STEM Committee

Stephen serves as an at-large director on the BFA Board of Directors. He graduated from West Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a specialization in Finance. He has worked in the Technology space for multiple industries including Financial Services and Agriculture. Stephen is currently the Head of Engineering for Agribusiness and Animal Health at Telus Agriculture and Consumer Goods. Stephen and his wife Rosie moved to Colorado almost 16 years ago and spend their time volunteering and attending the multiple activities of their 4 children, Luke (8th Grade), Levi (6th Grade), Grace (1st Grade), and Lane (Preschool). They love being involved at BFA and volunteering in the classroom and on field trips. This year Stephen will serve as the Board liaison to the STEM Committee.

Warren Astler serves as the 8th-grade science teacher at Ben Franklin Academy, who is deeply passionate about science and STEM education. He brings a wealth of experience to his role, having spent 10 years as a third-grade teacher and 26 years as a middle school science and STEM instructor, including time as a STEM Director at various K-8 schools. Mr. Astler is dedicated to nurturing the curiosity and potential of his students and appreciation of science and STEM disciplines through engaging and innovative educational experiences.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Pedagogy from the University of Colorado at Denver. He is endorsed as a Secondary Science Instructor by the State of Colorado, highlighting his expertise and commitment to education.

A native of Colorado, Mr. Astler enjoys traveling, going to movies, and outdoor activities such as golfing.

His deep appreciation and enthusiasm for the wonders of science and the impact of STEM education have the goal of inspiring and empowering his students, fostering a lifelong love of learning and discovery. His passion aims to encourage them to explore and understand the world around them.

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: In and Out

Favorite Restaurant: Los Dos Potrillos, Angelos, The Melting Pot

Favorite Snack: Chocolate and peanut butter, fruits, pirates’ booty

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it watching movies, golf, concerts, comedy shows, musicals.

On a bad day, these would cheer me up: A day off, Movies, golf, concerts, comedy shows, musicals,

Favorite Starbucks/Dutch Bros: Pink drink, Red drink

Chocolate or Fruit: Both, peanut butter and milk chocolate

Favorite Place to Shop: Amazon, Extreme Terrain

Favorite Colors: Green, Blue, Black

Favorite Sports Team(s): Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Saints

Favorite BFA Virtue: Moderation and Humility

Mrs. Ferguson has been teaching 1st grade at BFA since 2018.  Before that she was a founding board member at BFA for 5 years and served as the secretary.  After her term she decided to go back to school and earned her teaching degree. Teaching is an absolute passion of Mrs. Ferguson’s!  She loves teaching children to read and seeing them grow in skill and confidence. She is so excited to be at BFA as a first grade teacher.

Mrs. Ferguson grew up in Littleton and went to Heritage High School. She is a graduate of Western Governors University where she earned her bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-6). She is a certified Orton-Gillingham instructor and tutor.  She taught piano lessons for over 20 years before going back to school.

Mrs. Ferguson is married to her wonderful husband, Henry.  They have one son (Kyle) who is attending Adams State University.  Her hobbies are baking, cake decorating, hiking, camping, really all things outdoors, and watching sports.  Her family has a rescue pup named Grizz and a golden retriever named Tulo.

Birthday: August 5

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-fil-A,  Qdoba

Favorite Restaurant: Los Dos Portillos,  Old Chicago

Favorite Snack: Sweets

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it in the mountains – drive or hike

On a bad day, these would cheer me up: Hugs and notes from students

Favorite Starbucks/Dutch Bros: Apple cider, hot chocolate

Chocolate or Fruit: Depends on the season –  I love both!

Favorite Place to Shop: Target or Amazon

Favorite Colors: Red and Blue

Favorite Sports Team(s): University of Utah, Dallas Cowboys, Colorado Mammoth, I’m ashamed to admit but the Rockies

Hobbies: baking, crafts, being outdoors, watching my son play lacrosse

Favorite BFA Virtue: Cleanliness – everything has a place

My family includes Henry (husband), Kyle (son), 2 dogs – Grizz and Tulo

Mr. Nolting received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Vermont, and his masters degree in science education from Brooklyn College where he also received his teaching certificate. Mr. Nolting is currently pursuing his doctorates in curriculum and instruction from the University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education. Mr. Nolting taught middle and high school general science, technology and biology in New York state before moving to Colorado. Mr. Nolting has a professional background in STEM education, curriculum development, special and ASD education; along with multicultural teaching practices. 

When Mr. Nolting is not at BFA or the University of Denver campus, he enjoys spending time outside, hiking, fly fishing and birding! Mr. Nolting is an avid bird nerd so feel free to ask him any bird related questions or fun facts you might know!

Birthday: 04/27

Favorite Restaurant: Shells & Sauce

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Shake Shack

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Visiting a Denver museum or exploring the outdoors!

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Friendly face and nerdy puns

Favorite Starbucks drink: Chai Latte w/ oat milk

Chocolate or Fruit?: fruit

Favorite place to shop:Sierra Trading Post

Favorite color: Green

Favorite sports team: Olympics – US

Hobbies:Birding, Fly Fishing, Photography, Hiking, Watercolor painting

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Justice

My family includes…: Partner, parents, brother and dogs!