UTVA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Student Advisor and Mentor for Grades 9 - 12
Ms. House received her bachelor's degree in education from Utah State University. Her background includes experience with the Farmington Historical Downtown Development Committee, youth council advisor, a music specialist with Davis School District, and extensive experience as a substitute high school teacher, and specialist working with troubled teens and youth in custody.
Ms. Herrod joined the UTVA team in 2013. She has more than 10 years of experience working in education. She earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Kharkov National University in Kharkov, Ukraine, majoring in secondary education, ESL, and foreign languages instruction.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Draper joined the UTVA team in 2013. Her background also includes more than 10 years of teaching in her local school district. Mrs. Draper earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Southern Utah University, and master's degree in special education from Western Govenors University. She greatly values the relationships that are built in an online environment, and the increased time students have to focus on learning and interacting with others with less focus on social pressures.
Job Titles:
- Employee
- Member of the Board of Directors
Amberly Keeler is a former employee of UTVA who worked as an elementary teacher, a lead teacher, and as the Director of Family Academic Support Team (FAST). As a parent, Amberly has witnessed how UTVA can support individual student needs.
Ms. Bartlett joined the UTVA team in 2013. She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and holds an ESL endorsement. She has more than 20 years of experience teaching second and third grades, a private kindergarten class, and as a reading interventionist. She has also spent many hours in service to her local school PTAs. Ms. Bartlett is especially proud this year of the many relationships she has built with students, and how well she has gotten to know them.
Job Titles:
- High School Special Education Teacher
"Mrs. Q" brings six years of teaching experience to UTVA. Her experience at UTVA includes teaching science, social studies, life skills, transition skills, writing, personal finance, study skills, and geography. Mrs. Q earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University and holds endorsements in early childhood special education, and severe and profound special education.
Mrs. Rasmussen has been teaching for 10 years and joined the UTVA team in 2013. She graduated from Snow College then received her bachelor ‘s degree in elementary education from Utah Valley University, with an early childhood license. Mrs. Rasmussen believes online learning helps students feel comfortable and confident with their education. Many of her students thrive in the online environment.
Ms. Shaw joined the UTVA team in 2018. She earned a bachelor's degree in education from Saint Petersburg College and is planning to graduate with a master's degree in special education in two years. She loves to travel. Some of her favorite trips have been to Aruba where she helped provide supplies and facilitated activities with orphaned children
Job Titles:
- High School Special Education Teacher
Ms. Peterson joined the UTVA team in 2016. She briefly left UTVA to teach 3rd grade in Nevada and returned in 2018 as a life skills instructor in the special ed department. Her background also includes experience as an ELL teacher with VIPKid. Ms. Peterson earned a bachelor's degree in special education from Western Governors University and a master's degree in education in instructional design.
Mrs. Kreitzer earned her bachelor ‘s degree in elementary education from Utah State University. She is a former fourth grade teacher where she innovatively integrated technology into her classroom. Mrs. Kreitzer joined the UTVA team in 2008. She brings experience as a teacher, lead teacher, and title family and student engagement coordinator. She possesses a strong appreciation for school choice and enthusiasm for partnering with parents to facilitate enjoyable, effective schooling for children here in Utah.
Mrs. Reeder started working at UTVA in 2012 and worked at an intermediate school before UTVA. She earned a composite bachelor's degree in elementary and special education from Utah State University. Ms. Reeder also holds a highly qualified endorsement in mathematics.
Ms. Willey joined the K12 team in 2018. She has years of experience creating relationships, building positive environments, and motivation. She has a license in Cosmetology and loves that she can use her skill of individual relationship building in her position with UTVA.
After graduating from Utah State University in 2011, Mrs. Jeppson began her career teaching 1st grade in Smithfield, UT. After two years at a brick-and-mortar school, she was recruited to UTVA and has loved teaching at this school ever since. Mrs. Jeppson is most passionate about early childhood education and has her ECC endorsement from SUU. She recently went back to Utah State to work on her MEd in instructional technology and learning sciences with the hope of sharpening her teaching skills and improving her students ‘ learning experiences in the online environment.
Job Titles:
- High School Special Education History Teacher
Mr. Chaston joined the UTVA team in 2017. He worked as a substitute teacher for several years before becoming a full-time teacher. Mr. Chaston earned a bachelor's degree in music education from BYU-Idaho and master's degree in mild-moderate special education from Missouri State University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- President of the Board of Directors
Brian Maxwell has a degree in political science from the University of Utah. His experience includes working as a deputy campaign manager, a senior policy advisor, and a senior account executive.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Ms. Barnes joined the UTVA team in 2016. She has more than 10 years of experience in education, community service, and development. She earned a bachelor's degree in special education with an emphasis on severe disabilities and MS in special education from Brigham Young University. She has completed her master's degree in research and a semester of international study in India.
Mrs. Wanlass has been with UTVA for nine years and has taught both high school and middle school math. She is also currently teaching a UTVA concurrent enrollment course through Dixie State University. Mrs. Wanlass earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary math education from Southern Utah University, and a Master of Arts degree in math education from Western Governor's University. She is a second-generation educator and hopes to become half the teacher her mother is.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Administrative Assistant
Ms. Cluff joined the UTVA team in 2014. She manages the special education office needs, including scheduling of meetings and file maintenance. She is currently working toward her bachelor's degree in general studies at Brigham Young University.
Ms. Olson joined the UTVA team in 2014. She has more than 10 years of experience in education and community service. She earned a bachelor ‘s degree in K-12 special education from Weber State University with an emphasis in ESL. Mrs. Olson likes teaching students with various learning styles and individualizing their learning experience in a non-threatening environment. She maintains a sanctuary in her house for exotic animals.
Job Titles:
- High School Special Education Teacher
Ms. Ulrigh brings more than nine years of teaching experience to UTVA. She graduated from Utah State University and earned a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University. She believes the virtual learning environment allows her to focus on teaching and helps eliminate many of the distractions students face.
Job Titles:
- 2nd - 3rd Grade Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Hunter-Chavez joined the UTVA team in 2013 and has more than 15 years of experience in education and community service. She earned a bachelor ‘s degree in psychology from Brigham Young University and a teaching certificate from Utah State University. Mrs. Hunter-Chavez loves the flexibility of teaching in a virtual environment and having immediate access to tools that benefit her students. In her spare time, she writes, records, and performs music professionally
Mrs. Gale joined the UTVA team in 2018. She has seven years of experience in education. Mrs. Gale earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from UVU. She grew up in New York and like being able to build relationships with families and students.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Financial Coordinator / Secretary Dallin Drescher
Dallin Drescher has a bachelor's degree in commercial Spanish and is currently in law school. He has experience as an assistant manager at America First Credit Union and is the director of publishing for eAssist Dental Solutions.
Ms. Barton joined the UTVA team in 2017. She has 20 years of experience teaching middle school math. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in secondary mathematics from the University of Wyoming. Mrs. Barton loves being able to work closely with students and parents for the best possible educational experience and believes online learning provides students with a learning environment suited to their individual needs.
Job Titles:
- Administration
- High School Assistant Principal
Mrs. Wright graduated from the University of Utah with her bachelor's degree in early childhood education and completed her master's in educational leadership from Western Governor's University in 2017. She taught grades K-2 before moving to administration as assistant principal, first for K8 and now for high school. Mrs. Wright joined the UTVA team in 2013 and has a passion for education and serving the virtual school population. Although working with younger students is where her career began, she quickly found a special place in her heart for high school and looks forward to seeing the school grow.
Mrs. Griffin joined the UTVA team in 2009. She has 17 years of teaching experience, with 14 of those years being in second grade. She earned a bachelor ‘s degree in elementary education from Brigham Young University and has an elementary math endorsement. Mrs. Griffin feels online learning gives students a safe learning environment with access to exceptional curriculum, teachers, administrators, and peers.
Ms. McHam joined the UTVA team in 2018. She has more than nine years of teaching experience. Ms. McHam earned her bachelor ‘s degree in elementary education from Utah State University in 2009. She enjoys helping students progress in their reading skills and seeing their smiling faces in the Zoom classroom
Ms. Smith joined the UTVA team in 2012. She started her career in 2009 teaching in a split kindergarten and 1st grade classroom. Ms. Smith has bachelor ‘s degrees from Utah State University in early childhood education, elementary education, and special education.
Job Titles:
- Advanced Learner Program ( ALP ) Coordinator and 5th Grade Science Teacher
Mrs. Davies joined the UTVA team in 2010. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Brigham Young University, a gifted and talented endorsement from Utah State University, and Master of Education degree from Southern Utah University. In addition to Utah, she has also lived in Florida, London, and the Fijian islands!
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Ms. White joined the UTVA team in 2016 and has more than 12 years of special education experience. She earned a bachelor ‘s degree in child development from Brigham Young University, with an emphasis in family services and special education. Ms. White also holds certificates in early childhood development and mild/moderate special education teaching for grades K-12. She loves working with her students face to face and helping build their love and excitement for learning. All from the comfort of their own homes!
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Ms. Patterson joined the UTVA team in 2014. She has teaching experience in pre-k settings, elementary resources classrooms, and middle school. Ms. Patterson received her dual bachelor's degree in early childhood education/special education from Utah State University in 2009. She loves to use technology to help students practice skills and learn content in many different ways, and being able to communicate more often with parents online and in person.
Job Titles:
- High School Biology Special Education Teacher
Ms. Raymond joined the UTVA team in 2016. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a minor in earth sciences from Utah Valley University, and a master's degree in conservation ecology from Trinity College in Dublin. She is currently working towards a teaching endorsement in special education.
Job Titles:
- High School Science Teacher
Ms. Nye has been teaching at UTVA since 2014. She graduated with two bachelor's degrees from Weber State University, and is licensed to teach earth science, as well as medical career and technical education courses, such as anatomy.
Job Titles:
- High School Integrated Math 2 Special Education Teacher
Ms. Holmes joined the UTVA team in 2017 and says it's her best job ever. She has experience in special education at California Virtual Academy, and as a resource teacher at the elementary school level. She earned her master's in education, specializing in special education from California Baptist University.
Ms. Wilson joined the UTVA team in 2011 and has more than 15 years of teaching experience. She earned a bachelor ‘s degree in education from Utah State University with an ESL endorsement. A recent proud moment for her was supporting students who were 3+ grade levels behind and utilizing the i-Ready program to bring them to grade-level proficiency by the end of the year.
Mrs. Brown joined the UTVA team in 2012. She earned a bachelor ‘s degree in elementary education with an emphasis on early childhood. She loves the connections she makes with the students and parent learning coaches at UTVA and sees the value online education provides students. Mrs. Brown believes every individual student is unique and can benefit significantly from the online learning environment.
Ms. Price joined the UTVA team in 2012. She earned a BS in math teaching from Weber State University and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University. She enjoys going on adventures with her family and once encountered a bear in Alaska. Mrs. Price believes online learning gives students more flexibility in their schedule and provides more individualized.
Job Titles:
- High School Math Special Education Teacher
Ms. Tremea joined the UTVA team in 2016. She earned a dual degree in special education and elementary education with a music minor from Utah State University. She loves helping students from all backgrounds and abilities discover how they can succeed and is passionate about helping provide a safe educational environment.
Ms. Russell joined the UTVA team in 2017. She graduated from University of Texas of Permian Basin with a bachelor's degree in business management. She enjoys working with students in an online environment that is free from many routine distractions that usually hold students back.
Job Titles:
- High School Special Education Teacher
Ms. Popwell originally joined UTVA as the first special education mentor for UTVA in the spring of 2018. She has more than 10 years of experience in education, performing arts, and community outreach. Ms. Popwell earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater from the University of Utah, and a master's degree in psychology with an emphasis on organizational leadership and development from the University of the Rockies. She is currently earning a Master of Education with a special education licensure emphasis at Weber State University.
Job Titles:
- Technical Education ( CTE ) Academic Administrator
Ms. Hymas joined the UTVA team in 2016. She has more than 15 years of experience in elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Southern Utah University, and her master's degree in education with an emphasis in schooling counseling from the University of Utah. Ms. Hymas loves connecting with students on the human level and is passionate about the work she does with Stride Career Prep and Concurrent Enrollment Programs at UTVA.
Mrs. Goodman joined UTVA in 2017. In her 10 years of teaching, she has taught in Utah and Washington, DC. She earned her degree in English education from BYU. Mrs. Goodman loves traveling the world. She has been to Hawaii, France, Holland, UK, and China in the last year!
Ms. Howe joined the UTVA team in 2014 and has more than 15 years of teaching experience. She earned a bachelor ‘s degree in elementary education and special education from Southern Utah University and a master ‘s degree in special education from California Lutheran University. Mrs. Howe enjoys the flexibility an online school provides, especially for students who are struggling with behavioral and anxiety issues.
Mrs. Morales grew up in Murray but has lived in St. George for 17 years. She graduated from Dixie State University with a bachelor ‘s degree in elementary education and an ESL endorsement. Mrs. Morales taught 4th grade in the classroom for four years and has been on the elementary team with Utah Virtual Academy for ten years. She enjoys helping students feel like they ‘re part of an online family and school community that they belong to.
Ms. Nelson joined the UTVA team in 2015. She previously taught at Legacy Preparatory Academy and West Lake Junior High. Ms. Nelson received a bachelor's degree in music therapy from Utah State University and attended Weber State University's PRIME program for teacher training and licensing. Ms. Nelson has a special education mild/moderate teaching license, with highly qualified status in secondary language arts.
Ms. Allen joined the UTVA team in February of 2018. She has a passion for helping others learn and succeed. She loves being able to work with students that have struggled in public school and enjoys making them feel more comfortable in their own environment.
Ms. Ellis joined the K12 team in 2015. She has been teaching for eight years in the middle school and elementary settings. Ms. Ellis graduated from Utah State University with of bachelor's degree in elementary education. She is a currently attending Southern Utah University to complete a master's degree in education with an endorsement in educational technology.
Mrs. Dewey joined the UTVA team in 2017 and has nine years of teaching experience. She earned a bachelor ‘s in elementary education from the University of Utah and a master ‘s in education from Westminster College. She is also a national board certified teacher in early and middle childhood literacy and holds endorsements in technology, ESL, and reading.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Vice President of the Board of Directors
- Technical Education Coordinator at Northridge High School
Kristen Davidson works as career and technical education coordinator at Northridge High School in Layton, Utah. She is a graduate of Weber State University and the University of Utah. She taught health science classes and has previous experience as an operating room nurse. Kristen served as the National Board Chair for HOSA Future Health Professionals, President of the Utah Association for Career and Technical Education and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Health Professions Network.
Mrs. Robinson joined the UTVA team in 2013. She has experience as a mentor, 3rd grade math teacher, math interventionist, and 5th grade language arts teacher. She earned a bachelor ‘s degree in elementary education, with a minor in English as a second language from Dixie State University. Mrs. Robinson is passionate about helping other teachers become the very best so they, in turn, can focus on supporting students. She was an amateur boxer in college!
Ms. Robinson graduated from Dixie State University in 2006 with a degree in elementary education and an ESL endorsement. She will complete her master's in education with administrative license (MEd LEAD) in July 2021 through Southern Utah University. Her teaching experience includes being a 6/7 grade math teacher, high school mentor, 3rd grade teacher, 5th grade teacher, and math interventionist. Ms. Robinson began working at Utah Virtual Academy in 2013 and is so proud of how far this school has come since that time. In addition to teaching, she created and advised both the Ambassador and Jr. Ambassador leadership programs at UTVA. She also worked on the K8 leadership team as lead teacher for three years. Ms. Robinson is passionate about helping students grow and develop through equity and excellence. Her focus as a leader at UTVA centers around supporting teachers and families, high expectations for both staff and students, and keeping student growth at the very center of every decision that is made. Ms. Robinson truly believes that educators have a moral and ethical duty to educate every student and looks forward to that responsibility every single day!
Mrs. Stead joined the UTVA team in 2018. She has more than nine years of teaching experience in elementary school, middle school, and adult education at the university level. She earned a bachelor's degree in humanities from Brigham Young University and a master's degree in second language teaching from Utah State University. Mrs. Stead earned a creative writing certificate from Oxford University during their summer school program abroad, as well as a TESOL certification from LearnTEFL. She enjoys find creative ways to use instructional resources and teaching strategies to meet the needs of her students.
Lori Simonson graduated from Dixie State University in 2010 with a degree in elementary education and an ESL endorsement. She is currently enrolled at Southern Utah University and will graduate with her master's in education with administrative and supervisory license in December 2021. Ms. Simonson's background in education includes teaching 2nd grade, 5th grade, 7th grade science, as well as working as an instructional coach, lead teacher, and K8 vice principal. She is passionate about education and believes that every student should have the opportunity to receive the best education possible. Ms. Simonson believes that by working together as a middle school team we can help support students in finding success through their educational pursuits.
Job Titles:
- Student Services Administrator and Marketing Point of Contact Rep
Mrs. Charles has been at UTVA for seven years, starting as a Kindergarten and 1st-grade teacher. She then worked as the family engagement coordinator for four years and is currently excited to work as the student services administrator with a fantastic team of professionals dedicated to supporting students and parent Learning Coaches. Mrs. Charles graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in elementary education. Her hobbies include rock climbing, hiking, fishing, singing, and spending time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Marty Carpenter has a demonstrated expertise in public policy and strategic communications and worked on the executive team of Utah's largest and longest-serving non-profit business association, the Salt Lake Chamber, as well as other nonprofit boards. Currently, Marty is a managing partner of 24NINE, a public policy firm located in Salt Lake City. Marty served as the senior advisor to Governor Herbert and has worked closely with education advisors, such as the Utah Education Association and various elected officials who support and oversee education.
Job Titles:
- High School Biology Teacher
Mr. Andersen received a Bachelor of Science degree in composite teaching- biological science from Utah State University. He joined UTVA immediately after his student teaching and has never looked back. Mr. Andersen appreciates the fact that many of his students are naturally comfortable using technology when they arrive.
Mrs. Poor joined the UTVA team in 2013. She earned a bachelor's degree in history from Brigham Young University. Mrs. Poor teaches 7th grade Utah Studies and 8th grade American History B. Mrs. Poor feels online learning is a great opportunity for students to take ownership of their schoolwork and overall school schedule.
Mrs. Merideth graduated from Utah Valley University in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in behavioral science. She completed her master's degree in educational counseling from the University of Phoenix in 2009 and is pursuing her doctoral degree in educational leadership at the University of Utah. Mrs. Merideth has been with UTVA since 2011 and has experience in working with students of all grade levels with charter and district schools before joining UTVA. Her background includes extensive experience as a school counselor, high school principal, and operations manager. Mrs. Merideth has a passion for virtual education, believing that all students can learn, and virtual education is a vehicle to facilitate quality education statewide.
Job Titles:
- High School Special Education Program Coordinator
Mrs. Denton brings more than 15 years of education experience to UTVA. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, master's in special education, master's in school administration, and an endorsement as director of special education from Murray State University in Kentucky. She enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- High School English Teacher
Mrs. Morris graduated from Utah State University with a degree in English and secondary education. She also has attended college in Jerusalem. Mrs. Morris is active in community events and loves to travel the world and meet new people. She has been recognized as a finalist as teacher of the year for the K12 Central Region.
Ms. Weight joined the UTVA team in 2017 and has more than 11 years of teaching experience. She earned a bachelor ‘s degree in elementary education and English as a second language endorsement. Mrs. Weight loves hearing that so many of her students are happy to be at UTVA. More than anything, they appreciate the safe environment and feel included.
Twenty years after earning her bachelor's degree, Ms. Burum returned to school and recently graduated from the University of Utah with a master's degree in social work. She also holds a school social work certificate.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Ms. Lister taught special education, and 2nd and 3rd grade at Fredonia Elementary in Fredonia, AZ for three years. She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education 1-8 and special education K-12. She also has an ESL endorsement and is taking coursework toward completing an English minor. She joined the UTVA team in 2017.
Mr. Parkin joined the UTVA in 2013. He earned a degree in mass communications with an emphasis in public relations at the University of Utah and his teaching license through the USOE ARL program at the University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College. Mr. Parkin enjoys the opportunity to teach students from different parts of Utah in one single class. He likes to hear about the success of his students, who are also accomplished performers, gymnasts, bike racers, to name a few, while enrolled at UTVA.
Job Titles:
- High School History and Electives Teacher
Ms. Bagley joined the UTVA team in 2015. She has more than nine years of experience in education, team building, and dependability. Ms. Bagley earned a bachelor's degree in education from Toccoa Falls College, and a computer science level 1 endorsement from the State of Utah.
Job Titles:
- Math 2 Credit Recovery Teacher
Mrs. Niederhauser joined the UTVA team in 2017. She has more than five years of experience in education and loves the ability to work with students daily. She earned a Bachelor of Science at Weber State University with teaching endorsements in both sociology and mathematics. Prior to UTVA, Mrs. Niederhauser taught math at Clearfield High School in Utah.
Ms. Roberts joined the UTVA team in 2015. She previously taught high school science in northern Utah. Ms. Roberts earned a bachelor's degree in physics teaching from Brigham Young University and a master's degree in geosciences from Mississippi State University. She holds certificates in physics, chemistry, and mathematics level IV.
Job Titles:
- High School Health Teacher
Ms. Christensen joined the UTVA team in 2016. She attended both Texas A&M University and Utah Valley University to complete a BS in health education.
Mrs. Keller has been a UTVA teacher for 11 years. She teaches Spanish and a wide range of high school elective courses. Mrs. Keller earned a bachelor's degree from BYU-Idaho, and is currently working on becoming a certified career services provider with Stride Career Prep. She greatly appreciates the flexibility in being available and involved in activities and events with her own five children.
Ms. Finlinson joined the UTVA team in 2015 and loves being a teacher in the virtual learning community. She earned her bachelor ‘s degree in elementary education from Dixie State University with an English as a second language endorsement. Ms. Finlinson has taught numerous grades, including 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th. She believes online learning gives students the unique ability to gain academic knowledge while allowing their parents/guardians to be a big part of the learning process.
Job Titles:
- High School English Teacher
Ms Bellamy decided she wanted to be a high school English teacher during her first English class in 7th grade. She has taught at every level of education from kindergarten to higher education in various capacities and can confirm that 11th grade is the best grade to teach. This is her sixth year teaching English at UTVA, and her eighth year at the school. Ms. Bellamy earned a bachelor's degree in English education from Utah State University with minors in French teaching and British and Commonwealth Cultures.
Ms. Girot joined the UTVA team in 2015. Her background includes 15 years of experience teaching grades K-12, in both brick-and-mortar and online settings, in Arizona, Hawaii, and Utah. She earned a bachelor's degree in special education from Arizona State University, and a master's degree in education management through Strayer University. She has also studied microbiology at the University of Guanajuato, Mexico, and is fluent in Spanish.
Mrs. Wilson joined the UTVA team in 2018. She graduated from Utah Valley University in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in biology education. She has taught middle school science for four years. Mrs. Wilson enjoys the interaction with the diverse group of students in the online environment.
Job Titles:
- Physical Education Courses and Culinary Arts Teacher
Mrs. Glover has more than 15 years of experience in education and coaching. She earned her bachelor's degree in education and master's degree in education from Southern Utah University. Mrs. Glover enjoys being able to bring passion for fitness in multidimensional ways to her students.
Ms. Elmy joined the UTVA team in 2013. She has more than nine years of experience as a K-8 principal, elementary, middle school, and high school math. She earned her bachelor's degree in education and math endorsement at Weber State University.
Mr. Arnold joined the UTVA team in 2013. Prior to joining UTVA, he worked as a school counselor for four years in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mr. Arnold earned a bachelor's degree in marriage and family studies from Brigham Young University Idaho, and a master's degree in school counseling from University of Phoenix - Colorado.
Mrs. Rose joined UTVA team in 2017. She has six years of experience in education. Mrs. Rose earned a bachelor's degree from Southern Utah University and a master's degree from Western Governors University. She also holds certifications which allow her to teach all levels of mathematics. Mrs. Rose loves being able to provide students with a quality education while allowing various levels of flexibility for individual students.
Job Titles:
- Second Language ( ESL ) Special Education Teacher
Ms. Durfey joined the UTVA team in 2015. She has more than 20 years of education experience. She also holds a certificate in special education and an endorsement in ESL. Mrs Durfey is excited to give her students the opportunity to enjoy choices in their education. She believes that students are all individuals and learn in different ways. Ms. Durfey was born in Japan.
Job Titles:
- High School Language Arts Teacher
Mrs. Anderson has been at Utah Virtual Academy since 2011. Mrs. Anderson earned a bachelor's degree in English teaching with a minor in ESL from Weber State University. She graduated cum laude and received her Utah teaching license for secondary education.
Ms. Miller joined the UTVA team in 2017. She grew up with ten siblings in her blended family and has always loved teaching and tutoring her siblings. Ms. Miller received her bachelor ‘s in elementary education with an English as a second language endorsement from Dixie State University in 2015. She received her master ‘s in special education in 2018. She absolutely loves teaching 2nd grade ELA and 3rd grade special education!
Mrs. Strahan graduated from Southern Utah University in 2003 with a teaching degree in secondary language arts and journalism. After teaching language arts for two years at an alternative private school setting, Mrs. Strahan realized her real passion was working with students with disabilities, especially autism. She earned her endorsement in special education from Utah State University and afterward moved into special education in the public school system. Mrs. Strahan has worked in private schools, a public district school, and now at Utah Virtual Academy. She was the special education coordinator at UTVA for seven years, and in 2018 moved to the role of special programs manager, where she oversees compliance for Special Education, Title I programs, 504 plans, and ELL. Her strongest belief is that given the opportunity, all students can learn.
Mrs. Seegmiller joined the UTVA team in 2018. She has more than 10 years of experience in education as a preschool teacher, teacher's assistant, and PE teacher. She earned a bachelor's degree in human development and family studies from the University of Utah, a master's degree in exercise and sports science, and a teaching certificate and PE K-12/health endorsements. Mrs. Seegmiller believes the online learning gives students the opportunity to work independently at their own pace.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Ms. Baxter joined the UTVA team in 2009. She graduated from Brigham Young University in 2002. Mrs. Baxter loves the opportunities that online school provides to students and feels fortunate to have this as an educational option.
Ms. Bird joined the UTVA team in 2016. She earned a bachelor's degree in family studies from Weber State University and has plans to complete a master's degree in education or school counseling. Ms. Bird believes online learning gives students the opportunity for growth in education, and the flexibility to build their skills in various fields and extracurricular activities.
Ms. Spencer joined the UTVA team in 2014. Her background includes experience in office administration, operations, academics, and student services. Ms. Spencer earned a bachelor's degree in international studies from Utah State University. She loves to travel and has visited Japan and France.
Mrs. Griffin joined the UTVA team in 2017. She has taught in the elementary school level for seven years. Mrs. Griffin earned her bachelor ‘s degree in elementary education from Utah State University. Following graduation, she taught English for five months in China to children of all ages. Mrs. Griffin believes online learning is a great opportunity for students because it allows them to learn in a way they are most comfortable with, given their specific situations.
Ms. Allen has been a part of the UTVA team since 2017. She earned a bachelor's degree in marketing and public relations from the University of Utah. She likes the opportunity to create an online school community through social media and other digital communication tools.
Mrs. Allen graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor's degree in public relations and business. Mrs. Allen's early career involved learning the marketing side of business. She worked with a virtual training company right out of college and was intrigued by the "education" component of the company. She has since served as the marketing director for local school bond initiatives, and the executive director for the Morgan Education Foundation. Mrs. Allen has been part of the UTVA team since 2018. It is her goal to provide sustainable processes to support staff and students to ensure each student the best possible virtual education.
Mrs. Brown joined the UTVA team in 2018. She earned a bachelor ‘s in elementary education with an emphasis in early childhood education from Southern Utah University. Growing up, her dream goal was to teach kindergarten, and she is thrilled that it's now a reality!
Mrs. Wiberg joined the UTVA team in 2018. She earned a bachelor's degree in family, consumer, and human development with a minor in psychology, and Master of Education in professional school counseling from Utah State University. Her background also includes experience working in the USU Career Services Department, where she gained her true passion for career exploration. Mrs. Wiberg teaches career exploration by enabling students to participate through chat, writing on the whiteboard, and answering questions via polling and playing educational games.
Job Titles:
- High School History and Electives Teacher
Mr. Hancock joined the UTVA team in 2017. He has been in education for five years and holds a BS and MEd from Weber State University. He also holds certificates in special education, social studies composite, general financial literacy, and driver education.