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Third Grade Team


Nicole Wood is excited to begin her 14th year teaching at Elkhart Elementary!  Nicole graduated from Metro State with a degree in Behavioral Science with an endorsement in Elementary Education.  She lives in Castle Rock with her husband, daughter, son, and feisty cat named Max.  Nicole loves to travel, spend time at the pool, and visit fun local places with her family and friends.  


My job is to provide a physically and emotionally safe learning environment that fosters a love for learning at an accelerated pace.  I do my job by providing specific, targeted instruction, and differentiating to meet the academic and emotional needs of every student.

My community needs me to do my job.


Blanca Loya has been in education since 2003 and joined the Elkhart community in 2007. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado.  She is fluent in both English and Spanish, and loves to spend time with her husband and three daughters.


My job is to accelerate the learning of every APS student every day.

I do my job by collaborating and planning with a team to provide standards based, differentiated instruction.   My job is to foster and support a safe, fun culturally and linguistically diverse classroom where everyone is celebrated.


My community needs me to do my job!



Brendan Ryan joined the Elkhart community in 2015. He received a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Buffalo State. This is his 8th year in education, and his 8th year at Elkhart. In his spare time, he likes to produce music, ride his bike, play golf, read, and coach Volleyball and Track & Field at Hinkley High School. 


My job is to accelerate the learning of every APS student, every day. 

I do my job by providing quality instruction through evidence based practices to meet the individual needs of my students. 


My community needs me to do my job.  


Kassia is excited to join the Elkhart community this year. She graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education. She grew up in Aurora and is excited to come back and teach in the same district she attended as a student. Kassia enjoys spending time with her friends, working out, pilates, dancing, and playing with her orange tabby cat named Bella.