OUR STAFF
We are very pleased to introduce our staff to our Merit Academy families. The members of this team are amazing, highly qualified, passionate about children and education, and share Merit Academy's vision and foundational principles.
We strive to have the strongest and best educational team possible for not just this year, but in years to come. Get to know your staff! You will be so glad you did!
Mrs. HENDRICKSON
Somnia magna agite in hoc
Dream big, then act on it!
DEAN OF
GRAMMAR SCHOOL
MA, CO Licensed: Early Education, READ Act
Specialist: Early Education
11 years teaching elementary
6 years teaching at the college level
11 years as an administrator
Dr. PEKRON
aut viam inveniam aut faciam
I will either find a way or make one
HEADMASTER
Founder
Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
27 years in Education/Higher Ed: Professor, Counselor, Dissertation Chair, Consultant. Specialty: Education & Leadership, Change Management, Organizational Development, Communication, Leadership Development, Team Cohesion, & Performance
Ms. Faircloth
veritatem prosequimur
We pursue truth
Chief Financial Officer
BS: Accounting & Spanish
Accounting & Audit Professional with over
26 years in the corporate, government, & school accounting sectors.
Mrs. Bucher
Omnes Enim aliquid docere ac discere
We all have something to teach and learn
Assistant Dean
BA: Elementary Ed;
MA: Special Education;
CO License: Elementary Ed,
5-21 SPED, READ Act,
Principal License
22 years experience teaching
3 years administration/
assistant dean
SCHOOL OF GRAMMAR
Mrs. Cosner
Virtus supra commoditatem
Character above convenience
KINDERGARTEN
BS: Elementary Education
Minor in Learning Disabilities
CO Licensed: ELEM ED, READ ACT
21 years teaching experience:
Early Elementary, SpED
Mrs. Kinton
Magno animo opus est ad animos iuvenum docendos
It takes a big heart to teach little minds
KINDERGARTEN
BS: Elementary Education
M.Ed: Special Education; Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education
CO Licensed: ELEM ED, READ ACT
22 years teaching experience
Mrs. Wilson
Cognitio vires dat
Knowledge gives strength
KINDERGARTEN
BS: Human Physiology/Nutrition
BS Finance, READ Act Certified
10 years as Senior Naval Intelligence Analyst
6 years teaching military intelligence & cryptology
4 years teaching elementary education
Mrs. Doyle
Signa alta pone, obviam surge, et nunquam respice.
Set your standards high, rise up to meet them, and never look back.
1ST GRADE
BA: Early Education
READ Act Certified
19 years teaching experience plus
Mrs. Grubb
Auderet esse praeclarum
Dare to be Remarkable
1ST GRADE
MA: Early Elementary Education
BA: Geography
Read Act Certification
Early Childhood Education Certification
3 years teaching experience
Mrs. Whitlock
Non scholae sed vitae discimus
We learn not for school, but for life
1ST GRADE
BS: Outdoor Education
READ Act Certified,
4 years experience in elementary education
Served 9 yrs in the US Army as a UH-60 BlackHawk pilot
Ms. Thoen
crescere et discere
To grow and to learn
2nd GRADE
BS: Elementary Ed & Early Child Ed
CO Licensed , READ Act Cert.
MD License: Early & Elementary Ed
7 years teaching experience
Mrs. Windish
Tu numquam vetulae ad alium metam
You are never too old to set another goal
2nd GRADE
BS: Elementary Education
6 years teacher & 6 years para experience in elementary education
Mrs. ballard
Tu Credis Fortior
You're braver than you believe
3rd GRADE
BS: Elementary Education:
Math/Science Emphasis
CO License, READ Act Certified,
19 years teaching experience
Mrs. Fry
Si vis pacem, para bellum
If you want peace, prepare for war
3RD GRADE
BS: Nursing
Sub License
Mrs. Alfieri
Doce eos, ama eos, crescentes specta
Teach them, love them, watch them grow
4th GRADE
MA: English & Elementary Ed
8 years teaching
Ms. Willingham
Mores potestas est
Character is Power
4TH GRADE
BA:
5 years teaching elementary education
Mrs. Bosse
principium sapientiae posside sapientiam
The beginning of wisdom:
get wisdom
5TH GRADE
MA Speech Communication
ME: Reading/Language Arts
8 years teaching grammar/elementary school; several years as an interventionist
Mrs. Dorris
5TH GRADE
Mrs. Miller
Benignus esto. Fortis esto. Tu ipse esto
Be kind. Be strong. Be yourself.
5TH GRADE
MS Elementary Education/ Admiimstraion
4 years Teaching Experience
Mrs. Basnett
Per ministerium duc,
cum integritate vive
Lead through service,
live with integrity
3-5 Music, K-5 Discipline Asst
Dean Intern
MS: Educational Leadership
CO Licensed: Principal
Music K-12
SLP Coursework
15 years experience teaching Music
Mrs. Oudibier
k-2 & Homeschool
Music
Mrs. Swinhart
Qui docere audet, semper discit
Who dares to teach must
never cease to learn.
K-1 Science
BS: Early Childhood Education
TX/OK License: Elementary Ed,
+ CO: READ Act
12 years education experience
10 years working with special needs
Mrs. Oakley
Est Bonum vis Videre in Mundo
Be the change you wish to see in the world
2-4 Science
19 years educational experience
Colorado State WorKeys Proficiency Certificate for Teacher's Assistants
Mr. Behr
Sed contra, beatitudo non est aliquid paratum. Ex propriis actionibus fit
Happiness is not something ready-made.
It comes from your own actions
K-5 PE
BA+30: Education/SPED
Prior MT/IA licenses
20 years teaching & coaching K-College
Ms. Leach
vacate et scire
Be still and know
K-5 PE, Upper School Yearbook
BA: Marketing/Advertising
18 years Peer Educating
3 years teaching
Ms. Wright
Vita Abundantior
A more abundant life
School of Grammar
Art Teacher
BA Art Studio, MPA
6 years art museum education
1 year teaching art in school
Private Art Practice
Ms. Carver
Gratias agere et nihil praesumpseram
Give thanks and take
nothing for granted
Preschool Director
Early Childhood Teacher for 20 years
Early Childhood Director 10 Years
Mrs. Torres
Cras semper novus dies est
Tomorrow is always a new day
Preschool Aide
Mrs. Luciani
Gratias agere et nihil praesumpseram
Give thanks and take
nothing for granted
PRESCHOOL AIDE
Early Childhood Teacher for 20 years
Early Childhood Director for 8 Years
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vox pueri, spes futuri
The voice of the child is the hope for the future
4th Grade
teacher's aide
merit.academy
Mrs. Starr
Usu temere beneficiis gratuiti actus pulchritudinis
Practice random acts of kindness & selfless acts of beauty
3rd GRADE Teacher's Aide
4 years: SPED paraeducator
7 years: PreK Teacher
UPPER SCHOOL:
SCHOOLS OF LOGIC & RHETORIC
Mrs. Flickinger
Memento vivere
Remember to Live
School of Rhetoric English
LANGUAGE ARTS
BA: Elementary Education
M.Ed: Literacy
CO Licensed: ESL, Language Arts, &
Social Science
5 years teaching: college
8 years teaching: secondary l
Mrs. Mancha
Tene Veritatem et Quaere Sapientiam
Hold to truth and seek wisdom
School of Rhetoric English Language Arts
BA: English & Sign Language
MFA: Creative Writing/Screenplay
MA: Rhetoric & Gothic Lit.
8 years teaching at the college & secondary levels.
Ms. Merson
alis volat propriis
She flies with her own wings
School of Logic
English
Language Arts
BA: English Rhetoric & Writing
4 years teaching Upper School
Ms. Trude
Nosce te ipsum
Know thyself
School of Logic
English
Language Arts
MS in Education
14 years teaching over 10 different subjects across 6 grades
Licensed in 3 states, including CO
Leadership Development Cert
Certified Assoc in Project Mgt
Mr. Baade
Vita magna, si non debilitant
Life is great if you don't weaken
School of Rhetoric
History & Economics
Mrs. Cole
Sapientia Incipti Admirari
Wisdom begins in wonder
School of Rhetoric
HISTORY & Government
MA: History: Education
CO Teaching License;
College Instructor: History
19 years teaching experience
Mr. Schaefer
Se devi essere dipenda da me
If it's to be, it's up to me!
School of Logic History
Mr. Vickers
Ductus Exemplo
Lead by example
School of Rhetoric
History & Criminal Science
BA History, BA Diplomacy,
MA: Curriculum & Instruction
2 years teaching
merit.academy
Animus risu novatur
The spirit is refreshed with laughter
School of Logic
History
MA: Curriculum & Instruction
16 years teaching History and English
in public, private, and charter schools
Mr. Pekron
Nil Difficile Volenti
Nothing is difficult for the willing.
School of Rhetoric
Language: Spanish & Athletic director
BS: PHYSICAL EDUCATION
MA: SPORTS ADMINISTRATION
CO Licensed:
K-12 World Languages, PE
28 years teaching
Mr. Stabenow
Semper Discimus
We always learn by doing everything
School of Logic
Language
Spanish & Latin
BA Education
Alternative License
1 year teaching
Mrs. Strole
Questae Rectae omina mutare possunt
Having the right mindset can change everything
Upper School
Language: Latin
AAS Degree
13 years educational experience
Mr. Cimmino
Non scholae, sed vitae discimus:
We do not learn for school, but for life.
School of Rhetoric
Mathematics
BS Mathematics
6 years teaching: Mathematics & Science
Mr. Farmiga
Dum spiro spero
While I breathe I hope
School of Logic
Mathematics
BS Mechanical Engineering
15 years: BioMedical Engineering
Science Olympiad Coach
1st year teaching
MRS. PETTY
OMNE AURUM NON FULGET
All that is gold does not glitter
Upper School: Mathematics & Engineering
BS: Electrical Engineering
MRS. PRIEST
COGITO ERGO SUM
Do All Things With Your Best Effort
School of Logic Mathematics
BS: Elementary Education
CO Licensed: Math 6-8, Read Act
11 years experience: teaching
Secondary Mathematics, Team Lead,
MTSS Coach/Interventionist
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Mrs. Viele
Difficultates eadem manent, intellectus tuus crescit
Problems don't change — your understanding does
UPPER SCHOOL Mathematics
BS in Engineering, Project Management Certifications. 20 + years as systems engineer & Project manager
5 years teaching adv math
Mr. Dalton
Fortuna Eruditis Favet
Fortune Favors the Prepared Mind
School of Rhetoric Science
Certified High School Teacher for Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, & Biology
8 Years Educational Experience
Mr. Hays
Metus mendax est
Fear is a liar
School of Logic
Science
MS: Exercise Science/Sport Psychology
2 years teaching: Special Education
Mr. hutchison
Sciens et crescens
Knowing and growing
School of Logic
Science
BS: Science
1 year CTE Aide
8 years teaching Upper Schoo
Mr. Lundt
scientia sit potentia
Knowledge is Power
School of Rhetoeic SCIENCE
Science Olympiad
BS: Science, Avian Science
CO Licensed: Secondary Science, Biological
37 years teaching Science
Mrs. Halcomb
HODIE MATERIA FAC
Make Today Matter
UPPER SCHOOL
Learning Coach, french & german
4 years experience in education instruction
Mr. Demuth
Capto Vitea Der Furca
Grab Life by the Fork
Career Tech Ed:
Upper School Culinary Arts
AA OS/Culinary Arts from the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, Le Cordon Bleu.
20 years experience in culinary arts, catering, and large-scale fine dining
Mr. Snelus
Quid sit Optimum ad Bigas
Do what's best for the team
Career Tech Ed: Upper School Construction, Smithing, Woodworking & Welding
Mrs. Stabenow
Arte instrue te misericordia moveare
Be equipped with skill and moved with compassion
Career Tech Ed: Upper School Health Science
BS: Nursing, BS: Biology
Licensed Registered Nurse
26 years: critical care, emergency & occupational health, teaching, CPR, ACLS
Mr. Wilson
Musicam discere per disciplinam et gaudium
Learning music through discipline and fun
Music & Arts: Upper School Band
BA Miusic
22 years teaching music
12 years as college adjunct professor
Mrs. Palmer
Ars gratia artis
Art for the sake of art
Music & Arts:
Upper School Art
BA in Communications
Graphic Design Certificate
8 years of teaching in Elementary School
3 years Reading and Math Intervention
READ Act Certified
8 years teaching art
Ms. Emerson
Totus mundus agit histrionem
All the world plays the actor
Music & Arts: Upper School Theater
Mr. Balintucus
Nihil ausum, nihil adeptum
Nothing ventured, nothing gained
UPPER SCHOOL Outdoor Education,
Cross Country/Track Coach
BS Computer Science
MBA
merit.academy
Mr. Kinton
Nihil ausum, nihil adeptum
Nothing ventured, nothing gained
UPPER SCHOOL Outdoor Education,
Woodworking,
Workkeys
BS Computer Science
MBA
Ms. Leidy
Mrs. Clark
HOMESCHOOL
SOG
Fridays
Mrs. Mirabella
Iter mille passuum uno gradu incipit
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step
HOMESCHOOL
SOG
Fridays
11 years experience teaching homeschool
merit.academy
Ms. Winn
Numquam numquam
numquam desistas
Never, never, never give up
Homeschool Coordinator & Interventionist
BA: Theology
BA: Elementary Education
Prior License (AZ) Elementary Ed
18 years experience in Public/Private/Charter/Homeschool
STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM
Mr. Shubert
Quomodo aliquid facis, ita omnia facis
The way you do anyhitng is the way you do everything.
Upper School
Academic & college/career advisor
BS Education
30 years teaching History/PE
5 years as Academic Advisor
Ms. Martin
& Chief
Illic 'aliquid in mundo necessitates unique in te
There's something unique within you the world needs
Behavior & Character Coach
Family Development Credential, Registered Behavior Trainer (RBT) Certification, Certified Cognitive Behavioral Life Coach, Emotional Intelligence Life Coach Certification, Certified National Alliance on Mental Illness Instructor for NAMI
Mrs. Lockette
Parum Magna Caritate
Do little things with great love
Special Services
MTSS, UIP, ALP, READ Plans, SAC
BA: Elementary Education
MS: Curriculum & Instruction
Principal Endorsement
Certified Elementary Teacher
6-12 Science Teacher
K-12 Reading Interventionist & School Principal
Science CMAS Developer 2017- 2019
23 years education experience
Mrs. Montgomery
Cursum Manere
Stay the course
Testing & Technology Coordinator
BS: Human Development
5 years educational experience
Testing & Technology Coordinator
Ms. Johanneck
Facultas Ultra Infirmitatem
Ability beyond disability
Special Education Teacher
BA: Elementary Education
CO License, READ Act, SPED Certified
30 years Veterinary Medicine
10 years teaching special education
Mrs. Hereau
Special Education
Teacher
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Ms. Brown
Cursum Manere
Stay the course
Upper School
Special Educaiton
Paraprofessional
BS: Human Development
4 years educational experience
Mrs. Cramer
MOTUS FACIT COGNITA
Movement Facilitates Learning
Math & Movement Interventionist
MA: Counseling
Colorado READ Act
Certified Teacher in
Education through Movement
Trained Consultant: Math in Movement
25 years teaching K-12
Ms. Morgan
Ad Meliora
Toward better things
Reading Interventionist
BS: Education
M.S.: Reading Education
21 years elementary teaching experience
Ms. Meyers
Hodie, i eligere gaudium
Today, I choose joy!
School of Grammar
Interventionist
BS: Interdisciplinary Studies- Elementary Education
Minor: Early Childhood Education
Mrs. Demuth
Nihil ausum, nihil adeptum
Nothing ventured, nothing gained
School Nurse
BS Computer Science
MBA
merit.academy
Ms. Wilson
Per ardua ad astra:
Through adversity to the stars
Health Aide
AA Psychology
2 years: Registered Behavioral Technician
merit.academy
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Administrative & Building Support Staff
Mrs. Valdez
Si vis id, laborare pro eo
If you want it, work for it
Accounting & HR Operations Manager
Mrs. Weece
Acta, no verba
Deeds(actions), not words
Payroll Specialst
16 years in education: Athletic Director, Coach, Front Office, Library, Special Education
Mrs. Elzas
Esto Lux
Be the light
Front Office Secretary
Woodland Park resident for 33 yrs Coaching with the Parks/Rec, club teams, and Merit Academy for many years I'm able to build relationships with families.
Mr. Hunter
Credo to Fortes
Believe you are brave
Monitor
16 years experience with youth
MR. TOM
Maintenance & Custodian
6 years School Custodian
15 years Construction
Electrical apprentice
5 years security & surveillance
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Ms. Nadine
Custodian