Welcome to 1st Grade

My name is Dayna Cooper, and I am so excited to be teaching 1st grade at Rocky Mountain Classical Academy! I’ve been an educator since 2011, beginning my career in New York City as a Special Education teacher, and I have since taught in a variety of settings from preschool to upper Elementary. I hold a Master of Science in Teaching from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida. My teaching is rooted in joy, structure, and student engagement. I’m passionate about helping students build strong academic foundations while growing in confidence, curiosity, and kindness. Outside the classroom, I live on a small homestead with my husband and our two sons, Chance and Leland, where we raise sheep and chickens and enjoy exploring the outdoors together. I look forward to a fun and rewarding school year!

I was born and raised in Kentucky, but life as an Army spouse has taken me to Hawaii, Virginia, and now Colorado. My husband serves in the Army, and we have three children, who all attend RMCA. I hold degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education and bring over 10 years of experience in the field. This is my third year at RMCA, and I feel grateful to be part of such a wonderful community. When I’m not busy shuttling my children to their many activities, I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, skiing, and watching sports. (Go Wildcats!)

Welcome! I’m so excited to continue teaching 1st Grade at RMCA! First grade is truly my favorite—there’s something so special about this year of learning and growth, and I love being part of it. I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and have had the joy of teaching both primary and intermediate grade levels. While I’ve appreciated each experience, I’ve discovered that 1st grade has my heart. Originally from out of state, I’ve called Colorado home since 2014 and feel so grateful to live and work in such a beautiful community. At RMCA, I look forward to partnering with parents to help their child grow, thrive, and reach their fullest potential. Let’s make it a wonderful year together!

Hi! My name is Arden Nicolaus, and this is my first year at RMCA. I absolutely love getting to spend my days helping little learners grow, try new things, and build confidence. I’m originally from Florida, and I moved to Colorado to be closer to my fiancé, who is finishing his last year at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Go Falcons! I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Florida International University, and I’m so excited to be part of the RMCA community this year. In my free time, I love working out, spending time with my French Bulldog, Blu, and being with family.

Hello! My name is Theresa Osborn, and I’m thrilled to be teaching first grade at RMCA. With many years of experience in education, I’ve had the joy of teaching special education, first, and second grade in Fort Collins, Colorado. I also taught preschool in Michigan for many years. This is my 8th year at RMCA, and I truly enjoy being part of this dedicated and supportive community. I hold teaching licenses in special education, elementary education, and early childhood education. While I’ve loved each grade I’ve taught, first grade holds a special place in my heart—it's such an exciting and foundational time in a child’s learning journey. I’m passionate about creating a positive, nurturing classroom environment where students feel confident, curious, and inspired to grow. I also value strong partnerships with parents and look forward to working together to support your child’s success this year.

Hello, I'm Mrs. Perry! This is my first year at RMCA. Since I was young, I have dreamed about becoming a teacher. My mission is to guide and grow each child's innate creativity. I want my students to enjoy school and develop a true love of learning. I hope to build a community where every student feels valued and inspired. When I am not in the classroom I enjoy crocheting, sewing, and hanging out with my family.