Have you found that many homeschool enrichment programs are missing one thing - teachers with experience as homeschoolers themselves? Not so at Village Options! We understand homeschooling, because we have experience with homeschooling, either by working with children who are homeschooled, or by being homeschoolers ourselves.


Mrs. Sue Russell - Coordinator Village Options
I am a Colorado native, born in Sterling. I received a Bachelor's degree in education from Western Bible College in May of 1981, taught at a private Christian school from 1981 to 1985, homeschooled our two sons from 1990 to 2006, and received a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University in May of 2009.

My husband and I have lived in north Aurora for 23 years. I enjoyed homeschooling so much that it seemed natural to continue to work with homeschool families. My experience with APS Options began with my teaching science, geography and English composition for elementary grades while my sons attended the middle and high school classes. While working on classes to renew my Colorado teaching license, I did daycare for Greenwood and Orchard Options teachers. I was hired by APS to be coordinator for Village Options in the summer of 2008.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, and watching my nephews and nieces play baseball.


Beth Behm - Theater and Music
Bio coming soon


Mary Ann Bess - Physical Education
I was raised in Goodland, KS with 5 brothers and 5 sisters. I was lucky enough to be the baby in such a wonderfully large family. I went to college in Hays, KS and graduated with a B.A. in Business, a B.S. in Physical Education, and an emphasis in Adapted Physical Education. I have been with Options since 2004 and am looking forward to my 6th great year with Options teaching at 4 locations.

My husband, James, and two children, Dexter and Emree keep me busy on the side. Dexter is 13 years old and is starting 8th grade, while Emree is 10 years old finishing her last year of elementary school. My hobbies include: working out (swimming, walking and weights), playing with our puppy, keeping my family moving, painting anything that doesn't move (smile), antiquing, and crafts.

I look forward to meeting you all.


Melinda Beaumont - Elementary Science and Martial Arts
Hello, my name is Melinda Beaumont. This is my 2nd year teaching at Options and my 9th year teaching elementary and middle schoolers. I have also worked at Science Matters for the past 3 years. I teach in their after school science program and I have written all of the curriculum for their Denver and Colorado Springs branches for the past 2 years. I have a BA from the University of Denver in Psychology and Education and a Teaching Certification in Elementary Ed from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Education. In my free time, I’m also an avid martial artist. I travel nationally to compete in Karate, Taekwondo, and Jiu-jitsu. I currently hold the state title in both divisions for Taekwondo, and recently finished 3rd at the state championships for Jiu-jitsu, 2nd at Nationals in both Taekwondo and Karate, and 2rd at the World Championships for Karate. I hold 2nd degree black belts in American Freestyle Karate and WTF Taekwondo. I also train heavily in jiu-jitsu, judo, hapkido, and kickboxing. I look forward to sharing my experience and passion for science, math, and karate with your child(ren) and expect this to be an awesome year!

Molly Paxton - K-1st Teacher
(Picture coming soon of Mrs. Paxton)
Hi! My name is Molly Paxton. I have been teaching for the Options program for 1 year and taught one year at Aurora Frontier. I graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in May of 2007 and student taught that fall at Dalton Elementary. I love being a part of this program, and all the people that I get to work with. My husband and I are expecting are first baby this November and we are really looking forward to that. So right now we are spending most of our time getting our home ready for baby, but when I do have free time I love to go shopping and watch movies. I am a huge movie fan!

I look forward to working with your children this year!