Meet the Teachers

My Name is Cathy Gipson, and I am excited about this upcoming new year! This will be my fourth year as a 4th grade teacher here at Lincoln Academy. I am originally from Kentucky and love college basketball! (Go Cats!)

Hello, my name is Jayne Tolhurst. Originally from England, I bring a unique blend of international teaching experience and a deep passion for education. After a successful career in the corporate world, I felt called to pursue a more meaningful path—one where I could make a lasting difference in young lives. In 2017, I made the life-changing decision to become a teacher, and I’ve never looked back.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of teaching students from second through eighth grade, both in England and here in Colorado. I strive to create a classroom environment that is supportive, engaging, and growth-focused—where students feel empowered to take risks, ask questions, and build confidence in their learning journey. I also enjoy supporting extracurricular programs such as STEM Club in England and Battle of the Books here in Colorado.

When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy exploring Colorado’s beautiful outdoors, working on my skiing skills, and spending quality time with my family. I’m proud to be part of the Lincoln Academy school community and excited to continue inspiring young minds every day.

Hi there! I'm thrilled to share a little about myself. I've been a teacher for 19 years and have had the pleasure of teaching 2nd through 5th grade in both Aurora Public Schools and Denver Public Schools. For the past six years, I've been teaching 4th grade—and I absolutely love it! Fourth grade is my favorite because it's such a transformative year for students. I find so much joy in watching them grow—both academically and socially—and I’m passionate about helping them make meaningful, real-life connections to their learning. 

One of my favorite parts of teaching is building strong relationships with students and supporting them as they discover their strengths and potential. Helping them thrive in and out of the classroom is truly my purpose. 

Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and friends. We’re always up for a trip to the mountains—especially to Fairplay, where my family owns a 150+ year-old Victorian home that’s famously known as one of Colorado’s most haunted houses! I’m also a big music lover and enjoy going to concerts of all kinds. 

We live near Arvada West High School, and I have two amazing daughters who will be in 6th and 4th grade this year. Our lives are full of softball, dance, Westernaires, and all sorts of fun activities. On top of that, our household includes a dog, a cat, and four quirky chickens who definitely keep things interesting!