East Campus Leadership Team

Principal, East Campus

Emily Van Luit

I am so thrilled to be a part of the Vanguard Classical School community as the Principal at the East Campus! Before my Vanguard life, I had the privilege of teaching 5th graders for 7 years and 4th graders for 4 years at another well-known Aurora charter school. I have a B.A. in Behavioral Science, an M.A. in Elementary Education, and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership. Currently, I hold an active Principal License and Teacher License in the State of Colorado. I like to spend my “spare time” thinking about how best to serve our VCS community, traveling, sitting on my front porch waving to the passers-by, and hanging out with my family.

K-5 Assistant Principal, East Campus

Marvra Winner

Prior to working at Vanguard, I was a special education teacher for nine years.Most recently, I was a school leader in the Falcon School District for two years. Additionally, I served in the United States Air Force for seven years.

I am the Assistant Principal for K-5 at Vanguard Classical School East. Prior to working at Vanguard, I was a special education teacher for nine years. I most recently was a school leader in the Falcon School District for two years. Additionally, I served in the United States Air Force for seven years. I received a Master’s degree in Special Education, and I have obtained a Master's certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. Most recently I completed the requirements of School Leaders of America's Troops to Principals Program. I am married and have two children. I value the time I have with my family. I look forward to watching our students soar to new heights.

6-12 Assistant Principal, East Campus

Troy Stevens

Hello, I am Troy Stevens. I am entering my second year here at Vanguard. I am entering my fifteenth year in education. I have been in the classroom as a Social Studies teacher, Dean of Students, Assistant to the Principal, and my current role of Assistant Principal all at the secondary level. I am a Colorado native and grew up in Aurora and I currently reside in this beautiful city. I am a graduate from Overland High School. I am married to my best friend and wife, Brandy, of 21 years. We have two beautiful children. I love to lift weights as I use it as a stress reliever, volunteer in the community, officiate youth and high school football, spending time with my family and play baseball which I have played at the college and professional levels. I also believe in doing blood cancer awareness through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. My family has been effected by both of these blood cancers.

K-12 Dean of Students & ELD Coordinator

Linda Richardson

Hello Vanguard Hawks and Families! My name is Linda Richardson and I am the new English Language Development Coordinator. I have been a classroom teacher for four years and am excited to move into my new role working with our English language learners. I hold a B.A. in Humanities from San Diego State University, an M.Ed. in Urban Education with an endorsement in Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education from Regis University, a certificate in Early Childhood Leadership from the University of Colorado-Denver and have served a year researching flamenco dance as a Fulbright Scholar to Spain. When I’m not at school I love to practice copperplate calligraphy, attend Korean classes and cook for my friends.

Special Education Director

Lish Davis

I oversee the Special Education Department at both the East and West Campuses. I am responsible for directing programs that provide educational assistance to children with mental, psychological, learning, behavioral, or physical disabilities within an inclusive environment. I also manage all Section 504 plans to ensure that programs and services are implemented with fidelity.

I have previously served as a Special Education (SPED) Coordinator at the West Campus, as well as a first grade teacher for four years at the West Campus. While in New York City, I worked as a high school special education teacher at a High School for Environmental Studies and as a private behavior interventionist.

I hold a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge and a Special Education Generalist professional teaching license. Additionally, I received a M.A. in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado. I recently received a Director of Special Education License from the Colorado Department of Education.

My husband and I moved to Denver from New York City in 2012 to pursue more of our outdoor passions. We are both avid ultra-trail runners, rock climbers, and backcountry snowboarders. We are rarely seen without the company of our Greater Swiss Mountain dog, Otter.