Dr. Freese
Hello, I’m Dr. Freese. I have been a math teacher at Ridgeview since 2014. I was born and raised in Longmont, Colorado. I spent four years in Durango, Colorado where I studied at Fort Lewis College and earned my bachelor's degree in mathematics. I then moved to Fort Collins to pursue graduate studies at Colorado State University, where I earned both my master’s degree and PhD in mathematics. As a graduate student I realized that I enjoy teaching mathematics and decided I wanted to continue teaching after graduation. In looking for teaching jobs around the Northern Colorado area I found Ridgeview.
I still remember my mock teach and how impressed I was with the behavior and engagement of the students, and how each one thanked me when I was done with the lesson. I knew then that this is where I wanted to teach and I am so thankful that I now get to be part of this community where we grow students of good character and good intellect. Since my first year teaching at Ridgeview I have taught AP Calculus I (AB) and AP Statistics. I have also had the opportunity to teach AP Calculus II (BC), Geometry, College Algebra, and 6th grade math, as well as advise various independent studies in topics like Calculus III, Number Theory, Linear Algebra and Analysis.
As of 2025, I have two children attending Ridgeview in the lower school. As a parent, I now appreciate what Ridgeview is doing on a whole other level; I get to see the development of the classical education from the beginning, and I am excited to see my children learn and grow here!
I love my family and love spending time with them, whether we’re enjoying the great Colorado outdoors hiking or skiing, or just being together at home. I enjoy math – doing it, teaching it, reading about it, talking about it – I enjoy the structure, the patterns and the beauty of math and I hope these things are revealed to my students in class through my teaching. I am an avid runner and enjoy the time it allows me to think and be outside. Coffee is an essential start to my everyday, as are comfy clothes and chamomile tea every night.
Q & A with Dr. Freese
Where were you born and where have you lived?
I'm a Colorado native, born and raised in Longmont, Colorado. I spent four years in Durango Colorado before moving to Fort Collins where I have lived since 2009.
Where did you attend university or college?
I went to Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado where I got my bachelor's degree in mathematics. I then attended Colorado State University here in Fort Collins where I got both a masters and Ph.D in mathematics.
What kind of reading do you most enjoy doing?
When I'm not reading Sandra Boynton or Dr. Seuss to my kids, I enjoy reading fantasy, mystery and math books. This summer I have enjoyed reading Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe.
What are the small essentials that make life more comfortable?
One essential that makes life, maybe not more comfortable, but certainly more enjoyable is being outside. Whether it is going on a run, biking to school, hiking with friends and family, skiing in Colorado's beautiful mountains, or just enjoying some time in the backyard, being outside is relaxing and refreshing, something I would consider essential to my life.
What are your favorite snacks?
I love fruit, especially in the summer. It's so crisp and refreshing. Grapes, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, peaches, apples, pears...Yum! When I get home from school, I like snacking on cheese and crackers. And for dessert, nothing beats an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie, except maybe a pumpkin chocolate chip cookie in the fall.
What do you do to unwind?
At the end of a long day, after dinner, my family and I go for a walk through the neighborhood. This is a nice way to recap the day together, and get some fresh air before bed. After putting the kids to bed, there's nothing like a hot shower and some relaxing on the couch, with either a book or TV show, to unwind from a long day.
How could a parent volunteer help you most?
One thing that I might need help with this year is proctoring the AMC 8, AMC 10 and AMC 12 competitions. These are competitions hosted by the the MAA (Mathematical Association of America) that take place in November and February.
