WSD - Key Persons


AAS, Early

Job Titles:
  • Childhood Education, Truckee Meadows Community College, NV

Abbi Van Norman

Job Titles:
  • Lower School Counselor
Personal Statement I am excited to join WSD as the Lower School Counselor. School has always been a place where I have been able to grow and feel supported. I look forward to creating safe spaces for our students and to supporting their emotional needs and continual development. I believe more can be accomplished with a positive, strength-based approach than in any other way. Please reach out if there is anything I can do to better assist your student. Qualifications MSW, University of Denver, CO BS, Psychology, University of Utah

Alex Wubbels

Job Titles:
  • School Nurse

Anna Prows

Job Titles:
  • Front Office Manager
Personal Statement I have lived in Utah all my life, but my motive for moving to Park City occured when a friend recommended Weilenmann School of Discovery for my two children. It's hard to believe, but that was seven years ago! WSD's art, music, science, and outdoor programs were what initially brought us here, and it is that plus the heart and caring of this community that has kept us here! My role as a WSD parent led to becoming a volunteer, which eventually led to being on staff. This year, I was thrilled to accept the position of Front Office Manager. I enjoy making connections, getting to know students and families, and working with my WSD colleagues. Make sure to stop by and say hi - students call me Ms. Anna, and you can too! Qualifications AS, Landscape Design & Horticulture, Utah State University, UT

Caitlin Johnson

Job Titles:
  • Special Education

Cam Raguse

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Outdoor Education Committee

Chris McIntosh

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Professional Development Committee

Christie Vanderhoof

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Safety Committee

Christina Albers

Job Titles:
  • Director of Teacher Mentoring, Librarian

Cynthia Phillips

Job Titles:
  • Grants Consultant
Personal Statement I joined the Weilenmann School "adventure" during the school's pre-operational year because I wanted to help create a school with an academic program equal to that of the best private schools. I began this adventure with an honorable community of scholars, artists, musicians, scientists, and friends. To achieve our goal of an outstanding school, we started with a solid liberal arts curriculum and added technology-supported learning and authentic student inquiry. After serving as a founding administrator and executive director for the first ten years of the school's operation, I returned to full time teaching, my true passion, in the WSD classroom. Now retired, I enjoy contributing to the school's success as a consultant and forever friend. I love WSD and everyone in it. It has always been our hope that every student who comes through the door will leave us having found a love of learning, an expanded view of their potential, a concern for humanity, and the burgeoning skills to make the world a better place. Qualifications MA, History, University of Utah, UT MA, Classics, Tufts University, MA

Danika Rogers

Job Titles:
  • Individualized Special Education Aide
Personal Statement I am excited to be at Weilenmann School of Discovery and to work with kind, playful and engaged students and teachers. In my role, I get to spend the whole day with a remarkable student and we delight in learning together. WSD is such a welcoming and uplifting community. I am grateful to enjoy a meaningful connection here. Qualifications BS, Recreation Management and Recreational Therapy, Brigham Young University, ID Certification, Outdoor Educator, National Outdoor Leadership School, AZ

Elizabeth Phillips

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Mindfulness Committee
  • Assistant Lower School Director, Special Education Teacher
Personal Statement I have spent my entire career in Special Education serving students of all ages in Wyoming and Utah. I am so honored to be part of such an amazing team at WSD, surrounded by supportive colleagues, involved family and community members, and amazing students! My philosophy has always been to teach to the hearts of my students, inspire their minds, and the academics will follow. Teaching with a truly individualized approach in WSD's Special Education program is a dream come true. I find so much value in recognizing my students' unique learning styles and being able to connect with them in meaningful ways. There is no better accomplishment than helping students feel successful and motivated to become lifelong learners of their world. Qualifications BSA, Grand Canyon University, Special Education and Elementary Education

Emily Poulsen

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Makerspace Committee
  • Member of the Outdoor Education Committee

Gage Farinacci

Job Titles:
  • Lunchroom Manager
Personal Statement I am excited to serve as Lunchroom Manager and Camp Wapiti Director at WSD. I grew up on Long Island, NY and moved out to Park City in 2009 for the winters. I enjoy traveling and trying new things in the summers, including being a Camp Counselor, teaching the history of sailing and trading to middle school classes along the west coast, volunteering at a Jamaican orphanage, commercial fishing, wildland firefighting, cycling across Europe, and much more. I look forward to getting to know the families and staff at WSD - come find me and let's exchange adventure stories! Qualifications CPR Certified Food Handler's Permit

Jason Glidden

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board

Jeff Cohen

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Theme Committee
  • Lower School PE Teacher
Personal Statement My background in Special Education includes a variety of experiences and settings, and has helped me understand the intricacies and challenges of meeting a wide range of student needs. At Weilenmann School of Discovery, I feel lucky to work with a talented team that is dedicated to making school a place where all students can thrive. I especially enjoy being able to use my creativity in order to make learning fun, especially when working with students with disabilities. I know that the time I spend with students impacts the rest their education, and I work hard to ensure that each one achieves genuine success. Qualifications Certified, Woodcock Johnson Level III Certified, Wilson Reading System Level I Certified MANDT, USOE BA, Sociology, SUNY, Albany

Jessica Jencks

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Mindfulness Committee

Jo Duff

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Safety Committee
  • School Nurse
Personal Statement Nursing is my second career in life. After having children of my own, I knew I wanted a career in Pediatrics and one that allowed me to help others. I believe school nursing encompasses more than just the physical aspects of health; it includes emotional and mental well being, too. I consider it an honor and privilege to share in the lives of WSD students and assist them with any aspect of their general health care. Qualifications Certified RN, PALS, NRP Practitioner AAS, Registered Nursing, Salt Lake Community College, UT MS, Recreation and Tourism, University of Florida, FL BA, Psychology, University of California Santa Cruz, CA

Jonathan Pacheco

Job Titles:
  • Special Education

Kat Mitchell

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Professional Development Committee
  • Member of the Safety Committee
  • Lower School Director, Licensing Specialist
Personal Statement Teaching and spending time with students is something I have dreamed of since I was a student myself. I have a passion for teaching and learning, and a big soft spot for children! I started my teaching journey here at Weilenmann School of Discovery, and was thrilled to find a school that shares the same values, dedication, and love for learning that I do. I am fortunate to work closely with amazing Lower School teachers as we guide and support our students in the best learning experience possible. Qualifications Early Childhood Education, Utah State University Endorsement, Elementary Math BS, Interdisciplinary Studies 1-8, Western Governors University, UT

Kathleen Fisher

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Theme Committee

Katie Smith

Job Titles:
  • School Nurse

Leah Morisi

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Outdoor Education Committee
  • Member of the Theme Committee

Leslie Arnold

Job Titles:
  • Individualized Special Education Aide

Mark Maziarz

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Safety Committee

Megan Hurster

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Makerspace Committee
  • Director of Student Supports

Michael Odle

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Mindfulness Committee
  • Member of the Professional Development Committee
Purpose: To identify and resolve issues of safety in the school building and grounds

Michele Jacobs - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Special Education Director

Michelle Smietana

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Theme Committee

Nathan Florence

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Makerspace Committee
  • Artist in Residence

Nathan O'Bryant

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Theme Committee

Noah Bale

Job Titles:
  • Special Education Assistant Teacher

Penny Evans

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Mindfulness Committee

Peter Leeman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Safety Committee
  • Director of Technology, Data, Privacy, Security and Assessment

Roni Ottley

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Makerspace Committee
  • Assistant Middle School Dean, Middle School Science

Scott Stewart

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Professional Development Committee
  • Member of the Safety Committee
  • Middle School Dean, Middle School English

Shelley Turner

Job Titles:
  • Assistant to the Director
  • Member of the Theme Committee

Sherri Bender

Job Titles:
  • Special Education

Steve Williams - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Member of the Makerspace Committee
  • Member of the Mindfulness Committee
  • Member of the Outdoor Education Committee
  • Member of the Professional Development Committee
  • Member of the Safety Committee
  • Member of the Theme Committee
  • Executive Director, Middle School English, Writing

Susannah Barnes

Job Titles:
  • Director of Development
  • Member of the Theme Committee

Toni Hansen

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Professional Development Committee
  • Member of the Makerspace Committee

Wade Thomas

Job Titles:
  • Special Education