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We lead with love.
Administration
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ALLISON HANSEN - HEAD OF SCHOOL
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.”
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SARA CARLTON - ADVANCEMENT DIRECTOR
SCarlton@VailChristianAcademy.Org
B.A., University of Northern Colorado
Teaching Experience
Mrs. Carlton taught in Henderson, CO for a year before moving to the Vail Valley in 2013. Mrs. Carlton worked for VCA for two years as a teacher, then worked in Early Childhood Education for seven years, then she returned to VCA as the Advancement Director in 2023.
Life at a Glance
Mrs. Carlton enjoys hiking, snowboarding, playing the piano, reading and spending time with people she loves, especially her husband and daughters.
Favorite Bible Verse
Psalm 73:25-26
“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
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MINDY DENISSEN - OFFICE MANAGER
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.”
Lower Academy Teaching Staff
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ELYSE BARNES - KINDERGARTEN
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”
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LISA FIGGS - 1ST GRADE
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.”
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LAUREN EMERSON - 2ND GRADE
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 i all things God works for the good of those who love him, who hav been called according to his purpose.”
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JANELLE KOTTENSTETTE - 3RD GRADE
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.”
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EMILYNN CHART - 4TH GRADE
EChart@VailChristianAcademy.Org
B.A., Colorado Christian University
Teaching Experience
Ms. Chart started teaching at VCA in 2023.
Life at a Glance
In her free time, Ms. Chart works towards mastering the art of calligraphy, is a hobby florist, plays new board games, and is learning to play golf.
Favorite Bible Verse
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
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ANNA JONES - 5TH GRADE
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”
Upper Academy Teaching Staff
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AMY ALEXANDER - UPPER ACADEMY
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.”
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KRISTEN HUBLER - UPPER ACADEMY
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.”
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AMY LARGE - UPPER ACADEMY
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.”
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JASON PLATT - UPPER ACADEMY
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.”
Enrichment Teaching Staff
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Suzanne "Coach J" Johnson
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.”
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Kristin Loughmiller
Music
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JD Webster
Music; Chapel Band
Support Staff
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Mary Kate Herr
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.”
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Nikki Kohrmann
Reading Specialist - NKohrrmann@VailChristianAcademy.Org
B.A., Liberty University
Teaching Experience
Mrs. Kohrmann started teaching at VCA I️n 2023. She used to be a Board Member here and has previously been extremely involved with PTF.
Life at a Glance
Mrs. Kohrmann’s background is originally in ministry. She has three children Hunter, Reece, and TA. Her husband, Bryan, and her split time between Alaska and Colorado. Mrs. Kohrmann loves to travel and loves the beach.
Favorite Bible Verse
Psalm 100:5
"For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation."
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Jessica Weiser
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.”