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Dean of Students (5th - 8th)
Hello! My name is LaDonna Lattimore and I served in the Air Force for 20 years and I am now happily retired. This is my 1st year at RMCA as the Middle School Resource teacher, and my 3rd year working as a Special Education teacher, but I have taught for 8 years in the military. I love the Lord and I love traveling. My passion is teaching and empowering kids and I look forward to working with teachers and administrators this year.

English/Literature Teacher, Middle School Team Lead
I’ve been at RMCA since 2016 and taught 5th grade for seven years before moving up to teach middle school English in 2023. Prior to working at RMCA I worked as a 3rd grade para in District 20 and spent a year running a before and after school program for District 49. I earned my bachelor’s degree in English and education from the University of Northern Colorado in 2011. I completed my master’s degree in Library Science in 2015 from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. This fall, I’m hoping to begin another master’s degree in educational leadership at Western Governors University. I spend a lot of time hanging out with my family. I am the oldest of 5 kids. Two of my siblings are married and I have three sweet nephews and one niece (on the way). Even though I grew up in Colorado Springs, I was born in Wisconsin. My family and I are HUGE Green Bay Packer fans. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, reading, taking care of my many houseplants, yoga, and doing arts and craft projects. My favorite subjects are grammar, literature, and history.

History, 6th - 7th
Hello! My name is Mrs. Dixon, and I’m excited to continue teaching history this year at Rocky Mountain Classical Academy. Some of you may remember me as Ms. Kruse—I recently got married, and I’m now thrilled to start this new chapter as Mrs. Dixon!
I love teaching history because it’s full of real people, meaningful events, and stories that help us better understand how we got to where we are today. In our classroom, we’ll explore the past through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, writing, and creative projects that bring history to life.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our dog, Piper, who we love to spoil every chance we get. I also enjoy reading, exploring new places, and spending time with family and friends.
I can’t wait for us to dive into the past together—because history isn’t just something we learn, it’s something we experience! Get ready for a fun and fascinating journey through time!

Art, Middle School Encore Team Lead
Hello families, I am in my fifth year of teaching art, and I love helping middle school students explore their creativity. As a mom of three children who have attended or currently attend RMCA, I love our school community and the philosophies we value. When I'm not in the classroom, I enjoy exploring the Colorado mountains, where I find that being in nature is a refreshing and inspiring way for me to recharge.

Leadworthy
My name is Davian Askew. Originally from Georgia, I mostly grew up and attended school in Colorado Springs. I graduated from Colorado College in 2012 with a Bachelor's in Spanish and then UCCS in 2014 with a Master's in Education. I have been with RMCA since 2014 as a K-5 and 6-8 Latin/Spanish teacher (7 years) and then/currently as a 6-8 Leadership teacher and director of the boy's choir. My passion for helping and supporting others and their growth runs deep and I strive to demonstrate it every day and in every way possible.

Librarian
Hello! My name is Kamrine Finney! I am part of the Elementary Encore Team, teaching students from Kindergarten through 5th grade. Since joining the RMCA community in 2006, I have been dedicated to fostering a love of reading and supporting lifelong learning. Outside of school, I enjoy camping, crafting, and spending time with my family and church family. I look forward to supporting your students' literacy journey and encouraging a lifelong passion for books. Please come see me in the Library!

History, 7th - 8th
Hello! I’m Mrs. Downs, and I’m excited to be your history teacher this year! This is my sixth year in education and my third year at RMCA. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a Middle School Social Studies emphasis from BYU–Idaho in 2017. I’ve taught middle school social studies, 3rd grade, 5th grade, and K–6 STEAM.
My husband, Steve, and I have been married for 10 years. We moved to Colorado six years ago and love calling it home. Our three children attend RMCA as elementary students, and we feel blessed to be part of this school community.
I believe students thrive when teachers and parents work as a team. My goal is to help students understand the story of humanity, appreciate our nation’s history and freedoms, and develop skills that will serve them for life. I look forward to a fantastic year of learning together!

Music
Hello! I am Mrs. Joseph, and I am excited to share that this is my fourth year teaching middle school music at RMCA, where I have worked for a total of seven years. I serve as the conductor of our two orchestras, the director of the girls' choir, and the drama club director. I am passionate about working with middle school students and take great joy in witnessing their accomplishments!

Science (7th - 8th)
David Kagarise is a graduate of Mitchell High School (1983) and has been teaching since 2008. He spent ten years at James Irwin Charter High School (2008–2018), where he taught Computer Science, Science, Math, and Physical Education, and also served as the varsity softball coach from 2012–2018. From 2018–2025, he continued his teaching career at Sierra High School before joining RMCA.
In addition to his classroom experience, Mr. Kagarise has been extensively involved in athletics. He has officiated high school football and basketball, umpired youth baseball and adult slow-pitch softball, and most recently served as the head coach of a Sierra D2 Middle School football team in 2024.
He is the proud father of three adult children: Jonas (28), Brittany (26), and Nicholas (25). Brittany currently serves in the United States Navy, while Jonas and Nicholas are pursuing their college degrees. Mr. Kagarise is honored to bring his experience and passion for teaching to RMCA and is very excited to be part of the community.

Grammar
My name is Matthew Foster, and I am so excited for this new school year here at RMCA! This is my sixth year here at RMCA, and it is my thirteenth year teaching overall. I am originally from Boston, Massachusetts, but have been living here in Colorado Springs since I was five years old, growing up right down the street from this school. I have my bachelor's degree from UCCS, as well as a master's degree in Sport Administration from the University of Northern Colorado. I am a huge Boston and most of Colorado sports fan, especially baseball and hockey (Go Avs!). In my free time I love exploring the outdoors, traveling, especially to National Parks, playing guitar and piano, and spending time with family. I cannot wait to get this school year started!

English/Literature, 6th - 7th
Hi, I'm Catie Knott! This is my fourth year in 6th and 7th grade English at RMCA and my 6th year teaching overall. I love building relationships with students and watching them grow and mature throughout the year. I enjoy cooking, running, coffee, and of course, spending time with my husband and one-year-old son. I'm excited to make this a great school year!

Spanish
My name is Liliana Saucedo, and I recently relocated to Colorado after residing in Texas. This is my second year at RMCA and also my second year teaching Middle School Spanish. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and bring over seven years of experience in bilingual education. I am passionate about teaching and dedicated to supporting students in their journey of acquiring a new language, while fostering both academic growth and cultural appreciation.

Financial Literacy
I am thrilled to be in my second year at RMCA and my third year of teaching overall. With a business degree and currently pursuing my master's in education, I am passionate about empowering students with financial literacy skills that set the foundation for their futures. Originally from Kansas City, I now proudly call Colorado my home, where I enjoy life with my three children and an exciting addition on the way! I absolutely love being part of the RMCA community and look forward to another fantastic year!

Math (7th-8th)
Greetings! My name is Christine Ogden. This will be my second year teaching 7/8 Math, and my 4th year here at RMCA. I received my Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry from UCCS but I really love math! I have a wonderful husband and two amazing children who attend RMCA. As a family we spend a lot of our summers camping and riding ATV's. I am so excited to see how far we can help your kids go in math this year!

Teacher Assistant (4th-8th)
Hello my name is Jennifer Cuna.
This is my second year working as a Teacher Assistant, and I truly enjoy being part of the RMCA family . I’m a Colorado native and would never leave this beautiful place. Ive been married to my amazing husband for 14 years. I am a proud mom of three. My oldest daughter will be graduating in May with her nursing degree, my middle daughter is in college pursuing a teaching degree, and my youngest son is in eighth grade here at RMCA. When I’m not running my own business or working at the school, I love spending time with my husband and kids. Especially nights and weekends at a baseball field with my son. In my free time, I enjoy crafting, reading, and of course, coffee!!

Teacher Assistant (K - 8th)
Hi, my name is Lisa Robbins. I’m starting my 5th year working at RMCA. I’ve lived in Colorado for 25 years. I was raised in Iowa, but later moved to Colorado to attend Fort Lewis College in Durango. I’ve been married to my amazing husband, Justin, for 19 years. Our two sons attend RMCA. Our oldest son is starting middle school and our youngest son is entering 5th grade. In my free time I enjoy having lunch with friends, reading, and watching my sons play baseball.
Middle School Staff
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