Colorado with her family.

Favorites

Birthday: Oct. 30

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: In-N-Out, Chick-fil-A

Favorite Restaurant: Los Dos Portrillos

Favorite Snack: Anything sweet

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it walking, reading a book, or watching a documentary

On a bad day, these would cheer me up: Big hugs, a sweet note

Favorite Starbucks/Dutch Bros: Iced chai latte

Chocolate or Fruit: chocolate

Favorite Place to Shop: TJ Maxx or HomeGoods

Favorite Colors: Crimson and Blue

Favorite Sports Team(s): Kansas Jayhawks

Hobbies: Walking, hiking, reading

Favorite BFA Virtue: Sincerity

My family includes my husband Steve, daughter Brittain, son Christian, and daughter Rowan

Ms. Olson

Shannon Olson

Preschool Teacher

Bio

Mrs. Olson has been teaching preschool at Ben Franklin Academy since 2010. She has always had a passion for teaching and enjoys watching the growth that happens throughout the year. Mrs. Olson looks forward to welcoming her new preschool families and helping build a strong foundation for BFA students.

She attended the University of Northern Colorado and received a degree in Social Sciences with an emphasis in Elementary Education. Having taught Pre-K, First Grade, Fifth Grade, and Sixth Grade throughout her 25-plus years of teaching, Mrs. Olson has a great understanding of the fundamentals that children need.

In her free time, Mrs. Olson loves spending time with her family. She and her husband, Chris, a high school teacher and coach, have been married for 29 years. They have two wonderful children, Kiernan, who is helping special education students meet their learning goals, and Kellen, a Senior at CU!

Favorites

 

Birthday (month/day): February 19

Favorite Restaurant: White Chocolate Grill

Favorite Fast-Food Restaurant: Kneaders/Panera

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it..:  with my family, shopping or getting my nails done 

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…:  anything from the heart 

Favorite Starbucks drink: Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Chocolate or Fruit? Chocolate

Favorite place to shop: TJ Maxx and Target

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite sports team:  Any Colorado Sports, we love sports as a family

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…):  Walking with my husband, doing crafts and baking

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Tranquility

My family includes…:  My husband Chris, My daughter Kiernan and my son Kellen

 

Alex Schafer

Preschool Aide

Bio

Mrs. Schafer joined the Ben Franklin Academy Pre-K team in 2026 She is thrilled to bring her experience and passion for working with children to BFA and looks forward to supporting our teachers, students, and their families.

Originally from England, she trained as a maternity nurse and nanny and spent 10 years working with families throughout London. She has worked in childcare and education within the Douglas County School District since 2015. 

Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, taking walks, and reading. She is excited to be part of the Ben Franklin Academy community and looks forward to a wonderful school year!Mrs. Schafer’s family includes her husband, Daniel. Together, they have two wonderful daughters.