Meet The Team: Eagle Rock School Learning Resource Instructional Specialist Beth Ellis

Beth Ellis is the Learning Resource instructional specialist and Aspen house parent along with her partner, Janet. In her decade at Eagle Rock, Beth has taught a number of classes, participated with restorative justice and discipline committees and worked on the professional development team for instructors. She’s also headed affinity groups and our gay/straight alliance, and generally helped staff and students work through technological, personal, curricular and design issues.

Below are some other tidbits about this active and valued Eagle Rock staffer:

Eagle Rock: What else do you do here at Eagle Rock?

Beth: My job is perfect for me because I get to do so many different things – I’m always learning and challenged. I’m currently working in collaboration with the Estes Valley Public Library to integrate our collections and share our resources.

Eagle Rock: What did you do prior to coming to work for Eagle Rock?

Beth: Before Eagle Rock, I was working as a freelance graphic designer for Catt Lyon Design. And I was a community organizer for the Environmental Community Organization (ECO) in Cincinnati, Ohio. Weeks before I arrived at Eagle Rock, I won a national design award from the Society of Environmental Graphic Design for my work on the Eagle’s Stadium in Philadelphia (see: Monumental Scrims). And the day I arrived at Eagle Rock, the softball team with whom I played in Cincinnati was vying for a national championship.

Eagle Rock: What attracted you to Eagle Rock?

Beth: My work in Cincinnati with communities that were struggling with industry in their neighborhoods helped me understand how education can empower people to know and advocate for their rights. I saw a direct correlation with an educational system that wasn’t serving the community’s needs and its ability to take action against industrial polluters. Although I never saw myself as a teacher, I could very clearly see the need for everyone to have access to an education. I could also see some people did not have the same opportunities for education based on their location, race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Eagle Rock was a place that was not perpetuating the biased educational systems that I’d experienced in Cincinnati, and I wanted to know more about it.

Eagle Rock: When you’re not working, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Beth: In my spare time, I like to read, cook, bike and make things. I love sports that involve eye-hand coordination and catching and throwing balls — basketball, volleyball, softball, baseball. I enjoy learning new things, and I’m constantly trying to understand who I am and who I want to be in the world. Mostly I just like to hang out with Janet and Lucy the dog.

Eagle Rock: What reality TV should you be on and why would you win or be kicked off?

Beth: I despise reality TV. I hate watching people make bad decisions. It’s like listening to nails scratch a chalkboard.

Eagle Rock: What’s your all-time favorite Eagle Rock success story?

Beth: I think success comes in all different shapes and sizes at Eagle Rock — it’s difficult to choose any one story because I believe all students that make the decision and sacrifice to come to Eagle Rock are a success. Any student who completes Eagle Rock’s 25-day wilderness course is a success. Any student who works out differences with a wing mate is a success. Those attending Eagle Rock have chosen to look deeply at themselves. And that is success.

Eagle Rock: What’s one thing not many people know about you?

Beth: I’m a cat person. Don’t tell Lucy. Or Janet.