Lori Bonnema, Director
I have a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood from Colorado State University and have been teaching preschool for over 30 years. I have been the teacher at Fort Collins Preschool since 1991 and I love my job! Every day is a new adventure and seeing life through the eyes of preschoolers gives me boundless energy.
I am a Colorado native and have lived in Fort Collins since 1977. I am the mother of two grown children and have two grandchildren. My interests include camping and boating, running, kickboxing, and I love a good book.
Lisa Verbsky, Teacher: Parent-Tot and Jr K
I earned my B.A. in elementary education, with minors in science and ESL, and a master’s degree in integrating arts in education. I have seven years of experience teaching at the elementary level; and after being home with my kids, have loved making the transition to preschool children. It’s an honor and privilege to be a part of this special time in their childhood. The arts have always been a passion of mine, and I love being able to use my creativity in the classroom. I enjoy sharing this love with my students and incorporating engaging, play-based activities into my daily teaching.
When I’m not with students, I love to enjoy all that Colorado has to offer with my two children and my husband. You’ll find me working in the garden, hiking in the natural areas, backpacking in the mountains or running along the trails in my free time.
Jessica Dean, Teacher: Intermediate and Pre-K
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Spanish language, as well as my Master’s degree in Curriculum Studies from the University of Northern Colorado. I have nine years of teaching experience in kindergarten, first, and second grades, with the majority of my time in the classroom spent in kindergarten. I have enjoyed spending the last few years as a stay at home parent while my twins were in their preschool years. We were lucky enough to experience FCPS for all of their preschool years, and I fell in love with the community of this special preschool as a parent. I am so grateful to be entrusted with the opportunity to pass on my love of learning through early childhood education to the littlest of learners. I love thematic teaching and incorporating literature, sensory play, exploration, and crafts into our preschool day.
When I am not in the classroom, you can find me spending time with my husband, our twins, and our goldendoodle Zoe. I enjoy walking or running on our many neighborhood trails, camping, traveling, trying new restaurants, and swimming. My biggest hobby is reading, and my favorite thing is to snuggle up with coffee or tea and a good book! My husband and I both grew up in Fort Collins, and we love raising our family in this special town that we adore.
Renee Giovando, Art Teacher
I’m Renee Giovando, and I’m excited to be your art teacher! I love seeing the amazing things kids create with the freedom to explore and experiment with different art mediums.
I graduated from the Art Institute of Phoenix with an Associates in Graphic Design and then earned my bachelor’s degree in fine art (emphasis in painting) from Northern Arizona University (NAU). For the past several years I have been working with children in many different capacities. I was a kindergarten para for Poudre School District while I also led an after-school art club for elementary age kids during the school year and in the summer. Now, I lead art club 4 days a week at two schools, teach watercolor and crafting classes at the Fort Collins Senior Center and spend time here at FCPS each month. I paint at home when I get the chance and have lead a successful mobile paint party business for the past 7 years.
One my daughters attended FCPS, so it is very near and dear to my heart. I’m honored that I can be part of this wonderful organization of teachers, parents and kids who work together.
I look forward to meeting you on your teach parent days and creating with your little artists!
Carrie Hansen, Music Teacher
Carrie Hansen received her bachelor’s degree in Keyboard (both Piano and Organ) Pedagogy from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Part of her bachelors studies included 6 months studying the Kodaly technique for teaching early childhood Music at the Kodaly Institute in Budapest, Hungary. She also has a master’s degree in Music Therapy, which she received from Colorado State University in 1999.
Carrie received Kindermusik training and began teaching occasional Kindermusik classes in 2000. She is now teaching Kindermusik classes at Boomer’s Music. Since 1998, Carrie has maintained a private studio of 20 to 25 beginning, intermediate, and advanced piano students.
Carrie and her husband Bruce sent both of their children to the Fort Collins Preschool, which was such an enjoyable experience. Carrie has been providing music for the preschool for many years now which she thoroughly loves. She finds great joy and satisfaction in bringing music into children’s lives.