teacher profiles

7/29/2019 Teacher Profiles

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Amy Roan TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Amy Roan, and I grew-up in southeast Idaho. I moved to Utah in

2002 after my husband's job ended in Japan. I have been teaching at Walden since Fall 2005.

Education: I graduated with a BS in Elementary Education, then completed a MS Degree inEducational Psychology (School Counseling). In 2006 I earned an endorsement in Special

Education.

Classes taught at Walden: I work with the faculty to help them meet the needs of the special

education population and other children at risk. I also teach some of these students in a

resource setting. I have accompanied Walden students to Zion National Park, Washington

D.C., Escalante, and back-packed with them on the back of Timp. I am very good at writing

letters of recommendation for students who need them for college entrance or work

applications. I have also sewn costumes for the students' production of "The Crucible". In my

spare time I serve on the accreditation committee.

Hobbies: Any downtime is spent with my nose in a book, quilting, or working with plants.

Email and/or other contact info: [email protected], Call me at the school between 8:00

a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Best method & times to contact me: Email. I usually have one or two after-school meetings a

week with parents so it is best to call first. You may email or call me to make an appointment.

To view the school counseling calendar: please see the tabs at the top of my personal Walden

website page or on the Walden homepage.

Stephanie Young TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Stephanie Young, and I grew-up in Casper, WY. I moved to Utah in

2002 to attend BYU. I have been teaching at Walden since Fall 2006.

Education: I graduated with a BA in English Education from BYU in 2006.

Classes taught at Walden: I have taught "Great Depression Literature," "Victorian Literature,"

"Creative Writing," the "Writing Major," etc. Having read 18th and 19th century literatureextensively has inspired me to teach these subjects as a part of the History and English

curriculum.

I have chaperoned students to Boston, San Francisco, Southern Utah, Salt Lake, all around Utah

County, and Southern California.


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Hobbies: In my spare time, I am writing a novel series that I hope to have published someday.

This has helped me immensely when teaching Creative Writing and the Writing Major. I also

have a great love of reading. I love a wide variety of books ranging from early American

authors such as Willa Cather and John Steinbeck to British authors like Emily Bronte and

Charles Dickens.

Email and/or other contact info: [email protected], call me at the school only

between 8:00-8:30 a.m. and 3:15-4:00 p.m. Otherwise, you can call and leave a message with

Hannah at the front desk, and I will call you asap.

Best method & times to contact me: Email. Also after school. You may email me to make an

appointment or just show up to see if I'm available.

To find assignments that and due dates: Both calendars and a syllabus for each class can be

found on my website with information pertaining to every class. If there are any questions feel

free to contact at the times listed above or email anytime. I will do my best to be prompt with

my email replies! Access to my website can be found through the Walden School website; click

on high school and then my name on the left-hand side under English.

Josh Graham TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Josh Graham, I grew up in New York City. I moved to Utah in 1999

to attend BYU. I have been teaching at Walden since Fall 2008.

Education: I graduated with a BFA in Illustration from BYU in 2006.

Classes taught at Walden: I have taught a number of art related courses at Walden including

Art History, Photoshop, Graphic Design, Studio Art, Watercolor and Drawing.

I have chaperoned students to Denver, Co, Southern Utah, Salt Lake, all around Utah County.

Hobbies: When I am not teaching you can find me in the mountains skiing or rock climbing. I

am currently working on freelance illustrations as well as my own personal portfolio pieces. I

work primarily in oil paint but I enjoy all kinds of mediums.

Email me at: [email protected], call me at the school only between 8:00 am and 4:00

pm, call my cell only between 8:00 am and 9:00 pm.

Best method to contact me is by email. Also after school. You may email me to make an


To find assignments and due dates: please see the tabs at the top of my personal Walden

website page.


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Bev Pecoraro TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Bev Pecoraro, and I grew-up in Washington, Oregon, and Arizona. I

spent my junior high and high school years in Bend, OR and call that home. After living in Utahfor a few years for college, I moved to Seattle and lived there for about 7 years before moving

to Utah in 2008 to student teach, the last step in my Master's program. I have been teaching at

Walden since Fall 2008 and absolutely love it!

Education: I graduated with a BS from BYU in 2000. Then graduated with a Master's in

Teaching in 2009 from Western Washington University (WWU).

Classes taught at Walden: I have taught Junior High U.S. History, Psychology, Sociology,

Fashion, Italian Culture, Anthropology of High School, Junior High World History, World

Civilizations, and Documentary Arts. (Just a few!!) I have chaperoned students to Mexico, San

Diego, Moab, and local field trips.

Hobbies: I love anything outdoors--hiking, camping, snowboarding, etc. I enjoy music and

especially love attending live concerts. I love attending sporting events and wish Utah had a

MLB team and/or NFL team. (I miss my Mariners!) I also enjoy reading--anything from C.S.

Lewis to fashion magazines and everything in between! I love movies, especially Sundance films,

and look forward to volunteering at the Sundance Film Festival again! I also love travel and

finding adventures in everyday life!Email and/or other contact info: [email protected] , feel

free to call me at the school, (801)374-1545 between 8am and 4pm.

Best method & times to contact me: Email is the best way to reach me. Or if you'd like to callor meet, it's probably best before or after school.

To find assignments and due dates: Please see the tabs at the top of my personal Walden

website page, then click on either Jr. High World History tab or Ancient World Civilizations

tab. The assignments are listed in the "Assignments" box and the handouts are posted in the

"My Documents" box.

Shelly Gramajo TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Shelly Gramajo. This is my third year at Walden. I have been a

Montessori teacher for five years now. I started out at a Montessori preschool, but when my

oldest child graduated from preschool to elementary, I followed her to Walden. I started

teaching Spanish and assisting in the lower elementary in 2007 and was lucky enough to be able

to start teaching full-time in the spring of 2008. I've been in the lower elementary ever since.


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Education: I attended Snow College for one year before transferring to BYU where I studied

History Teaching. I graduated in 2000. I have an ARL credential for Elementary Education

issued through the Utah State Office of Education.

Classes taught at Walden: I have been teaching in the lower elementary, grades 2-4 since 2007.

I also taught Spanish for all of the elementary students during the 2007-2008 school year.

Hobbies: My favorite color is green, and my favorite season is summer. I love Mexican cuisine,

and I could eat at Bajio Grill every single day. I read a lot. I enjoy browsing the non-fiction shelf

at the library, and I'll pick up anything that looks interesting. I also enjoy science-fiction, and

some of my favorite authors are Orson Scott Card and Charles de Lint. I loved the Harry

Potter books. I don't watch a lot of TV, but I try watch House and Bones if I have time. I don't

have a favorite movie, and if you looked at my MP3 player, you'd see a lot of alternative rock

and a lot of rock en espanol.

Email and/or other contact info: If you need to contact me, email is the best bet. You can

reach me anytime at [email protected]. During the school day you can also reach me by

calling the main office (801-374-1545). I can take the call if I'm not busy, and if not I can call you

back. Before or after school hours you can call the classroom direct line (801-655-5878). I am

available from 8:00 - 4:00, Monday through Friday. You can also drop in and see if I'm

available.Best method & times to contact me: Email will always get my attention first. If you call

during school hours, there's a pretty good chance I won't be able to take the call, but if you

email me, I'll get the message right away. Before or after school hours you can stop in and see

if we can meet, otherwise, we can set up an appointment. I'm always happy to talk to the

parents of my students!

To find assignments and due dates: Please see the class web page for information on upcoming

outings.

Stephanie Young TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Stephanie Young, and I grew-up in Casper, WY. I moved to Utah in

2002 to attend BYU. I have been teaching at Walden since Fall 2006.

Education: I graduated with a BA in English Education from BYU in 2006.

Classes taught at Walden: I have taught "Great Depression Literature," "Victorian Literature,"

"Creative Writing," the "Writing Major," etc. Having read 18th and 19th century literature

extensively has inspired me to teach these subjects as a part of the History and English

curriculum.


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I have chaperoned students to Boston, San Francisco, Southern Utah, Salt Lake, all around Utah

County, and Southern California.

Hobbies: In my spare time, I am writing a novel series that I hope to have published someday.

This has helped me immensely when teaching Creative Writing and the Writing Major. I also

have a great love of reading. I love a wide variety of books ranging from early Americanauthors such as Willa Cather and John Steinbeck to British authors like Emily Bronte and

Charles Dickens.

Email and/or other contact info: [email protected], call me at the school only

between 8:00-8:30 a.m. and 3:15-4:00 p.m. Otherwise, you can call and leave a message with

Hannah, and I will call you asap.



To find assignments and due dates: Both calendars and a syllabus for each class can be found onmy website with information pertaining to every class. If there are any questions feel free to

contact at the times listed above or email anytime. I will do my best to be prompt with my

email replies! Access to my website can be found through the Walden School website; click on

high school and then my name on the left-hand side under English

Eric Beecroft TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Eric Beecroft, and I grew-up in Los Angeles and Provo. I moved to

Utah in 1983. I have been teaching at Walden since Fall 2004, when the school first opened. I'm

happily married and have two sons.

Education: I graduated with a BA in History Education from BYU in 2000. I completed 20

history courses in a wide variety of historical topics, as well as a multitude of courses in world

religions, cultural geography, anthropology, and wilderness recreation. My emphasis was

twofold: Nineteenth Century American Western History and Counterculture Studies and

South Asian religions.

I have taught at 4 different schools (from traditional large public high schools and junior highs to

small specialized programs). I also taught history and English courses to youth-in-custody andadjudicated/troubled youth for two years.

Classes taught at Walden: I have taught a myriad of courses at Walden, including American

History from 1492 to the modern day, modern American War Studies, terrorism and counter-

terrorism studies, a history of romance, history of the 1960s counterculture, anthropology of

death, history of the Colorado Plateau, anthropology of world music, wilderness survival, basic


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photography and advanced photojournalism, and documentary arts. Journeying through Latin

America, Anatolia and South Asia as a traveler, photojournalist and as a teacher on many

occasions over the past ten years has influenced my teaching substantially. I strive to teach

multiple points of view, tolerance and conflict resolution through peaceful means in my courses.

I have a deep love for the wilderness, and have planned and co-led a variety of wildernesstrekking trips, from the mountains of the Wasatch to the deserts of Southern Utah, for various

size groups of students (anywhere from 10 to 100).

I developed the digital photography and photojournalism programs at Walden and have worked

as a photographer, on both personal projects and for NGOS, on several continents. I have a

passion for history and for storytelling and have found that combining the image with the

written word is both rewarding for myself and a great aid for students in expressing themselves

and in understanding the world. I love travel and I love exploring the world with students; with

my Walden peers I have planned and co-led successful student trips to Guatemala, Turkey,

Mexico, San Francisco, The US-Mexico border, and will be traveling to India with students inMarch of 2010.

Hobbies: I enjoy hiking, backpacking, camping, reading, photography, budget travel, folk music,

eating good food with good friends and most of all spending time with my family. I am the

director of the Foundry Photojournalism Workshop, an international photography education

program, bringing some of the world's best photographers and passionate students together

each summer. Past workshop locations include the Indian Himalayas and Mexico City. I also like

laughing and teasing the social studies department, and helping my friends get married as a

matchmaker. I'm three for three. . .

Email and/or other contact info: [email protected]. I prefer to respond via email.

Please feel free to call me at the school between 8.30 am and 4.30 PM; however, please try to

refrain from calling during teaching time. You can reach me on my cell after hours 801-623-

1388. Also can find me at: www.ericbeecroft.com and www.foundryphotoworkshop.org




website page, then click on...

Wendi Fredrickson TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Wendi Frederickson, and I grew-up in Eugene, OR and Goleta, CA.

In 1989, I moved to the Provo/Orem area. I have been working at Walden since January 2004.


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Education: I attended Ricks College in 1988/89, Utah Valley State College in 1989, and am

currently attending UVU.

Classes taught at Walden: I started out at Walden as a Reading Tutor. After earning my Para

Professional license, I have been working as a teacher's aide in various grades. I have been with

the Jr. High for the last three years.

I have chaperoned students to Mexico, Turkey, San Francisco, San Diego, Southern Utah, Salt

Lake, and all around Utah County.

Hobbies: I love to travel, read, bike, hike, and have recently taken up mountain biking. Email

and/or other contact info: [email protected], call me at the school at 374-1545 during

school hours.




website page, then click on "assignments".

Sarai West TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Sarai West, and I grew-up in Caldwell, ID. I moved to Utah last fall

from Las Vegas, NV. This is my first year teaching at Walden!

Education: I graduated with a BA in International Business from Boise State University in 2004.

Classes taught at Walden: I currently teach Spanish I to Jr. & High school students. I also work

with lower elementary, teaching 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders.

Hobbies: In my spare time, I enjoy working out and attending cycling classes. I also crochet

and I'm currently learning how to sow. Long walks and play dates is a must with my poodle

Teddy.

Email and/or other contact info: [email protected] (I'm not sure I have a walden e-mail).My cell phone number is 801-995-3360.

Best method & times to contact me: Email or anytime after school.

To find assignments and due dates: Please log on to studyspanish.com and check syllabus.


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Sara Jo Hopkins TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Sara Jo Hopkins, and I grew up in Florida where I lived until five years

ago. I have four beautiful children and two incredible grandchildren. Just ask me to share theirpictures! My grandson is the same age as some of my students which makes me love my job

just that much more.

Education: I was an interior decorator before my teaching career began twenty years ago. I

graduated from University of Florida (Suma Cum Laude) in elementary education with a

specialization in early childhood. My academic specialization was environmental science. I have

taught all of the grades from Kindergarten to sixth-grade. I recently taught Latin and literature

in homeschool classes (before my work here at Walden.) I also did portfolio evaluations and

coaching for homeschool families in Florida.

Classes taught at Walden: I am teaching a 6-9 year old class at Walden this year after a ten

year break from public/ charter school teaching. I am so fortunate to have such a creative and

compassionate class.

Hobbies: I enjoy writing and teaching about plants and herbalism. My grandmother was

Cherokee, and taught me to love nature. I wrote a column on herbology in Florida. I was later

richly blessed to study with Rosemary Gladstar and other wise-women in this field in Vermont

while living there for one year. I enjoy being in the garden and working with plants. I love

anything to do with sewing, art and music as well. The creativity of my students is amazing. I

have never seen anything like it. They are precious. I am happy to be here at Walden. It feels

like home.

My email address is [email protected].

Best times to contact me: I encourage families to share information and ask questions often.

Joshua Faulkner TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: I believe in Montessori teaching methods and that students deserve a say in

their own education. A less ordinary education can be beneficial for students if it isimplemented correctly. I believe that mastery of core subjects is necessary for students to

become well rounded and intelligent individuals, which I believe the Montessori atmosphere

accommodate quite nicely. I also strongly believe that there is no such thing as a non-math

person or non-English person or non-history person. These labels are placed on students

early in their lives for whatever reason and bind these students to a way of thinking that allows

them the scapegoat of saying Im just not a math person, and most likely leads them to


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failure. It is my goal to discredit this way of thinking, because everyone can succeed where and

when he or she wants to.

My expectations of students are simple. I expect students to complete assignments on time

and to earn a passing score on all exams. If these expectations are met, the student should

receive a grade no lower than a B.

Educational: In 2002 I graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelors of Science in

Electrical Engineering (BS EE), with a main focus on antennas and other communication devices.

This summer I graduated from Utah State University with a Master's Degree in Secondary

Education (M. Ed.). For the last two years I have taught Algebra I and II here at Walden and

three years ago I taught Elementary Algebra, and Geometry at Hawthorn Elementary in Salt

Lake City. I currently have a Level IV math endorsement and a Utah teaching license.

Classes Taught at Walden: Over the past three years I have taught: Algebra I, Algebra II,

Discrete Mathematics, Introduction to Electronics, Beginning Guitar, Song Writing I, SongWriting II, and The History of Music and Recording Techniques. I am currently the advisor for

the Applied Mathematics Major, where were using data collection and math concepts to

experiment with music and computer programming. Also, I taught "The Math of San Francisco"

when I accompanied a group of students to San Francisco last year.

Hobbies: In my spare time I like to build and design electronics, convert obsolete computer

equipment into musical instruments, play and create music. These hobbies have allowed me to

see, experiment with, and experience a different side of mathematics than most people get to

see. I am passionate about my hobbies and I try to express this passion to my student through

the math and music classes I have taught at Walden.

Contact Information: I prefer to be reached by email ([email protected]), and

in most cases I will respond faster to an email than to a phone call, but if you feel more

comfortable calling me then try my cell phone at 801.856.8441 801.856.8441 .

Best time to contact me: Also, if there is a particular concept that is confusing to you I

EXPECT YOU TO ASK QUESTIONS. As long as your question is relevant to the topic being

discussed, you cannot ask a stupid question. And finally, if you are still struggling with a concept

I expect you to come in prior to school (8:00-8:30) at lunch (12:15-1:00), or after school (3:15-4:00) to receive help from me. There is no excuse for failing my class and extensions will only

be considered if they are discussed with me prior to the due date of the assignment.

To find assignments and due dates: If a student is absent, for whatever reason

(excused or unexcused), I expect them to find out what work they missed on their own. In

other words, I am not responsible for telling you what you missed.


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All of the class assignments for the term can be found by clicking on the tabs at the top of the

page. First click on the tab that corresponds to your class, and then click on the

assignment that is named after the date you were absent. A syllabus for each class can be

found on the webpage for that class.

Walden Late Policy: all assignments must be turned in on the date assigned by theinstructor. If a student does not turn in an assignment on the day it is due, that assignment will

be docked 10% for each day it is late. If an assignment is turned in later than two days from the

initial due date, the assignment will not be accepted for credit. If a student has a special

circumstance or situation (i.e. vacation, overwhelming amounts of homework, etc), prior

arrangements must be made with the teacher. If extenuating circumstances apply (such as a

hospital stay, illness, etc.), rare exceptions to this policy can be made.

Lara Candlund Asplund TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Lara Candland Asplund. I grew up in Mesa, Arizona and after

graduating from high school lived in Utah, New York City, San Francisco, Oakland, Seattle,

Corvallis, Oregon, Norman, Oklahoma, and finally moved back to Utah in 2002 to work on a

PhD in Poetry at the University of Utah. My daughter Eva Asplund graduated from Walden in

2008 and my daughter Ingrid Asplund will graduate in '10.

Education: I graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with a bachelor's degree in English and

Creative Writing, got a Master's degree in Fiction Writing from Mills College, and am currentlystudying for my doctoral exams at the University of Utah. I've taught writing and literature at

many schools around the country while my husband and I were finishing our educations,

including Bellevue Community College in Washington, University of Oklahoma, Brigham Young

University and the University of Utah. My first book of poetry, will be published in January from Blaze Vox press, and I've published poetry and

short stories in many literary journals.

Classes taught at Walden: I've taught AP Literature, AP Language and Composition, Creative

Writing, Senior Portfolio, Holocaust Literature, Poetry, Honors 9/10 English, Walden Journal,

Shakespeare, and Playwriting at Walden.

Hobbies: cooking and reading cookbooks and food blogs, mystery novels, yoga, early music

(especially medieval and new music), and hanging out with my five children.

Best way to contact me is through email: [email protected] to make an after school

appointment (I'm not here after school unless I have an appointment) or during lunchtime on

Monday or Tuesday in the teacher's lounge.


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To find a course syllabus and schedule: click on the class tab and the links for assignments and

calendars.

Melissa Daley TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Melissa Daley, and I grew up in West Linn, OR. I moved to Utah in

2002 to attend BYU. I then moved to Arizona to pursue a Masters degree and moved back to

Utah to take a teaching job with Walden.

Education: Bachelors degree in English, Masters degree in Secondary Education

Classes taught at Walden: 4th-6th grade class, American Lit High School English classes

I have also chaperoned trips for secondary students to Ensenada, Mexico and Guatemala. I

have also taken elementary and secondary students on various trips to Salt Lake City and all

around Utah County.

Hobbies: My interests include curling up with a great book, writing, hiking, camping, and

running. Lately I have devoted all of my free time towards working on our house.

Email and/or other contact info: [email protected], call me at the school between 8:00

Am to 4 PM Monday thru Friday or email me anytime.

Best method & times to contact me: Email me or come in after. You may set up an

appointment with me via email, or just pop in to see if I am available.

To find assignments and due date: Please visit my website and check parent notes. Downloads

of assignments are available under My Documents.

Carl Young TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Carl Young, and I grew up in Houston, TX. I moved to Utah for the

second time in July of 2006. I have been teaching at Walden since Fall 2006.

Education: I graduated with a BS in Conservation Biology from BYU in 1999 and an MS in

Aquatic and Fishery Sciences from the University of Washington in 2009.

Classes taught at Walden: I have taught biology, integrated science, and various science

electives.

I have chaperoned students to Kino Bay, Ensanada, and Quintana Roo, Mexico, as well as the

Pacific Northwest, Zions (twice), and Walkabouts throughout Utah.


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Hobbies: In my spare time, I try to teach myself how to solve differential equations and I watch

NASCAR.

Email and/or other contact info: [email protected], call me at the school only between

800 and 1615.


appointment.


website page http://my.uen.org/myuen/204410

Kim Perry TEACHERS AIDE PROFILE

Introduction: Hello everyone! It's me, Miss Kim. Our classroom is a great place to be. I loveWalden, love the Montessori philosophy of teaching, and love love love the adventure that we

all get to go on as we explore the world we live in together! I live in Orem, with my husband

Joe and our four children: Leila, who is in 5th grade this year; Hayli is my 7th grader; Jess eats

Slurpees (10th grade); and Zac Graduated last year from Walden. Phew!

Education: Paraprofessional at UVU 2008. Montessori training with Lois Bobo for 2 years.

As a Teachers Aide at Walden: This is my third year teaching in a 9-12 Montessori classroom.

Hobbies: I love plants and flowers. In fact I used to be a florist at a crazy flower shop. I truly

enjoy gardening, I even like the weeds. (Hmmm, I wonder if watching weeds grow counts asgardening.) I am an avid listener of all kinds of music and relish even the thought of getting lost

in a good book. And well, I might as well admit that Test Tube Division really gets me jazzed!

Oh... and my favorite color is green.

Best way to contact me: Parents should contact head teacher Melissa Daley concerning our

students, but can also contact me at perry [email protected]

Kati Bobo TEACHERS AIDE PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Kati Bobo and I grew-up here in Utah.

Education: I am attending UVU and working on a degree in Early Childhood Education. I grew

up in Montessori. My parents ran a Montessori school and so from the time I was born

through 7th grade, I was a Montessori student.


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As a Teachers Aide at Walden: I am delighted to be able to help create the wonderful learning

experiences I had as a child for Walden students. I am currently teaching grades 2-4 with Shelly

and am enjoying it very much.

Hobbies:

Best way and time to contact me:

Gwen Dutcher TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Gwen Dutcher and I am originally from Madison, Wisconsin. I

moved to Utah in 1986 to attend BYU. After getting married, my husband and I moved to Los

Angeles, California, where I worked in advertising and as a commercial sculptor for companies

such as Disney, Warner Brothers and Mattel. My family moved back to this area in 2000. I have

seven children and four are currently attending Walden. My oldest is a 2009 Walden graduate. Ihave taught here since January of 2009.

Education: I studied at BYU with an Art Major and Theater Minor. I'm currently completing my

Secondary English Education teaching certificate at UVU.

Classes taught at Walden: I have taught "Short Story Writing," "Writing with Humor," and

"Mental Illness in Literature." I am currently teaching both Jr. High and High School English

classes.

Hobbies: I love to sculpt, watch movies and read. My favorite authors are Chaim Potok, Kurt

Vonnegut and Anne Lamott.

Email and/or other contact info: Please feel free to email me at [email protected]

Best method & times to contact me: Please email me to make an appointment if you would like

to meet.

To find assignments and due dates: To see the class syllabus or assignment schedule, please go

to my webpage found on the Walden Web site.

Michael Leavitt TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: Before moving to Utah, I worked throughout the Las Vegas valley as musical

director and/or pianist-conductor for many musical theater productions including Brigadoon,

Guys and Dolls, Mame, Fame, Cinderella, Oklahoma, Oliver, Anything Goes and many more. I

began piano lessons at age 8, with Barbara Lee, then studied with Roger Bushell, Khoren

Ouzounian, Dr. Scott Holden, and Dr. Robin Hancock. In my teens, I won many competitions


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including the prestigious Bolognini Piano Competition and the Yamaha High School Piano

Competition.

I am an Eagle Scout who served an LDS mission in San Francisco, CA.

In 2003, I moved to Utah and became the pianist for BYU's Young Ambassadors, performing allover the United States, China, Korea, Brazil, Argentina, and Canada. I also the pianist and band

leader for BYU's production of Smokey Joes Caf, AIDA, Oklahoma, and the BYU New York

Showcase.

Education: I graduated from BYU in 2008, with a degree in Media Music.

Classes taught at Walden: I teach Jr. High Drama, Elem. Choir, and Secondary School Choir. I

am also directing the school musical "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" to be

performed Dec. 18th and 19th.

Hobbies: My recent works include: Producer of the American Radio Cafe(americanradiocafe.com); Music and Sound Engineer for the BYU film, Onward Alone, which

explores the experiences of the women of the Mormon Battalion, through dance; Co-Producer

of A Brand New Year for the LDS Church; and Music Producer for the new BYU film, Berlin, a

musical written by Broadway producer Erik Orton. I have performed and worked with local

artists such as David Zabriskie, Tyler Castleton, Kelly Eisenhour, Alex Boy, Aaron Ashton, and

SPIN.

email: [email protected]

phone: 801-358-3939 Best time to contact me is evening

Teresa Allen TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Teresa Allen. I am the middle child of 6. We were born in a 7 year

span of time. No twins, and yes, my mom is still sane. I have 24 nieces and nephews at last

count. I love my family. I served an L.D.S. mission to Cordoba, Argentina, many years ago.

This is my third year at Walden. I have been a Montessori teacher for 10 years now. I taught

for the first 7 years at Bell Canyon Montessori and other private Montessori schools in Salt

Lake.

After my 7th year of teaching I took two years off and moved to Washington, D.C. to work as a

nanny. I was a nanny for 2 year old twins. The boy had special needs including a feeding

tube, oxygen off and on, and was mentally handicapped. My responsibilities included


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implementing his occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy and feeding therapy as

instructed by his therapists. I put in a Montessori classroom in their basement where I taught

the two children one on one most days. When I left this family the 4 year old girl was

reading chapter books fluently and had been accepted into a prestigious private school.

Education: I have two Montessori certifications through the UMTEP. I am certified to teach

both the 3-6 year olds and the 6-9 year olds. I have spent many years working with both age

groups. I am currently attending WGU to complete my Elementary Education degree.

Classes taught at Walden: 2007-2008 I taught the 6-9 year old class (1st-3rd). 2008-2009 and

2009-2010 I have taught the 3-6 year old class (K-1 st). 2008-2009 I taught the high school Early

Childhood class.

Hobbies: My favorite colors are purple, red and black. I love to cook, scrapbook, sing, paint

ceramics, or do most anything that involves creating. I love miniatures. I am always searching

for ways to better my classroom or ideas that would spark creativity and imagination. I own a

lot of stuff. I dont really know where it all comes from but I am good at acquiring things. I

enjoy working with people and spend my free time talking with or listening to friends. I love

watching movies. I enjoy leaving my own reality an entering someone elses for a brief period

of time. I enjoy traveling by plane (not so much by car) and seeing new things. I love

lighthouses and would love to live in a quite house on a cliff beside a lighthouse one day.

Email and/or other contact info: If you need to contact me, email is the best bet. You can

reach me anytime at [email protected] or during the school day you can also reach

me by calling the main office (801-374-1545). Before or after school hours you can call the

classroom direct line (801-655-5876). I am available from 8:00 - 4:00, Monday through Friday.

You can also drop in and see if I'm available.

Best method & times to contact me: Email will always get my attention first. If you call during

school hours, there's a pretty good chance I won't be able to take the call, but if you email me,I'll get the message right away. I'm always happy to talk to the parents of my students!

To find assignments and due dates: Please see the class web page for information on upcoming

outings.


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Melissa Wagner TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Melissa Wagner, and I grew-up in Las Vegas, NV and Santa Clara, UT.

I moved to Utah in 2003 to attend BYU.

Education: I graduated from BYU in April of 08 with my bachelors in Marriage Family and

Human Development, with an emphasis on early childhood. I am currently in the states ARL

program to earn my teaching certificate and if all goes well will have it by the end of this school

year(2010).

Classes taught at Walden: This is my second year teaching in the 3-6 year old class

Hobbies: I love to dance, any type, but am currently involved with competitions in Standard

Ballroom dance. I also enjoy oil painting, and building things.

Email: [email protected]

Best method & times to contact me: Email. Also after school

Susan Rogers TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: I like beautiful things and beautiful people and sharing that beauty. I have eight

children, 10 grandchildren, a dog, a turtle, and have lived in Provo, Salt Lake, St George, NewYork and France.

Education: I have a BS from BYU in Education/Fine Arts

Classes taught at Walden: This year I teach 4-6th grades. Last year (2008-2009) I taught Miss

Shellys 2-4th.

Hobbies: Reading, traveling, gardening

Email me at: [email protected]

Best way to contact me: email or call my cell 801-234-0081


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Matt Ellsworth TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: I was born in San Diego, CA; raised in New Zealand and Hawaii. I am age 28

(Oldest of 6 children)and Single. My Ethnicity is Other (Although, I check the box Pacific

Islander on official documents).

Education: I graduated from BYU with a BA in Spanish and a Minor in Chemistry and

Microbiology. I have ARL teaching credentials through the Utah State Office of Education.

Classes taught at Walden: Physical Science, Honors Physics and Biology

Hobbies include, but are not limited to: Volleyball, Tae kwon Do, Cooking, Party Host,

Korean, French, Japanese, Latin Dancing, International Cinema

Email and/or other contact info: [email protected]

Best method & times to contact me: Email. Im usually around after school or you may

email or call me to make an appointment.

To find assignments and due dates: The front page of my Walden webpage has the syllabus,

homework assignments and class notes and docs.

Marni Headman TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: First I received a medical assisting certification, then I worked as a substitute

teacher and a reading tutor at Grandview Elementary then at Ivy Hall Academy. I worked

in the Special Ed program at Freedom Academy as well. I started working at Walden in

2006.

Education: I received my Paraprofessional certification in 2006

Classes taught at Walden: Mixed class of 10-12 yr olds (4-6th grade). I have also

chaperoned Walden trips to Wanaka, Mexico, Guatemala, Ensenada, and other places

throughout the State of Utah.

Hobbies include: Reading, owning and riding mules, fishing, camping and boating.

Email and/or other contact info: [email protected]

Best method & times to contact me: My first choice is that you pop into class any time. We

have an open door policy. I am also available to talk to until at least 3:45 on most school

days. Or you may email me


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To find assignments: Info about any major projects we are working on will be sent home in

a flyer with your child or emailed to you directly.

Victoria Tafesh TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: My name is Victoria Tafesh and I am full Asian (half-Palestinian and half-Filipino). Iwas born and raised in the deserts of Lancaster, CA. I actually graduated high school early to

move to Ottawa, Ontario, where I lived for 6 months before attending a community college in

Lancaster. At the community college I played for the school tennis team. I later transferred to

BYU where I finished my degree; however, while finishing school my family moved to Seattle. I

have actually traveled quite a few times out of the country. I have been to Jordan five times,

Egypt and Israel/Palestine twice, also Amsterdam and Frankfurt, Germany. This is my first year

teaching at Walden and I love it.

Education: I graduated with a BS in Middle Eastern studies/Arabic in 2009.

Classes taught at Walden: I teach math classes (geometry, pre-algebra, and pre-calculus) andArabic.

Hobbies: I love to play tennis; sadly, there are not that many people I have the opportunity to

play with anymore! I also love to hike, camp, backpack, crochet, cook, and read.

Email and/or other contact info: [email protected] I am at school all day. You may reach me

anytime at school and after school you can call me at 661 547 2340.



To find assignments and due dates: I am currently working on my website and until that is

finished you may email me for any questions.

Travis Harris TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: I started learning Chinese at the age of 16 after I returned home from a summer

study abroad program in Beijing, China. Initially I took classes at a local community college and

then at Portland State University in Portland Oregon. At the age of 19 I served a two year

mission for the LDS Church in Taiwan. Upon returning home from Taiwan, I received a four

year degree from BYU in Chinese linguistics with a minor in Business Management. During the

last two years at BYU, I held multiple teaching assistant and head instructor positions in the

Chinese department. The range of classes I taught were from entry level 101 classes all the

way up to 400 level literature and ancient texts. My duties included curriculum planning,

teaching, student consultations, and grading. Now, aside from teaching part time at Walden, I

work full time as the Asia area language director for a translation company located in Orem


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Utah. In this position, I have spent more than a year doing formal Chinese translations for

various agencies of the US government and military branches. Additionally, I have overseen and

participated in numerous commercial Chinese translation projects of which includes translating

the Mathematics section for World Book Encyclopedia into Chinese.

Aside from my academic and employment history dealing with Chinese, I have also spent the

last three years doing intensive research into old world Chinese history and how it correlates

with Old Testament Christianity. This particular path of research has exposed me to many

ancient and valuable Chinese texts and has greatly improved my knowledge of Chinese culture.

Because of this research I have been able to complete many chapters of my book titled China,

The Lost Christian Nation, which I am hoping will be published in the near future.

Classes taught at Walden: I teach Chinese level 2 during 6th period and level 1 during 7th

period.

Hobbies: I enjoy the outdoors, reading, languages, and philosophy.

Best way to Contact me: outside of school hours is via email. I can be reached at

[email protected]

Assignments and due dates: I will show each student his or her grade every three weeks in

class. However if parents or students require, I can send more frequent reports via email.

Homework is given in class and generally has a 1-2 day turn in period. Late work is accepted

up to 2 days late at 10% off each day. After the second day 0 points will be awarded.

Jenessa Benson TEACHER PROFILE

Introduction: I was born right here in Utah but moved to Littleton, CO when I was two yearsold. Littleton was a fun area. We had a pool in our backyard that we swam in every summer.We even a wild duck hatch her eggs in our pool one spring. I loved to ride my bike around theneighborhood and on the nearby bike trail. I enjoyed Cherry Hills Village Elementary Schooluntil my forth grade year. After that my mother decided to try her hand at homeschooling.That is when I learned to love to read. I would read for hours on end in my room.

We moved to Kooskia, ID when I was ten. It's a tiny town in north central Idaho. I loved it upthere. Even though we were a bunch of city slickers we tried our hands at ranching. We boughtfifty acres and ten head of cattle, a milk cow, fifty chicks, and two dogs. Needless to say, wemade a lot of mistakes that first year. We didn't realize that calfs get sick if you keep switchingthem from formula to cows milk and back. We had to get the neighbors to help us slaughterour meat chickens. Our garden was almost an acre. We had so many fun times as well. Ourmilk cow had a little calf we had to bottle feed. He was like a little dog. We would call his nameand he would come running with his tail in the air. We each got to choose a few vegetables to


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grow in our garden and had to plant, weed, and harvest the vegetables that we chose. I havemany fond memories of our ranch in Idaho.

We moved to Provo when I turned sweet sixteen. I started at Timpview as a junior afterhomeschooling for seven years. I got almost straight A's my first year. I did well my senior

year also but I got into the social scene a lot more. I enjoyed running on the track and cross-country teams. I also participated in the schools A Capella choir. I enjoyed my multimedia andphysiology classes as well.

After high school I took a Montessori teachers training course in St. George, UT. I consideredbecoming a teacher but thought I would go into multimedia instead. I enjoyed ballroom dancingon the beginning ballroom team at UVSC. I also took a soccer class, piano class, took guitarlessons, and really enjoyed most of the general classes. I received my AS degree from UVSC inApril 2002.

Later that year I decided to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In Anaheim, CA I learned to serve others, teach, and speak Spanish. I made so many greatfriends and learned many lifelong lessons.

When I returned I decided to transfer to a private collage down in Cedar City called GeorgeWythe University. I met many great people and made many lifelong friends. I read more booksthen I've ever read before. I learned to love the great classics like Les Miserables, Plato'sRepublic, Democracy in America, The Federalist's Papers, John Adams, and Uncle Tom's Cabinamong many others. I was also able to participate in simulations of mock trials, constitutionalconventions and mock elections.

After I received my BA in Statesmanship I decided to move up to Provo. I decided to follow my

heart and become a teacher. I started off working at American Leadership Academy as anassistant. I loved working with the students in the elementary school. In the summer of 2007 I

met Diana and learned of Walden. I was impressed especially by the students. They seemed to

be so level-headed, hard-working, and service oriented. I started working that fall as a co-

teacher with Teresa Allen in a 6-9 class. I learned so much more about the Montessori Method

and teaching in a classroom. The following year I took over the other 6-9 class and have

enjoyed teaching there ever since.

Education: Bachelors degree from George Wythe College.

Classes taught at Walden: For the last 3 yrs I have taught 1 st-3rd grades at Walden

Hobbies: Horseback, guitar, piano, ballroom, skiing, reading, rock-climbing, anything outdoors

Email me [email protected]

Best way to contact me: email or call me at 801-592-0866, or drop by after school


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To find assignments and their due dates: Click on the Homework tab at the top of my

Walden page. Things they should be doing are usually there or given to your child in a flyer to

take home.

TEACHER PROFILE for Wesley Eldredge

INTRO: "A democratic civilization will save itself only if it makes the language of the image intoa stimulus for critical reflection - not an invitation for hypnosis" - Umberto Eco I was born andraised mostly in Glendale, Arizona until making the journey to Utah. I attended PleasantGroveHigh School.Education: 2000-2006 attended Utah Valley University and received a B.S. Suma Cum Laude.While an undergraduate, I studied Communication(s) and Anthropology, which somehowburgeoned a passion for documentary filmmaking. From 2008-2010 I attended TempleUniversity, Philadelphia, PA where I recieved an M.A. BTMM (Mass Media and Communications)

Classes Taught at Walden: Computer Technology, Media Literacy

Hobbies: Spending time with my family and friends, learning/reading, consuming media, and

playing the acoustic guitar. During the 2004 Presidential election I became a co-creator and co-

producer for a documentary entitled, This Divided State which later went on to win the Santa

Cruise Film Festival and became an Official selection of the Hong Kong international film

festival, and the Gothenburg film festival in Sweden. Best Method to contact me:

[email protected] , Cell: 602-513-9895