Hello Dr. Justina Ford Elementary community! I’m absolutely thrilled to join this fantastic team for my 10th year of teaching—yes, that’s a decade of classroom adventures and student shenanigans!

A Bit About Me:

I grew up in Centennial, Colorado, where I was the “oldest and wisest” of three siblings. My journey started at Franklin Elementary, where I first met Bryan Nelson, my now husband. We graduated from Arapahoe High School in 2010, and I somehow convinced him to marry me in June 2013. We’ve since expanded our family with two energetic boys, James and Griffin, and a charming little girl, Aidyn. Our household is like a zoo with two dogs and two cats thrown into the mix—definitely never a dull moment!

Weekend Warriors:

When we’re not juggling kids, pets, and the occasional bout of chaos, we love exploring our stunning state of Colorado and hanging out with friends and family. And yes, Friday night is sacred in our house—it’s all about Family Movie Night, complete with popcorn, pajamas, and possibly a few epic pillow fights.

My Education Journey:

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, in December 2014. My student teaching took me back to Franklin Elementary, where I had the privilege of working with Ms. Carroll and 5th graders. My teaching career kicked off in Douglas County Schools as a 5th-grade teacher. After a few exciting years, I returned to Franklin Elementary, where I taught 4th grade for five wonderful years. Now, I’m overjoyed to bring my passion and enthusiasm to Dr. Justina Ford Elementary!

Teaching Philosophy:

My mission as a teacher is to ignite students’ passions and make learning an adventure. I love connecting lessons to real-world experiences and encouraging students to become explorers, risk-takers, leaders, and all-around awesome people.

Can’t wait to meet all of you and embark on this new adventure together!