1st - 4th 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. 

1st Grade

• 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 has been teaching for the past 14 years and has been at Ricks for six years. She has taught a diverse population of students and students of different ages in public schools and private schools, where she has always advocated for her students. Torey is passionate about teaching and enjoys helping each child progress in all areas of their development. She strives to create a community of learners in a positive, fun, and safe environment. When not in the classroom, Torey enjoys time spent with her husband, their two dogs Ernie and Elroy, and their cat Lenny. She also enjoys all that Colorado offers: hiking, camping, skiing, and water and motorsports. Torey also enjoys her Kansas City roots, cheering on the Chiefs and the Royals and competing in BBQ competitions with her family and friends.

• Lillian Forward

  Lillian Forward has spent the last 25 years teaching and raising her three daughters with her husband, Mark, in Dallas, Los Angeles, and Denver. She has taught multiple-age groups, ranging from pre-kindergarten through the 11th grade, but she has found that her true passion lies in teaching elementary school — the intersection of education and a child’s natural sense of wonder is where the magic happens.  In and out of the classroom, Lillian is committed to prioritizing 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 centers her humanizing pedagogy around this philosophy.  

  Lillian keeps herself energized by running, hiking, gardening, reading, and by playing with her Great Dane, Penelope. She was raised in Dallas and so her allegiance to the Dallas Cowboys remains steadfast even in the midst of Broncos country.  

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

2nd Grade

• 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 who has taught at the Ricks Center for over 18 years, teaching first through fourth grade. Sara believes in teaching the whole child and celebrating big and small successes. Sara empowers each child to believe in themselves and encourages them to follow their interests, helping them grow into confident, independent thinkers. She is dedicated to utilizing the power of inquiry through hands-on activities, field trips, and real-world experiences for her students. Sara is passionate about incorporating science throughout her units while challenging her students to explore new ideas and topics. Sara enjoys exploring Colorado with her husband, children, and dog Oreo when not teaching. Sara’s passion for Ricks flows throughout her whole family, with her husband, Greg, volunteering at Ricks, and both her daughters have attended Ricks since preschool.

3rd Grade

• Audrey Dellgren

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

  Audrey is beginning her eighth year at Ricks and is delighted to be teaching third grade! A native of Dallas, she has also lived in Austria, Germany, and Sweden. In the classroom, Audrey strives to foster a space where students pose big questions, explore curiosities, welcome different perspectives, and develop a sense of agency. She is passionate about children’s literature and loves sharing powerful stories with her students. Audrey’s greatest joy has been raising her own two children. Daughter Ally will begin her PhD studies in Ethnomusicology this fall, and son Johan is a research fellow in medical ethics at Penn. Outside the classroom, you can find Audrey playing tennis, cooking for family and friends, or walking at City Park with husband Peter and dog Bodhi.

4th Grade

• Amanda Ellis

  She/Her/Hers

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

  Amanda.g.ellis@du.edu

  Amanda received her degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education from the University of Colorado Denver. She has been working at Rick’s Center for almost six years, and this will be her second year teaching fourth grade. She is passionate about creating a positive, responsive classroom that supports the social/emotional well-being of students while fueling their learning through their passions. Amanda strives to foster a meaningful learning environment that brings the real world into the classroom while also getting students out into the real world. Outside of school, she lives with her partner, three cats, and a snake. She enjoys spending time with her loved ones and getting out in nature to hike and explore.