Kenna Wolfley has taught in diverse classrooms for over 16 years! She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University and a Master of Education from the University of Utah. She has extensive experience as a dual-language educator, a teacher mentor within schools she worked at as well as throughout the district, a district teacher trainer, and a Waldorf teacher and curriculum creator. Additionally, she is a certified Conscious Parenting Coach.
Kenna’s deep dives over the years into child development, Waldorf educational philosophy and curriculum, and Waldorf-aligned behavior and mental health gurus such as Kim John Payne, have strengthened her ability to see the individual strengths and talents of students, teachers, and parents alike. This individuality is what Steiner calls “the genius of the child” and is essential in educating the whole child–including their “head, heart and hands”. For at the heart of Waldorf education, she believes, lies the charge to see another for who they truly are and help their unique capacities to unfold.
Kenna values respectful, clear communication and collaboration. She enjoys building an inviting community and was awarded “Most Collaborative and Resourceful Teacher” while teaching in Salt Lake City. She has experience with charter school development as a founding member of Esperanza Elementary in West Valley City as well as experience training teachers in Stephen Covey’s Leader in Me implementation.
Kenna’s priorities are sparking joy in students and teachers alike, mentoring and developing teachers to implement Waldorf curriculum along with best teaching practices. She believes that one of the most important ways we can invest in our students is by investing in those who stand before them each day as their teachers. Her rich experience as an educator, as an effective teacher mentor and faculty trainer will help ensure Mountain Sunrise Academy has the school-wide and classroom practices and processes that are essential for academic progress and healthy overall development outlined in the Waldorf philosophy and curriculum.
Becky has been in education for over 15 years working with children of all ages. During this time, she has had the privilege of serving a wide variety of children and families. Her experience includes creating and implementing curriculum, mentoring teachers, leading committees, working with special education students, and facilitating the accreditation process of 18 pre-kindergarten centers. She excels at collaboration and improving processes. She earned a degree in Early Childhood Education and graduated cum laude from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marriage and Family Studies.
Becky has been at Mountain Sunrise Academy since it opened in 2020. During that time, she had the privilege of looping with her students from kindergarten through grade 2. This experience solidified her belief in the Waldorf philosophy and her desire to bring this inspired learning to as many children and families as possible. She believes strongly in educating the whole child through a developmentally appropriate curriculum that enriches the lives of children. She also feels passionate about communication, strengthening families, and family well-being.
Becky is a California native with a love for the ocean. She grew up camping at the beach and swimming in her pool. Becky and her husband are high school sweethearts with 3 children, 2 children-in-laws, and 4 grandchildren. Becky loves scuba diving, fishing, and most anything out in nature. She also enjoys knitting, sewing, traveling, making jewelry, watching movies, and Disneyland.
Chelle is a Texas girl through and through but has loved living in beautiful Utah. She is a momma to a blended family of 4 kiddos, ranging from age 10-30, with her husband Mike. Chelle was in the nursing field for almost 20 years but decided to retire her scrubs and try her hand at office management. She has found her niche! Her therapy is organizing and reorganizing just about anything and spending time with her family. Together they love to watch movies, hike, ride their bikes around the neighborhood and travel. She has been a member of the MSA family since day one and really loves those she works with.
Lindsey grew up in nearby Orem and has lived in Eagle Mountain for fourteen years. She enjoys raising her family here and associating with the good people in this community.
Lindsey enjoys learning about people, finding out what motivates individuals and how they make sense of the world. She likes listening to podcasts, preferring those that tell a good story or teach her something new.
Lindsey is a singer and songwriter with a passion for bringing joy to others through music. She is a member of Vocal Expressions, a local women’s a cappella group, and a part of the group’s administrative team. She has arranged familiar songs for the group to perform, and others for her church choirs. She has also composed a number of original pieces.
Lindsey has devoted her adult life to the nurture of her four children, two teenage boys and two elementary-age girls. She felt the call to homeschool her children as her oldest son progressed through the public school system, deciding to jump into that adventure after his third grade year. She has enjoyed the journey this decision has taken her on as she has developed a passion for motherhood and come to appreciate the power of educating the whole person.
Lindsey is excited for this new opportunity for her daughters and herself to participate in Waldorf education and to be part of this great school.
Carissa is a Utah native but has lived in and explored many other states and countries. She grew up exploring the mountains and developed a deep love of nature and life.
Carissa is passionate about serving her family and seeks to raise her children with her same love of nature. She has followed a Waldorf inspired homeschool curriculum with her children, and her eldest is now attending Mountain Sunrise Academy’s Fairy Kindergarten.
Carissa has a profound love for reading and learning. She enjoys both fantasy and fiction.
Carissa has continued her education post college by deepening her understanding of holistic practices in all areas of life. Holistic health practices are of particular interest to her.
Carissa is an aspiring homesteader with four laying hens she raised from chicks and a small garden.
Carissa is thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from the incredible staff of Mountain Sunrise Academy and looks forward to serving anyone who walks through its doors.