Meet Trailblazer Carrie Nitchoff

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Nitchoff.

Carrie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
What an honor to be included in such an amazing publication!
I’ve always been a dancer. I can’t think back to a time when dance wasn’t a part of my life.
I was born in Phoenix, AZ and graduated from Arizona State with a degree in Nutrition. While at ASU, I taught dance team/”pom” camps for the United Spirit Association. Never had I been surrounded by such positive, talented, and incredible people. This organization and the individuals I worked with were huge influences on my life and my future career. After relocating to Colorado, I went back to school to get my teaching degree. I never thought I would be a classroom teacher, but God kept gently nudging me. Once I stepped into a biology classroom at Broomfield High School, I was hooked. The kids and my colleagues were amazing and I had never worked so hard while having so much fun. In addition to teaching, I coached the Pom team at Broomfield. After teaching and coaching for 6 years, I “retired” to do my favorite job of all time. I loved being able to stay home with my two amazing children, Natalie and AJ. While I was able to stay home with my kiddos, I loved every minute of watching them grow into the incredible young adults they are today. After graduating from CSU, Natalie just moved to NYC to pursue a career as a dancer and performer and AJ is a junior at the University of Wyoming in the Army ROTC. He is in Botswana for the summer!

I also began teaching dance classes to 3-6-year-old beautiful ballerinas and directing dance team of amazing young dancers. Once Natalie and AJ were in middle and high school, I jumped back into the classroom. This also gave me the opportunity to join an amazing team of coaches working with the Poms at the high school again. That brings me to where I am today. Happy and so grateful. Teaching science to 9th and 10th graders, coaching the most amazing team of high school dancers (Back to Back State Champions and incredible young women), co-directing the Blue Crew leadership team at Broomfield, and teaching 2-6-year-old dancers.

I love spending time with my kids, my friends, and my Boxer, Isabelle. I also enjoy doing yoga, paddle boarding, playing tennis, reading, watching movies, and going to as many Broadways shows as I can attend. God is so good!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh my goodness… I could write a book on this one.
No. Although it hasn’t always been a smooth road, each experience has allowed me to grow into the person I am today. My advice for young women who are just starting their journey is to surround yourself with positivity and joy. Find your people. Lift up and encourage other women while you find a tribe that will lift you up and encourages you as well. Love and kindness always win.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As a teacher and a coach, one of the things I am most proud of is making a positive difference in the lives of young people. Dancers I had as a 3-year-old ballerina are now dancers on the high school dance team I coach. I feel my ability to build confidence in others and surround myself with amazing people sets me apart.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Be the hardest worker in the room, surround yourself with great people and chose positivity.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: carrie.anne.n
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.nitchoff

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.