Kirsten Southern

 I am so excited to be the Rigor and Engagement Specialist at FORD this year! The day I found out I was going to be a Ford Fox 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 also have my Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  I have been in education for 15+ 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.  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 is in fifth grade and Sadie, who is six and is in kindergarten!  Our fur-baby's name is Daisy and she is eleven 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 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! 

I can’t wait to continue to get to know the FORD community!   I am so excited to make wonderful memories and learn together!

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