Faculty and Class Blogs

Ashley Clark graduated from Weber State University where she focused her studies in Early Childhood Education. She has taught First Grade for 2 years and Kindergarten for 6 years. Miss Clark enjoys teaching, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Aimee Anderson teaches Kindergarten at Vista. She grew up in St. George and graduated from Dixie High School. After high school she attended Dixie College where she graduated with her associates degree. She then went on BYU Study abroad to England for 6 months and to BYU Hawaii. She went on a mission to Norway for her church for 18 months and then came home and graduated from Southern Utah University in Elementary Ed with a minor in psychology and early childhood development. She taught at Bloomington Elementary for 2 years and then took a break to take care of her family. She has been involved in pre-school over the last few years and loves being back teaching again at Vista. She is married to Brad Anderson from Farmington, Utah and is the mother of 6 children.

Hi! I'm Ms. Jones from South Jordan, Ut. I studied Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education at USU in Logan. I student taught Kindergarten and sixth grade in Salt Lake and am enjoying my first year teaching at Vista. I love the outdoors and have spent my summers living, working and playing in Jackson Hole and on the other side of Zions. I also speak Spanish and was able to study abroad in Mexico. I love learning and am currently teaching myself to play the guitar.

K'Trinalyn Garrard
I was born in Salt Lake City, and grew up in northern Utah until we moved to Las Vegas, when I was 15 years old. I am the oldest sibling, and have three sisters and two brothers, whom I adore. I was active in choir, show choir, and drill team in High school. I earned an English B.A. at UNLV, and an Elementary Education M.S. from University of Phoenix. I also have a special interest in counseling, with many graduate credits completed in this area, as well as a complete three years of Gestalt Therapy training. I recently returned 'home' to Utah when we moved to Santa Clara this last July. I love teaching! I believe strongly in teaching the 'whole child' and seeing each child as his or her full and unique self- not just how they may fit into a set of lesson plans and a grade book. I have three wonderful daughters, who are the light of my days. My wonderful husband, Adam, is an ICU nurse. Our family was drawn to Vista because of its rich opportunities, but mainly because of the heart-based philosophy here. Some of my favorite things are; my family, spirituality, being outdoors, books/reading, my pets, traveling, teaching, counseling, and the Arts. I believe in Vista and the vision that is being realized through all of the adventures, trials and triumphs. I look forward to growing with the excellent staff and amazing families at Vista throughout many years together!

I am Terri Tyler. I moved to St. George in November of 2008 after getting married to my husband. Previously I resided in West Jordan, Utah where I raised my three grown children. I am also a stepmom to 5 children. My husband and I have 3 grandchildren between the two of us with 2 more on the way.

I graduated from Dixie Jr. College with an Associate of Science Degree and graduated from Southern Utah State College (now S.U.U.) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Fine Arts. I also enjoyed a couple of quarters up at the Univ. of Utah taking acting classes, music classes and creative writing courses.

This will be my 25th year of teaching. I have taught Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, Third Grade and worked in Title 1 Reading with 1st - 6th grade students . I have worked in public as well as private schools and now I can say that I've worked in a charter school. Last year I worked as a long term substitute teacher at Snow Canyon Middle School and Desert Hills Middle School. I am so excited to be back teaching in my most favorite grade . . . 2nd!

When I'm not teaching I enjoy sightseeing, spending time with my family, going to movies and musicals, watching my nephew play offensive right tackle on the University of Utah Football team, singing, reading, writing poetry and composing children's songs.

"Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire." (W.B. Yeats) I hope to keep the fire burning brightly in my second graders this year!

Deborah Clark
After raising a family of five children, caring for numerous handicapped children, and owning a Daycare/Preschool for many years, Deborah Clark began college alongside her oldest child when her youngest entered kindergarten. After earning a degree in Elementary Education, she taught Kindergarten for six years, then First Grade for six years, and has been teaching Second grade for the last five years. She began teaching in Rigby, Idaho. After moving to St. George in 2004, she taught for two years at Masada Charter School in Centennial Park, Arizona, and the last three years at George Washington Academy Charter School in St. George, Utah. She lives near the St. George Temple with her husband, a handicapped foster daughter, and two pets. She enjoys her nine grandchildren, and is very excited to be a part of helping to establish the new and unique Vista School.

Miss Bowler is excited to be a part of Vista this year! She is a third-grade teacher who loves spending time with children, traveling, scrapbooking, reading and watching Jane Austen movies. She graduated from Dixie State College and Southern Utah University with degrees in teaching, journalism and psychology. Miss Bowler served a mission for her church in Fresno, California, where she learned to speak Spanish. She has taught classes in English as a Second Language to students and adults in the community.

Hello. My name is Kelly Seegmiller. I have three children. Weston is seven and in third grade. Reagan is 5 and in kindergarten. Sadie is three. I grew up in the midwest. My bachelors degree in education was earned at Brigham Young University, where I did my student teaching in the Jordan School District. After college I returned to Illinois and began teaching at Garden Hills Elementary, teaching third and first grade. I am happy to be teaching at Vista, where I am becoming acquainted with wonderful colleagues, and educating amazing children!

Twila Kay

I grew up in Santa Clara and have lived in the beautiful area for my entire life aside from two summers spent in Austria. I am the mother of one lovely 10 year old girl, Sydnee. I graduated from Southern Utah University Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and German. I have had experience teaching pre-kindergarten through sixth grade aged children. I love nature and have a home full of plants. I also love children and am thrilled to teach these terrific 5th graders at this new, innovative, and exciting school located in one of the most breathtaking places on earth.

KALYNN SNOW
Graduate of Teacher Education from Southern Utah University. Bachelor of Science Level II Mathematics / Business/ Fine Arts & Music

Previous Work Experience:
Counselor at Pine View High School ( Educational Talent Search) ACT/SAT Prep Course
Algebra Teacher at Desert Hills Intermediate School
Private Math Tutor 17 Years
Director of Summer Scholars Math Camp

Community Involvement:
Southwest Symphonic Chorale
Southwest Celebrity Concert Guild
Southern Utah's JM Scholarship Program (15 Years)

Married to Cortney Snow, with four great children. Enjoys biking, cooking, creating music, traveling and spending time with family!

Larry K. Deuel - I graduated from Southern Utah University in 1990 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. In 1996, I completed my Master's Degree in Education at Utah State University. Throughout my teaching career, I have taught 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grades. I began teaching in 1990 in Victorville, California. I later taught in the Granite School District until 2008, when I accepted a teaching position at Diamond Valley Elementary School, in the Washington County School District. Due to the recent budget cuts, the number of staff was reduced and now I feel very fortunate to be teaching 6th grade at Vista School.

Mrs. Hight

I graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Technologies and an emphasis in Visual Arts and Technology. I am currently pursuing a Masters of Art in Teaching degree in Elementary Education from Liberty University out of Lynchburg, VA.

I have substitute taught the last two years. I was able to do two long term assignments last year for teachers who were on maternity leave. I am very passionate about teaching as well as technology, and am thrilled that I have the chance to be involved with both here at Vista.

I love teaching and I absolutely love children. I am the mother to five children ages 12, 11, 9, and twins who are 8. We are all thoroughly enjoying our experience here at Vista and look forward to the many opportunities that this amazing school allows!

Pride Smith

I Grew up in St. George and graduated from Dixie High School.
My wife Liz is also from St. George and we have two beautiful daughters, Acelin (age 4) and India (age 3).

In 2008 I graduated from the Art Institute of Las Vegas as Valedictorian with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computers. My focus of studies was Graphic Design and Advertising.

I have worked in the music and entertainment industry for over five years as a graphic artist. I have designed for multiple platinum recording artists and many other musicians and talented artists. My work has been displayed around the world on the shelves of numerous music stores and concert venues.

I have recently changed directions with my career to join the wonderful team of teachers at Vista. I am greatly pleased with this decision and love teaching computers to the children. I have always found it very rewarding to instruct others in computers and digital art technologies.

I also instruct business design courses for Dixie Applied Technology College (DXATC) in the evenings.

I look forward to serving your children at Vista and continuing on such a wonderful path in technology.

MaryAnn Oram grew up in a musical family. She started playing the cello at age 9 because her mother made her, but after she found out that she was pretty good, she decided that she liked it. She quickly became the top cellist everywhere she lived and performed in dozens of different groups. In high school she won many competitions and even gave a solo performance at "Symphony Hall." She has a soft spot for the time she spent playing in Mormon Youth Symphony, from the age of 16...until she was pregnant with her 3rd and 4th children. She met her husband in MYS and enjoyed touring the world with him with MYS and BYU Chamber Orchestra. MaryAnn graduated with a music degree from BYU, and has been teaching private cello lessons for almost 20 years. The Oram family moved to St. George just over a year ago to follow their oldest daughters' dreams of attending Tuacahn High School. MaryAnn loves being the Registrar at Vista because she believes "puzzles are fun!" She currently plays in the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, has her own private lesson studio, and loves spending time with her husband and 5 children.

Brittany Anderson
I have been taking voice lessons and performing since age 3. I have sung professionally for the last 4 years with a non-profit group called "Bridges" and am currently singing with the Jim Huish Band. Jim Huish and I competed in the Colgate Country Showdown this summer and won two local competitions. I studied theater at UVU where I earned an Associate Degree, was awarded several acting scholarships, and toured Europe as part of the UVU Ballroom Tour Team. I then moved on to BYU where I was also awarded an acting scholarship, and I earned a Bachelors Degree in Directing. I have recieved several awards and recognitions for my directing and acting endeavors. I graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Masters of Arts Education Degree this past June. I have enjoyed performing in plays and musicals all over Utah for the last 10 years. I have played such roles as "Emily" in Our Town, "BJ" in Smokey Joe's Cafe, "Lucy" in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, "Gwendolyn" in The Importance of Being Earnest, and "Veta" in The Odd Couple: Female Version, to name a few. I have also enjoyed directing for Hunt Mysteries, Lehi Arts Council, and BYU.

Rebekah Wainwright is from Southern Utah. She began her ballet training under Cheri Sutherland from the School of American Ballet. After high school gradutation she spent two summers in New York training at Steps. She continued her dance training with Gretchen Rowe before moving to Las Vegas to attend UNLV as a Dance Major. She began teaching ballet in 1998 and continued to teach as she trained and worked professionaly in the Las Vegas and St. George area. She has danced with Legends In Concert, was a candidate for Royal Carribean Cruiseline, and worked for Backstage Productions. In addition she spent six years training under Elize at Back Stage in LV and attended intensives at Nevada Ballet. In the past she has owned her own studio, and assisted the Pine View Pantheras. In 2006, she moved to Northern California. She danced professionaly with New Dance Company (modern dance Co. based in Limone Technique). She attended regular rehearsals with Central West Ballet and was a dance instructor for the Juline Foundation, an after school program for inner city youth. For the past two years she has assisted Summer Roberts with St. George Contemporary Dance Concert. Her performances from those shows caught recent attention from Cirque De Soleil and Le Reve, she was asked to two call backs before accepting her postition with Vista. In addition to dance, she is a trained gymnist and aerialist. She hopes her enthusiasm for performance and self-expression will inspire her students to not only be dancers, but to be artists.

JENNIE WOOD
I’m from Salt Lake City, UT where I began dancing at age 10. My first dance school required that I take at least one year of ballet in order to lay the technical foundation of dance, and I begrudgingly signed up, thinking I really wanted to be in music videos. My mother assumed the whole dancing idea was just a phase that I would grow out of anyway, so she signed me up for only ballet. She is still waiting for me to “grow out” of that phase over 15 years later. To both our surprise, I fell in love with ballet, and went on to study it seriously in Salt Lake with Children’s Ballet Theater and the University of Utah, as well as Summer Intensives at Kirov Academy in Washington, DC and Steps on Broadway in New York City. I performed with Colorado Ballet for the 2002-2003 season and returned to the University to finish my BFA in Ballet from 2003-2006. After college I broadened my dance horizons performing with a modern dance company in Jackson Hole, WY called Contemporary Dance Wyoming, where I also directed their Junior Repertory Company. I’ve been teaching ballet, jazz, and modern dance in private studios for the last ten years, and am really looking forward to bringing performing arts, technology, and academics all together at Vista School.

Amy Nielsen: Choir and Voice
A little bit about me: Hello! My name is Miss Nielsen. I have been involved in music since a very young age-first with singing with younger brothers and sisters (started at five or six), and playing the piano (started at the age of 7). My younger brothers and sisters and I have performed (singing) in many places and for many different functions including St. George Tabernacle, Visitors Center, several private parties, and Dixie State College concerts, to name a few. While in high school Mr. Nielsen and I performed a double piano concerto duet at the Southwest Symphonies "Salute to Youth Concert." I earned a Bachelors of Music and Elementary Education degree from Brigham Young University. Upon completion of my double major, I taught music in public and charter schools for three years, after which I attended graduate school at the University of Utah. I received my Masters of Music degree (specializing in voice and choral conducting) in May 2009. I have had extensive vocal training at both Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. I LOVE to sing and am excited to share this love with you all!

My name is Jen LeFevre. I am a certified yoga instructor, licensed Massage Therapist, hiking guide, teacher, and mother of four amazing kids. I teach life fitness at Vista. I have taught yoga for over five years at many different places throughout Southern Utah. I graduated from Massage Therapy Academy in January, and currently work at The Summit Athletic Club as a Massage Therapist. When I'm not teaching at Vista or working at the Summit, I'm a hiking guide for Fitness Ridge. I enjoy the outdoors, yoga, meditatiion, reading, and spending time with my husband and kids.
I am very excited for this opportunity to be sharing my talents and skills with kids. I believe that yoga and meditation can have a profound impact on their self esteem, and their ability to focus and do well in school.
Namaste

Mr. Mitchell Glass is very excited to be working at this school and getting to know the amazing students that go here. He is really looking forward to this next year and excited of the opportunities we have for the students to participate in Musical Theatre. Just to share a little about his background: he recently graduated with a BA in Theatre Arts Education from Brigham Young University, so this is his first year teaching. Theatre has been his life since he was 12 and he's been involved in every aspect of theatre since then. He's participated in over 30 productions including Disney's Beauty and the Beast (Le Fou), The Scarlet Pimpernel (Assistant Director/Choreographer), Hamlet (Player 1/Gravedigger), Dial M for Murder (Production Stage Manager), The Foreigner (Ellard Sims) and the list goes on.He recently returned from a study aboard trip to London where he had the opportunity of attending 46 productions and it was an experience hevwill never forget. He is so grateful that I get to share my love of theatre. Theatre has the ability to teach, uplift, and reflect on what it means to be human and he excited to share its lessons at this school and with your children.

Victoria Andrus received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Utah University in music education and viola and violin performance after earning an associate’s degree from Dixie State College. She graduated with honors from Snow Canyon High School in 1997. Victoria has received many awards, including the SUU Thunderbird Award, the Outstanding Studio Award for three consecutive years, the Durfey Most Promising Musician Award, and was an ASTA competition state finalist. She was Principal Violist of the Utah State Orchestra and attended Meadowmount, Idyllwild and Roundtop summer music festivals. She spent four years with the Las Vegas Philharmonic and concurrently taught orchestra and guitar at Valley High School and Orr Middle School. Victoria has appeared as a soloist with several orchestras, and she has been in demand as a recitalist. Victoria has spent many fine summer evenings at Tuacahn Center’s “Broadway in the Desert” programs. Currently Principal Violist with the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, Victoria is also an active Chamber Musician, performing and coaching with the Chamber Music Society of Southern Utah. For the past 4 years, Victoria and her guitarist Husband Sherman have operated Andrus Performance studio, offering private lessons in guitar, violin and viola.

As for Misti Cain, I have my Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and English from the University of Utah and a CA degree from Weber State University. I have studied in Spain for a Semester and lived in Honduras. I have traveled twice to Mexico to perform with two different Choir's; Weber State Concert Choir and The Southern Utah Heritage Choir. I have traveled extensively throughout Europe and Mexico. I am married to Larry Cain, M.D. and I have four daughters and one German foreign exchange student living and studying here in the U.S. I recently returned from singing with the SUHC in China where we performed by invitation at the Shanghai International Arts and Choral Festival. I love to sing and play the piano and pass on my love for Latin Culture and Language to your children.

Mr. and Mrs. Nielsen are natives of Santa Clara and will be teaching piano lessons here at Vista. They attended Snow Canyon High School together as youth. Both began their first advanced piano studies at this time. Mr. Nielsen earned an Associates Degree from Dixie College early in his studies. He studied piano with his grandfather Dr. Percy Kalt and Dr. Daniel Harrison of Dixie College. Mrs. Nielsen studied under the direction of Carol Larson. Following a two year mission to East Germany, Mr. Nielsen enrolled at Boise State University where he pursued a degree in Music Education, specializing in Instrumental Education and Piano. Mrs. Nielsen completed her undergraduate degree in Piano Performance and began teaching privately. Both studied piano with Dr. Del Parkinson, a post doctoral graduate of the Julliard School of Music and member of the American Piano Duo. Mr. Nielsen continued to study with Dr. Parkinson until recently when he completed a Masters Degree in Piano Performance. Mr. and Mrs. Nielsen supported themselves through school as piano teachers. Their students have consistently received high marks at festivals and have been finalists in several competitions in Boise. They have returned home to Southern Utah with their two daughters to join us at Vista and are excited to share in the school's vision for the future.

Mr. Steven Hall, History Specialist:
Mr. Hall is a certified teacher with over 4 years teaching experience, working with students in grades 5 through 8. He is Gifted and Talented certified, as well as certified to work with English Language Learners. He has also spent 10 days in an intensive clinic at the United States Olympic Training Facility in Colorado Springs, CO learning how to coach the sport of fencing in elementary/secondary schools. In addition to teaching, Mr. Hall has over six years of archaeological experience, working on excavations and surveys in Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. He has worked at many important historical sites, including the San Jacinto Battlefield in Texas and Native American and Pioneer sites within Capitol Reef National Park in Utah. He has coauthored technical reports for archaeological projects in Texas and Utah as well. Mr. Hall earned his BA in Anthropology from Brigham Young University, his MA in History from the University of Houston – Clear Lake, and has taken several graduate courses in Education from the University of St. Thomas in Houston.

Coach Carter
I am a dedicated husband and father of two adorable children. I enjoy reading, playing the guitar, participating in sports and other recreational activities. Some of the titles and positions I have held include; electrical apprentice, door to door salesman, loan officer, youth councilor, missionary, plumber dispatcher and tour bus driver. I enjoy my role as a teacher best! I graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Spanish. Your children will be successful in my Personal Fitness class as they gain a love and appreciation for physical activity. My goal is to help them discover one fitness activity, organized sport, or recreational sport, which will bring them fulfillment and greater health throughout their lives. Character development is an important aspect of my class. I expect my students to demonstrate Sportsmanship, Teamwork, Accountability, and Repetition (S.T.A.R.) in my class.

My name is Kim Nally. My husband, Dave, and I have 3 daughters. I have a B.S. in Health Science, and recently completed my RYT 500, (Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance). I also recently completed a training for teaching childrens yoga with Rainbow Kids Yoga. I have been teaching yoga to adults since 2005, and taught a Kids Yoga Program in Ivins, Ut. I am currently teaching yoga classes in Ivins, Ut through the community recreation program. I also worked as a hiking guide at the Red Mountain Spa from 2005-2007. In the year 2005 I also worked at Red Mountain Elementary as a substitute secretary. Yoga and healthy lifestyles are my passions, and I'm excited to teach these ideals to the students at Vista School.

Eva Kristina Lundh-Lorentzen: Art History and Visual Art
I was born and raised in Sweden. (I am a true Viking!) I have 2 girls, Johanna 11 and Juliet 6. Both attend Vista. We have a Rag doll cat named Sir Oliver.
I was part of the Swedish school system : 2 years of preschool, 9 years in school, then 2 years of (gymnasium, guess it would be high school, junior and senior year in US...), 1 year of Fine Art in Sweden, many years of community evening art classes, 2 years of Illustration, school in Rome, Italy (Istituto Europeo Di Design), BYU, Provo, 3 years BFA Illustration/Design, and a talent I free-lanced several years working with Herbal and pharmaceutical companies in Provo, designing herbal labels. I worked at Dixie High in the special ED department last year and until May this year. Taught art classes from my home, children ages 6 and up to 18, and adults. I have illustrated one children's book.
My children’s best interest was what prompted me to look into Vista School. They have always been involved with Dance and music and I wanted them to be more involved in technology too. Vista has to me what most other schools lack, a vision of a brighter and more meaningful future for children. Because of the broader curriculum that is taught, they will be well rounded in many areas that has been cut out of other public schools. I wanted to be a part of that. I am excited for all the children at Vista to have this wonderful learning opportunity. Also, as a parent I think it is great to be a part of a school that really has a genuine concern for everybody involved, and a chance for families to be part of their children's life in a much higher degree than elsewhere.

Mrs. Ehlers grew up in northeastern Utah. She first moved to St. George to attend Dixie College. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado, and a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Southern Utah University. She also earned a Master's degree in Psychology and School Counseling from Utah State University. She is a Level 2 certified teacher, and has previously worked as an elementary school teacher and school counselor. As a Vista Founding Parent, she is passionate about the vision of Vista! Prior to her employment as Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator at Vista, she served as Curriculum Committee Chairperson and served as a Vista Board Member. She has an amazing, supportive husband and three wonderful children.

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