Support Staff

John Ballew, is a Project Manager that brings his many years Designing, Estimating and Project Managing Landscapes to Rocky Mountain Classical Academy (RMCA). As the Facilities Director I aim to maintain the building and grounds environment which enhances the ability for staff and students to work and learn.

With a background in Elementary Education, I got into Tech Support 10 years ago...and now I support Technology needs in Education. I love supporting the Teachers, and being an integral part of the education of so many students. I started coaching in 1999, and I am starting my 3rd season as the Knights Head Coach. I'm happily married to the kindest person on Earth, and have been blessed with 2 sons who also attend RMCA.

I was born in Santa Fe NM, raised in Colorado Springs, CO. I have 2 daughters and have been married for 15 years. My hobbies include music, theater, and hiking with my family and our dog. 

 have been employed in the school system for about 10 years.  This is my first year at Rocky Mountain Classical Academy, I am married and have one son and one daughter.  My son is married and we have been blessed with three beautiful grandchildren! In my spare time I enjoy crafting, driving to the mountains and spending time with my family. 

I grew up in New Orleans and Houston and recently moved to Colorado Springs in June of 2018 with my husband. I graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in Geology and worked as a science teacher in Dallas, TX before moving to Colorado Springs. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling domestically and internationally, hiking, and learning Korean

Heather Awtrey is in her fifth year as an elementary reading interventionist at RMCA. She graduated from Colorado State University with a BS in Early Childhood Education and has completed literacy training in the Reading Foundations Academy and LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Writing.) Heather enjoys teaching students of all ages and has experience as a reading tutor, adult continuing ed teacher and youth sports event manager.

Kelli Jensen is in her fourth year as a Reading Interventionist.  She earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University and her Masters Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Language Arts from the University of Hawaii.  She has been a classroom teacher, freelance test item writer, guest teacher and tutor since 1994. She has been part of the RMCA family since 2010 and loves helping students become better readers.

Beverly Oliver is in her fourth year as a reading interventionist at RMCA. She has an undergraduate degree in political science and will complete her masters degree in curriculum and instruction in December 2019. She has extensive training in early literacy including LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), SIPPS (Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words) and successfully completed the Colorado Department of Education’s Reading Foundations Academy.   

Mrs. Warren is originally from Oklahoma. She obtained her bachelor's degree in education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. She enjoys taking her dog for walks. In her spare time she enjoys reading and finding more books. She also enjoys spending time with friends and family. 

My name is Ashlynn Smith and I am lucky enough to be one of two K-8 Instructional Coaches in the building. This is my 6th year working at RMCA and I love it. I am a true native to Colorado and have been married to my high school best friend for almost 15 years. We have 3 beautiful daughters who attend RMCA as well. I love sports, especially coaching volleyball and watching football and basketball! I love all Colorado teams! GO BRONCOS! As a family, we spend many hours at the dance studio where my daughters are competitive dancers. We love to go camping, be with family and friends, and play games! 

Heather Ullrich is an instructional coach at Rocky Mountain Classical Academy and is beginning her 15th year in education. She is a Nationally Board Certified Master Teacher and has over a decade of experience teaching middle school language arts. At RMCA, she works in partnership with staff, students, and community in order to support RMCA's instructional vision; she also teaches one 8th grade Language Arts class.