Kirsten Southern

I am so EXTREMELY EXCITED to start our fifth year at FORD as the Physical Education Teacher! Fun fact - the day I found out I was going to be a Ford Fox (2021) there was a fox in my front yard, how cool is that?!?! 🦊

I am excited to elaborate on my professional background. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Elementary Education from the University of Colorado, Boulder - GO BUFFS,  I was even a cheerleader there!  It was a thrill, as an athlete, to be a part of a Division ONE program!!  I also competed at the National level as a BUFF and traveled with the team to many adventures as the "Away Team" or to Bowl Games!

I also have my Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  I have been in Education for 17+ years.  I started my teaching career in Douglas County School District, teaching 3rd and 5th grade. I also spent three years as a Gifted and Talented Facilitator.  Then I was extremely blessed with the opportunity to open FORD back in 2021 as the Rigor and Egagement Specialist. Before becoming a “grown up teacher” I spent my summers and off-time working and volunteering in schools, starting at about age 12.  I have always had a great passion for being with students and learning from them, as we are all teachers and learners!  

Personally, I have a lot of fun things to share!  I currently live in Littleton.  My husband's name is Robbie and he is a Denver Police Officer.  I have two daughters, Ellie who will be in seventh grade at Euclid and Sadie, who will be a second grader, here at FORD!  Our fur-baby's name is Daisy and she is thirteen years old!  My family is the most important thing to me and I love spending time with them!  

A fun family-fact is that my dad grew up just across the field/playground from Ames Elementary (now Dr. Justina Ford Elementary) and attended his elementary years there!!  You can see my grandparent’s former  backyard from my our learning space and out many of the windows at FORD.  What an incredible view both looking in and out of our beautiful and miraculous building! 

I am a Disney girl through and through!  I love all things Disney and all of our vacations to both Disneyland and Disney World are some of my most cherished  memories!  I love being outside and soaking up Colorado's beautiful sunshine!  I love hiking, biking, paddle-boarding, fishing, traveling, and exploring new places and things to do!  I adore laughing and being silly.  Anytime with my family is my all-time favorite!  When I am not with family and friends, I love shopping and going out to eat and trying new resturants! 

I am beyond excited to be the Physical Education teacher at FORD. I am so excited to make wonderful memories and learn grow together!

 🦊GO, FOXES!!! 

“Good values are like a magnet – they attract good people.” - Coach John Wooden