Click on the classrooms below to learn about the curriculum and program for each grade.
D49 Public Charter School | Located in Forest Meadows
Character Development is a priority at GPA
7036 Cowpoke Rd
Colorado Springs, CO 80908
School Hours
7:30am - 4pm
Summer Hours
Mon - Fri 7:30am - 12pm
Hi! My name is Vicky Gasco and I am so excited to be teaching Kindergarten at Grand Peak Academy. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and my Montessori Teaching Certificate. I have spend many years working with children of all ages and most recently I was a preschool center Director.
I have always loved working with children but Kindergarten has always been a passion of mine because we are setting the stage for their whole academic career. It is so amazing to see the sense of pride and joy in a child’s face when they learn to read. I really love building relationships with my students and their families.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband, Ben and our two boys, Owen and Luke. We enjoy hiking, traveling and building puzzles and legos together.
I am honored to be here and Grand Peak Academy and cannot wait to get to know all of you.
Bio coming soon.
My name is Millicentt Lippert and I am thrilled to be teaching
kindergarten at Grand Peak Academy. I have a Bachelors degree in Human
Development and Family Studies as well as a Master’s in Education and Human
Resource Studies (Early Childhood Education).
I was born and raised in Colorado Springs and attended D20 schools. I love teaching children in their early childhood years and have since 2012. I want to instill a love for learning and make a positive impact in my students’ educational journeys. We as teachers help create their future and set them up for success! I enjoy spending time with my daughter and dog named “Winnie.” I also love hiking, pickleball, zumba, yoga and cooking. I look forward to working with you all!
Bio coming soon.
My name is Beth Schloss, and I am thrilled to be joining the team of amazing teachers at Grand Peak Academy. This is my fifth year teaching Kindergarten, and it truly is my favorite grade. I love working with this age group because of the enormous amount of growth and development the children experience from the first day of school to the very last. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts, and I bring that foundation into creating an engaging, supportive, and active classroom environment every day.
When I am not in the classroom, I stay very busy! I love spending quality time with my own two children, Brayden, who is 11, and Jules, who is 9. Staying active is a big part of my life, so you can also find me teaching fitness classes at Lifetime. When I get a rare moment of free time, I love diving into home DIY projects. Because of that, you just might spot me hunting for supplies down the aisles of Lowe’s or Home Depot on the weekends! I am looking forward to a wonderful year of learning, fun, and growth with your children.
Please feel free to reach out at any time!
Hi! I’m Miss Maia, a Kindergarten Paraprofessional at Grand Peak Academy. I love helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally while creating a classroom where every child feels supported and encouraged. Outside of school, I’m a proud mom of six amazing kids, four of whom attend Grand Peak Academy. I also coach our school cheer team and enjoy spending time outdoors with my family. One of my favorite hobbies is caring for reptiles, frogs, and spiders. I’m excited to be part of your child’s learning journey this year!
First grade brings science to life with our animal habitats diorama for science fair, we go to the zoo, and we will be writing our own classroom books. In first grade we study the human body focusing on circulatory and digestive system. We go to the Space Foundation and have the Colorado Springs Astronomical society comes to us with a Planetarium. First grade loves US history with the 13 colonies, leading into the Revolutionary War and ending with Westward Expansion. We have a fun day of food, crafts, and games after learning about ancient History with the Aztec, Incas, and Mayans. Literature is enjoyed as we go over fairy tales and Fables.
Hello, my name is Jacqueline Grimes and I am so excited to be your child’s teacher this year! My husband and I are from Florida, and we have two wonderful sports loving boys! When we’re not watching or participating in sports, we love to hike, ski and swim. The military has recently brought us back to Colorado after spending two years in northern Virginia, and we are thrilled to be back!
I am a graduate of the University of Central Florida, and began working in education in 2018. Previously I have taught fifth grade, third grade, and second grade. Teaching has always been my passion, I love being a part of my students’ growth and development, and I try my very best to make school a fun, inclusive learning experience for all!
I am looking forward to being a part of the Grand Peak family and meeting my new students!
Hi! My name is Christina Young, and I am honored to be teaching second grade at Grand Peak Academy. I am a blessed mom of two amazing boys who attend this school as well. They keep me busy and always laughing! I come from a dual military family and have lived many places. I graduated high school in Oklahoma, and college from the University of Texas at Dallas. I go back to visit family and friends as often as I can.
In 2nd grade students are immersed in studying topics about the world around them, from Geography of where they live to Ancient Asia, Ancient Greece and Back to the Americas. Students will use their background knowledge from 1st grade to expand on the History of the United States- War of 1812, Westward Expansion, The Civil War, Immigration and the great Civil Rights leaders of our time. Each unit has a special project associated with it, but none as great as our Immigration Experience Day! Students begin their day “on the boat” arriving at Ellis Island and end with becoming citizens at the Citizenship Ceremony.
Science in 2nd grade is all about encouraging students to ask questions, make observations and seek answers. Our units include Exploring Magnets, The Digestive and Excretory Systems in the Human Body, Simple Machines, Insects, and Life Cycles. Our Simple Machines unit also gives 2nd graders the opportunity to create their own projects for the Elementary Science Fair.
Major Field Trips
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (at school)
ACT Children’s Theatre
Picnic in the Park
Core Knowledge Experience days
Greek Day
Science Fair
Immigration Day
Hi! My name is Ms. Eide and I am excited to be a part of the GPA community as a second grade teacher! I attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, where I earned my degree and developed a passion for working with young learners. I have experience teaching preschool, first, and second grade, and I truly love seeing students grow and succeed.
Outside of school, I enjoy running, hiking, paddleboarding, reading, and thrifting. I also have two wonderful kids who attend this school, which makes this community even more special to me.
My goal is to create a warm, engaging classroom where every student feels supported and inspired to learn. I believe that partnering with families is key to student success, and I look forward to working together to make this a fantastic year for your child!
Welcome! I am Courtney Hall and I am a native of Colorado Springs, Colorado. I graduated from Cheyenne Mountain High School is 2007. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University in Fort Collins and my masters degree in Elementary Education from University of Phoenix. I have been in the field of education for many years and I am so thrilled to be a part of the Grand Peak Academy family.
I truly feel blessed to have the opportunity to teach and grow with children each year. Other than teaching and education, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband and two pups! We enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and traveling. I also enjoy crafts and spending time with family and friends.
Nothing is more fun and interesting than history and science!!
Third graders love learning about the conquests of the Ancient Romans and the adventures of the Vikings! Kids are amazed to learn how the Natives actually got to North America and they become passionate about what the Europeans did to the Natives while exploring the New World! The plight and success of the Colonists round out how and why we all got here!
Kids love science and in 3rd grade, we actually dissect cow eyeballs when learning about optics & the eye, as well as other parts of the human body! Kids enjoy when the zoo comes to us during Animal Classification, and Astronomy Day is the something they look forward to all year!
What ISN’T great about 3rd grade?!
I was born and raised in Farmington Hills, MI and graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Mathematics Degree and Distributed Minor in Elementary Education.
In 2005, I moved out to Colorado after accepting a 7th Grade Math position at Skyview Middle School. I am very excited to be at GPA this year, as it has always been a dream of mine to teach math at the elementary level!
I have 3 children, ages 15, 7, and 2. I cherish any extra time that I have reading and with my children.
I also enjoy running, sunsets, crafting with my daughter, spending time with friends, visiting family, church, and photography.
Hello! My name is Meredith Lynch and I will be your child’s 3rd grade teacher this year. I am so excited to be working with your family this year! I have been in the education field for 18 years. I was a preschool & kinder teacher for 10 years, a special education parapro for 5 years and a 3rd- 5th grade teacher for 2 years.
I have 2 amazing sons – one is a sophomore this year and one is a senior. They are the light of my life! I have 1 dog (Leia), 2 kitties (Tiger & Mouse) and 1 leopard gecko (Jassmyn). Jassmyn gets to hang out in classroom with us this year! I love coffee, Crmbl Cookies, reading, camping, time with my boys and old 80s action movies (Die Hard IS a Christmas movie lol).
Hello my name is Kristin Podczervinski (Mrs.Pods). I am originally from Michigan. I’ve been living here in Co for about four years now. I have 2 daughters Chloe and Regan. They are 18 and 16 years old. I love to hike with my two golden retrievers Buddy and Sadie. I’ve been teaching for over 20 years. I was teaching at PTAA here in Co Springs for the last 4 years. I'm beyond excited to be here at Grand Peak this year!
Along with learning more in Language Arts, Mathematics, Poetry, and Reading, we get the chance to travel back in time in History! Fourth graders have so much fun learning about Ancient China, Ancient Africa, Europe in the Middle Ages, The American Revolution, The Constitution, Early Presidents, and Early Reformers! In Science, we get to research great inventors, learn and engage in basic Chemistry, discover Electricity, study the Circulatory and Respiratory systems, and learn all about ROCKS in Geology!
We go on amazing adventures with our class novels that include Robinson Crusoe, Robin Hood, Gulliver’s Travels, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle, Pollyanna, and Treasure Island! We also get to create some extraordinary projects like Robinson Crusoe’s shelter, Gulliver’s Travels “Travel Poster”, and Pollyanna’s Glad (Board) Game! In addition, we go on some exciting field trips, in particular the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, where we get to dissect a sheep’s lung! Last, but not least, there are days that we enjoy, learn, and celebrate, such as our Medieval Feast and our Wax Museum.
Fourth grade definitely ROCKS!
Hi! My name is Sarah Anton and I am so excited to be back at Grand Peak Academy teaching Fourth Grade! I am very passionate about working with children! I have 3 children myself. My two boys are in college and my youngest daughter is 17 and will be graduating high school this year. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from UCCS, here in the Springs, and I also have a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, that I received from Regis University.
In my spare time I love doing Zumba, reading, listening to music and hanging out with my active husband! I am so excited to be part of this wonderful GPA team!
I am so excited to work with our wonderful staff at Grand Peak Academy as the 4th-grade Science and History teacher. It has been my privilege to reside in two amazing states-Texas and Colorado. I grew up mostly in Allen, Texas, and I graduated from Western Governors University with my BA in Elementary Education
I have taught 2nd and 4th grade in Texas. I have also taught reading intervention for grade K-5th. I enjoy being around the young and energetic children. A few of my favorite things are anything Purple, the scent of lavender, and dark chocolate. I love crafting including crochet and knitting, hiking, fishing, board games. I just moved to Colorado Springs with my husband of 18 years and our three children. My oldest is Eli who is 14 and loves all electronics and soccer. My daughter Sophia is 12 and loves animals and art. She will be attending GPA this year. My youngest is Malachi, 10, loves to play games, baseball and is also attending GPA. We are so excited to start this new journey together.
Hello! My name is Mrs. VanTine and I am the fourth grade math teacher! I am so excited for this new opportunity. I am coming from a background of teaching special education for the last 10 years. I have a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Waynesburg University as well as my Masters in Special Education from Duquesne University.
I have one sweet girl and a baby boy on the way. I love spending time with my family and friends in my spare time. I am so excited to be joining the Grand Peak Academy family and I can’t wait to see what this adventure holds!
Fifth grade at Grand Peak Academy is an exciting place to be. The students make the transition from elementary school to middle school during this year and we work hard to prepare them for the skills that they will need moving forward, such as organization, goal setting, and personal responsibility.
The Core Knowledge curriculum is so much fun in fifth grade, we travel back in time to the Renaissance period in history and literature then move forward to the American Civil War which ends in our annual Civil War battle with water balloons or flour bombs.
In the fall we go up to Denver to Ameritowne where the students spend the day running a town using the skills that have been taught in the classroom. They manage the shops, learn to budget and spend their money wisely all while having fun. In late winter we go to Peterson AFB to attend Starbase, which is 25 hours of STEM related lessons and activities. Throughout the five days that we attend the students are actively engaged with hands-on activities.
Each year the fifth grade teachers work to bring the real world into the lessons and help your student become an engaged learner.
My name is Lucy Nelson and I am proud to be a “returning” Grand Peak Academy Bear! I worked at GPA from 2014-2022 and am so happy to be back! I am teaching 5th grade Language Arts this school year. I am originally from South Carolina, but the military moved my husband and our family here in 2008.
My husband and I have been married for 29 years, have 3 children, and 3 pets.
I have a Masters Degree in English Language Learning, a Bachelors in Elementary Education/Special Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I am really looking forward to working together to help in your child’s education.
Hello! I’m Quitina Purnell and I count it a joy to teach 5th grade here at Grand Peak Academy where I know that both quality education and character development are at the very core of everything we do. I have taught elementary grades for several years now, as well as at the high school level. I hold a B.A. in Community Education where strong citizenship and community engagement is emphasized and I I also have a Master’s in Education with a Specialization in Curriculum & Instruction.
I am the mother of three beautiful children and I enjoy spending time with them doing creative activities, family game night, or making dinner! I am also an author and an avid reader; I try to carve out enough time to get lost in a great book whenever I can! Choosing to become a teacher was an easy decision for me as I’ve had some great ones along the way; It is my passion to inspire each student that I come in contact with to become a life-long learner and to have fun while doing it!
My name is Mandee Walck, and I’m thrilled to be one of the 5th grade teachers at Grand Peak Academy. This is my 19th year in education and my 7th year here at GPA. I teach 5th grade math, and I absolutely love helping students learn and grow.
I’m originally from Kansas and moved to beautiful Colorado in 2019. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and spending time outdoors. I’m so excited for all the learning, growth, and adventures this school year will bring!
English Language Arts
Sixth graders study a variety of world history and geography as well as American history and geography. The study of history is tied to the readings in literature—for example, while studying ancient Greece, students read The Iliad and The Odyssey. Students write persuasive pieces, learn proper research writing format and process, and produce a formal business letter.
Science
Sixth graders study matter, energy, and heat, explore the heights and depths of the universe through the study of astronomy and the oceans, examine geology and plate tectonics, and develop an understanding of the atmosphere and ecology.
Math
Sixth graders strengthen their skills in mathematics through the mastering of basic mathematical operations, and students build a foundation for later middle school and high school mathematics with pre-algebra and pre-geometry.
Field Trips
Ponderosa Camp
International Towne
Planetarium/Space Foundation
Special Events
Literature Dress-Up Day in October
Spirit Week before winter break in December
Pikes Peak Regional Science Fair
Character Council
Jeans for Dreams
Reading, Writing, and Math buddies with younger grades
Pi Day on March 14th
Programs
ALEKS
ThinkCERCA
Saxon Math
Commonlit
iScience Texts
Desmos
English Language Arts
Seventh graders study a variety of topics in history, including both World War I: “The Great War,” and World War II. The study of history is tied to the readings in literature—for example, while studying World War II, students read The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. Students write a variety of expository pieces including descriptive, persuasive, and compare/contrast, as well as continue learning proper research writing format and process.
Science
Seventh graders continue learning about matter, energy, and ecology, begin exploring chemistry and cellular biology, and examine genetics and evolution.
Math
Seventh graders strengthen their skills in mathematics through the mastering of basic mathematical operations, and students build a foundation for eighth grade and high school mathematics with pre-algebra and pre-geometry.
Field Trips
Ponderosa Camp
WWII Museum
Florissant Fossil Beds
Special Events
Literature Dress-Up Day in October
Spirit Week before winter break in December
Pikes Peak Regional Science Fair
Character Council
Jeans for Dreams
Reading, Writing, and Math buddies with younger grades
Pi Day on March 14th
Programs
ALEKS
ThinkCERCA
Saxon Math
Commonlit
iScience Texts
Desmos
English Language Arts
Eighth graders study a variety of topics in history, including The Cold War and The Vietnam War. Students also study civics and develop a basic understanding of the principles and structure of American democracy. The study of history is tied to the readings in literature—for example, while studying The Cold War, students read Animal Farm. Students write a variety of expository pieces including descriptive, persuasive, and compare/contrast, as well as continue practicing proper research writing format and process.
Science
Eighth graders continue learning about matter and energy, explore classical and fluid physics, study sound waves, and examine electricity, magnetism, light, and electromagnetic radiation .
Math
Eighth graders finish the year very well prepared for high school math. During eighth grade, student study algebra I: foundations; functions, relations, & equations; rational expressions; linear equations & functions & inequalities; systems of equations & inequalities; and quadratic equations & functions.
Field Trips
Ponderosa Camp
WWII Museum
Washington D.C. Trip (optional)
Elitch’s
Special Events
Cumulative Engineering Projects
Literature Dress-Up Day in October
Spirit Week before winter break in December
Pikes Peak Regional Science Fair
Character Council
Jeans for Dreams
Reading, Writing, and Math buddies with younger grades
Pi Day on March 14th
Programs
ALEKS
ThinkCERCA
Commonlit
iScience Texts
Desmos
I am a Colorado Springs native, and I have been teaching since 2007 after graduating from UCCS. I have two daughters, and I enjoy spending time with them. I also love to cook and bake, read, play tennis, exercise, and travel.
I love teaching math and science and believe that everyone should get to like math. I have also taught English, Social Studies, and Science. I have four kids. I was born and raised on a farm in South Dakota, but have come to love the small town family feel of Colorado Springs. For fun, I like board games and to play with yarn.
Hi, my name is Tara Hogan, and I am very excited to be the 6th grade math and science teacher here at GPA! Prior to this, I worked in the math intervention room for two years and was a substitute teacher in California before that. Originally from Massachusetts, I joined the Air Force and moved to California for 11 years before coming to Colorado in 2024. I earned my B.A. in Psychology from University of California Davis with a goal of being a school counselor but through substitute teaching found that I enjoy teaching more.
I love teaching math and helping students overcome their challenges and anxieties with math. I also look forward to using some hands-on activities to teach science and encourage students to learn about the world around them. I am married and have three daughters and two dogs.
When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy being with my family, walking the dogs, reading, doing puzzles, finding projects to do around my house, and I also spend a lot of time at my kids’ activities- mostly cheer and gymnastics. I look forward to working with all our families in 6th grade to support our students and make this a great year!
While growing up in the Black Hills of SD, I came to love Math. From SD, I traveled to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, in Prescott, AZ; where I met my amazing husband! We were married in August of 1998 and settled in Colorado Springs. I finished up my studies at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
For the past many years, we have been raising up four; one is here at Grand Peak, one is at Vista, and two are attending University of Colorado at Colorado Springs one majoring in Mechanical Engineering and the other Electrical Engineering. We have been with this school since 2009. As a family, we enjoy camping, hiking, fishing and traveling. I enjoy gardening, keeping chickens and ducks, photography, and star gazing. I also enjoy serving the community as a Student/Family Care Volunteer at New Life Church, Volunteer with Scouts, and Garden Club Facilitator at Grand Peak Academy.
Bio Coming Soon
Hi! My name is Avery Axford and I was born and raised here in Colorado. I attended Sand Creek High School and went on to college at the University of Northern Iowa with an Art Education degree. Before joining GPA I was a preschool teacher for Head Start out in Iowa. During my free time I love crafting and being with my family. I am looking forward to teaching art this year and creating fun art pieces together!
Hi ! My name is Ms. Granucci and I am the Spanish teacher at Grand Peak Academy, I have been a GPA bear from the start. I’m excited to make language learning both engaging and impactful. I strive to create an immersive classroom experience that inspires students to embrace the language with enthusiasm. While also aiming to spark and build confidence in every student I teach. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your students life!
My name is Connor Thomas and I am a Colorado Native, I grew up right here in Colorado Springs and am a graduate of Sand Creek High School. It is a dream come true to be teaching in the very same district that I graduated from. I have a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Colorado State University – Pueblo.
I have experience performing and teaching almost every area of music. I have taught band, orchestra, and guitar as well as private lessons on many instruments. I have experience performing on every band and orchestra instrument as well as guitar and choir. I am currently playing in a Jazz Combo based out of Pueblo, I have also played with the Pueblo Symphony and many other performing groups based out of Colorado Springs and Pueblo. I could not be happier or more excited to be here at Grand Peak Academy!
My name is Robert Mery, and I’m proud to be the P.E. teacher at Grand Peak Academy. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in History from UCCS, with an emphasis in elementary education and an endorsement in physical education. I joined G.P.A. in 2014, I’ve taught 2nd and 4th grade and bring over 15 years of experience coaching soccer and basketball.
Teaching runs in my family, my mother and grandmother inspired my path with their passion for education. Outside the
classroom, I enjoy watching sports and collecting sports cards and coins. I’m excited for another incredible year ahead!
Hello! I’m Lisa Gilmore and I’m so grateful to be serving as Grand Peak Academy’s School Counselor since 2020. I have loved working at this school over the years since I began in 2015 as a third grade paraprofessional. I then transitioned to the Special Education team while pursuing a Master’s degree in School Counseling. For the 2019-2020 school year, I became GPA’s School Counseling Intern and was then hired as their full-time School Counselor in January of 2020.
Although I am not a Colorado native, I’m happy to call Colorado Springs my home. I grew up in Oklahoma and then moved to the Springs in 2006 to live closer to family. In Oklahoma, I worked as a Career Counselor at the University of Central Oklahoma for 9 years. Although I loved working with college students, once my son started preschool back in 2012-13, I soon figured out that my dream job would be working with students as a school counselor. It has been a blessing to work at the same school that my son has attended from 3rd through 8th grade as well. My mom lives in Woodland Park and we love to go on hikes up in the mountains with her. Additional family members are our three cats, George, Gracie and Miss Lulu. My favorite pastime is watching my son play baseball and basketball throughout the year and working with youth and animals.
Hi, I’m Makayla Cameron! I’m so excited to be joining GPA this year as a part-time School Counseling Intern. I can’t wait to get to know all of the amazing students, families, and staff and be part of such a wonderful school community. When I’m not at school, you can usually find me reading a good book, spending time with my husband, or shopping. Fun fact: I used to be a Disney World Cast Member, so it’s no surprise that I’m a big Disney fan! I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone and making this a great school year. I can’t wait to see all the learning, growth, and fun this year will bring!
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon.
One thing I love about teaching GT is that I get to see the same students year after year. It is so fun to watch them grow and change. I am really looking forward to an incredible year and am excited to continue to work with my previous students as well as get to know any new ones. I hope to challenge them to think creatively, to become excellent problem solvers and to guide them to a deeper understanding of what it means to be a gifted learner.
My name is Dr. Andrea Dugan, and I am excited to serve as the Math Interventionist here at Grand Peak Academy! I have been dedicated to the field of education since 2005, serving as a middle school science teacher, curriculum director, elementary principal, and international head of school across Minnesota, Illinois, Indonesia, and Colorado. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration.
My husband and I are the proud parents of three children. In my free time, you can find me out for a run, enjoying a great cup of coffee, or eagerly discussing the latest selection from my book club. I am truly honored to support our students within the GPA community. Thank you for partnering with me!
Hi, I’m Heather Favela! I am so excited to be part of the Grand Peak Academy team as a Math Intervention Paraprofessional. I have a bachelor’s degree in Education and have experience teaching preschool as well as providing literacy intervention. I am passionate about helping students grow and succeed in their learning. Outside of work, I have a wonderful husband and two children who are both in elementary school. As a family, we enjoy swimming, hiking, and spending time together watching movies. I look forward to getting to know everyone and being a part of the Grand Peak Academy community!
I am very excited to serve GPA as the Reading Interventionist. I have begun the exciting journey of getting my master’s degree in Dyslexia at Colorado College. This journey prepares me to become a CALT (Academic Language Therapist). I will be teaching the Take Flight Curriculum to our GPA students. I am thrilled to watch struggling readers gain confidence and skill.
I have been teaching at GPA (formerly ICA) for 6 years. I began this journey as a para-professional in a first-grade classroom. I was inspired to become a teacher while serving in this role because I watched students learn and grow by an incredible teacher who always pushed them to do their best. I feel blessed to have taught so many wonderful students over the last few years.
I am a wife and a mother of two beautiful girls. I enjoy camping, hiking, working out, and putting together 1,000-piece puzzles.
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon.
I was born in Utah and moved to Colorado at four years old. I am a huge sports fan and follow all sports especially anything Oklahoma Sooners. I started working with children as a gymnastics and cheerleading coach in 1991. I love to cook, especially Italian food, and I enjoy going to try new restaurants. My goal in life is to make everyone feel included and cared for. I’m looking forward to another GREAT year here at Grand Peak Academy!
Hi! I am so excited to be part of the Special Education department at Grand Peak Academy. I had been substitute teaching since 2014 and became part of the GPA staff in March 2023. I graduated in 2009 with my BA in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology. In 2011 I completed my M.ED in Special Education. I have lived in California, Oregon, Washington, Kansas and now Colorado.
I have been married since 2008 and was privileged to spend 5 years of those years as an Army Wife. I have 3 amazing children; all of whom have attended GPA since we moved to Colorado in 2021. I love naps, cozy blankets and a good book. Some of my favorite things to do outside of school include gardening, exploring all that Colorado has to offer, and spending time with my family at home.
My name is Liz Strohecker, and I am very excited to be part of the GPA family! I was born and raised in California but have been in Colorado since 2022. I am married to a wonderful man and together we have 3 daughters, Riley, Mila, and Ellie. We also have 2 pups Stella and Tank. When not in the classroom you can find me at the dance studio or soccer field cheering on my daughters. I love to read, cook for my family, and make cakepops. In our free time we enjoy trying out new restaurants, watching movies and going on fun adventures. I look forward to a wonderful year together!
My name is Makenzie, but I go by Kenzie. At home with my fiancee, we have 3 kids, three cats, Goose, Honey, and Maple, our one year old puppy named Fern and 10 fish. I grew up a military kid and have moved all over, living in places such as Germany and Italy, but I call Seattle, Wshington my home (Go Seahawks). I have played soccer for 20 years and even took the oppurtunity to play semi-pro Bundesliga while I was living in Germany. I love hiking with my family, but in my downtime at home I’m either reading a book or watching anime. I am so excited to be apart of the GPA family and can’t wait to get this school year started!
Bio Coming Soon
Bio Coming Soon
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon.
I’m so excited to join the GPA team as a special education social worker! My path here has been a bit nontraditional, I’ve worked in schools on and off for the past 23 years while moving from place to place as a military spouse and mom. Along the way, I served as a substitute teacher with DODEA during our four years in Japan, and completed my student teaching as a special education early childhood teacher while stationed in Turkey. When our family landed in San Antonio, I went back to school for my Master’s in Social Work. After we retired from the Air Force in 2021 and settled in Colorado Springs, I worked as a special education social worker in D20, and found myself wanting to deepen my knowledge even further, so I went back to school again, this time for school psychology. Today I hold a Bachelor’s in Psychology from UMUC, a Master’s in Special Education/Early Childhood from UND, a Master’s in Social Work from UTSA, and a Master’s in School Psychology from FHSU. I’m currently finishing my EdS in School Psychology. What can I say…..I love learning! 🙂
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon.
Grand Peak Academy is a charter school in D49 located in the Forest Meadows community. We provide a rigorous, classical education, and
Elementary 8:00am – 3:00pm
Middle school 8:00am – 3:10pm
Grand Peak Academy
7036 Cowpoke Rd
Colorado Springs, CO 80908
Main: 719-495-7360
Fax: 719-495-4239
Pre-School: 719-495-7360 ext 127
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