AACL Staff
Mrs. Myers has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Gifted Education. Her coursework focused on the teacher training process for gifted education, and she has been the editor of The Gifted Gallery, a free monthly/bi-monthly e-newletter for the staff, students, and families, since January 2007. She has taught hundreds of children in grades preK-5, coached middle school girls' volleyball, been the director of a local children's volunteer and performance program, worked for two years as a social studies curriculum specialist who supported and evaluated other teachers, and periodically filled in as a lead teacher for various grade level teams. As a parent, family member, and teacher of many gifted people, she appreciates the unique local niche that AcademyACL fills. She functioned as the curriculum and school design specialist for the AcademyACL charter application, and is delighted to have the opportunity to work with AcademyACL students, teachers, and families to meet this unique vision and mission.
Ms. Sigrid has a wide range of business experience that includes Sales Manager of a sales team with a record of 2.1 million dollars, Office and Public Relations Manager for a local land trust, and Director of Admissions for a small private school specializing in gifted education. An avid cyclist, marathon runner, and environmentalist, Ms. Sigrid is also a Master Gardener and gourmet vegetarian cook who likes to share ideas with others. She brings not only experience to AcademyACL in this position, but additional expertise in working with gifted educational staff and families. Families who know her often say that she is a major drawing force for them, and she is well-known for her commitment to excellence, integrity, and the needs of children.
AACL Faculty
Ms. Horn is a retired US Air Force geo-nuclear specialist with an additional Bachelor’s degree in education and a thirst for cutting edge scientific technology and research as well as a deep dedication to this great country we call home. Her military career took her to every corner of this Earth and opened her eyes to cultures, religions and philosophies far and wide, and since retiring from the military she has completed a degree in education in order to teach K-12 students as a second career. Her passion is minimizing our carbon footprint and making every place we leave behind better than we left it. As a parent, a teacher of hundreds of former students, and a gifted learner herself, she needs to know why is the sky blue, why light bends through raindrops, why her eyes perceive it that way...why, why, why? She loves learning and growing the desire to learn in others. Ms. Horn brings that drive for learning to AACL and seeks to inspire her students to become lifelong learners who constantly ask "why?" no matter what his/her field of interest.
Lead Teacher for Divisions III-V
Dr. Olitsky has a Bachelor’s degree in history from Wesleyan University and a doctorate in education and sociology from the University of Pennsylvania with a science education focus. Through her experiences as an educator, researcher, and identified gifted learner, she has substantial knowledge of many of the challenges that gifted learners encounter, and at AACL, she seeks to create an engaging, challenging and supportive classroom environment. As a researcher, she has investigated how teachers can be more effective at providing talented learners with opportunities to pursue their goals and bring their unique contributions into the classroom setting. She has also conducted research focused on increasing student-centered educational practices. She has published articles in the Journal of Research in Science Teaching, Science Education, and Cultural Studies in Science Education. She has a particular interest in environmental education and hands-on, experiential learning, and has developed programs for museums, environmental education centers and schools. As a parent of two children, she enjoys taking her kids on camping and hiking trips and working with them to generate questions about the world, and in her spare time, she plays banjo and sings traditional ballads with her husband, who plays guitar. She looks forward to working with the students at AACL in developing their abilities to express themselves, to pursue their intellectual interests, and to achieve their own goals.
Classroom Teacher, Response to Intervention Coordinator
Ms. Brown has a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialty in English literature and hands-on learning techniques. She is thrilled to be a part of such an extraordinary group of educators and life-long learners. A fourth-year teacher, she has realized that students get the most out of learning experiences by exploring concepts and problem solving, both independently and with other students. Ms. Brown sees herself as a facilitator and guide in the learning process and she is excited to be able to truly meet the needs of her students by providing many opportunities for project-based explorations. She plans to integrate technology into students' every-day learning and long-term projects to help them find new and exciting ways to express their innate creativity. She is looking forward to working with AACL parents and staff to provide a safe, supportive, and unique learning experience for our students.
Encore Lead Teacher, Gifted Education Coordinator
Dr. Ricotta has a Bachelor's degree in Math and Science, a Master's degree in Reading, and Ph.D. in Curriculum, Administration, and Supervision. She has experience creating, developing, organizing and implementing a researched-based multiage elementary school. Her areas of proficiency include: differentiated instruction, developmentally appropriate practices, thematic instruction, literacy, mathematics, and brain-based learning. Creating a child-centered learning environment with emphasis on each student's emotional, physical, and academic needs encompass Dr. Ricotta's professional expertise.
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Born in London, England, Mrs. Hellen studied sculpture at the Royal College of Art, graduating with her Masters degree in 1996. In 2004 she was funded by the Arts Council of Great Britain for an international traveling installation and she has completed several public commissions. Her work is multi-media and covers marble and bronze as well as installation-type projects. Last year Hellen designed and co-ordinated the BluePrints Project with 4 – 13 years olds at the Heller Center for the Arts and Humanities at UCCS which became an exhibition at the FAC Modern Gallery – down town Colorado Springs. This Summer Hellen is facilitating the art workshop for young teens at the Green Box Festival in Green Mountain Falls. Over 3 days they will be creating a 12’ x 10’ hanging mobile at the Sallie Bush Community Center building. She is delighted to be a member of the AACL team.
Mr. Jesse was born and raised in Hollywood, CA , and is a Juilliard BFA graduate in theatre. While living in New York City and Philadelphia, Wilson began writing his autobiographical solo productions that were produced and performed throughout the east coast. Currently, he is performing a solo show for colleges entitled “Face the City” that deals with the pressures of adolescence, and presented “The Night the Moon Ate My Room!” this spring for very young audiences in support with The Kennedy Center’s Imagination Celebration and Pikes Peak Library District. Mr. Jesse plays the violin and divides his spare time between teaching theatre at The Colorado Springs Conservatory and FutureSelf—an “at risk” arts program for young adults. He is very excited to be working at AcademyACL.
Bio coming soon!
Mrs. Helling has a Master's degree in Special Education, a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in mathematics, and additional specialized training applicable to twice-exceptional learners. She developed the special education program for a local charter school when it first opened and was the Director of Student Support Services, supporting the staff in meeting the needs of students with special needs. After five years of doing this, Mrs. Helling was hired as the Director of LearningRX. After directing this program for a few more years, Mrs. Helling and her husband adopted their daughter from China. Mrs. Helling made the decision to return to teaching and to work part-time at a local charter school so that she could spend more time with her daughter. After two years of teaching, she was asked to be the Director of Student Support Services and did this for a year. Mrs. Helling is excited about teaching at AACL and being part of a school so dedicated in supporting students with varying needs.
[Sleeker_special_clear]