Difference Maker: Elise Berheim

By Michelle Hartel: Executive Director

Did you know that having a trusted adult can be the strongest protective factor in the life of a child? A trusted adult is someone who is respected and non-judgmental- a “go-to” resource for a young person seeking support and guidance. These individuals don’t typically realize the magnitude of their influence, yet they often become a lifeline when youth struggle with mental health issues, peer pressure, and the challenges of navigating daily life. A whopping 84% of local middle schoolers have identified a trusted adult in their life, according to the most recent 2026 Eagle County Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (ECSD). Elise Berheim, middle school science teacher at Eagle County Charter Academy, is that person for my daughter and countless other young people.

Elise began her professional career getting her masters in wildlife sciences, offering outdoor tours and sharing environmental education tools. She soon realized that she could maximize her impact as an educator, and pursued a teaching position at a Title 1 school in Colorado Springs, where she witnessed firsthand the inequities shaping students’ opportunities. Three years ago, Elise joined Eagle County Charter Academy (ECCA) in Edwards and is proud to call Eagle County home. She thrives in the freedom to design a classroom experience that feels both unique and impactful. As a science teacher, her classroom is brimming with plants and life, and her students light up with curiosity as they watch the roots grow. When Elise reflects on what draws her to education, she beams as she describes those moments when students “get it”- fully engaged, inspired and eager to learn.

Not every adult eagerly pursues work with middle schoolers, but for Elise this is where she feels most at home. She finds the curiosity of fifth and sixth graders to be her sweet spot. “I’m most proud of the relationships I build with my students,” Elise shares. “Especially with the ones who might come in a little more closed off. When I can build trust with them, I get to be a steady, calming presence in their day while still pushing them to engage and learn.” She recognizes that today’s students are navigating a world that’s changing faster than ever, especially with the rise of technology and AI. “A lot of students struggle to stay focused with how quickly everything is evolving,” she explains. “We’re trying to balance hands-on, traditional learning with preparing them for a really high-tech future.” For Elise, the goal isn’t just keeping up with change—it’s teaching skills that last. “It’s not always easy to blend those two worlds,” she says, “but at the end of the day, I want my students to know how to think, problem solve, and approach challenges with confidence. That’s something that will never go out of style.”

Elise holds an inspiring vision of deeper, more creative learning, rooted in real-world connection. She fosters partnerships that bring students into the community, empowering them through meaningful projects. Recently, she led a project where students planted native plants and pollinators and created educational signage, transforming a lesson into a lasting contribution. Students stepped into leadership roles and experienced ownership beyond the classroom. Elise believes that young people are not just our future, but today’s change makers, and it is our responsibility to provide opportunities to make a difference now. Looking ahead, she hopes to expand projects like planting native wildflowers, raising trout for local waterways and exploring water rights, bringing learning to life for her students.

With relationship-building at her core, Elise mentors students beyond the classroom. As an athlete, she recognizes the power of sports in building confidence and character and stepped into the role of ECCA’s middle school girls volleyball coach. The teamwork and growth this past season were outstanding, and a 90% volleyball participation rate among sixth grade girls speaks volumes about the strong sense of connection she has built. Elise holds high expectations and provides unwavering support as her student athletes grow.

To sum it all up, Elise shares that “Being an educator is very meaningful work and it fills my cup. It is hard and very rewarding, and getting to build meaningful relationships with my students is everything.” In every sense, Elise Berheim embodies what it means to be a trusted adult—and a true difference maker.