erica young
Erica Young is the founder of Elevated Learning Tutoring Center. She earned her degrees in English and Elementary Education at Western Colorado University. She studied at Cambridge University where she received her K-12 teaching certification and taught sixth through twelfth grade in a British school for seven years. Her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education is from the American College of Education. READ MORE.
David Brudzinski
David has taught the full spectrum of secondary math courses from Algebra I through AP Calculus and AP Statistics. He holds a Master of Science degree in Mathematics/Math Ed from Montana State University. His teaching experience of over two decades includes working in schools in Colorado and California.
susan beltz
Susan received her undergraduate degree from Duke University and holds a Masters in Education with a Focus on Reading from American College of Education. She worked for 26 years at Crested Butte Community School teaching second and third grades and most recently served as the K-5th grade Literacy Specialist. Having retired from the school in June 2020, Susan is now tutoring students K-7 in all subjects and also supporting those engaging in online learning. In her free time, Susan loves to ski, hike, bike, read, travel, and enjoy the outdoors. She loves connecting with children in a learning environment, and building relationships through common interests and a shared love of all Crested Butte and the world have to offer.
Heather Duryea
I earned a BS in biology from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and a MA in Deaf Education from Lewis and Clark College. I hold a Special Education/Deaf and Hard of Hearing teaching license (ages birth-21). I taught chemistry, biology, and math courses at the New Mexico School for the Deaf and am fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). I have served as GWSD’s Deaf Education consultant and continues to substitute teach. Most recently, I received basic and advanced training in structured literacy development using the Orton Gillingham approach. I have been using this approach for the past several years tutoring students in our valley.
Sue short
Sue graduated from Hobart-William Smith with a degree in mathematics and earned her master's degree in mathematics from Ohio University. She spent 27 years teaching middle school math in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before moving to Crested Butte to enjoy a more active lifestyle. While in Pittsburgh, she taught Sixth Grade Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry and Pre-Calculus and has been a Department Leader and a coach.
Martha Clarkson
Martha graduated from Lake Forest College with a BA degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. She began her teaching career in a small private school teaching a combination class of fifth and sixth graders. Martha then worked at a preschool while she received her Master's in Education in Administration and Supervision from Boston College. She has worked as a classroom teacher, Special Education Assistant, Assistant Director and Director of a local preschool, and she was the Executive Director of the Trailhead Children's Museum. Martha’s love for children and education in our valley is overwhelmingly abundant!
William Bates
William has a degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master's in Computer Science both from the University of Tulsa. He has a broad set of experience, having worked in Academia, Transportation, Petrochemical, Justice, Military, Defense, and the Federal Government at large. He has always enjoyed tutoring and mentoring, focusing on critical thinking and problem solving skills, and he is now shifting his professional focus to investing in the community as best as possible.
jenny stillo
Jenny Victoria Stillo is a native Spanish speaker, originally from San Pedro Sula, Honduras. She is a professional translator and interpreter in the Spanish/English language pair. She has taught all levels of Spanish, from preschool to Advanced Placement. READ MORE.
lane giannone
Lane is a Crested Butte native with a passion for family, education, and the outdoors. She is Orton Gillingham trained and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Lane holds a PDIS Level III in Early Childhood. This credential contributes to her compassion and understanding for the learner on the whole. Lane holds a bachelor’s degrees from Western Colorado University in Business Administration and Environmental Science. She has worked with a variety of age groups from infants and toddlers to intermediate elementary. She currently works at Crested Butte Elementary School as an enrichment interventionist.
Megan wells
Megan is currently the Elementary Math Implementation Specialist for the Gunnison Watershed school District. She grew up in Gunnison and is lucky enough to become a teacher in the very district that inspired her teaching career since 2011. Megan received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies/Elementary Education from Western State College. She received a Master of Arts degree in Education: Curriculum and Instruction from Adams State University in 2017. She has experience teaching Kindergarten, 2nd, 4th, and 5th Grade. When she is not at school she is spending time with her family!
molly mugglestone
Molly taught English, Political Science (Civics), Environmental Studies, Honors, and Sociology at Western Colorado University from 2006-2012 and again in the Spring 2024 semester. She was the Director of the Gunnison County Substance Abuse Prevention Project from 2009-20011 where she re-instituted the Choice Pass program. For the last 12 years she has been a Communications & Policy Director and communications consultant. She brings extensive knowledge in writing, communications, and critical thinking to her tutoring and is excited to help students in Gunnison County reach their academic goals.
olivia wogen
Olivia grew up in England and attended college in both England and California. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Elementary Education. She taught in California for 10 years, teaching many different grades including 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5/6th classrooms, and spent a total of 6 years in 6th grade. In 2019 Olivia moved to Crested Butte. She taught Pre-K at Stepping Stones, then Kindergarten, and 2nd grade at CBCS. Next year she is thrilled to teach 5th grade! Olivia is an Usborne Book Educational Services Rep and enjoys promoting literacy and the joy of reading in her community and beyond.
emmalee walker
Emmalee has a Bachelors of Science in Physics Education from Utah Valley University. Emmalee currently teaches physical science and physics at CBCS. She loves to teach through hands on experiences and aspires to be like Miss Frizzle someday. Emmalee started as an engineering student but made the switch to education after teaching an elementary orchestra class. She fell in love with watching students learn and challenge themselves both on their instruments and in science. Emmalee has loved living in the valley the last 4 years and hopes to stay for a long time. She loves exploring the mountains with her husband, Gabe and participating in local music with her upright bass, Gustav.
Anika Pepper
Anika has a bachelor's degree in English literature from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a master's degree in education from Loyola Marymount University. Anika started teaching elementary school early in her career, but transitioned to secondary English in 2015. She has been teaching middle school language arts and high school world literature at Crested Butte Community School since 2018. Anika's educational philosophy is rooted in the fact that all students deserve a loving, supportive learning environment and all students are capable of success if they are given the right tools. She specializes in tutoring students in writing and reading comprehension at the secondary level as well as executive functioning skills like organization. When she is not teaching, Anika loves to spend time outside hiking and skiing with her family or riding her horse.
Emilya Ramsey
Emilya went to high school at Crested Butte Community School and is excited to be back in the Gunnison valley. She earned a bachelor's degree in English Writing with minors in Sustainable Business and Social Justice from Gonzaga University. During her time at Gonzaga she developed a joy for writing and came to appreciate the power reading has to share transformative stories. She is drawn to subjects that involve sharpening critical thinking skills such as social studies, history, English, biology, ecology, and Spanish. She has experience with student mentoring programs as well as teaching preschool. She is excited to connect with students and encourage them to feel confident and grow as learners.
tania velasquez
Tania Velasquez is a native Spanish speaker, originally from Tegucigalpa, Honduras. She holds a bachelor’s degree in foods and nutrition, a master’s in public health, and a love for any chance to be out in the mountain trails on a bike or running shoes. She is so excited to get to bike, hike and ski with her husband, twin girls, and dog Charlie. Tania would also like to share, that as soon as she moved to the U.S., she has had a strong desire to use her native language in any way, including helping Hispanic/Latinx community navigate their way through English, or helping those who want to learn the language
annalisa dietz
My name is Annalisa Dietz and I moved to Crested Butte in the summer of 2017. I am originally from Minnesota and I went to college in Duluth, MN where I received a BA in Psychology and a Minor in American Sign Language. I am currently working towards a Master’s Degree in Developmental Disabilities and Applied Behavior Analysis. I have worked for the Adaptive Sports Center, Paradise Place Preschool and most recently, I am a Special Education Teacher's Aide at the CBCS Middle School and High School.
temple cox
Temple is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Special Education from Western Colorado University, where she previously graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Business Administration, as well as a minor in Mathematics. Temple currently works at CBCS on the Special Education Team and thoroughly enjoys working with students in a one-on-one setting. In her free time, you can find Temple on the golf course, skiing, or chasing after her dogs!
Carla Fanciullo
Carla is an Occupational Therapist and Personal Development coach. Carla has worked in the field of Occupational Therapy for over 30 years. She assists individuals to adapt and modify their life style to meet their changing needs whether due to injury, illness, or disability. Carla strives to create overall health and well-being for each individual through various modalities from both western and eastern philosophies. Carla has lived in Gunnison County for over 30 years, working primarily with Gunnison Valley Health and Crested Butte Adaptive Sports Program.
emily motsinger
Emily graduated from Truman State University with a BS in Communication Disorders and graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with her MA in Deaf Education. She is a teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing (TOD), specializing in listening and spoken language, and a speech language pathologist assistant (SLPA). Emily is passionate about supporting students in a 1:1/small group setting and loves to provide her students with word power. This is her sixth year teaching in the valley, but has taught in Missouri and Washington before moving to the Gunnison area. Emily and her husband are all about the outdoors and can be found snowboarding, mountain biking, and kayaking any chance they get! They have two pups, Moose and Bear, who go everywhere with them.
mike king
Mike earned an undergrad degree in philosophy from C.U. Boulder, a J.D from the University of Oregon, and is currently working toward his M.F.A in graphic narrative from Regis University. Mike currently lectures communications, philosophy, and law at Western Colorado University. He often dreams of publishing graphic novels and short stories full time but thrives on the student-teacher interaction. He loves sharing skills in academic writing, public speaking, critical thinking, story-telling, and graphic narratives. Hobbies include guitar, chess, snowboarding, hiking, and two German shepherd dogs.
Lindsay hetherington
Lindsay holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Special Education Certification, and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Before moving to Colorado in 2007, Lindsay taught special education in Pennsylvania for 5 years. Once settled in Colorado, she taught in Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade classrooms, as well as Gifted & Talented students. Before moving to Crested Butte in 2018, Lindsay taught a 1st/2nd Grade Multi-Grade classroom, with a wide range of learning in reading, writing, math, and social/emotional development. Currently, Lindsay works as an educational assistant for the Reading Intervention team at Crested Butte Elementary School.
KRISTY ACUFF
Kristy earned a bachelor's in English from Colorado College and a Master’s degree in Physics Teaching from the University of Utah. Kristy taught high school physics, AP physics, physical science, English, and AP Literature/Language for nearly two decades.
stephanie gerber
I was born in Durango, Colorado. I have resided in Crested Butte for the last 11 years. I earned my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Education with a Concentration in Reading Leadership at Western Colorado University. I currently teach Kindergarten at Crested Butte Community School! I love being outside in nature, skiing, hiking with my dogs, camping, yoga, traveling the world, diving, science, reading, writing, and learning new things.
Wendi Birchler
Wendi is currently working on her Master's Degree in Education at Western. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture from CSU. After a successful 25 year career as a licensed landscape architect, she decided to pursue her true passion, a career in teaching. Working with children has been something that she has been passionate about her entire life. She's been a nanny, youth soccer coach, summer camp counselor and she helped start the ACE Mentor Program Denver Chapter, where she also mentored high school students in architecture, engineering, and construction. She currently works as a reading interventionist and educational aide at Crested Butte Elementary School. She is passionate about building trusting relationships with her students and helping them become better readers!
Maureen "Mo" Thompson
Mo is a Special Education teacher and Behavior Specialist. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Western State College and a Master's Degree in Special Education from Plymouth State University. In addition to being an award-winning Special Education teacher, she started Rocky Mountain Kid C.L.U.B.S., a non-profit focusing on social-emotional wellness, as well as The Mo School, an "unschooling" approach to learning. Mo has created and implemented several Math, Reading, and Writing intervention programs for K- 8th students in Aspen, Basalt, and Carbondale schools. Mo has worked with hundreds of kids to improve their learning and overall well-being. She is excited to return to Crested Butte and work with families in the Gunnison Valley.
martha waterhouse
Martha grew up in Hawai'i & moved to Colorado to attend college at the University of Denver. She earned undergraduate degrees in Anthropology, Environmental Science, & an Elementary Teaching Certification at DU. For 15+ years, Martha worked as an elementary school teacher at Jefferson County School District & Eagle County Schools in Colorado. Currently, Martha is a guest teacher at CBCS & GCS in the beautiful Gunnison Valley. Her hobbies include trail running, backpacking, traveling & cooking.
kara miller
Kara holds a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and taught elementary grades at international schools in Venezuela and China. READ MORE.
Annalee Altenberg
Annalee graduated from Colorado State University in 2018 with a Bachelor's of Science. She has started her Master's of Education at Western and holds a Colorado teaching license with an endorsement in science education. Annalee completed her student teaching at the Crested Butte Community School. She also served as the permanent substitute for CBCS and substitute taught in all classrooms, K-12. She is passionate about building connections with students and empowering them toward their own academic success.
Robin young
Robin graduated from UC Berkeley with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. She worked as a mechanical engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area for 10 years and was involved in STEM mentorship and education programs in her former communities. She has a passion for learning and problem solving, and enjoys sharing this with youth by tutoring math and science subject areas. Robin first visited Crested Butte for a trail running race in 2014, and recently changed course on a road trip to finally fulfill her dream of living in the area. She is currently taking some time off from her engineering career to work on personal development and education in beautiful Crested Butte.
gail so9vick
Gail is a licensed K-12 teacher with a Masters of Arts in Teaching and diverse endorsements including Spanish and Art as well as Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and Bilingual Education. Her passion for teaching and working with youth began during her years as an outdoor educator where she learned the importance of building relationships and making learning fun. She has taught all of the middle and high school grades in both Crested Butte and Gunnison over the past 14 years and is experienced in tutoring and supporting learners across all academic areas. When not out on local trails or in her garden, enjoys traveling and exploring with her family
stacey pennie
Stacey has been the Gifted and Talented teacher at Crested Butte Community School for the past 7 years. She loves to connect with students’ passions and encourage them to dream bigger and do better than they thought possible. Stacey taught kids to ski at Crested Butte Mountain Resort's Ski School for over 15 years. Stacey was chosen as the top ski instructor in the state of Colorado and was awarded the Ski Instructor of The Year award by Colorado Ski Country USA. Stacey's claim to fame is teaching Aaron Blunck (3 time Olympian) to ski and dancing with President Jimmy Carter to the song YMCA!
derek harwell
Derek spent 18 years working in San Francisco and Santa Barbara in two independent high schools. Since completing his Master’s in Education, he has been the Academic Success Advisor at Western. Derek supports students who are on Academic Probation and upon referral with students who are working through academic issues. Derek is a lecturer in the Environment and Sustainability program where he teaches Environmental History. Derek also oversees the Exploratory Program for students who are undeclared in their major. In this role, his main objective is to help students develop executive functioning skills.
Cassandra tro
Cassandra teaches 8th and 9th grade English at CBCS. She moved to CB last year after spending most of her life in Austin, Texas. She earned a Bachelor's in English Lit with a Minor in Women's Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. After working for a while as a writer, she decided to return to school to pursue a Master's degree in English Literature, plus teaching certification. Cassandra has taught 9-12th grades, from on-level to AP, plus Creative Writing and Women's Studies. 2022-2023 will be her 16th year as an educator. Cassandra loves to travel (especially to Spain, where her daughter lives), cook, laugh, and have motorcycle adventures with her man Raymond.
Janae Pritchett
Janae is dual-licensed to teach both math and science and taught nearly every middle school and high school math and science class during her 10+ year teaching career. After leaving the classroom five years ago, she turned her attention to developing exceptional mathematics materials for all learners. She currently writes math curricula for Great Minds.
Janae holds degrees in Geology and Environmental Science from Yale University.
Spencer Schryver
I grew up in Lancaster Massachusetts on a horse farm, and I am the 5th out of 6 kids! I grew up always in the commotion of a big family. After high school, I embarked on a year-long service journey with AmeriCorps NCCC. I traveled all around the southwest US doing service projects like youth development and disaster relief work. After my service, I visited Western and the Gunnison Valley and fell in love. I’m happy to have realized my dream of moving here while simultaneously pursuing my degrees in chemistry and biology. I have a burning passion for the outdoors as well. When not working as a carpenter or studying, I like to go rock climbing, mountain biking, and backcountry skiing.
amy galey
I earned my undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders and my Master of Arts in Education degree from Truman State University. I’m finishing my 8th year as a special education teacher and math interventionist. I’ve taught in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, and have taught at CBCS for the last 5 years. I love working with all grade levels but middle school is my jam! I’m also the CBMS Athletic Director and middle school boys’ basketball coach. I enjoy playing golf, spending time with my dog (Lefty), watching my KC Chiefs, and cheering on the Western Colorado Women’s Basketball Team.
elise brown
Elise Brown teaches Special Education at Gunnison Middle School. She is currently holding a masters in Special Education and Elementary Education. In her 14 years of teaching, Elise has worked with students grades K-12. Elise has a background in tutoring, and loves the one on one atmosphere of working with students to help them achieve their academic goals. When Elise is not at school working, she can be found chasing after her husband, her 3 kids, and her wonderful dogs Bjorn and Marty. Bjorn is working on getting his therapy dog certification currently and enjoys the time with Elise. Elise is also taking care of her daughters dogs Odin and Django from time to time! A very busy and blessed life indeed!
Mikaela Turner
Hi! I'm a full-time student at Western Colorado University. I am majoring in Political Science with a Pre Law Emphasis, Minoring in English and am working towards a Writing Certificate. I'm a Student Ambassador at the University, a Senator on the Student Government Association, and a TA for the English program. Outside of school, I enjoy skiing, hiking, and hanging out with my friends and my kitten, Tito. I'm excited to help students further their learning and feel confident in their academic education!
Andrew gioffredi
I am currently a Junior at Western studying Biology and Biochemistry. Although I love science and studying the world around us, I prefer a much more hands-on approach by exploring the outdoors as much as possible. I am a mission coordinator and trainer for the Western Mountain Rescue Team. When I am not studying or training, I can usually be found rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and getting laps in at Crested Butte or Monarch. I have always loved sharing knowledge with others and helping whoever I can. Many years down the road, I am hoping to find myself instructing and teaching full-time, though the subject matter which I hope to teach is still a mystery, even to me
Arianwen Sharman
Hi! I'm a full-time student at Western Colorado University. I am majoring in Biology with a double minor in Exercise Science and Chemistry and an emphasis in Cell and Molecular Biology. I'm on the University Dance Team, a member of the ALPS program, and of the Honors Student Advisory Board. This past year I tutored students in math and science and hope to continue helping others in academics in the years to come!
Lacie wise
Hello! I am currently a senior at Western Colorado University. I am majoring in History with a minor in English and an emphasis in Secondary Education while also pursuing a master’s degree in Education. I am currently student teaching at Gunnison High school while also volunteering and working with Western's Future Educators Club. I have also been a teacher's assistant in a college English class for two years. I have experience working with students of all ages and strive to make students feel empowered and capable of all things. I am eager to help students feel successful and excited about education!
Alyssa tatum
I graduated from Western Colorado University. I triple majored in Biochemistry, Ecology, and Mathematics. I have been on the Western Track and field and Cross Country Teams for the past four years. For the past year and a half, I have been providing math tutoring for the WCU tutoring center. I have also been a teaching assistant for several college Biology courses. I absolutely love the outdoors, running, traveling, hiking, and pretty much anything that involves an adventure. As a goal-oriented individual, I find tutoring students to be so much fun and really rewarding as I get to take part in helping others reach their own goals!
Emily Nortnik
Emily has an English degree from Western Colorado University and is currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Writing with an emphasis in Screenwriting for Film and Television. She has assistant-taught undergraduate English classes and worked at Western's Writing Center for three years. She has worked with students of all ages in a variety of capacities—from the classroom, to the volleyball court, to summer camps—and loves nothing more than connecting with others. She is a lover of film, theatre, books, burritos, and playing outside all over the Western Slope of Colorado.
Brianna Rickert
Hello! I am currently a Junior at Western Colorado University. I am majoring in Elementary Education, getting my master's in education, and minoring in psychology. I have experience with children of all ages and strive to help students feel more comfortable and successful in school. In my free time, I enjoy Nordic and backcountry skiing, running, biking, being on the river, and mountain adventures. I look forward to working with more students to help them succeed and become excited about education!
rese ebbeler
Hello, I am a full-time student at Western Colorado University majoring in Education and Psychology with an emphasis in English Second Language and Special Education. I began teaching elementary school science three years ago and in the last year I started substitute teaching to further pursue my passion. Outside of schooling I pass time traveling, boarding, and skiing.
Makenna knez
I am a junior at Western Colorado University seeking my Elementary Education degree. I love to tutor everything, but reading and writing are my specialties. I have worked with kids my whole life- caring for some as young as two years old all the way to tutoring seniors in high school! In my spare time, I love to run, fish, hike, and catch rays by the river! I have a passion for helping everyone, and as someone who knows what it’s like to struggle through grade school, I want to make sure that everyone gets the help they need to succeed. I am excited to assist in learning in any way I can!
James Kirby
I am a full-time student at Western Colorado University. I am majoring in Computer Science with a minor in both Anthropology and Philosophy. I have always enjoyed mathematics and have often supported others in their studies. I am originally from Jenks, Oklahoma. Since I moved to Gunnison, I can often be found hiking and exploring this beautiful valley! My two favorite spots to hike are the Dillon Pinnacles and the fantastic trails right outside the WCU campus.
Angela vitulli
Angela has a Colorado teaching license in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Education from Western State Colorado University. She has worked in the Gunnison Watershed School District for several years as a special education aid, long-term sub, kindergarten aid, and reading tutor. She is now the Music and Movement teacher at the Gunnison Lake School. When not in school, Angela enjoys coaching kids in mountain biking and skiing
erin bigelow
I am a full-time student at Western Colorado University. I am majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and an emphasis in Pre-Med and Cellular/Molecular Biology. I am a member of the Mountain Search and Rescue Team and Operation Smile. I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska where I helped tutor other high-schoolers in French. As a student attempting to navigate through these uncertain times and online school, I believe there is a greater need than ever before to be for each other and help out where we can!
Beth jenkins
Beth holds a Master's Degree in Special Education in the area of mild to moderate learning disabilities from SDSU and an undergraduate degree in English from CU-Boulder. She is currently teaching middle school special education in the areas of math, science, and humanities in a premier public school district in Northern Virginia. Her teaching experience spans pre-K to college writing and communications, in public, private, international, and DoDEA schools.
evan matheson
I am currently a senior at Western from Tulsa, OK with double majors in Biology and Chemistry, in addition to emphases in: Pre-medicine, Cell/Molecular sciences, and Biochemistry. During my time at Western, I have been a TA for College Writing, General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and done some private tutoring for General Chemistry. Following my freshman and sophomore years, I became the recipient of the "Outstanding Freshman in Biology" and "Outstanding Organic Chemistry Student" awards. Once I move on from Western, I plan on attending Med School. When I am not studying, I love to ski, hike, and fish.
Zach Hamel
Zach is a registered nurse who received his Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Colorado Mesa University. He currently works for the medical center in Lake City as their Care Coordinator, as well as Monarch Mountain. He has a passion for studying the health sciences and enjoys helping others expand their knowledge as well. Zach has experience tutoring young adults and undergraduates in chemistry, biology, and health sciences. When he is not working he can be found climbing, hiking, or snowboarding.
Cindy mckee
Cindy holds a Colorado principal’s license. She earned her Master’s degree in Communication at the University of Arizona and her undergraduate degree is from the University of New Mexico. She is a certified Google Educator and loves helping students integrate technology into their learning. READ MORE.
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