Meet our LEAD Teachers
Margaret Cranor: Master Teacher, 4th-6th grade
Margaret holds a Colorado teaching license from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She and her husband Walt educated their five children at home for 29 years. All are adults now, one with her doctorate in Baroque violin, one a LCDR flying helicopters for the Navy, one back on the cattle ranch and driving heavy equipment, one a 1LT in the Air Force, and one just graduated from Norwich University. The family’s homeschooling style would best be described as “eclectic,” heavy on the Charlotte Mason side while utilizing many community resources such as 4-H and Boy Scouts. The children’s education was balanced between literature and hands-on experiences. Margaret says, “I look forward to continuing partnering with other home-school families in our enrichment group.”
Deborah Bruggeman: Teacher, 1st-3rd grade
Deborah has lived in Gunnison for 26 years, and has about 28 years experience working with children. Starting at age 15 she worked in preschools and after-school programs, and later as a camp counselor. After graduating from Western Colorado University with a degree in elementary education and Spanish, she was a reading specialist and ELL teacher for second and third graders at the Gunnison Elementary School. She taught second and third grade in Crested Butte as well. After having kids of her own, Deborah home schooled her two oldest, Mia and Luke, from preschool through fifth grade. Mia is now in high school and Luke is in middle school. Deborah is homeschooling Jemma, age 5. She says, “I think my greatest asset as a teacher is my understanding of, and ability to relate to, kids. Also, I enjoy sharing the fine arts with children. This is my dream job!”
Holly Conwell: Teacher, K4/K5
Holly has a long history in Gunnison and has extensive experience in both teaching and mission work. As a teacher, Holly has been involved with Kindergarten – 5th grade reading intervention for 7 years, worked as a teaching assistant for 1st and 3rd grades for 5 years, was nominated for an educator award in 2007, and taught discipleship training school through YWAM (Youth With A Mission). As a missionary, Holly worked over the course of 4 years in Israel, India, and Papua New Guinea sharing the gospel, on medical missions in remote villages, as a community engagement leader, and training groups of volunteers to work alongside medical teams and present the gospel message.