My name is Nicole Parker, and I’m so excited to be a part of the GPA family! I was born into a military family and had the chance to live in Mississippi, Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina before moving to Colorado in 1998. I have been in the education field since 2006 and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Colorado as well as a Master’s degree in Leadership and Supervision from the University of Phoenix. I am married to a ballroom dance instructor, and we have 2 boys – Dawson and Rush. For fun, I love going on vacation to the beach, working outside in my flower garden, and trying new recipes in the kitchen. Here’s to a successful year full of learning, growth, and smiles!

Hello everyone! My name is Caitlin Casai and I am thrilled to be your Assistant Principal at Grand Peak Academy. While I have spent the last 20 plus years in colorful Colorado, I originally grew up in Australia. My family and I moved to Colorado Springs after I finished primary school and we have loved every minute of our time here in our beautiful state. I attended Colorado State University and earned my BS in Food Science and Human Nutrition. I then earned a MA in Education from the University of Phoenix and my principal licensure from Lamar University. I have been a science educator at both the middle and high school levels since 2007. I am married to a wonderful man who grew up in Michigan and together we have two children, Malachi and Emilia. Our favorite places to visit are anywhere with a beach and when we aren’t able to travel to the ocean, we spend our time on the nearest body of water stand-up paddle boarding, or kayaking. Our family also enjoys being outdoors whether it be hiking, playing at a playground, or going for a bike ride. I am honored to be a part of the GPA family and I can’t wait to support the growth of our school!

Hello! My name is Amanda Ralston and I am so grateful to get to be the K-3 Assistant Principal at Grand Peak Academy. I was born and raised in Colorado Springs.  I have also spent some time briefly in TX, WA, GA, and NE. I attended high school here in the Springs and then moved to Fort Collins where I attended Colorado State University. I earned my degree in Human Development and Family Studies.

My husband is also a Colorado Springs native and we have three beautiful girls. In my free time I love to work out and also love being in my kitchen cooking and baking. Our family loves movie nights and playing games together. I am so glad that my path has led us to Grand Peak Academy. It truly is a second home for us and we love the community that we are surrounded by. I am proud to call this school our home and I look forward to all the amazing things to come!

I’m thrilled to embark on this journey with GPA, drawn by its vibrant community. Originally from California, I earned my bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with an emphasis in Elementary Education in 2016. Moving to Colorado that same year, I pursued my teaching credentials at UCCS and completed my student teaching at Harrison School District Two. I received my first teaching contract with D2 that same year. I’ve taught primary school ever since.

Currently, I’m pursuing a Master’s in Leadership at Western Governors University, scheduled to finish this fall. Outside of academia, I’m happily married to a firefighter at Hudson Fire Protection District, who’s also a renowned Jiu-jitsu instructor at Combative Fighting Systems in Black Forest. Together, we’re blessed with five wonderful daughters, two of whom are part of the GPA community.

When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me paddle boarding, exploring new places, practicing Jiu-jitsu, enjoying park outings with my kids, experimenting in the kitchen, and relishing outdoor adventures with my family.