Elise de Geus
Elise de Geus is a dedicated educator and the program manager for Horizons Graland, where she is passionate about providing students in the greater Denver area with transformative, hands-on learning experiences. She holds a M.Ed in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in trauma informed practices from MSU Denver, and a bachelor’s degree in integrative biology from Michigan State University.
Elise began her career in education in 2017 and joined Graland Country Day School in 2021, where she teaches Lower School science and serves as an enrichment teacher. She also co-coordinates Odyssey of the Mind, helping students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Elise’s diverse experiences—from working in zoo & aquarium education to serving as an outdoor educator—have shaped her dynamic approach to teaching, blending intellectual challenge with creativity and outdoor exploration.
Elise joined Horizons in 2024, excited to combine her love for teaching with her background in camp programming. She believes the heart of Horizons lies in the strong, supportive community it creates, where students learn, discover, and form lasting relationships. Elise looks forward to continuing to evolve the Horizons curriculum and strengthen its impact through year-round initiatives like Super Saturday, which further support the academic and personal growth of students.
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.
