Secondary Director
Daniel Baker
Leadership/Staff
Administrative Team
Kevin McVicar
Administrative Director
Mr. McVicar has worked with American Prep since 2004 and traveled to all the different campuses as an Academic Coach until 2016 when he transitioned to the Draper 2 campus as an Administrative Director. He recently completed his masters degree in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University with a cohort of other American Prep Administrators. He enjoys reading, playing board games, and spending as much time outdoors and traveling as possible. He has been married to his wife, Stephanie, for 15 years. Together, they have two sons, Seamus and Finnegan, that attend American Prep.
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Carly Young
K-3 Academic Director
Ms. Young has worked at American Prep since March of 2015. She taught 2nd grade in Salem for three years. In 2018, she moved to Draper 2 as the K-3 Academic Director.
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Angela Lawrence
4-6 Academic Director
Mrs. Lawrence graduated in 1999 from BYU Provo with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Public Relations and a minor in Mathematics. After graduating, Mrs. Lawrence went on to work in the community relations departments for Novell and ARUP Blood Services. She began teaching at American Preparatory Academy in January of 2013 and received her teaching license in 2015 through Utah's Alternative Route to Licensure. She then became an Academic Director in 2018. Mrs. Lawrence is married with four children, all of whom attend American Prep. Some of her favorite things in life include being a mom, teaching school, traveling, scuba diving, organizing anything and everything, and continually learning.
xKindergarten Team
Maria Bailey
Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Bailey has taught for over 28 years and loves to be with her students each day. She has 4 children and 2 grandchildren. She says that being a "Nana" is her most favorite thing! She also enjoys running, participating in road races, making photobooks, going to movies, being with friends, and spending time with her family.
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Emma Bergman
Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Bergman began working at American Preparatory Academy as a kindergarten teacher in 2018. She graduated form the University of California, San Diego with a Bachelors of Science in Cognitive Science. She is passionate about the learning and development of children; they are truly incredible and a joy to work with. In her spare time, Ms. Bergman enjoys dancing, reading, musical theater, and baking.
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Sarah Hathorne
Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Hathorne loves teaching children 18 months to 97 years old. She does just that by teaching kindergarten, dance, tumbling, fitness classes, and Silver Sneakers. She graduated from BYU with a major in dance education and taught all genres of dance at three different high schools. Ms. Hathorne also taught preschool at Learning Dynamics and Utah Dance Artist Fine Arts Preschool so she could teach her own children. She loves young children because of their excitement and love of learning. She says that it is so rewarding to see how much growth they make in one year. Ms Hathorne is a proud mother of six wonderful children. She loves to hike, get out on the water, and play with her kids.
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Allie Martir
Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Martir has been an elementary teacher at American Preparatory Academy since 2012. She graduated from the University of La Verne with a Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies. In her spare time, Mrs. Martir enjoys spending time with her family, outdoor recreational activities, scrapbooking, and crafting. She enjoys working with children and shows great enthusiasm when teaching the wonderful APA curriculum.
x1st Grade Team
Megan Callister
1st Grade Teacher
Ms. Callister has been with APA since 2017. She currently teaches 1st grade and LOVES it! Ms. Callister graduated with her BS from the University of Utah. Ms. Callister enjoys hiking, movies, traveling, reading, and her dogs in her free time. She also has been Irish dancing for over 20 years and teaches that as well.
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Michelle Davis
1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Davis has been teaching at American Prep since 2011. She grew up in Utah and loves spending time with her husband, reading, playing volleyball, teaching, and playing with her dog, Harley. She received her Bachelor's Degree from BYU in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Early Childhood Education. She loves teaching at APA and seeing the excitement and growth in the kids.
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Keranne Dayberry
1st Grade Teacher
Ms. Dayberry graduated from Dixie State University with her bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education with an endorsement for English as a second language. She graduated from Western Governor's University with a masters degree in special education. She has been teaching since 2003 and is still in touch with some of her first students. She has nine children, and one grandchild.
Ms. Dayberry has a passion for teaching that is evident in her student response. Her classroom is full of fun and laughter to go with the serious learning. She values character development as well as academic development and includes this in her teaching.
She also loves to travel and exploring new places. She enjoys novelty races, spontaneous traveling, and hiking with her family.
Belinda Durling
1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Durling graduated from Utah State University in 1996 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and an emphasis in mathematics. She taught 2nd grade at Challenger in Sandy, UT for 3 years before having her first child. She spent time tutoring after that and returned to the classroom at American Prep teaching 1st grade in 2004. In 2009, Mrs. Durling became the academic director and worked in administration at APA for the next 9 years. In 2018 she returned to the classroom and is currently teaching 1st grade again. She lives with her husband and four children in West Jordan, UT and, besides working with kids, she enjoys audiobooks and podcasts.
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Lori Henry
1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Henry graduated with honors from Westminster College in 1986. She began teaching first grade for Granite School District in 1987. She was hired by APA in 2011 as an instructor and began as a first grade teacher for American Prep in 2013.
She is an accomplished artist and a published writer. Mrs. Henry studied karate for 15 years and earned the rank of second degree black belt. She has three beautiful horses and loves to ride with her husband in the mountains and deserts of Utah. Mrs. Henry and her husband are Pony Express riders having taken part in the 2012 historical annual re-ride.
2nd Grade Team
Susan Diamond
2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Diamond has worked for APA since 2006 in various positions, teaching second grade was among her favorite assignments. She has over 11 years of teaching experience combined since graduating from Brigham Young University in Elementary Education. She enjoys reading, crafting, and trying new foods.
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Rhonda Foster
2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Foster has taught for many years in public school, homeschool, preschool, and tutoring capacities. She has been with American Prep since 2013. She grew up in Tucson, Arizona, earned her Associate's degree from Ricks College in 1991 and then earned her Bachelor's from Utah State University in Elementary Education with a minor in music in 1993. She has four children, enjoys sewing, singing, playing her flute, volleyball, and basketball but, her children say her hobby is cleaning. She loves teaching and looks forward to every new year!
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Christy Hooley
2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Hooley has a wealth of experience in education that includes teaching in both public and private schools, homeschooling, and starting a private education academy. She grew up in parts of Utah and Green River, Wyoming. She graduated from High School in 1993 with a music scholarship and earned her Associate's degree from Western Wyoming College in 1995. She moved back to Utah and earned her Bachelor's degree from Utah Valley University in Elementary Education, played her clarinet in the UVU band, got married, and started her family all in 2001. She has three children, two daughters and a son. She enjoys singing, playing her clarinet, teaching Zumba, and leading her ward's choir. She also loves being part of our representative form of government by serving as a delegate for her local precinct and is highly involved in politics. Her greatest passion is American History and the Founding Fathers. She loves teaching and is grateful for American Preparatory Academy.
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Cara Hughes
2nd Grade Teacher
Ms. Hughes began working at American Prep in 2017 as an instructor. She became a 2nd grade teacher in 2018. Born in Boise and raised in Salt Lake City, she attended Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington and holds a bachelor degree in theology with a history minor. She is a vocalist and guitar player, and loves to share her music with her students in the classroom. She enjoys practicing yoga, running, reading, watching the Office, and spending time with close friends and family.
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Maggie Mair
2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Mair is a graduate of Western Governors University and has been teaching since 2018. She has enjoyed volunteering in a variety of positions at various schools including The Carmen B. Pingree Center for Children with Autism. She began teaching at American Preparatory Academy in 2018. When she is not teaching you can find Mrs. Mair enjoying the mountains while camping and hiking with her husband and two children. Mrs. Mair is also the coach of the Jr. High (6-8) Girls Volleyball team here at American Prep.
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Paige Pitcher
2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Pitcher began teaching 2nd Grade at American Preparatory Academy in 2018. She grew up in Lehi, Utah and graduated college from Utah Valley University in 2015. She recently moved back to Utah after living in Virginia for the past three years and working in a school out there. She has been married for almost five years and has a dog. She loves to be outside in the mountains snowboarding, snowshoeing, and hiking. She loves playing soccer, being in the outdoors, and dancing.
x3rd Grade Team
Jeremiah Brennan
3rd Grade Teacher
Mr. Brennan started teaching at American Prep in 2018. He is married and has two beautiful daughters that also started attending APA in the 2018-2019 school year. Prior to joining the APA staff, Mr. Brennan served over eight years in the United States Army and earned a Master of Business Administration. Mr. Brennan has a profound love and respect for education and children and is excited to teach, learn, and develop here at American Preparatory Academy.
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Kelly Herrera
3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Kelly Herrera attended college at Westminster and Argosy University where she graduated with honors with a B.A. in Psychology. She has been an Elementary Teacher at American Preparatory Academy since 2017. In her free time she enjoys going to her children's sporting events and taking her 2 dogs for hikes.
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Jennifer McKeague
3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. McKeague has been teaching at American Prep since 2018. She is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, focusing on child development. She has seven years of previous teaching experience in private schools. She enjoys hiking with her family, reading, and tending to her many plants.
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Holly Strong
3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Strong started teaching at American Preparatory Academy in 2017. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Elementary Education and enjoyed teaching 2nd and 5th grades in Jordan School District for seven years. She loves reading, singing, cooking, and camping with her family.
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Syanna Tefteller
3rd Grade Teacher
Ms. Tefteller earned her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with an emphasis in Archaeology from Brigham Young University in 2006. She started teaching as an elementary teacher at American Preparatory Academy in 2017. Prior to teaching, she worked as an archaeologist and GIS specialist for 11 years. In her free time she enjoys reading, hiking, swimming, and spending time with her family and dog.
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Elizabeth Wanner
3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Wanner has been teaching at American Prep since 2009. She is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Cal Poly Pomona University with a degree in Behavior Sciences. She received her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2012. She was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award in 2016. She has three boys, all of whom have attended American Prep. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.
x4th Grade Team
Alissa Boyer
4th Grade Teacher
Ms. Boyer graduated with a teaching certificate from Utah Valley University in 2018 and is excited to be teaching at American Preparatory Academy! Ms. Boyer loves to read, mountain bike, ski, hike, and spend time with her family.
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Annie Cain
4th Grade Teacher
Ms. Cain started with American Preparatory Academy in 2012 and is currently a fourth-grade teacher. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Utah and a Master’s Degree from the University of Phoenix. She was raised and still resides in Sandy. She came from a family of 7, with 5 kids. She has 7 nephews and 4 nieces. She loves to knit, climb, and snowboard. In her bucket list she put that she wants to get married, have kids, and travel.
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Jennifer Elliott
4th Grade Teacher
Ms. Elliott graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelors in History Education and began her teaching career in 2001. She started teaching at American Preparatory Academy in 2017 as an elementary teacher. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, traveling, scuba diving, baking, and cheering on her favorite college football team!
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Kelsey Guziak
4th Grade Teacher
Ms. Guziak is a 4th grade teacher. She graduated from the University of Denver in 2013 with a degree in International Studies and Spanish. From 2013-2015, she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nicaragua, as a health educator. In 2016, she moved to Utah to work as a ski instructor at Snowbird Mountain Resort, where she enjoyed skiing and riding the slopes of the Wasatch almost every day of that snowy winter! This past summer, she led 14 high school students on a study abroad program to Argentina for one month. Ms. Guziak is an avid skier, hiker, runner, traveler and reader. Some of her favorite authors are Judy Blume, Jared Diamond, and J.G. Ballard; she is very excited to read with her students this year! Ms. Guziak is originally from northern Vermont.
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Susan Hyer
4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Hyer has been an elementary teacher at American Preparatory Academy since 2013. She received her Bachelor's of Arts and teaching degree from Western Governors University. Prior to teaching, she worked as an elementary school librarian for 8 years. Mrs. Hyer loves reading and sharing books with children. In her spare time she enjoys camping, cooking, and being with family. She and her husband have 11 children and 10 grandchildren.
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Cami Minniear
4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Minniear earned her B.S. in Elementary Education at Oklahoma Baptist University. She has taught fourth grade for several years in Colorado and Arizona. She fully enjoys being apart of the American Prep team as a fourth grade teacher. Mrs. Minniear enjoys being outdoors and eating all types of food. She also loves watching the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies play.
x5th Grade Team
Angela Bodily
5th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Bodily has been working at American Preparatory Academy since 2015. She graduated from Brigham Young University - Idaho with a degree in elementary education, and she worked as a teacher for a year prior to moving to Utah. Mrs. Bodily has always had a strong desire to work with children, and began working towards her goal to become a teacher in 2002. Since that time, she has held a wide arrange of positions in the field of education. In addition to teaching, she loves hiking, knitting, playing the piano, and playing with her own adorable children.
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Rebecca Chappell
5th Grade Teacher
Ms. Chappell has been an elementary teacher at American Preparatory Academy since 2017. She has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, and taught fourth grade for two years prior to teaching at American Prep. She loves reading, playing the piano, and enjoying the great outdoors.
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Sara Erickson
5th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Erickson earned her B.S. in communication studies at Southern Utah University and her M.Ed in curriculum and instruction from Grand Canyon University. Mrs. Erickson taught high school and middle school for 16 years prior to joining American Preparatory Academy. In her spare time, Mrs. Erickson loves to read, watch college football, cheer for the Dodgers, and bake.
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Noel Gray
5th Grade Teacher
Ms. Gray holds degrees in Education and Psychology and has been teaching since 1995. She is passionate about art, food, books, nature, and loves spending time with her two children.
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Kellie McGrath
5th Grade Teacher
Ms. McGrath was born and raised in Southern California. After getting her Bachelor's Degree in secondary education at Brigham Young University, she taught fifth grade for several years in Arizona. She is happy to be a part of the American Prep team, as a fifth-grade teacher. Ms. McGrath enjoys playing soccer and tennis, hiking, eating pizza and burritos, and spending time at the beach in Hawaii.
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Trevor Newcomer
5th Grade Teacher
Mr. Newcomer began teaching at American Prep in 2018. He has spent time living in Japan and Taiwan, and loves to travel. He enjoys taking his three children on road trips all over America. He is also a huge fan of BYU and the Utah Jazz, and attends as many games as he can.
x6th Grade Team
Amy Akin
6th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Akin has been teaching children the subjects of dance, music, and theater for over 25 years. She is also a mom, wife, violinist, vocalist, singer, actress, dancer, and choreographer. Mrs. Akin graduated from BYU with a BA in dance and additional focus on music and theater. She and her husband have four children and recently moved from Washington State where they owned a performing arts school and a community theater. Mrs. Akin joined the American Preparatory Academy team in 2018. In her free time she likes to read and daydream about adventures that seem impossible.
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Samantha Beal
6th Grade Teacher
California native, Ms. Beal has been teaching since 2015. She received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Utah in Art History and History. She completed the Alternate Route to Licensure in order to receive her teaching license. She still continues her studies of art history and history. Her favorite time period to study for both art and history is the French Revolution. Ms. Beal enjoys the outdoors, music, movies, and loves going to concerts.
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Tamee Burkholder
6th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Burkholder grew up in Salt Lake City and attended Skyline High School. She is the oldest of eight children. Mrs. Burkholder studied at Brigham Young University and received her Bachelors, in Political Science, and Utah teaching certificate there with a student teaching internship in Al-Ram Palestine in 1991.
She was hired as the Education Liaison for Governor Leavitt for a year and worked for the Department of Community and Economic Development for five years including the exciting time of the 2002 Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City. She then traveled with L-3 Communications to Iraq as a finance specialist in Baghdad and Balad, running cash payroll for the linguists serving the coalition troops. She returned to Utah and finished her master’s degree in Comparative International Development Education at BYU and then taught 7th through 9th grade at Lakeview Academy in Saratoga Springs. She then worked as project manager with the Quasi-Government program Utah Fund of Funds. She taught English language learners at the English Language Institute at the University of Utah and ran her own non-profit Women Empowerment Global Outreach. She married Mr. Jeff Burkholder in 2014.
Mrs. Burkholder loves dancing, piano, guitar, and all things musical. She enjoys family history, traveling, and reading. She is excellent at needlework and loves to quilt and cross stitch. She loves a good Marvel or DC Comic movie and enjoys the outdoors including camping, hiking, swimming, canoeing and roughing it.
Mrs. Burkholder volunteers as a victim’s advocate for the South Salt Lake Police Department. She is a Board member of the Daughters of the American Revolution Salt Lake Valley Chapter a DUP Museum docent volunteer and member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and a member of the Mayflower Descendancy society. She is also a member of the Jane Austen Society of North American and Super Aunt to over 60 perfect, beautiful children.
Emily Franklin
6th Grade Teacher
Ms. Franklin has been teaching at APA as a sixth grade teacher since 2018. She has taught 6th grade for 7 years, and it is her favorite grade. She has a bachelors degree in English with a French Minor from BYU. While at BYU she went on Study Abroad to Vienna, Austria. She was fortunate to travel throughout Europe and to Israel and Greece. In addition, she served an LDS Mission to Belgium and France. She has two grown children both of whom have taught at APA.
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Ben Henderson
6th Grade Teacher
Mr. Henderson has been teaching at American Preparatory Academy since 2017. He graduated from Grove City College with a degree in Social Studies Secondary Education. Mr. Henderson is an avid soccer fan and a total history nerd. In his spare time, Mr. Henderson runs, curls, and travels the world.
xSpecials Team
Raquel Coburn
Art Teacher
Ms. Coburn is originally from the sunshine state of California but came to Utah to pursue her art education. She graduated from Utah State with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Ceramics in May of 2018. Raquel married the love of her life in July of 2018 and they live happily in Utah County.
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Katty Marin
Band Teacher
Dr. Marin holds a Master in Music and Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Utah with a minor in Music History. Dr. Marin’s main instrument is the clarinet and has been very active in the International Clarinet Association, including performing with the “Forward 4 Clarinet Quartet” at the conventions in Lincoln (Nebraska), Los Angeles (CA), Assisi (Italy), and Baton Rouge (Louisiana). She has also performed at the prestigious Chilean international festival Semanas Musicales de Frutillar in Frutillar, Chile. She was broadcasted several times at BYU’s classical music radio program Highway 89.
Prior to her appointment at the Draper campuses, Dr. Marin taught band, general music, and music history at the West Valley 1 and 2 campuses with the El Sistema program.
In her spare time, Dr. Marin enjoys listening to music from the 80’s and spending time with her family.
Michael McCawley
Band Teacher
Mr. McCawley was born in England and moved to Canada at the age of 9. He joined the school band at the age of 12. Originally he selected trombone as his instrument but upon arrival at the first rehearsal it was discovered that he was the only one tall enough to hold the Tuba. Mr. McCawley obtained his undergraduate degree in Music Education at the University of Saskatchewan and spent the next two years teaching Band in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. A change in direction took him to Toronto and ultimately Windsor in the province of Ontario. While there he pursued an active musical life performing with the Windsor, London and Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra as well as freelancing through throughout Southern Ontario and Michigan. It was during this time that he met and married Geralyn Giovannetti (currently Professor of Oboe and Chamber Music at the BYU School of Music). A move to Utah in 1990 lead to more musical adventures. Mr McCawley has been a regular sub and extra with the Utah Symphony since 1990, Principal Tuba with the Ballet West Orchestra since 1993, and performed on hundreds of movie trailers, tv shows and so forth through the active Salt Lake recording industry. He is a founding member of the Utah Premiers Brass and the Utah Wind Symphony, and has been Adjunct Faculty teaching Euphonium and Tuba at Weber State, Utah State, BYU and currently Utah Valley University. In January 2016 he returned to classroom teaching when he accepted a position teaching for American Prep at the West Valley campuses.
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Olivia Gledhill
Choir Teacher
Mrs. Gledhill has been with American Preparatory Academy since the 2016-2017 school year. She loved her time teaching 2nd grade and is excited to be teaching music now. She has her Bachelor's of Music with an emphasis in Vocal Performance from Snow College and a few minors in Business, Education, Choral Conducting, and Music Technology. She got married in June 2018, and loves her husband even more than she loves music.
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Annie Nielson
Orchestra Teacher
Mrs. Nielson has over 20 years of string performance experience on violin, viola, cello, and bass, and 9 years of string teaching experience, including large ensembles and private lessons. She holds a Masters degree in Music Education from Colorado State University (2016) and a and Bachelors degree in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Utah (2008). She is a licensed education teacher in the state of Utah.
As a teacher, Mrs. Nielson loves to have the “lightbulb” moment with her students. She is driven to help her students understand new concepts and develop confidence to achieve anything. Creating unforgettable music experiences for students and parents is a highlight of her career. She has arranged joint concerts with Brigham Young University’s Philharmonic Orchestra, jazz musician Sam Payne, and recording artist Aaron Ashton.
Mrs. Nielson has been fortunate to study conducting with Wes Kenney at Colorado State University; viola under John Englund and Julie Edwards, both members of the Utah Symphony. She was a faculty member for the Lyceum Music Festival and has performed under the direction of David Cho, Associate Conductor of the Utah Symphony, and in concert with The 5 Browns. She has also taught at the Blue Sky Music Camp with Aaron Ashton.
Some of Mrs. Nielson's favorite things are spending time with her husband and newborn daughter, reading, baking cookies, exploring new places and eating chocolate. Her dream is to visit Ireland and study Celtic fiddling.
Rob Andersen
P.E. Teacher
Raised on a nut farm (pistachio), Mr. Andersen graduated from Wickenburg High School in Arizona. He served a 2 year church mission in Osaka, Japan, and graduated from BYU in July, 1994. Rob served Salt Lake County as a firefighter for 15 years. He has been teaching PE here at APA since February, 2017. He loves all things athletic--especially mountain biking.
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Sue Bauman
P.E. Teacher
Mrs. Bauman has been teaching PE for 17 years. Her career has taken her into 2nd and 6th grades, athletic director, and coach. Teaching PE is her passion. She received her B.S. degree in Physical Education and History from Weber State University. She completed her Masters in Elementary Education in 2003. She is married, and they have 4 children, 3 boys and 1 girl. With all the children on their own, she and her husband have been enjoying lots of camping, golfing, and riding. Mrs. Bauman has lived in 9 states and 2 countries. She most recently moved here from Phoenix, AZ in 2011. She loves the mountains, but not so much the winters. When she reads, she chooses James Patterson and John Grisham.
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Tashina Foster
Science Teacher
Mrs. Foster started has been with APA since the fall of 2016. She is passionate about science and loves sharing that passion with so many amazing students. Mrs. Foster received a degree in Wildlife Conservation from Brigham Young University in 2007 and has worked in education at zoos and museums. Mrs. Foster loves the outdoors and spending time in nature with her husband and 2 rescue pups. Favorite outdoor activities include camping, bird watching, hiking, and snowshoeing. Mrs. Foster also loves her Scottish heritage and spends a lot of her time playing and teaching others to play the bagpipes.
xInstruction Team
Dilshad Ahmed
Instructor
Mrs. Ahmed has been an instructor with American Preparatory Academy since 2017. She received her Masters in Science in community resource management and extension from Delhi University in India. Since then, she has worked as a project manager at women's charity in Glasgow, Scotland. She loves kids, traveling, exploring, eating, cooking, and learning.
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Stacey Atkinson
Instructor
Mrs. Atkinson has been working at American Prep since January of 2018. She previously worked at Granite School District as a substitute teacher and as a para-educator. She has 2 children that attend Draper 3. Mrs. Atkinson loves to read, play the piano, sing, and watch her sons play sports. She is excited to work with the students at APA!
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Desteny Blanco
Instructor
Ms. Blanco has been working for American Prep since August 2018. She enjoys going on adventures with family and friends. She also is a part-time cosmetology student.
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Sarah Butler
Instructor (Teacher in Training)
Mrs. Butler graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Behavioral Science and Family Studies. She has been an elementary instructor for American Preparatory Academy since 2017. She enjoys spending time with her husband and family. She also enjoys hiking, movies, and traveling. She has a passion working with children and is looking forward to this school year.
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Kelly Cooke
Instructor (Teacher in Training)
Ms. Cooke graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor of science degree in Elementary Education. She has worked in Education off and on since 2001 and started working at American Prepartory Academy in 2017. She taught 2nd and 4th grade, but started out as an Instructional Aide. She is not married, has 2 amazing daughters and 4 adorable grandchildren who are her greatest blessings. She enjoys scrapbooking and spending time in the great outdoors "glamping." She also loves horseback riding and hanging out with her family.
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Ron Daye
Instructor (Teacher in Training)
Ron Daye has worked in home remodel and handyman work for most of his career.
He especially enjoy wood working and building canoes, paddles and other similar items.
Growing up in Eureka, CA, he then moved to raise his children in Utah and currently is excited to make a career change into the field of education.
His wife , mother , daughter and other family members work in education and is excited to join his family by working in education at American Preparatory Academy.
Thanks for making me a part of this incredible organization.
Paige Eakins
Instructor
Ms. Eakins began working at American Prep in 2017. She has traveled all over the world. She recently has lived in South Korea for 4 years. She is so excited to have another amazing year at APA.
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Charity Enniss
Instructor
Mrs. Enniss has worked for APA since August of 2018. She was raised in California and has since lived in Hawaii, Georgia, Arizona, Texas, and Utah. She loves spending time with her husband and four boys, baking, reading, exercising, and enjoying time with family and friends.
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Kerri Enniss
Instructor
Mrs. Enniss has worked for American Preparatory Academy since 2011. She has been married for more than 25 years and has 7 amazing children. She loves all people, and loves working with the staff, families, and students at American Prep. She believes in, supports, and lives the APA way. She was even awarded the ""Builder of the Year"" Award in 2015.
Mrs. Enniss attended BYU-I. She served a 20 Month Full Time LDS Mission from Oct 1990 to May 1992, in Riverside, Ca. She taught LDS Seminary for 4 years. She also served in the LDS Addiction Recovery Program for 4 years. She travels and speaks on pornography addiction with her husband in Adult, Young Adult, and Youth settings, as well as at the Utah State prison.
Mrs. Enniss is a certified Instructor for Rad Kids and taught at The Ranches Academy from 2011 to 2014. She organized and ran the Humanitarian Aid collection for Ron Williams to Honduras 2005. Since 2005, she has served with Lighted Candle Society (attorneys who litigate against those who produce, manufacture, and distribute pornography), in directing various events. She also assisted in the 2 day National Symposium Against Pornography Event. Additionally, Mrs. Enniss has assisted in the LCS yearly ""Guardian of The Light"" Awards Dinner, with presenters from Michael Ballam, Dr. Victor Klien, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, and Elder Dallin H. Oaks to name a few. Likewise, she has served with UCAP (Utah Coalition Against Pornography) for several years.
Lim Franco
Instructor
Ms. Franco has been working as an instructor at American Prep since 2017. She graduated from Brigham Young University- Hawaii in 2013 with a degree in general biology. Her hobbies include playing the harp, scuba diving, and caring for her two dogs.
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Korie Howard
Instructor (Teacher in Training)
Mrs. Howard earned her Bachelor of Science in Community Health from Utah Valley University in 2016. Mrs. Howard loves to learn new things. In her spare time she likes to play tennis with her husband, bake, be outside in the sun, and spend time with family. Mrs. Howard is excited to make a difference here at American Preparatory Academy!
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Jennifer Kowalewski
Instructor (Teacher in Training)
Mrs. Kowalewski has been an instructor at American Prep since 2017. She has two daughters, Zoe and Emma, and is married to Jon. She has been a resident of Utah since the summer of 2017 and enjoys all of the hiking and fun things to do. She is also working toward her degree in Education at Western Governors University and is looking forward to an AMAZING year.
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Emily Kunz
Instructor
Ms. Kunz started working at American Prep in 2017. She is originally from Buckley, Washington and has lived in Utah since 2014. She is currently attending college online, through BYU-I . She has grown so much personally and professionally working at APA and has a big heart for all of the staff and students.
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Tonia Nielsen
Instructor
Mrs. Nielsen has worked at American Prep since August 2018. She recently relocated from Boise, Idaho where she worked in schools for several years with students she loved! She enjoys spending time with her family that include her husband and two sons. She has many hobbies that include decorating, crafting, and organizing.
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Amidy O'Meara
Instructor
Mrs. O'Meara has been with American Prep since 2017. She has a step-daughter and two boys. She loves her family and all her animals as well. She has lived in Utah for her whole life. Mrs. O'Meara graduated from Lehi High School in 2007. She is super excited for another fun, exciting, and energetic year at APA.
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Tanu Pant
Instructor
Mrs. Pant has been an Elementary Instructor with American Preparatory Academy since 2017. She has a Post Graduate Diploma in Counseling Psychology from India. She has previously worked as a Counselor in a school and a corporate set up. Mrs. Pant has written a couple of short stories for children, which have been published in an online magazine. She also has a passion for storytelling.
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Carlee Smith
Instructor
Ms. Smith has a Bachelor of Science in Family Life Studies from Utah State University. She has worked with students for many years prior to coming to APA. Teaching children is what she is passionate about. She has loved working at American Prep since 2016.
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Tavi Sorensen
Instructor
Ms. Sorensen is from Sandy, Utah. She has an associates degree in Elementary Education and loves working with people, both and young and old. Ms. Sorensen has worked in senior centers and day care centers. She loves the outdoors, different kinds of dance, helping at her church, and learning new things.
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Elke Watts
Instructor (Teacher in Training)
Ms. Watts has been with APA since the spring of 2017, working as a Kindergarten instructor. She attended Salt Lake Community College. She is from Murray, Utah and currently lives in Sandy. Both of her parents came to the United States from Holland and Germany. She loves hiking and the outdoors, and especially DIY projects.
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Brenna Wiscombe
Instructor
Ms. Wiscombe has worked at American Preparatory Academy as an Upper Grades Instructor since 2017. She graduated from Bingham High School in 2015. She loves spending time outdoors, reading, and learning new things. She enjoys her time baking and cooking and trying new restaurants. She is the 7th of 9 children and loves her family. She loves answering questions and helping people learn.
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Sherry Diener
Groups Instructor
Ms. Diener has been an instructor at APA since 2015, where math is her favorite subject. The Diener family is one of the original founding families of APA and Ms. Diener has been a parent/volunteer at APA since 2003. All five of her children have attended APA. With her youngest still in elementary, she believes she will receive the award for driving the APA carpool the longest, since she has been driving it since 2003.
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Jodi Nelson
Groups Instructor
Mrs. Nelson has worked at American Preparatory Academy since 2012. She graduated from the University of Phoenix with a degree in Elementary Education. She enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her husband and four children.
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Dawn Nickell
Groups Instructor
Ms. Nickell graduated from Brigham Young University- Idaho in 2008 with BS in Elementary Education. After three years of teaching kindergarten in the Granite School District, she took some time off to be with her family. Ms. Nickell started at American Preparatory Academy in 2017 as a classroom instructor.
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Kavitha Palani
Groups Instructor
Mrs. Palani graduated from the University of Madras, in India, with a Bachelors Degree in Biochemistry and a Masters in Biotechnology. Her experience includes working in the healthcare industry and teaching. She has a passion for kids and volunteered as a preschool teacher in 2012. She became a preschool teacher in 2014. From 2016-2017, she also worked as elementary school teaching assistant. Mrs. Palani joined the American Preparatory Academy staff in 2017, as a groups instructor. Her hobbies include painting, hiking, playing volleyball, and spending time with friends.
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Caeleb Turney
Groups Instructor
Mr. Turney is an alumni of American Preparatory Academy, which he attended for 9 years. He has taught at American Prep since 2017. He graduated Snow College in 2016, and has an extensive orchestral and jazz music background as an upright bass player. He enjoys making music, being outdoors, and spending time with his family.
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Anna Williams
Groups Instructor
Mrs. Williams went to the University of Utah and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Weber State University in 1994. She started at American Preparatory Academy in the Spring of 2015, as a Substitute Teacher. In the Fall of 2016, she became a Groups Instructor for APA. She enjoys reading, running, and spending time in the outdoors. Before coming to American Preparatory Academy, Mrs. Williams taught in public and private schools in California. She also taught 1st and 2nd grades for Jordan School District. Mrs. Williams loves spending her free time with her four amazing children.
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Shannan Withers
Groups Instructor
Mrs. Withers graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science. She was so excited in 2009 when her oldest child started Kindergarten at American Preparatory Academy. Her love for the school propelled her into choosing to work here in 2015. She enjoys spending time with her family outdoors, running, playing tennis, and reading.
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Jacquie Chappell
Academic Coach
Mrs. Chappell graduated from both Ricks College and BYU earning her teaching degree in Elementary Education and a minor in French. She has loved being a part of American Preparatory Academy since its doors first opened in 2003 and holds a special place in her heart for each of the children she has ever taught. While at APA, Mrs. Chappell has taught 1st and 4th grades, and has filled the role as an administrator. She’s married to the wonderful man who does a lot of our American Prep signs, mom to 4 daughters and a son (who attended American Prep), and grandma to 12. She would love to travel more, but she has climbed the Great Wall of China and has visited her eldest daughter’s family in Japan. While she thoroughly enjoys reading and watching her flock of chickens and ducks, her summers wouldn’t be complete without hugging and loving on the grandchildren and growing and tending her large garden.
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Shantel Park
Academic (4-6) Coordinator
Ms. Park loves working at American Prep. She attended college at Radford University, in Radford, Virginia, majoring in Music Business, and at Western Governors University, earning her degree in Educational Studies. She began working at American Preparatory Academy in 2014, and is looking forward to many more years of amazing students. Some of her favorite things are singing random phrases as though in a musical, Cadbury Mini Eggs, reading a good book, and especially going to the beach. She strongly dislikes matching socks for folding.
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Pamela Gibbons
Curriculum Assistant
Mrs. Gibbons started working for American Prep, as a curriculum assistant, at the West Valley 2 campus, in 2015. After a few months Pam was moved to the Draper 2 campus, where she continues to work as a curriculum assistant. In 2001, Pam went to Bridgerland Applied Technology, to become a Certified Nurse’s Assistant, and worked as a CNA, taking care of the elderly, for 10 years. During that time she also attended Myotherapy College of Utah, and in 2005 she became a nationally certified Massage Therapist. In 2013, Mrs. Gibbons went back to school once more and got an Associate of Science degree from Salt Lake Community College. Mrs. Gibbons says that her greatest accomplishments and gifts to society are her 4 children.
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McKinley Carman
Front Office Secretary
Ms. Carman is an attendance-recording, office-organizing, temperature-taking secretary by day, and a dark-chocolate eating, laundry-loving, mama-of-six by night.
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Noelle Gatlin
Special Education Case Manager (3-4)
Mrs. Gatlin started her career in special education in 1996 after graduating from Brigham Young University. She taught in Provo and Orem before coming to APA in 2017. She took 14 years off to stay at home with her children and came back to work when the youngest of her 3 sons started kindergarten. She loves working with students with special needs and is also the mother of a son with special needs. Working with a team to help these special children is a passion for her.
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Jody Jensen
Special Education Case Manager (5-6)
Mrs. Jensen started her career in special education in 1990. She has taught in Utah and Arizona. She took 10 years off to stay at home with her children and, when she went back to work, there was no question what she wanted to do. She loves working with IEP teams to find better ways of helping students with special needs. She graduated from Utah State University and began teaching even before she graduated. There is a huge need for teachers in special education! She has worked in resource rooms and spent 8 years running a behavior unit in Jordan School District. While working in the unit, she received the Special Education Teacher of the Year award from the Jordan Education Foundation. Mrs. Jensen joined the American Prep team in 2013 and is excited for each new year!
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Kim Erickson
Speech Language Pathologist
In 2004, with a determination to provide the best educational opportunities for her children, Mrs. Erickson began her journey with American Prep. She has had the privilege of working to improve communication skills of students at APA since that time. Mrs. Erickson graduated from Brigham Young University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders and in 1993 with a Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology. After graduation, she completed her Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) while living in Orange County, California. She has special interest, passion, and devotion in serving children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)--a severe neurological speech disorder that affects a child’s ability to clearly and correctly produce syllables and words. In addition to Mrs. Erickson’s experience working with children in an educational setting, she has also worked with adults in acute care, subacute care, and rehabilitation settings. She has had wonderful mentors and has made lifelong friends along the way. Mrs. Erickson and her husband are the parents of seven children and the proud grandparents of one adorable grandson. Her family is her life.
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Jared Franco
Speech Language Technician
Mr. Franco received his undergrad in Communicative Disorders & Deaf Education with a minor in Family Consumer, Human Development from Utah State University. Having worked at American Preparatory Academy since 2017, he is a firm believer of the school's model, to teach with "the family" in mind. Mr. Franco is proficient in ASL (American Sign-Language) and is more than happy to have a conversation with his hands when necessary.
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