Bill Knous,
Executive Director
Bill is a Denver native who grew up attending Denver Public Schools. He currently serves as the Director of Charter School Growth at the Colorado League of Charter Schools. He has a B.A. in History from the University of Wyoming, a certification in Non-Profit Management through Temple University, and an M.A. in Secondary Education from Villanova University. While serving as School Director of DSST: College View High School, he completed the National Principals Fellowship program through the RELAY Graduate School of Education. He loves the Nuggets, Broncos, Avalanche, and Rockies, and spends his days reading, listening and thinking. He loves making his sons giggle.
Chrissie Vroome Knous,
Head of Learning
Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Chrissie is an educator, creator, and mother with a passion for breathing deeply. She has a B.A. in English and an M.S. in Secondary Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and completed the Mindful Teacher Certification Program through Mindful Schools. Chrissie has taught English as a first, second, and even third language to students ages 2-18 in the U.S.A, Spain, and Colombia, and currently serves as a Student Support Coordinator at the Denver Language School. She loves her family, dogs, Zumba, traveling, singing Disney songs to her sons, writing to make a difference, and all things Philly.
Dakota Prosch,
Lead Guide
With over 25 years of experience in education—including 16 as a Montessori Guide— Dakota brings a deep commitment to child-centered, experiential learning. her background includes a Masters in education, leadership in professional development, ample experience in the outdoors, and a passion for connecting children with nature, curiosity, and their own unique voice. She believes deeply in the mission of Gran Via, and is excited to build a joyful, nourishing learning environment with your children.
Eleanor Sitter,
Assistant Guide
Eleanor recently graduated from Colorado State University and is a Wisconsin native. She brings a diverse background, spanning hands-on conservation, nonprofit leadership, basic emergency services, data analysis, and policy work. Eleanor has managed cross-functional projects — action planning and wildfire data analysis to nonprofit outreach and fundraising — always striving to turn big ideas into actionable outcomes. She values collaborative, communicative teamwork and is driven by a passion for real, interpersonal conservation impact, bridging systemic thinking with grassroots engagement. She has loved getting to know our Viajeros and is always game to sing, play, and learn alongside them.
Bo Prosch,
Lead Service Dog
Bo is the official Service Dog of Gran Via, and Dakota’s dearest canine companion. He is the runt of a royal pack of shepherds and was rescued by Dakota from Texas in 2019. Bo loves long walks, circle time at Gran Via, and sleeping on large velvet pillows. He retired from DPS where he spent 4 years in a Montessori classroom.