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Learn more about Ambleside Colorado.
Science Fellow
Abbie has taught courses and directed labs in Introductory Experimental Physics I Laboratory, College Physics II, and Modern Physics at the University of Colorado, Denver in her role as a Learning Assistant and Teaching Assistant. Her work for the Physics department also included writing and grading exams, guiding inquiry-based learning, supporting struggling students, and running individual sessions to instruct and support students in complex concepts.
Abbie earned her B.S in Physics and B.S. in Biology from the University of Colorado, Denver. Abbie continues to contribute to Physics Education research, with the intent of incorporating computation with research-level code on the Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Science (AMOS) gateway into undergraduate physics courses.
Abbie is passionate about bringing every student to understanding and joyfully sharing the wonder of God’s created world. Outside of class, Abbie provides respite care for children with special needs, enjoys serving on her church’s worship team, and offers voice and piano lessons in her spare time.
Mathematics Teacher: High School
Karen comes to Ambleside following years of teaching in a wide range of private and public settings, working with students from elementary through university level in courses ranging from Pre-Algebra to Calculus III. Most recently, she taught in the Lewis-Palmer School District in Monument, where she was the Math Department Chair. Serving on district-level committees, she introduced and facilitated new courses, reviewed math education policy, and taught professional development for mathematics teachers across the district.
Karen earned her Bachelor’s degree in Math and her Master’s degree in Mathematics Education from Stephen F. Austin University in Texas, where she began her career as a teaching assistant, leading physics labs and undergraduate math courses. Since then, as a seasoned educator, her experience includes dual-credit instruction through CU Denver and lecture and adjunct roles at multiple colleges, including Colorado Christian University.
She is especially passionate about the intersection of her Christian faith and mathematics, believing that the world God created reflects His glory through an underlying mathematical order. She and her family served in pastoral and church ministry for many years, and Karen looks forward to teaching in a Christ-centered school where she can fully live out her vocation as both educator and disciple-maker.
Grade 8 Teacher
Bethany is a graduate of Stanford University, where she studied Intellectual History. During her college years, she worked in journalism, ranching, and teaching, both in private and public schools. As the awarded recipient of competitive fellowships and grants, Bethany spent summers as a researcher, writer, and poet, developing and performing poetry of the Rocky Mountains to present to Stanford faculty and others.
As an intern at Ambleside Colorado in 2025, and as a teacher at Ambleside member school Rocky Mountain Christian Academy, she has taught subjects in the sciences and humanities for 6th – 9th grade students.
In her free time, Bethany enjoys mountain adventures, deep discussions, and leading worship.
Bethany attended Ambleside Colorado from 1st – 8th grade and is delighted to return to the community. Ambleside’s rigorous curriculum and peaceful atmosphere are what gave her a love of learning, and she hopes that her students may also be blessed by the authors, artists, and ideas that have made her life rich.
Grade 7 Teacher
Zach comes to Ambleside most recently from the Christian liberal arts school LCC International University in Lithuania. As Chaplain, he led university chapel programs, taught theology courses, and provided pastoral care and mentoring to students from more than 60 countries.
Prior to his chaplaincy, Zach served as an academic advisor at Colorado Christian University, building and leading multiple programs including a university-wide mentoring program and a rebuilding of the study abroad program.
Zach holds a B.A. from Moody Bible Institute, an M.A. in Spiritual Formation from Denver Seminary, and an M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction from Colorado Christian University. He is currently completing a D.Min. in Spiritual Formation through Talbot School of Theology.
Zach and his wife Naomi have one daughter, whom they have homeschooled using Charlotte Mason methods, and has now joined her dad here at Ambleside.
Zach’s heart is to see his students grow in love for God, self, others, and the world around them. He loves walking alongside students through the joys and challenges of life.
Grade 2 Teacher
Miah is a graduate of Wheaton College, where she received her B.A. in Elementary Education. She has honed her skills through two stints of student teaching, one serving for a semester in Uganda, and one as a student teacher in Illinois taking on full classroom responsibilities for instruction.
She spent her early college years assisting in elementary classrooms as a tutor and aide. Her passion for teaching was first inspired by her father, who is a middle school teacher, and was further fueled through volunteering with her church’s children’s program in high school, as well as working at summer camps and in childcare throughout college.
After discovering Ambleside while seeking to live closer to her family, Miah was immediately drawn to the commitment to cultivating both the character and faith of our students through meaningful, lifelong learning. She loves contributing to the joy that marks Ambleside, fostering curiosity in her students, and supporting their growth.
Kindergarten Teacher
Tammy Rotello served as Ambleside Colorado’s founding Kindergarten teacher for ten years, from 2011 — 2020, before taking time off to spend time with her children as they headed toward college and young adulthood. During her time here, she served so many of our Ambleside students with love, joy, and peace.
She and her husband Steve have remained in the community throughout the interim, as her husband Steve served as Ambleside’s Board Chair. Together, they are the parents of three Ambleside graduates.
Grade 6 Teacher
Ms. Carr is from South Africa and joined the Ambleside community there in 2022. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching through the University of South Africa and is in her fourth year of study. Alongside her studies, she has gained valuable classroom experience and developed a deep passion for fostering a lifelong love of learning in every child. Her heart for children has been shaped through years of serving in church ministries, participating in mission trips, and working with young learners to help them grow in both knowledge and character.
She cherishes time spent with her close-knit family and values every opportunity to serve in her local church community. She enjoys staying active at the gym and expressing her creativity through songwriting and learning to play the piano.
Drawn to Ambleside’s commitment to Christ-centered education and the Charlotte Mason philosophy, Ms. Carr is grateful to be part of a school that nurtures the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. She looks forward to contributing her skills, creativity, and love for teaching to the students and staff at Ambleside.
High School Anatomy Teacher
Peter completed his Doctorate of Chiropractic at Logan University in St. Louis, MO in 1994.
In 2014 he moved with his wife Sarah and two young daughters, to the beautiful island of Penang in Malaysia. Peter maintained a focus on Business as Missions when he started a chiropractic clinic in Penang in 2016. He served missionaries, expats, and the local population.
Peter had the opportunity to teach Human Anatomy & Physiology at Dalat International School in Penang. He taught the class for four years from 2016 – 2020.
Peter jumped at the opportunity to teach Human Anatomy & Physiology once again at Ambleside. He embraces the philosophy of teaching his students in alignment with Charlotte Mason’s method, body, mind, and spirit.
High School Specialist
Dr. Jessica Schroeder earned her Ph.D. in Systematic Theology at Wheaton College where she wrote about the role beauty plays in human knowledge of God. She is also a graduate of Denver Seminary and Colorado Christian University, holding an M.A. in Theology and B.A. in Theology with a concentration in Biblical Studies and a minor in Worship Arts. A self-described “practical theologian,” Jessica is particularly interested in theology’s intersection with beauty, delight, knowledge, food, nutrition, stewardship, and ecology. A lover of the written word, Jessica has also written in various academic and lay contexts.
Brought up in the sturdy Midwest, Jessica and her Colorado native husband reside near the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, where they regularly enjoy tea, wine, homemade sourdough bread, and walks or mountain hikes. She also loves to cook and bake, and regularly hosts others for rich conversation and delicious food.
Jessica was drawn to Ambleside’s cultivation of a flourishing life through love of and attention to goodness, beauty, and truth. Moreover, since the Holy Spirit is essential to the learning process, theology is inherently relevant to everything we do. She looks forward to joyfully engaging the method of education and experiencing the individual growth and communal flourishing it fosters. Jessica delights in seeing students take pleasure in the journey of education and hopes to assist students in joyfully assimilating living ideas into their lives.
Ambleside Lone Tree
Grades Served: K – 12
Head of School: Andrew Hayes?
Director of Operations
Mr. Maurice Henson has dedicated his career to youth advocacy, leadership development, and community empowerment. A proud native of Colorado Springs, Maurice previously served as Director and VP of Operations in the Boys and Girls Club in Pueblo and the Pikes Peak Region, and most recently as the Director of Youth and Workforce Programs at the National Amputee Coalition.
Maurice earned a Bachelor of Science in General Studies with an emphasis in Information Networking and Telecommunications from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. Upon graduating, he returned to Colorado Springs, where he met his wife, Erika. Together, they have two sons and enjoy fellowship, volunteering, and outdoor adventures—including camping, fishing, snowboarding, and mountain biking.
His passion for investing in youth, families, and communities fuels his commitment to building meaningful, lasting impact in the lives of those he serves. Maurice feels honored to be part of Ambleside, contributing to the growth and continued impact of a living education in the lives of students, parents, families, and the greater community.
Facilities Manager
Larry Hasbrouck brings over 25 years of experience in plumbing and HVAC to our community. He holds a Master Plumber’s License and has earned multiple certifications in HVAC systems. His work spans both residential and commercial settings.
Larry and his wife, Luanne, have three children, all of whom are students at Ambleside. Outside of work, Larry enjoys cycling, especially tandem rides with Luanne, and outdoor adventures.
Larry is deeply committed to the mission of Ambleside and is eager to contribute to the growth and development of both the faculty and students. He considers it a privilege to serve in a school that has significantly enriched his family’s life.
Spanish Teacher: Grades 6 – High School
Dr. Kevin Taylor has a PhD in Religion from Boston University, as well as an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction and a BA in Spanish from Wichita State University. He has taught and directed programs in Christian schools for over two decades in Guatemala, Kansas, and Colorado. In addition to working at Ambleside, Kevin directs a consulting project named Wellspring Christian Education that helps educators in non-Ambleside Christian schools invite their students into the Story and life of God.
In his spare time, he enjoys hanging out with his wife and two daughters, drinking non-coffee beverages in coffee shops with friends, reading spiritual formation books by authors such as Dallas Willard and C.S. Lewis, eating Chex Mix and other salty snacks, and surfing eBay in search of twice-in-a-lifetime bargains.
He has benefited in recent years from Ambleside’s emphasis on joy in relationship (“It’s good to be me here with you!”) and is excited to be joining the community to serve as a teacher and to assist with teacher formation.
Grade 3 Teacher
Emily is a graduate of Liberty University, where she received her B.Ed. in Elementary Education. Her passion for working with children began when she was in middle school, volunteering with her church’s AWANA program. From there, she began tutoring and teaching private and group music lessons, which she continued through college. Emily’s interest civics led her to compete in and win the Under 30 Speech Contest at the 2023 Western Conservative Summit as well as Constituting America’s Best College PSA.
Emily is a Colorado native who is blessed to live with her two wonderful parents, older sister, and younger brother. She enjoys anything artsy, puzzles, audio dramas, and writing songs on her ukulele.
In discovering Ambleside through a friend who interned here, Emily was amazed to find how similar the Charlotte Mason philosophy and Ambleside approach is to her own homeschool experience. She is thrilled to work in a setting where she can share her faith and passion for learning, and is eager to serve students and families in the Ambleside community.
Assistant Principal: High School
Grade 11 Teacher
Elijah completed his bachelor’s degree at CSU, where he studied history and Spanish. He received a master’s in liberal arts from Saint John’s College in New Mexico in 2018, and his PhD from the University of Denver, where defended his dissertation on 20th-century American literature in 2023. He has taught ESL at Denver Public Schools and creative writing at Colorado state prisons. Most recently, he taught humanities at Valor Christian High School.
Elijah is married to Heidi and has four children. He enjoys reading, hiking, skiing, and a good cup of coffee. He likes listening to and making music. He sometimes plays bass for Trinity Anglican Church, where he and his family worship.
Elijah loves that Ambleside is a place where Christ is central and learning is an intentional, yet joyful endeavor. Charlotte Mason’s notion that the mind is nourished on ideas as the body is nourished with food deeply resonates with Elijah’s understanding and experience. He is honored to get to “feast” on ideas with your children.
Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Hailey Stengel is currently pursuing an Associate’s degree at Crown College while working as an intern and tutor at Ambleside Colorado. She is passionate about education, as well as serving communities and sharing the love of Jesus, especially in Uganda, Africa.
When she’s not at school, Hailey enjoys spending time with her friends, cooking, interior decorating, reading, and learning to watercolor.
She fell in love with Ambleside’s use of Charlotte Mason’s philosophy after hearing about it from her siblings when they started as students at Ambleside Colorado. She cherishes the opportunity to help our students learn and grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually while developing strong characters and hearts for the Lord.
Upper Grades Math Teacher
Mrs. Meagan Howell graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in accounting and worked in tax accounting for two years before originally joining Ambleside Colorado in 2011 as the 2nd grade teacher for six years. Meagan has substituted and tutored Ambleside students since, and now returns to teach math. She met her husband at Ambleside, with whom she has three sons. Meagan has also coached high school and summer swimming for many years, and enjoys quilting.
She says, “I feel honored to have the opportunity to return to the Ambleside community and help provide life-giving education, focused on Christ.”
2026 Campus Principal and High School Math
Mr. Jim Morski joined Ambleside in 2023 after working in higher education for the previous 14 years. He has a Bachelor of Science in Packaging from Michigan State University and a Masters of Math and Math Education from DePaul University in Chicago. Most recently, Jim was a math professor and department chair of math and engineering at Community College of Denver.
Originally from Michigan, Jim and his wife moved to Denver in 2015, where they still reside with their three daughters. In his spare time (which isn’t much!), he loves cycling up any of the numerous mountain roads here in Colorado, baking sourdough bread, and playing chess.
The vision of an Ambleside education aligns closely with Jim’s own teaching outlook. He views all students as fully capable learners with the ability to succeed and it is the teacher’s job to create an environment where learning can occur. He notes, “It is incredibly exciting to be part of a school that promotes curiosity and the growth and dignity of the whole child, all within a Christ-centered framework.”
Grade 5 Teacher
Mrs. Brooklynn Kelly joined Ambleside in 2023. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana in Environmental Science with minors in Spanish and Anthropology. She most recently worked as a full-time missionary on a college campus, where she led numerous bible studies, hosted prayer gatherings, and trained students in how to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with fellow students. She is passionate about helping others to recognize their purpose and worth in the Kingdom of God.
She is happily married to her husband, Travis, who is a PhD student in Clinical Health Psychology at the University of Colorado Denver. Together, they have two cats and a dog that they have rescued. Brooklynn loves to experience God in His creation of nature, take walks with her dog, drink coffee, and read. She is very excited to be a part of the Ambleside community where students are valued as God’s beloved with full potential, and loves to partner with the faculty and parents to create a loving community!
Grade 1 Aide
Mrs. Debbie Murrant joined Ambleside in 2023, after four years as an Early Childhood Instructor teaching preschool in Douglas County, and eight years in a similar role in California. She received a BA in Liberal Studies from Vanguard University in Southern California, with a minor in religion and an emphasis in psychology. She also received a teaching certificate in Early Childhood at Saddleback College as well as a Colorado Director’s certificate. She loves children and has served in children’s ministry at her church for several years.
Mrs. Murrant enjoys taking long walks, reading, quilting, knitting, and crocheting. She has four grown children and two granddaughters that live in Southern California. She and her husband Clay have been married five years.
She says, “I love spending time with children in the classroom, watching their faces light up as they learn new concepts. I am excited to read the Bible with the children and see them grow in their relationship with Christ. I am very blessed to be a part of the loving Ambleside community.”
Non-Cash Giving
Ambleside Colorado can accept many types of assets, including:
IRA Charitable Rollover or Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
A QCD is a distribution from an IRA which is paid directly to Ambleside Colorado after the IRA owner turns 70½. An IRA owner can make QCDs of up to $100,000 annually. If your distribution counts as a QCD, the amount is not reported as taxable income on your tax return. Amounts that exceed $100,000 or don’t fit the QCD rules are typically treated as regular distributions. QCDs are also sometimes referred to as an IRA charitable rollover.
IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
An IRA owner who has turned 72 is required to distribute a certain portion of his or her IRA every year. This is known as your RMD. If you do need the funds, donating to Ambleside Colorado is a great option.
If you would like additional information about how to provide an IRA charitable gift to Ambleside Colorado,
Retirement Plans
You may not be aware that if you name your children as the ultimate beneficiaries of your I.R.A. or Qualified Retirement Plan(s), they may only receive one-third of the total assets. By gifting all or a portion of your retirement plan(s) to a charitable organization, the full value is generally passed to the charity and may ultimately make a greater impact. The amount received by a charitable organization will be fully deductible from your estate.
Bequests
A Bequest made during your lifetime is the most common method of planned giving and enables you to distribute assets to individuals and charitable organizations in the amounts or proportions you indicate. An estate gift also provides the opportunity to make a major gift while preserving assets during a lifetime, with a reduction in federal estate taxes.
Life Insurance
A gift of Life Insurance is a simple way to make a legacy gift. You may name a charity as the beneficiary of all or a portion of a life insurance policy. A charity can also be named as the alternate or final beneficiary. At your death, all proceeds would pass immediately to the named charitable organizations. Policies originally intended to protect a spouse, child or even complete a mortgage payment may no longer be necessary. Consider how these policies may be used to help fulfill other needs or causes.
If you would like additional information about how to include Ambleside Colorado in your legacy giving,
Enrollment and Communications Coordinator
Mrs. Kristy Sorensen has a Bachelor’s of Science in Communications from Grand Valley State University. She is originally from Michigan but has called Colorado home since 2005. She and her husband are parents to three daughters, and she says they have been blessed to watch their children grow in character and knowledge through the wonderful teachers and staff.
“The intention and care that everyone here has is unique, and our children have thrived under their care. We also love the community of families and the friendships that we have made here. I am enjoy working in the office and helping contribute to such a wonderful place.”
Grade 10 Teacher
Mrs. Jessica Harwood spent several years as an elementary classroom teacher for Denver Public Schools, and went on to lead her school’s Gifted and Talented program for her final two years. She also has extensive experience teaching English as a Second Language and working with local refugees.
Jessica has a Masters in Education from the University of Denver. She is a lifelong learner, an experienced educator, and a deep thinker about education and how children come to know and master new concepts.
Conditioning Teacher
Mrs. Kim Larson has coached cross country and basketball for Ambleside students over the past few years and she homeschooled her children for several years before they enrolled at Ambleside. Kim has a BSN degree from Bethel University in Minnesota and was an ICU Registered Nurse for seven years. She enjoys running, skiing, baking, and crafting. She values the Ambleside emphasis on developing students and parents into lifelong learners.
High School Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Frances Wilcox holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia where she also received a master’s degree in Secondary English Education. She has spent the majority of her career at Ambleside schools in both classroom teaching and administration in Virginia and Glenwood Springs, CO.
Frances appreciates Ambleside’s emphasis on ideas, reading, and viewing the child as a whole person, and notices the kind and thoughtful community that a Charlotte Mason school attracts. She shares a young daughter with her husband Matt. When she’s not in school, Frances enjoys relaxing with a good book, running, cooking, and hiking.
Principal: High School
Grade 9 Teacher
Mr. Matt Wilcox studied Economics at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia where he received a Bachelor of Science and has since completed Ambleside Schools International’s Master Teacher Training Program. Matt’s childhood memories include nature painting in the woods behind his home, reading and narrating Treasure Island in the living room, and doing mental math with his mom who homeschooled his family using Charlotte Mason’s methods.
He attended an Ambleside school in Virginia from 2nd through 8th grade, taught middle school at an Ambleside school for five years, and is thrilled to be at Ambleside Colorado. He enjoys the outdoors, and was a backpacking guide in New York before hiking the Pacific Crest Trail with a friend after graduating college. He loves the Ambleside mission that proclaims that education is a life.
Grant Coordinator
Mrs. Heidi Null comes to us having previously served as the Director of Academics at a local Christian school, and having served as an Ambleside Fellow on staff at Ambleside Colorado before that. She is a career educator, and has served for years both as a school administrator and as a classroom teacher.
During her recent Masters degree studies in Classical Education at the University of Dallas, she felt increasingly drawn to Charlotte Mason and to serving directly with students in the classroom. She says, “I am drawn to the peaceful atmosphere and curriculum of living books.” When she’s not at school, she enjoys an active life with her three daughters, son, and her husband.
Elementary Art, Poetry, and Artist Study Teacher
Mrs. Crystal Hollander has a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with minors in language arts and health from Calvin College and an Associates degree in physical therapy. She has taught 2nd grade at Highland Christian School in Highland, Indiana. With both her children at Ambleside School, she has enjoyed volunteering and it has given her a new excitement and passion to return to teaching.
She is excited to be part of this wonderful community. “The environment of learning at Ambleside is truly a holistic Christian education. I love how it teaches a discipline of habits and allows the child to learn from a place of joy rather than from a need to get good grades.”
Assistant Principal: K – Grade 3
Grade 1 Teacher
Mrs. Faith Perkins joined the Ambleside staff in 2017. She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Malone University. During her teaching career, she taught 5th, 2nd, and 1st grade. She cherishes the memories of growing up on a dairy farm in Ohio, thoroughly enjoyed the sweet southern hospitality they found in living in North Carolina and is loving the beauty of Colorado. She, and her husband, Matt, have spent much of their marriage leading small group Bible studies and working with young adults.
For the last 10 years, she has been dedicated to raising her four children and building community with other families. She enjoys volunteering, working a home-based business around her family’s schedule, and teaching first grade. “It is a joy to be in the classroom, and a blessing to help students recognize opportunities to learn and to watch them grow, especially in their relationship with Christ. I am thrilled to be able to do that in a community as wonderful as Ambleside.”
Handwork Teacher
Mrs. Shannon Walker has a BA in Elementary Education, with Minors in Bible, History, and English from FaithWay Baptist College in Michigan. She has taught 1st, 4th, and 5th grades at an Elementary school, and has volunteered extensively in church children’s ministry. Shannon has also worked with NSK Corporation in an administrative capacity.
Shannon attended an Ambleside Schools International internship and was trained as a teacher at an Ambleside Schools International Institute in 2014. She homeschooled her three children in Florida using this method and curriculum for four years. “Ambleside has an atmosphere of helping others to grow and love learning. I desire for my own growth and to contribute to the learning and growth of children in the Ambleside community.”
Art Teacher
Mrs. Lani Whitley has worked at Ambleside since it opened in 2010. Lani has a degree in Art, with an emphasis in illustration, from California State University, Fullerton. She has loved art her whole life and still remembers the thrill of a new box of crayons or paints from her childhood years! Her teaching experience includes 10 years with Monart School of the Arts in Greenwood Village and four more years at the same location with Artful Journey Fine Arts School.
She also spent two years teaching art for Heritage Elementary School in Highlands Ranch. “I am very excited to work with fellow teachers and students who possess such excellent goals in mind and heart. I am also glad to embrace the Charlotte Mason philosophy of teaching and apply it to our learning experience in the art room.”
Assistant Principal: Grades 4 – 6
Grade 4 Teacher
Mr. Evan White joined Ambleside in 2017, after teaching for three years in the Denver Public Schools. Evan graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2011 with a Bachelor of Psychology and Leadership Studies. He then served as a Team Leader in AmeriCorps in the Western US before moving to Aurora, CO in 2013 to pursue teaching. Since arriving in Colorado, Evan received his teaching certification through Denver Public Schools (DPS) and served as a specialist teacher helping students weak in mathematics, and then 2nd grade.
Throughout his time in Colorado, Evan has enjoyed serving in the Children’s and Hospitality Ministries of his church. He also loves walks with his wife Ashley and playing with their three children. Observing Ambleside originally as the husband of Ambleside teacher, Evan found that the philosophy was different from anything he had seen, and fundamentally good for students. Evan is grateful for the opportunity to work and grow in community at Ambleside, where Christ is at the center of the learning.
Marketing Coordinator
Mrs. Marsha Olsen was born in Hawaii but has called Colorado her home for over 30 years. She and her husband have two daughters. Marsha has a background in real estate and marketing as well as in performing arts. She has always loved children, and since becoming a mother, she has become even more passionate about child development and education.
Entering into the Ambleside community, Marsha fell in love with the Charlotte Mason educational philosophy. “I am convinced that this is exactly where God wants my family and me to be. I am amazed and humbled at how Ambleside has inspired me to grow not only in my relationship with Jesus, but in becoming who He created me to be.” Marsha adopted her official title in January 2019, after ably contributing to Ambleside’s marketing and communication for years as a volunteer.
Director of Enrollment and Communications
Mrs. Rebecca Borger has a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (English, Biblical Studies, and Community Development) from Covenant College, where she and her husband Scott met on the cross-country team. After marrying and moving to Colorado, she worked as a grant manager and grant writer for a nonprofit dedicated to youth development and mentoring. After the birth of her children, she was a stay-at-home parent while also volunteering in leadership at her church, MOPS, and Ambleside.
She continues to enjoy giving her time in ways that develop and support community culture. Originally from Georgia, Rebecca had the joy of receiving a Charlotte Mason centered education during her middle school years. That experience made an indelible impact, and she began the search for a similar school in Denver long before her own two children came into the world. She and her family consider it a gift to be part of the Ambleside community: a group of life-long learners committed to growth of the mind, spirit, and character.
Office Coordinator
Mrs. Adrienne Stengel was born in Colorado and met her husband Dillon at church when she was 13. They have four beautiful children whom she homeschool for 12 years before discovering Ambleside and deciding to enroll the two youngest. Her oldest daughter also works at Ambleside. Besides her family, her next great passion is keeping current on the persecuted church. She takes Hebrews 13:3 as a personal call and loves to pray for those suffering for the Name of Christ.
Her background has been in bookstores which is great, because she loves to read! She is thankful to be a part of the Ambleside staff and is thrilled to learn and grow while working in an environment that serves children in a Christ-centered way.
Director of Curriculum and Academic Administration
Grade 12 Oversight
Ms. Candice Whitley joined Ambleside in 2012 and has taught many classes and served as Assistant Principal. Candice has a Masters of Education, focused on meeting the needs of diverse students, from Vanderbilt University, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Mathematics, from Gordon College. She taught 5th grade and middle school math in the greater Metro Denver area for six years.
Candice is passionate about developing relationships with youth, and has volunteered in her church youth group, at a Nashville non-profit organization committed to supporting youth in crisis called the Oasis Group, and as a camp counselor at Kanakuk Kamps for several years. She is thrilled to be a part of the Ambleside community. “I am so blessed and thankful for the opportunity to participate in a learning environment that cherishes the heart and potential of every student.”
Director of Administration, Operations, and Athletics
Mr. Matthew Perkins joined Ambleside in 2015 and has taught 6th and 3rd grades and serves as an Assistant Principal. Matt previously taught High School English for eight years and coached track in in North Carolina. He earned his BS in English Education from Indiana Wesleyan University and moved to Charlotte, NC, where he taught 7th grade Language Arts for two years.
After marrying his wife, Faith, he moved to Holly Springs, NC, where he earned his Master’s of Education degree. Their growing family moved to Wadsworth, Ohio in the summer of 2013, close to Faith’s family, where he worked at a vocational High School for two years while he and Faith lead the young adult ministry at their church. Through experiencing their four pregnancies, Matt was inspired to write a book about pregnancy from the “man’s” perspective and self-published it in the fall of 2014. Matt is glad to be back in his home state where he can spend time outdoors, share his passion of learning with students, and have his own children attend Ambleside.
Head of School
Principal: K – Grade 8
Mr. Andrew Hayes re-joined Ambleside Colorado as Principal in 2016 after serving for two years as Principal at Ambleside Boerne (Texas). Previously he spent three years as a Junior High teacher at Ambleside Colorado. Andrew received his Bachelors of Arts in History from the University of Notre Dame and met his wife, Joanna, in French class during his senior year. They have three young children. He is currently attaining his second degree from Notre Dame, a Masters in Nonprofit Administration.
Prior to his work at Ambleside, Andrew was the College Pastor for three years at River Valley Church in Mishawaka, Indiana, constructed homes and trained partner families with Habitat for Humanity St. Joseph County, and spent formative college summers as a counselor and director at Spring Hill Camps in Evart, Michigan. Through these experiences, a passion for academic and spiritual growth and helping others emerged in Andrew. The longer he spends at Ambleside schools, the more convinced Andrew is that this is the best way to educate children.
He enjoys all aspects of the philosophy, but is especially drawn to the cultivation of a lifelong love of learning, the growth-oriented mindset for the whole community, the healthy approach to work, and developing healthy, joy-filled families. He most loves the opportunity to serve Christ, children, and parents on a daily basis, and to see his own family benefit from this education.
Andrew grew up in Okemos, Michigan, a little town near Michigan State University. In his spare time, Andrew enjoys watching Notre Dame football and Liverpool soccer, rock climbing, running, reading (Russian novelists, history, and science fiction are three favorites), cooking Greek food, and family board game nights.
Principal
Mr. Andrew Hayes re-joined Ambleside Colorado as Principal in 2016 after serving for two years as Principal at Ambleside Boerne (Texas). Previously he spent three years as a Junior High teacher at Ambleside Colorado. Andrew received his Bachelors of Arts in History from the University of Notre Dame and met his wife, Joanna, in French class during his senior year. They have three young children.
Prior to his work at Ambleside, Andrew was the College Pastor for three years at River Valley Church in Mishawaka, Indiana, while also learning the construction trade (just enough to make him dangerous), and spent formative college summers as a counselor and director at Spring Hill Camps in Evart, Michigan. Through these experiences, a passion for academic and spiritual growth emerged in Andrew. The longer he spends at Ambleside schools, the more convinced Andrew is that this is the best way to educate children.
He enjoys all aspects of the philosophy, but is especially drawn to the cultivation of a lifelong love of learning, the growth-oriented mindset for the whole community, the healthy approach to work, and the ways that the ideas in the rich texts are life-giving and formative. He most loves the opportunity to serve Christ, children, and parents on a daily basis. Andrew grew up in Okemos, Michigan, a little town near Michigan State University. In his spare time, Andrew enjoys watching Notre Dame football and the Detroit Tigers, playing baseball in a local men’s league, reading (Russian novelists, history, and science fiction are three favorites), hiking with his family, woodworking, and playing board games.
