Just as you may want to get to know our school, our admission process helps us get to know you and your child. Our process is carefully designed to engage you in the same kind of interaction you and your family would have with our faculty and staff if you decide to enroll at Colorado Academy. We welcome your interest! Find out more by exploring our website, reading our admission magazine (located on the right side of this page), and visiting our campus.
Catherine Laskey has been at CA since 1995 and has served as Director of Admission & Financial Aid since 1997. Catherine oversees student recruitment and marketing initiatives for the school. During her first two years at CA, Catherine also taught French and history in the Upper and Lower Schools. A native of Atlanta, Ga., Catherine graduated from Duke University as an Angier B. Duke Scholar, with majors in French and Political Science. Prior to CA, Catherine worked in admission at The Madeira School in McLean, Va. When she is not leading admission tours, Catherine enjoys camping and other activities with her family.
Ms. Heidi Chesley
Director of Upper School Admission & Financial Aid
(303) 914-2572
University of Colorado - Boulder - BS Trinity College - MA Harvard Law School - JD
At CA since 2013, Heidi Chesley is the Director of Upper School Admission and Financial Aid at Colorado Academy. Before joining the CA community, she served as a Partner in the Boston office of the international law firm, McDermott, Will & Emery LLP, and as a Partner in Gordon & Rees LLP in Denver. She has also worked as the Director of Admissions at The Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, Conn., and as a Director and Teacher for Citizen Schools Program, an after-school apprenticeship and mock-trial program for inner-city students in Boston, Mass. Chesley received her BS in Finance and Marketing from the University of Colorado at Boulder, her MA in American Studies from Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., and her JD from Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Mass. Chesley is also a Boettcher Scholar.
Caren Salzer
Director of Lower School Admission & Financial Aid
Returning to CA in 2011, Caren Salzer brought 24 years of experience working in an independent school setting to her position as Director of Lower School Admission and Financial Aid. Salzer, who holds a BS from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind., previously worked for CA as a Middle School math and Core teacher, as well as an advisor. Salzer has also worked as the Development Director and the Director of Admission for the Montessori School of Evergreen. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, skiing, mountain biking, photography, knitting, and Ultimate Frisbee.
Mr. Jessie Skipwith
Admission Associate
303-914-2573
American University - BA University of New Orleans - MEd
Jessie Skipwith, prior to becoming an Admissions Associate, was Executive Director of the Horizons Program at Colorado Academy for two years, in addition to having 17 years of experience in educational leadership and completing eight years as the Principal and President of Bishop Machebeuf High School in Denver. Skipwith earned his BA from American University in Justice/Pre-Law and his MEd, with an emphasis on School Counseling, from the University of New Orleans. He earned his National Board Certified Counselor certificate and became a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice. Skipwith served as a high school counselor for eight years and as the Director of Counseling Services at Jesuit High School New Orleans for five of those years, prior to becoming the Principal of St. Matthew the Apostle Elementary and Middle School in River Ridge, La.
Ms. Lisa Dean
Admission Office Coordinator; US Service Learning Coordinator
(303) 914-2516
University of Colorado - Boulder - BA Regis University - Master of Non-Profit Management
Lisa Dean, Admission Office Coordinator, began in 2005 in the admission office. She manages the office and supports prospective families through the application process. Dean earned her BAi Communication from the University of Colorado-Boulder and graduated with a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from Regis University. Prior to CA, Dean worked as a volunteer and special events coordinator for several area nonprofit organizations.
Paige Siemers joined CA in the fall of 2014 as the Administrative Assistant in the office of Admission and Financial Aid. Siemers has worked in a similar capacity at Mullen High School and also has worked as the Assistant to the Director of Summer Programs at CA. She was a professional marathoner for nearly five years and worked as a cross-country track and field coach and also in retail and sales in fitness and running. Siemers holds a BFA in Printmaking from the University of Kansas and is a graduate of Mullen High School.
Catherine Laskey, Director of Admission & Financial Aid
The central ingredient to success at CA is a child’s insatiable desire to learn. With support from their family and the expertise of our faculty, CA students take advantage of the abundant opportunities for personal growth on our campus. Students also learn from each other, which is why we carefully craft the composition of each class to provide an eclectic mix of talents, backgrounds, and perspectives.
Please call the Admission Office at 303-914-2513 to schedule a tour on an upcoming school day.
Explore at CA!
See our teachers in action with these activities designed just for 3 & 4 year-old children. Experience classes that extend beyond academics, and enjoy the kind of learning that happens at Colorado Academy every day. Sign up for one, two, or all three sessions.
With a wide variety of program offerings ranging from computers to acting, rock climbing to photography and computer graphics to ice skating, there is something for everyone at CA Summer Camps!