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Empowering Students Through Tailored Learning

At Rocky Mountain Classical Academy, our Learning Services are designed to cater to the diverse academic needs of our students. Our dedicated team is here to assist all learners excel in a nurturing and enriching environment. Join us on this exciting educational journey!

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Learning Services Team

At Rocky Mountain Classical Academy, we prioritize the diverse needs of our students by providing a comprehensive Learning Services team. Our dedicated professionals, including paraeducators, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists, work closely with each child to ensure they receive personalized support tailored to their learning styles and challenges. By fostering an inclusive environment, we empower every student to thrive academically and personally, unlocking their full potential within a nurturing community.

learning together
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Alina Lee

School Psychologist

Hello! My name is Alina Lee. This is my 11th year as a School Psychologist and my 5th year at RMCA. I’m passionate about supporting students and love watching their growth and progress over time. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors - camping, hiking, paddle boarding, snowboarding, and gardening are a few of my favorite activities. I also love relaxing with a good book or show, cooking and trying new recipes, caring for my houseplants, and spending time with my cat, dog, and boyfriend. I’m always happy to help in any way I can and am excited to be part of the RMCA team again this year!
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Brooke Green

Behavior Specialist

Hi all! I am excited to be returning for my fourth year as RMCA's behavior specialist. All behavior is communication, and it is my privilege to work with teachers, staff, and students to help each child communicate their needs and desires effectively and safely. When I'm not at RMCA, you can find me spending time with my two kiddos, teaching a spin class, or hosting people in my home!
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Marin Nichols

Occupational Therapist

Bio Coming Soon
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Emily Kost

Occupational Therapist Assistant

Hello, I'm Emily Kost! This is my second year at RMCA as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and my fourth year as a COTA. I am recently married to my husband Ryan, and we love to travel, spend time with family and friends, cook, swing-dance, and any extreme sports! On my own I love to run, work on projects around home, and work part time at Building Three Coffee. This year at RMCA I am very excited to transition from part-time to full-time and really get to know the staff and students better! I'd love to meet you, come say hi in the speech/ OT room!
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Brooklynn Ensch

Speech Language Pathologist

Hello, I am Brooklynn Ensch! This is my 4th year at RMCA as a Speech-Language Pathologist. I graduated with my bachelors degree from Baylor University, and received my masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of North Texas. Outside of school, I can be found spending time with my husband and new baby, hiking, traveling, or reading.
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Meagan Rivera

Speech Language Pathologist Assistant

Bio Coming Soon
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Yelitza Alvarez

Special Education Case Manager/Teacher, Elementary

Hello! My name is Yelitza Alvarez, and I am the Special Education Resource Case Manager at RMCA. This is my second year with RMCA, and I bring eight years of experience in special education. I’m truly honored to be part of such a dedicated and inspiring team. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, dancing, and supporting my daughter as a proud “gymnastics mom.” When the weather is nice, you’ll often find me outdoors with my two kids, either at the park or out for a walk. This year, my goal is to continue growing as an educator and to be a strong source of support for both my students and my fellow staff members. I’m passionate about creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where every student feels valued—regardless of their background. As I like to say: “Never let anyone treat you like regular glue—you are glitter glue!”
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Allison Muto

Special Education Case Manager/Teacher, Elementary

Hi! I am excited to be returning for my third year as an Interventionist. I love being able to work with all grade levels and make connections with the students within my group. I have a baby here in the RMCA Early Education Program! When I am not at RMCA I am home with my family watching sports or out enjoying what Colorado has to offer.
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Em Oquendo

Special Education Case Manager/Teacher, Middle School

Hi! My name is Em Oquendo! This is my 3rd year in Special Education, and my 1st year at RMCA. Previously I have taught ELA to multiple grade levels. I have a service dog named Aislinn (Ash-lyn) who is my K9 partner and helps mitigate my disabilities. I was born and raised in Houston, TX, and graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2016 with a Major in Dance and Minors in Secondary Education and Special Education. My husband, Danny, is in the army and stationed at Ft. Carson. I have 3 cats (2 which are sphynx), and 5 guinea pigs (4 which are skinny pigs). I absolutely love The Peanuts and roosters/chickens. I used to be a professional ballerina, so I love involving movement with learning!
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Litia Sistrunk

Special Education Case Manager/Teacher, Elementary

My name is Litia Sistrunk. I am the Lead Special Education Case Manager with 12 years of teaching experience. I hold a Master’s degree in Special Education and I am passionate about creating inclusive learning environments that support every student’s success. I have a love for learning, reading, and traveling—but my favorite role is being a mom to my energetic 2-year-old son.
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Emily Woodhouse

Special Education Case Manager/Teacher, Middle School

My name is Emily Woodhouse, this will be my 9th year as a special education teacher; my 4th year as a special education case manager/teacher in middle school at RMCA. I was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM where I graduated from the University of New Mexico with dual certification in Special Ed & General Ed. K-12. My husband and I moved to Colorado Springs 6 years ago, we enjoy hiking with our dogs, playing pickleball and paddle boarding. A fun fact about me is that I am fluent in ASL: American Sign Language. I'm looking forward to a great year!
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Debra Arnold

Paraprofessional

Hello! My name is Debra. This is my 5th year at RMCA and my 10th year as a special education paraprofessional. I love working with children to help them learn and grow. I have a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. In addition to working at the school, I teach cardio fitness classes at the gym. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, working out, being outdoors and hiking.
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Michelle Bufmack

Paraprofessional

Bio Coming Soon
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Susan Calvert

Paraprofessional

Hello! My name is Susan Calvert and I am returning for my second year as a para educator. I have two children who also attend RMCA. I am originally from MD, however have lived in CO since 2016. In my free time you will most likely find me cheering on my kids whether it be baseball, basketball, or gymnastics. I also enjoy traveling with my family whenever possible. I am looking forward to another year working with the middle school. I can’t wait to see what this year has to offer.
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Diana Lopez

Paraprofessional

Bio Coming Soon
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Lekisha Nelson

Paraprofessional

Hello, my name is Lekisha Nelson. I was born in Bermuda and became an American citizen in 2017. This is my 5th year at RMCA. My husband and I have two children, a dog, and 5 chickens. I have an Associates in Business Administration and a Masters in Social Work. I love seeing students develop healthy coping skills in order to work through struggles to reach their full potential. I enjoy crafting, swimming, listening to music, and hiking.
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Kaylee Richardson

Paraprofessional

Hi! My name is Kaylee Richardson. This will be my 5th year working with elementary students and my 1st year at RMCA. My family just moved here from Nebraska and we are thrilled to be in Colorado! We love spending time outdoors, being in the mountains and hiking.
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Shauntel Ristine

Paraprofessional

Hello! I'm Shauntel Ristine. This is my 2nd year at RMCA and my first year as a Para educator. I have lived in Colorado for 6 years and I have 2 children who also attend RMCA. I have been married for 17 years. As a family we love to travel, hike, UTV riding, and go to the movies. In my own free time I enjoy reading, singing, and escape rooms. I'm excited to see what this school year brings!
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Nichole Basham

Interventionist

Bio coming soon
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Samantha Martinez

Interventionist

Bio Coming Soon
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Lexie Mitchell

Interventionist

I'm Lexie Villagrana, an interventionist teacher returning for my second year at RMCA. I'm passionate about helping every student feel seen, supported, and capable by meeting them where they are and guiding them forward with patience and purpose. Outside the classroom, I’m a proud mom, newlywed to my amazing husband, and love spending my time traveling and playing volleyball. Whether I’m planning a lesson or a weekend adventure, I bring energy, heart, and a love for growth into everything I do.
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Maria Ortiz

Interventionist

Bio Coming Soon
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Danielle Pieper

Interventionist

Hey there! I’m Danielle Pieper, and I’m thrilled to be stepping into a new adventure in Middle School after seven amazing years teaching first grade. Watching those little learners blossom into confident young adults has been amazing, and I can’t wait to support them as they continue to grow academically and personally. Outside the classroom, my family and I are passionate explorers! We love hitting the road to discover our National Parks—and we never pass up the chance to wander through a ghost town or two. I’m also a big fan of treasure hunting through thrift shops and antique stores, diving into genealogy, and getting creative with a paintbrush. Here’s to new beginnings and unforgettable journeys—both in and out of the classroom!
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Latoya Warner

Interventionist

Hello, I am Latoya Warner. I am a dedicated Literacy Interventionist currently in my fourth academic year, passionate about helping students grow into confident, capable readers. Originally from Georgia, I’ve called Colorado home for the past 15 years and have developed a deep appreciation for both mountain views and snow boots. Outside of work, I enjoy weight lifting, beach vacations (the ocean is my happy place), and spending time with my wonderful family. I’m married to an incredible husband, and we’re proud parents to a bright, curious middle schooler. We also share our home with Ocean, our adorably spoiled dog.

Gifted & Talented

RMCA's definition of a Gifted Student/Child:  A student/child between 4 and 21 whose aptitude or competence in abilities, talents, and potential for accomplishment in one or more domains are so exceptional or developmentally advanced that they require special provisions to meet educational programming needs.  Gifted students/children are hereafter referred to as gifted students.  Children under five who are gifted may also be provided with early childhood special educational services.  Gifted students include gifted students with disabilities (i.e. twice exceptional) and students with exceptional abilities or potential from all social-economic, ethnic and cultural populations.  Gifted students are capable of high performance, exceptional production, or exceptional learning behavior by virtue of any or a combination of these areas of giftedness:

 

  • General or specific intellectual ability

  • Specific academic aptitude

  • Creative or productive thinking

  • Leadership abilities

  • Visual arts, performing arts, musical or psychomotor abilities 

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​RMCA's Gifted Education Vision: All Gifted students will accomplish challenging post secondary work/force goals and become productive, creative citizens capable of succeeding in their area of strength.

 

​RMCA's Gifted Education Mission: Ensure gifted student growth and achievement through systems of support, programming and advocacy.

RMCA is dedicated to identifying and providing exceptional programming for gifted students. Schools throughout the district are committed to identifying those students who meet the district and state criteria of a “gifted learner.” Teachers work collaboratively with Gifted Specialists to develop Advanced Learning Plans for all our identified gifted students to ensure gifted children are challenged and experience academic growth throughout the year.

Gifted needs are addressed using a variety of instructional strategies and programming options. RMCA offers early access for highly gifted kindergarten and first grade students who do not meet the age requirements for enrollment. Elementary schools provide differentiated instruction through grouping, advanced learning opportunities, and after-school academic classes, clubs, and contests.

RMCA believes that parents are partners when it comes to meeting the needs of gifted learners. Parents and teachers work together to ensure children are not only challenged, but also valued for their unique abilities. The gifted education website is designed to provide parents of gifted learners support and resources as well as provide information on RMCA's gifted education and associated processes and procedures.

For information regarding Early Access please contact Jeanne Gallacci at jgallacci@rmcacs.org

 

For more information on Gifted and Talented through D49, click here.

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