We are Bill Knous and Chrissie Vroome Knous, co-founders of Gran Via Education. In 2008, we met while crossing a street known as “Gran Via” in Granada, Spain. In the years that followed, we came to see that it was no coincidence that we had met, quite literally, in the middle of a “Great Path,” having left behind everything we knew in search of adventure, growth, and learning. Since that day, we have traveled the path together, and it is our dream to help others uncover their own great paths by living in the present moment with curiosity and kindness.
Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Chrissie is an educator, writer, 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 2-15 in the U.S.A, Spain, and Colombia, and most recently served as a Student Support Specialist at the International School of Denver. She loves her family, dog, Zumba, traveling, singing Disney songs to her sons, writing to make a difference, and all things Philly.
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 and Bill have completed the 4.0 Schools Tiny Fellowship, a program that supports aspiring educational leaders in building a more equitable future for education.