OUR STAFF
Our teachers are devoted and passionate mentors, lovers of learning and of teaching young people.
Each member of our faculty and staff embraces the Classical methodology and works every day to inspire students to stand proudly in their love of Christ, to summit mountains, and to become who they are meant to be as the leaders of tomorrow.
Administrative
Teresa Fraser, M.Ed.
Head of School
Teresa attended the University of Oklahoma for two years before transferring to Milligan College where she earned both her B.S. in Elementary Education and her Masters of Education. She has been a part of the founding of four different schools: Providence Academy in Johnson City, TN; Rocky Mountain Christian Academy in Niwot, CO; Flatirons Academy in Lafayette, CO; and Summit Classical Academy currently in Broomfield, CO.
Cindy Houghton
Lower School Dean
Cindy Houghton originally comes from Dallas, Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Arts in Education from The University of New Mexico. In her career, she was a founding teacher at Summit Classical Academy (SCA), where she taught a combined second and third grade class for two years, then fifth grade, before moving into administration. Cindy has experience in both public and private schools, but her true enthusiasm lies in classical Christian education, which teaches from a distinctly Christian perspective as devoted followers of God, who is central to all aspects of life; at SCA, it’s a fellowship of believers growing closer through Christ. Outside of work, she treasures time with her children and grandchildren, especially during mountain getaways filled with games, coffee, family photos, and great food.
Faculty & Staff
Courtney Brinks
Kindergarten Teacher
Courtney Brinks hails from West Michigan. She earned her master’s degree in early childhood education from Grand Valley State University and her undergraduate degree in elementary education from Western Michigan University. Her professional background includes serving as a children’s director at her previous church, homeschooling her four children, and teaching kindergarten, first grade, and third grade, with most of her experience in kindergarten. Courtney is deeply passionate about nurturing students’ growth in mind, body, and soul, placing Christ at the heart of every subject to help them know and enjoy God eternally. Beyond school, she delights in reading and expanding her knowledge in theology, history, and teaching strategies, while also embracing homemaking tasks like creating a cozy home and preparing hearty meals, and cherishing moments with her husband and kids.
Erin Beckman
1st Grade Teacher
Erin Beckman comes from Casper, Wyoming. She holds a bachelor’s from the University of Wyoming. Currently, she’s the first-grade teacher at Summit Classical Academy, using classical Christian methods to foster wisdom, virtue, and learning love while directing students to Christ in all areas. From 2016-2024, she home-educated her four daughters classically with literature, memorization, narration, and biblical integration in Casper and Broomfield. Earlier, from 2009-2012, she led education at the Nicolaysen Art Museum, creating art programs, classes, workshops, and events. Erin cherishes classical education for building wisdom, virtue, and truth love via a biblical lens; as a SCA first-grade teacher and mom of four attendees, she values the Christ-focused community partnering with families. She loves writing, workouts, being a wife and mom, interior design, and encouraging others’ faith walks.
Megan Hunt
2nd Grade Teacher
Megan Hunt is originally from Pueblo, Colorado. After attending Pueblo Community College and completing real estate coursework, she began her career with HomeSmart. She joined Summit Classical Academy as a substitute teacher before becoming a second-grade teacher in 2023. Megan is passionate about SCA’s Christ-centered foundation and its commitment to truth, goodness, and beauty through the classical model. She loves helping students grow academically while recognizing God’s hand in every subject and developing a love of learning. Outside of school, Megan enjoys spending time with her three children and their mini Goldendoodle, reading, watching movies, and exploring the Rocky Mountains.
Kayla Trousdale
3rd Grade Teacher
Kayla Trousdale is from Las Vegas, Nevada. She attended private Christian schools from preschool through college, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from the University of Arizona Global Campus after starting at Concordia University in Irvine. Her varied career has included being a concierge in Sun Valley, Idaho, a florist, event planner, and restaurant manager, but none fulfilled her like teaching. Observing student growth in her classroom reinforces her belief in classical education as a bountiful knowledge feast, and she values SCA’s supportive community of like-minded individuals enveloping students in love. Away from school, Kayla travels or plans trips, reads, birds, enjoys nature, spends time with her husband, coaches volleyball at SCA, and works as a birth doula.
Lashara Pasic
4th Grade Teacher & Technology Director
LaShara Pasic was born and raised in Colorado. She received her teaching degree from Metro State University. She taught fourth grade for five years at Bromley East Charter School and has been doing so at Summit Classical for the last three years. LaShara enjoys crocheting, playing with her puppy, board games, and time with friends and family.
Ana Poffenbaugh
5th Grade Teacher
Ana Poffenbaugh is from Muscatine, Iowa. She graduated from Colorado Christian University with a bachelor’s in History in May 2025. This marks her first teaching role; at CCU, she tutored in history and politics and assisted as a TA for history professors. Ana treasures teaching students to love the Lord through all knowledge avenues, partnering with SCA to ignite curiosity about their Creator. Her downtime includes reading, friend time, cooking, movies, and walks.
Bethany Hilyard
Upper School Teacher
Bethany Hilyard grew up in Fountain, Colorado. She earned her B.A. in English and Sociology from the University of Colorado and her M.A. in Biblical Counseling from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before joining Summit Classical Academy, Bethany served as the Ministry Coordinator at The Well Church in Boulder for several years.
Bethany is passionate about SCA’s commitment to integrating faith and Scripture into every aspect of education. She believes there is no better teacher than the Creator of the universe and loves the opportunity to help students see His truth throughout their learning.
Outside of school, Bethany enjoys reading, crafting, thrifting, and spending time in her garden. She is also always ready to try a new hobby!
Amy Lannigan
Upper School Teacher
Amy Lannigan grew up in Broomfield. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Colorado State University and a Medical Doctorate from Creighton University. Currently, she works as a professor at a medical school. Upon discovering classical education, Amy recognized it as the enriching learning experience she wished she’d had, particularly appreciating its emphasis on Great Books and the seamless blending of history and theology across subjects. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, sewing, and cycling.
Anna Krouss
Upper School Teacher
Anna Krous moved from Virginia in 2022. She has a BA in English Literature with a History minor from the College of William & Mary and an MA in English Literature from the University of Virginia. She’s taught K-10 reading enrichment with the Institute of Reading Development, English literature at CU Boulder, and high school English in Virginia public schools. Her faith in Christ and a desire to serve the Lord led Anna to leave a PhD in literature at CU Boulder and pursue Christian education in 2025. She currently teaches classes in college literature, writing, and rhetoric and serves as the CCU liaison for all dual-credit offerings at SCA. In her spare time, Anna enjoys reading and writing poetry, baking, and watching college football with her husband (go Hokies!)
Alyson Tabb
Art & Electives Teacher
Alyson Tabb is from Westminster, Colorado. She has an associate’s in Fine Arts from Front Range Community College and a bachelor’s in Baking & Pastry Arts and Hospitality Management from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, including a five-month internship at Walt Disney World via the Disney College Program. With over 15 years in hospitality and foodservice, she’s worked in small bakeries and as Pastry Chef at CU Denver; since 2006, she’s been active in church children’s ministries and recently in worship audio/visual. Alyson views God as the supreme artist and creator of creativity, awed by His wonders and love, and feels blessed to share her faith and art passion at SCA, inspired by Psalm 19:1 & 14. She scouts art projects, listens to and plays music, studies the Bible, hikes, or bakes treats.
Dean Tinsley
Upper School Teacher
Dean Tinsley is from Denver, Colorado. He graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado School of Mines and an MBA from Colorado State University. His work history features roles as Senior Vice President at Civitas Resources and Vice President of Asset Management at Bonanza Creek Energy. Dean finds great joy in imparting God’s truths through science and math, and he relishes guiding students toward success. His personal interests include fishing, supporting the Broncos, and investing.
Ron Alford
Upper School Teacher
Ron Alford was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and grew up moving frequently due to his father’s graduate studies and career. He has extensive education in mathematics, computer science, public administration, physics, mathematics, and life sciences, including degrees from the University of Denver, The University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Oklahoma, as well as study at the United States Air Force Academy. Ron brings decades of experience in aerospace, technology, and leadership, having served in the U.S. Air Force and held leadership positions with Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Parsons Government Services, and Alford Technologies. He is passionate about teaching motivated students and helping them see the role of mathematics in God’s creation. Outside of SCA, Ron supports nonprofits serving seniors and working to combat human trafficking, and enjoys teaching and participating in scuba diving.
Bill Cherry
Upper School Teacher
Mr. Cherry is originally from Detroit, Michigan, and holds a master’s degree in History. Before joining Summit Classical Academy, he taught throughout East Asia, including Japan, China, Bangladesh, and Taiwan.
Mr. Cherry is passionate about classical education and its proven ability to shape lifelong learners and positively impact individuals and cultures. He appreciates SCA’s commitment to an educational tradition with a long history of excellence.
Outside of SCA, Mr. Cherry enjoys archery, working out, practicing kendo, playing drums and guitar, building Gunpla models, and reading.
Holly Walker
Upper School Teacher
Holly Walker is originally from Fort Collins, Colorado. She holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering and an M.B.A. from the University of Arizona. With more than 16 years of leadership experience in strategy, analytics, and business transformation, Holly has led teams at Humana and began her career managing manufacturing operations at Raytheon.
Holly is excited to join Summit Classical Academy and help students develop practical business skills and foundational knowledge to prepare them for life after high school.
Outside of SCA, Holly enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her three children.
Al Weimer
Upper School Teacher
Al Weimer grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, and earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from CU Boulder. After 16 years as a research scientist with Dow Chemical, he joined the CU Boulder faculty, where he currently serves as Clark Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Al and his wife, Carol, have two children and four grandchildren, including two students at SCA. He is an active member of his church and has spoken on the relationship between Creation and science at churches, Christian schools, and universities. Outside of SCA, Al enjoys serving his community and looks forward to sharing his passion for science through teaching high school chemistry.
Katina Mausbach
Upper School Teacher
Katina Mausbach originates from Minnesota. She attended Faith Christian High School in Arvada, earned a BA in Service Missions from Oral Roberts University, and an M.Ed from Regis University. Her experience includes Jeffco Schools, Morrison Academy in Taiwan, and Faith Christian Academy. Katina loves math and science, sparking students’ enthusiasm for practical applications tied to real life and biblical principles as they explore God’s world and summits; she’s a peak bagger. She hikes, photographs, and does home DIY, often in the Rockies snowshoeing, paddleboarding, etc.
Seth Hays
Upper School Teacher
Seth Hays was born in Illinois but considers Colorado home after living in several places. He holds a BA in Biology, an MA in Earth Science, and an MA in Counseling with a focus on school counseling. Seth spent the past three years as a school counselor at Longmont Christian School and previously served as a Program Director with the I Have a Dream Foundation of Boulder County, supporting students and families from elementary school through high school graduation. He is passionate about building meaningful relationships with students and walking alongside them as they discover God’s purpose for their lives. Outside of SCA, Seth enjoys working out, reading with his daughter, playing video games with his son, and enjoying good food with his wife.
Nathan Ables
Theology & Bible Teacher
Born in Dallas, TX, and raised near Wichita Falls, TX, he graduated from Texas Tech University before earning his MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His ministry experience includes serving as an Associate Pastor, Interim Pastor, and part-time Bible teacher at Greenville Christian School. He appreciates classical education’s emphasis on developing virtue and cultivating lifelong learners and is passionate about seeing these values shape students at SCA. Outside of SCA, he enjoys reading, trying new coffees, and cheering on Texas Tech sports—Wreck ’em!
Angela Young
Art Teacher
Art Teacher
Angela Young hails from Michigan. She finished high school in Parker, Colorado, and graduated with a bachelor’s in Environmental Design, Architecture from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2004. Before SCA, she raised her young children at home; previously, she designed architecture for over 11 years in Denver/Boulder, focusing on custom homes, additions, remodels, and interiors, while volunteering for church designs, events, camps, websites, and founding a Boulder fair trade market. Angela sees SCA as exceptional for her kids and a delight to join, with Christian classical education aligning with Proverbs 22:6’s child-rearing guidance. She enjoys family adventures, ranch volunteering with kids, reading, skiing, paddleboarding, canoeing, running, creative projects, and porch chats.
Kelly Stewart
Teacher Assistant
Kelly Stewart spent most of her childhood in Oklahoma, though she’s lived in several states—her husband teases she should claim Texas. She studied at the University of North Texas in Denton, where the Lord guided her toward teaching; she later certified and continues developing. She taught middle school language arts in Texas and Colorado before family life, then assisted at SCA for three years as a Teacher’s Assistant and in the library. Kelly appreciates classical education’s progression from memorization to reasoning and expression, with Jesus central at SCA. In spare time amid mom duties, she quilts, reads, with her dog nearby.
Nicole Wagner
Spanish Teacher
Nicole Wagner is from Boulder, Colorado. She graduated from Rocky Mountain Lutheran High School in 2013, earned a BS in K-12 Spanish Education from Martin Luther College in 2018, and an MS in Instructional Leadership there in 2024. She currently teaches Spanish to seventh and eighth graders at Silver Hills Middle School, after teaching sixth through eighth. Nicole adores teaching Spanish, world cultures, and infusing faith; what’s not to love? She helps start The Mission at Erie church, plans events, and hangs out with her daughter Fin, husband Nick, and pup Louie.
Todd Sargent
Band/Music Teacher
Todd Sargent resides in Longmont. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education from CU-Boulder and a master’s from UNC in Greeley. Over 23 years, he taught general music at Thornton elementary schools like McElwain, Riverdale, and Cherry Drive. Todd is enthusiastic about music’s role in Western Civilization, especially in the USA. His leisure activities involve hiking, fishing, and hunting.
Tia Drown
K-2 Music Teacher & Worship
Tia Drown was born and raised in Colorado. She earned an Associate’s degree in Office Administration from Pensacola Christian College. Before joining Summit Classical Academy, Tia spent 15 years as a stay-at-home mom, after working as a church secretary and a bank teller. She delights in watching SCA students grow in knowledge, confidence, and, most importantly, their faith and relationship with the Lord. When not at school, Tia prioritizes spending time with her family.
Stephanie Doehler
Administrative Assistant
Stephanie Doehler was born in Texas and moved to Monument, Colorado, in third grade. She earned a degree in Communications with an emphasis in Hospitality from UCCS, where she also played volleyball. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, Stephanie worked in nonprofit administration and event planning and spent a year in Korea teaching ESL and traveling throughout Asia with her husband. She also homeschooled her children classically until 2025. Stephanie is passionate about classical education and its focus on academic excellence, character, curiosity, and a love of learning. Outside of SCA, she enjoys reading, baking, staying active, spending time with her family, exploring the mountains, and celebrating her favorite season—Christmas!
Sheila Douglas
Teacher's Assistant
Sheila Douglas is from Montgomery, Alabama. She graduated high school in 1975, attended Auburn University for a year, and studied Early Childhood Education at Front Range Community College. She taught preschool for 12 years with Jeffco, after being a stay-at-home mom and homeschooling her two kids for five years. Thrilled to be at Christian SCA, though not teaching, Sheila loves aiding students needing extra support and easing teachers’ burdens; serving God here brings joy and daily learning. She gardens flowers and vegetables, tackles home projects, and once requested a nail gun for Mother’s Day.
Jason Akermann
Lower School Physical Ed Teacher
Jason Ackermann is a Boulder native who played football at CU Boulder. He has dedicated his professional career to fitness counseling, coaching and teaching. He finds it a profound blessing to contribute to equipping athletes mind, body, and soul within a community that builds its foundation of the Rock of Christ. In his free time, he is passionate about pickleball, mountain biking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors.
Karlee Warren
Teacher's Assistant
Karlee Warren is from Sheridan, Wyoming. She holds a bachelor’s in Accounting, a master’s in Business Administration, and is an active CPA. She’s a realtor and accounting/controller consultant. Karlee and her husband are dedicated to instilling a biblical worldview in their daughters, appreciating SCA’s aligning mission and values. She reads, camps, BBQs with family and friends, and tackles home DIY projects.
Jamina Norren
Admissions & Martketing
Jamina Noreen grew up in Lima, Peru, and moved to the United States at age nine. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and has experience in hospitality and church ministry. After becoming a wife and mother, she pursued photography, which led her to photograph events at SCA. Jamina now has two children at SCA and loves the school’s commitment to Christ, excellence, and classical education. She is passionate about investing in the next generation and encouraging students to live for the glory of Christ. Outside of SCA, she enjoys reading, baking, staying active, and spending time with her husband and three children.
Addison Fraser
Special Education Consultant
Addison studied at Lee University where he earned a bachelor of science in K-12 Comprehensive Special Education with additional endorsements in “mild and moderate” and “severe and profound” special education instruction, as well as “teaching elementary reading”.