Ms. Nygard grew up in the small town of Grafton, North Dakota. After high school she attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Ms. Nygard graduated from UND with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.

Prior to coming to CCA in 2007, Ms. Nygard taught kindergarten and third grade at private schools in the Denver area.

Mrs. Nygard believes that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It is her desire as a educator to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas. There are three elements that she believes are conducive to establishing such an environment, (1) the teacher acting as a guide, (2) allowing the child's natural curiosity to direct his/her learning, and (3) promoting respect for all things and all people.