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.

KT1A6836

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.
KT1A2679-3

Cindy Houghton

Director of Operations

Cindy studied at the University of New Mexico where she received her bachelor and master’s degrees in Elementary Education. Throughout her teaching career, she has worked in public and private schools, but her heart and passion fit with classical Christian education.
KT1A2321

jirah Leslie

Admin

Jirah has spent most of her career in the Medical Device Manufacturing field as Quality Coordinator and System Administrator.  Prior to joining SCA she worked as a Front Office Manager overseeing several chiropractic clinics.

KT1A2240

Martina Martinez

Kindergarten Teacher

Martina studied and received a Bachelor’s Degree at University of Northern Colorado, Center for Urban
Education for elementary education in 2009.  She has taught in private and public education and has grown to love the dynamics and personal connections of Christian private education.  The past two years she has been teaching kindergarten and prior was teaching pre-k/kinder.

KT1A6622

KRISTY VARELA

1st Grade Teacher

Kristy has been in the early childhood field for over ten years, working in both private and public schools.  She is currently finishing her Preschool Directors Qualifications and pursuing a degree in Elementary Education.

KT1A6750

Megan Hunt

2nd Grade Teacher

Megan has homeschooled, worked as a substitute teacher, and is in her first year of teaching full time at Summit Classical Academy.  She is genuinely enjoying the challenge of the high caliber of education that SCA provides to each student.

KT1A2686

Kayla Trousdale

3rd Grade Teacher

Kayla studied at Concordia University Irvine and University of Arizona Global Campus receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science.

KT1A6862

Lashara Pasic

4th Grade Teacher

LaShara has been an educator for over 5 years after graduating from Metropolitan University with a Human Development degree and minor in Elementary Education.

KT1A2697

Caylin Gideon

5th Grade Teacher

Caylin received her undergraduate degree in psychology from California State University, Channel Islands, as well as her teaching credential and Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University.

KT1A2655

Hannah Pugh

Middle School Teacher

Hannah holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Wheaton College.

KT1A2332

Gina Booton

Middle School Teacher

Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an English minor from Wheaton College. Prior to coming to Summit Classical Academy, she spent four years teaching an intensive English writing and grammar class for a classical Christian homeschool co-op and served as the co-op’s Director for two years. 

BrendAn Bollinger

Middle School Teacher

Brendan holds a BA in theology from Colorado Christian University.  Prior to coming to Summit, Brendan served his church through a variety of internships and volunteer positions and served his professors at CCU as a teaching assistant.

Dean Tinsley

Middle School Teacher

Mr. Tinsley earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at ColoradoSchool of Mines as well as a M.B.A. from Colorado State University.

Mark Miller

Science and Mathematics Specialist

Mr. Miller holds BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering from Wichita State University, and is a Registered Professional Engineer in four states.
KT1A2702

Angela Young

Art Teacher

Angela graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a Bachelor’s of Environmental Design in Architecture.  She worked for 11+ years as an Architectural Designer in the Boulder and Denver area.

KT1A0057

Kelly Stewart

Teacher Assistant

Kelly studied at the University of North Texas and taught middle school English Language Arts both in Texas and Colorado.
KT1A2306

Carla Anderson

Music Teacher

Carla holds a Certificate in Bible from Capernwray Bible School in England, and a Bachelor of Music from Prairie College in Canada.

Tia Drown

Admin

Tia received her Associate of Arts degree in office administration from Pensacola Christian College in 2003.

KT1A2233

Derek Cooper

Physical Education Teacher

Coming soon.

KT1A6998

Becky Jones

Teacher's Assistant

Becky has spent the majority of her career dedicated to helping students of all ages. She has a passion for extending Jesus’ love to others and a natural love for children. She is thrilled to be a part of the SCA community.

KT1A6621

Saretta Ramos

Teacher's Assistant

Coming soon.

Headshot_Addison

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”.

KT1A2675

Abbey Ferko

Nurse Consultant

Abbey received a Bachelors of Science in Nursing at the University of Northern Colorado and currently works as a Registered Nurse specializing in Adult Critical Care in Aurora, CO.
KT1A2778

Ali webster

Admissions Specialist

Coming soon.
KT1A2663

Jamina Noreen

Marketing Director

Jamina has a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management and is currently a family and lifestyle photographer.

Teresa Fraser, M.Ed.

Head of School

We believe that it matters greatly who teaches our children. For that reason, the founders of SCA have handpicked Teresa Fraser to serve as Head of School. She is a leader of principled character and gracious love. Her heart for families results in beautiful relationships and a profound impact on the students she disciples. 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. As Head of School, Teresa has worked in planning, preparing, and producing an excellent classical Christian education for students and their families. She is fully committed to sharing the grace and truth of Jesus with children, supporting parents, training and equipping teachers, and building a strong community of families. The heart of her profession has been the relationships she has built through the years with students, parents, staff and colleagues. Teresa believes her role is to come alongside parents as a partner in their children’s education. She is especially devoted to building a strong network of support for single parents, and she has a unique passion for involving fathers as much as mothers in their children’s school, because she has seen evidence through the years that students enjoy even more success with the mom and dad team behind them. Teresa believes that academics are only one facet in the educating and raising of children and that children need time to play and pursue their passions, gifts, and interests outside of the classroom. For this reason, she strongly believes in minimal homework so as not to intrude on other important activities such as family time, music, sports, art, friendships, and freeplay. Teresa and her husband Jim have been married since 1992. They have raised two remarkable children, their daughter Sadie and son Addison. Though Colorado is their beloved home, Teresa still faithfully cheers for her football teams, the Oklahoma Sooners and the Buffalo Bills, proving that she is no fair weather fan but loyal to the core.

Cindy Houghton

Administration

Hello! My name is Cindy Houghton, and I’m thrilled to be a part of Summit Classical Academy. I have lived in Colorado for 26 years, but I grew up in Texas. I have been married to my college sweetheart, Richard, for 29 years, and we are blessed with four amazing children. We have entered the empty nesters phase of life, but enjoy having our children close by. Three live in Colorado, and one lives in Arizona. We also have a fur baby, Harley, who we spoil daily.

I studied at the University of New Mexico where I received my bachelor and master’s degrees in Elementary Education. Throughout my teaching career, I have worked in public and private schools, but my heart and passion fit with classical Christian education. It is my happy place. At Summit Classical Academy, we teach from a distinctly Christian worldview as faithful worshippers of the God who is at the center of every aspect of our lives. Children should be taught that there is no separation from God in any area of life. Deuteronomy 11: 18-20 reminds us to fix God’s Word in our hearts and minds and to talk of it with our children throughout the day. God is intertwined in all of work, school, home and play.

As a Christian educator, I can help students see that knowledge apart from scriptures is imperfect. I believe it is imperative to be a teacher who instructs with excellence; after all, we serve an excellent Creator. I trust that the parents of my students have given me permission to come alongside them in their role as their children’s primary educators. It is my goal to stimulate both a love of learning and good habit formation necessary for a student’s independent study.

Since God is the author of love, He gives me love for my students and a desire to be the best teacher I can be. The true goal of education is to love God in everything and in all ways. My deep desire is to elevate God in my classroom and to demonstrate how to love Him with heart, mind, body and strength.

Martina Martinez

Kindergarten Teacher

I studied and received a Bachelors Degree at University of Northern Colorado, Center for Urban
Education for elementary education in 2009. My teaching career has been in early childhood
education and primary years of elementary education. I have taught in private and public
education and have grown to love the dynamics and personal connections of Christian private
education because I am able to teach and learn through Christ with other believers. The past
two years I have been teaching kindergarten and prior was teaching pre-k/kinder. Kindergarten
is where my passion is because so many basic skills are being learned and children begin to
flourish in their reading and math skills. They are beginning to understand that they are capable
of learning so many new things and applying those skills to their everyday life.

I am a Colorado native. My husband Jeremiah and I married in January 2018. We are large
family of six children, a Dalmatian named Apollo, a cat named Scout and only ten backyard
hens! Our home is full of life that the Lord has blessed us with. My relationship with the Lord
has been transforming. I give all the glory to the Lord for His blessings in my marriage, raising
our children, and my career. Without God nothing is possible, but with God everything is
possible (Matthew 19:26). My husband and I stand firm in that promise and keep the Lord at
the center of our marriage and all things we do in our home and daily lives.

Kristy Varela

Educational Support

I have been in the Early Childhood field for over ten years. I have worked in both private and public schools.  I am currently finishing my Preschool Directors Qualifications and pursuing my degree in Elementary Education. 

I love Jesus and teaching children.  I am so excited to be a part of the SCA team.  I look forward to building relationships and serving all the families and students at SCA.
 
I was born and raised in Southern California.  I moved to Colorado almost two years ago with my family.  I have been married for 15 years and have four children, all boys ages 16, 14, and 13, and my youngest in kindergarten will be attending SCA. Our older boys keep us busy with their competitive sports year around. I am thankful that God has placed us here in Colorado.  I look forward to growing where God has me planted.

Megan Hunt

2nd Grade Teacher

Megan has three children, and homeschooled for two years, before working as a substitute teacher here at Summit Classical Academy. It was through her time working as a substitute, that she saw what an incredible teaching method Classical education was. The Lord opened a teaching position, as well as an opportunity for her children to attend SCA. Through much prayer and consideration she is now the 2nd grade teacher. She is genuinely enjoying the challenge of the high caliber of education that SCA provides to each student. In her free time she loves to spend time with her family, and go for a day, or a weekend trip to the mountains as often as possible.

Kayla Trousdale

3rd Grade Teacher

Kayla studied at Concordia University Irvine and University of Arizona Global Campus receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science. Her motto in life has been “I don’t care what you learn about, just keep learning”.  She is an avid traveler and adventurer and has traveled to 49 of the 50 states in America and is coming up on her 40th country visited.  She loves experiencing God’s glory through building relationships with people all over the world and taking in God’s creation in her time spent in nature.  Her love for the world was sparked by a missions trip to Guatemala when she was in her first year in college.  The next year she took on the leadership role and led the missions team to the same location to serve the people, teach them English and teach them about Jesus’ love for us.  With her compassionate servant’s heart and zest for life and learning, she believes teaching is the perfect job for her. 
 
“I want children to know they are cherished and loved. God gave us the ability to learn and we should always strive to develop and use our gifts and talents that He gave us. Through teaching I will be able to help children grow into their full potential and help them along their faith journey in life.” 
 
Kayla has another title, “Coach” which came about when she started coaching high school volleyball in 2007.  She has had many teams since then from club to middle school to varsity.  She has also spent time as a substitute teacher and is very excited to continue her teaching with her third grade class.  Colorado has been her home for four and a half years after being born and raised in Las Vegas, NV where she attended private Christian schools her whole life from preschool through college.  Kayla is also a Birth Doula where she supports women during their labor and birth of their babies.  She is an enthusiastic sports lover following the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Golden Knights and will be happy to help the Summit Classical Academy Athletic programs reach a competitive level!  When she isn’t teaching she can be found reading, cooking, baking, or out adventuring in nature or planning her next trip.

LaShara Pasic

4th Grade Teacher

LaShara has been an educator for over 5 years after graduating from Metropolitan University with a Human Development degree and minor in Elementary Education. She has taught in a charter school until she came to Summit and is so glad to make the transition to a classical approach to learning. LaShara loves Jesus with all of heart and is thrilled to be able to share her love for Him with her students. 

Caylin Gideon

5th Grade Teacher

Caylin received her undergraduate degree in psychology from California State University, Channel Islands, as well as her teaching credential and Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University. Having worked with students from Kindergarten to 12th grade in a variety of settings, Caylin has a love for education and helping students realize their God-given potential. She has tutored and taught previously in private Christian schools in both California and Colorado, and has grown to love the classical methodology since coming to Summit Classical Academy. The community she has experienced since coming to SCA has been incredible, and she is so grateful to be able to teach these students not only different academic subjects, but more about God, who loves each of us so greatly that He gave His only Son, Jesus, that we might have eternal life with Him. She cannot wait to see these students continue to grow and flourish in their knowledge and love for the Lord, as they embrace what it means to be Warriors!

Hannah Pugh

5th Grade Teacher

Hannah holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Wheaton College. Prior to SCA, Hannah worked as a private tutor and an editor. Hannah is passionate about equipping the next generation with critical thinking skills so that they may best engage the world with hopefulness and faith.

Gina Booton

Middle School Teacher

Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an English minor from Wheaton College. During her time at Wheaton she worked as a radio news broadcaster, assistant debate coach, and public speaking coach. She was involved in Wheaton’s audition-based theatre group, Workout, as both an actor and crew member. She spent a summer working as an intern for the Office of the Majority Whip in the United States Capitol Building, and then two summers studying English literature and theatre in England. Gina has experience as an English tutor, copy editor, writer, and Bible teacher. She spent the last four years teaching an intensive English grammar and composition class for a classical Christian homeschool co-op and served as the co-op’s Director for two years.  

Gina is fascinated by story. She believes that each of us is unique and valuable, and that we all have a story to tell. She believes that God communicates to us through his Story, the Bible, and that by studying literature and the stories in history we can learn about God’s truth, goodness, and beauty, observing the ways he works in the world around us. She believes that God loves us with (as Sally Lloyd-Jones says) “a Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love,” and he showed us that love by sending his son Jesus to rescue us. Gina is delighted that working at SCA gives her the opportunity to share his love and his truth with her students every day. 

Gina has been married to her high school sweetheart, Anton, since 2005. They have four wonderful children, three of whom are blessed to attend Summit Classical Academy. Gina and her family spend as much time as they possibly can in the Colorado mountains. She also enjoys reading, writing, all things theatre, trail running with her friends and her dog, and boxing with her sister and sparring partner, Janna. 

Gina is incredibly grateful that God has called her family to Summit Classical Academy, and cannot wait to see what he accomplishes through this amazing school. 

Brendan Bollinger

Middle School Teacher

Brendan holds a BA in theology from Colorado Christian University. He is firmly convinced of the importance of sound doctrine in the Christian life and is passionate about the revival of biblically-grounded, historical orthodoxy in the church. He believes that this revival of deep doctrine must come largely through the proclamation of God’s Truth (with a capital T) through both the pulpit and the classroom. Here at SCA, he has the privilege of doing both, preaching on occasion in chapel and teaching on the Bible and theology in the classroom. He loves his students and is genuinely delighted to contribute to the spiritual development of the next generation of believers. Prior to coming to Summit, Brendan served his church through a variety of internships and volunteer positions and served his professors at CCU as a teaching assistant (which, he maintains, has provided him with a great foundation for teaching). Yet, in all these things, he recognizes that God has been the source of every success and is therefore deserving of all the glory. All praise be to God!

Dean Tinsley

Middle School Teacher

Mr. Tinsley earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at ColoradoSchool of Mines as well as a M.B.A. from Colorado State University. He spent 28 years working in the oil and gas business as an engineer, manager, and executive. After recently retiring from the industry, he decided to give teaching a try. His main purpose is to give back to the community and mentor children and young adults. 

Mark Miller

Science and Mathematics Specialist

Mark Miller is an engineer by training, and has a passion for figuring out how something works, or how to fix it when it doesn’t. Mr. Miller started his engineering career with AT&T and Bell Telephone Laboratories, but left after 10 years to start his own consulting engineering firm. During his 25 years in private practice, he wrote and taught continuing education seminars on computer communication topics to working engineers and computer scientists all over the world, basing his seminars on the 20 books that he had published on those subjects (his writing skills being a credit to his late mother, who taught high school English and Latin). When he retired from the engineering business, he missed teaching, and obtained a substitute teaching license, assisting the St. Vrain Valley School District in Longmont. In SVVSD, he has taught every math and science class from 6th grade through Advanced Placement levels, and also has a very active tutoring business, with students that have ranged from elementary grades through AP Calculus. Mr. Miller holds BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering from Wichita State University, and is a Registered Professional Engineer in four states.

Mark and his wife, Holly have two sons and five grandchildren, and enjoy life in the Boulder County foothills. Mark is also a trumpet player that performed for 15 seasons with the Longmont Symphony Orchestra, and since 2000 has been a member of the Denver Municipal Band, the oldest fully professional band in the United States. In addition, he is a member of several nationwide amateur (ham) radio organizations, including SATERN, the Salvation Army organization that supports emergency radio communication during times of natural disasters.

Angela Young

Art Teacher

Angela is honored to be a part of Summit Classical Academy.  She moved to Colorado in 1996 from Michigan, where she grew up.  She graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a Bachelor’s of Environmental Design in Architecture. She worked for 11+ years as an Architectural Designer in and around the Boulder/Denver Area. 

Through years of experience volunteering and guest speaking in a wide range of classrooms, she has developed a love for teaching. As her kids have grown and come into the world of education, she has discovered a passion for excellent education focused on truth, goodness and beauty. Now she is aiding in that process through the subject of Art at Summit Classical Academy.

She is passionate about following Jesus and pointing others toward him. She is driven to foster excellent education for her students through God-given creative avenues. She feels privileged to illuminate to students the truth of God as The Creator and worship by exercising the abilities he has given us in art.

Angela and her Husband met in Boulder and were later married there in 2007. They have the privilege of raising three wonderful daughters.

Angela enjoys spending time with friends, family and faith community. She loves going out into God’s creation to explore in many fun and active ways. Always up for an adventure. While she no longer has any pets, she finds much joy in animals of all kinds. Although she is on the go a lot, she enjoys the quiet of reading, playing a board game or just hanging out on the porch in peace and good company.

Kelly Stewart

Teacher Assistant

I am overjoyed to return to my teaching roots after 9 years of being a stay at home mom for my two kids.  Prior to my title as mom, I studied at the University of North Texas and taught middle school English Language Arts both in Texas and then here in Colorado.  To say that I’m excited to be a part of the staff at Summit Classical Academy is an understatement.  I can’t wait to be an instrumental part of these students’ growth in Christ and in their classical education.
    
Daily I am humbled that God has placed me in this position, and I continue to be awed by the depths of His goodness.  God’s hand has been in every step of our story to get to this school.  Both of my children are attending SCA this year as a 3rd grader and a 1st grader.  I am so happy to join the SCA family as a part of the staff and also as a parent and am looking forward to serving wherever needed.

Carla Anderson

Music Teacher

Carla holds a Certificate in Bible from Capernwray Bible School in England, and a Bachelor of Music from Prairie College in Canada where she focused on piano performance, choir directing and performance, songwriting and recording, and worship in the church.  While earning her degree she also spent two years in the music program at Metropolitan State College.  Along with teaching music, she serves as a Pastor’s wife and Worship Director for her church in Westminster.  

Tia Drown

Admin

Tia received her Associate of Arts degree in office administration from Pensacola Christian College in 2003. She has a love for building relationships with people and is excited to serve and be a part of the SCA family!

Prior to SCA, Tia worked as a file clerk and teller at a bank in Pensacola, FL. After her husband entered service in the USAF, Tia was blessed to be a stay at home mom and was involved in ministry to military wives. She and her husband have been blessed with 3 beautiful children. The younger two attend SCA while the eldest attends a local high school.

A native of Colorado, Tia loves the mountains and enjoys fishing and spending time in God’s creation with her family. Tia stays involved in her church serving on the worship team and as a mentor to young ladies in the high school youth group. She also volunteers with her daughter’s high school marching band and color guard teams.

Addison Fraser

Special Education Consultant

Addison Fraser 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”. He currently lives with his wife in Tennessee where he is a middle school special education teacher. Some of his favorite hobbies are rock climbing, fly fishing, and reading.
 
Addison believes that all students can learn and do well, it is the job of teachers and parents to help the student figure out how they learn the best, and how they can reach their goals in life. All education begins with forming a relationship with the students. Not all that a child learns in school will be used when they are adults, but they will learn how to work hard, face obstacles, speak to peers and authority figures and so much more that is necessary for the world after school. Educators can be a guide and a catalyst for student’s success in their future.

Abbey Ferko

Nurse Consultant

I received a Bachelors of Science in Nursing at the University of Northern Colorado. I currently work as a Registered Nurse specializing in Adult Critical Care in Aurora, CO where I have worked for the past 2 years. I have lived in Colorado all my life and enjoy backpacking, rock climbing, skiing, reading, and going on walks. 
 
I am passionate about helping kids learn how to have a personal relationship with Jesus and have worked in student ministry for almost 7 years mentoring high school and middle school students. I have had the privilege of being the “camp nurse” on many trips and love being able to combine my passion for nursing and sharing the gospel with students.  
 
I love the versatility of nursing and it’s a joy to be able to partner with Summit and support the mission. I praise Jesus for the opportunity to work at a school like this and all the opportunities he has so kindly given me. My cup runneth over.

Jamina Noreen

Marketing Director

I have a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management. I worked in the hotel industry for 5 years and spent the end of my time there doing HR. Later, I worked in ministry helping people find a way out of poverty through employment, which led me to also doing marketing and social media for various ministries. Eventually, I learned to use a camera manually and edit photos. Since I became a mom and stopped working in ministries, I became a family and lifestyle photographer, which led me to SCA. I’ve been taking pictures for Summit for the last 3 years and have watched this school develop and grow into what it is today. I’m honored to be a part of the SCA team and to have my oldest attend school here. You can truly feel Jesus’ love through the teachers, leadership and board here.

I am a believer, a wife and a mother to my three babies, Landon, Liam and Piper Jo. I love long road trips (even with three kids 5 and under), I love reading books, doing puzzles, baking, cooking and of course, taking photos. Above anything else, I love Jesus with my whole heart and He has truly been my protector, healer, and Father throughout my entire life, I’m deeply humbled to follow Him.