Meet the Team
Below is a non-comprehensive list of staff with Forging Education
Terri Gallegos
Teacher & Administrator
Terri Gallegos has been in elementary education since 2006. She earned her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU-P) and her Masters Degree in literacy from Lesley University, Boston Massachusetts.
Terri and her husband Michael have been married for 34 years and are blessed to have two daughters and six wonderful grandchildren who are gifts from God. Mike and Terri attend Praise Assembly church. Terri enjoys spending time with family, reading, and baking. Terri serves as a teacher and the campus administrator for Veritas Academy.
Mandi Cessar
Teacher & Administrator
Mandi Cesar is passionate about teaching young minds and helping them know and love Jesus. With five years of teaching experience and a bachelor's degree in education, Mandi is well-equipped to make a significant impact on her students' lives.
Mandi is happily married to her husband, Joe, with whom she has three children and many grandchildren. Outside the classroom, Mandi and her family enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, lounging on the beach, and spending time with their animals.
Her commitment to faith, family, and education defines her approach to life and teaching, making her a cherished member of the school community. Mandi serves as a teacher and the campus administrator for Agape Christian Academy.
Susie Carnes
Elementary Teacher
Susie Carnes, born and raised in Colorado, has been a dedicated educator for the many years. She loves the Lord and has always let him guide her steps. She pursued her degree in Liberal Arts through the Teacher Education program at Colorado State University Pueblo, coming in at the top of her class with a licensure score in the top 95% nationally.
Married for 15 years and a mother of five, Susie brings a wealth of experience and passion to her teaching. Her commitment to education and her students is evident through her diverse teaching experiences and achievements.
Micah Gonzales
Elementary Teacher
Micah Gonzales earned her bachelor degree in Missions and her Masters degree in Elementary Education and is licensed to teach K-6th grade. She has taught elementary classes for the past three years in the public schools.
Micah grew up in a Christian household where her Dad was in the Army. Micah met her husband in 2021 and they have been married for one year. They live in Pueblo West and attend Rivers of Grace Church. In her free time you could find Micah cooking, spending time with her family, and hiking!
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Anna Bennett
Elementary Teacher
Anna Bennett graduated from Colorado State University - Pueblo in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. After graduation, Anna moved to Phoenix where she taught at a classical charter school for three years.
Anna moved back to Rye, CO in 2022 to be closer to her family. She attends Fellowship of the Rockies. In her free time, Anna loves to bake (especially bread), play board games, read, and spend time outside with her dog!
Sheryl Gifford
Chief Operations Officer
Sheryl Gifford is the Chief Operations Officer of Forging Education. Over the last 19 years, she has been an elementary teacher at Fremont Elementary School, an assistant principal at both Fremont Elementary and Florence Jr./Sr. High School, and the principal at Penrose Elementary.
Sheryl grew up in Florence, Colorado, and in 2004 she married her husband, Matt. They have been married for 20 years. Together they have two daughters, Madison and Alleya, and they all reside in Wetmore, CO. She and her family have been attending Family Worship Center in Pueblo for the past 15 years. Sheryl enjoys camping with her family in Creede, CO, visiting the beach, watching movies and reading.
Quin Friberg
Chief Executive Officer
Quin Friberg is the founder and executive director of Forging Pueblo and Forging Education in Pueblo, CO. Quin also serves as director of education for FWC Academy.
Quin grew up in Pueblo, CO. He is married to his wife Kayla, and they have five children with number six on the way. Quin is a pastor, speaker, and educator with an emphasis on Christian Worldview. Quin is the author of six books on religion, science, and faith.
Parents & Volunteers
If you're interested in volunteering with Veritas Academy, please contact Quin Friberg at 719-696-1757 or Quin@forgepueblo.org for more information.