Meet the Teachers

Field Day!

My name is Molly Peterson, and I have been part of the incredible Ryan community for 17 years. I could not be more grateful to be a Rhino! I spent the majority of my career teaching 4th and 5th grade before transitioning down to kindergarten. I absolutely love the magic and creativity that comes with teaching this age, and there is something extraordinarily special about helping students foster a love of learning as we adventure through their first year of elementary school together! I also enjoy getting to work with K-5 students through Rhino TV club.

I earned my Bachelor's Degree from the University of Colorado in 2010 in Elementary Education and Psychology and completed my Master's degree in 2014 in Educational Equity & Cultural Diversity. Go Buffs! Learning is my passion, and I am constantly seeking new paths to grow as a person and teacher. I also currently serve as a member of the BVSD Early Childhood Teacher Advisory Committee!

Born and raised in Boulder, Colorado, I am a lover of the great outdoors. Hiking, camping, and skiing are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy the beauty of our state. I love spending time with my family, my husband (Blake), son (Brooks), daughter (Briar), and my sweet pups (Olive & Fig)! In the summers, you will find us riding our bikes along the Coal Creek Trail and enjoying coffee at all of our favorite local spots! Traveling is another one of my favorite hobbies; my adventures in Thailand, Morocco, Egypt, Greece, Croatia, Amsterdam, Italy, and Turkey top the list! 

I am looking forward to a great year!

Email: molly.peterson@bvsd.org

Phone: 720-561-7013

Hi! I’m Amber Lewandowski, and I absolutely LOVE, love, LOVE spending my days in kindergarten! There is nothing quite like the excitement, joy, honesty, and heart that kindergartners bring to their learning and play. This special age is filled with curiosity, big feelings, and even bigger growth — and I feel so lucky to be part of it. Encouraging young learners, nurturing their developing skills, and fostering kindness in every interaction is truly my passion.

I have been teaching at Ryan Elementary School since 2010 and feel so grateful to be part of the Rhino community! Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of teaching and learning in many meaningful settings, including serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Barrouallie, St. Vincent, West Indies, working in Vlore, Albania, and at the Kamenjak Bosnian Refugee Camp in Pula, Croatia. I also taught at Angevine Middle School and worked with the I Have a Dream Foundation supporting students and families.

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, along with endorsements in Early Childhood Education, Psychology, and Elementary Education from Gonzaga University. I also hold a Master’s Degree in Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity from University of Colorado Boulder.

When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll find me spending time with my wonderful family. My husband, Brian, and our children — Sophie (a freshman at Saint Mary's College), Noah (a sophomore at Centaurus), and Beckett (a 6th grader at Angevine) — have all helped with countless kindergarten projects over the years! Our evenings are often filled with sports and music events, but we always try to make time for family game nights and outdoor adventures with our pups, Phoebe and Louis.

I am so excited for this school year and can’t wait to learn, grow, and make wonderful memories with our little Rhinos! 💛

Email: amber.lewandowski@bvsd.org

Phone: 720-561-7038

Hi! I am Sydney Jessup and I am thrilled to begin my first year of teaching in kindergarten at Ryan Elementary. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Colorado Boulder, along with an endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education. Over the past two years, Ryan has become a place that truly feels like home. I completed my practicum in kindergarten and my student teaching in third grade here at Ryan, and these experiences have deepened my passion for creating a joyful, engaging, and supportive classroom community.

My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and loved. I strive to create a classroom where every student knows they have a second home; a place where they belong, are celebrated for who they are, and are encouraged to grow both academically and personally.

Outside of the classroom, I love spending time at the beach back home in California, being outside with friends and family, and traveling the world, embracing new cultures, experiences, and perspectives. These adventures inspire my teaching and help me bring curiosity, wonder, and a global mindset into the classroom.

I could not be more excited to return to Ryan for a third year. There is no better place to begin my teaching career than in a community that has already given me so much support, connection, and joy. I look forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to make this a wonderful year of learning and growth.

Go Rhinos 🦏💜

Email: Sydney.jessup@bvsd.org

Phone: