Melinda Beaumont

Hello, my name is Melinda Beaumont.  This is my 2nd year teaching at Options and my 9th year teaching elementary and middle schoolers.  I have also worked at Science Matters for the past 3 years.  I teach in their after school science program and I have written all of the curriculum for their Denver and Colorado Springs branches for the past 2 years.  I have a BA from the University of Denver in Psychology and Education and a Teaching Certification in Elementary Ed from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Education.  In my free time, I’m also an avid martial artist.  I travel nationally to compete in Karate, Taekwondo, and Jiu-jitsu.  I currently hold the state title in both divisions for Taekwondo, and recently finished 3rd at the state championships for Jiu-jitsu, 2nd at Nationals in both Taekwondo and Karate, and 2rd at the World Championships for Karate.  I hold 2nd degree black belts in American Freestyle Karate and WTF Taekwondo.  I also train heavily in jiu-jitsu, judo, hapkido, and kickboxing. I look forward to sharing my experience and passion for science, math, and karate with your child(ren) and expect this to be an awesome year!

Shelly Erickson

I am thrilled to be joining the Options program.  I grew up in Elizabeth, Colorado and went to college at Western State in Gunnison.  At Western I earned my degree in Elementary Education.   I then taught third grade in Kiowa, Colorado until last year when I had my beautiful daughter Raegan!  She is now nine months old and full of energy.   My family and I currently live in Castle Rock.  I just recently took a part time position working for Learning Rx, a cognitive training company, fun brain training.  I love being home with my daughter and look forward to the summer when we can pack her up and go hiking!  Camping is my favorite thing to do so I am counting the days until summer.  I look forward to meeting everyone and having a great 2008! 

Becky Johnson

My name is Becky Johnson.  I have taught elementary for 7 years, and 2 years at Options.  I recently completed my Master’s in Education at Regis University, and love learning from my students as I teach.  Prior to teaching, I taught swimming lessons, coached various swim teams, and worked as a counselor and administrator at a children’s camp.  I enjoy children. So much so, I had one of my own last year, and have another little one due to arrive in FebruaryJ.  My husband’s name is Quin and we have a cat named Miss Claws.  I am looking forward to teaching your children this year.

David Umphress

Kate Stapleton

I graduated from Carroll College in Waukesha, WI with a degree in Math and Secondary Education.  While living in Wisconsin, I taught for 6 years at a college prep high school and also coached the varsity girls basketball team.  For the past 7 years I have been primarily a stay-at-home mom to my 3 daughters, Jordyn (7), Miquela (5) and Ashlyn (2-1/2).  I have been married for 9 years.  My husband, Arnie, is a sportswriter for Associated Press and a job transfer for him brought us to Colorado in 2005.  I enjoy playing with my girls, fun outings to the zoo and museums, movies and sports.