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 teaching for 19 years, and this year marks her 10th at Ricks Center working with gifted students. Throughout her career, she has taught a diverse range of learners in both public and private schools, always advocating for the needs and growth of her students. Torey’s passion for teaching is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to feel challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.

  Specializing in gifted education, Torey understands the unique needs of advanced learners and works to create a classroom environment where curiosity is celebrated, critical thinking is encouraged, and creativity is nurtured. She strives to meet students where they are, providing both depth and complexity in learning while fostering social-emotional growth. Her goal is to help gifted students not only excel academically, but also develop resilience, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning.

  With a background in elementary education, Torey’s content expertise shines in writing and S.T.E.A.M. Her creativity and artistic flair—rooted in her experience in visual arts, graphic design, and computer art—infuse her teaching with hands-on, imaginative, and meaningful learning experiences.

  Torey is a die-hard Chiefs fan and a devoted enthusiast of Kansas City BBQ—so much so that she’s part of a competition BBQ team with family and friends. Outside the classroom, she enjoys life in Colorado with her husband, Dave, their two dogs, Ernie and Elroy, and their cat, Lenny. Whether attending live music events or exploring the great outdoors, Torey brings the same sense of energy, curiosity, and joy to her adventures as she does to her teaching.

• Lillian Forward

  Lillian Forward (she,her) has spent the last 30 years teaching and raising her three daughters with her husband Mark in Dallas, Los Angeles, and Denver. Using her recent master’s degree in curriculum and education from the University of Denver, she has taught multiple ages ranging from pre-kindergarten through the 11th grade. Over that time, Lillian has discovered that her true passion lies in teaching elementary school, where natural curiosity reigns supreme, because at the intersection of education and a child’s natural sense of wonder is where the magic happens. In and out of the classroom, Lillian values community, relationships, and the dignity and individuality of each human person.  She firmly believes that care is the foundation of all meaningful learning and teaching, and she centers her humanizing pedagogy around this philosophy.  

  Lillian keeps herself energized by running, hiking, gardening, reading, and playing with her Great Dane, Penelope. Raised in Dallas, she remains steadfastly loyal  to the Dallas Cowboys, despite living in the midst of Broncos country — and despite the grinding disappointment of her home team’s abysmal record of recent years.  

  Lillian looks forward to forging deep, meaningful relationships with each family in the Ricks community so that everyone can work together to foster each child’s desire to learn through experience and exploration.  

• 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 native of Colorado and has taught at the Ricks Center for Gifted Children for nearly 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 in their abilities and encourages them to pursue their interests, helping them grow into confident and 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 certified as a 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 the belief in maintaining dignity and recognizing the intrinsic worth of every individual. She strives to create a classroom environment where students feel safe, seen, and understood while learning 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 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 seventh year at Rick’s Center and her third 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 an engaging, challenging curriculum for gifted learners, making learning meaningful and relevant. Outside of the classroom, Amanda shares her home with her fiancé, four cats, and a snake. She loves exploring nature, spending time with her loved ones, and relaxing with a good book on the couch.