Meet our Teachers
Program Director
Lori Bonnema
Mrs. Bonnema has a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood from Colorado State University and has been teaching preschool for over 30 years. She's been a teacher at Fort Collins Preschool since 1991 and loves her job! Every day is a new adventure and seeing life through the eyes of preschoolers gives her boundless energy. Lori is a Colorado native and has lived in Fort Collins since 1977. She is the mother of two grown children and has two grandchildren. Interests include camping and boating, running, kickboxing, and she loves a good book.
Parent-Tot & Jr. K Teacher
Lisa Verbsky
Mrs. Verbsky earned her B.A. in elementary education, with minors in science and ESL, and a master’s degree in integrating arts in education. She has seven years of experience teaching at the elementary level; and after being home with her kids, has 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 Lisa's, and she loves being able to use her creativity in the classroom. She enjoys sharing this love with her students and incorporating engaging, play-based activities into her daily teaching. When not with students, Mrs. Verbsky loves to enjoy all that Colorado has to offer with her two children and husband. You can find her working in the garden, hiking in the natural areas, backpacking in the mountains or running along the trails in her free time.
Intermediate & Pre-K Teacher
Diana Givens
Mrs. Givens earned bachelor’s degrees in Humanities and Literature with a minor in French, and later returned to school for a master’s degree in Education with a teaching emphasis in Family and Consumer Sciences. Her work has revolved around bakeries, coffee shops and non-profits, but she has always loved early childhood education and is so excited to be a part of this really special phase in a child’s life. Mrs. Givens believes art, books and food are all incredible tools for teaching important values and skills to children, and she enjoys incorporating them into daily activities. In her free time, Mrs. Givens loves reading, decorating cakes and other desserts, dancing, running, gardening and spending time with her husband and two lovely kids.
Music Education
Carrie Hansen
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 studentsCarrie 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.
Art Education
Renee Giovando
Renee Giovando, is excited to be your art teacher at FCPS! She loves seeing the amazing things kids create with the freedom to explore and experiment with different art mediums. Renee graduated from the Art Institute of Phoenix with an Associates in Graphic Design and then earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art (emphasis in painting) from Northern Arizona University (NAU). For the past several years she has been working with children in many different capacities. Renee was a kindergarten para for Poudre School District while also leading an after-school art club for elementary age kids during the school year and in the summer. Now, she leads art club during the week at multiple schools. In addition, she teaches watercolor and crafting classes at the Fort Collins Senior Center and spends time here at FCPS each month. Renee paints at home whenever she can get the chance and she has lead a successful mobile paint party business for the past 7 years. One of Renee's daughters attended FCPS, so it is very near and dear to her heart. She is honored that she can be part of this wonderful organization of teachers, parents and kids who work together. She looks forward to meeting you on your teach parent days and creating with your little artists!