Rilla Baca - Office Manager

Rilla Baca served in the Army Reserves for just over 5 years. During that time, she learned Russian in an immersion course at the Defense Language Institute and later completed a course in interrogation. Following her time in the service, she worked at various banks, starting in customer service and working her way into management. Rilla has also worked as a District Manager of Operations in retail for 13 years. Most recently, she joined the staff at Flatirons Academy in August of 2021 and now serves as the Office Manager.

Liz Samanns - Admissions Director

Liz graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies of Elementary Teaching with an emphasis in Language Arts. She has dedicated most of her professional life to the school, starting as the lead preschool teacher in 2014. She has enjoyed serving the school community in many roles during her time here, and currently acts as the yearbook advisor, facilities coordinator and Admissions Director.

Kim Ricca - Registrar

Mrs. Ricca graduated from Cincinnati Bible College with a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Urban & International Ministries. She holds a certificate in teaching English as a foreign language and has served people of various cultures and languages. Kim helped launch a family real estate company in 2001 and worked as a residential real estate broker and company co-owner for 7 years. After retiring from real estate Kim homeschooled her children and helped launch and lead Charlotte Mason Fellowship, a homeschool cooperative in Louisville, KY. Kim joined the staff at Flatirons Academy in 2019.

Ann Warren - Communications Director
Ann Warren graduated from Colorado State University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Technical Communication. She is also an Emmy award-winning tv news producer. Ann has served as a creative director and a technology marketing specialist. She’s volunteered as a part of the tour and marketing team at school since 2011. Ann then joined the staff as the school secretary in 2017, she now serves as Flatirons Academy’s Communications Director.

Leah Mangel - Events and Community Support

Leah Mangel has been at the school since its inception in 1996. She has served in several capacities including; administrative assistant, lunch coordinator, student council and yearbook advisor, special events coordinator, volunteer and substitute coordinator, and aide supervisor. She has expertise in marketing, event planning, and community building.

Nathan Courkamp - Assistant Athletic Director

Nathan Courkamp graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Physical Education (K-12). He also received a Master's degree in Education with an emphasis in Administration and Supervision. Nathan has been a physical education teacher and coach in the Adams 12 and Brighton 27J School Districts for the last 21 years. He joined the Flatirons Academy staff in 2022.

Reed Doughty - Athletic Director
Coach Doughty attended the University of Northern Colorado and started four years at safety for the Bears tallying 466 tackles and 14 interceptions. He was a two-time All-American and three-time Academic All-American (the first in Northern Colorado history) and was a finalist for the Draddy Award (the Academic Heisman) following his senior year. Doughty was inducted in the UNC Hall of Fame in 2011. He graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise Science with a minor in coaching. Washington selected Doughty with the 173rd pick of the 2006 NFL draft. During his 8-year career, Doughty played in 107 games with 54 starts, 506 tackles, and 3 interceptions. Reed joined the staff at Flatirons Academy in 2016.

Teresa Doughty - School Counselor
Teresa Doughty graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology, magna cum laude. She spent a year between college and graduate school doing mission work in Mexico with Campus Crusade for Christ. She completed her Master of Arts in Community Counseling with honors at Denver Seminary and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Mrs. Doughty's work experience includes three years of professional counseling at a residential treatment facility for troubled teens. She is also an honorary professor of Psychology through the University of Colorado, Denver. Mrs. Doughty has over 20 years of counseling experience. She began working at the school in 2005.

Kelsey Geske - Elementary Assistant Principal

Mrs. Geske graduated magna cum laude from Fort Lewis College with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies for Teacher Education. She holds endorsements for Linguistically Diverse Education, Early Childhood Education, and Elementary Education. She has more than twelve years of experience as a teacher in preschool-third grade, with over eight years of teaching in a first grade classroom. Mrs. Geske joined the Flatirons Academy staff in 2017.

Amanda Fox - Middle School Assistant Principal
Amanda Fox graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, Policy Studies, and Administration. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in K-12th Grade Education with an emphasis in Vocal and Instrumental Music as well as a minor in Religion and Bible Philosophy from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Amanda has over 8 years of experience in Education Administration, 10 years of experience as a teacher of K-12th grades in various subjects, and has served in youth ministry for over 17 years. Amanda joined the Flatirons Academy staff in 2023.

Rogene Lowe - High School Assistant Principal
Rogene Lowe graduated from Colorado Christian University with a Master’s Degree in Education in Curriculum and Instruction and from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Management/Business Administration. She also earned a Bachelor's equivalency in Medical Technology. She has over 25 years of experience as a teacher and educational leader in secondary and post-secondary education, predominantly in Christian education. Rogene joined the Flatirons Academy staff in 2022.

Jared Wallen - K-12 Principal
Jared Wallen graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Master’s of Social Psychology, a Bachelor’s of Liberal Arts, and minors in Exercise Science and English. He has also completed graduate coursework in Educational Leadership. Jared has over ten years of experience as a teacher and educational leader in Greeley School District 6 and Jeffco Public Schools. Jared joined the Flatirons staff in 2018.

Mitch Doughty - Director of Operations
Mr. Doughty graduated summa cum laude from Sterling College in Kansas with his Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Religion and Philosophy. He worked in ministry for a year prior to entering graduate school. Mitch completed his Master of Arts in Philosophy of Religion with honors at Denver Seminary. He joined the staff at Flatirons in 2004 and has over 15 years of experience teaching and in educational administration.

Larry Zimbelman - Executive Director

Larry Zimbelman has been the head administrator of the school since its inception in 1996 and has over 20 years of experience in education. He graduated from Metropolitan State College in Denver with his Bachelor of Science in Production Management and worked in management at United Parcel Service before beginning his career in education. He taught at Faith Christian Academy in Arvada and worked as a church administrator before helping to found the school. Mr. Zimbelman holds a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University.