Faculty
Barbara Aukerman – Science
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, 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.
“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 – History
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.
“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”
Kristine Bianchi – Japanese Language
Kristine graduated from the University of Hawaii, majoring in Teaching English as a Second Language and Japanese. She also studied for two years at the Kansai International Japanese Language School. She lived and worked as a university professor in Japan for 25 years where she obtained tea ceremony and flower arrangement licenses. Each summer, Kristine leads small groups on cultural excursions to and from Japan. Kristine also is the co-author of two textbooks published in Japan.
MJ Bilgrav – Dean of Academics/Advising
MJ has been teaching at Grace since its inception. 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 Grace, 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.
“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 – Fine Arts
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, 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/Arts
Jacob has taught at Grace Preparatory Academy since 2006. After graduating from Charis 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, 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.
Tracy Brothers – Science/Nutrition
Tracy has been teaching at Grace Preparatory Academy since 2005.. She has a BS in Nutrition from Colorado State University and home schooled her four daughters for 12 years before starting at Grace.
“I love teaching science at Grace because we can have honest and open discussions about Science and Creation.”
Katherine Ghadimi – Mathematics
Katherine has a BA in Mathematics from Fort Lewis College and began teaching at Grace Prep in 2008. A volunteer firefighter and EMT, she brings a wide variety of experiences to her classroom as well as a passionate, unceasing curiosity about the world around her.
“Grace has been a real blessing in my life and I’m really excited about this up-coming school year.”
Lori Ludwig – Math/Science
Lori earned a Bachelor of Science at Montclair State University with Honors in Chemistry. She is currently earning her Masters in Math from Adams State College. She worked in a chemistry lab and as a Wildlife Biologist before getting married and having her daughters. She has worked as a teacher and private tutor for 10 years before being hired at Grace.
“I am impressed with the strong character of GPA’s students and feel truly blessed to work here”.
Summer Perkins – Bible
Summer joined the Grace staff in 2009. She received her BA degree in Religion with an emphasis in 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 – Principal
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.
“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.”
Cyle Talley – English/Music
Cyle earned his Bachelor’s Degree in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing and Composition from Fort Lewis College in 2010. A published writer and touring musician himself, he began teaching at Grace in 2010 and relishes having the opportunity to instill in the student body a passion for words, literature and a lifetime of learning about both.
“The opportunity that Grace Prep affords its students to learn about their world and their God is unsurpassed in its scope and vision. There is a palpable sense of excitement- of which I am delighted to be a part.”
Alyse Spencer – English
Alyse is finishing her first year teaching at Grace Preparatory Academy. She was born in Durango and grew up in the Four Corners area. After getting her Associate’s degree at Mesa Community College, she went on to get her Bachelor’s in English with a focus in Creative Writing from Fort Lewis College. She then received her New Mexico teaching license through the University of New Mexico where she continues to take classes towards her Master’s in Secondary Education. Alyse has two Great Danes, Malachi and Ebony, and loves playing soccer, hiking, camping, and snowboarding in her spare time.
