Office & Support Staff

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

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.

Lakshmi is very much excited to be part of Ben Franklin Academy, She has done her Bachelors in Electronics Engineering and is very much fond of teaching. Lakshmi has a good amount of experience as a preschool teacher. Lakshmi has been married to her husband Sumanth Ragi and they have a little boy together. Lakshmi likes to travel and explore new places and cultures. She is also proficient in cooking. She is looking forward to assisting the preschool kids to enrich their goals and growth.

Khristen is excited to be starting her 11th year at BFA. She started as a lunchroom aide ,and has been a middle school aide for the last 4 years.  She enjoys being a middle school aide, and getting to watch the kids mature and grow through their years in middle school. She loves the teachers and staff that she works with. She has 4 kids; all of them are adulting and enjoying life.  

She and her husband love to travel and now have more opportunities to do so.  

She is excited for another great year at BFA!

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.

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

Curtis is ecstatic to be joining Ben Franklin Academy as a full-time 3rd-grade Instructional Assistant. He and his family have been residents of Highlands Ranch since 2009. He is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, but moved to Colorado as an 8th grader. Short of a few brief moves and college, Colorado has been home ever since. Curtis went to the University of Wyoming for his upper education, pursuing a double BA in Music Education and Linguistics. He did his student teaching as a high schooler at the neighboring middle school and ended up going back to his high school to teach Orchestra, Semantics, and Outdoor Education. For the last 25 years however, he’s been in the medical field of Optometry and Ophthalmology, which is where he met his beautiful, brilliant, Optometrist wife. He has a 4th-grade son who attends Ben Franklin Academy; In his son’s time here, Curtis has had the pleasure of watching him grow under the most caring and professional of staff and admins. Curtis is the Community Relations officer on BFA’s own Community Events Committee (CEC). He’s had the pleasure of joining the committee during his 1st-graduate year and has enjoyed giving back to the school and community ever since. When it was time for him to figure out a new career, education was where he started; So when he found out that BFA was hiring, he jumped at the opportunity and hasn’t been happier. When Curtis is not at BFA, he’s a huge cinephile. He and his family often attend movies together. Curtis can also often be found at the Denver Center of Performing Arts watching the orchestra, ballet, opera, play, or any other event that the DCPA offers. He’s also very involved in my son’s extracurricular activities, sports, music, etc. He’s the literal definition of a nerd. Curtis and his family attend ComicCon every year. He believes math and music are a language. He watches Star Trek and Star Wars religiously. Curtis really likes to think of himself as a Renaissance Man. If you have a subject you would like to discuss, Curtis probably knows something about it and always wants to know more. Learning new things is Curtis’ favorite daily event. 

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

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

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

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.

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

Leigh is honored to be part of the Ben Franklin Academy team. She has worked at Ben Franklin Academy since 2011, first in the Preschool program then in the BASE program.  Leigh is currently the Director of the BASE and Summer Camp programs. Leigh obtained her Directors Certification in August, 2022.

Leigh and her husband Frank have been married for 35 years and have lived many places thanks to the military. But, by far, Colorado is the most awesome place to be!  Leigh and Frank have three wonderful grown-up children–Justin, Zach, and Erin.  In her free time, Leigh likes to spend time at BFA working, being with her family, crafting, doing house projects, and spending time outdoors in the beautiful Colorado weather. 

Leigh loves working with all children because of their openness and willingness to learn and have fun.  She loves to be part of the BFA family and community and to be able to interact with the children and parents alike.

Leigh is excited to begin the school year and make a positive impact in you and your children’s lives.

Megan is excited to be joining the Ben Franklin Middle School team as an Instructional Aide. She graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Communications and has her Elementary teaching credential from San Jose State University. She loves working with children of all ages and loves to learn new things. Megan is a California native but has been in Highlands Ranch for almost 8 years. She is married and a mom of 3 BFA students. She loves animals and has a dog, 2 rabbits, a gerbil and a parakeet! In her free time, Megan loves to garden and play with her pets. She loves the ocean and is always excited to travel to a new beach and visit family in California! She is looking forward to a great year at Ben Franklin and getting to know all of our amazing middle schoolers!

Jennifer is excited to return to BFA as an Aide for Kindi/1st. She previously was an Aide for middle school for 9 years. She loves to read, write and do puzzles, and spend time with her kids, who are former BFA students.

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

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

Deb grew up in Dallas, Texas and attended Eastfield College where she studied Early Childhood Development.  For many years she was a foster parent for severely abused children which was heartbreaking and challenging, but also rewarding. She wanted to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren so in 2017 she made the move to Colorado from Ohio and came to work at BFA as the 4th grade aide. The following year she became our Librarian and has been happily reading to the students ever since. All three of her grandchildren attended BFA but they are now headed to college and Heritage High School.

In her free time she loves to read (surprise), swim, spend time with her grandchildren and love on her granddogs.

Colleen joined the Ben Franklin Academy office staff in January 2013. She worked part-time as the receptionist and then, from 2015-2018, shared the office manager role. In June 2018, she transitioned to her current role of Director of Admissions & Records, handling student records and all new K-8 student enrollment.

Colleen is originally from New Jersey but was raised in Northern California. She moved to Colorado from San Francisco in 2001 and married her husband, Nathan, two years later. They have a daughter and a son, both of whom started at BFA when the doors opened in September 2011.

Colleen thrives on the interaction and fast-paced environment of the Ben Franklin Academy office. When she’s not working or with her family, however, she loves to run. It’s a great way to stay fit, unwind and experience the beauty of Colorado.

Peggy is excited to begin her third year as the School Nurse Consultant for Ben Franklin Academy! Though she has lived in Colorado for the past 29 years, she is originally from Portage WI. She graduated with a BSN from The University of San Diego, and has been a pediatric nurse throughout her career. She has worked in children’s hospitals in Milwaukee WI and San Diego CA,, as well as in Public health. Peggy has been a school nurse consultant in Douglas County for the past 24 years.

Peggy loves being a nurse! Her hobbies include riding her ebike, singing in choir and enjoying Colorado with her family. She raised her children in Highlands Ranch and has lived in Highlands Ranch the past 26 years.

Hello! My name is Lisa Childs and I am so excited to start at BFA. My daughter Kayley has been a student here since she was 3 and I can’t wait to enjoy more years with everyone! I have many years of Emergency care in Pediatrics and I am so happy that I have been given this opportunity to be there for your children and the BFA community. Please stop by and say hi as I am excited to meet everyone!

Deputy Shannon Jensen is an experienced and accomplished School Resource Officer (SRO) with 14 years of law enforcement experience. She obtained her undergraduate degree and Doctor of Law in Northern California, where she also began her law enforcement career before moving to Colorado with her family. Deputy Jensen has been with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for eight years and has had various assignments, including serving the community as a cold case detective. After solving a 40-year-old Colorado cold case, she was featured on Dateline NBC and People Magazine Investigates. Deputy Jensen graduated from the National Association of School Resource Officers Basic and Advanced School Resource Officer courses. She also was recently recognized as a NASRO practitioner, which requires years of training and service as a school resource officer. When she’s not in uniform, you can find Deputy Jensen exploring the outdoors, soaking in Colorado hot springs, cheering on her favorite baseball team, or enjoying a concert at Red Rocks.

Jen is excited to be part of the Ben Franklin Academy staff.  She has been a part of BFA since the first year when her daughter started Kindergarten. Jen moved from Fairfax, VA, nine years ago and loves living in Colorado! Her husband and two kids enjoy being part of BFA and the community.  In her free time, she volunteers at the school in the classroom or with PTO, loves to crochet, travel and hikes every chance she gets.

Jeanelle is excited to work as a Receptionist in the front office at BFA. Originally from the Pacific Northwest but she has been enjoying living in the always sunny Highlands Ranch since late 2016. She is a Mom to two boys and two fur babies. In her free time, you can catch her doing some form of exercise and enjoying time exploring the outdoors with her family.

Kelley Marie Paulson is the Director of Communications.  Before this, she has been the BFA Health Aide for two years and a BFA as a substitute teacher for two years. Born and bred in Kentucky, she received a Bachelor of Arts in Theater with a minor in Art and Language Arts from Northern Kentucky University. 

Kelley Marie moved to Colorado in 2001, where she met and married her husband, Karl. They have welcomed five wonderful children into their lives, Christian, Genevieve, Callister, Flettcher, and Cassandra (4 of them have attended BFA). Together with her family, Kelley Marie enjoys spending time in Steamboat Springs, where they can be seen at the lake boating/SUP/kayaking, hiking, fishing, and relaxing. She also enjoys being a Dance/Scout/Golf/Soccer/Lacrosse/etc Mom as well as hosting two Crochet/Knitting Camps during the summer. Kelley Marie also owns her own business making Artisan Bath & Body products. Kelley Marie joined the BFA staff in 2021 and is grateful to work with all the wonderful students and staff.

Leigh is honored to be part of the Ben Franklin Academy team. She has worked at Ben Franklin Academy since 2011, first in the Preschool program then in the BASE program.  Leigh is currently the Director of the BASE and Summer Camp programs. Leigh obtained her Directors Certification in August, 2022.

Leigh and her husband Frank have been married for 35 years and have lived many places thanks to the military. But, by far, Colorado is the most awesome place to be!  Leigh and Frank have three wonderful grown-up children–Justin, Zach, and Erin.  In her free time, Leigh likes to spend time at BFA working, being with her family, crafting, doing house projects, and spending time outdoors in the beautiful Colorado weather. 

Leigh loves working with all children because of their openness and willingness to learn and have fun.  She loves to be part of the BFA family and community and to be able to interact with the children and parents alike.

Leigh is excited to begin the school year and make a positive impact in you and your children’s lives.