Head of School
Michael Walker Ed.D.
Mike was born in Australia, grew up in Mexico City, and raised his family in Honolulu, Hawaii. As a lifelong learner and educator, Mike has taught students and worked with faculty from elementary through graduate programs in schools, professional institutes, camps, and athletic fields. In every case, this journey has been filled with inspiring colleagues, warm relationships, and embracing communities focused on the needs and wellbeing of children.
Trained in interdisciplinary, inquiry-based pedagogy as an undergraduate, Mike began his teaching career at the American School in Mexico City, a school he attended as a student. His educational journey then took him to graduate school in Columbia, South Carolina, where he became Middle School Head at Hammond School, a school defined by its global curriculum. Mike advanced to the University School of Nashville, an extraordinary school founded as Vanderbilt’s Laboratory School. Mike then moved his young family to Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii, when he was appointed the K-8 Principal. After seventeen extraordinary years on the islands at a very innovative and established school, Mike and his wife Wendy, an artist and educator, moved to California when Mike became Head of San Francisco Day School. Mike has advanced inquiry-based learning in each of these schools, recognizing children’s innate curiosity is the catalyst for all learning.
Mike earned his doctorate at the University of Hawaii, pursuing his interest in the neuroscience of learning, increasingly described as the next frontier in education. Mike frequently references Warren Berger’s book, “A More Beautiful Question,” because it explores this question: “What if our schools could train students to be better lifelong learners and better adapters to change by enabling them to be better questioners?” This expresses Mike’s belief that curiosity is the prerequisite for all learning, and essential understandings originate with essential questions.
Remaining curious about learning, life, and how to best care for and prepare our children for the extraordinary lives they will live is Mike’s “why.”
Director of Admissions & Community
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).
Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Innovation
Amira Ababio-Tolle
Amira joined the Compositive team in 2019 as the founding ECE Lead Teacher and is now returning in 2022 as our new 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 fiancé and planning her next big adventure in her free time.
Administrative Assistant
Laura Levy
Laura Levy is an administrative assistant who joined the Compositive Primary team in 2021. She graduated from Wofford College with a B.A. in Art History and French. She spent a semester abroad in France where she studied the local art and French politics. Back at Wofford, she curated an exhibition at a local gallery titled, Religious Art of the American South: Sacred Spaces and Gathering Places, which served as her thesis.
Before joining Compositive Primary Laura worked in the museum field. She interned at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts in Montgomery, Alabama and the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia before moving to Denver. She worked at the Denver Art Museum for over five years developing and implementing art based programs for kids and their families, including summer camps. Working in museums equipped Laura with the skills to manage large projects and implement culturally responsive practices.
In her free time, you can catch Laura dog watching at Wash Park or trying out new bread recipes at home. She also enjoys hiking, yoga, and reading.
Facility Manager
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.
Lead Atelierista
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.
Resident Teacher
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 nine 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. She is excited to join the Compositive family and looking forward to exploring with the students.
Resident Teacher
Constandina Brown
Resident Teacher
Izzy Chern
Izzy is continuing their second year at Compositive as a resident atelierista as well as providing regular classroom and teacher support. Last year Izzy was a part of the Iris K/1 classroom as a resident teacher. Izzy is a recent Graduate of the University of Denver holding a B.A. in theatre and a minor in psychology. Originally from Chicago, they moved to Denver five years ago for undergrad. They have always been pulled to the classroom and are overcome with excitement about being 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.
K/1 Lead Teacher
Lindsey Grayson
Lindsey joined the Compositive Team during the 2021-2022 school year as a K/1 Lead Teacher. 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!
Lead Atelierista
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.
Director of Afternoon Arc & Resident Teacher
Carly Koch
Carly joined Compositive Primary in December 2021 and was originally working in the Columbine classroom as their Resident Teacher. This year she will also be taking on the role of Director of Afternoon Arc. Driven and inspired by hands-on creativity, she brings compassion and joy to as many student interactions as possible. She knows that every student deserves abundant opportunities to shine alongside their strengths, weaknesses and curiosity. Carly is very excited to work with the Compositive team to create a vibrant learning experience for each and every student.
Over the years Carly has worked as an Afterschool Preschool Program Coordinator, a committed nanny, a Special Education Paraprofessional as well as managing businesses outside of a school setting. The desire to work closely with children began at a young age as her mother ran a preschool program out of her childhood home. Her journey through the world of education has only just begun but extensive experience with intentional, enriching and thoughtful childcare has provided her with a valuable set of tools. Carly’s interactions with students are based on the notion that compassion is not only important but essential. She is excited to continue in the pursuit of making the most positive impact possible as an educator.
Outside of the classroom, Carly can be found reading in the park, cooking food for her community of wonderful friends, making oddly specific playlists or basking in the joy that comes from creating in any sense of the word. She believes in the power of curiosity, warmth, and community care. Connection is truly at the heart of everything and she is committed to fostering that wherever she possibly can.
Resident Teacher
Matisse Newton
Matisse is an enthusiastic educator with a strong passion for hands-on, child-centered learning. She is joining the Compositive Primary family as a Resident Teacher, bringing 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.
2nd Grade Lead Teacher
Olivia O’Neill
Olivia joined the Compositive team for the 2021-2022 school year as the 2nd grade lead teacher. Olivia’s experience in the classroom came from her job as a 1st grade assistant teacher at an independent school in Denver. There, she enjoyed creating relationships with students and curating an inclusive space for all learners in the classroom.
Before moving out to Colorado to start her career in education, Olivia grew up outside of DC and went on to graduate from Colby College with a B.A in Education. In college, she loved to find where her educational studies intersected with her anthropology and visual art minor. During the academic year, Olivia led a pre-K — 1st grade arts education program at the Colby Art Museum and over the summers, she ran an outdoor adventure summer camp that she founded in her hometown.
Outside of the classroom, Olivia enjoys running, skiing, hiking, cooking, and most recently, printmaking and gravel biking! She is thrilled to be surrounded by such curious minds at Compositive and looks forward to learning and growing alongside her students.
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
Ivory Williams
Ivory Monique Williams has been teaching for 24 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.
