Mrs. Stephens
Mrs. Stephens grew up in Colorado and even graduated from Ridgeview after attending for ten years. Motivated by a passion for communicating scientific ideas, she attended Colorado State University, where she received her BA in journalism and technical communication and her BS in biological sciences. Her undergraduate honors thesis focused on looking at the ecosystem of Horsetooth Reservoir from several perspectives, including on the levels of microorganisms and as a critical piece of the Big Thompson Water Project.
Recently, Mrs. Stephens received a master's degree in the humanities from American Public University, reveling in the opportunity to be a student of The Great Conversation. Her favorite projects were an analysis of Henry James’ The American, a research paper on Johannes Kepler, and a look at the development of coffee shops in America.
Mrs. Stephens taught fifth grade from 2018-2023, delighting in the wonder of elementary students. She loved teaching the breadth of topics covered in the elementary school, especially Latin, English grammar, literature like Tom Sawyer, the Civil War, and foundational understanding of the natural world. In 2023, she started teaching in the upper school, and has since taught seventh-grade science, Earth science, biology, and AP biology. She is passionate about the sciences, but even more so about it being an integral part of a classical education—a part of the whole system that allows students to understand and think critically about the ideas they encounter. She also advises junior and senior theses.
In Mrs. Stephens’ spare time, she loves to read books from many genres, especially classic texts, historical fiction, nonfiction, and theology. Some of her favorite books include The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, The Brother’s Karamazov, All the Light We Cannot See, and The Screwtape Letters. She enjoys parent book groups as time allows, and delights in the faculty seminars as opportunities to discuss ideas with her colleagues. She also participates in other book groups with family and friends.
Q&A with Mrs. Stephens
Where were you born and where have you lived?
I was born in Northern Colorado. I lived on a mountaintop alpaca ranch until I was twelve. I then moved to Loveland and spent my summers in Tennessee until I graduated with Ridgeview’s class of 2012. I have lived in Fort Collins for the past six years.
Where did you attend university or college?
I attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins where I received degrees in Biology and Journalism.
What kind of reading do you most enjoy doing?
I most enjoy reading short essays, science history, and biographies. My favorite type of fiction, aside from classic literature, is sweet, older books such as those written by Kate Douglas Wiggin.
What are the small essentials that make life more comfortable?
Fine-tipped pens, fresh coffee, dangly earrings, and fresh fruit never cease to bring me joy.
What are your favorite snacks?
I am very fond of fruit, cheese, pistachios, and chocolate.
What do you do to unwind?
Besides reading, I enjoy going on walks with my family, playing board games, baking breads and treats, and watching TV and movies.
How could a parent volunteer help you most?
A parent volunteer could be most helpful helping keep the classroom tidy and fresh by cleaning desks, organizing the bookshelves, and setting up new bulletin boards with current topics as needed.Where were you born and where have you lived?
I was born in Northern Colorado. I lived on a mountaintop alpaca ranch until I was twelve. I then moved to Loveland and spent my summers in Tennessee until I graduated with Ridgeview’s class of 2012. I have lived in Fort Collins for the past six years.
Where did you attend university or college?
I attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins where I received degrees in Biology and Journalism.
What kind of reading do you most enjoy doing?
I most enjoy reading short essays, science history, and biographies. My favorite type of fiction, aside from classic literature, is sweet, older books such as those written by Kate Douglas Wiggin.
What are the small essentials that make life more comfortable?
Fine-tipped pens, fresh coffee, dangly earrings, and fresh fruit never cease to bring me joy.
What are your favorite snacks?
I am very fond of fruit, cheese, pistachios, and chocolate.
What do you do to unwind?
Besides reading, I enjoy going on walks with my family, playing board games, baking breads and treats, and watching TV and movies.
How could a parent volunteer help you most?
A parent volunteer could be most helpful helping keep the classroom tidy and fresh by cleaning desks, organizing the bookshelves, and setting up new bulletin boards with current topics as needed.
