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Flagstaff Academy Faculty and Staff
Principal - Andrew Moore
 Mr. Andrew Moore has a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas. He has a Master’s degree in Education, and is pursuing an advanced degree in administration. He has over nine years of elementary school teaching experience, as well as four years of experience as a program manager for Avid 4 Adventure. Starting at Flagstaff in 2007, he was the 4th-8th grade math and literacy specialist before being appointed principal.
Mr. Moore says, "At Flagstaff Academy, we blend the traditional Core Knowledge curriculum with innovative technology implementation. This 21st century hybrid allows us to drive our programming with traditional values and contemporary pathways. It is an exciting time to be involved in education, and at Flagstaff we are bringing this excitement to the lives of our students every day of the year."
"As the school principal, I am able to leverage my passion for learning with my core values of honest communication and high quality instruction. Communication is the cornerstone of a strong school community and I strive to communicate with efficiency and compassion. Educationally, we are creating and maintaining programs which sustain our students for the duration of their tenure at Flagstaff. By employing consistent content objectives and quality instructional delivery we can ensure an amazing educational experience for each of our students."
Outside of school you might find Mr. Moore in the garden, on a mountain top or playing in the yard with his sons and lovely wife. [top of page]
Assistant Principal - Elementary- Terri Long
 Ms. Terri Long holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Business Administration from California State San Marcos.
Ms. Long has been a member of the teaching team at Flagstaff Academy since 2006. She has taught second, fifth and fourth grades and she believes that learning should be fun. She believes the Core Knowledge Curriculum is an essential part to education and loves how the sequence builds each year. Her humor and ability to build relationships are two of her best assets. She is very excited to move into the position of Assistant Principal at Flagstaff Academy.
Ms. Long is originally from San Diego, CA, and moved to Colorado with her family in 2004. Although the cold winter days are not her favorite, she absolutely loves Colorado. Outside of the classroom Ms. Long enjoys spending time with her three children. She enjoys reading, writing, bike riding, exercising at the gym, watching football, and listening to music. [top of page]
Middle School Assistant Principal/Science Teacher - Charlie Warren
 Dr. Charlie Warren has loved science since he made his first insect collection in kindergarten. With a Bachelors and Masters in Biological Sciences and a PhD in Science Education - research and practice, Dr. Warren has blended a love of learning science with a commitment to teaching it. Of all the ages he has taught, he prefers middle-schoolers. He finds them sophisticated enough to understand complex science and young enough to maintain the curiosity, wonder and awe that make science fun.
Dr. Warren was the proud recipient of the 2007 Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence for Colorado while at Crestone Charter School and is certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
When time and weather permit, he is likely found in a trout stream, fly rod in hand. He has progressed from hockey player to hockey fan. He is the proud father of a 27 year old son, Chris, who is a professional ornithologist in Texas. All those years of bird watching with a toddler in tow paid off! [top of page]
Dean of School Culture - Kevin Pugh
 Mr. Kevin Pugh is Flagstaff’s first Dean of School Culture, a position created to provide leadership in the development of a positive and supportive culture in which students and staff can reach their full potential.
Mr. Pugh holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication, and a dual Master's in Higher Education Administration and College Student Development. Mr. Pugh has nearly 20 years of professional experience in education, having served as an administrator and instructor at Baldwin-Wallace College, Ohio, State University of New York at New Paltz, Syracuse University, New York, and the University of Colorado-Boulder. Mr. Pugh is an author and nationally recognized speaker and consultant with experience in educational and organizational development, restorative justice, personal growth and community building. Prior to Flagstaff Academy, Mr. Pugh was the Director of Community Affairs and Restorative Justice at the Lafayette Police Department. In this role, he specialized in working with juvenile offenders and helping schools develop safety and discipline plans as a certified Crime Prevention Specialist.
Born in southern New Jersey, Mr. Pugh has lived in Colorado for ten years with his wife and two young children. Outside of work, Mr. Pugh enjoys activities with his family, as well as skiing, mountain-climbing, and coaching soccer. He loves music and journalism. Mr. Pugh is an avid triathlete and marathoner, hoping to complete a marathon in every state before his fiftieth birthday. [top of page]
Communications Director - Lisa Krebs
 Lisa Krebs holds a Bachelors degree in Communication and a Masters in Public Relations from the University of Maryland. Ms. Krebs has more than ten years experience in public relations having worked in Public Affairs for the Air Force overseas and in the U.S. Ms. Krebs believes communication is an essential component of organizations. What Ms. Krebs values most about Flagstaff Academy is the emphasis placed on reaching out to Flagstaff parents and continuously fostering an environment of open communication with parents.Prior to joining Flagstaff, Ms. Krebs spent several years in the game industry as a writer and project manager.
Outside of school, she can usually be found with her three children . She enjoys writing, reading, badmitton, gardening, and hiking. . [top of page]
Business Assistant -Marnie Lowrey
Health Clerk - Janet Raasch
Mrs. Janet Raasch loves the children that come through her health office. She has received training for medication administration and special health procedures from The Children's Hospital. administers medication to students and performs health procedures relating to diabetic care, emergency response care for incidents such as severe allergies, asthma and seizures, works with parents to implement health care plan interventions and adminsters daily medications to students who require it. [top of page]
Preschool Director - Patricia Persons
 Mrs. Patty Persons holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Salem State College in Salem, Massachusetts. Her teaching experience includes all of the primary grades. In addition, Mrs. Persons has earned her degree in teaching English as a Second Language to adults and K-12 students.
Prior to joining Flagstaff, Mrs. Persons spent the last several years working as the Director of a private preschool in Niwot, CO. With this experience, Mrs. Persons has taken the leadership role in developing our preschool program.
Outside of school, she competes in league tennis, and enjoys hiking, biking, skiing and travel. [top of page]
Assistant Preschool Teacher - Regina Morrison
 Mrs. Regina Morrison received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Metropolitan State College in Denver in Psychology with a focus in Early Childhood Education. Prior to joining Flagstaff, Mrs. Morrison was a Family Educator in the Head Start Program in Nebraska for four years, as well as a substitute teacher in the St. Vrain Valley School District for several years.
What Mrs. Morrison appreciates most about Flagstaff is its sense of community and family which is reflected by the children of Flagstaff.
In her free time, Mrs. Morrison enjoys spending time with her husband and son, reading, watching movies, and baking. [top of page]
Kindergarten Full-Day Teacher – Kristina Beaudoin-Gudmundson
 Mrs. Kristina Beaudoin-Gudmundson received her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Northridge, in Humanities, with a focus in child psychology. She followed this with a two year teacher education program with an English Language Development endorsement.
What Mrs. Beaudoin-Gudmundson appreciates most about Flagstaff's mission and vision is the attention to all academics and the dedication to fostering well rounded, highly educated children.
In her free time, Mrs. Beaudoin-Gudmundson loves to spend time with her husband and two young children, and she especially enjoys reading, watching movies, and cheering on the Rockies. [top of page]
Kindergarten Full-Day Teacher – Tracy Applehans
 Ms. Tracy Applehans attended University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. After completing her certification in Elementary Education from Metropolitan State College of Denver, Miss Applehans taught preschool and kindergarten enrichment. She also worked as a counselor with disabled children for three years.
Ms. Applehans is a compassionate and devoted teacher, always seeking what is best for all children. Ms.Applehans is dedicated to helping all students celebrate their strengths and embrace their challenges.
Ms. Applehans is the passionate mother of one daughter, and she is a leader in her church and community. When not at school, Ms. Applehans enjoys drawing, baking, camping, and spending time with her family, pets, and friends. [top of page]
Kindergarten Full-Day Teacher - Stephanie Trostel
 Miss Stephanie Trostel earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Earth Science from the University of northern Colorado.As a member of the Flagstaff family, Miss Trostel recognizes what students need most to have successful lives. She feels that science and technology are the way of today and the future and is dedicated to preparing each student for life.
Miss Trostel is a native to Northern Colorado. In her spare time Miss Trostel enjoys scrapbooking, playing tennis and volleyball, and participating in community service projects. [top of page]
Kindergarten AM Teacher - Lynn Millane
 Mrs. Lynn Millane has a Bachelor’s degree in Scientific and Technical Communications from Michigan Technological University, and an Elementary Education teaching license from Colorado Christian University (CCU). Before coming to Flagstaff, Mrs. Millane taught in a private school and was a substitute teacher and an instructional assistant in the St. Vrain Valley School District.
As a parent of two children who have benefited from the Core Knowledge curriculum, Mrs. Millane is excited to be able to participate in teaching Core Knowledge to her students at Flagstaff Academy. Mrs. Millane’s goal is to see children challenged and excited to reach their unique learning potential.
Mrs. Millane enjoys time with her family traveling, downhill skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, and spending time at the beach. She also enjoys reading and sipping a good cup of coffee. [top of page]
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First Grade Teacher - Susan Lamb
 Mrs. Susan Lamb was born in Iowa, and attended Bradley University in Peoria, IL, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.
Mrs. Lamb taught first and second grade for ten years in various areas of Texas. In addition, she has taught language arts and science. She loves seeing children become excited and motivated to learn and enjoys being part of this process.
Mrs. Lamb enjoys exercising, reading, and spending time with her husband and three children.[top of page]
First Grade Teacher - Brittney Baxter
 Miss Brittney Baxter graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics.
Miss Baxter's vision for the school year would be to see students' minds take off with excitement and curiosity with the rich curriculum provided at Flagstaff Academy. As an avid reader herself, Miss Baxter will be encouraging her students to grow in the areas of Language Arts and reading and writing, as they partner these skills with a tremendous technology and science curriculum.
Miss Baxter loves hiking, playing games, playing with her puppy, and traveling when she has the opportunity. [top of page]
First Grade Teacher - Kimberly Lewis
 Mrs. Kimberly Lewis graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver with undergraduate degrees in Liberal Arts and Science. Her degree includes a major in Elementary Education.
Mrs. Lewis appreciates all aspects of Flagstaff's vision, as each component works harmoniously to create a quality education and life beyond for our students. Mrs. Lewis affirms that it is wonderful that Flagstaff is able to focus on helping to develop our students' abilities in the areas of science and technology. Leaders in these areas of expertise are in high demand and the need will only exponentially increase in years to come.
Mrs. Lewis is originally from Albuquerque, NM, and now calls Colorado her home with her husband and a variety of pets. She enjoys fishing, camping, rock climbing (mostly bouldering), gardening, photography, and anything having to do with animals. [top of page]
First Grade Teacher - Erin Cynkar
 Ms. Erin Cynkar was born and raised in Seattle, WA. She moved to Colorado to attend Colorado State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She later furthered her education by receiving her Master's in Elementary Education.
Ms. Cynkar is excited for the upcoming school year at Flagstaff Academy and hopes to pass that excitement onto her students. She believes in Flagstaff's mission to develop well-rounded students through Core Knowledge principles, focusing on science and technology , and teaching character education.
Ms. Cynkar loves to spend her free time with her five year old son, going on runs, playing tennis and playing the piano. [top of page]
Second Grade Teacher - Michelle Staehly
 Mrs. Michelle Staehly graduated from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and intends to pursue graduate education here in Colorado.
Mrs. Staehly believes in the importance of incorporating technology into the Core Knowledge curriculum. She believes we are immersed in a world where technology is all around us and all children need to have as much hands-on exposure to this as possible. Mrs. Staehly intends to use all available Flagstaff resources to incorporate technology into a variety of lessons.
Mrs. Staehly is originally from Green Bay, WI. She loves Colorado’s mountains and tries to hike as much as possible. One of her favorite things to do on rainy days is to listen to music and work on quilting. Her other hobbies include gardening, reading, and taking her dog for runs.
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Second Grade Teacher - Courtney Varn
 Mrs. Courtney Varn grew up in Denver and graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and minors in both Special Education and Reading.
As a child, Mrs. Varn herself attended a Core Knowledge school. Therefore, she is especially excited to be teaching a curriculum that she is certain is an outstanding program for children.
In her free time, Mrs. Varn enjoys hiking, as well as watching movies and attending concerts. [top of page]
Second Grade Teacher - Katherine Sloop
 Ms. Katherine Sloop graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art with an emphasis in photography. Following her graduation, Ms. Sloop spent time in Quepos, Costa Rica, where she taught English to children and adults. She left Costa Rica with her certification in Teaching English as a Second Offered Language (TESOL). Ms. Sloop returned to University of Colorado in Boulder and completed her certification for elementary education.
Ms. Sloop is especially excited to be a part of a school community that has a clear and strong vision and mission. She most appreciates the goal to “pursue excellence in every student and employee.”
Ms. Sloop is a Colorado native, born and raised in Basalt, and she enjoys hiking, reading, and photography. [top of page]
Second Grade Teacher – Jennifer Lockwood
 Miss Jennifer Lockwood graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and licensure in Elementary Education. With her background in Psychology, Miss Lockwood understands child developmental processes, which enables her to guide students to reach their potential. Miss Lockwood is a Boulder native who studied abroad and volunteered at a local elementary school in Sydney, Australia, for nearly five months.
Miss Lockwood is thrilled to be a part of Flagstaff Academy, a school that encourages teamwork and respect. She strives to create a positive classroom environment in which her students feel comfortable and confident in exploring their own abilities. Miss Lockwood has a passion for teaching children and is excited to instill a lifelong love of learning and academic excellence in her students.
In her free time, Miss Lockwood enjoys yoga, running, reading and spending time with her wonderful family and friends. [top of page]
Third Grade Teacher - Stacey Pena
 Ms. Stacey Pena graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Ms. Pena spent a year in Beijing, China, where she taught English to elementary school students. Upon returning to the United States, Ms. Pena relocated from her native California to Colorado, where she studied Elementary Education at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Ms. Pena is thrilled to be part of theFlagstaff community. She believes that all children can learn and she strives to create fun and innovative lessons that excite and inspire each of her students. Ms. Pens hopes to install in her students a lifelong love of learning, and she firmly agrees with the quote from W.B. Yeats: "Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.
In her spare time, Ms. Pena enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and practicing yoga. [top of page]
Third Grade Teacher - Lori Salinas
 Mrs. Lori Salinas graduated from Texas State University, earning Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Elementary Education, and she has been actively teaching since 2001.
Mrs. Salinas recently moved to Colorado from Seattle, WA. She and her husband have a nine year old lab/golden retriever mix. When she’s not in school, she enjoys traveling, which enables her to learn about different cultures and ways of life. She also likes outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, swimming, and gardening. Mrs. Salinas is an avid reader and attempts to read as much as she can. [top of page]
Third Grade Teacher - Jennifer Saam
 Mrs. Jennifer Saam grew up in Michigan and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Group Science with a Biology Emphasis from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI.
In her classroom, Mrs. Saam explores concepts through reading and hands-on activities that allow students to use problem solving and critical thinking skills. One of the most important concepts that Mrs. Saam promotes is to instill in each student a sense of responsibility. Mrs. Saam states, “My goal for my students at the end of the year is to be independent thinkers who love to explore the world around them while having fun.”
Mrs. Saam claims, “My passion in life is books! I read many children's books which allows me to recommend them to students. Reading is a big part of my teaching style. The students see my love of books and reading and hopefully want to explore books themselves.” [top of page]
Third Grade Teacher -Terri Reh
 Mrs. Terri Reh has a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Colorado and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Regis University. In addition, she completed a seminar on Multiple Intelligences from Harvard Graduate School.
Mrs. Reh recently moved from teaching first to third grade. Before coming to Flagstaff, she was a substitute teacher in both the St. Vrain Valley School District as well as several private schools in the area. She has also worked as the Kid’s Coordinator at Longmont Free University.
Mrs. Reh enjoys identifying what makes each child’s learning ability unique and guides her teaching accordingly. She has two children, both of whom attend Flagstaff Academy. In her spare time she enjoys skiing and reading. [top of page]
Fourth Grade Teacher - Gael Lester
 Mrs. Lester has several years experience teaching Kindergarten through third grades, and is excited to be teaching her first fourth grade class. She has a life-long love of learning and believes in laying a strong foundation for students to develop the same. While not teaching, she enjoys traveling and exploring foreign cultures, performing as a vocalist and hand percussionist and has recently taken up playing the drums. When Mrs. Lester is not teaching, she enjoyes spending her time with her husband and four children. [top of page]
Fourth Grade Teacher - Yelena Brachman
 Mrs. Brachman has a Bachelor's degree in Geography and Peace and Conflict studies at University of Colorado. She also has a Masters in Educational Psychology.
Mrs. Brachman had been teaching for 3 years and thinks learning should be exciting, sticky, stretchy, and of course hands on!
In her free time Mrs. Brachman likes to hike with her dogs, climb, knit, ski, do yoga and travel
Fourth Grade Teacher - Debbie DePoyster
 Mrs. Debbie DePoyster earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Plymouth State College in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Mrs. DePoyster originally became a substitute teacher for Jefferson County Schools, but she left teaching to stay home and raise her three daughters. Mrs. DePoyster states, “When my children entered the newly opened Jefferson Academy Charter School, I became a supporter of Core Knowledge.” Mrs. DePoyster substituted there regularly for nine years, as well as being a very active parent volunteer. Mrs. DePoyster returned to teaching full time at Rocky Mountain Academy in Evergreen, another Core Knowledge Charter school, where she taught fourth grade.
Mrs. DePoyster was born outside of Boston and grew up in New England. She and her husband moved toColorado thirty years ago. She spends the summer reading and hiking in the mountains. [top of page]
Fourth Grade Teacher - Barbara Curtis
 Mrs. Barbara Curtis received her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Northridge. Mrs. Curtis has been with the teaching staff at Flagstaff Academy since 2005. This is her second year teaching fourth grade. She thinks that it is important to incorporate outstanding literature into her teaching and instill a love of reading in her students.
Mrs. Curtis is a native of southern California, but has been living in Colorado for over eight years. She enjoys hiking and camping with her husband and two children. In her spare time she loves to read and go to the movies. [top of page]
Fifth Grade Teacher - Megan Berry
 Ms. Berry, a native Coloradan, graduated from Colorado University with a BA in Psychology and after working as a nanny for two years, decided working with children was a passion. Ms. Berry enrolled in CU-Denver to study elementary education with an emphasis in Math instruction and is excited to be teaching fifth grade. [top of page]
Fifth Grade Teacher - Melissa Slinker
 Ms. Melissa Slinker graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colorado Christian University in Denver, CO, focusing on education. Ms. Slinker recently completed all requisite classes for her Master’s degree.
As a military child, Ms. Slinker claims to have “had the opportunity to live in three states before my second birthday.” She now lives in Colorado, however, and feels that it is her home.
When she is not teaching, Ms. Slinker enjoys spending time with her family, playing or watching sports, being with friends, and shopping. [top of page]
Fifth Grade Teacher - Caitlin McGannon
 Ms. Caitlin McGannon is a Colorado native and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder studing Psychology and History. She is currently working on her Master's in Educational Psychology through the University of Colorado Denver. Prior to teaching at Flagstaff, she worked as an English teacher in the heart of Chile's Atacama Desert and earned her teaching license through the Friends' School in Boulder.
Ms. McGannon is thrilled to be joining the Flagstaff community. She believe in education of the whole child and that students should be active participants in their learning.
Ms. McGannon enjoys traveling as much as possible, scuba, coaching swimming, running the trails of Boulder and learning new things every day. [top of page]
Fifth Grade Teacher - Kelly Burnett
 Mrs. Kelly Burnett has a Bachelor's of Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts with a concentration in Spanish from the University of Northern Colorado. Mrs. Burnett has taught third, fourth, and fifth grade for several years in Keenesburg, Loveland, and Colorado Springs, CO.
Mrs. Burnett enjoys traveling and is a scuba certified diver. In her spare time, Mrs. Burnett enjoys reading a variety of books, quilting, and cooking new and exciting meals. [top of page]
Middle School History/Geography Teacher - Katie Gustafson
 Mrs. Katie Gustafson received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from the University of Northern Colorado and received her teaching credential from Metropolitan State College of Denver. Mrs. Gustafson has previously taught at the middle school level in LIttleton, Colorado.
Mrs. Gustafson is excited to join the Flagstaff community to share her passion for teaching. Mrs. Gustafson loves the Core Knowledge curriculum and is excited to motivate students to discover their inner strengths to find what truly inspires them.
Mrs. Gustafson is a Colorado native, and enjoys yoga, camping, reading cooking, and spending time with her husband and son. [top of page]
Middle School History/Geography Teacher - Graham Debenport
 Mr. Graham Debenport received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia in History. He also completed the University of Colorado in Boulder Master’s Plus Licensure Program where he received his initial Colorado teacher's license in secondary social studies education and a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Mr. Debenport is extremely excited to establish himself as a positive force in the Flagstaff community. He has always had a real passion for the study of history, and looks forward to sharing this with his students. In his spare time Mr. Debenport enjoys hiking, playing tennis, and rooting for his St. Louis Cardinals and Missouri Tigers. [top of page]
Middle School Science Teacher - Bryce Gruneich
 Mr. Bryce Gruneich earned a Bachelor of Science in Science Education from the University of Iowa and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Colorado Boulder. Mr. Gruneich believes that a science classroom should be one which inspires awe and critical thinking in children showing them how nature operates. Middle School is the time to instill a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world and, hopefully, create life-long learners.
Mr. Gruneich grew up in the tiny town of Walcott, IA, before moving to the moderdately sized Bettendorf, IA, where he attended middle and high school. Mr. Gruneich moved to Colorado from Iowa in 2008 for graduate school and has since fallen in love with the mountains and the 60° days in January (but not so much the snow in May). He enjoys Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, cycling, swing dancing, Sushi and Rock Band/Guitar Hero. [top of page]
Middle School Language Arts Teacher - Lisa Wilkins
 Mrs. Lisa Wilkins earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Capital University in Ohio and has completed post graduate work in American history.
Mrs. Wilkins intends to incorporate a significant amount of history into her teaching of literature through background information and context. Having taught American History as well as English at the high school level for several years, Mrs. Wilkins draws from this experience to make the teaching of literature interesting and fun for her students.
Mrs. Wilkins states, “The vast majority of the literature in the Core Knowledge sequence represents material that I’ve taught before, and I am grateful to see students experiencing this at the middle school level. Mastering the material in this Core Knowledge sequence is going to do a great deal to help children be well prepared for high school.”
Mrs. Wilkins was a stay-at-home mom for many years before she began teaching. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their four children. [top of page]
Middle School Language Arts Teacher - Bill Fairchild
 Mr. Fairchild, a Boulder, Co. native, holds a Masters from the University of Colorado and is an experienced classroom teacher. In addition to teaching Elementary and Middle School students in Colorado, he spent five years teaching in Japan and four years teaching at the International School of Uganda in Kampala, Uganda. [top of page]
Middle School Language Arts Internvention Specialist- Ashley Anderson
 Miss Ashley Anderson received her Bachelor’s degree from Dakota State University (South Dakota) in K-8 Elementary Education, with additional credentialing in 5-8 Middle Level and K-8 Special Education.
Miss Anderson is in charge of the History/Geography component of the middle school program at Flagstaff Academy. She loves the small environment that Flagstaff offers and particularly enjoys working with a “fabulous group of staff members and students”. In her spare time, she plays league volleyball, skis, snowboards, and hikes. [top of page]
Middle School Math Teacher - Cara O'Malley
 Mrs. Cara O'Malley graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. Previously on the faculty at Telluride Middle /High School, she taught all levels of high school math including AP Calculus as well as sixth grade math and science. In Grand Junction, Mrs. O'Malley taught summer school and provided tutoring for struggling high school math students. Mrs. O'Malley currently teaches Algebra I and Geometry at Flagstaff Academy.
Mrs. O'Malley grew up in LaGrange Park, IL. She lives with her husband and their two children, who are both Flagstaff Academy students, a dog, a guinea pig, and some fish. When she is not teaching, Mrs. O'Malley enjoys running, hiking, biking, skiing, and gardening. [top of page]
Middle School Math Teacher - Lori Ledbetter
 Mrs. Lori Ledbetter grew up in Illinois where she attended Northern Illinois University for two years. She moved to Florida and completed her college education at the University of South Florida. There she completed her Bachelor's degree in Information Systems. After working as a computer network specialist for many years, Mrs. Ledbetter earned her teaching license in Secondary Mathematics. She taught technology in Jefferson County School and middle school math in Adams 12 Schools before joing the team at Flagstaff Academy.
Mrs. Ledbetter loves to exploit the sunergy of math and technology and incorporates technology into her math lessons whenever possible. She also enjoys linking math lessons into what her students are learning in other Core Knowledge subject areas.
When she is not teaching, Mrs. Ledbetter likes to spend time doing outdoor activities with her husband and two children such as hiking, biking and skiing. She also loves to read, knit, quilt and do woodworking. [top of page]
Science Building Resource Teacher (kingergarten - fifth grade) – Stacy Wolff
 Ms. Stacy Wolff received her Bachelor's Science degree in Entomology and Wildlife Conservation, with a Minor in Biology from the University of Delaware in 2001.
She served as the Colorado Mountain Club's Youth Education Program Manager where she engaged students in academics through mountain recreation. Ms. Wolff has experience in scientific research ranging from monitoring endangered piping plovers to wetland assessments. She has also taught science for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Jane Goodall Institute, public schools, and environmental learning centers. She strives to inspire students to become life-long learners, better understand the natural world, engage in their community, and get excited about science!
Ms. Wolff is an avid hiker, backpacker, skier, climber, and loves investigating geology, flowers, and birds. She is also an enthusiastic gardener. [top of page]
Spanish Teacher (fourth and fifth grade) – Vilma Montealegre
 Mrs. Vilma Montealegre earned her degree in Clinical Psychology in Guatemala. She has taught Spanish in various local schools to children of all ages.
Mrs. Montealegre’s passion is to bring the Hispanic culture into the classroom. She draws material from her beloved Guatemala and from her summer travels with her family to Argentina and Spain. Accurately pronouncing her last name is usually the mid term test!
Mrs. Montealegre was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala. She and her family have lived in Boulder for over twelve years. [top of page]
Spanish Teacher - Middle School - Jack Slavin
 Mr. Jack Slavin hails from Tucson, Arizona. He's lived in Hawaii, California and Guadalajara, Mexico, and has traveled to several countries along the Pacific Rim, including Australia. After spending six years in the Submarine Force, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He's taught Spanish and French in the Boulder Valley and St. Vrain Valley School districts. This is his seventh year teaching at the secondary level.
Mr. Slavin is very excited to have found the perfect school, one that places a strong emphasis on core values and knowledge-- Flagstaff Academy. He's happy to have the opportunity to teach Spanish the way he's always wanted to - using methodologies discovered in the early 1990s. He hopes to instill in his students a love of language and culture.
Mr. Slavin spends his time outside of school gardening, reading, cooking, biking, skateboarding and hanging out with his daughter. When he's not making his own dinner, he can be found at a good Mexican, Indian, Nepali or Thai restuaraunt. [top of page]
Spanish Teacher (sixth grade) – Ana Felix
 Mrs. Ana Felix was born in Sinaloa, Mexico, and immigrated to Coloado in 1998. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Metropolitan State College of Denver and graduated witha Behavioral of Science major and Elementary Education licensure.
Mrs. Felix is excited to be part of the team at Flagstaff Academy and shre her passion for teaching, using all her material and human resources as well as her bilingual skills to better understand and assist children with diverse needs.
Mrs. Felix loves to sing and dance, expecially to Latin music such as cumbia, mariachi, and merengue. Her most imortant activity is spending time with her husband and family. She enjoys visiting her grandparents and other family members in Mexico and being able to eat lots of traditional food when she is with them . [top of page]
Music Teacher (sixth - eighth grade) – Tim Baldwin
 Mr. Baldwin spent 34 years teaching instrumental music in Iowa and Missouri before moving to Estes Park, Colorado. After arriving in Colorado, Mr. Baldwin has taught at Summit Middle School in Boulder and Shepherd Valley Waldorf School in Niwot, Co. Tim and his wife, Debbie, a drama teacher, spend their summers teaching drama camps in Missouri and Colorado. Mr. Baldwin also plays trombone in the Estes Park Village Band and Jazz Band, builds sets for plays and musicals, and enjoys hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. [top of page]
Music Teacher (Choir and kindergarten - fifth grade) – Cathy Smith
 Mrs. Cathy Smith holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Music Education with a Choral Music and Vocal emphasis.
Mrs. Smith has been singing her entire life and knew she wanted to be a music teacher ever since fifth grade. She has a special love for the theater and has been in several musical productions around northern Colorado.
On the weekends she enjoys reading, shopping, and singing with her husband. [top of page]
Art Teacher (kindergarten -fifth grade) – Kyle Sumnicht
 Mr. Sumnicht has worked extensively to develop an art program that allows students to actively experience art history while in a classroom setting. He enjoys making art come to life for kids.
In his spare time, Mr. Sumnicht is an avid outdoorsman. During the summers he guides canoe trips in Minnesota's "Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness". He especially enjoys mountain climbing, hiking, and traveling. [top of page]
Art Teacher (sixth - eighth grade) – Gillian Bozanic
 Mrs. Gillian Bozanic earned a Bachelor's degree from California State University, Long Beach, with a double major in Art and Journalism and a minor in Art History. Mrs. Bozanic has also completed two post-graduate certificate programs: Writing for Children and Graphic Design.
Mrs. Bozanic has been a substitute teacher in the Seattle school district and an instructional aide at Flagstaff (Kindergarten). She also worked in Hollywood designing movie posters and earned an Olympic medal for poster design.
Mrs. Bozanic was born in New York City and raised in California. She enjoys scuba diving, boogie-boarding, skiing, and trying to decipher movies in French. When not teaching, she loves spending quality time with her husband, two children, their golden retriever, and a guinea pig named Marshmallow.[top of page]
Physical Education (kindergarten to fifth grade) – Jon Fidelak
 Mr. Jon Fidelak graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. He has been a competitive athlete for most of his life, competing on the Canadian national track and field team while in high school and achieving All-American honors while running track at Dartmouth College. He has recently traded in his running shoes for bicycles, and races in local cycling events.
After graduating from Dartmouth, he worked as an associate track and field coach at Dartmouth and as an elementary instructional aide and middle school track and field coach in California.
Mr. Fidelak has worked as a kids’ program coordinator and personal trainer for the YMCA of Boulder Valley, and served as the Physical Education teacher at Flagstaff Academy for the 2005-2006 inaugural school year, taking on this role as a volunteer. He is excited to now be part of the Flagstaff Academy community on a fulltime basis.
Coach Jon stays active by chasing and playing with his two children and training to race on his bicycle. [top of page]
Physical Education (sixth - eighth grade) – Kenny Wildenstein
 Mr. Kenny Wildenstein graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Science. He also completed a Minor program in history and one in coaching.
While in college, Mr. Wildenstein worked in youth recreation for the city of Greeley, CO, where he coached football and helped conduct a mariachi band. Over the past two school years he taught kindergarten through sixth grade Physical Education and coached sixth grade volleyball in Arvada, CO.
As a child, Mr. Wildenstein lived in many places and attended ten elementary schools in three states. In his spare time, Coach Wildenstein enjoys many activities from hockey to racquetball. [top of page]
Technology (sixth - eighth grade) - Paul Ingersoll
 Mr. Paul Ingersoll attended Colorado State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology. After graduating, Mr. Ingersoll spent over twenty years in the technology field. Throughout his career, he was often tapped for the role of technology trainer, which is where he developed a love for teaching.
In addition to technology teaching at Flagstaff Academy, Mr. Ingersoll is also in the midst of expanding the technology curriculum at the school. The objective is to equip the lab's computers with a robust collection of software applications to support outstanding teaching.
Mr. Ingersoll grew up near Syracuse, NY, where he attended school and enjoyed playing hockey and fishing for bass and trout. He now lives on a small farm in Berthoud with his wife and their three sons. They are surrounded by a large family of animals including horses, chickens, goats, dogs, cats, and even a turtle. [top of page]
Technology (kindergarten - fifth grade) - Susan Sebastiani
 Mrs. Susan Sebastiani graduated from Metropolitan State College of Denver with a Bachelor's degree in Chicano Studies and licensure in Elementary Education. Through her college career she worked as a Technology Paraprofessional in an elementary school where she worked with students and teachers in developing a technology curriculum.
Mrs. Sebastiani believes that every child has the capacity to learn and grow in this technology era and succeed with the skills they will learn at Flastaff Academy as 21st century learners.
Mrs. Sebastiani is a Colorado native. She lives in Brighton with her husband and three of her children. In her spare time she likes to make scrapbooks and other craft projects. .[top of page]
Library Media Center - Zoe Midler
 Mrs. Zoe Midler earned a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the University of Illinois and Masters in Information & Learning Technologies with a concentration in School Librarianship through the University of Colorado Denver. Before joining Flagstaff, she operated her own business research and competitive intelligence firm and worked in the high-tech field as a software product manager.
Mrs. Midler’s library philosophy is closely aligned with AASL 21st Century Learner standards–libraries are information & technology hubs combining traditional assets with technology-based resources, and research strategy and information literacy instruction. She wants to encourage an atmosphere in the Library Media Center (LMC) that encourages students to investigate and scrutinize all aspects of the information environment and become discerning consumers of information.
Originally from Champaign-Urbana, IL, Mrs. Midler lives in Longmont with her husband and two children. They enjoy hiking, camping, snowshoeing, hockey, and love to travel and experience other countries and cultures
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Special Education - Karen Jardine
Mrs. Karen Jardine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, and a Master’s in Education: Professional Development. Her 20 years of classroom experience includes educating children with many types of disabilities. In her position at Flagstaff, in additional to working with students, she has assisted teachers in designing individualized instruction to help students be successful. In her new position os Special Education Builidng Team Leader, she will be responsible for coordinating special education programming and assessments, as well as expanding flagstaff's autism programming.
Mrs. Jardine has also been an educational consultant, administered staff development programs in mulitple districts, planned national conferences for special educators, and mentored new Special Education teachers. In her spare time she enjoys movies, family activities, and making jewelry. [top of page]
Special Education - Deanna Foss
Ms. Foss has taught Special Education in Texas, Colorado and Signapore. After teaching overseas for three years in Singapore, Ms. Foss is thrilled to be returning home to the mountains. When she's not teaching, she loves to snowboard, bike, hike, do yoga, read, cook and travel. [top of page]
Special Education - Jeri Tagawa
 Mrs. Jeri Tagawa holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and recently completed her Masters in Special Education with the University of Northern Colorado. She's taught 3rd and 4th grade, and was a Talented and Gifted Educational Advisor in Boudler Vally. Mrs. Tagawa is excited to be here at Flagstaff, and looks forward to helping our students succeed.
Mrs. Tagawa is a Colorado native and loves the healthy lifestyle Colorado offers. When not at school, she is busy doing family activities with her husband and four children. She also enjoys reading, baking, and trying to find the time to exercise.( [top of page]
Counselor - Jessica Rother
 Ms. Jessica Rother lived in several different places as a child before her family settled in Colorado. She calls Colorado home because she loves the mountain, the sunshine and the active culture. As an undergraduate student, Ms. Rother received her Bachelor's degree from St. Olaf College in Minnesota. After working several years in college admissions, she returned to school to earn her Masters degree in counseling Psychology with an emplasis in School Counseling at the University of Denver. Ms. Rother worked as a K-12 School Counselor at an independent school in Denver before joining the team at Flagstaff Academy. Professionally, Ms. Rother is dedicated to helping students within the three counseling spheres fo academic support, social emotional counseling and college and career planning.
Ms. Rother enjoys running, ultimate frisbee, sport climbing, skiing and reading in her spare time. One of her favorite things is getting middle school sutdents excited about running, so for the last three years she has coached a group of students to run in the Bolder Boudler. [top of page]
Writing Coach - Jennifer Battistoni
 Miss Jennifer Battistoni received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Penn State and completed her Master's in curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on childing's writing at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
Prior to coming to Flagstaff, she taught second grade in Pittsburgh, PA. She believes that “every student should be viewed individually and that his or her strengths should be demonstrated for all to see”.
Ms. Battistoni loves to hike, ski, play soccer, and play Frisbee. On the quiet side, she enjoys yoga, reading, and writing poetry. [top of page]
Intervention Specialist (Third through Fifth) - Jaclyn Adley
 Mrs. Jaclyn Adley has a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern ArizonaUniversity, and a Master’s degree in Childhood Education from Lehman College in New York.
Mrs. Adley comes to Flagstaff having taught in the public school system in New York City, as well as Aurora, CO. Prior to taking the Intervention Specialist role, Mrs. Adley taught fifth grade here. Mrs. Adley believes that good literature should be incorporated into every subject area.
Mrs. Adley loves skiing, hiking, and backpacking. She is a member of the International Educational Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi. [top of page]
Intervention Specialist (K - Second grade) - J. Clark Farmer
 Mr. Clark Farmer received his Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature at the University of Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Communication Studies at the University of Iowa. He was a Fulbright Scholar in Munich, Germany, and was Assistant Professor of Film Studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder, before joining the world of elementary education.
Here at Flagstaff, Mr. Farmer wants to help each of his students achieve their academic goals and enjoy learning. Mr. Farmer grew up in Provo, UT. He loves cooking, comic books, cryptic crosswords, and his cat Greta. [top of page]
Assessment Specialist - Abby Rooks
 Miss Abby Rooks is originally from Michigan, and she graduated from Grand Valley State University with a major in Group Science and a minor in Elementary Education.
Miss Rooks spent her first two years at Flagstaff teaching first grade. She is excited to have the opportunity to work with students and teachers across all grade levels as our Assessment Specialist.
Miss Rooks enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. In the summer she travels back to Michigan to work for an old high school teacher shaving ice for local events and fairs. [top of page]
Enrichment Director - Jason Zook
 Mr. Jason Zook attended Colorado State University where he received a Bachelor’s degree in English. He recently completed his Master's of Elementary Education.
Mr. Zook taught third grade at Flagstaff for five years. The students taught him more than he taught them. Although regretful about leaving the formal classroom, Mr. Zook is ecstatic to become Flagstaff's new Enrichment Director. He will oversee the school's before and after school program and extracurricular activities. Mr. Zook also looks forward to the opportunity of teaching a variety of educational and entertaining enrichment classes..
Mr. Zook lives in Firestone with his wife, Sarah, their young son and two cats. When not working or reading or builidng something for school, Mr. Zook likes to bicycle for long hours at a time, play soccer with the school staff, golf, and fire up the PS3. [top of page]
Instructional Aides
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Playground/Lunchroom Supervisor and Instructional Aide (middle school)
Linda Krichel |
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Instructional Aide (middle school)
Laura Wildhirt |
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Instructional Aide (kindergarten)
Terri Evers |
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Instructional Aide (kindergarten)
Ginny Appel |
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Instructional Aide (second grade)
Kat Velarde |
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Instructional Aide (first grade)
Kristie Rollman |
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Instructional Aide (third grade)
Betty Jo Booth |
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Instructional Aide (fourth grade)
Mary Strutt |
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Instructional Aide (fifth grade)
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Instructional Aide (Resources)
Connie Badgett |
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Aide (Lunchroom)
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Receptionist
Lael Bartel |
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