Meet Our Tutoring Team
Niel Smosna
Co-Founder
Jacque Morgan
Nicole Cogburn
Instructor
Megan Sommers
Cristin Altepeter
Erika Perakos
Terri Keyworth
Angela Monroe
Jake Sigman
Kaley Planansky
Mallory Neher
Rebecca Fearing
Kasey Moss
Erin Ridge
Jared Richardson
Abby Foster
Elliott Marshall
Debbie Knoll
Jeannine Kondratieff
Jon Marlan
Connie Coulson
Cindy Hendershott
Abra Houchin
Stephany Smith
Tawni Wilder
Renee McClure
Angela Atkison
Ashley Yergert
Calll us for a complimentary 15-minute consultation to determine if this is the right fit for your child.
Miss Niel
Family: two boys (River and Beckett “Bucket”), one husband (Nick), 2 rescue dogs (Big Dwight and Little Doug), and 1 very spoiled rescue cat (Germany Cricket Moo Cow Cat aka Germ)
Hobbies: walking the dogs, weight lifting, reading, being outdoors, anything beach related, spending time with my family
Favorite Color: Rainbow!
Favorite Food: Mexican
3 Fun Facts:
1. My husband, my mom, my dad, my brother, both my grandmas, my aunt, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law are all current or retired teachers!
2. My grandma lived to 102yo, her sister is still alive at 100yo, and their mom (my great-grandma!) lived to 103yo. We have sea turtle genetics!
3. I have never, ever met an animal I wasn’t obsessed with.
Teaching Background
Generalist in K-21 Special Education 10yrs at Werner Elementary (ILS Teacher) Various Integrated Service teaching mentor support roles in PSD. I’ve tutored kids from kindergarten through college during my time running NoCo Tutoring & Enrichment and I LOVE the diversity of students I get to connect with!
Why do I love Teaching
I LOVE my students (and am still connected with families from when I first started teaching!), and am convinced kids are approximately 847% cooler than grown ups. I’m passionate about relationship-based teaching, and believe that learning happens when a child first feels safe and connected. Starting NoCo Tutoring & Enrichment has given me the opportunity to work with incredible teachers and families, and I am continually thankful for how lucky I am to get do something I truly love.
Mrs. Megan Sommers
Husband: Patrick
Stepson: Blake
Foster parents for Weld County Parents: Tom & Nancy
Brother: Steve (wife Mary & kids Jack & Lily)
2 rescue dogs: Finn & Hannah
Hobbies: travel, reading, anything historical, volunteering
Passions: working with children, and all things animals (volunteer with Hearts & Horses and Big Bones Canine Rescue and have been volunteering since college)
Favorite Color: Dark Blue
Favorite Food: Italian
3 Fun Facts:
1. I’m a vegan
2. I’ve traveled to 6 of the 7 continents lived in
3. I’m ambidextrous I’ve traveled a lot due to my dad being a Navy Captain (very proud of him), and lived in the Philippines for 2 years and England for 3 years
Teaching Background
1 year teaching preschool 20 years teaching K-5: Mueller Charter School in CA for 2 years, and Ladera Elementary School for 18 years 4 years tutoring K-12 CA and CO teaching credentials w/ second language learner designation Masters in Reading Specialist credential
Why do I love Teaching
Mrs. Nicole
My name is Nicole Cogburn, and I live in Windsor, Colorado, with my husband, our new baby girl, our dog, and two cats. My teaching journey began five years ago during the rise of the COVID pandemic, when I discovered both the great need and my deep passion for helping children learn to read.
I’ve taught and tutored in several Poudre School District schools and served as a literacy interventionist at Loveland Classical School in Weld RE-1. I hold a Master’s in Elementary Education and a Reading Specialist Endorsement. During the 2023–2024 school year, I received Barton training and developed a special passion for supporting students with dyslexia and other learning differences.
Across my work as a reading interventionist and literacy tutor, I’ve worked closely with students facing reading challenges. I’m especially committed to helping learners rebuild confidence, rediscover joy in reading, and understand that they can learn to read. Watching students grow in both skill and self-belief is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
Outside of teaching, I’m a lifelong learner and an avid reader—I especially love a good suspense novel. I’ve been a runner since 2017, completing several half and full marathons. Before that, I spent many years as a figure skater and coach, which is where my love of teaching first began. When I’m not working or running, you’ll likely find me cooking or exploring the mountains, or traveling.
And just for fun: my favorite color is cranberry, and I can never resist a bag of barbecue chips.
Mrs. Terri Keyworth
Name: Terri Keyworth
Family Information: Married with two boys. Pets: Kyro – half dog half alligator, you would understand if you met her.
Hobbies and Passions: Hiking, paddleboard, lifting weights, basketball, mountain biking, watching my kids participate in sports and life.
Favorite Color: Can you really have one favorite? I don’t think so, but I usually say orange.
Favorite Food: breakfast burritos and so many more…
3 Fun Facts About Yourself:
1. I have biked across parts of Turkey and Vietnam
2. I have 4 siblings
3. I played college basketball at UNC
Places you have traveled: Peru, Ethiopia, Ireland, Mexico, Turkey, Vietnam, China
Teaching Background
I have taught for 31 years. Schools where I have taught: Bethke Elementary, Fossil Ridge HS, Rocky Mtn HS, Webber Jr. High, Mtn View HS, Fort Bridger Elementary. Degrees/relative educational background training: BS in PE K-12 with a math minor, Masters in Education.
Why do I love Teaching
Mrs. Angela
Name: Angela Monroe
Family Information: I have been married for 20 years and we have a beautiful 16 year old daughter
Pets: I have two dogs, Buster who is 13 years old and is a schnauzer mix. Waldo is an Aussiedoodle who is 3 years old. I also have two red ear slider turtles. We have had them for about 5 years
Hobbies and Passions: I love anything crafty. I am currently working on some embroidery projects as well as quilling projects. I love to paint, color with colored pencils. I love to be outdoors with my husband and daughter walking our dogs. My favorite thing to do outside is paddling boarding. Any extra time I have you will catch me on the lake with my paddle board.
Favorite Color: Purple and Turquoise
Favorite Food: Chicken tacos
3 Fun Facts About Yourself:
1. I have seen turtle hatchlings released into the ocean numerous times, that was an incredible experience!!
2. I love Dr Pepper but don’t drink coffee.
3. My husband and I have a date night each week and have done some really fun things together.
Places You Have Traveled: I absolutely love to travel. I have been to Germany, Cancun, Mexico, Hawaii twice, Fiji and all over the United States.
Teaching Background
Degrees/relative educational background training: I received my teaching license in 2005. I have held numerous substitute teacher licences. I have many family members who have also taught in Poudre School District for over forty years.
Why do I love Teaching
Jake
Family Info: Oldest of four, keeps me on my toes though!
Degree: B.E. in Civil Engineering, Minor in Computer Science (WIP)
Hobbies and Passions: Huge train nerd, and dabble in some Ultimate during my free time.
Favorite Color: Orange
Favorite Food: Very tough to pick just one, but I’ll always go for a bagel with cream cheese and lox.
Fun Facts About Yourself:
1. Love to run and exercise
2. I am a bit of a sponge cake enthusiast
3. I live on the other side of the country!
Places You Have Traveled: New York City, Philadelphia, Washington DC
Why do I love teaching? Sharing a love of math and connecting with my tutees!
Teaching Background
Why do I love Teaching
Miss Jacque
Family: I have a 16 year old son named Owen and an 11 year old daughter named Madison. They are my world!
Hobbies: watching my kiddos play sports, coaching basketball, traveling, spending time with friends
Favorite color: purple
Favorite food: pizza
3 Fun Facts:
1. I have lived in Colorado my entire life but have never been skiing.
2. I played college basketball at CSU.
3 I’ve broken both arms and my nose 4 times! Clearly this girl needs a calcium boost!
Teaching Background
Why do I love Teaching
Ms. Cristin Altepeter
Family: It’s just me and my kiddo, and our two puppers! My daughter Eden is a freshman in high school & this is her first year ever going to school! (She’s been homeschooled ) Nysha is an old lady white lab who sleeps her days away, and Mocha is our spunky Husky-mutt who keeps us entertained & on our toes. (She got coal in her stocking this year – that’s how spunky she is!) We’re a very close-knit, happy little family!
Hobbies: hiking, paddle boarding, gardening, reading, crafts, Uber-ing my daughter all over Northern Colorado.
Favorite color: purple
Other favorites: dogs, wildflowers, nature, the stars & my kid.
Favorite food: Steak & potatoes!
3 Fun Facts:
1. I did my student teaching in London!
2. I used to be a dancer (from age 5 – college! I even have my minor in dance!)
3. A dream job of mine would be to volunteer (for pay ) – I wish I could work at soup kitchens, help out in classrooms & nursing homes, and dedicate my time helping others. (Eden and I DO go on mission trips & that fills me up!)
Teaching Background
Why do I love Teaching
Erika Perakos
Family: I have been married to my husband for almost 17 years! We have 3 awesome boys. Our oldest is almost 14 and then we have twin 10 year olds. They all compete in karate which keeps us all busy.
Teaching Background: I’ve had the incredible privilege of being an educator for a fantastic 17 years! My teaching journey has unfolded throughout the Northern Colorado region. Specializing in secondary education, my focus has been on English and English as a Second Language. Over the past 5 years, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to teach across all grades and subjects, and let me tell you, every moment has been an absolute joy! In addition to my professional life, my husband and I have embraced the rewarding adventure of homeschooling our own children. It’s been a truly fulfilling experience, and I can’t wait for many more years of inspiring learning ahead!
Hobbies: Reading, watching my kids compete in karate…all the time , watching movies, spending time with family.
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Food: Soup
3 Fun Facts:
1. I love cows! (I have a cow wall in my house)
2. I have a lot of pets (2 dogs, 2 cats, a tortoise, a bearded dragon, a white’s tree frog)
3. I marched in the Macy”s Thanksgiving Day Parade in high school!
Teaching Background
Miss Kaley
Family Information: I’ve grown up in Colorado and lived in Fort Collins most of my life. I have a younger brother who attends Fossil Ridge High School.
Pets: Dog named Finn
Schools I attended: Bethke Elementary, Kinard Middle School, and Fossil Ridge High School
Degrees/relative educational background training: Mathematics Education degree in progress at CSU
Hobbies and Passions: Crochet, Volleyball, Yoga, Hiking
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Food: Burritos from Cafe Mexicali
3 Fun Facts About Yourself:
1. I’m left handed
2. My first word was turtle
3. I also work at a coffee shop!
Places You Have Traveled: My favorite place I’ve traveled is Catalina Island. First as an 8th grade student, then again as a chaperone for an environmental leadership program through Kinard Middle School.
Teaching Background
Why do I love Teaching
Miss Mallory Neher
Family Information: I moved to Loveland in 2023 to live near my sister and best friend, Grace. My Mom and Dad live in an old hippie town in New Mexico called Corrales (there’s no homeowner’s association so picture a neighborhood with trailer homes, half-a-million dollar houses, multi-million dollar houses, and a T-Rex statue adorned in moss on my parents’ street).
Pets: I have a princely cat named Merlin who’s in kitty retirement and has reverted to his kittenhood (following me from room to room, not letting me close the bathroom door without his presence).
Degrees/relative educational background training: I have a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature degree, and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree. I worked with multiple mentors while completing my master’s degree and teaching underserved, inner-city 4th and 5th graders in San Antonio, Texas. My 5th grade team and I dressed as the Inside Out characters for Halloween! I enjoy connecting with all students, but have a soft spot for 4th and 5th graders because of this.
Hobbies and Passions: Learning about psychology to help myself and friends, rap and freestyling for over ten years, reading nonfiction, and decreasing stigma around mental health.
Favorite Colors: Used to be blue as a kid, and now it’s yellow because it makes me happy!
Favorite Food: Bread, strawberries, dark chocolate.
Fun Facts About Yourself:
1) I swam competitively for 11 years
2) I love to make up songs and sing whenever I can
3) I would enjoy writing and directing a screenplay one day
Places You Have Traveled: France (we did a house swap with one of my Dad’s coworkers), England, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland (visited family friends), Canada, Honduras, Belize, and Mexico.
Teaching Background
Why do I love Teaching
Rebecca Fearing
Family Information: I have a large, extended family spread out across the country.
Pets: 3 cats named – Lil Lion, Pepito, & Homini
Hobbies: Hiking, traveling, photography, crafting, live music, volunteering at animal adoption organizations, building additions to my catio, & baking.
Favorite Color: royal blue
Favorite Food: Thai green curry
3 Fun Facts:
1. Proud type 1 diabetic of 26 years
2. Bilingual and learning a third
3. Classically trained violinist
Places You Have Traveled: US, Canada, Mexico, Europe.
Places I Want to Travel: Cuba, Peru, Alaska, Norway, Russia, Turkey, Thailand, New Zealand… Everywhere!
Teaching Background
Why do I love Teaching
Kasey Moss
Family Information: I have three awesome children who are 24, 21, and 14. My husband and I live with our 14 year old and two cats; Daisy and Echo.
Years of Teaching Experience: I have been teaching or supporting special education for 15 years across 3 school districts.
Hobbies and Passions: I LOVE to read! (And I want everyone else to fall in love with reading, too!)
Teaching Background
Why do I love Teaching
Erin Ridge
Family: I met my husband, Adam, at CSU and we have two awesome kids, Payton and Dillon. We also have a very cute and energetic Chocolate Lab named Ollie. We love being active, playing sports, exercising, and getting outdoors.
Teaching Background: The majority of my teaching experience is at the high school level teaching Social Studies and English Language Development. I have an undergraduate degree in History and a masters degree in Linguistically Diverse Education. I have worked with students at all levels from pre-kindergarten through the university level.
Teaching Philosophy: Building relationships and trust has always been at the forefront of my approach to working with students. Learning can feel like one must take some risks and be a bit vulnerable in order to grow, and doing this in a setting where a student knows they are safe and that their teacher is there to support them, is vital to grow and thrive. Being able to learn exactly what a student needs and supporting them with their unique needs is my passion and approach. There is nothing more rewarding then being a witness to a student learning something new and playing a role in their progress.
Teaching Background
Jared Richardson
Family Information: 2 younger brothers and 2 younger sisters
Pets: German Shepherd named Stella
Years of Teaching Experience: 5
Schools where I have taught: Everywhere in the Poudre School District!
Degrees/relative educational background training: B.S. in Biology and Chemistry plus two years at Oregon State University for Vet School
Hobbies and Passions: Football, basketball, backpacking, playing guitar, pretty much anything active or outdoors!
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Carne Asada
3 Fun Facts About Yourself: Before I turned 18, I lived outside of the US for over half my life, I played football in college, and I once had pet rats!
Places You Have Traveled: Indonesia, Egypt, The Philippines, Italy, UK, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, Singapore, South Africa, and a ton of states!
Why You Love Teaching: I love teaching because it allows me to connect with people on a deeper level and give back to the community.
Teaching Background
Why do I love Teaching
Abby Foster
I have lived in Fort Collins for 17 years after moving from Southern California. My parents both still live in Fort Collins, and my brother lives in Arizona. My mom is a middle school librarian in Poudre School District, my dad works for CSU, and my brother is a pilot for United Airlines! I live with my sweet puppy, Milo! He is a Great Dane mix, and he is the sweetest boy.
This is my second year of teaching, but my 5th year of being in the world of education. I spent 4 years in the Poudre School District: I was an instructional paraprofessional at Shepardson Elementary School and Bamford Elementary School for 3 years. I then completed my practicum and student teaching at Bamford, and long-term subbed there as well. I then taught kindergarten at Olander Elementary School. I now teach second grade at Orchard Hill Elementary School in the Weld RE-4 school district, and absolutely love it!
I received my BA in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Special Education from UNC in Greeley – go Bears! I plan to go back for my Masters in the near future.
I am trained and well versed in Heggerty phonemic awareness and phonics instruction, as well as Orton-Gillingham. I have also received extensive training in working with individuals with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, ADHD, and ASD.
In my free time, I enjoy visiting and exploring new national parks and MLB stadiums (Go Dodgers!), cooking and baking, road tripping and traveling, live music, reading, camping, and spending time with my friends, family, and my dog.
My favorite color is green.
My favorite food is tacos – if you ever need recommendations on where to get the best ones in town, I’m your girl!
I love teaching because I love building long-lasting relationships with students, watching them grow both academically and as people, and including SEL (social-emotional learning) practices and strategies. I truly value my time with my students, and so enjoy watching them succeed and celebrate their wins together!
Teaching Background
Why do I love Teaching
Elliott Marshall
Family Information: I’m the baby of the family! My older sister lives in Erie and my older brother is the only one left in Houston. My parents moved up to Broomfield to be closer to their two grandkids (my sister’s kids).
Pets: I have a 2-year-old pup named Ivy 🙂
Years of Teaching Experience: 4
Schools where I have taught: 2 years at Project STEM Academy in Boise, ID- secondary math and an engineering elective. 1 year at Greeley Options Program- secondary math. 1 year at High Plains School in Loveland- 7th and 8th grade math.
Degrees/relative educational background training: BS in Civil Engineering, College of Southern Idaho Non-Traditional Educator Preparation Program
Hobbies and Passions: Hiking, biking, building my teardrop trailer
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Food: Sushi
3 Fun Facts About Yourself:
1. I was born and raised in Houston, TX
2. I went to the University of Wisconsin (go Badgers!)
3. I joined the Peace Corps and shipped out to Senegal for what I thought to be 27 months! But due to COVID, it turned out to be only 5 weeks… but I got a wife out of it
Places You Have Traveled: ALMOST all 50 states: haven’t been to Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, or Connecticut
Why You Love Teaching: I just love to witness the (often quite subtle) moment of pride and joy that results from students struggling through confusion to arrive at comprehension and true understanding of a concept.
Teaching Background
Why do I love Teaching
Debbie Knoll
Family Information: Married, the mother of 4 boys and I have 1 granddaughter
Pets: I have a little Morkie names Emmie
Years of Teaching Experience: I have been teaching for over 30 years.
Schools Where I have Taught: I started my teaching at Rocky Mountain High School. I taught at Greeley Central High School, I worked as a Homebound instructor and I spent my last 11 years teaching at Lincoln Middle School.
Degrees/relative Educational Background Training: My degrees are in Microbiology and Chemistry. I was a research associate at CSU for 11 years
Hobbies and Passions: I love to read, work out at the gym, and I play competitive golf
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Food: anything spicy
3 Fun Facts About Yourself: I was a 2 sport athlete in college, (soccer and gymnastics) Our boys are all adopted. my husband and I are native Coloradoans
Places You Have Traveled: The Big Island of Hawaii is my favorite place. I love volcanos!
Why You Love Teaching: I love helping students build their confidence. I enjoy the one-on-one work with students the most, building relationships as we work together.
Teaching Background
Why do I love Teaching
Jeannine Kondratieff
Family Information: I have a husband and four children ages 23, 20, 18 and 14.
Pets: I have a dog named Ranger. He is a red heeler, pit bull mix. He is still a puppy.
Years of Teaching Experience: about 20
Schools where I have taught: Namaqua Elementary School, Severance High School, Severance Middle School, Skyview school of STEM
Degrees/relative educational background training: Teaching credential, ELD endorsement
Hobbies and Passions: I love to garden, do any kind of art or crafts. I also like to hike, bike and go camping. I also love reading.
Favorite Color: My favorite colors are purple, teal and silver
Favorite Food: I could eat Mexican food every day!
3 Fun facts about yourself: My first job was at Baskin Robbins. Someday I want to go on an extended trip to South America. I love to waterski.
Places you have traveled: I have traveled to Canada, Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii. Those are the places that are the furthest away, but I have also visited many states in our country.
Why you love teaching: I love teaching because I love to talk with students. Students bring a different perspective than a teacher and I like trying to figure out the angle they are seeing it from!
The first picture is me and my family, the next one is when I dressed up like a pencil for Halloween last year and the last one is of me with a monsterous zucchini that grew in my garden last year!!
Teaching Background
Why do I love Teaching
Jon Marlan
Name: Jon Marlan
Family info: Have two younger brothers
Pets: Don’t currently have any pets, but have lived with dogs all my life and am especially fond of them.
Years of teaching experience: I have 10+ yrs of math tutoring experience (7 of these
in-person, and 3 yrs nearly exclusively online).
Schools where I have taught: I was in charge of a basic skills computer lab for about 5 years at a community college in the Four Corners Area (San Juan College in Farmington, NM). In addition to running that lab, I also did quite a bit of math tutoring (through calculus) for the Student Success Center.
Degrees: I have a B.S. degree in Mathematics with high honors from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology.
Hobbies and Passions: Hiking, skiing, watching sports (in-person & on TV).
Favorite Color/s: Blue and green are my two favorite colors.
Favorite Food: I’m a big fan of Mexican food. I’ve also become increasingly fond of scrambled eggs with guacamole.
3 Fun Facts:
1. I’ve done the Manitou Incline 3 times (crazy, I know)
2. I’ve been on the slopes for 45+ yrs
3. I’ve created some math tutorial videos on YouTube (not viral though!)
Places I’ve Traveled: Ecuador is the most unusual place I’ve traveled to. It is very green there!
Why I love teaching: I feel great satisfaction in helping students learn math. It is especially fulfilling to me when the student makes great improvements in their grade.
Teaching Background
Why do I love Teaching
Connie Coulson
Family Information: Married – husband Tony and 2 daughters and a brand new son-in-law 😊
No pets now – just lots of pet sitting for our daughter Cate’s dog Kona
20+ years teaching – starting in CT, then 20 years in St. Charles, IL, High Dosage tutor at Olander elementary school here in Fort Collins, 1 year
Master’s in Education– certified K – 9th grade,
Hobbies – hiking, biking, pickleball, decorating, cooking, and reading
I love teaching because I truly live to see the look of satisfaction on a student’s face when they feel pride and satisfaction with their learning.
Fun fact: I also have a degree in Apparel Design and worked as a designer, buyer, and product developer for department stores before going back to school for my teaching degree.
Teaching Background
Why do I love Teaching
Cindy Hendershott
Family Information: My husband, Zane, and I will be married 30 years in April, and we have two sons-Elijah, who is 29, and Seth, who is 25. Eli is married to Mackenzie, and Seth is married to Nikole, and I love my bonus daughters very much!! We Hendershotts make a great team, which also includes Carry the Berry (best little chi-weenie you ever did meet), Willow (Seth and Nikole’s dog), Riley (grey kitty), and Lefty aka Booter, Mr.Booter, The Boot (a very chonky and handsome cat.) I would have all of the animals in the world if I could!
Years of Teaching Experience: I taught first grade for a year at Al Hedayah Academy in Texas, followed by 1 year teaching 3rd grade and then 8 amazing years teaching 1st grade at Seven Hills Elementary School in Texas. We moved to Brownsville, Texas in 2007, and I taught 4th grade writing at Justice Raul A. Gonzalez Elementary School for 2 years there. Then we were transferred to Colorado, and I taught 1st grade for 4 years at Greenlee Elementary School in Denver, and then I was a Reading Interventionist at Roxborough Primary for the next 4 years. Once again…we were transferred to Fort Worth, Texas, and I had the amazing opportunity to train and work as a Dyslexia Specialist for 5 years at Nance Elementary School. We were able to move back to Colorado in 2023, and I have been working as the 2nd-12th grade art teacher at Greeley Options Homeschool Program ever since. (This job has been the icing on the cake!!!) How many years was that? 🙂 Apparently I’m working on my 28th year right now. I have truly loved every minute of it.
Degrees and Training: I have my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from The University of Oklahoma. (Boomer Sooner!) I am certified to be a Reading Intervention Specialist through Adams State, and I received my training to become a Dyslexia Practitioner through Kris Smith Educational Services in Amarillo, Texas. I became a certified Certified Academic Language Practitioner through ALTA in 2023. I’m also endorsed to be an art teacher here in Colorado.
Hobbies and Passions: I love to be outside, especially here in Colorado. I’ve never been skiing, though, if you can believe that! I love to read, listen to music, do puzzles, play with anything art related, and spend time with my people and animals and plants.
Favorite Colors: ALL of them! Isn’t color amazing?
Favorite Food: I’ve never met a food that I didn’t like…but if I have to pick one, I think it’s probably chips and salsa.
3 fun Facts About Me: 1) I LOVE praying mantises so much! In fact, I love all insects, and I wanted to be an entomologist when I was little. If you need a critter relocated, I’m your lady. 2) I’m very fond of tiny things, and this makes being an art teacher particularly special, because kids make me a lot of tiny things. 3) Someday, I really want to live on a goat and flower farm!
Places We Have Traveled: Costa Rica, Amsterdam, Paris, Mexico, lots of great places in the US
Why do I love teaching? I love people, and little humans bring me so much joy with their energy, joy, and the things they say and do. I love how kids are just who they are and how teaching invites me to do the same. It’s very refreshing! I love the cultures, rituals and routines of a classroom family and school, and I think being together, learning, and having fun is just the greatest time! Most of all, I love teaching because I love to be a part of the process as a child unlocks the doors in their minds. I want everyone to love to read and do art as much as I do, and it’s so wonderful to be able to show them how much they can do!
Teaching Background
Why do I love Teaching
Abra
Family Information: My husband (an artist and education and workforce policy consultant) and I live in the mountains north of Fort Collins. Every weekday morning he brings me coffee, and every weekend morning I bring him Peanut M&Ms. Two of our sons are professional dancers with Ballet Des Moines. Our other son works hard to manufacture ultrasound machines. Our daughter graduated from Colorado School of Mines and works as a tutor in Denver.
Pets: I have a Christmas Cactus named Swanhilde. I was recently given a Marigold named Matilda. They seem to get along and play well together.
Years of Teaching Experience: I have over 6 years of experience in schools and classrooms—in various roles and at various levels. I also taught movement and dance classes to students aged preschool to young adult. Schools where I have taught: Colorado Early Colleges Fort Collins; West Grand High School in Kremmling, CO
Degrees/relative Educational Background Training: I have my master’s degree in special education from the University of Northern Colorado.
Hobbies and Passions: I crochet ridiculously time-consuming projects while watching British crime drama. I make costumes for dancers, like platter tutus, leotards, and dance shorts. I obsessively yoga.
Favorite Color: Rainbows!
Favorite Food: Jalapeno peppers filled with cream cheese and pineapple and wrapped in bacon.
3 Fun Facts About Yourself: I can run a chainsaw and a spitter and spend a good portion of my time processing wood for the winter. I ride a motorcycle. I’m thinking about becoming a beekeeper.
Places You Have Traveled: I lived in Germany for 9 months and in Great Britain for a year. Just recently, I’ve spent time in North Carolina, Oklahoma, and of course, Iowa.
Teaching Background
Schools where I have taught: Colorado Early Colleges Fort Collins; West Grand High School in Kremmling, CO
Why do I love Teaching
I love teaching because of the constant challenge to my creativity and ability to problem-solve. I am committed to meeting children and young adults right where they are and then doing the work to find creative and positive ways to collaborate toward those joyful lightbulb moments–no matter how long it takes. one-on-one work with students the most, building relationships as we work together.
Stephany Smith
Family Information: I am happily married to my husband John
Pets: Our sweet puppy Tuck and more to come!
Years of Teaching Experience: 18
Schools I have taught: I have taught in language schools in Europe, South Korea. Public and charter schools in Colorado and Washington State. I have taught all grade levels K-12th, including AP courses.
Degrees/relative educational background training: I have a bachelors in International Relations/Political Science and Secondary Education. I also have my International Teaching English Certificate and I will be completing my Masters in Education by the end of 2026.
Hobbies and Passions: I am passionate about helping people. I love reading, board games with friends and family, drawing, anything outside like hiking and camping. I volunteer with several non profits as well.
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Food: BBQ or Thai
3 Fun Facts About Yourself: I have traveled to 42 countries. My husband and I met helping on our friend’s snowy Christmas tree farm on New Years Eve. I love vacationing in Hawaii.
Places You Have Traveled: I lived in Germany for 9 months and in Great Britain for a year. Just recently, I’ve spent time in North Carolina, Oklahoma, and of course, Iowa.
Why do I love Teaching
I love teaching because of the constant challenge to my creativity and ability to problem-solve. I am committed to meeting children and young adults right where they are and then doing the work to find creative and positive ways to collaborate toward those joyful lightbulb moments–no matter how long it takes. one-on-one work with students the most, building relationships as we work together.
Tawni Wilder
Family Information: My partner and I are both teachers, and we have two children – a daughter in 4th grade and a son in Kindergarten. We love to spend quality time together and go on weekend adventures!
Pets: We have two adorable cats who think they are also children – Kiwi is a Tortoiseshell and Willow is a Nebelung.
Years of Teaching Experience: 7 years in elementary classes from Kindergarten to Fourth Grade, and 1 year as an Academic Interventionist.
Schools I have taught: Laurene Edmondson Elementary School and Garfield Elementary School
Degrees/relative educational background training: I hold a Master’s Degree in Reading and Teacher Leadership.
Hobbies and Passions: I love to read, hike, practice yoga, and take naps!
Favorite Color: Green
Favorite Food: Honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong with a good bowl of cereal.
3 Fun Facts About Yourself: I have a Bachelor’s Degree in French Language and Literature – I originally wanted to teach High School French! I once got to touch the horn of a Torosaurus fossil at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science – it remains one of my greatest achievements to date! I am a certified yoga instructor!
Places You Have Traveled: I’ve been all over the West Coast, and have just started exploring more of the East Coast! Once when I was much younger, I got to spend half a month in Malaysia. I dream of visiting Japan and France.
Why do I love Teaching
I love teaching because it allows me to nurture the whole child while creating a space where students feel safe, seen, and capable. I’m especially drawn to the small moments of growth, when a child builds confidence, regulates their body, or has a breakthrough after feeling stuck, and I get to be a steady, compassionate guide in that process. Teaching is meaningful, heart-centered work that aligns with my values of equity, connection, and lifelong learning.
Renee McClure
Pets: One chocolate lab and one black lab
Years of Teaching Experience: 17 years
Degrees/relative educational background training: BS in Child Development, MS in Leadership/Training Development
Hobbies and Passions: All things outdoors, reading
Favorite Color: Navy
Places you have traveled: United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, and all over the USA.
Why do I love Teaching
I love seeing the “aha moments” that kids get when they make connections and can expand on their learning.
Angela Atkison
Family Information: I’m a mom of 5 amazing kids ages 14-23! My husband Corey and I live in Johnstown
Pets: We have 3 dogs: a big goofy labradoodle named Camper, an English Setter named Ben, and a cattle dog/lab mix named Maggie. We also have a super sweet but ornery kitty who thinks he’s a dog. His name is Rocky. Aka: Rockers, Rocky Balboa, Rocks, kitty kitty, or whatever else may come from our mouths.
Schools where I have taught: After moving to Colorado, over 20 years ago, I homeschooled my own kids for several years and taught at Broomfield Options. I taught 2nd Grade at a private school for a bit and later joined The Summit Academy in Broomfield for about 10 years. I’ve been teaching at Greeley Options since 2023 where I teach many things related to reading, geography and American Sign Language. I joined the teaching staff at Leap in Loveland in the fall of 2025, where I get to teach kindergarten on Thursdays.
Degrees/relative educational background training: I earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Missouri State University. My area of emphasis was in English and Theatre.
Years later, after my own son was diagnosed with dyslexia, I was trained in Orton Gillingham through the Institute of MultiSensory Education, and later studied under Susan Barton through a course through San Diego State University. I have an Advanced Tutor Certification through the Barton Reading and Spelling System and have been tutoring dyslexic students privately for over 10 years.
Hobbies and Passions: I absolutely love camping, traveling, reading, playing card games and spending time with my family and friends. I like to swim and paddle board. I’d chose the mountains and the lake over the beach any day!
Favorite Color: Green (and yellow…and orange!)
Favorite Food: Anything Gluten Free! But, I really love Mexican food and chocolate!
3 Fun facts about yourself:
1. I can put dental floss up my nose and pull it out my mouth.
2. In high school, I played a lead part in the musical Oklahoma!
3. I’ve taught people ages 4-65 how to read!
Places you have traveled: I’m from Missouri originally, but I’ve lived in New Mexico, Spain, and Hungary, and I’ve traveled most of the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska. I’ve also had the pleasure of exploring many countries in Europe, and spent 3 weeks in Ethiopia when adopting 2 of my children.
Why do I love Teaching
I love people of all ages, and I love learning. I get so excited when I learn something new, and I love sharing that excitement with others. It is equally exciting watching others learn new things!
Ashley Yergert
Family Information: I am a Colorado native and was raised on the southeast Colorado plains! Me and my sister grew up on a ranch and went to school in a very small town, giving me an appreciation for one-on-one instruction. I am the only family member living in northern Colorado.
Pets: A teacup yorkie named Gus Gus.
Schools where I have taught: Greeley Options and student taught at Union Colony Elementary.
Degrees/relative educational background training: Elementary Education with a K-12 CLD Endorsement
Hobbies and Passions: Being outside, walks with coffee in hand, going to the gym, playing basketball and volleyball, watching sports, and traveling!
Favorite Color: Black
Favorite Food: Grapes, carrots, and steak!
3 Fun facts about yourself:
1. I graduated with 6 kids in my class! Valedictorian and prom queen though 😉
2. I signed to play volleyball and basketball in college.
3. I have shown goats, pigs, and sheep in 4-H.
Places you have traveled: Mexico, Dominican Republic, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Illinois, Texas, North Carolina, California..
The list goes on but I am not finished!
Why do I love Teaching
I love watching kids when they have their “aha!” moment. Watching them gain confidence and start to believe in themselves is such a beautiful thing to be a part of. It brings me great joy to allow a child to feel seen and I greatly enjoy the relationships made through teaching. I love kids’ brains and their perspectives– we have SO much to learn from them!