Teachers

Jessie Clement

Kindergarten Teacher

Jessie is thrilled to be a part of the Mountain Sunrise Academy family and to help educate the heads, hearts, and hands of its incredible students.

Hannah Snijman

Kindergarten Teacher

Hannah's goal is to nurture not just academic growth, but also a love for the environment.

Elsha Baum

1st Grade Teacher

Elsha is excited to help nourish and develop each child’s unique capabilities using Waldorf principles.

Darcy Ferguson

1st Grade Teacher

Darcy is so excited about her new adventure at Mountain Sunrise Academy. “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” – Confucius

Whitney Larsen

1st Grade Teacher

Whitney has loved being part of the schools parent community the last 3 years and is excited to be more involved on a different level.

Grace Gillium

2nd Grade Teacher

Grace is thrilled to work as a Waldorf teacher, and share her love for the arts in the classroom with her students.

Madeline Young

2nd Grade Teacher

Madeline brings a blend of musical insight and educational passion to her classroom.

Lauren Newell

Lauren Newell

2nd Grade Teacher

Melissa Peters

3rd Grade Teacher

If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” - Albert Schweitzer

Catherine Wickham

3rd Grade Teacher

Catherine creates educational materials that cause students to look for patterns, make connections and delve deeper.

Mary Goroski

4th Grade Teacher

Mary is excited to teach the Hedgehog class for a second year and is grateful for the opportunity to watch the new and returning students learn and grow each day.  

Halee Young

Halee Young

4th Grade Teacher

Halee is a passionate educator with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Western Governors University, where she graduated in June 2024. During her studies, she earned recognition for her research on increasing girls' participation in STEM fields. Born in Mesa, AZ, Halee moved to Blanding, Utah, at the age of 12, where she developed a deep appreciation for education and creativity. She married in 2020 and now shares her home with her husband and their two beloved dogs. An avid reader, writer, and crafting enthusiast, Halee enjoys bringing creativity into her teaching and personal life. She is dedicated to inspiring young learners and fostering a love for knowledge in her students.

Susan McDonald

5th Grade Teacher

It is Susan's hope to allow the light within each student to shine during this school year.

Laurie Trandum

Laurie Trandum

5th Grade Teacher

Laurie Trandum is a dedicated educator with over 30 years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and special education coordinator. She holds a teaching license in Family and Consumer Science, along with endorsements in Math and Biology. Laurie  has a Master’s degree in Educational Counseling and certification in School Administration and Special Education. She is thrilled to join Mountain Sunrise Academy, where her extensive background and passion for education align perfectly with the Waldorf method of the whole-child approach.  

Even Caston

6th Grade Teacher

Even believes communities are bonded when people share music and stories.

Matthew Snijman

6th Grade Teacher

Matthew has worked as an SLT, taught in Taiwan, and most recently worked at a Waldorf school.

Chalice Maddox

7th & 8th Grade Teacher

Chalice Maddox loves teaching, is an avid hat wearer, and once published a book.

Jo Greer

K-4 Instructional Coach

 Jo loves children and truly believes that education is the most important work of all.

Elizabeth Bourland

5-8 Instructional Coach

Elizabeth is looking forward to serving and getting to know the community!

Parents have the right to request and receive information on the qualifications of their child's teacher. If you have any questions or want more information please contact the school's director.