Grant Beckwith, Principal

Mr. Beckwith joined American Heritage School as principal in 2005. In addition to serving as the head of school, Mr. Beckwith also serves as the director of the school’s Family Education Center and enjoys teaching a high school seminar each year entitled “Principles of Leadership.” Mr. Beckwith serves in a number of volunteer organizations including on the Board of Governors of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools and the Board of Directors of the Younique Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to inspiring and empowering children and women who are victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Beckwith is an active member of the LDS Church and a life-long member of the Boy Scouts of America. Prior to joining American Heritage School's administration, Mr. Beckwith was a practicing attorney for the Washington D.C. office of Nixon Peabody LLP. A member of the Utah Bar, the Virginia Bar, and the District of Columbia Bar, Mr. Beckwith is a graduate of the BYU Law School and also holds bachelors and masters degrees in accountancy and information systems from the BYU Marriott School of Management. Mr. Beckwith has lived and worked in Moscow Russia, New York, New York, and Washington D.C., and grew up in various parts of the United States including Utah, California, Texas, Florida and Wisconsin. Mr. Beckwith served an LDS mission in Russia (St. Petersburg) from 1993-1995. He and his wife Candice live in Alpine, where they are raising four children (kinder through high school, all attending AHS), goats, chickens, ducks, snakes, dogs, and cats, as well as a few wild foxes and raccoons, who seem to stay well fed by the chickens and ducks. The Beckwiths are deeply honored and grateful to be involved with the mission of American Heritage School, and to associate with the many extraordinary families who are drawn to it.

Blaine Hunsaker, Assistant Principal, (K-12)

When Blaine Hunsaker was first introduced to American Heritage School he was impressed with the principles taught at the school that develop the Christian character of each child. Mr. Hunsaker is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a bachelors degree in secondary music education and a minor in history. He was delighted to accept a position as a music teacher when first coming to the school in 2002. Later, he would also teach science, and in the summer of 2005 he joined the administrative team. In the summer of 2006 he completed a rigorous certification in the Kodaly methodology of music teaching at BYU. He has performed as a singer in such places as New York, Hawaii, El Salvador and Italy. Though he is grateful for these gifts, his true desire is to work with and bless the lives of children. He and his wife Adrianne are the parents of five sons and one daughter, and consider American Heritage School to be a wonderful blessing to their family.

Leland Anderson, Assistant Principal, Distance Education

Leland Anderson is Director of Home and Distance Education at American Heritage School. He joined AHS's administrative team in July 2008. Prior to this, Mr. Anderson graduated from Harvard University with an Ed.M. in School Leadership and received K-12 administrative licenses in Utah and Massachusetts. He filled a administrative internship at Madison Park High School, one of the largest vocational high schools in Boston Public Schools. He was also a Visiting Fellow at Innosight Institute in 2008-2009 where co-authored a white paper entitled "Alpine Online School: A Utah school district’s move into K-8 online education." Mr. Anderson taught English at Oak Canyon Junior High School and Provo High School. He earned a B.A. cum laude and with University Honors in English Teaching from Brigham Young University (BYU), where he was a Trustees Scholar, ORCA Academic Scholarship Grant Recipient, and a Robert C. Byrd Scholar. He worked at BYU's Center for Instructional Design, assisting in developing physical science, geography, and American history courses. He taught Spanish at the LDS Missionary Training Center and tutored at BYU's Reading and Writing Center. He completed a full-time LDS mission in Mexico City. He and his wife, Gina, were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple and have four daughters and two sons. Among their favorite past-times, they enjoy gardening, baking, reading, blogging, scrapbooking, hiking, camping, and family reunions. "After considering employment at schools in several states,” Mr. Anderson says, “American Heritage School was right for me."

Elizabeth Jacob, Assistant Principal, Middle and High School (7-12), Admissions Director

Elizabeth Jacob was privileged to attend American Heritage as a student for grades 1-6 and is a granddaughter to H. Verlan Andersen, one of the original school founders. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance and Pedagogy from Brigham Young University and is a mother to six children. She has been involved heavily with education for many years in such capacities as homeschooling her own children and teaching orchestra at Meridian School in Provo. She wrote the charter and served as a co-founder for Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy, a charter high school located in Lindon, Utah, which was ranked the best high school in Utah by Newsweek in May 2010. She served on Maeser's board as Curriculum Chair for five years where she was later employed as Accreditation Chair, assisted with administrative duties and taught a Music History class. She currently has three children attending American Heritage and is grateful for the opportunity her children have to enjoy the same educational experience she values so much from her childhood. She especially appreciates the unique mission of American Heritage to teach religious truth while expecting academic excellence.

Charné Adams, Assistant Principal, Elementary (K-6)

Charné Adams comes to American Heritage with over twenty years of experience as an elementary school teacher in private and public schools, the last four of which she served as Principal of North Star Academy, a K–9 charter school in Bluffdale, Utah. Mrs. Adams was born and raised in South Africa. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in South Africa and began teaching in 1994. She immigrated to the United States with her family in 2002, and continued to teach elementary grades. With a deep love for children and education, Mrs. Adams graduated from Idaho State University with a Masters in Educational Administration and Leadership, and has K–12 administrator’s and teacher’s licenses in the states of Utah and Idaho. More importantly, the mission of American Heritage envelopes everything Mrs. Adams holds dear to her heart. She feels honored to be a part of American Heritage School. Besides teaching, Mrs. Adams has directed a school production, created and designed school yearbooks, coached fast pitch softball, field hockey, netball, and swimming, and above all else, is passionate about quality education and the power in realizing one’s potential. She and her husband are the proud parents of five children. Two of their sons are married, adding two wonderful daughters to the family as well as a beautiful grandson.

Linda Strong, Director of Elementary Teacher Services

Linda Strong began teaching at American Heritage School in 1994. Having graduated from BYU, she has a composite bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. In addition to her years of teaching and training at American Heritage, she has deep and varied experience being trained in American Heritage School methodologi es by other professional organizations, including FACE Principle Approach training in Chesapeake, Virginia (twice), and Riggs language training in Oregon, Montana, and Utah. A longtime resident of Utah, she has traveled as far as Korea and New Zealand but has always called Utah County home. After teaching Kindergarten for three years in the public school system, Mrs. Strong retired for several years to raise seven children. During this time, she also conducted a preschool out of her home. Her family is uni que in that it is multi - cultural. Of her seven children, four are adopted — two from Korea and two from India. She and her husband Mark are now the grandparents of twelve and they have enjoyed the experience of blending different backgrounds in their family. "Words cannot express my gratitude for the blessings that I have received from being at American Heritage School , " Linda says. "I love teaching and cherish my association with the children, patrons, and faculty of this wonderful school."

Chase Hale, Director of Finance

Chase Hale was drawn to American Heritage by the values and priorities signaled in its mission statement. After completing a bachelors degree in general accounting and a masters degree in financial accounting (BYU Marriott School of Management), Chase began his professional career with Deloitte & Touche. Chase specialized as a financial-statement auditor in Deloitte's North Carolina practice where he also is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant. Chase made the jump from public accounting to industry when he accepted an offer to work for MasTec Network Solutions, a project-management company specializing in wireless-telecommunications infrastructure; Chase's last position before leaving MasTec was as the Regional Finance Controller for the Carolinas market. Chase and his wife Laura look forward to the positive impact the school will have on their family as their five children attend as students and as the prescribed literature, history lessons, and other aspects of school curriculum become a starting point for dinner-time and other-family discussions.

Bob Wheeler, Director of Health and Safety, Facilities and Security

Bob Wheeler comes to American Heritage School with a diverse background not only in facilities management but also significant experience in security, law enforcement, risk management, institutional emergency preparedness, and medical first responding. Originally from Southern California, Bob moved his family to Utah in 2002. He earned a BS in Criminal Justice Administration from San Diego State University, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Prior to AHS, Mr. Wheeler had a 23-year career in law enforcement, and 7 years as a small business owner. Mr. Wheeler and his wife, Shari, are the parents of four children and live in Alpine, Utah.

Peter Knecht, Business Director of Home & Distance Education

Peter Knecht comes to American Heritage School with extensive background in sales, marketing, and business development and operations. While attending BYU business school, he started his first of online subscription service for college students, which he sold. Then he moved on to building various sales companies for a number of telecommunications companies around the country. The last of which, he grew to become the largest nationally of its kind. After visiting with a friend and Board Member of the school, Peter began volunteering his services in support of the school’s new distance education program. Four months later, he officially joined the school as the Business Director of Distance Education, and helped to re-brand the program as Latter-day Learning and develop The Family School curriculum. He continues to put his experience to work for this essential outreach. Peter and his wife Amber stay busy in their house of four boys, and "book-end" daughter. Of all the things they enjoy, just being together as a family has always been their highest priority. Whether at a soccer match or church activity, working in the garden or relaxing together at the park—family time is sacred time for the Knechts!

Kris McKinley, HR Director - Registrar

Kris McKinley joins American Heritage with great enthusiasm and anticipation! She spent her growing years in Arizona and West Texas after which Kris attended Texas Tech and later BYU where she met her husband. After marriage Brent and Kris resided in Minneapolis and San Francisco but they proudly call Utah “home” and have lived here since 1991. Kris has always felt strongly about her responsibility to be involved in her children’s schooling and the community and has served as President of the Parent Organization and a member of the School Community Council in the Alpine School District. One of her favorite aspects of education has been the opportunity to rub shoulders with children while helping teachers in the classroom. Her most recent employment was at Noah Webster Academy in Orem where she was the Director of Human Resources and Operations for the school, giving her plenty of student and parent interaction, an area that she loves! As difficult as is was to leave the students and staff that she had grown to love over the past 4 years, Kris is excited about working in a faith-based environment at AHS. The McKinleys know that this opportunity is a direct answer to sincere prayer. Kris has been a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint and has served in many stake and ward leadership callings. Her favorite calling is teaching, especially children and youth. Kris and her husband, Brent have [p'; 4 children and reside in Orem.

Athena Monson, Administrative Assistant - Front Office Manager

Athena Monson comes to American Heritage School with a diverse background in Office Management, Business Management, Personnel Development, Professional Training, and graduated from Weber State University with Honors as a Registered Dental Hygienist. She has served in many leadership capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Educational, Professional, and Community Programs. She started The Greatest Gift Network, a charity developed to benefit children with Special Needs. She has volunteered for many years to support multiple charities that benefit children. Her greatest gifts are her husband, Roger, and her 5 amazing children. (3 Beautiful Girls, 2 Handsome Boys) She currently has 3 children attending American Heritage School, one attending Brigham Young University, and her special needs son at home. She has dedicated her life to serving Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and her precious family! Many sacrifices through the years reflect those priorities. She is passionate about Principle and Truth-Based Education, and feels grateful for an answer to prayer that brought her, and her children, to American Heritage School. She has a deep love for children, youth, and all those she is honored to associate with here. She desires to be a positive asset to the extraordinary mission of American Heritage School. Athena also enjoys learning new things, traveling, sports, karate, coaching, music, temple work and serving others.

Jacob Allred, Database Administrator

Mr. Allred joined American Heritage School as the Database Manager, Cross-Country Coach, and Yearbook Advisor in 2016. He was drawn to the school’s mission and Christ-centered approach to education. When Latter-day Learning launched the Family School Program in 2012, Mr. Allred and his wife were one of the original Founding Families. Mr. Allred is an active member of the LDS Church and served a mission to Madrid, Spain from 1999-2001. Mr. Allred graduated from BYU with a Bachelor of Science in 2006 where his studies focused on non-profit business. He also holds an MBA with an extra emphasis in Leadership from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Mr. Allred has lived in the metro Washington, D.C. area and Phoenix, AZ while working as a non-profit administrator responsible for fundraising, recruitment, and database management. In addition to the non-profit sector, Mr. Allred has also worked as a technician for Microsoft and compliance consultant for SecurityMetrics. Mr. Allred grew up in Provo and Orem, graduating from Mountain View Senior High School. During his senior year, Mr. Allred was the Senior Yearbook Editor and was on the National Championship Boy’s Cross-Country team, under the direction of Coach Dave Houle. Mr. Allred has volunteered with the Jacob Hamblin Legacy Organization and was the founding Rotaract President his senior year at BYU (Provo). He also has been a Rotarian in Leesburg, Virginia. He and his wife Meghan are the busy parents of one princess and five boys, all of whom continue to enjoy learning through the Family School Program.

Marilyn Patch, Administrative Assistant - Finance

Marilyn Patch joined the American Heritage staff in the fall of 2005. She loves working at the school and says that the school has been a place of healing and learning for her. Ms. Patch grew up on a Dairy Farm in Pleasant Grove and learned what hard work was all about at a very young age. Hard work has helped her accomplish many of her life long goals. She attended Brigham Young University where she studied accounting. She was a co-owner and accountant for a steel construction company for 27 years. Ms. Patch is the mother of seven children (4 sons and 3 daughters) and ten grandchildren who are the joy of her life. Marilyn loves to travel and learn about new places. When she has a spare minute she plays competitive tennis and loves the many friends she has made.

Melanie McConkie, Librarian

Melanie is a Utah native. She was born and raised in Orem, graduated from Orem High School and then attended Utah Valley State College. She has three children who have all attended American Heritage School. Mrs. McConkie is an avid reader and loves education. She volunteered in her children’s classrooms and the library until she joined the American Heritage faculty as a third grade teacher in 2005. After teaching for four years, Mrs. Bills moved from the classroom to the library. She loves assisting teachers and students with all of their media needs.

Stacy Wood, Guidance Counselor

Mrs. Wood is happy to be a school counselor at American Heritage School. She is a transplant to Utah from Kailua, HI and Westchester, CA. Mrs. Wood graduated from El Segundo High School (El Segundo, CA), Brigham Young University (BA in Communication Studies) and the University of Utah (M.Ed. in Educational Psychology). She has been counseling for 5 years and loves working with students to create a high school, college, career, and life plan. When she isn’t helping students at school she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, attempting the latest America’s Test Kitchen recipe, watching soccer, crafting, eating at new local restaurants, learning languages and traveling. One unique/weird fact about Mrs. Wood is that she is allergic to eggs.