Encore Team

Connie Parrish, Team Lead and Elementary Art

Greetings from Ms. Parrish, K- 5 Art Teacher and Art Department Director. I am thrilled to announce that I have been providing the visual art experience here at RMCA for over 10 years! It's quite an amazing reality when children and the creative process come together, experiencing these joyous occasions, is a truly joy to me. I am a native of Colorado where along side of obtaining all of my formal education in this beautiful mountain state, I camp, hike, garden and provide art experiences in my private studio. I have a wonderful, loving family of 4 children and 2 grandchildren! I am looking forward to this great school year with each of my RMCA artist's

Davian Askew, Spanish

My name is Davian Askew. I am from Georgia but have lived in Colorado for many years. I taught elementary Spanish for five years at RMCA before moving up to middle school. I enjoy singing, writing, making music, sports, and spending time with my wife and daughter.

James Booth, Elementary Latin

My name is James Booth, and I am the new Kindergarten-5th Grade Latin Teacher! I am so excited for the opportunity and am so happy to be a part of RMCA. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, and I attended The Ohio State University, where I majored in Ancient History & Classics, with a minor in Education. I originally taught Latin to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students for four years at a small school in Cincinnati before transitioning to Kindergarten-5th Grade here. In my free time, I like to go hiking, play golf, and go to the gym!

Kamrine Finney, Library

Hello! My name is Kamrine Finney and I have the best job in the world! Rocky Mountain Classical Academy has been a part of my life for fourteen years now, starting way back when the school opened. I have been married to my husband, Paul, for twenty-four years and we have three boys that have gone completely through the RMCA program and have now moved on to high school & college. This will be my 9^th year as an employee of RMCA and my 8^th year in the Library. Each day I strive to reach the heart of each student hoping to embrace the love of reading. Remember - “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.” –Anita Merina

Xavier Landrum, LeadWorthy

Hi! My name is Xavier Landrum and I am the Middle School LeadWorthy teacher! A couple of fun facts about myself... In my spare time, I like to play basketball whenever I can, relax with a couple of friends every once in a while, and explore Colorado a little when I can. When I am home, I generally hang out with my brother since we are both are roommates here, and nothing else. I graduated from Cameron University in Lawton OK, and went to high school at Eisenhower Sr. High School as well. The only reason why I ended up going to school there, is because I am a military brat, and my dad was stationed there before he retired. I am originally from Jackson, MS, but was born in Germany! I have lived in several places, so I have been on quite an adventure and continue to do so in the near future! I am sorry that my bio is short, I just haven't done much in this state since I am new to Colorado still, or at least consider it, but as I mentioned previously, I do plan to do a lot more and adventure! Thank you for taking your time to read about me and feel free to say hi at anytime!

Sarah Lutz, Middle School Art

"This is my 3rd year as the Middle School Art teacher and Cross Country Coach at RMCA, but I have been teaching 7 years total. I hold Colorado certification teaching Art K-12 and will graduate from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in December. I will then have a Masters in Mathematics Education. I enjoy reading, crochet, spending time with my dog (Max), and spending time outdoors. One of my fun goals is to collect enough crazy, patterned socks so that I can wear a different pair every day of the school year!"

Ian McRae, Middle School Latin

Hi, I'm Ian McRae and I'm excited to say this is my second year teaching Latin at Rocky Mountain Classical Academy. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and graduated from Hillsdale College in 2018, majoring in History and Politics. Currently I'm loving the rebirth of a K-8 Latin curriculum at RMCA. After school hours I usually try to be on trails and in the mountains, reading, writing, or binge watching classic TV.

Dana Rafoth, Elementary Music

Miss Rafoth has been singing, dancing and playing in the elementary music classroom for over eight years. Her teaching is grounded in the principle that music is an essential part of a well rounded education and a cornerstone of the Core Knowledge Curriculum. Her passion for folk songs, movement, music literacy and healthy singing are the heart of her instruction. Her goal is to make music approachable, engaging and provoking so all students become life-long learners and supporters of the arts.

William “BJ” Strain, Middle School PE

Hello RMCA family, my name is BJ Strain and I am starting my tenth year at this wonderful school. I am originally from Maryland, but I have been in Colorado approximately 18 years and I love it here. I have three great kids; MacKenzie, who is 17 and starting her senior year of high school. I, also, have two boys; Reilly, who is 12 and just started seventh grade and Liam, who is 8 and is in third grade here at RMCA. My hobbies include, playing disc golf, gardening and cooking.

Jeff Wilson, Middle School Music

I have been teaching music in Colorado for 14 years as a choir director, band director, and college music theory instructor. I love teaching music through performance, so we sing and play a lot! I earned my bachelor's degree from The Colorado College where I played jazz guitar, classical guitar, and saxophone.

I enjoy rubik's cubes, rock climbing, ice hockey, and basically anything outside!