AHansen@VailChristianAcademy.Org

B.A., National Louis University

Teaching Experience

Mrs. Hansen started teaching in 2004 – started working at VCA in 2014, and started as the Head of School in 2023.

Life at a Glance

Mrs. Hansen currently lives in Gypsum with her husband Chad and three boys Wyatt, Jaxon, Walker. Mrs. Hansen loves to travel with her family, ski, golf, camp, shop, and paint. She also enjoys traveling to Mesa Verde & The Great Sand Dunes.

Favorite Bible Verse

Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”

KShaw@VailChristianAcademy.Org

B.S., Business Administration/Marketing West Virginia University

Life at a Glance

Mrs. Shaw has a love for horses and the outdoors. She is involved with Eagle County 4H where her 3 children raise animals and ride in drill team. Her favorite things are horses, snowboarding, woodworking and hunting, especially with her family.

Favorite Bible Verse

Matthew 7:25

"The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

MDenissen@VailChristianAcademy.Org

B.A., Hollins University

A.A.S., Parsons School of Design

Teaching Experience

Mrs. Denissen started working for VCA in August, 2004.

Life at a Glance

Mrs. Denissen’s son Kelby went to VCA from Kindergarten through 8th Grade. Her favorite place is the coast of Maine. Mrs. Denissen loves sailing, gardening, cooking and reading.

Favorite Bible Verse

Psalm 145:9

“The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”

EAntista@VailChristianAcademy.Org

B.A., College of Saint Benedict

Teaching Experience

Ms. Antista started teaching at VCA in 2021. She is trained in Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory language instruction.

Life at a Glance

Ms. Antista is born and raised in Colorado. She loves traveling, reading, volunteering and eating.

Favorite Bible Verse

Psalm 46:1-3

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging”

LFiggs@VailChristianAcademy.Org

B.A., University of Northern Colorado

Teaching Experience

Mrs. Figgs started teaching at VCA in 2021. She is trained in Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory language instruction.

Life at a Glance

Originally from Grand Junction, but now lives in Gypsum with her husband, Matt, and their three wonderful children Kaitlyn, Levi, and Micah. She enjoys reading, crafting, gardening, and taking family road trips.

Favorite Bible Verse

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

CSterkel@VailChristianAcademy.Org

B.A., M.Ed. Boston College

Teaching Experience

Mrs. Sterkel has been teaching for 15 years and started at VCA in 2024. She is trained in Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory language instruction. She has continued her learning in literacy and project based learning.

Life at a Glance

Born in New Jersey and raised in Vermont, Mrs. Sterkel now lives in Gypsum with her husband, Ty and children who also attend VCA and VCHS. In her spare time she love wake surf, ski, travel and read.

Favorite Bible Verse

Phillippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”

JKottenstette@VailChristianAcademy.Org

B.A., Regis University

Teaching Experience

Mrs. Kottenstette has been teaching at VCA since 2022. Before working at VCA she taught in the public schools for 14 years and was a teacher’s assistant for 10 years before that.

Life at a Glance

Mrs. Kotenstette enjoys shopping and playing with her grandchildren.

Favorite Bible Verse

1 John 1:9

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

LEmerson@VailChristianAcademy.Org

B.A., Cornell College

Teaching Experience

Ms. Emerson started teaching at VCA in 2021. She is trained in Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory language instruction.

Life at a Glance

Ms. Emerson enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing games, enjoying the outdoors, dancing and sewing.

Favorite Bible Verse

Romans 8:28

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

AJones@VailChristianAcademy.Org

B.A., Colorado Christian University

Teaching Experience

Ms. Jones started teaching at VCA in 2022.

Life at a Glance

Ms. Jones loves the Colorado outdoors, especially fishing, hiking, snowboarding, and camping. She also enjoys reading fiction and creating art of all kinds.

Favorite Bible Verse

Hebrews 6:9

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain”

AAlexander@VailChristianAcademy.Org

B.A., Westmont College

Teaching Experience

Mrs. Alexander started teaching in 1991 and has been at VCA since 1997. She is Orton-Gillingham trained in explicit multisensory language instruction.

Life at a Glance

Mrs. Alexander lives in Edwards with husband Eric and twin daughters Karis and Aralyn. She enjoys leading worship, road and mountain biking, Nordic and alpine skiing and loves being a wife, mom and teaching others about Jesus.

Favorite Bible Verse

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

KHubler@VailChristianAcademy.Org

B.S., Cairn University

Teaching Experience

Miss Hubler has been teaching at VCA since 2015

Life at a Glance

Enjoys baking delicious treats and reading

Favorite Bible Verse

Psalm 46:10

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

ALarge@VailChristianAcademy.Org

B.S., Colorado School of Mines; M.A., Wheaton College

Teaching Experience

Mrs. Large started teaching at VCA in 2022.

Life at a Glance

Mrs. Large is married to her husband Brian, and they have daughter Amber. She enjoys most anything outdoors including running, camping, XC skiing, and would-be avid reader if she had more time.

Favorite Bible Verse

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

JPlatt@VailChristianAcademy.Org

B.A., Colorado Christian University

Teaching Experience

Mr. Platt started teaching in 2016 at VCHS, continuing at St. Clare of Assisi earning a Colorado State teaching license and began teaching at VCA in 2023.

Life at a Glance

Mr. Platt is originally from Loveland, Colorado and now lives in Edwards with his family, Kelly, Mathias and Auggie. He enjoys being outside in God’s creation adventuring, exploring, and spending time with people.

Favorite Bible Verse

Psalm 18:30-31

“For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? The God who equipped me wth strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.”

K-8 Physical Education; O2 Director, Upper Academy Bible - SJohnson@VailChristianAcademy.Org

B.A., Southeast Missouri State University

Teaching Experience

Coach J has been teaching at VCA since 2015.

Life at a Glance

Coach J lives in Edwards with her husband Evan and dog Champ. Her hobbies include exploring God’s beautiful creation through visiting National Parks, camping, hiking, biking and golfing.

Favorite Bible Verse

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Music; Chapel Band

Support Specialist - MHerr@VailChristianAcademy.Org

B.S., Liberty University

Teaching Experience

Mrs. Herr returned to VCA in January 2024 as the Support Specialist, after previously having worked here as an Upper Academy teacher in 2021/2022.

Life at a Glance

Mrs. Herr enjoys skiing, reading, traveling and adventuring with her husband, Zach and dog, Hutch.

Favorite Bible Verse

John 16:33

“I️ have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Reading Specialist - JWeiser@VailChristianAcademy.Org

B.S. and M.A., Texas A&M University

Teaching Experience

Mrs. Weiser began teaching in Texas in 2018 and has been teaching in the valley since 2019. She has taught fifth, third, and first grades. Mrs. Weiser started teaching at VCA in 2023. She is trained in Orton- Gillingham multi-sensory language instruction.

Life at a Glance

Mrs. Weiser is originally from Texas, but now lives in Edwards with her husband, Josh, and her new baby Benjamin! She enjoys hiking and snowshoeing, reading, baking, playing board games and watching her son discover the world.

Favorite Bible Verse

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”