1st - 5th Grade Teachers

Our Primary School Teachers understand that learning opportunities are embedded into daily routines where children are allowed to be active explorers of their environment as individuals, as well as in small and large groups. Our teachers are there to promote the children’s unique interests and to facilitate opportunities for more in-depth acquisition of knowledge and skills. 

• Torey Holzer

  She/Her/Hers
  B.V.A., Graphic Design & Computer Art, University of Northern Colorado
  B.A. Communication & Marketing and Advertising, University of Northern Colorado
  M.A. Elementary Education(K-6) 
  victoria.holzer@du.edu

  Torey Holzer has been an educator for 20 years, and this year marks her 11th year at Ricks Center working with gifted learners. Throughout her career, she has taught students with a wide range of strengths, needs, backgrounds, and learning styles in both public and private school settings. She is a passionate advocate for children and believes every student deserves to feel known, supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.

  Torey is currently enrolled in the Gifted Education program at the University of Denver, where she is completing graduate-level coursework focused on the academic, creative, and social-emotional needs of gifted and twice-exceptional learners. She expects to complete the program and earn her Gifted Education certification by the end of the 2026–2027 school year. Her continued studies strengthen her ability to create responsive learning experiences that recognize and nurture each child’s unique abilities.

  In the classroom, Torey creates an environment where curiosity is celebrated, critical thinking is encouraged, creativity is nurtured, and mistakes are viewed as an important part of learning. She meets students where they are by providing opportunities for depth, complexity, choice, and meaningful challenge. Her goal is to help students grow not only academically, but also as resilient, empathetic, confident, and lifelong learners.

  Torey’s areas of expertise and passion include writing and STEAM. Her background in visual arts, graphic design, computer art, communication, and advertising brings creativity and imagination to her teaching. She enjoys designing hands-on, interdisciplinary learning experiences that encourage students to explore, create, collaborate, and make meaningful connections.

  Outside the classroom, Torey is a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan and a devoted Kansas City BBQ enthusiast; so much so that she is part of a competition BBQ team with family and friends. She enjoys life in Colorado with her husband, Dave, their dogs, Ernie and Elroy, and their cat, Lenny. Whether she is attending live music events, camping, or exploring the outdoors, Torey brings the same curiosity, creativity, and joyful energy to her adventures that she brings to her classroom.

• Sara Jeffers

  She/Her/Hers
  B.A. Behavioral Science, Metropolitan State University of Denver
  M.A. Curriculum and Design, University of Phoenix
  Early Childhood Education License
  Restorative Justice Education Coach: Creating a Culture of Care Cohort 2021-present 
  sara.jeffers@du.edu

  Sara is a Colorado native and has taught at the Ricks Center for Gifted Children for twenty years, educating students from first to fourth grade. She holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Sara believes in nurturing the whole child and celebrating both significant and small achievements. She empowers each student to trust their abilities and encourages them to pursue their interests, helping them grow into confident, independent thinkers.

  Dedicated to the power of inquiry, Sara utilizes hands-on activities, field trips, and real-world experiences in her teaching. She is passionate about incorporating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) throughout her units, challenging her students to explore new ideas and topics.

  In addition to her teaching skills, Sara is a certified Restorative Practices coach. She believes that restorative practices foster healthy relationships and build a sense of community by creating a culture of care. Central to Sara’s philosophy is maintaining dignity and recognizing each individual's intrinsic worth. She strives to create a classroom environment where students feel safe, seen, and understood as they learn to interact with kindness and empathy.

  Outside the classroom, Sara enjoys exploring Colorado with her husband, Greg, their two daughters, Lexi and Livi, and their dog, Oreo. Some of her favorite places to visit in Colorado include Estes Park and Glenwood Springs. Over the years, Sara’s passion for the principles that make Ricks an exceptional educational environment has also flourished within her family. Greg volunteers at Ricks as a coach, RCA member, and general volunteer, while both of their daughters have attended and graduated from the Ricks Center for Gifted Children.

• Audrey Dellgren

  She/Her/Hers
  BA in European Studies, Heidelberg, Germany
  Urban Teacher Education Program, University of Colorado Denver 
  Audrey.Dellgren@du.edu

  Audrey Dellgren is beginning her ninth year at Ricks and is delighted to be teaching a mixed-age primary class. A native of Dallas, she has also lived in Austria, Germany, and Sweden. In the classroom, Audrey fosters a space where students pose big questions, explore their curiosities, welcome diverse perspectives, and develop a strong sense of agency. She is passionate about children’s literature and loves sharing powerful stories that spark a lifelong love of reading. Audrey’s greatest joy has been raising her two children. Her daughter, Ally, is pursuing a PhD in Ethnomusicology at the University of Chicago, and her son, Johan, will begin his MPhil at the University of Cambridge this fall. Outside the classroom, Audrey enjoys playing tennis, cooking for family and friends, and walking at City Park with her husband, Peter, and their Border Collie, Bodhi.

• Amanda Ellis

  She/Her/Hers

  B.A. Education and Human Development, Elementary Education - University of Colorado Denver

  Amanda.g.ellis@du.edu

  Amanda holds a degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education from the University of Colorado Denver.  Now in her eighth year at Rick’s Center and her fourth year teaching in primary, Amanda brings a deep passion for working with gifted students. She is committed to creating a positive, responsive classroom that supports students’ social-emotional growth and fuels their curiosity through real-world connections and student interests. Amanda strives to implement engaging, challenging curriculum for gifted learners and always works to make learning meaningful and relevant. Outside of the classroom, Amanda shares her home with her fiancé, puppy, four cats, and a snake. She loves exploring nature, spending time with her loved ones, and relaxing with a good book on the couch.