Faculty
Barbara Aukerman
Physical Science, General Chemistry, Physics and Advanced Chemistry
Barbara began teaching at Grace in 2004. She has a BS in Chemistry from Muhlenberg College, Secondary Chemistry Certification from the state of Pennsylvania, and Secondary Science Certification from the state of Colorado. Before joining us here, she worked as a research chemist for GTE Corporation and a quality control chemist for Fisons Pharmaceuticals. She also taught Chemistry, General Science and Physical Science for twelve years in Pennsylvania. She and her husband Brad have a blended family with eight children. Shianne is married with two children and resides in New York, Alisha lives in Denver, Justin and Jeremiah both live here in Durango, Daniel is a student at Fort Lewis College, David lives in Pennsylvania with his father most of the year, and Isaiah and Landon both attend Durango High School.
“It is such a joy to be able to explore the wonders of science while at the same time giving all the credit to our amazing Creator. Helping students to make the connections between their faith and their scientific studies is truly a blessing.”
Heidi Belleau
High School World History, American History, Economics, Geography, American Government
Heidi has a BS in Secondary Social Studies Education from West Virginia State College University and attended West Virginia College of Graduate Studies. Before coming to Grace in 2005, she taught in West Virginia & North Carolina. She and her husband David have one son, Matthew, 6 years old.
“Teaching is my calling in life and I am truly blessed to be able to teach in a setting where God’s Grace is so evident. I pray daily that God will make me worthy of the job he has given me”
MJ Bilgrav – Dean of Academics
High School Algebra 11, Geometry, ACT Prep, English, College Advising
MJ has been teaching at Grace since its beginning. She has a BS from University of Colorado and later received her Academic Language Therapist Certification from the Academy of Orton Gillingham Practitioners and Educators. Before joining us here, she taught tenth grade in Hawaii, and was the co-founder and co-director of Pacific Quest Outdoor Adventures which specialized in group outdoor educational programs in Hawaii and the Pacific. M.J. has also been teaching dyslexic students for the past 16 years and has a private tutoring business. She and her husband Zane have three children, Cullen, Kira and Zane. Kira was in Grace’s first graduating class and Zane (11th grade) still attends Grace.
“I have home schooled, taught full time in public and private schools, and most recently at Grace. In my opinion the three day schedule at Grace has been the best. The kids receive excellent Christ centered education from trained professionals, yet I am still able to maintain a close relationship with them on the off days. I believe that it is our kid’s relationship with the Lord and with us that gets them through those difficult times as teenagers. Grace has blessed me with a great school for my kids as well as incredible people to work with.”
Annie Brooks
Yearbook, Photography, Guitar
Annie began teaching at Grace in 2007. She is a professional and touring musician and has just released her third album. She and her husband Jake (who also teaches at Grace) run their own photography, illustration, and graphic design company. Born into a family of artists and musicians on all sides, Annie grew up traveling the world, singing, and working on her art. She has her ministerial license and has been actively working with youth since 2002.
“Even with the excitements of touring, recording and working with my clientele, my time spent at Grace is the highlight of my day. This is a wonderful, positive, and uplifting place to be and I feel so honored to be a part of this family. Challenging, encouraging, mentoring, and training the students is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. My hope is to inspire creativity, expose them to the many uses for the arts, and give them a head start with technical skills that they need for art in today’s world.”
Jake Brooks – Dean of Character
High School Bible, Literature, Creative Writing, Art, Physical Education
Jacob has taught at Grace Preparatory Academy (GPA) for four years, beginning in August 2006. After graduating from Bible college in the spring of 2006, Jacob and his wife, Annie, moved to Durango to volunteer with Mission Outfitter, an organization that leads teams of doctors, dentists, and builders to Central America, Peru, Romania, and Mexico. During his time with the organization, 2005-2008, Jacob directed outreach programs for children in remote villages around the world and helped lead large groups of people safely in and out of third-world countries. His experiences in the mission field, his international travels, and his unique positions of leadership have all worked together, helping to prepare him for a life of teaching and mentoring at GPA. Along with a desire to educate and inspire young people, Jacob and his wife also own a photography, design and illustration business, allowing him to teach art and graphic design through practical application.
Traci Brothers
Middle School General Science, Life Science, Earth Science, and High School Biology
Tracy has been teaching at Grace Preparatory Academy since 2005.. She has a BS in Nutrition from Colorado State University and home schooled for 12 years before starting at Grace. She has four daughters: the oldest (Amy) just graduated from college, the second (Kristy) is in college and her two younger daughters go to Grace. Nicole will graduate this next year and Laura is a sophomore.
“I love teaching science at Grace because we can have honest and open discussions about Science and Creation.”
Katherine Ghadimi
High School Pre-Calculus and Calculus I, Middle School Algebra I
Katherine has a BA in Mathematics from Fort Lewis College. This will be her second year teaching at Grace. Before teaching she tutored at the college for several years.
“Grace has been a real blessing in my life and I’m really excited about this up-coming school year.”
Susan Harmon
Middle School English Freshman Literature and Grammar
Susan began teaching at Grace in 2004. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a BS in Child Development. Before teaching at Grace, Susan home-schooled her children for 14 years. She and her husband, Gregory, have four children. The youngest two have been involved in Grace since 6th grade.
“Teaching at Grace Prep has been a beautiful blessing in my life. I am passionate about pouring into the lives of students and encouraging them to meet their God-given potential.”
Stephanie Krupa
Middle School Ancient History, World History and US History, Student Council
Stephanie began teaching at Grace in 2008. She currently has a B.A. degree in Elementary Education from Family of Faith College in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Before joining our staff, Stephanie taught at two different private Christian schools in Oklahoma, over the course of three years varying from grades 3rd-8th. Stephanie and her husband Mike have one son, Kaiden, who was born in September of 2009. He is the joy of their life!
“I am very excited to be a part of Grace Prep Academy and teaching in Christian education again! I have always loved teaching middle school students, and the opportunity to impart into students’ lives here is such a treasure and honor.”
Bible, Spanish
Summer joined the Grace staff in 2009. She received her BA degree in Religion with an emphasis Biblical Studies and a minor in Studio Art from Oklahoma Baptist University in 2009. Before working as a teacher, she worked as a counselor and assistant program director for Cross Bar X Youth Ranch in Durango. She continues to serve at Cross Bar X year round.
“I never expected to teach, but by God’s grace I have learned that a passion for truth cannot be divorced from a passion for sharing truth. I love teaching in a place where God is the subject matter, where His grace is our motivation, and where the love of truth and understanding is the fruit of our labor.”
Louise Powers-Ackley- Administrator/Principal
High School Literature, Grammar, and Christian Worldview (The Truth Project and Understanding the Times)
Louise began teaching at Grace in 2005. She has an MA in French and Education from the University of Northern Colorado. Before coming to Grace, she taught in the Durango public schools for 31 years. She and her husband Curt have one son, Spencer, who lives in Ft. Collins.
“It has been an incredible privilege to work at Grace where God takes His rightful place at the center every facet of what we teach. I am thrilled to be able to challenge students to consider how God views what we study, and to show them that there is a sound basis for every aspect of a Christian Worldview.”
Traci Lynn Thomas
Drama, Speech, Music
Traci Lyn Thomas has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has been a professional actress for over 20 years appearing in the National tours of Les Miserables, Civil War and the Las Vegas company of Mamma Mia. As a teacher, Traci Lyn served as assistant coach for the national championship Stuyvesant Debate team in NYC for 10 years and currently is a director and vocal instructor for the Durango Performing Arts Company. This is her second year teaching the amazing and inspiring students of Grace.
