Mrs. Popham  |  5th grade  |  Ascent Classical Academy of Northern Colorado

Part of the third generation of my family to live in Northern Colorado, I was born and raised in Phoenix until high school. At that point we returned to the foothills to be nearer to family. Moving to Colorado opened my eyes to a whole new world of wonder. Although there is great beauty in the rich colors of the desert and the unchanging seasons, I now am priveledged to experience the dynamicism of Colorado skies and sunsets over the Rockies, spring rains and a myriad of trees. Although I have had opportunity to visit many intriguing places in this lifetime, Colorado has shown itself to be a beacon of natural beauty which never ceases to amaze me. My worldview as an artist who is drawn to the natural beauty and discoveries all around me first attracted me to Classical education. I believe that Classical education is human education. Throughout time and space, our ancestors told stories and used art, discovery, and inquiry to interact with the world around them and teach their children. I have seen that these ways of education are true, beautiful, valuable and good. I am drawn to Classical education through my desire to never stop seeking wonder, and I greatly enjoy sharing this curiosity with my students.

I am married and have two children, with whom I spend much of my time outside of school. In recent years I had the opportunity to complete two major bucket list items: painting a piano in downtown Fort Collins and hiking El Camino de Santiago in Spain. I am a prolific reader and especially enjoy fantasy and some science fiction. Two fictional books stand out as having most shaped my outlook on life. are Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis, and Bless Me, Última by Rudolfo Anaya. I am eager and honored to part of your child’s educational journey, and I hope that you reach out to me so we can converse throughout the year.