Tollgate Elementary School of Expeditionary Learning

Ashley Orne
Art Specialist

Ashley is a proud Aurora native and graduate of Aurora Public Schools. She received her Bachelors of Fine Arts, with an emphasis in painting and Art Education, from Metropolitan State University of Denver. Through her studies at MSU Denver, Ashley had the opportunity to learn art education through the lens of the expeditionary learning model, which led her to Tollgate. She has been teaching art at Tollgate going on nine years and has loved being part of the amazing Crew! Outside of teaching life, you can find Ashley camping or on the water, paddle boarding, kayaking and swimming.

Email: [email protected]

Jody Reynolds
Physical Education

Jody is from Galesburg, Illinois. She graduated from Western Illinois University and has lived in Colorado for 27 years with her husband, two kids and dog. She teaches Physical Education at Tollgate and looks forward to sharing the importance of health and fitness with her students everyday! When she isn't teaching at Tollgate you will find her instructing fitness classes and coaching. She loves being active in J the outdoors and spending time with her family.

Email: [email protected]

Emma Bade
P.A Drama

Emma is excited to be joining the Tollgate Crew having previously been the Drama teacher at Sixth Avenue Elementary in Aurora. She was born in Englewood, Colorado and has lived in the Denver metro area most of her life. Emma graduated from Oklahoma City University with her B.A in Theatre Performance and Education. She loves traveling and spending time with her family, pets and friends. Outside of school she enjoys performing and gardening. Emma is delighted to share her passion for theatre and the arts with Tollgate's students!

Email: [email protected]

Lura Colson
STEM

Mrs. Colson is a life-long learner. She grew up in Houston, TX and has had many opportunities to visit NASA as a student and a teacher. Although she is not fluent…yet, she started learning Spanish at 4 years old. She is a musician and plays clarinet for the Denver Concert Band. Fun Fact: She performed marching band half-time shows with Lizzo during their freshman year at the University of Houston back in 2006. She is also talented in various mediums of art, including drawing, painting, sewing, and digital art. They have a wide range of teaching experiences that include: a semester of 1st grade, four years of 3rd grade, three years of 5th grade, and four years of Elementary Art. She is excited to start her new journey of teaching STEM at Tollgate Elementary. Go Timberwolves!

Email: [email protected]

Sarah Gruben
Music

Sarah is passionate about teaching music in Colorado public schools. Sarah has taught elementary music for 12 years in three different Colorado school districts. She has received her Bachelor of Music Education from Colorado State University and a Master of Arts in Education Curriculum and Instruction from Adams State University. Sarah is very excited to start her first year at Tollgate Elementary and instill a love of music to all of her students. Sarah’s goal is to help her students love music and learn it in a meaningful and enjoyable way. Sarah currently plays the violin in the Aurora Symphony and can’t wait to share her passion for music to the students at Tollgate!

Email: [email protected]