Elise de Geus
Elise de Geus serves as the program manager for Horizons Graland, where she is deeply committed to supporting the mission of closing equity gaps in education. Elise is passionate about providing students from underserved communities in the greater Denver area with enriching, experiential learning opportunities that they might not otherwise have access to.
Working in education since 2019, Elise brings her background as a Lower School science teacher and Odyssey of the Mind co-coordinator to her role at Horizons. Her first summer with Horizons was in 2024, when she found joy in combining her love for teaching with her past experiences in outdoor education and camp programming. The vibrant, community-building environment at Horizons—where students engage in project-based learning, swim lessons, and field trips—energizes her day.
Elise believes that the heart of Horizons lies in the strong bonds students form as they come together to learn, play, and grow. She has seen firsthand how quickly the students become a tight-knit “family” that supports each other throughout the program. Whether it’s through classroom lessons, bus rides, or shared meals, she’s thrilled to witness the confidence and joy the students gain in such a short time.
Looking ahead, Elise is excited to continue developing the Horizons curriculum, ensuring that it remains a dynamic and enriching experience for all participants. She also looks forward to the continued growth of the Horizons community, which extends well beyond the summer program through special events like Super Saturday. Elise is especially excited about the positive impact that Horizons has on both the academic and personal growth of the students it serves.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
