Meet Our Team

Rachel Nielsen, Kindergarten

Rachel has a lifelong love for Waldorf education which began when she attended a Waldorf preschool as a toddler. Since earning her MEd in Waldorf Early Childhood Education, Rachel has been a Waldorf early childhood teacher in the Front Range for 15 years, which brings her great joy. In her free time Rachel enjoys knitting, needle felting, working on a giant fairy tree in her front yard, and spending time with her husband and eight cats.

Madi Wixson, Grade 1

As a Colorado native, I spent my childhood exploring the great outdoors of my backyard and the various wonders nature offered. I am a jack-of-all trades, loving everything to do with creating. I have written stories, painted elaborate pictures, and drawn and sung for as long as I can remember. The freedom and joy that comes from creativity still fuels my life, which is why I love teaching. I received my degree in Human Development and Family Studies and my master's in Education and have been teaching for over 8 years.

Jessica Wolfe, Grade 2

Jessica was born and raised right here in beautiful Fort Collins. She has taught grades K-4 for the past 17 years and believes strongly in the magic of music, movement and art in learning and feels incredibly blessed to be a part of Mountain Sage. During her free time, Jessica enjoys reading, playing the piano, photography and being out in nature with her family!

Annie Addington, Grade 3

Annie grew up in Eagle, Colorado, and has taught students from pre-k through 12th grade. She feels deep gratitude to be journeying through the grades alongside her class. Annie loves running, and her two sons and husband enjoy skiing, hiking, tennis and family basketball games in their free time.

Briton Glaser, Grade 3

I first taught secondary language arts, drama, and world mythology for 13 years, taking breaks during the first years of my two children's lives. Afterward, I spent the next 8 years in early childhood education, focusing on pre-literacy skills and gaining extensive training in ADHD and the autism spectrum. I have a BA in literature and sociology and a Masters Level Certificate in Instruction and Curriculum. I was previously the in house substitute at MSCS and am thrilled to be taking your children through their elementary school journey!

Kaye Hokamp, Grade 4

Kaye is excited to continue with their class at Mountain Sage. Kaye is trained as an entomologist and has a life-long appreciation for the natural world. After working with butterflies for many years, Kaye decided to focus on teaching and has taught in classrooms from early childhood through college. In their free time, Kaye knits, sews, paints, plays clarinet and other instruments, and spends time with their large family and many animal friends.

Gail Spinden, Grade 5

Gail is a Colorado native with over 30 years teaching experience all here in Fort Collins, she was a Tongass National Forest and Rocky Mountain National Park Ranger, and has been recognized in Who's Who Among American Teachers. Gail offers a caring classroom where students are empowered to assume responsibility for themselves and their learning. Her greatest joy as a teacher is to guide students so they will feel valued for their unique learning styles.

Dan Van Horn, Grade 7

Mr. Van Horn holds Waldorf Teacher Certification from the Center for Anthroposophy through Antioch University of New England and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Dayton. His teaching philosophy is rooted in the inherent wisdom of the children he teaches and sustained by his own curiosity and continued self development. When Dan isn't teaching he enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with his wife Carrie and dog Ella in their tiny home outside of Fort Collins.

Mikaela Axman, Grade 8

Mikaela grew up outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a B.A. in English, where she is grateful to have worked on their Student Farm, and for their Outdoor Adventures program, which led her to discover her love for teaching. Since graduation, she has spent time as a Middle School English Language Arts teacher in Philadelphia. She is so excited to have recently moved to Fort Collins and to join a Waldorf-inspired learning community. When not in the classroom, Mikaela loves to practice and teach Yoga, and spend time in nature with her partner and dog.

Jody Swigris-Winner, Grade 8

Jody has been involved with Mountain Sage since the beginning. After being on the founding board of directors for 3 years, she became the schools gardening and sustainability teacher and then the middle school math teacher. For the 2022-2023 school year, she is excited to step into the role of middle school grades teacher. Jody feels blessed that she, as well as her children Eli and Hannah, is at such an amazing school.

Carlie Pointer, In-House Guest Teacher

Carlie is one of the founding families of Mountain Sage Community School. Her sons went through MSCS and now are teens in college and high school. Many years back, she was a German teacher at River Song Waldorf School for 7 years and recently carried a class from grades 1-5 at MSCS. She is a mom of 2, and also a stepmom of 2, and grandparent of 3. She loves her family and supporting them in any way she can. Carlie is certified in Restorative Justice facilitation and leadership from the University of San Diego's Center of Restorative Justice. Carlie loves spending time with her family and astronomy, time outdoors, and creating anything fun!

Mikayla Warrick, In-House Guest Teacher

My name is Ms. Mikayla! I’ve been a teacher for a couple of years and I’m now working as a sub here at Mountain Sage while I get my Masters at CSU. In my free time, I love reading, painting, and thrifting for hidden finds.

Special Subjects Teachers and Assistants

Deanna Mae, Performing Arts Teacher

Bio and photo coming soon!

Michael Ludolph, Games/Physical Education Teacher

Michael grew up in Northern Wisconsin, but has resided in Colorado for over five years. He received an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Northern Michigan University, and completed his Post Baccalaureate teaching degree at the University of Northern Colorado. He loves teaching and sharing his knowledge of physical education, while making a lasting impact on his students. He also shares a love and passion for music and coaching. In his spare time, Michael enjoys backpacking, hiking, snowboarding, and anything that involves travel and adventure! Michael is excited to be part of the Mountain Sage community where he can share his passion for movement with students.

Kelli Buhrdorf, Gardening and Sustainability Teacher

Kelli grew up on the Western Slope of CO, and has settled in Fort Collins with her 5-year-old son. She is currently studying Apparel Design with a concentration in Sustainability, but aims to earn her teaching license, specializing in Waldorf Education. She is passionate about helping children discover their unique gifts through the current of curiosity, art, nature, and holistic life practices. She believes that as a teacher, you are also just a much a student – being in a reciprocal relationship of expansion and wonder. She has also studied (and continues to study) yoga, cyclical living, and herbalism. She enjoys reading, designing with natural fibers, gardening, photography, and spending time in Mother Nature with the people she loves.

Laura Anderson, Handwork Lead and Practical Arts Teacher

Originally from the south suburbs of Chicago, Laura studied Art at Illinois State University before taking time off to travel and sell her handmade clothing. She started a knitting pattern design business in 2014, which allows people from all over the world to knit her designs. She enjoys gardening, knitting, playing/learning guitar, ukulele, and mandolin, concerts with her family and raising her four daughters.

Kate Bechtold, Handwork Assistant

Kate comes to Mountain Sage from Minnesota, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Education and taught preschool for three years at a nature-based preschool. Kate loves riding her bike, taking dips in the Poudre, tending her garden, and creating through art and food!

Holly Bandong, Middle School Art and Librarian

Holly has an undergraduate degree in Art Education from Colorado State University and holds a Colorado teaching license. Holly is also a Holistic Health Practitioner and enjoys bringing creativity into her mindfulness practice. She recently earned her Yoga Teacher certification and serves the school community as the librarian.

Myles Roberts, Music Teacher

Myles Roberts started playing the flute at the age of 12, and has since won numerous National and International Competitions. He is an avid performer, and enjoys sharing all this knowledge through teaching. Myles is currently in the final phase of his Doctoral Degree at UNCO.

Kirsten Bolton, Spanish Grades 4-8

Kirsten has worked as an educator in Colorado, Oaxaca, Mexico and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador before becoming a founding teacher at Mountain Sage, where she strives to honor the complexity and uniqueness in each of her students. Her experience has come full circle as she now takes Mountain Sage middle school students on international trips to Spanish speaking countries. Kirsten has received Waldorf training at the Rudolph Steiner College in Fair Oaks, CA and El Centro de Desarollo Antroposófico in Morelos, Mexico. She enjoys photography, yoga, and exploring the Americas with her daughter.

Student Support

Anna Murphy, Integrated Services Teacher

Anna is a Colorado native who has spent her life in the field of education. She started out as a sign language interpreter where she discovered her love of working with students with disabilities. At Mountain Sage, Anna has served as the Integrated Services teacher for many years. She loves spending time on the water with her husband, her four children, and three grandchildren.

Izze Babb, Integrated Services Teacher

Izze got a degree in Special Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. They moved to Colorado in August of 2021. They are a painter, gardener, and paddleboards as often as they can. Their teaching philosophy is all about helping students discover what makes them confident in their abilities.

Caitlin Nase, Integrated Services Paraprofessional

Caitlin Nase has been in Fort Collins for 16 years. Her eclectic career path has led her to the beautiful community, and school, that is Mountain Sage. Cait's hobbies are reading sci-fi/fantasy books, doing fiber crafts, and bowling. She loves exploring the outdoors while paddle boarding, hiking, or biking. Cait makes sure that she takes some time out of her day to ground herself, look up at the sky, and give thanks to mother nature.

Alice Lundberg, Math Interventionist

Alice was born and raised in Berthoud Colorado before recently moving to Fort Collins. She has a Bachelors degree in Computer Science with minors in Mathematics and Physics. During the pandemic, Alice discovered her passion for education and supporting students. She firmly believes that every student can learn and grow and strives to help each student achieve their goals. During her free time, Alice enjoys writing, reading, anime, and video games.

Jennifer McKinley, Literacy Interventionist

Jennifer has been an educator for over 10 years and has spent more than 5 years in Waldorf-inspired education. She is enjoying learning more about the Waldorf life and supporting student education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Teaching. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, listening to music, attending concerts, and spending time with her 3 children.

Megan Nelson, 504 Coordinator

Megan is very excited to be a part of the MSCS community. This will be her 10th year teaching. She has a Master's in Special Education and also has her Educational Specialist Degree. She has lived in Colorado for 11 years and is outside any chance she gets. She has two young boys that also love the outdoors. When she is not teaching she is hiking, skiing, swimming, biking and much more. She also loves to travel.

Beth Roberts, Social Worker

Mrs. R moved to Colorado from Illinois with her family in 2018 and they enjoy exploring the outdoors and mountains. They have two puppies that keep them entertained! Mrs. R has her Masters degree in social work from University of Illinois at Chicago. She has worked in schools grades k-12 in both Illinois and Colorado.

Sara Thompson, Behavior Specialist

Mrs. Thompson has her B.A. in psychology and her M.A. in Special Education - Generalist.
She has a background working in special education and previously worked with students with significant social emotional disabilities for 17 years. She enjoys helping students learn to advocate for themselves, learn new skills, and find ways to connect with others. In her free time, Mrs. Thompson loves to garden, cook, camp, and spend time with her two sons, Walker and Torsten, her husband, Brian, and two cats, Gordon and Dyer. She enjoys fostering kittens during the summer as well.

Sage Mikkelsen, General Education Paraprofessional

Sage Mikkelsen graduated with a Master’s in Multicultural Women’s and Gender Studies. She is excited to be back at Mountain Sage for her second year as a para. Outside of being a para, Sage is a freelance researcher and domestic violence advocate who enjoys reading and hiking.

Sarah Rettig, General Education Paraprofessional

Being born and raised in Japan, I always found the relationship between nature and community a sacred, beautiful thing us humans have. I moved to Colorado to peruse a degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Intervention and Prevention Sciences. I am a life long learner passionate about creating a space where students can develop curiosity, enthusiasm for learning and emotional growth. In my free time I’m working with fiber arts, painting, and scavenging for vintage finds!

Annie Smith, General Education and IS Paraprofessional

Bio and photo coming soon!

Sher Terry, General Education Paraprofessional

Bio and photo coming soon!

Tiffany Welke, General Education Paraprofessional

I am a Colorado native who resided in Denver. I moved to Fort Collins for my college career in Human Development and Family Studies. What I love about Fort Collins is the community in which we thrive. Incorporating the world into our education expands our understanding of ourselves and of others, students and teachers alike. My first experience in teaching was with AmeriCorps as a Student Success Coach and that helped solidify what I wanted to do. Listening along the river and the rain is my source of calm. When it’s dry outside, I can get too sunburnt riding my bike and with my husband Antonio, we enjoy the local drive-in!

Facilities

Jeff Highter, Facilities Manager

Jeff Highter, I am excited to join the Mountain Sage Community. I am a Colorado transplant of over thirty years, originally from Albany, New York and an outdoor enthusiast , having spent last 29 years in Minturn Colorado. My wife, Becky, and I recently moved to the great city of Fort Collins to be nearer to our son, Ethan. When not fixing things, I enjoy biking, kayaking, hiking, martial arts, skiing, and walking our lab/mastiff dog, Ember.

Administration

Sarah Cooper, Front Office and Volunteer Coordinator

Sarah is thrilled to be a part of the team at Mountain Sage. She holds a BA in Ethnic Studies and has a long history of working with children and families in a customer service capacity. Sarah enjoys connecting people with resources and cultivating community. In her free time you can find Sarah hiking and gardening with her family, or reading a good book! She is passionate about social justice, sustainability, and children's literature. 

Theresa Hart, Health Technician

I am thrilled to be the health technician here at Mountain Sage.  I have been in the medical world for over 20 years and hold a BA in both psychology and administration of justice as well as a AS in nursing.   My husband, Gabe, and myself have two fabulous fur babies – Beatrice and Brother.  Beatrice is our rescue, and Brother is our VERY large chocolate lab.  They are the epitome of spoiled.  We live up by Horsetooth Reservoir in a log cabin with LOTS of yard work.  Outside of work we enjoy taking the pups camping and for “walkies”, reading a good book and spending time with family and friends.  I feel very blessed to be a part of this school community and family.

Jenna Martin, Educational Director

Jenna was born in California, but soon moved to the East Coast. While growing up there for most of her life, she always felt a pull to return to the West. She has been living in Colorado now for over 6 years. She has 3 beautiful children, a loving partner, and an adorable leopard gecko. While she and her family enjoy time at home relaxing, they also love to go explore and bask in the beautiful land around them. Jenna has been a teacher for 15 years and has always had a connection to children and youth. She loves learning alongside them and helping them develop their passions and potential. She has a bachelor's from Longwood University and a Master's in Education from Old Dominion University. Jenna is ecstatic about the Educational Director role and is ready to now work alongside MSCS staff and faculty to create an experience designed around learning.

Hillary Mizia, Communications and Operations Specialist

Hillary joined the Mountain Sage community in 2012 as a founder, before the doors had even opened. In 2020 she left her longstanding role on the board to join the administrative staff, bringing with her decades of experience as a communicator, facilitator, and sustainability leader, and years of working with nonprofit organizations. Hillary holds an MA in Environment and Community, and a BA in Experiential Education. She and her husband are the proud parents of two MSCS graduates.

Amanda Reid, Administrative Coordinator

Amanda is a Colorado native born in Fort Collins, although she's lived all across the state. She's been working on her college education, part time, since my son was born. She has two dogs, three cats, and a 30-gallon fish tank. She loves animals so much I’ve been plant based since 2016! Amanda spends a lot of time doing things with her son like camping, soccer, swim lessons and more. With the little free time she has, she loves to paint, play ukulele, and especially tend to her flower and produce garden. Becoming part of a team that holds the same values as Amanda is an absolute dream come true.

Nancy Sexton, Registrar and Purchasing Coordinator

Nancy is a trained and experienced Waldorf teacher. She helped found 2 independent Waldorf schools in NY state and Mountain Sage. She has been a Waldorf teacher or administrator since 1997. Nancy started the year in the classroom, teaching the amazing 5th grade curriculum, and has now returned to an administrative role. 

Melissa Standard, HR & Business Administrator

Hello! Let’s see…a little about me. I have a deep-rooted passion for furry four-legged companions (the bigger the better) and I’m very dedicated to my 21-year-old daughter and 17-year-old son. Over the past 25 years, my HR/business career has led me to other cities and states, but ultimately, I ended up returning to Northern Colorado where I spent my youth. Ft. Collins is a tough place to beat! When not immersed in work, you'll find me pursuing my favorite hobbies, getting outside to enjoy our 300+ days of sunshine, or enjoying quality time with my loved ones and my beloved canine companions.

Jacob Tucker, School Food Coordinator and Afternoon Receptionist

Jacob was born and raised in Northern California and studied English at Humboldt State University. In 2021, he and his family moved to Fort Collins in large part so his children could attend Mountain Sage, to ensure they could continue their Waldorf inspired education. Jacob is an accomplished home cook who finds joy in making delicious food for family and friends. He is a collector of books, records, and nerdy collectables, as well as an avid puzzler, and board and video gamer. Jacob is excited to nourish both stomachs and relationships in his position as School Food Coordinator.

Bryan Kimbell, President

Bryan has participated on a number of advisory boards for startups and community organizations. Bryan has a B.A. in Communication from the University of Arizona, and an M.S. in Management from the University of Denver. He and his wife have twin boys currently attending Mountain Sage.

Troy Wixson, Secretary

Troy Wixson is a statistician that develops methods with applications in climate and biomedicine. He was raised in New Hampshire and moved to Colorado in 2013 to work on hiking trails, in human services nonprofits, and as a high school teacher. He loves outdoor adventures, board games, good conversations, and reading with his son

Mark Guttropf

Mark is a Colorado native with over 7 years of board experience between hockey organizations, non-profits, and FinTechs. An avid traveler, foodie, dad of 2, and soon to be hand knitter.

Lica Mazzetto

Lica Mazzetto, a Brazilian, initially came to the USA with her husband to attend UCLA. Their desire for nature and a sense of community led her family of four to Fort Collins in the summer of 2022. Having the time to watch her kids grow and develop into individuals has been an incredible experience.

MacKenzie Mushel

In 2006, MacKenzie left Wisconsin and moved to Colorado. She has taught in K-12 schools for over 17 years and has a passion for teaching and learning. MacKenzie holds a B.S. in Physical Education, Adaptive Physical, and Health Teaching, as well as, a M.A. in Dance Pedagogy. She loves biking, hiking, camping, dancing, skiing, music, yoga and spending copious amounts of time outdoors. Currently, she is a work at home parent and homeschool teacher for her two young children; one is a first grader in the MSCS homeschool enrichment Forest School program. MacKenzie is eager to serve the MSCS community!