Meet ESS Team

Mrs. Re

Or as my students used to call me, Ms. Z. My name is Ellie Re, formerly Ms. Zimmerman. I was married in July 2022 to my husband Scott. I am so excited to be continuing this year as an Exceptional Student Services Teacher. After teaching 3rd grade for my first four years here, I moved into an Exceptional Student Services Teacher position. This will be my 8th year at Aurora Academy Charter School and will be my 12th year teaching. I taught Early Childhood Education in APS for 4 years before coming to AACS. 

I graduated with my Master of Arts in 2020 from the University of Colorado at Denver with an emphasis in Special Education. I am licensed in Early Child Education, K-6th and Special Education in the State of Colorado. I grew up in Gunnison, a small mountain town, but my mom ended up moving us to Dallas when I was around the age of 12. So, I have spent about half my life in Texas and the other half in Colorado. I originally moved to Denver January 1, 2000. I live with my husband and our three fur babies, 2 cats and a dog. I also have 2 stepsons, my youngest is a junior in high school and my oldest just started his freshman year at CSU. 

My teaching philosophy is that I believe you have to nurture and develop the whole child, from their skills in academics, to their social and emotional needs, to their character values, and to support their individual learning needs. I place an extremely high value on diversity and the inclusion of all students. I also strive to build deep relationships with parents and families to work together as a team to support their student in every way possible. I look forward to getting to know all the students and families that are a part of the Aurora Academy community. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns!! 
ere@auroraacademycharter.com

Mrs. Panian

A little bit about myself, my name is Mrs. Panian.  I was born and raised in New York.   This is my 3rd year here at AACS and I’m new to Colorado. We moved to Colorado because my husband has retired from the Army and we decided to move back to his hometown.   This is my 14th year teaching.  Throughout my teaching career, I have taught in Ohio, New York and twice in Georgia.  I enjoyed teaching kindergarten through 5th grade.  I received my undergraduate degree from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, GA and my Master's degree from State University of New York at Potsdam.  At home, I love to cook.  During the summer my family loves to travel and go camping.

Ms. McElreath

Hello! My name is  Emma McElreath and I am the newest member of the ESS team at Aurora Academy! I am a Colorado native, and grew up not far from our school in Aurora!  I got my bachelors degree from University of Colorado Boulder and recently graduated with my Masters degree in Teaching Diverse Learners from the University of Northern Colorado. This Is my seventh year teaching, and my fourth year at Aurora Academy! I love the opportunities I get to work with students academically, socially, emotionally, and even athletically. I believe in an educational  space that fosters academic growth, personal growth, and lifelong learners. I am ager to shape the lives of individuals and create an opportunity that helps  them to succeed and grow.

emcelreath@auroraacademycharter.com