Meet Our Teachers

Rikki Van Pelt graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Teaching English as a Second Language. She received a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix and was later awarded her National Board Teacher Certification in Middle Childhood Generalist.

She spent 12 years teaching in public schools and has experience with a variety of grade levels and subjects. Rikki holds a current Colorado State Teaching License,

Rikki and her family moved to Colorado five years ago and enjoy all the outdoor activities the state has to offer, including skiing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and traveling together.

Audrey Rogers comes to Spruce Mountain Academy with a Bachelor’s in Mineral Engineering from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. She studied abroad in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and enjoyed seven years of mining experience both above and underground before choosing to focus on raising her four children.

Children have become her passion, and she helped co-found Spruce Mountain Enrichment Academy for both her own children and the broader community, because she loves seeing kids find joy in learning. She is inspired to be part of something that supports and strengthens the community as a whole.

Audrey plans to use her formal education, 15 years of experience as a business owner, and 5 years of homeschooling to contribute to Spruce Mountain Enrichment Academy both as Operations Manager and classroom teacher. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, gardening, sewing, and reading.

Shannon Schossow comes to Spruce Mountain Academy with a passion for helping children learn and grow. She graduated from Ottawa University with a degree in Elementary Education and currently holds a Colorado State Teaching License. She taught special education before deciding to homeschool her five children.

Shannon has taught at various homeschool enrichment programs and works as an Intensive Reading tutor. She is honored to be part of the team at SMCA! In her free time, you’ll find her reading or spending time at the barn with her farm animals.

Mr. Parker graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a passion for making the study of history engaging and enjoyable for students. He later earned a Master’s degree from Pacific Christian College (now Hope International University), where he developed his interest in leadership and education.

He has over eight years of teaching experience—four years in public and private schools as an Alternative Education Coordinator, and four years in private education. Before moving to Colorado, Mr. Parker served at Calvary Chapel Christian School in Costa Mesa, California, where he taught 11th-grade History, 9th-grade Leadership, and other related courses.

In the spring of 2023, Mr. Parker and his family relocated to Colorado, where he is excited to serve and invest in the local community. He is passionate about education and looks forward to working with the SMEA staff and families to help students develop curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Jake Van Pelt has a passion for working with youth and helping them grow through hands-on learning and adventure. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Commercial Aviation with a minor in Recreation Management from Central Washington University. Jake currently flies for Southwest Airlines but has also dedicated time to mentoring young people as a camp counselor and youth leader.

Jake enjoys outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, traveling, and snowboarding. He looks forward to bringing his enthusiasm and leadership to his role as teacher and recreational director at Spruce Mountain Academy.

Becky Loyd joins Spruce Mountain EAcademy excited to be part of a program rooted in community and a love of learning.

She spent several years in medical management before transitioning to family life once her children were born. She has enjoyed a decade of homeschooling her own children and has been involved in several enrichment programs before coming to Spruce Mountain.

Becky believes a classroom is a place where curiosity is valued, kindness is abundant, and laughter is encouraged. She looks forward to watching students discover their strengths and develop a lifelong passion for learning.

Outside of school, she enjoys traveling to new places, gardening, camping, and diving into a good book

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