5th Grade
Meet our Fifth Grade Teachers
Brianna Harrigan
Hello Colt Community! I am so excited to be joining the team at Kohl Elementary this year for my 10th year of teaching!
I recently moved to Colorado from southern California where I was born and raised. I went to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff where I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and had the opportunity to student teach in Germany! I soon moved back to California and taught both 4th and 6th grade for the last nine years in Orange Unified School District. While teaching I also received my master’s degree in Educational Technology from CSU-Fullerton in 2019.
Outside of teaching, I love both playing (soccer/distance running) and watching sports (just about any of them), this year I have been learning to play the humbling game of golf! I also love to bake and try new crafty things. I am so excited to be back in the mountains and have the opportunity to learn and experience so many new activities and places!
I am looking forward to a great year learning and growing together!
Allison Vanek
Hello Kohl Community! My name is Ali Vanek and I am so excited to teach 5th grade again this year at Kohl. Before joining the Kohl Colts team in 2021, I did intervention work at Ryan Elementary in Lafayette, and I have also previously taught 2nd grade in St. Vrain Valley School District.
I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska and went to graduate school in Boston, Massachusetts before settling here in Colorado 14 years ago. I have a master’s degree in teaching from Simmons University, as well as a second MA in gender/ cultural studies. I also have a BA in psychology from the University of Nebraska.
When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family. My son is a 5th grader this year in BVSD, and my husband is a high school principal at a BVSD charter school. As a family we enjoy hiking, reading, skiing, and exercising our very energetic rescue dog, Indigo.
I’m looking forward to spending our year learning and growing together!