Donna Jenkins Special Education Coordinator djenkins@alpineacademy.org Donna Jenkins earned her Mild/Moderate Special Education Degree from Utah State University. She has traveled the globe, experiencing teaching opportunities in Utah, Nevada, Idaho, California, and even Japan. She loves to see the change that happens as students start to believe they can be more successful than they ever thought they could be. Ms. Jenkins manages students' IEPs and teaches reading and study skills. She stresses data-driven instruction and uses a focused curriculum to target student needs. The oldest of nine children, eight of whom are girls, Donna is right at home on an all-girls campus! She now has six children of her own and loves to spend time with her family whenever possible.

Stephanie Nelson Teacher stnelson@alpineacademy.org Stephanie Nelson has been with Alpine Academy since the implementation of our academic program. She teaches a variety of courses in the area of Family and Consumer Sciences including foods, child development, adult roles, finance, clothing, and TLC (technology, life, careers). Ms. Nelson's curriculum includes important life skills, and her positive attitude and high expectations create a welcoming classroom environment where students know they can be successful. She is a graduate of Utah State University.

Beverly Thompson Teacher bthompson@alpineacademy.org Beverly Thompson earned an English degree from Brigham Young University and has taught language arts for ten years. She is in her sixth year with Alpine Academy. She expects the students in her English classes will use numerous writing opportunities to analyze novels they read, improve their communication skills, and demonstrate proficiency of important literacy competencies. Mrs. Thompson's skill as a teacher and concern for each student is evident in thoughtful and frequent feedback she provides on their assignments.

Julie Cardon Teacher jcardon@alpineacademy.org Julie Cardon earned her Masters at the University of Utah and now teaches science at Alpine Academy. Ms. Cardon demonstrates a true passion for science and requires students to frequently use real-world examples and hands-on experiences to apply what they have learned. She teaches earth science, biology, botany, zoology, and an SAT/ACT preparation class.

Denise Sagers Teacher dsagers@alpineacademy.org Denise Sagers earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees from Utah State University. She holds an ESL endorsement and has a dual area of emphasis in Spanish and Fine Arts, and she is currently earning an endorsement in Language Arts. She brings multiple years of teaching experience with her, beginning at the age of fifteen when she began teaching swimming lessons. She currently teaches English at Alpine. Her outside interests include water related activities, reading, writing, spending time with her family, sewing, and building furniture.

Pegeen Liston Teacher pliston@alpineacademy.org Pegeen Liston has a degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies from the University of Florida and an Accounting degree from the University of North Florida. In the 80's she made the switch from being an accountant to the much more exciting profession of teaching, working with students throughout the years in New York City, Florida, Georgia, and now Utah. Pegeen loves math and the challenge of teaching math to students who are convinced it's too hard, only to see the relief on their faces when they realize they can do it. In addition to teaching, Pegeen has worked for the Migrant Education Agency in Georgia and Florida where she organized summer camps for the children of migrant workers, has been a translator for Workman's Compensation, and helped organize 60 soccer games per weekend in Florida. She believes in staying busy and learning new things every day, and she currently takes a welding class at Salt Lake Community College.

Laurie Smith Teacher lasmith@alpineacademy.org Laurie Smith earned her B.A. degree and teaching certificate from the University of Utah with a major in Art Education and a minor in Art History. She previously taught at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, a museum and art school in Philadelphia internationally known for the study of American art history, museums, and art training. Laurie has also gained years of valuable experience working with adolescent girls at Brighton Girls Camp and Trefoil Girls Camp. Her passion for art and art history has been life-long, and her interest in sharing art as well as her genuine love for teaching has allowed her to not only open doors for the students at Alpine Academy who have little to no confidence in their artistic ability, but also to enhance the skills of the more experienced students.

Chantel McInnes Teacher cmcinnes@alpineacademy.org Chantel McInnes has been dancing since the age of three. She was the vice president and choreographer of her high school dance team. She has studied several styles of dance including ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, military, prop, and hip hop. Chantel has taught dance for 14 years, and has been at Alpine Academy since 2006. She loves working with the girls and enjoys reading, crafts, and spending time with her twin boys.

Tess Barnes Dunn Teacher tdunn@alpineacademy.org Tess holds a Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude in Classical Studies, Anthropology and History from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas and a Masters of Arts cum laude in Roman Archaeology from Nottingham University in Nottingham, England. In addition, she has held research posts in Islamic Studies at Oxford University and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. She lived, studied and taught in Northern Africa and throughout the Middle East. She teaches US History, World History, Current Events, Government, and Latin.

Andrew Fish Teacher afish@alpineacademy.org Andrew earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Social Studies at Utah Valley University and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Westminster College. The only thing Andrew loves more than mountain biking is teaching. He loves to engage students in thoughtful discussion, and to challenge them to step out of their world view and see things from new angles. He currently teaches Psychology and Spanish.

Kim Black Academic Assistant kblack@alpineacademy.org Kimberly Black joined the Alpine Academy academic team in the fall of 2010. After attending high school in New York, she moved to Utah where she graduated from the University of Utah in Accounting. Kim has extensive experience in accounting and human resources. She is responsible for maintaining contract compliance and assisting the academic team with transcripts and records. She also uses her gift with numbers to tutor students in math. Kim is a mom to three wonderful children and an enthusiastic runner who recently began competing in triathlons.

Brandi Garcia Academic Associate bgarcia@alpineacademy.org Brandi started working for Alpine Academy in 2007 as an Associate Family Teacher in the Pine Canyon Home. While working in the homes she proved to be highly skilled at working with the youth and meticulous in her administrative duties. After three years working in the home she made the transition to the school as the Academic Associate where she continues to learn and grow with the Teaching Family Model. In her role as the Academic Associate Brandi supports the teachers with behavioral issues and classroom management. Brandi acts as another set of ears and eyes in the school to make sure that the academic program runs smoothly. Brandi enjoys spending her free time with her family and friends hunting, fishing, camping, riding four wheelers, and most of all, Brandi loves helping others in any way possible! She is currently pursuing certification as an EMT.

Daira Talbott Substitute Teacher dtalbott@alpineacademy.org Daira Talbott has been a Spanish language instructor, a tutor, and an educator trained to assist English language learners. An invaluable member to our staff, she currently serves as a substitute teacher and tutor. She is a graduate of the University of California-Irvine. Daira has remarkable talent for identifying and addressing a student's particular emotional and academic needs.

Jan Richardson Special Education Liaison for Tooele School District Jan Richardson brings over 30 years of experience in testing, assessment tools, and reading instruction. She earned her special education (mild/moderate) degree at Brigham Young University. Her concern for her students is evident, and to ensure their needs are being met in all classes, Mrs. Richardson willingly shares her expertise with the entire staff. She is truly dedicated to her profession.

Alpine Academy Leadership Team