Jamie Nelson loves working with the amazing kids at ELA.  She was born and raised in Chicagoland but moved west to finish high school.  She graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a degree in Elementary Education.  Jamie spent 13 years teaching the kids in the community of Kearns and the past 4 years at ELA.  She enjoyed teaching fourth grade for 10 years and has been in kindergarten for six years now. 

As the mother of four kids, Jamie is often found playing legos, reading books, coloring, losing at the occasional video game or playing at the park.  When she has a minute to herself she enjoys reading, watching baseball with her husband (go Cubs!), participating in theater and singing.  She is excited for a great year!

Naomie Williams is a proud graduate from Utah State University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She has loved being a part of the ELA community and is thrilled to be teaching Kindergarten again! Her love for learning and building relationships is clear in her teaching style. She is passionate about making every child feel safe, confident, and empowered to succeed (while having lots of fun in the process)! 
With her husband and super-cute dog, Naomie loves to hike, enjoy movies and TV shows, camp, craft, read, and dream about traveling.

Becka Groendyke considers working at Early Light Academy an extraordinary adventure. Becka began this journey at the Junior High as a Special Education Teaching Assistant over twelve years ago. Grateful to be a part of this environment, she accepted a full time position as a 4th Grade Educator in 2014-2020. She is currently working as a Co-Teacher in the First Grade with Mrs. Naylor.  

Becka was reared in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Becka taught in the Granite School District for thirteen years. She also pursued other dreams and became a Flight Attendant for Delta Airlines, a Hostess for the Marriott Concierge, and a student at Westminster of Salt Lake City, where she earned a Master's Degree in Education.

Becka is married to Rick Groendyke and together they have one son, Noah.  Becka finds pleasure in simplistic beauty...quiet moments, supermoons, billowing clouds, the sound of thunder. It is in the small minute details of daily life,  that she becomes keenly aware of the breathtaking “WOW” moments.  Becka’s passion is sharing those moments of awe with her students. Her strength is being able to see the worth of an individual and having the desire to be an instrument in assisting others in the discovery of their innate potential. 

Aubree Frandsen is a proud graduate of Utah State University, where she earned Bachelor’s Degrees in both Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. She is excited to bring her love for teaching and her passion for childhood development to the ELA team. Aubree is a firm advocate for hands-on learning, believing that engaging students in interactive activities is key to fostering their curiosity and deepening their understanding. She strives to create a classroom environment where exploration and discovery are encouraged, helping students to develop a lifelong passion for learning.

Outside the classroom, Aubree and her husband enjoy exploring the great outdoors through hiking, kayaking, and fishing. She is also a self-proclaimed "foodie" who loves trying new things, constantly seeking out new culinary adventures. 

Devon Weddle currently lives in Utah county with her husband and two kids. She has been a substitute teacher and crossing guard the last few years. This will be her (and children’s) first year at Early Light Academy.

In her down time she enjoys reading, attending plays and musicals, and playing video games with her kids.  She can also be found at the aquarium watching the penguins and sloths with her family, going to the movies or watching a baseball game. She excited to be a part of Early light Academy and can’t wait to meet all the new kindergarteners.

Kate Dastrup loves being a kindergarten teacher's assistant. She recently graduated from the American Academy of Innovation and is excited to start her new path in the education field. She also loves working at the school where many family members attend. This will be her first year at Early Light Academy, but she hopes there's more to come!

In her free time, she enjoys playing games, drawing, baking, and spending lots of time with family and friends! She can often be found at the plant store buying more plants for her indoor jungle or hanging out with her large family. She can't wait for a fun year in kindergarten!

Alora Lynn loves getting to work as a kindergarten teacher’s assistant. She recently graduated from Southern Utah University with a Bachelors in Marketing. 

In her free time Alora enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and thrifting.

Jambo!! My name is Chase McCool (yes it is my real name), a First grade teacher, originally from Chicago!! My teaching experience has ranged from Denver, New York, and even Kampala, Uganda! Through these experiences, I have had the joy of working alongside students from diverse backgrounds. 

I strongly believe that movement is essential for young learners and strive to create a nurturing environment where students can freely express themselves and foster a lifelong love for learning. I look forward to a fun filled school year of growth and discovery!!!

Shannon Zimmerman is originally from Torrance, California and loved getting to grow up near the ocean. She graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a bachelors degree in elementary education. 

Shannon always knew that she wanted to be a teacher and is forever grateful for the teachers in her life who cared and believed in her. They also taught her the importance of working hard and never giving up. Inspired by their example, she wanted to make that difference in her students’ lives. She is excited to join the Early Light team and continue to help enrich students’ educations. 

When she’s not teaching, Shannon enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, watching plays and spending time with her family and friends. 

Marisol Pizarro was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. She moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida with her family in 1999 to continue her studies. She graduated from Florida International University (FIU) in 2005 as an Early Childhood Educator with ESOL Endorsements. She has been a teacher for more than 16 years. She worked in a private Montessori school for ten years and then she decided to take a different path working in a charter school for the past 4 years.

She has one son that is 16 and will be starting his junior year. He is planning to attend NYU to achieve his engineering career. 

She has two adorable cats, Tiger and Bonita, she loves playing and cuddling with them. 

Her hobbies are listening to music, shopping, dining out, attending to concerts, and watching movies/series.

Marisol Pizarro’s passion and dedication for educating students have been evident since she was a young girl. She enjoyed playing with her cousins “The Little School” and guess who was the teacher… she was!

Desee Ragsdale is a BYU-Idaho graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Child Development.  After volunteering in the classroom, she realized how rewarding it would be to have a permanent role as an aide.  Desee loves exploring Utah and going anywhere with her family.  You will usually find her watching a movie, chatting with friends, taking walks, riding bikes, organizing her house, and trying to not kill her flowers.

Jennifer DuCharme was raised in Riverton, Utah. Both of her parents were school teachers and she spent countless hours helping in the classroom. She graduated from Bingham High School, Ricks College with an associates degree in Elementary Education, and Utah State University with a degree in Elementary Education and an emphasis in Language Arts. She taught school in Cache Valley and Bluffdale. She is married and has 3 children. Education has always been a very important part of her life. She quit teaching to raise her kids but was very involved in their schools. She loves sewing and reading. She hopes to pass her knowledge and enthusiasm for reading along to the wonderful first graders at ELA.

Stephanie was born and raised in Utah. She attended Westminster College and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. After working as an accountant for several years, she went for a dream opportunity and pursued her passion for creativity working as an artist for a global craft company.  After several years she decided to be a full time stay at home mom to her 3 kids. She has loved being involved with their school whether it’s volunteering in her kids’ classrooms or helping on the PTA. She is excited to now be a part of the ELA team! 

Steph loves being creative, crafting, cooking, baking, organizing and spending time with her husband and kids. Together they enjoy skiing, boating and playing games. 

Kristi Maples worked in the medical field for 22 years before earning her teaching degree and joining Early light academy in 2020. Kristi attended Western Governors University where she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in education.

Kristi was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho where her and her 5 siblings would spend countless hours outdoors camping, hiking, and fishing. Kristi moved to Utah in 1996 to raise her family and enjoy the many outdoor adventures that Utah had to offer. Kristi loves to travel and has been to 28 of the US states, and 5 different countries. Kristi also enjoys working in her garden, watching movies, and playing with her granddaughter.

Kristi is passionate about reading and loves to share her passion with all of her students.

Rebecca Woodard is looking forward to another great year at ELA! She has been teaching the second grade at ELA since our opening in 2009. She thinks it's so much fun seeing her former students in the hallways and watching everyone grow up!

Mrs. Woodard was born and raised in West Virginia. She graduated from Fairmont State University in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Before coming to ELA, Mrs. Woodard had experience working as a classroom aide, teaching preschool, substituting, and working with the Boys and Girls Club of America. She moved to Utah in 2008 with her husband, Chris, after living the Army life in Colorado Springs.

Jen attended Utah State University (Go Aggies!), graduating with her Bachelor’s degree in Family and Human Development and her Master’s degree in Deaf Education. After volunteering in her children’s classrooms for several years and then working at her children’s school, she decided to go through the alternate route program to get her license in Elementary Education. 

She believes every child has greatness within them and is excited to help her students reach their full potential.  She is thrilled to be starting her second year teaching 2nd grade at ELA! 

Jen loves spending time with her adorable family, including her math-teacher husband and four spunky children. She enjoys riding roller coasters, playing board games, jumping on the tramp, watching sunsets, hiking, traveling, reading good books, telling hilarious jokes, and eating chocolate. 

Emily was born and raised in Utah as the oldest of four. She attended Utah State University, where she received bachelor’s degrees in both elementary and special education. After graduating from USU, she moved to Mexico to take a head teacher position over a group of english teachers for four months! She loves traveling and having new experiences, whether that’s going to new places or meeting new people!  

When Emily is not working, she loves trying new restaurants, cooking, going to concerts, and planning trips. She has attended 46 concerts so far, and has lived in Texas, Thailand, Pennsylvania, and Mexico!

Being an ELA alumni herself, she is so excited to be joining the team as a first year teacher!

Cierra worked in Veterinary Medicine for 6 years as a Receptionist and Veterinary Technician. As a child, she was continually bringing animals home to take care of and nurse back to health. Her parents were always thrilled when this happened and let her keep every single animal she brought home.  (Insert sarcasm here.) 

After volunteering in her children’s classrooms, Mrs. Caskey transitioned to a classroom aide teaching third grade and being a substitute teacher. 

Cierra loves spending time with her phenomenal husband and two witty children that keep her on her toes. They play board games, do family movie nights every Friday, road trips, and enjoy quality time. Reading is one of her favorite hobbies, along with traveling and exploring new places. Cierra is a food lover at heart and enjoys making and trying all kinds of recipes and food. 

She looks forward to this upcoming year working with your students. 

Born and raised in Utah, Erin Coates has lived in Herriman for seventeen years with her husband; together they have three wonderful children. She has enjoyed being a stay at home mom for the past 13 years while giving her time and crafting skills to various school projects and assisted living facilities. Spending time with these children and older adults while volunteering has been an amazing opportunity that she has adored. Her hobbies include, but are not limited to, card making, sewing, baking and especially reading. Reading has always been a passion for Erin and she is excited to share this love of reading with the students here at Early Light Academy.

Allison Villastrigo (Vee-uh-stree-go) grew up in Boise, Idaho and attended college in her home state. She earned a BA in Psychology and MA in Teaching from The College of Idaho.  Allison enjoyed traveling to Europe and studying abroad in Australia as a part of her studies.  Attending a small college, Allison learned the value of a strong community, an open mind, and listening to a variety of perspectives in education.  She seeks to create that same kind of close-knit, caring community of smart, objective thinkers in the classroom each year. 

Allison has had the privilege of working with unforgettable children from 2nd to 6th grade in Idaho, Washington, and Utah schools, since she began teaching in 2007. There is nothing that brings her more joy than synergizing with students each day, especially relishing a good book as a classroom community. She seeks to help students learn that they can persist through and even enjoy difficult concepts or tasks and is always trying to find a way to keep things engaging for kids.  

Allison is grateful to be a long time member of the Early Light Academy team.  Though she has taught at some really phenomenal schools, ELA stands out as one of the best of the best.  She loves the history focus and the aim for a more well-rounded education at the school.  Her family enjoys living and playing in Daybreak and includes ray-of-sunshine daughter, Cora, quick-witted son, Miles, silly husband, Drew, and two very adored dogs, Ernie and Ellie. Allison is looking forward to another wonderful year in fourth grade!  

Michael is an extraordinary elementary school teacher with a passion for education that spans across various grade levels. He brings a unique perspective to his classrooms. Known for his love of learning, Michael encourages his students to explore the wonders of literature and always fosters a curious spirit within them. As an animated teacher, he goes above and beyond to make learning engaging and fun, leaving a lasting impact on his students' lives.

Beyond the classroom, Michael has an impressive array of hobbies and interests. His collections of records, books, coins, and Americana showcase his appreciation for history and culture. Outside of his teaching endeavors, Michael has been a beekeeper, gardener, and chicken keeper, connecting with nature and enjoying the serenity it offers. His love for philosophy is evident in the thought-provoking discussions he shares with his students and colleagues.

One of Michael's unique passions is crafting traditional, earthy root beer, using actual roots, reflecting his love for history. He ensures every student feels welcome and valued by emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in the classroom.

Above all, Michael cherishes his family and relishes the time spent with his wife and children. His love for hiking and mindfulness is reflected in the joy he finds in exploring the picturesque landscapes of Utah, Idaho, and Sydney, Australia, where he has lived and embraced their cultures. Michael's multifaceted background and dedication to his students make him an exceptional educator who leaves a lasting positive impact on the lives of those he teaches.

Matika Sumsion grew up in Meridian, Idaho on a small “hobby farm” where she helped her family raise milk cows, sheep, pigs, llamas, chickens, emus, peacocks, cats, dogs, a skunk, and any other animals she could convince her parents to keep. 

She loves being outside, whether it be working in a garden, climbing trees, playing sports or hiking mountains.

In April of 2021, she graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho where she majored in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics.  She loves learning new languages and getting to know different cultures.  This was sparked by the time she spent living in Chile and learning the Spanish language.  She is excited to teach and learning with her students this year.

Sabrina Dahl was born and raised in Utah, and deeply values her education from Utah State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Sabrina is delighted to join the vibrant fourth grade team at Early Light Academy and is eager to inspire young minds and cultivate a love for learning within her classroom.

Outside the classroom, Sabrina finds joy in spending time with her family, getting lost in a good book, and crocheting. She loves exploring the outdoors by hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

With her warm-hearted nature and commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment, Sabrina looks forward to inspiring her students and helping them thrive academically and personally at ELA this school year!

Hattie was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah sandwiched in the middle of five kids.  She attended Granger High School where she developed a love of art and music.  She later went on to attend the University of Utah (go Utes!!!) where she majored in Sociology with a certificate in Criminology.

Hattie has worked for two major flooring companies in their respective accounting departments, but really fell in love with the education system having volunteered many times at Early Light Academy for the classes of her two beautiful girls who attend Early Light Academy.  Hattie really enjoys working as a 4th grade aide and loves the students she works with.  

During her spare time she enjoys spending time with her kids, the great outdoors, puzzles, legos, listening to podcasts, enjoying music (she plays the piano and loves to sing), games, reading, enjoying a good meal and spending time with family. She is also a sports fan who enjoys supporting the Utes and Utah Jazz.

Kathy was born and raised in Salt Lake. She has lived in Riverton the last 20 years with her husband and three kids all of whom attended ELA.  She loves being involved in all of their activities and her favorite job has been a stay at home Mom for the last 14 years and helping in classrooms.

She loves being surrounded by the mountains and spending time hiking, camping, and riding ATVs with her family. She enjoys traveling, good food, going to movies, game nights with family and getting lost in a good book. She is excited to work with the students at ELA and hopes to help them in becoming better readers and share her passion for reading

Anna first learned of her love for teaching while volunteering in her daughter's classroom, and decided to pursue her license through the Alternate Routes to Licensure program. She hasn't looked back! Anna graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in French and a Minor in Business. Prior to teaching 5th grade at Early Light Academy, she taught 1st grade at Bastian Elementary and STEM Education at Daybreak Elementary.

Anna loves Early Light Academy, and is passionate about making learning engaging and fun, and ensuring her classroom is a safe and inclusive environment where all students can thrive.

Anna resides in South Jordan with her husband, two children, a rambunctious cocker spaniel, and two unfriendly parakeets. She enjoys movies, dogs, running, sarcasm, yoga, Diet Coke, music, Harry Potter, sea otters, manual shift vehicles, nature, art, bad jokes and Europe, in no particular order.

Heather Inama (ee-nah-ma) grew up in Washington State where her love for seafood and fresh produce was ingrained. There will always be something special about the smell of salt water and eating a strawberry the size of your hand. 

Heather’s love of learning and teaching started young. As an elementary student she would tell others that she was going to be a teacher when she grew up. Over the years since, she has taught in many different capacities to many different age groups. At one point she taught high school students, university level students, and most recently has been teaching Leader in Me and Keyboarding to the 5th grade students at Early Light Academy. 

Heather has always had a passion for music. She can be seen belting out a balled in the car by herself when it’s time to de-stress and get centered or singing a soulful spiritual in the classroom to demonstrate the type of music that was popular during that time. Not only does Heather enjoying singing and listening to music but she loves all concerts, musicals, theater performances, and the arts. 

When Heather isn’t at school, she loves to take trips with her husband and daughter, host a BBQ or party, go to the movies, seek out a new restaurant, and experience new areas of Utah she hasn’t seen before. Heather loves organization and efficiency and can be found cleaning out and organizing a closet for fun.

Heather is so excited for the opportunity to teach and see her students make progress and grow this year!

Angie grew up  in Utah.  She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. After working in the Finance world for a few years, she took time off to raise her three children. As she witnessed the magic that happens in the classroom, she decided she wanted in on the fun! She began teaching in 2016 and hasn’t looked back! 

Angie loves learning! She is currently finishing her Masters of Education at the University of Utah. She hopes to instill a passion for learning in her students by creating a fun,  productive environment.

When Angie is not teaching, or doing homework she loves to be outside! Her hobbies include walking her two dogs Rocket and Pepper, running, biking, skiing, and hiking. Angie’s loves are her husband, her kids,  Coke Zero, jeeping, dogs, Crystal Light and 80’s hair bands!

Miss Turner grew up in Utah and graduated from Brigham Young University in Business Management.  She lived in Washington, D.C., and the San Francisco Bay area for about 10 years before moving back to Utah in 2020. She loves spending time and going on adventures with her 4 amazing children. When she's not with her kids or at work, she enjoys working in her photography business, running, dancing, reading, and enjoying the sunshine.

Shayna is thrilled to be joining the ELA staff. She has been substitute teaching for the last two years and has loved working with the amazing students at Early Light (including her own four children who have all attended).She is always up for adventure and loves learning.

Shayna enjoys yoga, playing tennis, traveling anywhere and everywhere, and reading. But most of all, she loves spending time with her family and friends.

Jodie Adams is originally from Sacramento, California, and loved growing up near the water and a few hours away from Disneyland. She graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor's degree in University Studies with a minor in Community Health Education. 

Jodie realized that she wanted to be a teacher in college and is grateful for the teachers in her life who cared and believed in her. They also taught her the importance of working hard and never giving up. Inspired by their example, she wanted to make a difference in her students' lives. She is excited to join Early Light Academy and continue to help enrich students' education. 

When Jodie is not teaching, she enjoys spending time running, cycling, hiking, taking pictures, playing sports, camping, and spending time with her family and friends. 

Brittany Lindsay is excited to be a part of the 6th grade team this school year! Brittany was born and raised in Texas. She received her teaching degree at Brigham Young University. She taught 7th and 8th grade math for a few years. 

She loves hiking, running, and skiing with her husband and 3 kids. She also has a love for traveling with her family and is always ready for the next adventure.

Tiffani Birge is originally from a tiny town in Southeast Texas, just minutes from the Gulf Coast, where she loved growing up on a farm. She graduated from Western Governors University.

Mr. Matson has over fifteen years of teaching experience as a sixth grade teacher. Mr. Matson loves being outdoors. One of his favorite activities is biking. In the evenings he enjoys going on walks with his wife, Becky. He also enjoys cooking, playing games, and reading.

Working in the Parks and Recreation department, Kimberly coordinated and taught the after school program for Elementary students, and discovered her love for teaching.  She was hired on with the Granite School District in 2008.  She worked for three years in the resource department, then was transferred to a Title I school in Kearns where she worked as an aide for 4th, 5th and 6th grade.  This is her first year at ELA and is very excited to be part of the team. 

She has two sons, three daughters and five grandchildren that keep her very busy.  She was born and raised in Utah. She lives in Herriman and loves dancing, hiking, camping and spending time with her family.

Kevin Robinson is originally from the state of Oregon. He graduated from Southern Oregon University with a bachelor’s degree in Art. Kevin has been working in a school since 2004 and at Early Light Academy since 2013. He teaches Elementary PE, K through 6th grades, and is the Athletic Director for the junior high sports programs. Athletics and physical activities have always been his passion. Kevin is married and has three adult children and four grandchildren.

Amy just completed her 18th year teaching music! She loves the students and is passionate about sharing her love of music with them. Along with teaching a performing children’s choir, she also is passionate about music integration and recognizes the power to learn that music can bring into a child’s life through play. She loves writing integrated lessons and sharing them with other classroom and music teachers! She was awarded an “Elementary Teacher Commendation” award from Eagle Elementary School of the Arts in Meridian Idaho. (2009) She is a two-time recipient of the PTA Outstanding Educator award at Hidden Hollow Elementary, (2012 and 2017) and was the CTL of the team that was awarded most outstanding team of the year (2020). She was also awarded the “Sorenson Legacy Award for Excellence in Arts Education” in 2020. Her former elementary school was chosen to host the principal’s discussion for being the “Arts Rich School of the Year” for Alpine School District. (2020) 

Amy just celebrated her 25th Wedding Anniversary and has a 16-year-old daughter and a 12 year old son.  They love to spend time together as a family and love all things having to do with the outdoors.  She loves reading, crafting, organizing, cleaning, decorating and most of all making music! 

Ashlie has lived on three continents and in three states, but has called South Jordan home for most of her life. She skipped first grade, started at BYU at 17 (two weeks after high school graduation!) and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Marriage, Family and Human Development with a minor in Public Health. 

Ashlie loves to plan trips even if she doesn't take them, but taking them is always better! She believes there's not much better in life than good food and good company. One of her very favorite things to do is cheer others on as they work towards doing something hard! 

Ashlie grew up in a very large family and has worked with children her whole life, including those with autism, ADHD and high anxiety. She has known her husband since Jr. High! They have 3 children- one girl and two boys- all who have attended ELA. After being a room parent for many years, volunteering in her kid's classrooms and teaching GAP art Ashlie is excited to join the staff at ELA! 

While working as a personal care assistant for disabled children and as a tutor, Mica learned what it means to make a difference in someone's life. She loved working with children and decided to pursue a career as a teacher. Mica graduated from Western Governors University with her Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. In 2014, she joined the ELA family as a third grade teacher and has loved being a part of this awesome community ever since! She now teaches Digital Literacy, helping students learn how to be a safe and responsible Digital Citizen.

Mica grew up in Minnesota, spending most of her time outdoors enjoying the lakes. She has fallen in love with Utah’s amazing mountains and national parks. She has two children, Ryker and Arya, who are the joys of her life and teach her new things everyday.  In her free time Mica especially enjoys hiking, going on adventures with her children, paddle boarding, and reading.

Britteny Candelaria has been a part of the ELA family for 9 years now. She started off as a Library Aide and absolutely loved every minute of it. For the past 6 years, she has assisted and is now team coordinator in our tech department. For the last 3 years she has had the opportunity to run our Space Simulator. It is one of her favorite things to do for ELA!!! It has been so exciting to see the students discovering what it takes to not only be a great team player but  realizing that they can become wonderful leaders too. This is the program that a lot of the students look forward to completing throughout the year and she feels so lucky to see all of the ELA students! She is so excited to continue to facilitate this wonderful program for ELA!