Mrs. de Bedout began teaching Spanish at BFA in 2024. She loves being around students and says this year has been especially fun since she already knows many of them and they know her, too. That connection helps her feel more confident and makes teaching even more enjoyable. She also appreciates how kind and welcoming the staff is, which creates such a positive environment at BFA.

Mrs. de Bedout grew up in Colombia and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Universidad de los Andes. Before coming to BFA, she worked at a Recovery School in Denver. Back in Colombia, she ran her own HR company, worked as a consultant for ManPower Group for over 15 years, and had a private therapy practice.

Outside of school, Mrs. de Bedout enjoys traveling, learning about different cultures, history, languages, and food. Her family is the most important part of her life and the reason she moved to Colorado nine years ago, when her husband was offered a wonderful opportunity. In her free time, she also enjoys painting, making art, reading, and taking long walks in nature.

La Sra. de Bedout comenzó a enseñar Español en BFA en 2024. Le encanta estar rodeada de estudiantes y dice que este año ha sido especialmente divertido porque ya conoce a muchos de ellos, y ellos la conocen a ella también. Esa conexión la hace sentir más segura y hace que la enseñanza sea aún más agradable. También aprecia la amabilidad de quienes trabajan en la escuela y el ambiente tan positivo que se vive en BFA.

La Sra. de Bedout creció en Colombia y obtuvo su título en Psicología en la Universidad de los Andes. Antes de llegar a BFA, trabajó en una escuela para estudiantes en proceso de rehabilitación de consumo de sustancias, en Denver. En Colombia tuvo su propia empresa de recursos humanos, fue consultora para ManPower Group por más de 15 años y también tuvo su práctica privada de terapia.

Fuera de la escuela, a la Sra. de Bedout le gusta viajar, aprender sobre diferentes culturas, historia, idiomas y gastronomía. Su familia es la parte más importante de su vida y la razón por la que se mudó a Colorado hace nueve años, cuando a su esposo le ofrecieron una gran oportunidad profesional. En su tiempo libre, también disfruta pintar, crear arte, leer y dar largos paseos en la naturaleza.

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.

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. 

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! 

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.

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

Ali Hinkle is our Elementary Art Teacher and teaching Electives classes for our Middle School.  She has been teaching at BFA for 15 years 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.

Mrs. Hinkle 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. 

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

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.

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. 

Birthday: September 23rd

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Noodles & Co

Favorite Restaurant: Italian

Favorite Snack: Sour Patch Kids

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

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

Favorite Starbucks/Dutch Bros: Caramel Brulée Latte

Chocolate or Fruit: Chocolate

Favorite Place to Shop: Target

Favorite Colors: Red

Favorite Sports Team(s): Broadway

Hobbies: seeing theatre, cycling, watercolor painting, swimming

Favorite BFA Virtue: Silence

My family includes my Husband, daughter, grandmother, father, and brother.

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!

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

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.

Coming Soon

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.

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Tracy Pierce teaches the middle school specials class, “Mindful in the Middle,” and serves as the Social-Emotional Learning Program Coordinator. Now in her 9th year of teaching at Ben Franklin, Mrs. Pierce is dedicated to helping every student recognize their worth, discover their potential, and feel supported and valued. She treasures the opportunity to guide students through sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, encouraging mindfulness and fostering personal growth during this pivotal time.

Mrs. Pierce 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 the University of Colorado at Boulder. She has a wide variety of teaching experiences, ranging from traditional classrooms to directing an overnight camp and homeschooling her own children in an RV for seven months while traveling the country.

Mrs. Pierce and her husband Josh have two daughters who attended Ben Franklin from preschool through eighth grade and are now thriving as a freshman at Arizona State University and a sophomore at Mountain Vista High School. In her free time, Mrs. Pierce enjoys cheering on her favorite Chicago sports teams, indulging in her many crafting hobbies, staying connected with former students, and planning her next concert, trip, or adventure.

Birthday: September 29

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Starbucks

Favorite Restaurant: Mexican

Favorite Snack: Trail mix, protein bars, 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 such as 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, and getting outside.

Favorite Starbucks/Dutch Bros: Double Tall Nonfat Latte

Chocolate or Fruit: Chocolate

Favorite Place to Shop: Target and Amazon

Favorite Colors: Rainbow

Favorite Sports Team(s): Chicago Cubs

Hobbies: Art (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 BFA Virtue: Sincerity

My family includes my husband Josh, daughters Ellie and Lainey, and our 9-year-old Australian Shepherd, Sydney

Wyatt Bangert is currently a senior at the Metropolitan State University of Denver pursuing a degree in History with certification in secondary education. He is 26 years old with a passion for supporting students to reach their fullest potential. With a patient and pursuable demeanor, Wyatt is skilled in creating an inclusive and positive environment where students are able to excel and feel encouraged to participate. He was born and raised in Denver, Colorado and the youngest of 7. He is eager to get his educational career started and looks forward to the opportunity of working at Ben Franklin Academy.

Birthday:10/26

Favorite Restaurant: Torres

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Freddies

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Golfing or taking my dog for a hike

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: My pets, a good book or movie, and spending time with family.

Favorite Starbucks drink: Americano

Chocolate or Fruit?: Chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Berkley Supply CO

Favorite color: Green

Favorite sports team: Denver Nuggets

Hobbies: Golf, Basketball, Pickle ball, hiking, really anything outdoors

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Justice

My family includes…: My mother, my father, my stepmother, my two brothers, my four sisters, my two brothers in law, my two nieces and my nephew.

Mrs. Bond joined the BFA Student Support team in 2019 as the Elementary School Gifted and Talented Facilitator and Accelerated Math Teacher. She values the unique opportunity to work with students over multiple years, fostering strong connections with both students and their families. Mrs. Bond feels grateful to be part of the BFA community and is proud to serve alongside such a dedicated staff.

Mrs. Bond has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, a Masters Degree in Teaching from the University of Northern Colorado, and a Colorado Metro Certificate in Gifted Education. Before becoming a teacher, she worked as a Software Consultant with Deloitte Consulting and as a Project Manager at a small startup software company in Austin. 

Mrs. Bond loves the mountains, the changing seasons, and the many outdoor activities that make Colorado such a special place to live. Whether hiking, biking, or simply enjoying the fresh mountain air, she appreciates the chance to spend time outdoors. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and exploring new places, spending quality time with her family, and reading, both for fun and to continue learning new things.

Birthday: January 10

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick Fil A – Chick Fil A sandwich meal with a Diet Coke

Favorite Restaurant: Los Dos Potrillos

Favorite Snack Food: Snickers

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it hanging out with my family, hiking, riding my bike, or reading

On a bad day, these would cheer me up: A hug and a hot chocolate

Favorite Starbucks/Dutch Bros Drink: Starbucks Hot Chocolate no whipped cream

Chocolate or Fruit?: Snickers

Favorite place to shop: Target

Favorite color(s): Pink

Favorite sports team: Texas Longhorns

My hobbies are hiking, biking, reading, learning new things

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue is Moderation – Keep yourself in balance. Focus both on accomplishing things in which you excel and those you do not. Try new things.

My family includes my husband and two grown kids.

Birthday: 08/02

Favorite Restaurant: Perry’s Steakhouse

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chipotle

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…hanging out with friends 

On a bad day, these would cheer me up..

Favorite Starbucks drink: peppermint mocha (sugar-free)

Chocolate or Fruit?: Chocolate

Favorite place to shop: TJMaxx

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite sports team: Broncos..of course!

Hobbies:  attending sporting events and concerts

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Cleanliness

My family includes: Myself and three grown children (and a bonus daughter-in-law)

Alexis Ferguson joined Ben Franklin Academy in 2023 as the Middle School Social Worker. She has always had a passion for working with youth, particularly in an academic setting. She loves every chance she gets to interact, meet with students, and support them in achieving their goals, and she strives to make school a fun and welcoming place for students. 

Ms. Ferguson earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Colorado State University. During her time at CSU, she interned with Poudre School District as a Social/Emotional Support Intern, where she spent most of her time at a Middle/High School working with students. Ms. Ferguson also interned for a non-profit organization as a Youth Specialist, working with youth aged 6 to 18 years old. 

As a Colorado native, Ms. Ferguson grew up in Parker and attended school in Douglas County. She lives with her fiancé, Kaiden, and their two cats, Cali and Rue. In her free time, she likes spending time with her family, cycling/going on walks, reading, going to the movies, and spending time with her pets, including her family’s English Bulldog, Jazz.

Birthday: 2-May

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Qdoba

Favorite Restaurant: Texas Roadhouse

Favorite Snack: Sweet and Salty

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it getting my nails done/pedicure, taking a nap.

On a bad day, these would cheer me up: Ice cream, Dutch Bros

Favorite Starbucks/Dutch Bros: Iced Vampire Slayer Rebel or an Iced Irish Creme Breve from Dutch

Chocolate or Fruit: Fruit, Pineapple, and strawberries

Favorite Place to Shop: Amazon, Target, Old Navy, Maurices

Favorite Colors: Purple

Favorite Sports Team(s): Pittsburgh Steelers and AVs

Hobbies: Reading, cycling, spending time with family

Favorite BFA Virtue: Moderation

My family includes my fiancé, Kaiden, and our two cats, Cali and Rue.

Aric feels blessed to be at Ben Franklin Academy, working with an amazing  staff  and students. BFA is an incredible school and he feels honored to be a part of this community.  Aric is a Colorado native and is very proud of that fact, as he was raised and currently lives in Littleton. He has been married for 20 years to Teresa who is a middle school science teacher and they have three amazing kids: Octavia is a 12th grader at Mullen High School, Peyton is a 10th grader at Mullen, and Noah is in fourth grade. When he is not working with students, his own kids keep him busy with singing, church, soccer, cross country, basketball, robotics, baseball, etc.  He enjoys coaching soccer, running, going to church and doing anything with his family.

This school year will mark his twenty-seventh year in education. Aric has had wonderful opportunities to be at a very wide variety of schools in his professional career. He has been a teacher for 10 years and an administrator for 13 years. He has a unique understanding of education as he has been at all levels of the K-12 continuum. In addition to being a passionate teacher and administrator, Aric has also been a coach, club sponsor and mentor to thousands of students throughout the years. He has a strong belief in the development of the whole child and that every single child is important. He looks forward to building those critical, positive and genuine relationships with all the students and families as they journey through Ben Franklin Academy.

Birthday (month/day): August 5th

Favorite Restaurant: Los Dos Potrillos or Hacienda Colorado

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Tamale Kitchen

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Go on run, Go to church, have a nice meal with my family

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Going to church; playing with my dog; My kids:)

Favorite Starbucks drink: Hot chocolate, decaffeinated tea

Chocolate or Fruit?:  Dark chocolate or Bananas

Favorite place to shop: Amazon

Favorite color: Black

Favorite sports team:  AS Roma soccer team; Gonzaga Basketball; Denver Nuggets

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…):  Running; Coaching; any challenging mental game; Watching sports (especially soccer)

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Tranquility

My family includes…: My wife Teresa (20 years married); daughter Octavia (16); son Peyton (14); son Noah (9); dog (Chuck Waggin); 2 cats (Lucky and Patches); Guinea Pig (Emmanuel); and many fish

Paulette Graves is a Reading Support Teacher and has been with BFA for 8 years. She has a B.S. Michigan State University and her Masters of Arts in Teaching from Oakland University. Mrs. Graves was an Elementary Education Teacher for 17 years in Michigan. She has experience in most elementary grades; she taught second, third, and fourth grades primarily and one year of kindergarten. Paulette is a life-long learner and recently completed training on Orton Gillingham IMSE, Pepper; Read Act Reading Training Evidence Based, and Lexia: 5 ways to translate Science of Reading into Instruction.

Her hobbies include needlework, golf and watercolor painting.

My birthday is May 30

Favorite restaurant is Cheesecake Factory

Favorite fast food, Arby’s

If I had an unexpected day off I would spend it shopping.

On a bad day not having to make dinner would cheer me up.

Favorite Starbucks drink is a caramel macchiato.

Chocolate and fruit !!!

Favorite place to shop, Nordstrom

Favorite color : red

 Favorite Sports team:  Michigan State Spartans 

Hobbies,:  needlepoint, golf, walking, boatingFavorite virtue, be true to yourself

My family includes, my husband Peter, 3 adult children, 8 grandchildren, 3 adult step-children,

9 step grandchildren, five sisters, and two brothers.

Mrs. Hankins began her work as an occupational therapist at Ben Franklin Academy in 2014, supporting students as part of the Student Support Team. After stepping away for several years to spend time with her young family, she returned to BFA excited to help students reach their fullest potential. She enjoys being part of a collaborative team dedicated to every child’s success.

Mrs. Hankins earned her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Colorado State University. She has experience in both acute care and pediatric settings, and while each brought value to her career, she knew her passion was working with children. She especially loves helping students improve their motor skills, develop strategies for emotional regulation, build confidence in their abilities, and support success in daily classroom and social activities.

Outside of BFA, Mrs. Hankins enjoys visiting farmers’ markets, exploring local coffee shops and farm-to-table restaurants, and spending time outdoors. She also pursued graduate studies in nutrition at the University of Western States and received her license as a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) in 2025. Above all, she treasures time with her husband and twins, Kate and Jack, who are both students at BFA.

Birthday: January 17

Favorite Restaurant: Grow + Gather

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Toastique

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: With my family – a hike and then a coffee/ice cream shop

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Snuggling up and watching a movie with my family

Favorite Starbucks drink: Almond milk latte

Chocolate or Fruit?: Dark chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Whole Foods, Athleta, Banana Republic

Favorite color: Earthy boho colors

Favorite sports team: I’d watch a good game in any sport

Hobbies: Cooking/baking easy healthy recipes, hiking or nature walks, traveling, fitness, watching movies, reading

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity

My family includes…: My husband, Travis, and my children, Jack and Kate

Sarah Harrell is a Colorado native and has been teaching at BFA since it opened in 2011. She received her B.A. from CU Boulder, her Literacy Intervention Specialist certificate from Colorado College, and her M.Ed in Elementary Ed and Special Education from Grand Canyon University. She also has her endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education. Before becoming a teacher, Sarah worked as a counselor at a residential treatment facility with teens 11-18 years old. Her passion has always been working with students of various ages to reach their full potential despite their backgrounds and/or disabilities.

In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her adult sons. She also enjoys traveling anywhere, especially to the beach, hiking, and reading. She also volunteers with RezDawg Rescue. 

Birthday (month/day):  Nov. 20th

Favorite Restaurant:  Smokin Fins

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chic Fil

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

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…:  any baked goods

Favorite Starbucks drink: Chai Tea Latte regular milk

Chocolate or Fruit?: chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Amazon, Target, Evereve

Favorite color: Blue, brown, green

Favorite sports team: I just like watching sports

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

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Frugality

My family includes…: Myself, husband, and two boys in their 20s

Katie is starting her 23rd year of teaching. She has worked with students in grades three through five for most of her career and taught fifth grade for thirteen years. This upcoming year will be her eighth year as the Gifted and Talented Education Specialist at Ben Franklin Academy, her seventh year as the DCSD Gifted Charter School Lead, and her fifth year coaching volleyball. Teaching is her passion, and she loves every minute she spends helping students meet their academic potential.

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

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Katie moved to Colorado in 1999. She lives with her husband, Patrick, and their three children, Lillia (sophomore in college at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago), Aidan (11th grade at MVHS), Charlie (8th grade at BFA), and their dog, Stella, in Castle Pines. Katie spends most of her free time keeping up with her very active children. She also loves to spend time knee-deep in a great book, walking her dog on the beautiful trails throughout Colorado, or planning her family’s next vacation to a National Park. Her goal is to visit all 63 National Parks. Katie and her husband also enjoy gardening–she takes care of the flowers, and he’s in charge of the vegetables. As a family, they enjoy being outdoors, family game and movie nights, trips to the mountains, skiing, and visiting her family in Wisconsin.

Birthday (month/day): September 3

Favorite Restaurant: Smokin Fins, Sushi Mango, 

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Torchy’s, Chipotle, 

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: reading, gardening, going for a walk, Peloton, online shopping at Athleta

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: reading, gardening, going for a walk, Peloton, going to a movie, online shopping at Athleta 

Favorite Starbucks drink: Nonfat, two pump, Cinnamon Dolce Latte

Chocolate or Fruit?: chocolate…as long as it’s not mint. If it’s mint, then fruit…as long as it’s not bananas. If it’s bananas, then chocolate. 

Favorite place to shop: Athleta, Target, Crate and Barrell

Favorite color:  green

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): skiing, gardening, visiting National Parks, collecting autographed books from my favorite authors

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: cleanliness 

My family includes…: My family of five includes my husband, Patrick, our three children, Lillia, Aidan, and Charlie, and our dog Stella

Birthday (month/day): March 3

Favorite Restaurant: Hacienda

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chipotle

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: Shopping or getting my nails done

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Time with family

Favorite Starbucks drink: nonfat white chocolate mocha

Chocolate or Fruit?: chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Marshalls or TJ Maxx

Favorite color: Green

Favorite sports team: Avalanche

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

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Sincerity

My family includes…:  husband-Russ, Riley-8th grader at BFA, Austin-5th grader at BFA

Birthday: 9/17

Favorite Restaurant: Sushi Den

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chipotle

Favorite Snack Food: Chocolate

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

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

Favorite Starbucks Item: Breakfast sandwich

Chocolate or Fruit?: Chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Dicks Sporting Goods

Favorite color: Red

Favorite sports team: Avs

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): Ice Hockey

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Humility

My family includes…: Wife-Diane, Son-Trevor, Daughter-Lexi

Sarah Russell is an accomplished Speech Language Pathologist whose interest in the field was sparked while volunteering at a summer camp for special needs children during her high school summer breaks. Sarah attended Miami University (Ohio) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She then moved to Boulder and earned her Master of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Colorado. In order to gain more experience in all areas of the field, Sarah accepted a one year Clinical Fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI and earned her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology from the American Speech Language Hearing Association. Her next professional opportunity led her back to Boulder to work as a speech language pathologist for Boulder Community Hospital in the Pediatric Rehabilitation Department. In this role, Sarah became certified in administration of the Autism Diagnostic Scale and a variety of specific intervention techniques. She was a member of the interdisciplinary Autism Diagnostic Team which consisted of a physical therapist, occupational therapist and psychologist. Additionally, Sarah became a certified trainer for the Hanen Center and part of the second organization in Boulder County to run workshops for parents and caregivers in the Hanen approach for early intervention. Sarah enjoyed working with and gaining knowledge from other professionals in related fields and closely collaborating with her clients families. Next, a postdoctoral opportunity for her husband had the Russells moving to Ohio where Sarah became an associate professor at Purdue University in their Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Department. Sarah supervised graduate students in medical and educational settings while collaborating with other professors to prepare students for their careers. After a professional break to start her family, Sarah has spent the last 11 years at Ben Franklin Academy where she is currently licensed as a Special Services Provider through the state of Colorado. She loves being part of the Student Support Team and BFA community. The best part of her job is helping students achieve their goals and improve their communication skills! Sarah strives to make her time with students both effective and fun!

When Sarah is not at BFA, she enjoys spending time with her husband, three teenagers and dog! Most frequently throughout the year, Sarah can be found at basketball games or cheerleading competitions, volunteering for booster clubs, reading or baking. During the summer, the Russell family takes an annual trip to visit extended family in Michigan and spends time on their boat at Chatfield Lake.

Birthday: 09/13

Favorite Restaurant: Los Dos

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chick-fil-A

If I had an unexpected day off, I would spend it…: at Park Meadows Mall!

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

Favorite Starbucks drink: Skinny Vanilla Latte

Chocolate or Fruit?: Chocolate

Favorite place to shop: Nordstrom

Favorite color: pink

Favorite sports team: Denver Nuggets

Hobbies: (bowling, golf, etc…): baking, crafts, boating, traveling

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Tranquility

My family includes…: Jim (husband of 20 years), Will (12th grade), Olivia (11th grade), Ellie (10th grade), Moose (best dog ever)

Michelle grew up in Illinois and moved to Colorado in high school. She received her bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming and her Masters in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. Working with kids has always been a passion and teaching has been the most rewarding career where she helps kids grow and thrive. She loves helping each student grow their strengths and find confidence in themselves. This will be her sixth year at Ben Franklin Academy. She looks forward to another year of getting to know new faces and having fun alongside current students. 

When not working, she enjoys raising chickens and spending time with her husband and two children.

Birthday: December 22

Favorite Restaurant: Chipotle 

Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Chuck-fil-a

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

On a bad day, these would cheer me up…: Kind words and coffee

Favorite Starbucks drink: caramel Latte 

Chocolate or Fruit?: Chocolate 

Favorite place to shop: L.L Bean 

Favorite color: orange

Favorite sports team: Broncos 

Hobbies: bowling, reading, museums 

Favorite Ben Franklin Virtue: Honesty 

My family includes…: husband, 2 kids, 2 dogs, 3 chickens, 2 lizards