Teachers

Ms. Natalie Sprigg--Math

My name is Natalie Sprigg and I am excited to be returning for my 7th/15th year at MRMS!   I've had an adventure of a career, teaching at RVMS, opening MRMS in 2001, working here 8 years, working as a project manager for Scantron, teaching at MVHS for 3 years, working as an instructional coach in APS for three years, and working as a trainer and programmer with Kaiser Permanente.  I returned to MRMS in the fall of 2018 and it's amazing to be back "home."  

Outside of school I love reading, cooking, baking, hiking and volunteering.  I enjoy music of all genres and would love to see more concerts live if they didn't cost so much.  I especially love playing games and enjoying "Game Night" with my friends and family.  I have no children, but have been partnering with a Pet Rescue to foster cats and kittens over the last 18 months, and adopted an adventure cat two summers ago whom I love spending time with!

I admit, and own, the fact that I am a numbers nerd.  I was never cool growing up and am totally ok with that.  Math was not easy for me and I really struggled to do well.  I use that knowledge and experience in my own classroom every day.  At the same time, I love math and the fascinating interactions between numbers, and shapes and patterns and how math works the way it does.  I hope that you'll enjoy that enthusiasm and will join me in being an occasional "numbers nerd."

I love the students at MRMS and the positive energy they bring each day. I am confident this is going to be a wonderful year together!

You can reach me at nsprigg@dcsdk12.org.

I have migrated to using Google Classroom for the majority of assignments and resources as well as announcements and reminders.  However, I do still have a website, perfect for summer review and a little more information about me.

Google Classroom Codes:

Period 1:  qduddtp

Period 4:  vameqpg

Period 5:  7hbrypl

Period 6: y74tmka

Period 7: ai32b7m

Amazon class wishlist: HERE

Mr. Jeff Miller--Science

After 20 years in sales, marketing, and manufacturing, I started my teaching career at a private school in GA teaching 5th grade science and 6th grade math and science. After a year, I moved to 8th grade science at a public middle school around the corner. During my eleven year stay in middle school, I was the head first responder, one of three head coaches of a nationally ranked Science Olympiad team, and a high school track coach.  I then moved to a nearby high school to teach engineering and coach track. After a year, my wife had the opportunity of a lifetime to work for KYGO and KOSI and here we are in CO.  This is my 5th year at Mountain Ridge and I look forward to a great year with the students.

I grew up in Ohio and went to Ohio University where I earned a bachelors degree in electrical engineering and met my wife. We have been married for 37 years and we have 2 kids, 1 granddaughter, and a grandson due in November.

You can access my website here 

You can reach me at jmiller4@dcsdk12.org.

Google Classroom Codes:,

1st         bzjlbqr 

Advisement     

4th                  v7i2izx 

5th                  2wuqhxa 

6th                  g4xtuwg 

7th jjf27b6 

Amazon class wishlist: Here

Mr. Mark Elliot- Social Studies

I love the adventure and discovery of learning, whether from an experiential perspective or from the journeys of others; that's why history and the story of mankind is so exciting for me. I am entering my 9th year at Mountain Ridge and feel blessed to be here. I have taught 22 years in total, in Science, STEM, and Social Studies, exclusively in middle school. Maybe someday I'll graduate from 8th grade! :<) I've been married for 39 years to my lovely bride, have 4 grown children, and an assortment of pets. I have lived in Mexico, Argentina, Canada, and gained tremendous perspective from the experience. I love the outdoors, especially hiking, skiing (heck, we're in Colorado!), coaching football, baseball , wrestling, track, and theatre, reading, movies, and time with my family.  I received my Bachelor of Science degree from CSU (class of 1983, whew!), and received my professional teaching credentials from UNC. I also continue with my professional growth through Colorado School of Mines and many other avenues. I am a very curious and driven learner and hope to motivate my students that way as well. I am very excited for an amazing year of discovery and growing together!

My contact email is mwelliot@dcsdk12.org 

My website is linked here.

Google Classroom Codes:

Period 1: m2zm4fh

Period 2: vwyshjy

Period 3: us2utak

Advisement:mdabdxl

Period 4: 36mnxmn

Access: rwt4zqz

Period 5: 2d6lc4n

Mrs. Michele Ahrens--Integrated Wellness (PE/Health)

Twenty-eight years teaching middle school--24 of them in Douglas County--and I still love what I do! I’m so lucky to be part of the Mountain Ridge family.

Physical Fitness and sports have always been an integral part of my life.  From playing to coaching, the desire to be active and involved is what drives me on a daily basis.  I believe life is about balance, and my goal is to help students find balance in their lives through life-long wellness (physical, social, and emotional). I want students to experience the benefits of an active lifestyle and healthy eating, as well as learn what it means to be a good person, friend, and teammate.

Family is core to who I am.  My husband, Nick, teaches 8th-grade math at Cimarron MS. We have two amazing daughters: Kayla (24) and Breanna (22).  Kayla has a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines.  She works as a Scientist/Engineer for a Life Sciences Company outside of Boston.  Bre recently graduated from The University of Colorado at Denver with a double major--chemistry and biochemistry.  This Fall semester she begins her graduate work in Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.  We also have an adorable 1 1/2 year-old fox red lab named Echo.  She is still a crazy puppy who loves water, taking walks in the Aurora Reservoir, and hiking in the mountains.

My passions outside of school include hiking, camping, paddleboarding, kayaking, biking, traveling, walking my dog, snowshoeing--basically anything outdoors.

Please visit my Website for class information.

My contact email is maahrens@dcsdk12.org.

Amanda Windholz--Literacy Specialist/GT coordinator

Teaching is truly my passion and I am so excited to be a part of 8 Teal this year.   I love running, reading, and spending time with my family.  I am the literacy specialist and GT coordinator and will be co-teaching a few classes with Ms. Sprafke this year.  I opened Mountain Ridge and began my career as a 7th grade language arts teacher.  

I can’t think of a better place to teach or a better place for my children to attend school.  I look forward to a wonderful year and can’t wait to see all that we accomplish together! 

James Lonergan MEd--Learning Specialist

I am very excited to be part of the 8th grade Teal team and the MVMS family.   I regularly hike, paddle, and of course spend time with my family.  I will be co-teaching a few classes with Ms. Sprafke and Sprigg this year as well as supporting the whole 8 Teal team and running a Resource class.  I believe that supporting students is truly an individual concept and in order to do this we must know and gain trust from students.  

I look forward to the upcoming school year and working with your students.

jlonergan@dcsdk12.org