Specialty Teacher Bios

Rohan Adams,  Chemistry/AP Biology Instructor

Rohan was born and raised in South Africa. After immigrating to the United States with his family he attended school at Brigham Young University – Idaho where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. He also focused on the areas of Criminology and Spanish while obtaining his degree. During his youth he was selected to represent South Africa as a pitcher in the youth fast pitch softball team. He and his wife are the proud parents of their son and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second son. He feels it is a privilege to be able to teach at American Heritage and looks forward to being a part of the staff.

Tricia Andersen, JV Ultimate Frisbee Coach

Those who know Tricia well describe her as faithful, fearless, and fun. A native of Las Vegas, Nevada, Tricia grew up playing club soccer, but she discovered the “celestial sport”—ultimate—during college. She quickly gained an affinity for ultimate during the early years of the Orem Ultimate League. Tricia is a graduate of BYU with a bachelor of science in zoology. She is a USAU certified coach and has a passion for teaching and organizing youth activities, especially athletics. In neighborhoods where she has lived, she is known as the “Kool-Aid Mom” because children flock to her to play whatever sport she is found organizing on any given day. She and her husband are the parents of five children—two boys, both of who attend AHS, and three girls whom Tricia teaches at home. The Andersens’ favorite activities together typically involve BYU sports, service, kayaking, hiking, good books, music, dancing, or making pizza.

Ryan Anderson, Biology Teacher & Human Anatomy & Physiology

Ryan Anderson comes to American Heritage School having taught life sciences and served as an administrator for Tuacahn High School in St. George for the last eleven  years. Ryan is a native of Soda Springs, Idaho. He served a mission in Paris France, then married Lorna Lee Robbins, of Pocatello in 1986. After attending BYU, he graduated with honors from the Southern California University of Health Sciences in 1990 and …. completed a Master’s degree in Educational Technology in 2018. After taking a medical retirement from private chiropractic practice in Idaho, the family moved to St. George where they lived for 12 years. While in St. George, Ryan also performed leading roles for five seasons on the Tuacahn professional amphitheater stage. The family enjoys music and being together hiking and camping. Ryan is excited to join the American Heritage family of faculty and students. His wife Lorna Lee graduated with a degree in elementary education from BYU.

Jill Atkinson, Reading Intervention Teacher

From a young age, teaching young children has been one of Jill’s dreams. She attended Brigham Young University and received her Bachelors of Science degree in early childhood education.  She taught Kindergarten for two years and then started her family.  She is a mother of five children and has been married 19 years.  When her first child was born, she told her husband that she wanted her children to attend American Heritage which was just getting started.  Her family ended up moving away to Idaho for 15 years and then returning.  She was really excited to come back and have her children attend American Heritage. Jill is very happy to get back into teaching at American Heritage which shares her same core values.  She loves being in an environment where the spirit is present and both teacher and student learn from each other. When Jill is not teaching, she enjoys reading, traveling, gardening, and being a mother. Teaching at American Heritage helps her realize one of her greatest joys in life, helping children feel love as they grow and learn.

Kathy Birks, 3rd Grade Teacher Aide

Kathy is a musician and educator. She comes to American Heritage School with 23 years of experience teaching piano and working closely with youth across the valley. She is excited to be a part of the school community and a support to teachers and students in her new position as classroom aide. She and her husband Ric have five children, who are all married, and eight grandchildren.

Stephen Blake, Soccer Coach

Stephen Blake was born and raised in the islands of Fiji—Bula! While in high school, he ran track and played soccer and field hockey. Stephen represented his country and played soccer for 8 years in the Fiji National Soccer U17, U20 and Olympic Men’s Teams, and was able to travel all of the South Pacific and much of Southeast Asia for competition. He became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was 22 years old. After playing soccer for his country, Brigham Young University Hawaii offered him an academic and athletic scholarship where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Exercise & Sport Science. Stephen served an LDS mission in Sacramento, California. He and his wife, Kamaile, their two children, and a little dog happily reside in Orem, Utah.

Yahosh Bonner, Athletic Director

Yahosh comes to American Heritage having served as the Director of Basketball Operations for Southern Utah University, Assistant Coach at Western Nebraska Community College, and most recently as the Head Varsity Basketball Coach at American Leadership Academy, where he also taught a “Values in Leadership” course and served as the “Voice of the Eagles” announcer for several sports. Yahosh served an Latter-day Saint mission in Tampa, Florida, and is a second-generation member of the Latter-Day Saint faith (his parents joined the Church in Connecticut). He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communications from the University of Northern Colorado and Southern Utah University, respectively. He played basketball at the University of Northern Colorado, where he was named the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and where he also competed in track (long jump) and football. In addition to athletics administration and teaching, Yahosh also loves singing and acting. View a music video of the Bonner family’s original composition “I Am Here” and a duet “One Call Away.”  Yahosh and his wife, Vanessa, are the parents of two sons and one daughter: Malachi, Samaiah, and Nehemiah.

Brooke Brockbank, First Grade Teacher Aide

Brooke Brockbank is very happy to be here at American Heritage. She grew up in Utah, one of 8 children. During college she was able to travel with the BYU ILP program and teach English in the kindergartens in Voronezh, Russia. Upon returning home she married Steve Brockbank and they headed off to California for his schooling. After graduation they moved multiple times to multiple states with the last out of state home being on a farm in Pullman, Washington. This is where she and her husband started “Freedom Camp”. A 3-day camp that focuses on Faith, Family (ancestors), Freedoms (love of America and the founding fathers) and hard work! After moving to Lehi about 4 years ago they have gone on to host 3 more camps with the latest here in Utah County for nearly 100 of their extended family members. This is her family’s passion and last year they were awarded Lehi City’s “Family of Year” award. She loves American Heritage because the people here also have this same passion for Faith, Families and the Freedoms we hold dear in America. She is very excited to be working with the children here. She currently lives in Lehi with her husband and 6 children, where you can find her playing with her children, singing, cooking, working in the yard, and if you ask her 6 year old what she loves he’ll say her favorite thing to do is clean the house.

Lisa Brodie, Symphonic Strings Orchestra Conductor

Lisa is a highly trained and experienced conductor, violinist, and singer. She has over 25 years’ experience conducting and coaching youth orchestras of all levels. Prior to joining the Lyceum Orchestra program as a conductor, Lisa conducted with the Timpanogos String Orchestra program (TCO). Students from her program have gone on to study at Eastman, Colburn School of Music, New England Conservatory, Interlochen, MIT, Harvard, Stanford, BYU, and U of U, among others. Lisa is excited to bring her love of working with young musicians to the Lyceum Orchestras program. Mrs. Brodie comes from a musical family. Her mother is a professional violinist and conductor, and all four of Lisa’s children perform professionally in classical, jazz and composition. She currently teaches advanced violin students, loves to play classical and bluegrass mandolin and is currently taking organ lessons. Lisa and her husband, Jeff live in Alpine. They have four children and four grandchildren, two of whom attend AHS.

Kayson Brown, Orchestra

Kayson holds a Master’s Degree in Orchestral Conducting from Brigham Young University where he served as conducting and cello faculty. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Cello Performance from the University of Utah. He is certified in the Suzuki method and has more than two decades of experience teaching cello including one of the industry-leading websites to teach cello — Learn2playCello.com. Kayson has over a dozen years experience conducting more than 25 symphony orchestras including professional, university, community, and educational ensembles. He is a passionate, nationally-recognized music educator whose primary goal is to inspire audiences and musicians through music. As the founder of the Lyceum Music Festival and director of the Lyceum Orchestras Program at American Heritage School, he oversees the largest youth orchestra program in the state of Utah and a nationally significant summer music festival. In all these endeavors, Kayson seeks to connect aspiring young musicians with their music industry counterparts and has succeeded in attracting a national audience to the meaningful music made by Utah’s local youth. Kayson has produced, conducted, orchestrated and arranged numerous albums both independently and with the Lyceum Philharmonic. He has been featured conducting on nationally televised PBS Specials with The Piano Guys, recorded for SONY Masterworks and has been recognized by Best of State Utah and American String Teachers Association as one of the leading music educators in the nation. His music and student musicians have been heard over 125 million times on YouTube and have reached the top of the Billboard Charts on three separate albums.

Lynette Carver, 1st/2nd Grade Teacher

Lynette Carver was born and raised in Farmington, New Mexico. She married Craig Carver in the Idaho Falls temple in 1974 and is a mother of seven, and currently, grandmother of twenty-one. Her academic background includes child and human development, and elementary education. She returned to school after raising her children and graduated in 2002 from BYU with a Bachelors in Education and Human Development. Her great love of children and the principle-based curriculum brought her to American Heritage in that same year. Her interests include teaching, reading, playing guitar and piano, drawing and creating, and writing. Lynette has had original material published in several university textbooks and used in college curriculum both at BYU-Idaho and BYU. After 12 years in the core classroom, she is currently working to further develop and expand the reading and intervention department at AHS. She deeply loves AHS and is committed to strengthen the purpose of the school.

Mena Childs, Middle School Teacher Aide

Mena Childs was born and raised in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. She moved to Utah 5 years ago with her husband’s job. Six of her seven children are adults. The 7th attends 8th grade at American Heritage School and loves it!  She has 2 granddaughters and a grandson due this May. She studied Modern Dance at BYU-Provo and George Mason University. In her spare time she loves to hike, play pickleball, and occasionally play the cello. Mena loves teaching and working with the youth. Most recently she was a Young Women’s President and has worked in various capacities in the Young Women organization.  She is a freelance makeup artist and has worked for cable television, was the head makeup and hair artist for a short film in New York City sponsored by Volvo, and most recently makeup and hair artist for Becca Pacheco who collaborated with American Heritage’s Lyceum Philharmonic Orchestra on a music video soon to come out. Mena loves people and is excited to join the American Heritage team!

Jay Clark, Technical Director

Jay Clark has worked in professional theater, dance, opera and touring companies for 20 years before being hired by the Latter-day Saint Church in 2000 as a Cultural Arts Producer. There he was involved in the 2002 Olympic production, the Christmas presentation, “Savior of the World”, Pageants and many other Church stage and video projects. He loves performing and listening to music and considers being a part of the faculty at AHS the highlight of his professional and personal career. He and his wife Lynda have 6 children and 9 grandchildren.

Autumn Cook, 12th Grade Teacher Aide

Autumn grew up all over the world as the daughter of an Air Force officer. She spent some of her most formational years in the Washington, D.C. area, where her summer breaks and three-day weekends included trips to monuments, battlefields and landmarks, and a deep love for Liberty and our nation’s history was planted. Graduating from Brigham Young University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Music, she went on to become civically active in venues ranging from the United Nations to her local voting precinct. She has taught seminary, homeschool, home preschool co-ops, Primary and Young Women, and her favorite, Primary music. Autumn met her husband, Joseph, in New York. They have four lively children. She believes strongly in focusing on the strengths of each child, and is thrilled to be part of American Heritage School’s mission of assisting parents to nurture each child’s individuality through the teaching of true principles.

Chris Culver, Art

Christine Culver has a BFA from the University of Utah class of 2004. She became President of the Alpine Community Arts Council in 2003. She is a professional landscape photographer. She has been teaching at American Heritage School since 2005. Christine received the AHS Rosalie J. Slater “Teaching in Excellence Award” in 2007. Her goal is to mentor, teach, and perform in a way that will inspire her students to be more creative and reflect God’s gifts through artistic visual creations.

Alex DeBirk, Physics, AP Physics and Intro to Engineering

Alex DeBirk comes to American Heritage after a career in structural engineering. He has designed buildings as large as a skyscraper, as small as a concession stand, and even spent some time with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, working on future satellites and lunar rovers. He received an MS in civil engineering with a emphasis in structural engineering, mechanics and materials from the University of California at Berkeley, and a BS from Brigham Young University with a minor in Japanese. Alex discovered his passion for teaching in high school when he started operating the experiential learning simulators (two of which he designed) at Pleasant Grove’s Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center, or CMSEC. He continued to teach as a Latter-day Saint missionary in Fukuoka, Japan, and as a physics instructor while in graduate school. He continues to volunteer as the STEM instructor at the CMSEC’s sister program at Renaissance Academy in Lehi, where his latest simulator design is set to open in the summer of 2016. He also has extensive experience in musical theater, having been accepted to BYU’s Music/Dance/Theater program, and performing at Tuacahn, Hale Center Theater, and numerous Latter-day Saint Church productions in Salt Lake City and Nauvoo. He loves the arts, the sciences, sports and the outdoors. His greatest joy, beside his wife and daughter, is knowing he has had a positive impact in another person.

Holly Dunn, Kindergarten Teacher Aide

Holly Dunn, Kindergarten Aide, joined the American Heritage staff in 2016. As a parent of two AHS scholars, she loves the mission and vision of American Heritage School, and enjoys helping students reach their full potential. She and her wonderful husband, Mike, have 6 amazing children, one son-in-law and one daughter-in-law (hopefully, more to come!) and two beautiful grandchildren (again, hopefully, more to come)! They lived in Ithaca, New York for 11 years, and Reading, England for 3 years, before returning to Utah in 2003, for Mike to take a teaching position at BYU. Holly enjoys flower gardening, temple work, serving in various church callings, Sunday family dinners, and date nights!

LauraLyn Eberting, Music (AHYC)

LauraLyn Eberting loves music and is delighted to be a part of American Heritage School’s Children’s Choir. She grew up singing and making music with her family and then went to law school and became an attorney. While in college she taught piano lessons, played the violin with a BYU orchestra, sang with the Mormon Youth Chorus, and performed as an entertainer in Lagoon’s Music USA. Welcome, Mrs. Eberting!

Suzanne Gallup, Second Grade Teacher Aide

Suzanne D. Gallup is grateful to be a part of American Heritage School. In 2008, her friend Mrs. Kauffman, who was then an assistant principle at American Heritage School, encouraged her to apply as a substitute and tutor-which she did. Mrs. Gallup was born in Provo, Utah, moved to NYC at age 8, then to Connecticut the next year. She is the oldest of 9. She attended Ricks College, and met her husband from Cardston, Alberta, Canada, before graduating in 1978. Before the wedding in Cardston that summer, she participated in the Hill Cumorah Pageant. She and her husband have 4 children-2 married, and 3 sweet grandchildren. She and her family moved to Cedar Hills in 1986, where a few years later, she began home schooling her children with other friends, including the Kerrtula and Kauffman families. The Gallup family moved to Austin, Texas in 1991 and continued home schooling a few more years. Mrs. Gallup’s children then went to public school, and for 11 years, she was a teacher’s aid and substitute teacher. She also taught early morning seminary and adult continuing education classes in her stake. Her family moved back to Utah in 2007. She volunteered at the MTC for 3 years, and worked 1-½ years as a teachers aid for Timpanogos Academy. Being a part of American Heritage “is like a breath of fresh air-it’s like heaven! I can teach the gospel with any subject matter-as I had done when home schooling. For many years I had not been able to speak of the precious gospel truths to the children and teens I worked with. What a JOY to invite the spirit into the classroom through prayer, and to testify of gospel truths here at American Heritage School. It’s an environment that ignites an appetite for learning, it’s energizing, it’s a way of life!”

Kimberly Gibbs, Kindergarten Aide

Kimberly is thrilled to join the staff at AHS after being associated with the school since 2011 when her children began attending the school.  Kimberly was born in Idaho and raised in Loveland, Colorado.  She moved to Utah to attend BYU where she met her husband, Tyler, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home and Family Live/Home Economics.  Tyler and Kimberly have been blessed with seven wonderful children.  Kimberly and Tyler love creating a peaceful home where joy abounds and there is always laughter.  Kimberly loves learning new skills, spending time with family, being creative and being physically active.  It is not odd to see her out running, in the garage tinkering, getting dirt under her fingernails outside, or at her sewing machine working on one of the many projects she keeps piled up for herself.

Anese Harmon, K–3 Music Class Assistant/Accompanist

Anese is thrilled to join the American Heritage team and share her love of music with the students here. She was born in Idaho and raised on a family farm east of Idaho Falls, where she developed a love for music, nature, and work. She is a graduate of Ricks College and BYU and served as a full-time missionary in the New York, Rochester mission. While living in Delaware for 19 years, she has taught private piano lessons as a stay-at-home mother. She has rendered volunteer musical instruction while serving in Latter-day Saint Church callings, such as Choir Director, Primary Music Director, Primary Pianist, Ward Organist, and Ward Choir Pianist. She enjoys playing the harp and dulcimer as well as piano and organ with additional hobbies in gardening, cooking, canning, and sewing. She and her husband Neil are the parents of four sons and one daughter.

Dr. Neil Harmon, Youth Chorus Accompanist/Organist

Neil Harmon is a member of the organ faculty at Brigham Young University. An organist, conductor, composer, and teacher, he served 19 years as Director of Music and Organist at Grace United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Delaware. Neil holds a Bachelor of Music degree from BYU and Masters and Doctorate of Musical Arts degrees from The Eastman School of Music. Dr. Harmon’s widely published compositions include a seven-movement Requiem for choir, orchestra, and soprano,
as well as music for solo organ, handbell choir, mixed chorus, and brass quintet. Active in the American Guild of Organists, he served twice as Co-Director of the Delaware Pipe Organ Encounter. Neil and his wife, Anese, are the parents of five children.

Camille Heiner, MS/HS Math Teacher

Camille is a graduate from Brigham Young University – Idaho where she received her bachelor’s in History Education with a minor in Math Education. After finishing her degree, she served in the Nicaragua, Managua mission from 2012-2013 where her love for teaching was only strengthened. Camille was raised in Green River, Wyoming where she was homeschooled through elementary school then public schooled through middle school and high school. Because of her unique educational experiences, she developed early on a thirst for knowledge and an enthusiasm for learning. As one of the oldest of seven children, she also grew up with a love for children which is why she later decided to join the teaching profession. Camille is excited to join the staff and students at American Heritage School where high gospel and educational values are embraced. Camille enjoys being with people and making them laugh. Her additional hobbies include reading, puzzles, hiking and enjoying nature.

Laurel Hill, K–2 Science Teacher

Laurel has a Bachelor’s Degree from Brigham Young University in Public Relations.  After graduation, she worked for Melaleuca, Inc. in Idaho Falls in product development and marketing. Laurel has worked as a freelance writer for various magazines and newsletters. Laurel homeschooled her youngest starting in kindergarten, through the AHS Distance Education program.  The Hill Family loves American Heritage and knows how it changes lives, blesses families, teaches children how to think for themselves, and inspires students to love learning. She was a stay at home mom for 20 years.  For the past two years, she has worked as a substitute teacher in Jordan School District, substituting in elementary resource classes, and in schools for those with Autism. Laurel has been a substitute teacher for American Heritage for two years in K-12 grades.  Her family has been a part of American Heritage for 12 years.  Laurel was born and raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She has lived in Utah for 22 years.  She and her husband Jay have 4 children who have all attended AHS, three of whom have graduated from AHS. Laurel’s youngest daughter will be in the 6th grade this upcoming school year.  Laurel loves to hike, read, play the piano, exercise, cook, and spend time with her family.

Steven Hoffer, Science Aide

Steve studied math and physics in college before serving twenty years in the United States Air Force. He still answers to “Sarge”, and will eagerly tell stories about the Pentagon, NORAD, space weather, the National Reconnaissance Office, and his other assignments. After his Air Force career, Steve spent time in corporate America as an instructional designer, writing computer, software and networking courses. Steve and his wife Carol love being with their family including their five children and twelve grandchildren.

Michelle Jorgensen, Music (AHYC)

Michelle Jorgensen has loved and learned music from an early age. She studied piano and voice through graduate school, but didn’t graduate in music. She is actually a practicing dentist in American Fork. She has four children, and they are all students at American Heritage. The family has been patrons of the school since 2005. She is excited to help more young children learn to love music as she does!

Shawnell Larsen, MS/HS Math Teacher

Shawnell Larsen comes to American Heritage having taught math and computer science for nine years at Utah Online High School. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a major in Math Education and a minor in Computer Science. She is a life-long teacher and home-schooled each of her children for part of their elementary school years. Shawnell is excited to be back in a formal classroom setting where she hopes to convince reluctant students that they can, in fact, “do math.” She grew up in the beautiful state of Montana. She and her husband, John, have six children, ranging from elementary school to a college graduate. When Shawnell has free time, she loves to knit, sew, and tackle any home improvement project.

Karen Logan, Science 3-7

Karen Logan came to American Heritage School in 2008 excited to teach science at a faith based school. She loves teaching science that is founded in the gospel and shares her testimony in each class. Currently, she is teaching Kindergarten through 5th grade science, but has taught Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, AP Biology, and 8th grade science at AHS. She has a Master’s Degree in Science Education from Western Governors University (Oct. 2012); a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology (emphasis in Marine Biology) from Brigham Young University (Aug, 1993), and professional teaching credentials in science/life science and language/academic development from the University of San Diego and California State University, Sacramento. Prior to AHS, Mrs. Logan was a science teacher and science department head at Mitchell Middle School, Folsom-Cordova California Unified School District, from 1998 to 2005. Mrs. Logan loves SCUBA diving (she is a certified dive master with the Professional Association of Dive Instructors), art, music, reading, camping, hiking, and sports of all kinds. Mrs. Logan and her husband, Wayne, are the parents of three children, Jeffrey, Benjamin and Karley, all of which attend AHS. They currently live in Provo, Utah.

Carolyn Lundberg, Orchestra

Carolyn Lundberg was born and raised in California as the oldest of 8 children who were all trained to perform different musical instruments. She came to Utah on academic and music scholarships to attend Brigham Young University where she completed her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy as a student of Irene Peery-Fox. Carolyn currently plays the harp and cello with local orchestras and has taught many years privately as well as in public school music programs. She conducted and arranged music for a Latter-day Saint youth orchestra that celebrated the church’s Utah pioneer sesquicentennial anniversary in 2002. She loves teaching music to her 5 children she is raising with her husband Dean as well as the young beginners of Lyceum’s Junior Strings.

Karen Matsen, 1st/2nd Grade Teacher Aide

Karen Matsen is honored to be a part of American Heritage as an aide in an elementary classroom. She was raised in Mesa, AZ and attended Arizona State University. With a bachelors degree in Exercise Science/Kinesiology, she went on to work in Physical/Sports Therapy. She also has experience in Massage Therapy, Event Planning, and Outreach Programs for children. She recently moved from Southern California to American Fork, Utah with her husband and two boys. She enjoys health and wellness, creative writing, travel, hiking, and watching her sons play sports. Her greatest passion is mentoring children and teens through their academic and spiritual journey.  She believes nothing is more fulfilling than helping another gain confidence in themselves and our Savior, flourish spiritually and become deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Barbara McOmber, Ballroom

Barbara McOmber joined American Heritage School in 2012 as the Ballroom Dance Instructor. Barbara is a Brigham Young University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Home and Family Living Studies. While attending BYU, she was on the Ballroom Tour team, where she was able to spread her love of dance and the gospel while touring the South Pacific, including Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, and Hawaii. She and her dance partner competed in the National Dancesport competitions for years. It was at BYU where Barbara met her husband Arthur. She said, “He swept me off my feet!” After leaving Utah, they lived in Southern California where Art worked for the FBI and they raised four wonderful children. In 2005, they moved to Cedar Hills, Utah where Barbara began teaching Elementary Ballroom at several local schools. Barbara has choreographed, costumed, and produced annual ballroom concerts since 2005. Her competition teams have reached the gold level multiple times. After having two of her children attend American Heritage, she is thrilled to be a part of the American Heritage faculty and teach such outstanding students.

Jeff Meade, Math Teacher

Jeff Meade is in his eighth year of teaching math at American Heritage. He has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Brigham Young University. He worked as a process engineer before becoming a teacher. He and his wife Wendy are the parents of five children and live in Cedar Hills, Utah.

Aprel Mendenhall, Insructional Designer

Aprel Mendenhall comes to American Heritage as a skilled Instructional Designer. She has over 10 years of experience in curriculum design and development. Aprel earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Utah State University. During her teaching career, she enjoyed interacting with thousands of children and adults at Utah Valley University and in Cache County and Nebo School Districts. In 2018, Aprel returned to Utah State University to pursue a Master of Education in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences. She was recognized as a 2019 AECT Design & Development Competition Finalist and Best Presentation winner for her design of a microlearning mobile application for NATO. She has immensely enjoyed the online program and will graduate in December 2020. Aprel and her husband, Cory, are the parents of four children. They enjoy traveling and making music together.

Shane Mickelsen, Orchestra Conductor

Shane Mickelsen is an active composer, arranger, conductor, and teacher. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Utah State University and a Master’s of Music degree in Music Composition from the University of Utah where he also pursued doctoral studies in Music Composition. He is an accomplished clarinetist and recording musician who has recently written for and recorded with The Piano Guys, Paul Cardall, and the Latter-day Saint Church. Shane regularly conducts recording sessions and recently served as the Music Director of the West Jordan Symphony. At the age of 17, he was commissioned by the School of Music at Utah State University to compose an opera for its Opera Theatre Program which he composed, rehearsed, and directed. The work was recognized with an award from the university and Craig Jessop. As an educator, Shane directed choir, orchestra, and band at American Heritage of South Jordan where he also taught Latin. He currently maintains a private studio  of voice, piano, clarinet, and composition students in his home in Riverton with his wife Kacee and daughter Annie.

Deborah Otteson, Music K-3 Teacher

Deborah R. Otteson was born in Oakridge, Tenn. But mainly grew up in Northern California. She is the eldest of nine living children. She graduated from Ricks and BYU (Provo) with a degree in Secondary Music Education. After serving a mission in the Oregon Portland Mission, she started teaching music in her hometown of Shelley, Idaho and spent her summers in Hartford, Conn. earning a degree in the Kodály Method at the KMTI. During her time in Idaho, she was also involved in many musicals, operas and singing groups. After she moved back to this area with her children in 2001 she completed the InterMuse Kodaly certification program at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. She is excited to be at American Heritage School teaching children in K-3 grades.

Jan Parker, Art (K-5)

Jan Parker was born in Morristown, New Jersey, and raised in Summit, New Jersey. She attended BYU in the fall of 1974, where she graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design and Illustration. She worked at the BYU photo studio for three of those years. She has worked as a Graphic Designer for Conant Associates and in Interior Design at Ethan Allen until starting her family of six children – 3 boys and 3 girls all grown and now living in Utah, New York City, Virginia, London (England) and the youngest serving a mission in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For the past 16 years, Mrs. Parker has lived in Alpine, Utah. She started oil painting eleven years ago with a group of other artists and found her artistic passion. She does commissioned oil paintings and works on many commercial murals in locations such as the American Fork Junior High Library, where she did a “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme. In addition to art, Mrs. Parker also loves to quilt, cook, read, travel when she can, and she looks forward to serving a mission someday. Mrs. Parker feels very blessed as a single woman with almost four grandchildren, and two lovely sisters that live in Alpine, and Burley, Idaho. Mrs. Parker has an abiding testimony in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and cherishes her membership in the church as well her relationship with the Savior.

Donna Patten, Music (4-6)

Donna Patten was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, and raised in Logandale, Nevada. In high school, she enjoyed participating in choir, band, cheerleading, and dance. Mrs. Patten graduated from BYU with an associate degree in Library Technology. She married Dennis Patten in 1974. They have two boys and two grandchildren. Mrs. Patten started playing the piano at six years old. She has been a choir director for twenty years as well. She enjoys family history, reading, and BYU sports. She loves American Heritage School and her association with the students and faculty.

Johanne Perry, Drama/5th Grade Teacher Aide

Johanne Fréchette Perry was born in Montréal, Canada and grew up in the Los Angeles area where she joined the Latter-day Saint church. She has traveled the world with the BYU Young Ambassadors and graduated with a BFA in Music Dance Theatre. For over 20 years she has been a studio singer and has been featured as a soloist on many Latter-day Saint recordings. She has delighted audiences across the U.S. and on PBS with her portrayal of early Utah settler Polly Matilda Merrill Colton in the show, Polly: A One-Woman Musical, written by her husband, Steven Kapp Perry. Currently Johanne sings with the award-winning vocal group One Clear Voice. In the fall, she and her husband host a Church History tour through Morris/Murdock Travel. Johanne teaches the high school drama classes and seventh grade speech class at AHS, as well as assists in the Patriotic Program and the eighth grade Shakespeare play. When not at the school she keeps busy with her four children, organic vegetable garden, and french-canadian genealogy.

Amanda Peterson, 1st Grade Teacher Aide

Mrs. Peterson comes to AHS with almost 9 years of private school work experience. She taught kindergarten for a year, and first grade for three years, before being offered a job as the school’s preschool director. She worked in that position for close to five years until quitting to start her family. When her son started kindergarten at AHS in 2019, she knew she wanted to return to educating hearts and minds when the time was right.  Amanda loves traveling, reading, developing new skills, and taking her children on adventures. She is on a continual quest to learn to love running and is training for her first half marathon, scheduled for July 2021. She loves American Heritage and feels very blessed to get to spend time with the wonderful teachers, students, and staff at the school each day.

Graham Rasmussen, Girls MS Soccer Coach

Graham Rasmussen lives in live in Pleasant Grove Utah with his wife and two sons. He has loved soccer since living in Germany as a kid and has played his entire life. He’s excited to be the Girls Middle School Soccer Head Coach and is looking forward to a great season.

Sariah Reed, Kindergarten Teacher

Sariah was born in Iowa and raised in Illinois. She moved to Utah to attend BYU where she met her husband and later graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She worked for a few years as a social worker in Provo before having children. She and her husband have four amazing children, three of whom attend American Heritage. Sariah loves working with kids and has had ample opportunity to do so through church callings, preschool and co-op groups, and wrangling the ones that live with her. She believes that true learning only happens when the Spirit is present and is so grateful to have found American Heritage School where her children can learn, grow, and develop their talents under loving tutelage and the influence of the Holy Ghost. She is excited to have a part in creating that environment for the third graders this year.

Amanda Riley, Orchestra

As long time supporters of the Lyceum Orchestra program at American Heritage School, Amanda Riley and her family traveled from Beaver to American Fork each week to have their children participate. After many years of traveling, Amanda is excited to have moved to Highland and to be conducting the Chamber Ensemble. Amanda was formerly the Orchestra and Choir Director at Beaver High School and a general music educator at Belknap Elementary School in Beaver. She is also a graduate of Brigham Young University. Amanda followed her love for music as she started each of her young children playing the violin starting at age three and studied beside each of them. She was the recipient of the UTASTA Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2015. Her love for music, her family and youth has driven her to have a successful program where students feel safe, encouraged and allowed to follow their dreams. Amanda has a passion for touching student’s lives and inspiring them to achieve excellence.

Brooke Rowe, Reading Intervention Department Chair

Brooke was born and raised in Provo, Utah.  She attended BYU and graduated in Elementary education.  She taught language arts at Springville Middle School and later first grade and computer skills at the University of Chicago Laboratory School. She received a Masters degree as a Reading Specialist at the National College of Education in Chicago.  Literacy is central to learning and functioning in life and Brooke loves seeing young students gain reading and writing confidence.  She has lived internationally with her husband and five children in many countries including Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Bosnia, Belgium and Croatia.  She relishes being near family again in Utah and enjoys hiking, skiing, sewing, and of course, reading.

Brian Smith, Athletic & Wellness

Brian Smith was born in Anchorage, Alaska and moved at an early age to Nashville, Tennessee. He moved several more times before he graduated from high school but spent most of his years growing up in Nashville and Dallas, Texas. Half way through high school his family moved to Orem, Utah where Brian graduated from Mountain View High School. Brian became a student athlete at BYU competing in both track and field and football. He graduated from BYU with a BS in Exercise and Wellness. Brian served a Latter-day Saint mission in Monterrey, Mexico. Upon coming home from his mission, he began his coaching career as a personal trainer. Brian attributes his athletic opportunities to having good coaches and trainers which have been his motivation to give back and help other youth have similar opportunities. Brian has certifications in training, nutrition, functional movement screening, and strength and conditioning. Brian was married to the love of his life, Emily, in the Salt Lake Temple and they have two beautiful boys. Brian is so excited to be a part of the AHS team and is looking forward to bringing together athletics and Christ centered living.

Lindsay Smith, 6th Grade Teacher Aide

Lindsay returns to American Heritage having previously served as an aide at AHS. She has been married for almost 23 years and is a mother of 2 boys, ages 12 and IS months. She studied at Southern Utah University. Lindsay was born in Alaska and raised primarily in Arizona, Utah, and Washington. She enjoys spending time with family, close friends, and visiting the great outdoors. She is glad to be back at American Heritage and looks forward to another great year!

Mattie Smith, French / Photography Teacher

Mattie June Smith spent most of her life moving around the world because of her father’s job.   During elementary school they lived in Taiwan and in high school they moved to France.  Ms. Smith graduated in France and then went to BYU-Idaho to study music and French.  After earning her bachelor’s degree, she served a mission in Geneva, Switzerland, and her first assigned area was her home ward!  She moved to Utah for a teaching position in a French dual immersion program in North Salt Lake.  Ms. Smith loves photography and is a volunteer with an organization called Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, which provides bereavement photography for families who have lost newborn babies.  She also loves to sing and has been involved locally in performances at Hale, Eccles, Centerpoint, and Playmill theatres.  She is thrilled to join the American Heritage family and looks forward to enrolling her daughter in kindergarten next year!

Ty Smith, Math Teacher

Ty comes to American Heritage with 31 years’ experience teaching math in the Provo School District, 26 of those at Dixon Middle School, including 10 years coaching basketball at Provo and Mountain View High Schools. Ty received a bachelor’s degree at BYU with a math endorsement. He has been recognized as one of Provo School District’s most outstanding teachers on numerous occasions through the years. Ty’s mother was a dance teacher, so in addition to his love for teaching math, he also danced for over 40 years. He even worked one summer dancing in the Disneyland parades, and we look forward to him demonstrating some of those dance moves as he expounds upon quadratic equations and the Fibonacci sequence. Ty has enjoyed service in many capacities in the Latter-day Saint Church. He is married to Joani, and together they have six children and nine grandchildren, all of whom live close to the Smiths, and within a mile of each other (to Grandpa and Grandma Smith’s delight).

Robert Swenson, Music (Dept. Chair)

Rob Swenson holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Brigham Young University and Level III OAKE-endorsed Kodály certification. He has taught choir at American Leadership Academy in Spanish Fork, Utah; at Timpanogos Academy in Lindon, Utah; and at Liahona High School in Liahona, Tonga, where he also served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 2008, he joined the faculty at American Heritage School, where he currently teaches AP Music Theory and directs middle and high school choirs. From 2004-2007, he served as an assistant director with the Utah Valley Children’s Choir, leaving in 2007 to found the American Heritage Youth Chorus. Under his direction, this faith-centered choral program for children and youth has grown to include over 200 members who perform free, inspirational programs for audiences throughout the United States. Rob received the 2016 Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Christmas Carol Commission for his “Christmas Hosanna.” In Fall 2016, his original composition, “Go Forth From This House,” was recognized as a second-place winner and was performed at the state conference of the Utah ACDA. Rob resides in Pleasant Grove, Utah, with his wife, Kristy, and their four children.

Matt Thornton, Concert Choir Assistant Director

Matt Thornton graduated from Utah State University with a bachelors degree in music education. He also holds a masters degree in music education from BYU. As an undergraduate, Matt served as the Music Vice President of the Logan Latter-day Saint Institute as well as the Dance President. He was also president of the New Horizons Institute Choir. While in Cache Valley, he worked with the Cache Children’s Choir and taught in their summer music camp. He has also worked as a music and dance specialist for Opera by Children. Matt has been trained in Orff, is Kodály certified and is currently an instructor at the BYU InterMuse Academy. He is the fine arts department head at American Fork Jr. High where he has taught choir for eight years.

Paora Winitana, Director of Basketball Operations

Coach Paora Winitana was born and raised in New Zealand.  He moved to Utah with his wife Tia and their 6 children to coach basketball at American Heritage school. Paora loves the gospel and is passionate about the game of basketball. He graduated from the Church College of New Zealand, served a mission in Australia and played professionally for 20 years including two World Championship tournaments (2002/2006) and Olympic Games (2004).  He is grateful and excited to be able to use all these experiences and knowledge to help others become the best versions of themselves, and to come closer to the Savior through sports and coaching.

Samuel Wood, MS/HS Math Teacher

Samuel comes to American Heritage with four years of math teaching experience at Challenger School in Highland. Samuel realized that teaching was a personal passion while he served in the Honolulu, Hawaii mission from 2005-2007. After his mission, Samuel attended the University of Utah where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Atmospheric Sciences/Meteorology. Through his studies, Samuel found his love for math and began looking for opportunities to teach it. Samuel has been a middle and elementary school teacher since 2009 not just in mathematics, but also science, logic, chess, speech/debate/theater, and physical education. Samuel is originally from Taylorsville, Utah. He is the youngest of five brothers. He was married in 2008 to his lovely wife, Stacy, and has the cutest daughter in the world, Aurora. In his free time you can find him playing sports like flag football, softball, ultimate frisbee and basketball. He also enjoys hunting and fishing. He is always reading a good book.

Kristi Wulfenstein, 1st & 2nd Grade Aide

Kristi Wulfenstein has been associated with American Heritage School for almost 17 years. She has served as a parent, volunteer, and custodian. For the past 6 years Mrs. Wulfenstein has been employed as a Teacher Aide in grades K-2. She attended UVU and worked for the Alpine School District as an ESL tutor during that time. Kristi also was a substitute teacher for the Alpine School District and completed 3 years of Special Ed Training at Dan Peterson School. Kristi Wulfenstein and her husband are the parents of 2 children. Alexis, who is married and attending college, and Jakob who will be in 9th grade. In her spare time, Kristi keeps busy with her love of music. She enjoys playing the piano, organ and violin. She has spent many years playing the violin with different symphonies. Currently she is playing with, and serving on the board of The American Fork Symphony. Kristi also loves to read and travel. Europe being the destination of choice!