Dr. Ellen Miller-Brown

Originally from Los Angeles, California, Ellen might be considered a mobile learner. She has served in a variety of different educational roles as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, Chief Academic Officer, and professor in a variety of locations: Puerto Rico, Tucson, Albuquerque, Boulder, and Denver. She received her BA from Colorado State University, her MA from University of Arizona, and her PhD from University of New Mexico. Her traditional learning was enriched by her students and faculty through the years.

In her free time, Ellen enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially watching her grandchildren grow, running, biking, and generally being outside. She loves to travel physically and internally. She’s in two book groups because she loves to read, and two groups devoted to equity and social justice because she believes when we know better we do better. To enjoy life and contribute more, she wishes there were additional hours in the day. She is honored to bring her experience and passion to Compositive Primary this year.

Amira Ababio

Amira joined the Compositive team in 2019 as the founding ECE Lead Teacher and returned in 2022 as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Innovation. Amira holds a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University and an M.A. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Colorado Denver.

Amira began her career in early childhood here in Denver, teaching at a non-profit preschool for three years. During her time there, she held various leadership roles including assistant director and manager of curriculum and family engagement. Amira holds a State of Colorado Coaching Credential and has coached preschool teachers in one of Denver’s largest Early/Head Start programs, supporting them in their professional growth and creating a quality educational experience for their students.

Amira believes that every child deserves the highest education possible. She is invested in serving the needs of all children and bringing creativity, diversity and most importantly, joy in the preschool classroom. As a self-proclaimed foodie, you can find Amira exploring Denver’s plethora of fantastic food options with her husband and daughter, and planning her next big adventure in her free time.

Averi Lohss

Averi joined Compositive Primary in July 2022 as the new Director of Admissions & Community. Averi grew up in Chicago and attended the Chicago Waldorf School for 13 years, which inspired Averi’s passion for education and impacting positive change in the world. With 10 years of experience in the field of private education at the Green Meadow Waldorf School in Chestnut Ridge, NY, Averi’s background includes admissions, philanthropy, event production, as well as a performance art, called eurythmy, where sound and tone are made visible through movement. Averi earned her B.A. in German Studies and Studio Art from Lewis and Clark College, in Portland, OR, followed by the 4-year training in eurythmy in Chestnut Ridge, NY.

Averi is new to the Denver area and looks forward to working with the Compositive Primary community, and helping new families discover the school.

As an adventure enthusiast with a passion for sustainability, Averi enjoys exploring the amazing natural settings in Colorado and finding ways to incorporate sustainability into her everyday life. When not exploring the mountains with her partner, Jordan, you can find Averi trying new recipes in her kitchen, rocking out to classic rock, working on a jigsaw puzzle, crafting, day dreaming about pet ownership, or enjoying time with her family (especially her two young nieces).

Haley Fitzgerald

bio coming soon

Heather Rose Aguilera

Heather Rose Aguilera (“Heather Rose”) joined Compositive Primary’s team in 2021 as its facility manager. She spent four years at Denver Public Schools doing similar work. She loves being active during the day, juggling multiple projects, and interacting with people.

Heather Rose is a Colorado native and comes from a large family. Outside of work, her passion is baking and she hopes to go back to school to focus on baking and open her own bakery one day. Her favorite dessert to make is a tarte tatin! She also keeps busy doing CrossFit workouts six days a week.

Absinthe Algaier

Absinthe brings to Compositive a perspective developed by an international upbringing. She has lived in 5 different countries throughout her life and enjoys exploring and teaching through a lens inspired by a worldview that celebrates the unique strengths brought forth by every individual!

Absinthe’s career in education began nine years ago in Thailand, where she discovered her love of teaching at Singapore International School, a tri-lingual program in the heart of Bangkok. She developed her teaching practice by obtaining an M.Ed in International Teaching through Framingham State University in 2015. After a quick move to Denver, she received her MA in Education and Human Development with a concentration in Early Literacy from a joint program through the University of Colorado and the Boulder Journey School. In Colorado, Absinthe has worked at Open Air Academy, a Reggio-inspired Pre-K program in RiNo, where she taught in a mixed-age classroom, as well as the Denver Jewish Community Center’s Early Learning School, another Reggio-inspired ECE program where she was the head-teacher for a classroom full of curious 3 and 4-year-olds.

When she is not in the classroom, Absinthe enjoys cooking and eating the spiciest foods she can endure, swimming, painting, reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her partner.

Nour Beck

Nour Beck is originally from Damascus, Syria. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from University of Northern Colorado and her Directors Certificate in ECE. She has been working with children for over ten years, six years at Aurora Public School. She believes that meeting the needs of students starts with knowing who they are. She chose teaching because working with children is her passion! Working with students and seeing them learn and grow throughout the school year brings her such joy. Nour loves being able to find different ways to connect with each child. She enjoys seeing the children’s smiling faces each day as they are reaching new milestones. Nour’s spirit leads her to help children work with each other and she feels great joy when children develop stronger relationships with their peers. She enjoys watching children learn to regulate their emotions and express their feelings. It is wonderful watching them solve their problems independently.

Outside of the classroom, Nour likes to travel and explore new places, volunteer, and help others. She loves cooking, crafting, camping, and spending time with her husband, their two children, and friends. Nour also loves gardening! Hands in the soil have definite stress-busting benefits. Painting stones is also what she loves most, as it helps to convey information in an artistic way. 

Constandina Brown

Izzy Chern

Izzy is enjoying their third year at Compositive as a resident teacher. Originally joining as a K/1 teacher in 2021, they found their home in the Lily Preschool Class last year. Originally from Chicago, they moved to Denver six years ago to attend The University of Denver and graduated in 2021 with a B.A. in theatre and a minor in psychology. Izzy has  always been pulled toward the classroom and they are proud to be a part of the Compositive Family as their first formal job in education.

During their time at the University of Denver, they assisted in bringing theatre and creativity into many different communities. They were involved in a program in Zanzibar, Tanzania working with teens to devise theatre that commented on social issues they faced in their community. They have also joined DU Prison Arts Initiative in family days where they helped lead child-forward theatre games with the incarcerated folks and their young family members. During their 15 years as a theatre-maker, accessibility within the arts has become a huge priority. They recently co-founded a theatre education program focusing on inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability. Their goal as an educator is to promote play, creativity, and fun among students from all different walks of life. 

In their free time Izzy likes to make art in any medium they can get their hands on including (but not at all limited to) drawing, poetry, photography, and theatre.

Kathia Escobar

Kathia is an accomplished educator with a strong academic background and a passion for teaching and inspiring students. With dedication to lifelong learning and a commitment to excellence in education, Kathia has attained both undergraduate and master’s degrees in the field of education. 

She began her educational journey in California at Azusa Pacific University, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Mathematics. During her undergraduate years, she immersed herself in a diverse range of courses, acquiring a solid foundation in pedagogy, designed units, and classroom management. Kathia went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Teaching at Relay Graduate School of Education in Colorado. Throughout her master’s program, she delved deeper into advanced teaching techniques. She engaged in field experience and collaborated with fellow educators to explore innovative instructional approaches.

Alongside her academic pursuits, Kathia actively sought out opportunities to gain practical teaching experience. She completed fellowships at Teach for America and charter schools, where she had the opportunity to apply her knowledge and pedagogical skills in real-world classroom settings. Her experiences further shaped her teaching philosophy and reinforced her commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Kathia firmly believes in the transformative power of education and its ability to empower individuals and shape communities. She strives to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment where students can develop their skills, explore their interests, and reach their full potential. Kathia is deeply committed to ongoing professional growth and is an advocate for lifelong learning.

In her free time you can find Kathia engaging in traveling, family get togethers, and movie going. 

Danny Goodman

Danny joined the Compositive team in 2019, after relocating to Denver from New York City. As a performer and theater artist, he combines his passion for theater and music with his love of learning. He previously taught and served as music director with Brooklyn Acting Lab for four years with children of all ages. He is excited to foster opportunities for Compositive students to learn and grow through imaginative play and creative discovery.

After completing his BA in theater from College of the Holy Cross, Danny toured with Hampstead Stage Co. bringing theater to elementary schools and public libraries across the country. He subsequently received his MFA in acting from the American Repertory Theater/Moscow Art Theater Institute for Advanced Theater Training at Harvard University, where he had the opportunity to study and perform in Russia. As an actor he has performed all over the U.S. and abroad. He is also a co-founder of CRASH Theater Co. in New York with his wife and schoolmates.

Outside the classroom, Danny enjoys exploring the Colorado outdoors with his wife: hiking, camping, kayaking, and playing tennis. He likes to have a guitar or mandolin nearby whenever possible.

Lindsey Grayson

Lindsey joined the Compositive Team during the 2021-2022 school year as a K/1 Lead Teacher and is now taking on the 3rd/4th Grade Lead Teacher position. Lindsey brings with them their experience as a 2nd Grade Lead Teacher at a charter school in Denver. They hold a B.A. in Elementary Education and Special Education from Southern New Hampshire University and an M.A. in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education.

Lindsey was born and raised in Massachusetts. After completing their undergraduate degree, they relocated to Denver to complete a teaching fellowship and residency program while obtaining their masters degree. Through this fellowship Lindsey had the opportunity to teach both Kindergarten and 2nd grade students. They provided a rigorous education in math, literacy, and English Language Development. Lindsey believes that students deserve high expectations, agency, and trauma informed teaching to reach their fullest potential both academically and socially.

Their career in teaching has taken place in a variety of settings from traditional public schools, innovation schools, charters, private/independent schools and multiple abroad experiences. With this knowledge and experience they bring diverse perspectives on teaching into the classroom offering both a structured and innovative approach for students to thrive.

In their free time you can find Lindsey engaging in art, hiking, movie going, and game nights. They are energized by the Compositive inquiry model and are excited to grow and develop alongside their curious learners!

Matisse Newton

Matisse is an enthusiastic educator with a strong passion for hands-on, child-centered learning. She is the Lead Teacher in the Lily Preschool Class, and brings a focus on compassion, empathy and laughter to the classroom. Matisse has a lifelong love for learning and feels empowered to learn alongside children each and every day.

Matisse began her career in education at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts where she graduated with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. There she interned at several public and private schools around the state and found her first true calling at a play-based, Reggio inspired preschool in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She co-taught in a preschool classroom for 3-4 year olds over the course of four amazing years. With a love for travel she was ecstatic to have the opportunity to teach at a preschool in Taichung, Taiwan for three summers in a row. While in Taiwan, she taught, lived and learned through the lens of a different culture, broadening her perspective on education in general. Matisse visited the mountains of Colorado for professional development and fell in love. Shortly thereafter she moved to Boulder to pursue a Masters in Human Learning and Development from the University of Colorado Denver through the Boulder Journey School Teacher Education Program, where she also taught in a 2-3 year old classroom for a year. 

Outside of the classroom, Matisse can be found in the kitchen, listening to music and cooking up something savory or spicy before heading to a cozy spot to knit or read. She is passionate about hiking and being outside as much as possible and has recently begun a journey in exploring nature through camping whenever the occasion arises. 

Ivory Williams

Ivory Monique Williams has been teaching for 25 years as a preschool teacher and it is truly her passion. Ivory’s love for teaching young children started with watching her mom teach and being her assistant at age 19. She has loved it ever since. 

Ivory strongly believes that encouraging children to love learning starts early to ensure that they remain lifelong learners. She’s learned that following the children’s lead in what they are curious about is the best strategy to give them the skills for success. Inquiry-based and student-driven teaching keeps their attention and motivation to learn. 

Ivory had the opportunity to teach at some remarkable schools: Vista Peak Exploratory P-8, Clayton Early Learning Educare, and the Jewish Community Center. She also taught as a private teacher during Covid. She’s been in countless workshops and trainings, and a few where she was instilled as an Educator. Ivory had the opportunity to be trained by Lilian Katz, writer of ”Young Investigators; The Project Approach.” That’s when she fell in love with inquiry-based learning. She has also been trained in Touch Points and learned so much about the importance of family involvement. Working with Sesame Street was one of the funniest opportunities that she has had thus far. Sesame Street taught her how to use technology in the classroom and get the children involved with learning in the new millennium. 

In her spare time, Ivory enjoys being with her family, especially her two girls, Eboni Rose and Daisy Mae (fur babies). She loves cooking and trying new recipes from Pinterest. Art is her true passion and she’s learning to work with oil pastels.