Pick a Group

Preschool

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Lori Hafner

Preschool Director

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I am delighted to be the Preschool Director and part of an incredible preschool team here at Ben Franklin Academy. I believe that early learning is a great way to build the foundation of a child’s future by providing opportunities for development and growth. I encourage positive interactions and relationships with the parents and the children by providing all families with attention, acceptance, and affection.

“What did I want to be when I grew up?” The question we ask our little ones at the end of every school year at the age of 5! I can say that I have already known for as long as I can remember that I wanted to be a teacher. I followed my dream and completed a degree in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood emphasis. My first teaching job took me on an adventure to Nevada, and after getting married, I moved to California and taught for another two years. Wanting to move closer back to home brought us to Colorado. I began an in-home licensed childcare business, so I could be home with my children and still be able to do what I love. After 23 years, I retired from childcare and desired to get back into the school setting. I was excited to step back into the classroom and begin teaching at Ben Franklin and then stepping into the Director’s role in

I was born and raised in North Dakota; I now consider Colorado my home as I have lived here for 28 years. I love it in Colorado as my husband, Adrian, and I have raised all three of our children here. My oldest daughter, Shelby, and son Sheldon are both in the real working world. My youngest, Shantell, is attending the University of Northern Colorado to pursue a teaching degree.

I am looking forward to another great school year to meet new families and welcome our returning families back for another fantastic year!

Favorites

Birthday (month/day): July 25

Favorite Restaurant: Red Lobster

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Jersey Mike’s or Pei Wei

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it..:  watching Hallmark or getting a pedicure

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…:  a hug and kind words 

Favorite Starbucks drink: Ice Chai Tea

Chocolate or Fruit?: Chocolate and Fruit

Favorite place to shop: Hobby Lobby and Amazon

Favorite color: Red

Favorite sports team:  Minnesota Vikings and Denver Nuggets

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…):  Crafts

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Tranquility

My family includes…:  My husband Adrian, My daughters Shelby and Shantell and my son Sheldon

Ms. Eframo

Melissa Eframo

Preschool Teacher

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Melissa is so excited to be a part of the Ben Franklin Academy preschool team!  She lives in Littleton, Colorado with her husband Steve, and their 3 children, Brittain (22), Christian (14), and Rowan (11).  She enjoys watching her kids play sports, traveling with her family for her son’s lacrosse tournaments, walking her dogs, hiking, skiing, and spending time in the beautiful outdoors of Colorado with her family. She studied Elementary Education at the University of Kansas and has been in the education field off and on for over 20 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 4 years at BFA. She has such a strong passion for working with young children and is so excited to be involved in helping children succeed in the preschool classroom!

Favorites

Birthday (month/day): 10/30

Favorite Restaurant: Smokin Fins/Los Dos Potrillos

Favorite Fast-Food Restaurant: In N Out

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: probably cleaning the house and grocery shopping, but I would much rather do anything outside if the weather is nice.

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: kind words and lots of love.

Favorite Starbucks drink: Iced chai latte

Chocolate or Fruit? Love both!

Favorite place to shop: Target, TJ Maxx, Inspyre

Favorite color: Crimson and Blue

Favorite sports team: Kansas Jayhawks

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): Swimming, skiing, watching my kids in their sports, traveling, walking

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Humility

My family includes…: Husband, Steve, Daughters, Brittain and Rowan and son, Christian

 

Staff Photo

Amy Jones

Preschool Aide

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Amy is so excited to be joining the preschool staff at Ben Franklin Academy! Amy holds a BA in Communication from the University of Colorado. Having spent the last ten years volunteering at her kids’ school, and loving it, she decided to pursue a career in the classroom. Amy has been married to her husband Chris for 16 years and have three wonderful children together. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, crafting, and spending time with her family. She is looking forward to helping kids grow academically, socially, and emotionally!

Favorites

March 3

Cuba Cuba or anywhere with good sushi

Chick-Fil-A

With my family cuddling up and watching movies

Hugs and kind words

Coffee Frappuccino

Both, but not together

Target

Green

Denver Broncos

Crafts, cooking, reading, and being outdoors

Sincerity

My husband Chris and our three kids; Olivia, Landen and Isla

Ms. Olson

Shannon Olson

Preschool Teacher

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Shannon is excited to be teaching preschool for her 13th year at Ben Franklin Academy. Shannon went to 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 20 plus years of teaching Shannon has a great understanding of the fundamentals that kids need.  Shannon has always had a passion for teaching and enjoys watching the growth that happens in a year.  

In her free time Shannon loves spending time with her family.  Shannon and her husband, Chris, a high school teacher and coach, have been married for 26 years.  They have two wonderful kids, Kiernan, a 22-year-old senior at UNC, and Kellen, a 19-year-old Freshman at CU!  

Shannon looks forward to welcoming her new Preschool families and helping to build a foundation for BFA students.

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

 

Kindergarten

Michelle Bynum

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Faculty Favorites
Ms. Adrian

Shalane Adrian

Kindergarten Aide

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Faculty Favorites

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Shalane is excited to be a part of the Ben Franklin Academy Team as an Instructional Aide!

Ms. Arnold

Kristin Arnold

Kindergarten

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I am originally from Minnesota and my husband and I moved to Colorado for the scenic landscape and our love for skiing, hiking, and biking. We have two adult daughters that we love to travel with and this year will mark our 25th year in Colorado.  

While attending college in MN, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health Education & Corporate Fitness and after moving to CO, I attended CSU and earned a Master’s in Education and Human Resource Studies. Throughout my professional career, there has always been a “teaching” component to my work so as my own children grew older and more independent, I took the opportunity to step into the role of substitute teacher at BFA. After completing an alternative teaching licensure program, I taught fourth grade for four years and this year will be my second year teaching kindergarten and I love it! Teaching students to read has quickly become a passion of mine. It is goi

Favorites

Birthday (month/day): May 19th

Favorite Restaurant:  PF Changs

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant:  Torchy’s Tacos

Favorite Snack Food: popcorn

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Outside hiking or biking

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: peanut butter m&m’s

Favorite Starbucks drink: Iced non-fat latte or  hot non-fat cappuccino

Chocolate or Fruit?: chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Target

Favorite color:  Green and Blue

Favorite sports team:  US Women’s National Soccer Team

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): biking, hiking, pilates

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity

My family includes…: My husband Ed and our daughters Sara and Anna.

Ms. Bauer

Brenda Bauer

Kindergarten

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Bio

Brenda has been teaching for more than 18 years.  She did her undergraduate work at the University of Arizona and received a BA Exercise Sports Science.  She received her Masters in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University.  She has taught Physical Education at the middle school and elementary level most of her career.  She was so excited to have the opportunity to help open BFA and create the Physical Education program.  

Brenda is a Colorado native and loves all of the active opportunities Colorado provides.  Brenda lives with her Husband and 2 daughters in Castle Rock.  Her oldest daughter, Brianna, will be in her 2nd year of Law School at Pepperdine University.  Her youngest daughter, Kaylyn, will be a Junior at San Diego State University.

Brenda loves the BFA community and teaching at a STEAM school where all students are provided with a well-rounded education!

Favorites

Birthday (month/day): August 27

Favorite Restaurant: Hacienda Colorado

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Qdoba

Favorite Snack Food: chips and guac

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Getting a massage or a pedicure.  Hiking.

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Hugs from my students (will we be able to do this again?)

Favorite Starbucks drink: skinny vanilla latte

Chocolate or Fruit?: Fruit

Favorite place to shop: TJ Maxx

Favorite color: white

Favorite sports team: Broncos

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): Hiking, traveling

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Tranquility

My family includes…: Husband Dustin, Daughters Brianna and Kaylyn

Ms. DePasse

Julie DePasse

Kindergarten

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Julie DePasse began her career after graduating from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude, and she has held a professional teaching license ever since. She first taught in Littleton Public Schools for three years; she then stayed home for several years to raise her two sons. She went on to teach for four years at a private school in Colorado Springs and then taught fourth grade at Monument Academy Charter School- that was where she was introduced to the Core Knowledge Sequence. She still loves the high level, spiraling content of this curriculum which is also used at Ben Franklin Academy. After arriving at BFA in 2014, Julie taught first grade for three years before moving to kindergarten and has taught her sweet BFA kindies for five years and counting! She enjoys being at BFA where the curriculum is packed with exciting topics to study, including lots of math, history, and science! 

Julie grew up in Littleton, where she discovered her love of reading and learning. She believes that reading helps people see the world from a whole different window! She has recently completed several reading classes including the Comprehensive Orton Gillingham Plus training which targets a multisensory approach to reading instruction as well as the Orton Gillingham Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension course. She has previously completed the Wilson Foundations Language training, and other classes targeting the development and enhancement of early literacy skills. In 2023, Julie also completed the Alert Program for Self Regulation, a sensory integration program that aims to help students maintain an optimal state of alertness for attending, learning, and concentrating in classrooms. She continually strives to implement best practice in the classroom applying her hundreds of hours of continuing education credits and is proud to work at a school which enthusiastically supports the growth of teachers.

Julie also loves reading on a personal level and is a part of a book club. She hopes to share her love of reading and learning with her students. She also likes watching movies, gaming, walking her goldendoodles (Dougal and Daisy) on the High Line Canal Trail. Her two awesome sons are now grown and married, so she gets to enjoy having two wonderful daughters-in-law in the family these days as well.

Mrs. DePasse is looking forward to working with you to create an electrifying year for our BFA kiddos. GO BOLTS!

Favorites

Birthday: April 27

Favorite Restaurant: Los Dos Potrillos

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-fil-A

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Reading, Gaming, Organizing

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Flair Pens, Starbucks, Hugs

Favorite Starbucks drink: Chai Tea Latte or Skinny Vanilla Latte

Chocolate or Fruit?: Chocolate and Nuts

Favorite place to shop: Target

Favorite color: Colorful! I love lots of color.

Favorite sports team: Broncos

Hobbies: Reading (Historical Fiction), Gaming, Painting, Walking

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity

My family includes…: Husband, two grown/married sons, two goldendoodles- Dougal and Daisy

Ms. Ladner

Julie Ladner

Specials AM Aide, Kindie PM Aide

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Julie is so excited to be a part of the BFA team!! She lives in Highlands Ranch with her son Kaiden who attends BFA. She is a Louisiana/ Mississippi Gulf Coast native and has been in Colorado since 2005. She loves hanging out with her son, going to movies, shopping,organizing, and just being home!

Favorites

Birthday: 09/25

Favorite Restaurant: Los DosFavorite

Fast Food Restaurant: Chic-fil-A

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Shopping or staying home watching a movie!

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Hugs, kind notes, candles

Favorite Starbucks drink: Black tea lemonade, caramel macchiato

Chocolate or Fruit?: Fruit

Favorite place to shop:Target and TJ Maxx

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite sports team: Saints

Hobbies: Cleaning, swimming, photography

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity, Justice, and Tranquility

My family includes…: My son, Kaiden and myself

Ms. McGinty

Candace McGinty

Kindergarten

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Candace has been teaching for 17 years. Candace received her Bachelor’s of Science in Education from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. Candace taught third grade in Clyde, Texas. She later moved to Aurora, Colorado, to teach first, second, and third grades. In 1993, Candace had her first child and decided to be a stay-at-home mom. She went back to teaching after raising her children. 

Candace earned a Master’s degree in Reading and an endorsement as a reading specialist at Regis University. She uses it to reinforce literacy for her Kindergarten students. Candace has been teaching first grade and kindergarten at Ben Franklin Academy for 11 years.  She truly loves the students and families at BFA. She is heavily invested in the Core Knowledge curriculum, given that her own two children attended a Core Knowledge charter school. 

Candace lives in Highlands Ranch with her husband Scott of 36 years and two cute wiener dogs named Dot and Dash. She has a son, Preston, who is a psychiatric nurse, and a daughter, Monica, who is also a kindergarten teacher.  She enjoys traveling, reading and crafting in her spare time.

Candace truly loves the BFA community and can’t wait to meet her new class of Kindergarteners!

Favorites

Birthday: May 9

Favorite Restaurant: Lost Dos Potrillos

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-fil-A

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: reading, snuggling with my dogs, and binging Netflix

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: colorful school supplies, a chai tea, a sweet note from a kindie

Favorite Starbucks drink: Carmel macchiato (hot or cold)

Chocolate or Fruit?: chocolate

Favorite place to shop: TJ Maxx

Favorite color: pink

Favorite sports team: Broncos

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): reading, hiking (sort of) 

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: sincerity

My family includes…: Husband Scott, son Preston (30) , daughter Monica (29), dogs Dot & Dash (wienie dogs)

Ms. Murray

Kayla Murray

Kindergarten

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Bio

Kayla will be beginning her 16th year of teaching kindergarten this year. A Colorado native, she attended schools in the Douglas County School District. She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Elementary Education where she played for the women’s soccer team for four years on an athletic scholarship. She received her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix.

She lives in Lakewood with her husband Jay, her son Joel, daughter Blair, and two dogs. Two kids keep her very busy at home, but she loves every minute of it. Kayla enjoys spending time with family, watching her son and daughter grow each day, running, traveling, playing soccer, and watching movies. She has been teaching at Ben Franklin Academy since it opened and she feels so fortunate to be a part of the BFA family. She is looking forward to another great year!

Favorites

Birthday (month/day):  8/28

Favorite Restaurant: Teller’s Taproom & Kitchen

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chipotle

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it: Going to breakfast

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Starbucks

Favorite Starbucks drink: Unsweetened iced green tea, Chai Tea Latte(hot or cold), Skinny Vanilla Latte

Chocolate or Fruit?: Twix, Kit-Kat

Favorite place to shop: Amazon, Target, Old Navy

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite sports team: Broncos, Rapids

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): Shopping, coffee, running

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Tranquility – Keep yourself from reacting poorly to others. People are not perfect and the world is not fair. Learn to deal with both despite imperfections. Be patient.

My family includes…: Husband Jay, Son Joel, Daughter Blair, Dog Jax

1st Grade

Ms. Crowe

Erin Crowe

1st Grade Teacher

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Bio

Erin is originally from Houston, Texas. She has a B.S. in Elementary Education from Abilene Christian University and has been teaching for eight years. In addition, she has training and experience with English language learners, gifted and talented, and students with dyslexia. 
 
She relocated from Texas to Colorado in 2014. She is married, a mom to three BFA students, and their Boxer, Luna. In her free time she loves spending time in the garden, listening to audiobooks, and being with her family. 
 
Mrs. Crowe is so excited to teach first grade! This will be her second year teaching at BFA. She truly enjoys each day with her students and feels so fortunate to have a job that she absolutely loves. Each new year brings challenges, rewards, and opportunities and Erin looks forward to meeting her new class of first graders. 

Favorites

Snooze, or anywhere with a good brunch!

Mad Greens or Chick-fil-A

Having breakfast with a friend or spending time with my family

Chick-fil-A lemonade, Starbucks, fresh flowers, or a note of encouragement

Hot or Iced Chai Tea Latte

Chocolate

Target

Green

Houston Astros or any of my kids’ teams!

Listening to audiobooks, gardening/plants, crafting

Sincerity

Loren (my husband), Olivia, Penny, and Dominik (my kids), Luna (our Boxer), and Cocoa and Cinnamon Roll (our guinea pigs)

Ms. Ferguson

Staci Ferguson

1st Grade Teacher, STEM Committee Liaison

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Bio

This will be Staci’s 7th year teaching 1st grade.  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. 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.

Staci grew up in Littleton and went to Heritage High School. She taught piano lessons for over 20 years before going back to school.

Staci is married to her wonderful husband, Henry.  They have one son (Kyle) who is a freshman at Adams State University and is playing lacrosse.  Staci’s hobbies are baking, cake decorating, hiking, camping, really all things outdoors, and watching sports.  Her family has a rescue pup, Grizz, who is 11.

Teaching is an absolute passion of Staci’s!  She loves teaching children to read and seeing them grow in skill and confidence. Staci is so excited to be at BFA as a first grade teacher!

Favorites

Birthday (month/day): August 5th

Favorite Restaurant: Los Dos Potrillos, Kneaders

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-Fil-A, Qudoba

Favorite Snack Food: Candy and cookies

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: with my family in the outdoors or watching movies

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: hugs and notes from students, I also love pineapples (to eat and decorate), Frank Sinatra, and diet Dr. Pepper.

Favorite Starbucks drink: Lemonade or Carmel Apple Cider (depending on the weather)

Chocolate or Fruit?: I love them both, but not dark chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Target and Amazon

Favorite color: Red and Blue

Favorite sports team: University of Utah and Dallas Cowboys

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): watching my son play lacrosse, baking, hiking, camping.

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Silence

My family includes…: Henry (husband), Kyle (son – Freshman at Thunderridge), and Grizz (dog)

 

Alyson Henbest

1st Grade Aide

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Alyson graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities as well as a Masters of Arts in Teaching. She taught Kindergarten and First Grade in Texas, Michigan, and Tennessee before stepping out of the classroom to start their family. Now a mom of four (two BFA graduates now at Mountain Vista High School, two boys still at BFA) and after working at her church’s preschool for the past few years, Alyson is thrilled to be working at her kiddos’ much loved school! Having relocated here in 2013, exploring this beautiful state, spending time with her husband of 20 years and family (mostly in ice rinks during hockey season), reading biographies and historical fiction, and taking walks/hikes have become her favorite pastimes. She believes every child can learn and excel when they have at least one caring adult in their life. She is looking forward to working with the students and teachers at BFA this year as a First Grade instructional aide!

Favorites

Birthday: October 13th

Favorite Restaurant: anything Mexican!

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-fil-A

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: reading outside on our back deck with a drink and charcuterie board!

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: a hug, a smile, a kind word, and chocolate chip cookies!

Favorite Starbucks drink: No SB! CFA Lemonade or Sweet Tea for me!

Chocolate or Fruit?: Chocolate with almonds/toffee/caramel

Favorite place to shop: Container Store, Eddie Bauer, Loft

Favorite color: Turquoise

Favorite sports team: Any team my kiddos play on!

Hobbies: reading, taking walks & hikes, traveling, baking, paper crafting, volunteering, playing board games & card games with my family

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Top 3: Sincerity, Humility, and Order

My family includes…: My husband of 20 years, Heath, and our four kiddos, Sawyer, Laurel, Tanner, and Wyatt

Ms. Hurd

Mika Hurd

1st Grade Aide

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Ms. Knight

Jackie Knight

1st Grade Teacher

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Bio

Jackie is a Colorado native and grew up in Littleton. She graduated from CU Boulder with her psychology degree and elementary teaching certificate. Since then, Jackie has gone on to pursue her master’s in education, taking graduate-level education courses in school counseling and literacy instruction. She has taught for thirteen years—seven years as an elementary school teacher and six years running a licensed in-home preschool.

When not teaching, Jackie loves spending time with her family, including her husband Kyle, her son Austin who will be in second grade at BFA; her two-year-old daughter Caroline; and their dog Faith. Jackie and her family love spending time at the pool, visiting new playgrounds, hiking, and attending Austin’s sporting events. They are also huge Disney fans and save for trips to Disneyland every chance they get!

Jackie is eager and excited to teach first grade, meet her new students, and partner with their wonderful families. Her favorite aspect of teaching is getting to know each student individually and pointing out their strengths while encouraging them to challenge themselves and make new goals.

Favorites

Birthday (month/day):  June 17th

Favorite Restaurant:  Smokin’ Fins or Los Dos Potrillo’s 

Favorite Fast-Food Restaurants: Chick Fila or Chipotle 

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: With my family outside exploring or having coffee or sushi with a good friend. 

On a bad day, these would cheer me up:  kind words of encouragement or a warm coffee.

Favorite Starbucks drink: Regular coffee with cream or a Chai tea latte extra hot!

Chocolate or Fruit?:  Chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Amazon or TJ Max

Favorite color: Turquoise or  any shade of blue

Favorite sports team:  I love all Colorado teams (except for the Rams), but the Colorado Avalanche has my heart.

Hobbies: I like spending time with family and friends and listening to others when they are struggling. I stay busy with church activities. I also love being active outside- playing sports, hiking, swimming, attending my kid’s sporting events, and cheering on the sidelines. Lastly, I love learning and being a student myself. 

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity and Tranquility  

My family includes…:  My husband Kyle, seven-year-old son Austin, two-year-old daughter Caroline, and puppy Faith.

Ms. Lukasiewicz

Jenna Lukasiewicz

1st Grade Teacher

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Bio

Jenna has been teaching for over 4 years. She is a Colorado State graduate (go Rams!) and is licensed in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. She has taught Kindergarten, 3rd grade, 1st grade and reading intervention. Growing up with seven siblings (4 brothers and 3 sisters), Jenna considers her classroom an extension of her family. She has a high expectation for her students, believing they have the capability to encourage and challenge each other. Through a formative year, she loves seeing their character develop as they learn and grow academically. In her free time, you would most likely find Jenna hanging out with her family. She loves a good laugh and breaking out her dance moves when a good song comes on. Jenna is a Colorado native and enjoys all things outdoors: hiking, fishing, kayaking, camping, and backpacking. Jenna is excited to be continuing at BFA as a first grade teacher!

Favorites

July 15

Postino

Chick-fil-A

with a good book or enjoying any activity in the Colorado sunshine.

A Snicker’s bar, hot coffee, or a good laugh!

hot coffee or sweet cream cold brew

Chocolate

Target and Trader Joe’s

Green

Broncos, Avalanche, and Rockies.

hiking, kayaking, reading, and board/card games

Sincerity

a wonderful set of parents, three sisters, and four brothers.

2nd Grade

Ms. Hildebrand

Erica Hildebrand

2nd Grade Teacher

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Bio

Erica is excited to begin her eleventh year teaching Second Grade at Ben Franklin Academy!  She has worked as a classroom teacher for 18 years and as a Literacy Specialist for 5 years.  Erica graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a BA in English/Elementary Education.  She also earned a M.Ed in Reading/Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University.  In her spare time, Erica enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, cooking and spending time with her husband, three children and two dogs.

Favorites

Birthday : January 24

Favorite Restaurant: Los Dos Patrillos, Seasons 52, White Chocolate Grill, Ocean Prime

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Mad Greens, Chik-Fil-A

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Relaxing at home reading and watching movies, getting my nails done or getting a massage. 

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Positive emails and notes from students, coffee.

Favorite Starbucks drink: Unsweetened iced green tea, unsweetened iced black tea, iced almond milk matcha latte, hot peach tranquility tea. 

Chocolate or Fruit?: Chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Target, Old Navy, Nordstrom, Anthropologie

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite sports team: KU Jayhawks, UNC Bears, Nuggets, Broncos and Rockies.

Hobbies: Cooking and reading

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Silence

My family includes…: My husband and 3 children.  

Ms. McElroy

Alice McElroy

2nd Grade Teacher

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Bio

Alice is an open minded, hardworking, and creative individual. Alice was born and raised in Ireland and is very proud to be Irish. She moved to Colorado in 2023 from Milan, Italy,  with her boyfriend Alex, who is a professor at UCCS and financial advisor at Maia Wealth. Alice has a global perspective on education and has taught in various countries including Ireland, Fiji, Germany, Italy and now the US. Throughout her career, Alice has had multiple roles as an educator, including class teacher, bilingual school teacher, special educational needs intervention teacher, art and design teacher, and whole-school ECO coordinator. Alice has also guest lectured in a university in Ireland about how to foster creativity in the classroom.

Alice has a first-class honors bachelor’s degree in Primary Education from St. Mary’s University College, Belfast with a double degree specialism in art and design and special educational needs. Alice graduated top of her cohort and has written two pieces of educational research in Northern Ireland. As an educator with a combined specialism in Art and Design and Special Educational Needs, Alice believes it is crucial that children are provided with opportunities to freely express themselves, create, explore, invent and discover. Alice plans child-led lessons and encourages students to take ownership and responsibility of their learning.

As she enters her 7th year of teaching elementary, Alice is excited to continue exploring, playing and helping each child embrace their unique talents. Alice’s classroom is energetic, curious and happy. In her free time, Alice loves spending time in nature or at home painting. She is an avid skier and hiker and can be found in the mountains most weekends. 

Favorites

Birthday: March 13

Favorite Restaurant: Torchy’s 

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Mad Greens 

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: getting a pedicure and reading a book

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: plants or Eileen’s cookies

Favorite Starbucks drink: iced shaken espresso 

Chocolate or Fruit?: fruit

Favorite place to shop: Nordstrom

Favorite color: pink and green

Favorite sports team: AC Milan

Hobbies: Skiing, hiking, painting, reading 

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity – as long as you’re kind, you can go anywhere! 

My family includes…: My boyfriend Alex, and my class pets. I have a hedgehog called Pickles, and an axolotl called Mochi!

Ms. Meister

Larissa Meister

2nd Grade Aide

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Bio

Larissa Meister has worked as a first and second grade teacher. After taking a pause from teaching to raise her family, she is very excited to return to the classroom as a second grade instructional aide. She is married to a wonderful husband, Chip and her three children, Landon, Emily and Owen attend BFA. She enjoys all things outdoors, especially hiking and spends her spare time driving her kids around to various sporting activities.

Ms. Melka

Holly Melka

2nd Grade AM Aide

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Bio

Holly is an Instructional Assistant for 2nd grade. She has been with BFA since 2015. She is a Colorado native. She graduated from Metro State University with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. She has been married for 25 years and has 3 kids all in their 20’s.
She enjoys reading, baking, spending time with family, taking walks, photography and home decorating projects.

Bio

Birthday: October 2

 
Favorite Restaurant: Cheesecake Factory, Buffalo Wild Wings
 
Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-fil-A, Teriyaki Madness
 
If I had an unexpected day off I would spend it…. with family.
 
On a bad day, these would cheer me up…flowers.
 
Favorite Starbucks drink: Vanilla Latte- hot or cold 
 
Chocolate or Fruit: both
 
Favorite place to shop: Target, Amazon, Home Goods
 
Favorite color: blue
 
Favorite sports team: Broncos and Rockies
 
Hobbies: reading, baking, home projects, photography, gardening. 
 
Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity 
 
My family includes: my husband, 3 kids and a golden retriever.

Michelle Stucki

2nd Grade Teacher

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Bio

Mrs. Stucki is entering her seventh year of teaching and is thrilled to join the BFA community. Her diverse teaching background includes experience in second and third grade classrooms, as well as science instruction. Additionally, she successfully ran an in-home preschool for two years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Sociology from California State University San Marcos in San Diego, and later obtained her teaching credential, with a Bilingual Clad Certification from Chapman University.

Originally from California, Mrs. Stucki relocated to Colorado in the summer of 2023 with her husband, Clint, and their son, Taj, who will be a third grader at BFA. She also has a daughter who is an esthetician in Utah, where her husband is a senior at Utah Valley University. Her family includes three other sons—two currently attending Utah Valley University and one at BYU—and a newly welcomed daughter-in-law.

In her free time, Mrs. Stucki enjoys shopping, taking walks, and spending time at the beach, but most of all, she cherishes time with her family. As an educator, she is passionate about creating a classroom environment where students develop a love for learning and build confidence in themselves. She firmly believes that when a child feels they are believed in, they can thrive—both academically and behaviorally. Mrs. Stucki is eager to meet her incoming second graders and looks forward to beginning this new chapter at Ben Franklin Academy.

Favorites

January 15

Cheesecake Factory

Cafe Rio, Sweetgreens

Shopping, sitting by the pool or going to the beach

A fountain Diet Coke

None

Fruit, but I do like dark chocolate

Nordstrom, Zara, Target

Pink

SD Padres

Shopping, walking, playing games with my family.

Humility

My Husband – Clint Son- Zane Daughter in Law- Gabby Daughter- Logan Son in Law- Jordy Son- Thor Son- Reid Son- Taj

Kelly Whelan

2nd Grade Teacher

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Website

Bio

Kelly is extremely excited to be teaching at Ben Franklin Academy as she continues her teaching career.  In 2011 she received her bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science with an Elementary Education license from Metropolitan State College of Denver. In 2014 she received her Masters in Special Education from Grand Canyon University and is currently working towards her ASL certification.  Kelly was born and raised in Colorado and is following in her mother’s footsteps (a second grade teacher for many years).  In her free time, Kelly enjoys snowboarding, hiking, dancing, snowshoeing and water skiing. She is also a Zumba instructor 2 days a week on the side.

 

Bio

Birthday (month/day): March 5

Favorite Restaurant: Olive Garden

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Subway

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Sun tanning 🙂 or skiing 

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: candy, lots of candy 

Favorite Starbucks drink: Peppermint Mocha

Chocolate or Fruit?: both

Favorite place to shop: express and athleta 

Favorite color: pink

Favorite sports team: mammoth

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): skiing, boating, scrapbooking

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: humility 

My family includes…: just me

 

3rd Grade

Amayawood

Mika AmayaWood

3rd Grade Teacher

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Website

Bio

 

Ms. AmayaWood grew up in the charming town of Sonora, California, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, where her love for nature and community began. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Education and Community Outreach from California State University, Monterey Bay—just steps from the stunning Central Coast.

With a strong foundation in both classroom and outdoor education, Ms. Amayawood brings a passion for student growth, connection, and curiosity to every learning environment. She has spent the past two years teaching 5th grade in Castle Rock and her background includes several years of hands-on experience with youth in nature-based programs. She has worked with Avid4 Adventure, leading children through hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding activities across the Denver area. As well as each summer she returns to Camp Serendipity, a farm camp for kids in Kiowa, where she creates joyful and memorable experiences for campers.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. AmayaWood lives in Castle Pines, Colorado, with her boyfriend, Paris, and their beloved black cat, Bear. She enjoys exploring new places, whether that means hiking local trails or heading off on weekend adventures. As a lifelong animal lover, she has a soft spot for pandas and proudly owns a collection of more than 50 panda-themed treasures. Ms. AmayaWood is committed to creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where all students feel empowered to learn, grow, and be themselves.

Favorites

January 26

Los Dos Potrillos

Chick-fil-a

Hiking in nature

My boyfriend, BFF, mom and my cat Bear

London Fog with Almond milk

Dark Chocolate with almonds

Good Will

Olive green

Green Bay Packers

Hiking, biking, knitting, baking and reading/listening to podcasts

Sincerity

Mom, older brother, younger brother and sister. Dad, step mom, four step sisters

Ms. Dunn

Lyndell Dunn

3rd Grade

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Website

Bio

Mrs. Dunn is thrilled to continue as a part of the BFA family, where she has been teaching 5th grade since January of 2015.  Prior to that, she taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grades in California and Utah.  She holds a BS in Elementary Education (cum laude) from BYU, and a MS in Mathematics Education, K-6.  She is adored by her dog, her four children, and her husband of more than 20 years.  Mrs. Dunn doesn’t get around to participating in sports as much as she once did, but still enjoys taking long walks and spectating at each of her children’s games, shows, dances and events.  People are surprised to learn that she speaks fluent French, lived in Geneva as a young adult, and has a penchant for Swiss chocolates, because she’s neither fussy nor fancy!

Favorites

Birthday: September 30

Favorite Restaurant: Highlands Indian

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick Fil A

Favorite Snack Food: plain potato chips (lays, ruffles- but not the flavored kinds.)

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it snuggled up with my kids or dog, probably watching a “chick flick”

On a bad day, these would cheer me up- Diet Dr. Pepper, swiss chocolate, a note or act of service

Favorite Starbucks drink: cream-based (no coffee) caramel crunch frappuccino

Chocolate or Fruit?: Chocolate- especially Swiss (Lindor, Lindt)

Favorite place to shop: Target, Walmart, Amazon, etc  (As long as it’s relatively small, quiet, and inexpensive- malls stress me out!)

Favorite color: cool tones: blue, pink, purple

Favorite sports team: don’t care for pro sports, would much rather watch kids play!

Hobbies: gardening, painting/drawing, meandering walks

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: seems to change from month to month, depending on what I’m working on/struggling with

My family includes: my husband, four children and my dog

Diane Hooley

3rd Grade Teacher

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Bio

Diane grew up in southern California. She moved to Colorado five years ago with her husband and daughter. She graduated from University of California, Irvine with a BA in Social Ecology and a Masters in the Art of Teaching. She taught fifth grade at a private school for four years before taking a break to be a stay at home mama. She enjoys the sun, eating good food, hiking, horseback riding and just being outdoors. She loves spending time with her family and dog (Naru) most! Her favorite part of working at BFA is being able to help teach students and nurture their love for learning new things. 

Favorites

Birthday (month/day): 9/14

Favorite Restaurant: gyu kaku

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: In N Out Burger

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: eating something yummy or taking a pretty hike

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: asian food, wintermelon boba from Ding Tea, a hug

Favorite Starbucks drink: lavender matcha latte or vanilla cold brew 

Chocolate or Fruit?: neither 

Favorite place to shop: madewell, anthro, vuori, nordstrom

Favorite color: gold

Favorite sports team: none 

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): hiking, shopping, horseback riding 

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: justice 

My family includes…: husband, daughter, dog

Angela Loehr

Angela Loehr

3rd Grade

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Bio

I am so excited to be teaching third-grade here at Ben Franklin Academy. This is my 18th year in education and third year at BFA.

I grew up right outside Houston in Cypress, TX with my mom, stepdad and younger sister.  I attended the University of Texas San Antonio where I received my Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. After receiving my Bachelors Degree, I attended Concordia University and graduated with my Masters in Educational Administration. 

My husband and I moved to Colorado in the summer of 2021 with our dog Denver and our two cats Luke and Kitten Boots. We both love the outdoors and having seasons! On May 23, 2023 we welcome our son Carter Loehr. Carter has been our biggest blessing and I love being a mom. It is truly the greatest gift. 

I love spending time with my family, traveling, and being adventures. I also, enjoy watching and playing sports. I played volleyball growing up and it is still my favorite sport. 

I look forward to this year and know it will be amazing!

Favorites

Ms. Rodriguez

Rachel Rodriguez

Lunch Aide 3rd Grade AM Aide

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Faculty Favorites

Bio

Rachel loves the outdoors and enjoys spending time with her family. She is a plant lover and enjoys tending to her plants. She is also a great cook and is always eager to try new recipes.

4th Grade

Ms. Barta

Haylee Halliburton

4th Grade Teacher

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Bio

Haylee was born and raised in Canada. She received her education from Tabor college in Kansas, where she played on the collegiate volleyball team. Haylee has been teaching 4th grade for two years and will be entering her third year of 4th grade this coming school year. She has a history of coaching volleyball and softball and still enjoys playing sports herself.

Favorites

November 28th

Shanahans

Canes

With family and friends at a beach

Spending time with loved ones, reading my Bible, tea, or playing some sort of sport.

Blended caramel frappuccino

Both

Target

Red

Toronto Blue Jays or Winnipeg Jets

Reading, volleyball, golf, softball, lifting, swimming, walking

Humility

Shaun (dad), Autumn (mum), Trystan (younger sister), and Mason (younger brother)

Ms. Lukasiewicz

Amy Lukasiewicz

4th Grade Teacher

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Website

Bio

Amy is thrilled to continue with the fourth grade team as she begins her tenth year of teaching. She remembers fourth grade to be one of the most influential years in her life. It was in this grade that she started to develop her life long passion to become a classroom teacher.

As a Colorado native, Amy attended Arapahoe High School and went on to go to Azusa Pacific University in Southern California for undergrad. After graduation she moved back to Colorado to continue her education. Amy attended MSU Denver where she received her teaching license and Masters in Education.

Amy lives in Englewood with her husband Charlie. In her free time she loves to sew, golf, and spend time with friends. When she gets the chance, she loves to travel to as many new places as possible. 

Amy is inspired by the way Ben Franklin Academy uses Core Knowledge to produce life long learners and is excited to continue to be a part of this great school and community.

Favorites

Birthday: May 26

Favorite Restaurant: Yard House

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-fil-A

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: at the spa

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: flowers!

Favorite Starbucks drink: iced or hot regular latte

Chocolate or Fruit?: Peanut M&Ms

Favorite place to shop: Amazon

Favorite color: Turquoise

Favorite sports team: Avalanche

Hobbies: I love to golf, go on walks, cook, sew and anything DIY.

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity 

My family includes…: My husband (Charlie) and I, both Colorado natives, living in Englewood!

Ms. Van Wyk

Angie Van Wyk

4th Grade Teacher

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Website

Bio

Angie loves teaching 4th grade at Ben Franklin Academy. Angie went to CU Boulder (Go Buffs!) and has a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix. This will be her 19th year teaching. Angie loves working with parents in growing confident, independent children who love learning!

Angie grew up in Littleton and is lucky to have a large extended family living in the Denver area. She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Trevor, for 27 years. They have three boys, a college graduate, sophomore in college, and a senior in high school.

Angie loves spending time with her family and friends.  She also enjoys watching movies, playing tennis, reading a good book, and getting pedicures! Angie is excited to meet her class and share her enthusiasm for learning. PLAY BALL!

Favorites

 

Birthday: July 2

Favorite Restaurant: Los Dos, White Chocolate Grill

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chipotle and Chick Fil A

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Going to lunch with friends

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Getting a pedicure or reading a good book

Favorite Starbucks drink: iced green tea unsweetened

Chocolate or Fruit?: chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Nordstroms and Amazon

Favorite color: red

Favorite sports team: Broncos, Rockies and Nuggets

Hobbies: tennis, reading and hanging out with friends and family

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity

My family includes…: Husband Trevor (27 years), 3 sons, Logan (22), Ryan (19) and Mason (17)

Ms. Mares

Megan Wach

4th Grade Teacher

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Website

Bio

This is Megan’s eighth year of her teaching career all at Ben Franklin Academy. She graduated from Western State Colorado University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse education endorsement. Additionally, Megan has acquired a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. 

As a Colorado native, Highlands Ranch has always been home to Megan as she is a product of the Douglas County School District. She loves being able to teach in the community where she was raised and loves being part of the BFA family. 

Family, friends, and sports keep Megan extremely busy! In her spare time, she can be found coaching a competitive softball team, attending the Colorado sports teams’ games, or playing in recreational leagues. She enjoys bowling, golfing, hanging with her dog, and being outside in the sun. 

Favorites

Birthday: July 29

Favorite Restaurant: Los Dos Potrillos

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-Fil-A

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: watching movies or binging a show.

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: getting my nails done or enjoying a sweet treat!

Favorite Starbucks drink: I am not a coffee or tea drinker but I like the refreshers.

Chocolate or Fruit?: Either!

Favorite place to shop: Target

Favorite color: Black

Favorite sports team: Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche

Hobbies: bowling, golf, softball, coaching, crafting

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity

My family includes…: My fiancé, Ryan and our dog, Denali

 

Kristi Watson

4th Grade AM Aide

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Bio

I’m excited to be returning to Ben Franklin as a kindergarten aid this year! Can’t wait to get started! I’ve been doing this now for almost 10 years – such a fun, great job!

Favorites

07/15

 
Freddy’s
 
Freddy’s
 
Going to concerts
 
Anything chocolate
 
java chip
 
chocolate
 
antique stores
 
olive green
 
Colorado Avalanche
 
Concerts, antique and vintage markets, decorating
 
Cleanliness
 
My husband, daughter, dog and cat

5th Grade

Ms. Calahan

Rachelle Calahan

5th Grade Teacher

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Bio

Rachelle is very excited to teach another year of 5th grade. She began her career in finance with an undergraduate degree in International Business along with minors in Finance and German from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She previously has worked as a substitute teacher in the Cherry Creek school district and at Ben Franklin Academy. Rachelle has a teaching certificate and believes in continuous learning to hone her skills and stay updated on best practices. She grew up in Nebraska. She and her husband, Scott, have three children who keep them very busy with activities and sports. She loves to travel, and has been fortunate to visit many different places over the course of her studies and holidays. She also loves to ski and sew in her free time. Rachelle looks forward to a great year with the incoming 5th graders!

Favorites

Birthday: July 2

Favorite Restaurant: Old Blinking Light & Fujiyama

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Tokyo Joe’s & Mod Market

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Skiing or relaxing

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Hugs, flowers or a note

Favorite Starbucks drink: Carmel Ribbon Crunch Frappucino with Oatmilk or Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

Chocolate or Fruit?: Fruit

Favorite place to shop: Anthropologie & Free People 

Favorite color: The rainbow, but if I had to choose one it would be purple

Favorite sports team: Any team my children play on, the Nebraska Huskers and the Buffalo Bills

Hobbies: Skiing, sewing, and traveling

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Justice

My family includes…: My husband Scott, my children Livi (Freshman), Mac (7th), and Behr (4th), and our dog Rizzi

 

 

Ms. McMahon

Christine McMahon

5th Grade Teacher

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Bio

Christine loves teaching third grade at Ben Franklin Academy! This is her second year teaching at BFA and 16th year in the classroom. Prior to BFA, she spent two years teaching in Highlands Ranch and 12 years teaching in Massachusetts. Christine graduated from Framingham State University with a bachelor’s degree in Education and Natural Science, and earned her Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Fitchburg State University.

Christine and her family moved to Colorado five years ago and love living here! One of her favorite activities is hiking with her husband Mike, son Ronan, and two dogs Copper and Cleo. She also enjoys paddle boarding, pedicures, crocheting, reading, and coffee.

Favorites

Birthday: April 19

Favorite Restaurant: Parry’s Pizza

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-fil-A, Modern Market, Torchy’s Tacos

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Hiking with my family, getting a pedicure, or snuggled up with my dogs on the couch

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Talking with friends and family, hugs, and coffee

Favorite Starbucks drink: Vanilla sweet cream cold brew

Chocolate or Fruit?: Dark Chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Target, Amazon

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite sports team: N/A

Hobbies: Hiking, reading, crocheting

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity

My family includes…: My husband, son, and 2 dogs

Ms. Richardson

Jessica Richardson

5th Grade Teacher

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Bio

Jessica Richardson is a motivated and hard-working collaborative educator seeking to boost engagement, improve test scores, and tackle learning from any angle at an innovative school such as Ben Franklin Academy. She has been teaching in the public school setting for 3 years and is passionate about authentic and integrated curriculum.

Favorites

07/16

Oyama Sushi & Ramen

Chick-fil-A

finding something to do outside with my friends

Sour Patch Kids and plants

Matcha Soy Latte

Fruit

REI

Yellow

Baylor Bears

Hiking, skydiving, yoga, going to the lake, music, upcycling clothes

Sincerity

I have a big support system all around me.

Mr. Wood

Greg Wood

5th Grade Teacher

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Website

Favorites

Birthday: 12/28/1980
 
Favorite Restaurant: El Five, Los Dos
 
Favorite Fast Food: Ikes Love and Sandwiches, Taco Bell
 
Favorite Snack: Carrots and hummus
 
If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: At the dog park with our four dogs
 
On a bad day, these would cheer me up….: Chewy sweet tarts
 
Favorite Starbucks drink: Sweet cream cold brew
 
Chocolate or Fruit?:  Fruit
 
Favorite place to shop: BC Surf and Sport, Lululemon
 
Favorite color: Blue 
 
Favorite sports team: Chicago Bears
 
Hobbies: Hiking, Snowboarding, Wakeskating, Traveling to concerts
 
Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Humility
 
My family includes: My new wife, an older and a younger Brother as well as four nieces and nephews.

Ms. Wylie

Debra Wylie

5th Grade Aide

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Bio

This is my second year as the 5th grade afternoon instructional aide. I enjoy being a part of the Ben Franklin Academy family and helping out however I am needed. Sharing responsibilities with the teachers and getting to know the students are the best parts of my day. I’m originally from Texas but have lived in Colorado since 2008. My family and I enjoy spending time in the mountains whenever possible. Going home to Texas and spending time with my dad and family is also important to me. My daughter and son in law are also in Highlands Ranch with my two Colorado-born grandsons:). Although I’ve spent my career in law firms in many capacities, it’s a assisting in the day to day care of my grandsons prior to them starting school that has been my true calling. Now sharing my passion for the welfare, safety and happiness of our youth with the fine people at Ben Franklin Academy is icing on the cake. Having been a part of the carpool team, I have likewise gotten to know a lot of the parents of kiddos at Ben Franklin … it has been a pleasure getting to know so many good people and a reward to share in the day to day success of our school and our kiddos. 

Faculty

Birthday (month/day): 06/30

Favorite Restaurant: Eddie V’s

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Sonic

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: with my family in some fashion and walking with my dog 

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Sonic or Chick Fil A Diet Coke:) 

Favorite Starbucks drink: Chai Late with skim milk

Chocolate or Fruit?: chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Amazon:)

Favorite color: purple 

Favorite sports team: Dallas Cowboys

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): walking crocheting reading 

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity

My family includes…: Scott, spouse and Judge, 7-year-old lab

6th Grade

Mr. Babb

Gary Babb

6th Grade Teacher

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Website

Favorites

 

Birthday (month/day): 11/15

Favorite Restaurant: Los Dos Portrillos

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-Fil-A or In & Out Burgers

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Golfing

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: My family members

Favorite Starbucks drink: Frozen Strawberry Açaí Lemonade Refresher

Chocolate or Fruit?: Milk Chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Costco, Golf Galaxy

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite sports team: Colorado Avalanche & Chicago Bears

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): golf, pickleball, skiing

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Humility

My family includes…: My Wife – Pranadda, Daughters – Belyn, Paitra, Danielle, Son & Daughter in law – David & Clare, Grandchildren – Stella & Henry

Ms. Erbaugh

Staci Erbaugh

6th Grade Teacher

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Website

Bio

Staci Erbaugh is delighted to continue her teaching career at Ben Franklin Academy. Staci’s journey as a teacher started as a young child as she fondly remembers writing on the teacher’s chalkboard and playing school. Her passion for education and children led her to attend Colorado State University & The University of Colorado at Denver for her teaching license. This will be her ninth year in education. 

In her free time, she loves spending time with her daughter, Jessica. Staci enjoys reading, hiking, yoga, photography, and playing tennis.

Staci feels grateful to join this community and the BFA family. She values the strong relationship between students, teachers, and parents. Staci’s goal is for students to become successful lifelong learners.

Favorites

Birthday (month/day): April 29

Favorite Restaurant: La Hacienda, Smokin Fins, Mici 

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick Filet, Kneaders

Favorite Snack Food: Chips and salsa

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: going for a hike

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: pedicures, flowers, and coffee

Favorite Starbucks drink: a vanilla latte with almond milk 

Chocolate or Fruit?: chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Target, The Container Store, Nordstroms Rack, Ann Taylor Loft, Black and White, Amazon 

Favorite color: Green

Favorite sports team: Broncos and Rockies

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): Hiking, Yoga, Tennis

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity

My family includes…: My daughter, Jessica and my 14-year-old dog, Lucy. 

Nicole Harms

6th Grade Teacher

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Website

Bio

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Mrs. Harms relocated to Colorado in 2004. Mrs. Harms has been teaching for 24 years. She started in a public school in the Chicago area, and then taught at a Core Knowledge charter school in Littleton.

She helped open Ben Franklin Academy and taught second grade until 2023. She recently transitioned into middle school where she currently teaches sixth grade social studies. Mrs. Harms graduated from Concordia Lutheran University with a bachelor’s in Elementary Education, specializing in English and Language Arts.

Her youngest is at Montana state and eldest lives in California. In her spare time, Mrs. Harms enjoys biking, going to concerts, skiing, and hiking. Most of all, Mrs. Harms loves to teach children. Mrs. Harms describes herself as a very open person and urges you to feel free to contact her.

Mrs. Harms is there for the parents and the kids: “Together we are a TEAM!”

Favorites

My Birthday is 11-Nov

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant is Jimmy John’s Or Capriotti’s

Favorite Restaurant is Los Dos Potrillos, Mesa Latin Restaurant, PROST, 303 Sports Grill– IYKYK

Favorite Snack Food is Chips And Salsa Or Chocolate       

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it on massages, yoga, laying out by the pool

On a bad day, these would cheer me; Pedicures, massages, coffee, or hugs or positive, kind words/emails! 😉

Favorite Starbucks/Dutch Bros Drinks Iced Brown Sugar Oak Milk Shaken Espresso (half the sweetener)  or Cold Brew with a pump of caramel and a splash of half and half

Chocolate or Fruit? Milk chocolate with caramel

Favorite place to shop is Anthropologie, Free People, Target    

Favorite color  is Turquoise

Favorite sports team is/are Chicago teams: Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks

My hobbies are skiing, hiking, spending time with or going out to dinner with my family

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue(s) is/are             

My family includes my eldest lives in Laguna Beach, CA, owns his own company, IHW (In Harm’s Way) and my youngest is a Junior at Montana State University Bozeman.

Ms. Inman

Allison Inman

6th Grade Teacher, SAC Teacher Representative

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Website

Bio

Ms. Inman is delighted to return to Ben Franklin Academy as the 6th grade science teacher. Science is a passion of hers and she loves teaching!

After earning a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona in Psychology with a Biochemistry minor she studied Pathobiology at the University of Arizona Graduate School and was involved in the journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology publication of Prevalence of Salmonella spp. in Oysters in the United States. Shortly thereafter she attended Arizona State University and completed an Elementary Education licensing program. Currently, she is working toward a Masters of Engineering in Systems Engineering through Colorado State University.

In her free time, Ms. Inman spends time in nature. She can be found hiking with her four children and rowdy goldendoodle in Colorado’s beautiful state parks.

Favorites

Birthday (month/day): 12/14 

Favorite Restaurants: Prost, Postino

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-Fil-A

Favorite Snack Food: Fruit

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Hiking 

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Blueberries

Favorite Starbucks drink: Oatmilk Latte 

Chocolate or Fruit?: Fruit 

Favorite place to shop: REI, Dicks

Favorite color: Yellow 

Favorite sports team: Rockies, Broncos

Hobbies: Hiking, Exercising, Reading Classic Literature 

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Tranquility 

My family includes…: Virginia, Noah, Gwen, Grant, Phoenix (Goldendoodle), and 3 cats.

7th Grade

Ms. Johnson

Celeste Johnson

7th Grade

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Website

Bio

Celeste is originally from Southern California, and she and her husband moved to Colorado to raise their family. She has two teenage sons who keep her busy with sports and activities, and she has enjoyed living in Colorado for 14 years. In her free time, Celeste enjoys spending time with her family outdoors, reading, and hiking.

While attending college in California, Celeste earned a BA in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a JD from Chapman University. After moving to Colorado and staying home with her young children, she began working as a kindergarten aide at BFA in 2016. Celeste completed an alternative teaching licensure program from Colorado University and started teaching 7th grade at BFA in 2019. She is thrilled to start another year at BFA!

Celeste loves working with middle schoolers at BFA and appreciates their kindness, humor, and willingness to work hard and try new things.

Favorites

Birthday: April 19th

Favorite Restaurant: Jax Fish House

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Qdoba

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: hanging out with my family outdoors.

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: getting my nails done, being with friends and family. 

Favorite Starbucks drink: Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Chocolate or Fruit?: both!

Favorite place to shop: Nordstrom and Target

Favorite color: orange

Favorite sports team: LA Dodgers

Hobbies: paddleboarding, running/walking/hiking, watching my kids (and professionals) play sports

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity

My family includes…: my husband and two teenage sons.

Mr. Knudsen

Kevin Knudsen

7th Grade Teacher

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Bio

Kevin is excited to begin his ninth year of teaching.  Kevin has been at BFA from the beginning and spent the first eight years in third and fifth grades. He joined BFA as a second career teacher, having spent the previous years in business.  He looks forward to providing the education, leadership, and guidance to assist with each student’s present and future success. Kevin also coaches the girls and boys basketball teams.

Kevin graduated high school at Regis Jesuit.  After high school, Kevin graduated from Colorado State University and later earned his master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix.

A Colorado native, Kevin lives with his wonderful wife, Sarah, and daughters, Chloe (age 10), Carly (age 9), and Charlotte (5) in Parker.  Kevin looks forward to another great year at Ben Franklin Academy.

Favorites

 

Birthday (month/day):  July 2

Favorite Restaurant: Junz (Parker) and Los Dos Potrillos

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Jimmy Johns, McDonald’s, and Shake Shack

Favorite Snack Food: Chips

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: golfing

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: golfing, a good book, and spending time with family

Favorite Starbucks drink: Caramel Frappuccino

Chocolate or Fruit?: both

Favorite place to shop: Dick’s Sporting Goods and Amazon

Favorite color: green and blue

Favorite sports team: Colorado State, Notre Dame, Denver Broncos

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): golf

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: sincerity and humility

My family includes…:  Sarah (wife), Chloe (10), Carly (9), and Charlotte (5)

Mr. Russell

Blaise Russell

7th Grade Teacher

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Bio

Blaise grew up in Texas, but went to high school here in Colorado. After college in Texas, he spent the next 9 years living and teaching in Indonesia. During his time there, he taught from 1st grade all the way to 12th grade IB. In 2019, he and his family moved back to Colorado and began his teaching career here stateside. He is a husband and a father to an amazing little girl. In his free time, he loves powerlifting as well as any outdoor activity, and is a huge Star Wars nerd.

Favorites

Birthday (Month/Day): 8/20
 
Jaya Asian Grill
 
Chic-fil-a
 
Taking my daughter somewhere outside.
 
Comedy movies and green tea, Kit Kats
 
Iced coffee
 
Fruit
 
Sierra
 
Orange and blue
 
Dallas Cowboys
 
ock climbing, golf, hiking, snowboarding, video games, Star Wars, woodworking
 
Resolution
 
My wife and daughter

Ms. Svensen

Christine Svensen

7th Grade Teacher

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Bio

Christine is excited for another great year at Ben Franklin Academy as the seventh-grade science teacher. Christine has taught middle school for over 20 years. She received both her BA in Psychology and her Teaching License from CU Boulder and her MA in Education Administration & Supervision from the University of Phoenix.

Christine has lived in Colorado her entire life. She enjoys staying active around Highlands Ranch as well as traveling to new places with her two daughters, who attend school at Mountain Vista High School and the University of Colorado in Boulder. She appreciates all that Colorado has to offer, including the parks and recreation, the mountains with skiing and boarding during the winter months, and hiking and paddleboarding during the summer months.

Christine is grateful to be part of the BFA community. She looks forward to meeting all of her students and helping them maintain a love for education.

Favorites

Birthday (month/day): October 22

Favorite Restaurant: Cheesecake Factory

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Qdoba

Favorite Snack Food: Trail Mix

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: In the mountains 

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Anything with frosting

Favorite Starbucks drink: Caramel Frappuccino 

Chocolate or Fruit?: Neither- any type of gummy candies

Favorite place to shop: Amazon or Athleta

Favorite color: Red

Favorite sports team: Broncos

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): Soccer, skiing, hiking, paddleboarding, traveling and trying new things

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Humility

My family includes…: Two teenage daughters and way too many other animals in one house

8th Grade

Astler Photo

Warren Astler

8th Grade, STEM Committee Liaison

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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.

Favorites

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

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant:In And Out

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Movies, golf, concerts, comedy shows, musicals

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

Favorite Starbucks drink: Pink Drink or Red Drink

Chocolate or Fruit?: peanut butter and milk chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Amazon, Extreme Terrain

Favorite color: Green, Blue, Black

Favorite sports team: Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets,New Orleans Saints

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Moderation and Humility

Mr. Case

Jared Case

8th Grade Teacher

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Bio

Jared is excited to continue his teaching career at Ben Franklin Academy. He graduated from Hastings College as a student athlete in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and an emphasis in History. Jared is passionate about Social Studies and the pursuit of challenging students to embrace the subject to be able to better understand the present.

Born and raised in Colorado, Jared enjoys taking on an active lifestyle. He enjoys getting out there and staying exceptionally active with camping, hiking, lifting, and running marathons. He is a big baseball fan, being a die hard St. Louis Cardinals fan and loves country music. The South Metro area has always been home for him, having graduated High School from Legend and has lived in Parker since 2009. 

Favorites

Birthday (month/day): July 18

Favorite Restaurant: Texas Roadhouse

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Noodles and Company

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Going to the gym 

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: A smoothie

Favorite Starbucks drink: Double chocolate frappuccino 

Chocolate or Fruit?: Fruit

Favorite place to shop: Dick’s Sporting Goods

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite sports team: St. Louis Cardinals (Go Redbirds)!

Hobbies: Watching baseball, lifting, running, and exploring the Rockies

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Resolution and Humility

My family includes…: My Mom and Dad (Ellen and Chris), Sister (Erin), and Brother in Law (Eric)

Ms. Dychus

Lisa Dychus

8th Grade Teacher

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Bio

Lisa is excited to return for her twelfth year at Ben Franklin Academy as the 8th grade math teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Lehigh University and completed her Master of Arts in Teaching at Westminster College in Salt Lake City. As a teacher, Lisa aims to inspire her students to become critical thinkers and creative problem solvers. She incorporates real-world applications of concepts to help students appreciate the mathematics all around them. Prior to teaching, she put her problem solving skills to the test for 3 years as a civilian operations research analyst for the US Navy.

Originally from New Jersey, she enjoys spending time outdoors in all seasons and is thrilled to now call Colorado home. When she’s not in the classroom, Lisa plays ice hockey, spends time in the mountains hiking and skiing, and enjoys volunteering. She is an avid traveler and reader, both of which fuel her passion for learning new things.

Favorites

Birthday (month/day):  May 15

Favorite Restaurant: Old Blinking Light

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Corner Bakery or Panera Bread

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: enjoying the outdoors or curled up with a great book (or both!)

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: a nice note, ice cream

Favorite Starbucks drink: Hot Chocolate or Vanilla Bean Frappuccino

Chocolate or Fruit?: Fruit

Favorite place to shop: Any bookstore, Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Target

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite sports team: New York Rangers

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…):  Playing hockey, skiing, reading, traveling, volunteering, working out 

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity and Humility

My family includes…: my dad along with my brother and sister-in-law

Ms. Salberg

Heather Salberg

8th Grade Teacher

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Heather is thrilled to enter another exciting year teaching language arts at BFA. She earned a BA in English/Secondary Education from the University of Northern Colorado and has taught at both the middle and high school level.  She loves that there is never a dull moment teaching middle schoolers and is honored to be a part of their world.
 
Heather is not only a staff member, but also a parent who feels privileged to have her children attend such an amazing school.  The Core Knowledge curriculum and 13 virtues are what drew her to BFA both as an educator and a parent. 
 
Heather is married with four children and enjoys camping, reading, the ocean, and coffee. : )

Favorites

Birthday (month/day):  July 21st

Favorite Restaurant: Cheesecake Factory

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Qdoba

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it… in the mountains

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: notes, snacks

Favorite Starbucks drink: Iced Chai Latte

Chocolate or Fruit?: Both

Favorite place to shop: Target

Favorite color: Aqua

Favorite sports team: BFA Bolts, Mountain Vista Golden Eagles

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): Camping, Reading, Traveling

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Tranquility

My family includes…: My husband and four children

Specials

Ms. De Bedout

Silvia De Bedout

Middle School Spanish Teacher

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Silvia De Bedout is a passionate educator and psychologist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to fostering positive change. Based in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Silvia earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia. Silvia has a wealth of experience as a Spanish teacher at 5280 High School, where she worked with students in recovery from various challenges. Her innovative teaching methods and commitment to student success created a dynamic, inclusive learning environment that significantly improved student outcomes. Outside of her professional life, Silvia enjoys hiking, spending time with her family, and exploring arts and crafts. Her warm and compassionate approach makes her a beloved figure in an educational setting. Silvia’s dedication to promoting academic achievement and personal growth sets her apart.

Favorites

Rioja

Chick-fil-A

If it’s sunny and warm, you’ll likely find me enjoying a relaxing picnic by a serene lake, surrounded by nature. On a cozy, rainy, or snowy day, I prefer to stay home, curled up with a good Netflix series and catching up on some much-needed sleep.

chocolate, lots of chocolate, specially snickers

cold brew

strawberries with chocolate

Target

Purple

Don’t have one… Selección Colombia

Arts and crafts, cooking, reading and writing’

Moderation

My husband Jean Louis and my three kids, Silvana (22), Philippe (21) and Luc (9).

Ms. Flint

Lauren Flint

Elementary Science Teacher

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Bio

After being a substitute at BFA for the past three years, Lauren is very excited to now be the Elementary Science Specialist! She grew up in Littleton and graduated from Columbine high school. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a biomedical emphasis and a minor in Chemistry from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Lauren also studied Emergency Medical Services at Aims Community College and became EMT certified along with additional special certificates. After graduating she worked in the medical field for several years before returning to school to complete a Master’s Degree. Lauren earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Florida (go Gators!) in Forensic DNA Analysis and Serology.  

Shortly after earning her degree, she became a stay-at-home mom and spent seven years taking care of her two kids before returning to work. She loves being around all the kids and is looking forward to being here full-time this year!

In her spare time Lauren enjoys getting outside to hike, bike, swim or read. Her family loves to adventure around the country and they typically go on two road trips per year! They love visiting national parks and monuments and trying local food. They also love to take their dog, Tucker, anywhere they can! 

Favorites

Birthday: 12/17

Favorite Restaurant: Los Dos Potrillos

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Torchy’s

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: reading, getting a pedicure, spending time with my family and dogs

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Hugs and words of encouragement

Favorite Starbucks drink: Hot or iced- Nonfat White Mocha, no whipped cream

Chocolate or Fruit?: Both! Especially Dove Dark Chocolate and strawberries

Favorite place to shop: Home Goods and Target

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite sports team: Broncos and Yankees

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): Hiking, swimming, exercising, baking, reading

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Cleanliness

My family includes…: My husband Dan, daughter Hayleigh, son Jaxon and our fur-babies: Keanu (dog), Tucker (dog) and Kiko (cat)!

Ms. Gelley

LaCretia Gelley

Fine Arts Teacher/Electives Teacher

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LaCretia Gelley is a director, teacher, producer, music director, choreographer and professional singer. Through her work, she not only nurtures aspiring artists, she also explores how theatre, and the arts in general, can challenge participants, both arts-makers and audiences, to embrace the idea of storytelling and the amazing power that stories have to remind us that we are all connected and have shared stories and experiences. Arts education exists to create more complete humans, who have curious minds, are critical thinkers, and are productive people.

LaCretia has been a part of Audience of One Youth Theater since 2009 and also teaches at area schools and programs, as well as designs curriculum. She has directed and produced dozens of shows locally and has acted in many shows like Antigone, Pirates of Penzance, and Guys and Dolls. She holds a MA in Education, many certifications in the arts and physical movement, and was voted best director for Mary Poppins, the musical. She has a private studio for voice, acting, and audition prep. She is a life-long student and has spent years completing continuing education and is currently working on her terminal MFA degree and has her Hair and Makeup certification. Her passion is helping artists to understand how truly unique and special they are, encouraging them to realize their full potential.

Favorites

Birthday: Sept 28

Favorite Restaurant: Postino

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Qdoba

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

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: snacks, tea, hugs, notes of encouragement

Favorite Starbucks drink: Hot chai with oat milk

Chocolate or Fruit?: Fruit

Favorite place to shop: Target

Favorite color: Purple

Favorite sports team: Theatre is my sport

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): reading, movies, theatre, crafting

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity

My family includes…: My husband, Jack, my son, Xander and my cat Harley

Ms. Hayes

Sandy Hayes

Middle School Life Skills

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Sandy is excited to be teaching Life Skills at BFA, which is a fun blend of her education experience. Sandy attended Ohio University (Bobcats not Buckeyes) and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Integrated Language Arts. After graduating, she returned to her hometown in Pittsburgh, PA (Go Steelers!) and taught 9th grade English for four years. In 2007, she and her husband moved to Colorado and Sandy attended Denver Seminary where she earned a Master’s Degree in School and Community Counseling. She worked as a high school counselor at Montbello High School in Denver Public Schools for two years.
 
Sandy is thankful she got to be home with her three kiddos during their early years. The Hayes kids started attending BFA in 2021 and shortly after Sandy started substitute teaching as well. The Life Skills position blends her love of teaching and her desire to help students succeed in both the classroom and beyond. She is passionate about preparing students to be responsible and capable future adults. 
 
Sandy and her husband Michael have been married for 21 years. This is the last year all three of their kiddos will be at BFA – Levi is in 8th, Anna is in 6th and Selah is in 2nd. Together, the Hayes Family enjoys camping and hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. In her free time, Sandy loves cuddling up with a blanket, a cup of tea and a good book!

Favorites

Favorite Restaurant: Hacienda Colorado

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Freddy’s

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it reading, getting a massage or something outdoors with my family.

On a bad day, these would cheer me up: a good joke, a good song, a chocolate malt from Freddy’s

Favorite Starbucks drink: one pump iced mocha

Chocolate or Fruit?: Chocolate, especially Whoppers

Favorite place to shop: Amazon

Favorite color: Green

Favorite sports team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Hobbies: reading, skiing, paddleboarding 

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue:  Tranquility

My family includes my husband Michael, my kids Levi, Anna and Selah and our pooch Theo

 

Staff Photo

Ali Hinkle

K-8 Art Teacher

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Bio

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 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.

She lives in Highlands Ranch with her husband, John, who is a native Coloradan. They have two grown children and two grandchildren.

Favorites

Birthday:  January 8

Favorite Restaurant: Sweetgreen

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chipotle

Favorite Snack Food: Bobos, Kind bars

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…:  Going out to breakfast, visiting a new place, doing something creative.

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Talking to my family,  Starbucks,  Netflix

Favorite Starbucks drink:  Non Fat Latte

Chocolate or Fruit?: Chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Amazon

Favorite color:  Green

Hobbies: Travellng, painting, DIY

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity

My family includes…: Husband, Son, Daughter, Son in Law, Granddaughter, and Grandson.

Staff Photo

Jaime Johnson

K-5 Music

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Bio

Ms. Jaime Johnson has been the K-8 music director at Ben Franklin Academy since 2012. She is responsible for directing 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. She holds a vocal coaching certification from New York Vocal Coaching. She also has her Orff Schulwerk certification. This certification focuses on training music teachers to implement the creative music and movement approach developed by Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman. This approach is known for using instruments such as xylophone to improvise and compose music. Training includes recorder and movement classes.

Outside of Ben Franklin, Ms. Johnson is a music director for Audience of One, Spot On Theatre and Mountain Vista High School. 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. 

Favorites

Coming Soon

Ben Franklin Academy

Beth Konesky

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

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Bio

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!

Favorites

Birthday: 09/05

Favorite Restaurant: Tokyo Joes

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chipotle

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: At the movies

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Chocolate chip cookies

Favorite Starbucks drink: Chai Latte

Chocolate or Fruit?: Chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Target

Favorite color: Earth tones

Favorite sports team: Denver Broncs

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): Hiking, horseback riding, gardening

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Industry

My family includes,…: 2 teenage daughters, a dog and a horse

Ms. Ladner

Julie Ladner

Specials AM Aide, Kindie PM Aide

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Julie is so excited to be a part of the BFA team!! She lives in Highlands Ranch with her son Kaiden who attends BFA. She is a Louisiana/ Mississippi Gulf Coast native and has been in Colorado since 2005. She loves hanging out with her son, going to movies, shopping,organizing, and just being home!

Favorites

Birthday: 09/25

Favorite Restaurant: Los DosFavorite

Fast Food Restaurant: Chic-fil-A

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Shopping or staying home watching a movie!

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Hugs, kind notes, candles

Favorite Starbucks drink: Black tea lemonade, caramel macchiato

Chocolate or Fruit?: Fruit

Favorite place to shop:Target and TJ Maxx

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite sports team: Saints

Hobbies: Cleaning, swimming, photography

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity, Justice, and Tranquility

My family includes…: My son, Kaiden and myself

Mr. Macias

Craig Macias

Middle School PE & Health

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Bio

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.

Favorites

Coming Soon

Staff Photo

Janelle Nichols

Elementary PE Teacher

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Bio

Coming Soon

Favorites

Coming Soon

Mr. Nolting

Kyle Nolting

STEM Coordinator

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Faculty Favorites

Bio

Kyle Nolting is the STEM Coordinator at Ben Franklin Academy. Kyle is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in education from the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver. He has a background in K-12 science and technology education while teaching for the New York City department of education. In the classroom, he has interests in STEM curriculum design, ASD Education, Gifted & Talented Education, Multicultural Teaching Practices, LGBTQ+ Youth Advocacy and DEI Work. Outside of the classroom, Kyle is interested in hiking, birding, fly fishing and general all around spending time outdoors. He is excited to meet you on campus!

Ms. Pierce

Tracy Pierce

Middle School Mindful, Second Step Coordinator

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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.  

Tracy and her husband, Josh, have two daughters who attend Ben Franklin Academy and an Australian Shepard named Sydney.  When she is not at school, Tracy spends time hiking, snow blading, watching Chicago sports (GO Cubs!), doing anything she can find at Michaels, and traveling to visit family or explore this beautiful world.

Favorites

Birthday (month/day): September 29
 
Favorite Restaurant: Happy Leaf Kombucha
 
Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Starbucks
 
Favorite Snack Food: Trail mix, jerky, and of course, salty-sweet things- like chocolate covered, salted almonds!
 
If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Going on an outdoor adventure like hiking, biking, etc., taking a nap, and then grilling something for dinner at home
 
On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Great music, the TV show Friends, coffee, getting outside
 
Favorite Starbucks drink: Double Tall Nonfat Latte
 
Chocolate or Fruit?: Chocolate
 
Favorite place to shop: Target and Amazon
 
Favorite color: Rainbow
 
Favorite sports team: Chicago Cubs 
 
Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): Yoga, anything at Michaels (drawing, knitting, painting, DIY), reading, learning about anything-especially if it is on History Channel, Travel Channel, Discovery, Animal Planet, etc., various outdoor activities
 
Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity
 
My family includes…: My husband Josh, 7th grade daughter Ellie, 4th grade daughter Lainey and our 3 year old Australian Shepherd Sydney

 

 

Staff Photo

Laura Tickle

K-5 Technology

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Faculty Favorites

Bio

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 15 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. 

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

Taylor Welling

Arts Assistant

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Faculty Favorites