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.
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!
kara miller
Kara holds a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and taught elementary grades at international schools in Venezuela and China. READ MORE.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Alyssa tatum
I am a senior at Western Colorado University. I am triple majoring in Biochemistry, Ecology, and Mathematics. I have been on the Western Track and field and Cross Country Teams for the past three 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!
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 and this year she was the permanent sub at CBCS, serving both the Elementary and Secondary students. Olivia was also a full-time Kindergarten teacher for the last 3 months. Olivia is an Usborne Book Educational Services Rep and enjoys promoting literacy and the joy of reading in her community and beyond.
nicole dickerson
Nicole graduated from Western Colorado University, with degrees in Elementary Education, Business Administration, and Outdoor Recreation. My journey to become an educator started while instructing Environmental and Science Education at Nature Bridge in Olympic National Park. I have taught first grade for 12 years at Crested Butte Community School and am currently in my 2nd year teaching third grade.
I specialize in reading and math instruction for primary students. I am excited and love to teach students one on one and in small group settings.
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!
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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!
Make it stand out
I am a Junior at Western Colorado University, majoring in English with an emphasis on Secondary Education. I am minoring in Humanities and Diversity with a Professional Writing Certificate. My hope is to be an English teacher in South Korea after I graduate. I am 20 years old, love to play video games, go longboarding, take care of my plants, cuddle with my cat and spend time with my partner. I'm excited to help and use my experience to better community education.
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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