Mrs. Gardner-Smith

​I am so excited to be with you this year! My name is Chelley Gardner-Smith, but you can call me Mrs. Granny-Smith! (Like the green apple.)

Many moons ago I homeschooled my three children. I started the first cottage school in Colorado Springs, with 18 students and also helped run the homeschool community support group. Two of my grandchildren went to THRIVE (Peak Vista) and that is when I first realized what a great community you have here. Two of my other grandchildren are currently being homeschooled on the north side of Colorado Springs. Home schooling runs deep in our family.

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I retired from Academy School District 20, where I taught 21 years. I am licensed to teach middle school through high school. I am certified or highly qualified in English, social studies, gifted and talented, English as a second language, and theatre. I am highly qualified as a principal and counselor. I received my bachelor’s from Regis University and my master’s from Lesley University in Cambridge MA. I am trained in many modes of Emotional Intelligence and team building. Last summer I taught a workshop “On Course”, to many of your middle and high school students.

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There are thirteen people who call me grandma. (No, they are not all biological.) Their ages range from 6-22. Most of them live in town, but three are in college now. I have two therapy dogs, both are hypoallergenic, and I hope they will come to visit THRIVE in the future.

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I have an open-door policy with all parents and I look forward to meeting you and working with you and your students