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.

Birthday: January 26th

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-fil-A, chicken nuggets/buffalo sauce with a Sunjoy (unsweetened tea)

Favorite Restaurant: Pho 777

Favorite Snack: Sweet- dark chocolate with almonds, Salty – Salt & Vinegar Chips

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it getting a massage.

On a bad day, these would cheer me up: Chocolate and talking to my mom

Favorite Starbucks/Dutch Bros: Starbucks- London Fog with almond milk

Chocolate or Fruit: Chocolate

Favorite Place to Shop: Goodwill or TJMAXX

Favorite Colors: Olive Green

Favorite Sports Team(s): Green Bay Packers

Hobbies: Sleeping, eating yummy food, and spending time with my loved ones

Favorite BFA Virtue: Sincerity- We need more kind people in the world

My family includes my mom, dad, big brother, little sister, little brother, boyfriend, and cat.

Mrs. Dunn came to BFA from another state during the 2014-2015 school year, after having been in two other charter schools since 2008. Over the course of her decades-long career, she has taught in nearly every grade, K-6. At BFA, she spent 10 years in the 5th grade, then decided to change things up and moved to 3rd grade in 2025. BFA feels like family to her. She cherishes the relationships she has built with students, families, and staff members.

Mrs. Dunn is a lifelong learner. She earned a BS in Elementary Education from BYU in Provo, UT. Her next phase took her to California, where she sought out her Cross-Cultural and Academic Language and Development (CLAD) certificate while teaching a population of English Language Learners (ELLs). Later, she added certificates in reading instruction and as a 7 Habits Facilitator. Most recently, she completed an MA in Math Education: K-6, as well as a certificate in school leadership and principal licensure.

Mrs. Dunn is enjoying an empty nest with her spouse of nearly thirty years. Together, they enjoy nature hikes, trying new foods and recipes, and curling up with books and the various pets that their children’s apartments don’t allow! She has her separate hobbies too: playing the piano, painting, gardening, and chipping away at the never-ending task of decluttering/redecorating. At heart, however, she will always identify as a mom and appreciates the fact that her children still seek her counsel as they wind their way through the wide and wonderful world of adulthood.

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

Mrs. Hildebrand has been at BFA since 2015 and in her twenty-fifth year in education. She teaches 3rd Grade and loves working with young learners and helping students develop a strong foundation in reading, learning, and confidence.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado and later completed a Master of Education in Reading, Curriculum, and Instruction from Grand Canyon University. Throughout her career, she has served as both a classroom teacher for 18 years and a Literacy Specialist for 5 years.

Outside of school, Mrs. Hildebrand enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and cooking. She also loves spending time with her husband, three children, and two dogs.

Birthday : January 24

Mrs. Zerpa has been teaching third grade at Ben Franklin Academy since 2026. She loves being part of the incredible community of teachers, parents, and administrators who make BFA such a special place.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a K-12 CLD Endorsement and READ Act certification from Colorado Christian University. During her time at CCU, she completed more than 900 hours of classroom observation and student teaching in a variety of educational settings. Before joining BFA, she taught first grade at a private school in Littleton.

Mrs. Zerpa was married in the summer of 2026 and enjoys spending time with her three silly cats. In her free time, she loves going for walks, camping, reading, baking, and making memories with family and friends.

Birthday: June 14th

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant is Chick-Fil-A – I will seriously eat anything from there!

Favorite Restaurant is any Mexican or Italian restaurant.

Favorite Snack Food is that I love strawberries and chocolate covered pretzels.

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it reading a book, drinking hot chocolate, playing board games, or taking a nap.

On a bad day, these would cheer me up would be any random act of kindness – a hug, sweet card, joke, or a surprise coffee/soda.

Favorite Starbucks/Dutch Bros Drink is that I LOVE an iced caramelizer with oatmilk from Dutch Bros or a Cherry Limeade from 7 brew or Sonic.

Chocolate or Fruit?: CHOCOLATE!

Favorite places to shop are Target or Barnes and Noble.

Favorite colors are Blue and yellow.

Favorite sports team is that I don’t really have one but I love soccer.

My hobbies are hiking, camping, going on long drives, reading, baking/cooking, trying new games, and playing with my cats.

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue is Purity

My family includes my husband Alec and my three cats: Noodle, Bat, and Gojo

Mrs. Halliburton joined Ben Franklin Academy in 2024 as a fourth-grade teacher and middle school volleyball coach for both the girls’ and boys’ teams. 

She began her career in education in 2022 after earning her Bachelor’s in Education from Tabor College. While in Kansas, she taught fourth grade and coached high school women’s volleyball before moving to Colorado two years later to continue her teaching and coaching journey.

Originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, Mrs. Halliburton moved to the United States in 2018 to pursue her education while playing collegiate volleyball and softball. Her passion for athletics has continued through coaching and participating on various teams. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her church community. She also loves reading, lake days, playing sports of all kinds, and listening to music.

Birthday: November 28th

Favorite Restaurant: Shanahans

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Canes

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: With family and friends at a beach

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Spending time with loved ones, reading my Bible, drinking tea, or playing some sort of sport.

Favorite Starbucks drink: any hot tea

Chocolate or Fruit?: Both

Favorite place to shop: TJ Maxx or Amazon

Favorite color: Red

Favorite sports team: Toronto Blue Jays or Winnipeg Jets

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

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Humility

My family includes…: Alijah Halliburton (husband), Shaun (dad), Autumn (mum), Trystan (younger sister), and Mason (younger brother)

Mrs. Lukasiewicz began her teaching career at BFA in 2015 and is currently a member of the fourth grade team. Mrs. Lukasiewicz is deeply inspired by BFA’s commitment to excellence, specifically the way the school uses the Core Knowledge curriculum to produce lifelong learners. Her passion for teaching stems from her own influential fourth grade year, and she is excited to continue to be a part of this great school and community.

A Colorado native, Mrs. Lukasiewicz attended Arapahoe High School before heading to Southern California for her undergraduate degree at Azusa Pacific University. After graduation, she moved back to Colorado to continue her education. Mrs. Lukasiewicz attended MSU Denver, where she received both her teaching license and her Master’s in Education, preparing her for her long-term career as a classroom teacher.

Mrs. Lukasiewicz lives in Englewood with her husband, Charlie, and their daughter, Elle. In her free time, she loves to pursue creative and active hobbies, including sewing, golfing, and spending time with friends.

Birthday: 26-May

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: In-N-Out

Favorite Restaurant: Yard House

Favorite Snack: Salt and Vinegar Chips

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it at the spa or by the pool with a book!.

On a bad day, these would cheer me up: Chocolate-covered gummy bears

Favorite Starbucks/Dutch Bros: Regular Latte, Iced or Hot!

Chocolate or Fruit: Peanut Butter M&Ms

Favorite Place to Shop: Amazon

Favorite Colors: Turquoise or sage green

Favorite Sports Team(s): Colorado Avalanche

Hobbies: sewing, crafts, walking with friends, golf, and swimming!

Favorite BFA Virtue: Silence- sometimes we need to share our thoughts, and other times it’s more important to listen.

My family includes my husband, Charlie, and daughter Elle.

Mrs. Van Wyk began teaching at Ben Franklin Academy in 2012 and is thrilled to be part of the 4th-grade team. She enjoys the strong sense of community at BFA and loves helping students grow academically while also supporting their social and emotional development.

Mrs. Van Wyk attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Disorders.  She has a Master’s Degree in Diverse Learner. She has been teaching for two decades and brings a wealth of experience and passion for working with children to her classroom.

Mrs. Van Wyk grew up in Littleton and has a large extended family in the Denver area. She and her husband, Trevor, have been married for 28 years and have three sons—Logan, Ryan, and Mason. When she is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching movies, playing tennis, reading a good book, and treating herself to a relaxing pedicure. Much of her free time is also spent at baseball fields, tennis courts, and golf courses, cheering on her boys.

Mrs. Wach (formerly known as Miss Mares) began her teaching career at Ben Franklin Academy in 2017 right after graduating college. She taught sixth grade for six years before transitioning to fourth grade in 2023. She has always known that she wanted to be a teacher and couldn’t ask for a better place to work. She loves building relationships with students, working with her teammates who are like family, and the support of the BFA community.

Mrs. Wach graduated from Western State Colorado University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Additionally, she acquired a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University in 2019. 

As a Colorado native, Highlands Ranch has always been home to Mrs. Wach as she is a product of the Douglas County School District. Family, friends, and sports keep Mrs. Wach extremely busy! Mrs. Wach volunteers for the Warriors Youth Sports organization based in Highlands Ranch. In her spare time, she can be found coaching, attending the local sports teams’ games, or playing in adult recreational sports leagues. She enjoys softball, basketball, bowling, golfing, paddleboarding and spending time with her husband, Ryan and their dog, Denali.

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

Mrs. Calahan began teaching at Ben Franklin Academy as a substitute teacher before moving into her role as a 5th grade teacher. She loves the energy and curiosity that 5th graders bring to the classroom and enjoys creating engaging lessons that challenge students while building their confidence. One of her favorite things about BFA is the supportive school community and the opportunity to help prepare students for middle school.

Mrs. Calahan earned her undergraduate degree in International Business with minors in Finance and German from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She also holds a Juris Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and is licensed to practice law in the state of Colorado. In addition, she received her teaching certificate from the University of Colorado Denver.

Mrs. Calahan grew up in Nebraska and now lives in Colorado with her husband, Scott, their three children, and their dog, Rizzi, who is always part of the family fun. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, skiing, sewing, and reading. She is excited for another wonderful year with her 5th grade students!

Mrs. McMahon is thrilled to be teaching fifth-grade math and science at Ben Franklin Academy!  She joined BFA in 2023, and prior to that she spent over ten years teaching in Highlands Ranch and Massachusetts.  Mrs. McMahon is passionate about building a respectful classroom culture that promotes deep thinking, collaboration, curiosity, and perseverance.  

Mrs. McMahon 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.

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

Birthday: April 19th

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-fil-A

Favorite Restaurant: Mexican and Sushi

Favorite Snack: Peppermint patties, salt and vinegar chips

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it hiking, getting a pedi, or reading.

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

Favorite Starbucks/Dutch Bros: Vanilla sweet cream cold brew

Chocolate or Fruit: Dove dark chocolate

Favorite Place to Shop: Amazon and Target

Favorite Colors: Pink

Favorite Sports Team(s): N/A

Hobbies: Hiking, paddleboarding, reading,  and completing puzzles

Favorite BFA Virtue: Sincerity

My family includes my husband, son, and 2 dogs.

Birthday: March 7

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant is Portillo’s (a Chicago staple)

Favorite Restaurants are any Italian, Mediterranean or Mexican food

Favorite Snack Food is Tortilla chips and guacamole or queso

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it outdoors hiking or swimming, reading or relaxing with a manicure or pedicure

On a bad day, what would cheer me up is spending time with friends and family, reading a good book or listening to country music

Favorite Starbucks/Dutch Bros Drinks are blonde vanilla latte or salted caramel cream cold brew

Chocolate or Fruit?: Chocolate with caramel

Favorite places to shop are Target or Amazon

Favorite color is Blue

Favorite sports teams are Indiana Hoosiers or any Chicago team

My hobbies are spending time with friends and family, traveling, being outdoors, hiking, swimming, reading, listening to live music

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue is Sincerity

My family includes my husband, our two daughters, and our dog

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