Faculty & Staff

Bridget Dornbirer

Head of School
 

Mrs. Dornbirer serves as Head of School at Colorado Classical School and delights in seeing young hearts grow in knowledge and wisdom. With nearly 15 years in classical Christian education, she is thrilled to lend her experience to help another school establish and thrive for the glory of God.  

After graduating from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, and spending three years working in Spain, she returned to the states to earn her Master of Business Administration in International Business from ASU’s Thunderbird School of Global Management. She then worked in international marketing, principally in Latin America, for over a decade.

Mrs. Dornbirer is married to Dave and has four daughters who have all been raised in the classical Christian tradition. She founded one of the first Classical Conversations communities in the Denver area and directed it from 2010-2019. The beauty of the Trivium became evident as her girls and their peers grew through the natural stages of intellectual development from early grammar memorization, dialectic debate and reasoning, to senior thesis, and on to college. Mrs. Dornbirer has also served as Academic Dean and Grammar School Principal at Augustine Classical Academy and as the founding Head of School at BRAVE Academy.  

When not immersed in classical Christian education, she enjoys visiting her family in England, Arizona and other wonderful places around the country, playing tennis and pickleball, and making new dishes with tomatoes from the garden.  

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-17.

Mikayla Graziani

Kindergarten Teacher
 

Miss Graziani has spent most of her life in Northern California and started her teaching journey there, where she had the privilege of being an Art instructor at a local Christian academy. During her first few months there, she quickly realized she was made for teaching, especially in a Christian setting where she can share her love of learning and her love of God. After about two years of teaching, she decided she wanted an adventure and moved out to Colorado where she continued her passion for teaching at a Classical Christian school in Colorado Springs, instructing Art, History and Literature. Just when she thought she couldn’t love teaching any more than she already did, she was exposed to Classical Education and now has a deep appreciation for it. Miss Graziani is so excited to be moving into the Kindergarten classroom this year at CCS and continue her own education! 

In her free time, Miss Graziani loves to study history, read, write, play disc golf, and hike with her Shepsky pup Mowgli!

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence; with eternal pleasures at your right hand. -Psalms 16:11

Lynnelle Bogan

Curriculum & Instruction Lead
3rd Grade Teacher

Miss Bogan is a proud Colorado native, but has also spent time in Kansas and Florida. She graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Colorado Christian University and spent her first two years teaching at a classical charter school in Florida. She then returned to Colorado where she spent a year at yet another classical Christian school. Miss Bogan is thrilled to have the opportunity to help open a school this year and expand the classical Christian mission. A glimpse into Miss Bogan’s classroom might include visiting the Incas, adventuring with Despereaux, or becoming 2nd grade’s own mathematician. 

When she is not in the classroom, Miss Bogan can be found rock climbing, baking strawberry scones, or camping.

“Know this, my beloved brothers; let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”  James 1:19-20

Shannon Hackett

Latin Teacher
 

Mrs. Hackett was raised in Parker, Colorado and received her BS degree in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix in 2012. Prior to teaching, she studied interior design at Colorado State University and worked in the design industry for 10 years. In more recent years, God has steered Mrs. Hackett back to her true passion: teaching and developing children to reach their fullest potential.  Mrs. Hackett benefits from experience as a teacher in both charter and public schools, however, as a devout Christian, she has continually struggled to continue teaching without the ability to reference God and the Bible.  Ephesians 6:4 states “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Mrs. Hackett is extremely honored and excited for the opportunity to teach at CCS as it will allow her to incorporate God’s divine Word and instruction into everyday studies and classroom discussion. 

In her free time, Mrs. Hackett loves spending quality time with her husband and three children, traveling, eating yummy food, reading books, gardening, drawing, and painting. 

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.  You are serving the Lord Christ.”   Colossians 3:23-24

Jennifer Young

Logic School
Humanities Teacher

Hello! My name is Jennifer Young and I am honored to be teaching logic school humanities at Colorado Classical School. My husband and I grew up and met in Nebraska. I received a degree in English and minors in history and art history at the University of Nebraska. After living in St. Louis and Oklahoma City, the Lord called my husband to pastor Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Castle Rock, where we’ve been for the past 14 years. Most of my life has been devoted to raising our six children. Our oldest is 23 and just got married. Two are in college, and we have a 16, 14, and 12 year old still in our nest. We have been involved in classical Christian education for 20 years, many of which I spent homeschooling. My “on-ramp” to teaching in the classroom began with teaching women’s Bible studies. I love the Lord, His holy word, and our local church. There is no place we’d rather live than beautiful Colorado. I love hiking, gardening, reading, roasting coffee, and cooking. I am looking forward to meeting you and your children! 

Photios Kyriazi

Logic School
Math and Science Teacher

Mr. Kyriazi was born in Colorado and received his degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Leadership Studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He has experience tutoring engineering, math, and science courses, and he taught 6th grade math at DSST Byers. His experience in engineering includes working as a forensic engineer and attaining a patent for his invention, an adaptor that enables one to attach a smart photo to any microscope. Currently, he is selling that patented product to various laboratories.

Curiosity has always been a key component of Mr. Kyriazi’s life. He believes that learning should be saturated with curiosity because this generates sincere learning. CCS brings an excellent opportunity for Mr. Kyriazi to connect with his love for learning. 

Outside of the classroom, Mr. Kyriazi loves walking his dog Meli, going on hikes, backpacking, and skiing.

“Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” Luke 17:20-21

Amanda Hoza

Art & P.E. Teacher

Mrs. Hoza is a Littleton, Colorado native. She received her BA from the University of Northern Colorado. Before joining Colorado Classical School, she taught K-8 Art at Shepherd of the Hills Christian, Art and Home Economics at Jim Elliot Christian, and Art and Women’s Health at Lutheran High School. Mrs. Hoza enjoys teaching summer art camps at Lutheran High School and leading an occasional painting party. She loves art and would like to share that love with others. Her favorite part about teaching is the creative surprises from the students and the stories that accompany them. 

When Mrs. Hoza isn’t teaching, she is playing outside with her little boy and little girl or watching movies with her husband. She is always down for a nice coffee and a chat.

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:25-26

Diane Nickell

Music Teacher

Mrs. Nickell is a graduate of CU Boulder and taught music in public schools for 15 years.  Classical Christian education has been the best experience of Mrs. Nickell’s teaching career and she is passionate about teaching kids the joys of music and the delight of worshiping God.  

Mrs. Nickell has been married for 35 years and has four grown children and two granddaughters. Some of her favorite activities include hiking, reading and skiing.

Mikayla Schmitt

1st & 2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Schmitt grew up in the farmland of Pennsylvania and moved out to attend Colorado Christian University where she met her husband and graduated with a degree in Psychology. Not long after graduating, she got a job at Brave Academy as an administrative assistant where she had opportunities to teach. She fell in love with classical education and realized teaching is the calling God has placed on her life. From there, Mrs. Schmitt went on to work at Goldenview Classical Academy for one year and then God led her to CCS.
 
Mrs. Schmitt is beyond thrilled to be part of such a sweet school and truly believes that God has wonderful and beautiful things planned for this year!
 
Outside of work, Mrs. Schmitt and her husband, Jacob, love to go on walks and adventures with their Bernedoodle, Moose, and to be out in the mountains.

Lindsey McGonegal

Director of Admissions & Marketing

Lindsey McGonegal grew up in California and received her bachelor’s degree from University of California, Irvine in Psychology and Social Behavior and then a Master’s of Arts from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon in Specialized Ministry with an emphasis in Pastoral Care to Women. After graduate school she then spent time on the mission field in China teaching the Bible as literature to graduate students, where she witnessed God move in powerful ways. Upon her return to the US, Mrs. McGonegal began a career in marketing and admissions, first with a missions agency that serves China, then with a Christian university. She went on to serve as the Director of Marketing at a Southern California boutique law firm. 

Mrs. McGonegal has loved living in Colorado for the past five years with her husband and their four children. After spending five years homeschooling, she developed a passion for classical Christian education and feels incredibly blessed to continue to be a part of her children’s education by supporting CCS in an administrative role. 

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21

Carol Hilgers

4th & 5th Grade Teacher

Mrs. Hilgers has been teaching elementary school in Colorado for 14 years. She received her B.A. in Theology from Moody Bible Institute, and her M.A. in Education from Denver University. She has had the privilege of teaching in private, public, and charter schools, but her love is to always teach in a Christian environment. She taught in a classical Christian school for the first time in 2024/25 and absolutely loved it! She is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve at Colorado Classical School and looks forward to educating students to their fullest potential with a Kingdom mindset.

In her free time, Mrs. Hilgers enjoys day trips in Colorado with her husband as well as morning coffee dates with her friends. She loves tending to her very large vegetable garden, canning, sewing, home reno, and visiting her grandchildren.

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:5-6

Chris Canady

Office Manager

Coming Soon!