Elementary Staff Directory
Kristin Arnold
Kindergarten
karnold@bfacademy.orgI am originally from Minnesota and my husband and I moved to Colorado for the scenic landscape and our love for skiing, hiking, and biking. We have two adult daughters that we love to travel with and this year will mark our 23th year in Colorado.
While attending college in MN, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health Education & Corporate Fitness and after moving to CO, I attended CSU and earned a Master’s in Education and Human Resource Studies. Throughout my professional career, there has always been a “teaching” component to my work so as my own children grew older and more independent, I took the opportunity to step into the role of substitute teacher at BFA. After completing an alternative teaching licensure program, I taught fourth grade for four years and will be making the move to kindergarten for the 2023/24 school year. I am excited about the new opportunity to work with the kindies! It is going to be a great year!
Faculty Favorites
Julie DePasse
Kindergarten
jdepasse@bfacademy.orgJulie DePasse began her career after graduating from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude, and she has held a professional teaching license ever since. She first taught in Littleton Public Schools for three years; she then stayed home for several years to raise her two sons. She went on to teach for four years at a private school in Colorado Springs and then taught fourth grade at Monument Academy Charter School- that was where she was introduced to the Core Knowledge Sequence. She still loves the high level, spiraling content of this curriculum which is also used at Ben Franklin Academy. After arriving at BFA in 2014, Julie taught first grade for three years before moving to kindergarten and has taught her sweet BFA kindies for five years and counting! She enjoys being at BFA where the curriculum is packed with exciting topics to study, including lots of math, history, and science!
Julie grew up in Littleton, where she discovered her love of reading and learning. She believes that reading helps people see the world from a whole different window! She has recently completed several reading classes including the Comprehensive Orton Gillingham Plus training which targets a multisensory approach to reading instruction as well as the Orton Gillingham Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension course. She has previously completed the Wilson Foundations Language training, and other classes targeting the development and enhancement of early literacy skills. In 2023, Julie also completed the Alert Program for Self Regulation, a sensory integration program that aims to help students maintain an optimal state of alertness for attending, learning, and concentrating in classrooms. She continually strives to implement best practice in the classroom applying her hundreds of hours of continuing education credits and is proud to work at a school which enthusiastically supports the growth of teachers.
Julie also loves reading on a personal level and is a part of a book club. She hopes to share her love of reading and learning with her students. She also likes watching movies, gaming, walking her goldendoodles (Dougal and Daisy) on the High Line Canal Trail. Her two awesome sons are now grown and married, so she gets to enjoy having two wonderful daughters-in-law in the family these days as well.
Mrs. DePasse is looking forward to working with you to create an electrifying year for our BFA kiddos. GO BOLTS!
Faculty Favorites
Candace McGinty
Kindergarten
Candace has been teaching for 17 years. Candace received her Bachelor’s of Science in Education from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. Candace taught third grade in Clyde, Texas. She later moved to Aurora, Colorado, to teach first, second, and third grades. In 1993, Candace had her first child and decided to be a stay-at-home mom. She went back to teaching after raising her children.
Candace earned a Master’s degree in Reading and an endorsement as a reading specialist at Regis University. She uses it to reinforce literacy for her Kindergarten students. Candace has been teaching first grade and kindergarten at Ben Franklin Academy for 11 years. She truly loves the students and families at BFA. She is heavily invested in the Core Knowledge curriculum, given that her own two children attended a Core Knowledge charter school.
Candace lives in Highlands Ranch with her husband Scott of 36 years and two cute wiener dogs named Dot and Dash. She has a son, Preston, who is a psychiatric nurse, and a daughter, Monica, who is also a kindergarten teacher. She enjoys traveling, reading and crafting in her spare time.
Candace truly loves the BFA community and can’t wait to meet her new class of Kindergarteners!
Kayla Murray
Kindergarten
Kayla will be beginning her 16th year of teaching kindergarten this year. A Colorado native, she attended schools in the Douglas County School District. She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Elementary Education where she played for the women’s soccer team for four years on an athletic scholarship. She received her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix.
She lives in Lakewood with her husband Jay, her son Joel, daughter Blair, and two dogs. Two kids keep her very busy at home, but she loves every minute of it. Kayla enjoys spending time with family, watching her son and daughter grow each day, running, traveling, playing soccer, and watching movies. She has been teaching at Ben Franklin Academy since it opened and she feels so fortunate to be a part of the BFA family. She is looking forward to another great year!
Erin Crowe
1st Grade
Staci Ferguson
1st Grade
This will be Staci’s third year teaching first grade at BFA. She was also a founding board member of BFA and served as the Secretary for five years. She is a graduate of Western Governor’s University where she earned her bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-6). She also earned her certification in Orton-Gillingham reading instruction. Staci is excited for another year in first grade, as she loves being a part of her students’ sense of pride and accomplishment as they learn and grow.
Staci lives in Roxborough with her Husband (Henry), son Kyle (14) and pup Grizz. She loves to be in Colorado’s outdoors doing activities like camping, hiking, paddle boarding, and kayaking, to name a few. Staci also loves baking, decorating cakes, and crafting.
Jackie Knight
1st Grade
Jackie is a Colorado native and grew up in Littleton. She graduated from CU Boulder with her psychology degree and elementary teaching certificate. Since then, Jackie has gone on to pursue her master’s in education, taking graduate-level education courses in school counseling and literacy instruction. She has taught for thirteen years—seven years as an elementary school teacher and six years running a licensed in-home preschool.
When not teaching, Jackie loves spending time with her family, including her husband Kyle, her son Austin who will be in second grade at BFA; her two-year-old daughter Caroline; and their dog Faith. Jackie and her family love spending time at the pool, visiting new playgrounds, hiking, and attending Austin’s sporting events. They are also huge Disney fans and save for trips to Disneyland every chance they get!
Jackie is eager and excited to teach first grade, meet her new students, and partner with their wonderful families. Her favorite aspect of teaching is getting to know each student individually and pointing out their strengths while encouraging them to challenge themselves and make new goals.
Jenna Lukasiewicz
1st Grade
jlukasiewicz@bfacademy.orgJenna has been teaching for over 4 years. She is a Colorado State graduate (go Rams!) and is licensed in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. She has taught Kindergarten, 3rd grade, 1st grade and reading intervention. Growing up with seven siblings (4 brothers and 3 sisters), Jenna considers her classroom an extension of her family. She has a high expectation for her students, believing they have the capability to encourage and challenge each other. Through a formative year, she loves seeing their character develop as they learn and grow academically. In her free time, you would most likely find Jenna hanging out with her family. She loves a good laugh and breaking out her dance moves when a good song comes on. Jenna is a Colorado native and enjoys all things outdoors: hiking, fishing, kayaking, camping, and backpacking. Jenna is excited to be continuing at BFA as a first grade teacher!
Faculty Favorites
Erica Hildebrand
2nd Grade
Erica is excited to begin her seventh year teaching Second Grade at Ben Franklin Academy!! She has worked as a classroom teacher for 14 years and as a Literacy Specialist for 5 years. Erica graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a BA in English/Elementary Education. She also earned a M.Ed in Reading/Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University. In her spare time, Erica enjoys reading, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, cooking and spending time with her husband, three children and her dogs.
Faculty Favorites
Erin Hinz
2nd Grade
Erin Hinz is very excited to begin her tenth year of teaching at Ben Franklin Academy. Shortly after receiving her degree in Psychology with a Minor in Education from the University of Colorado, Boulder, she enrolled in the University of Northern Colorado to obtain a Master of Arts in Teaching. She was fortunate to complete her student teaching here, in second grade, at Ben Franklin Academy. She taught fourth grade her first year, third grade her second year, and is now very excited to continue her educational journey in the second grade. This is her eighth year teaching second grade.
In her free time, Erin enjoys singing, hiking, cooking, yoga, Zumba, spending time with her four-year-old son, Tate, and husband Alex, as well as playing all types of sports. She also is excited to be adding another baby boy to the family this coming August. She is very passionate about working with children and families, and welcomes all to stop in at any time for a question, concern, or even a friendly hello. Erin is very eager for the new school year, and is happy to be a part of the BFA family.
Alice McElroy
2nd Grade
amcelroy@bfacademy.orgAlice is an open minded, hardworking, and creative individual. Alice was born and raised in Ireland and is very proud to be Irish. She moved to Colorado in 2023 from Milan, Italy, with her boyfriend Alex, who is a professor at UCCS and financial advisor at Maia Wealth. Alice has a global perspective on education and has taught in various countries including Ireland, Fiji, Germany, Italy and now the US. Throughout her career, Alice has had multiple roles as an educator, including class teacher, bilingual school teacher, special educational needs intervention teacher, art and design teacher, and whole-school ECO coordinator. Alice has also guest lectured in a university in Ireland about how to foster creativity in the classroom.
Alice has a first-class honors bachelor’s degree in Primary Education from St. Mary’s University College, Belfast with a double degree specialism in art and design and special educational needs. Alice graduated top of her cohort and has written two pieces of educational research in Northern Ireland. As an educator with a combined specialism in Art and Design and Special Educational Needs, Alice believes it is crucial that children are provided with opportunities to freely express themselves, create, explore, invent and discover. Alice plans child-led lessons and encourages students to take ownership and responsibility of their learning.
As she enters her 7th year of teaching elementary, Alice is excited to continue exploring, playing and helping each child embrace their unique talents. Alice’s classroom is energetic, curious and happy. In her free time, Alice loves spending time in nature or at home painting. She is an avid skier and hiker and can be found in the mountains most weekends.
Faculty Favorites
Kelly Whelan
2nd Grade
Kelly is extremely excited to be teaching at Ben Franklin Academy as she continues her teaching career. In 2011 she received her bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science with an Elementary Education license from Metropolitan State College of Denver. In 2014 she received her Masters in Special Education from Grand Canyon University and is currently working towards her ASL certification. Kelly was born and raised in Colorado and is following in her mother’s footsteps (a second grade teacher for many years). In her free time, Kelly enjoys snowboarding, hiking, dancing, snowshoeing and water skiing. She is also a Zumba instructor 2 days a week on the side.
Faculty Favorites
Angela Loehr
3rd Grade
aloehr@bfacademy.orgI am so excited to be teaching third-grade here at Ben Franklin Academy. This is my 18th year in education and third year at BFA.
I grew up right outside Houston in Cypress, TX with my mom, stepdad and younger sister. I attended the University of Texas San Antonio where I received my Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. After receiving my Bachelors Degree, I attended Concordia University and graduated with my Masters in Educational Administration.
My husband and I moved to Colorado in the summer of 2021 with our dog Denver and our two cats Luke and Kitten Boots. We both love the outdoors and having seasons! On May 23, 2023 we welcome our son Carter Loehr. Carter has been our biggest blessing and I love being a mom. It is truly the greatest gift.
I love spending time with my family, traveling, and being adventures. I also, enjoy watching and playing sports. I played volleyball growing up and it is still my favorite sport.
I look forward to this year and know it will be amazing!
Faculty Favorites
Christine McMahon
3rd Grade
cmcmahon@bfacademy.orgChristine loves teaching third grade at Ben Franklin Academy! This is her second year teaching at BFA and 16th year in the classroom. Prior to BFA, she spent two years teaching in Highlands Ranch and 12 years teaching in Massachusetts. Christine graduated from Framingham State University with a bachelor’s degree in Education and Natural Science, and earned her Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Fitchburg State University.
Christine and her family moved to Colorado five years ago and love living here! One of her favorite activities is hiking with her husband Mike, son Ronan, and two dogs Copper and Cleo. She also enjoys paddle boarding, pedicures, crocheting, reading, and coffee.
Faculty Favorites
Sierrah White
3rd Grade
swhite@bfacademy.orgMs. White is so excited to start her second year as a third grade teacher here at Ben Franklin Academy!
She graduated May 2022 with a Masters in Elementary Education. She studied beforehand, at BYU-Idaho and Graduated 2019 with a Bachelors in Science in Child Development and a minor in International Studies. During the Covid times, She worked online with VIPKid teaching English to students in China. She was able to then attain certification in TESOL (Teaching English as a second or other language). Afterward, She came to this wonderful school in 2020 as a Substitute Teacher and later on as a Kindergarten and third grade Instructional Aide.
Ms. White grew up moving around every 4 years as her Dad is in the oil field industry. Some states include: Louisiana, Wyoming, Utah, California, and others. She has lived in Colorado the most so she calls it home. Because of life’s travels, she has come to enjoy exploring and adventuring to new places and hope to eventually visit places outside our beautiful country! She eventually would love to visit Norway, Japan, or South Korea as she has a love for Asian Culture and is learning from her Aunt (who is Korean) everyday!
She loves the process of teaching and all it entails. To learn, lead and to serve have become not just words to her, but foundational. Ms. White strives to create an engaging environment, where students thrive and develop a true love of learning.
Faculty Favorites
Linda Wilson
3rd Grade
lwilson@bfacademy.orgMrs. Wilson joined Ben Franklin Academy during its inaugural year as a fifth grade teacher. After taking a few years off to care for her grandson, she returned as a third grade teacher. She states that this school has a strong and lively community where all are invested in the educational and emotional growth of each student.
Amy Lukasiewicz
4th Grade
Amy is thrilled to continue with the fourth grade team as she begins her tenth year of teaching. She remembers fourth grade to be one of the most influential years in her life. It was in this grade that she started to develop her life long passion to become a classroom teacher.
As a Colorado native, Amy attended Arapahoe High School and went on to go to Azusa Pacific University in Southern California for undergrad. After graduation she moved back to Colorado to continue her education. Amy attended MSU Denver where she received her teaching license and Masters in Education.
Amy lives in Englewood with her husband Charlie. In her free time she loves to sew, golf, and spend time with friends. When she gets the chance, she loves to travel to as many new places as possible.
Amy is inspired by the way Ben Franklin Academy uses Core Knowledge to produce life long learners and is excited to continue to be a part of this great school and community.
Faculty Favorites
Megan Mares
4th Grade
This is Megan’s eighth year of her teaching career all at Ben Franklin Academy. She graduated from Western State Colorado University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse education endorsement. Additionally, Megan has acquired a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University.
As a Colorado native, Highlands Ranch has always been home to Megan as she is a product of the Douglas County School District. She loves being able to teach in the community where she was raised and loves being part of the BFA family.
Family, friends, and sports keep Megan extremely busy! In her spare time, she can be found coaching a competitive softball team, attending the Colorado sports teams’ games, or playing in recreational leagues. She enjoys bowling, golfing, hanging with her dog, and being outside in the sun.
Angie Van Wyk
4th Grade
Angie loves teaching 4th grade at Ben Franklin Academy. Angie went to CU Boulder (Go Buffs!) and has a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix. This will be her 19th year teaching. Angie loves working with parents in growing confident, independent children who love learning!
Angie grew up in Littleton and is lucky to have a large extended family living in the Denver area. She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Trevor, for 27 years. They have three boys, a college graduate, sophomore in college, and a senior in high school.
Angie loves spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys watching movies, playing tennis, reading a good book, and getting pedicures! Angie is excited to meet her class and share her enthusiasm for learning. PLAY BALL!
Rachelle Calahan
5th Grade
rcalahan@bfacademy.orgRachelle is very excited to teach another year of 5th grade. She began her career in finance with an undergraduate degree in International Business along with minors in Finance and German from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She previously has worked as a substitute teacher in the Cherry Creek school district and at Ben Franklin Academy. Rachelle has a teaching certificate and believes in continuous learning to hone her skills and stay updated on best practices. She grew up in Nebraska. She and her husband, Scott, have three children who keep them very busy with activities and sports. She loves to travel, and has been fortunate to visit many different places over the course of her studies and holidays. She also loves to ski and sew in her free time. Rachelle looks forward to a great year with the incoming 5th graders!
Faculty Favorites
Lyndell Dunn
5th Grade
Mrs. Dunn is thrilled to continue as a part of the BFA family, where she has been teaching 5th grade since January of 2015. Prior to that, she taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grades in California and Utah. She holds a BS in Elementary Education (cum laude) from BYU, and a MS in Mathematics Education, K-6. She is adored by her dog, her four children, and her husband of more than 20 years. Mrs. Dunn doesn’t get around to participating in sports as much as she once did, but still enjoys taking long walks and spectating at each of her children’s games, shows, dances and events. People are surprised to learn that she speaks fluent French, lived in Geneva as a young adult, and has a penchant for Swiss chocolates, because she’s neither fussy nor fancy!
Faculty Favorites
Jessica Richardson
5th Grade
