Teachers and Faculty

Our teachers and administrators at Vail Christian Academy are passionate about Christian education and raising a generation of well-rounded students. The faith and dedication of our teachers makes them a pivotal asset to our school community. 

 “And I have filled him with the spirit of God, with wisdom and understanding and knowledge in all manner of work.”
Exodus 31:3

Mindy Denissen

Office Manger

MDenissen@VailChristianAcademy.org

• Mrs. Denissen started working for VCA in August, 2004
• Graduated from Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia in 1982 where she studied Art History and Fine Art. Also attended Parsons School of Design in New York in1984 where she studied Graphic and Advertising Design
• Grew up in Summit, New Jersey and moved to Edwards, Colorado in 1986. Her son Kelby went to VCA from Kindergarten through 8th Grade.
• Mrs. Denissen’s favorite place is the coast of Maine. She loves sailing, gardening, cooking and reading

Mrs. Tiffany Sauve

Business Manger

 TSauve@VailChristianAcademy.org

• Born and raised in Racine, WI
• Attended the University of Wisconsin
• Loves flying, ranching and riding horses with her family.

Ms. Elyse Antista

Kindergarten & First Grade

EAntista@VailChristianAcademy.org

• Ms. Antista started teaching at VCA in 2021
• Born and raised in Highlands Ranch, CO
• Attended the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota
• Trained in Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory language instruction
• Loves traveling, reading, volunteering, and eating

Mrs. Lisa Figgs

First Grade

LFiggs@VailChristianAcademy.org

• Mrs. Figgs started teaching at VCA in 2021
• Graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Elementary Education
• Trained in Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory language instruction
• Originally from Grand Junction, but now lives in Gypsum with her husband, Matt, and their three wonderful children Kaitlyn, Levi, and Micah
• Enjoys reading, crafting, gardening, and taking family road trips

Miss Lauren Emerson

Second Grade

LEmerson@VailChristianAcademy.org

• Miss Emerson started teaching at VCA in 2021
• Graduated from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa with a BA in both Elementary Education and French
• Trained in Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory language instruction
• Enjoys games, crafting, the outdoors, and lighthearted trivia or sports competitions

Mrs. Amy Alexander

Third Grade

AAlexander@VailChristianAcademy.org

• Mrs. Alexander started teaching in 1991 and has been at VCA since 1997
• Attended Westmont College where she earned her K-8 Education degree
• Orton-Gillingham trained in explicit multisensory language instruction
• Lives in Edwards with husband Eric and twin daughters Karis and Aralyn
• Enjoys leading worship, road and mountain biking, Nordic and alpine skiing, and loves being a wife, mom, and teaching others about Jesus.

Mrs. Allison Hansen

Fourth Grade

AHansen@VailChristianAcademy.org

• Mrs. Hansen started teaching in 2004 – started working at VCA in 2014
• Graduated from National Louis University in Chicago, IL with a BA in Elementary Education with a minor in Sociology 
• Originally from Saratoga Springs, New York and currently lives in Gypsum with her husband Chad and three boys Wyatt, Jaxon, Walker.
• Loves to travel with her family, ski, golf, camp, shop, and paint. Loves traveling to Mesa Verde & The Great Sand Dunes  

Mrs. LaRae Keyes

Upper Academy

LKeyes@VailChristianAcademy.org

• Mrs. Keyes started teaching in 1996 – started working at VCA in 2021
• Graduated from Cedarville University with a BA in Elementary Education
• Graduated with her MA in Special Education – Gifted and Talented from Wright State University
• Originally from Peoria, IL, and currently lives in Eagle with her husband, Bruce, and her three children Carly, Cody, and Kenzie
• Loves skiing, biking, traveling, reading, cooking, and having lattes with friends

Mrs. Amy Large

Upper Academy

ALarge@VailChristianAcademy.org

• Info Coming Soon

Mrs. Suzanne “Coach J” Johnson

K-8 Physical Education 

O2 Director

Upper Academy Bible

SJohnson@VailChristianAcademy.org

• Coach J has been teaching at VCA since 2015
• Earned her K-12 Physical Education degree from Southeast Missouri State University
• Lives in Edwards with her husband Evan and dog Champ
• Her hobbies include exploring God’s beautiful creation through camping, hiking, and biking. In addition, she is willing to take on any challenger in Spikeball. 

Mrs. Wendy Greshko

Art

WGreshko@VailChristianAcademy.org

• Mrs. Greshko has been teaching Art at VCA since 2016
• Attended Ferris State University in Michigan and earned a Visual Communication degree from the Business School
• Lives in Edwards with her husband Justin and three kids
• Enjoys graphic design, the outdoors, creating/teaching art lessons for the students, and the Word of God

David Lyle

Board President

DLyle@VailChristianAcademy.org

• Mr. Lyle has served at VCA for many years in various ways, and is currently serving as the interim headmaster
• He lives in Edwards with his lovely wife Kelly and two beautiful daughters Shannon and Ryan