Teachers

Jessie was born and raised in Charlottesville, Virginia. At 18 years old, she left the East Coast for the first time to attend Brigham Young University, where she received a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. She later obtained licensure in Early Childhood Special Education from Utah State University. Jessie is passionate about the importance of a child’s earliest years of life and finds joy in nurturing wonder and empowering families to embrace the opportunities of this unique window of childhood. She has had the privilege of teaching in a variety of settings, including early intervention preschool, Head Start, homeschool co-ops, Tinkergarten, Sports Academy Preschool in Logan, Utah, various English language learning programs, and (most importantly) at home with her 3 boys (ages 11, 8, and 6). On a typical day, you can find Jessie out adventuring with her 3 sons. Some of their favorite excursions include hiking, swimming, and exploring nature. They also love to visit museums and search for great books at the library to read together. After living in Peru for 1 ½ years and developing a deep love for its people, language, and culture, Jessie hopes to one day return to adventure there with her boys. Jessie loves children’s literature and storytelling, enjoys musical theater, delights in baking and trying new (mostly vegetarian) recipes, and values sharing the simple beauties that each season of the year brings with her family (although she struggles to fully embrace winter!). Jessie was first introduced to Waldorf education while living in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and was immediately drawn to it. She incorporated some of its guiding principles into her home and personal philosophy, and dreamed of one day having the opportunity to embrace it more fully. She 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.

Ms. Hannah has worked as a teacher for AmeriCorps (also called the domestic PeaceCorps), taught in Taiwan, and most recently homeschooled her two young kids. She believes every student should leave her class with a strong sense of self-compassion and a deep appreciation for the world around them. Her goal is to nurture not just academic growth, but also a love for the environment.

Ms. Hannah’s hobbies include riding bikes with her family, traveling, SCUBA diving, baking bread, gardening, hiking, science, and playing the flute.

Elsha grew up in Pleasant Grove, Utah, moving to American Fork in 10th grade, where she met her high school sweetheart. They have now been married for 19 years, and together, they have five children. Elsha grew up in a small family with only one sister. They went to an in-home daycare with the most amazing babysitter, who encouraged the children to use their imagination and told them imaginative stories. She modeled homemaking skills and let Elsha help take care of the babies. Elsha adored taking care of the little ones and fell in love with the idea of being a homemaker and mother. She is so grateful for her time at home raising her babies. Elsha has always had a passion for learning and has taught herself many skills with the help of YouTube. She loves to create. She loves creating clean and organized spaces, and she loves to build and create things with wood. She loves doing finish work and creating accent walls. She has built many things, including a fireplace with a mantle and floating shelves in her home, but her all-time favorite hobby is creating Halloween yard decorations out of wood.

After having her fifth and final child, Elsha decided to attend school and become a teacher. She graduated in 2022 and is excited to start kindergarten this year with her daughter. When Elsha discovered Mountain Sunrise Academy, she knew it was meant to be. Mountain Sunrise Academy’s mission emphasizes whole-child education while inspiring the spirit and imagination of each child. Elsha fell in love with this mission statement as it aligns with her dedication to creating an authentic love of learning in each child. She is excited to help nourish and develop each child’s unique capabilities using Waldorf principles.

Darcy recently graduated with her Bachelor’s in elementary education. She is a mom of five and has lived all over including Germany, Korea, and Italy. She loves to learn about different cultures and enjoys meeting new people. She loves exploring and finds peace in nature and thus was drawn to the Waldorf curriculum. She is so excited about her new adventure at Mountain Sunrise Academy. “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” – Confucius

Whitney is a certified yoga instructor and truly believes in balancing your head, heart, body and mind. She loves being outdoors and has a passion for running. If she’s not volunteering in her kids classroom or running with her dog in the mountains, you can find her curled up at home with a good book.

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 is originally from Austin, Texas, and has been living in Utah for two years. She attended Warren Wilson College in North Carolina and obtained her Bachelors, majoring in English Literature and Social Work. She went on to get a Masters in Social Work with a specialization in School Social Work from Western Carolina University.

Grace has worked in counseling, support, and administrative roles within schools for the past 7 years and is passionate about working with children and supporting their imagination and curiosity while they learn about the world around them. Grace loves painting, reading, sewing, and spending time in nature. She is thrilled to work as a Waldorf teacher, and share her love for the arts in the classroom with her students, while nurturing their development through a holistic and well-rounded educational focus.

Madeline earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education K-12 from Brigham Young University, where she developed a deep appreciation for the role music plays in fostering community and creativity. Her experience teaching in an elementary music classroom illuminated the powerful way singing can unite students, an insight she carries with her into her current role. Now a dedicated second-grade teacher, Madeline brings a blend of musical insight and educational passion to her classroom. She hopes her second graders leave feeling empowered to explore the unknown and loving to connect with the people who explore with them. 

Originally hailing from Stafford, Virginia, Madeline moved to Utah to pursue higher education and quickly fell in love with Utah’s stunning scenery. Although she occasionally misses the trees from her home state, Utah’s amazing landscapes and people have made it feel like a home away from home.

Outside of teaching, Madeline enjoys reading books of all kinds (but especially historical fiction), biking, listening to podcasts, and experimenting with new recipes with her husband.

Melissa was born in Huntington Beach, California where she spent her childhood climbing trees, building forts, playing in the waves, and riding her bike to the park to play with friends and go to the amazing library there. In many ways, her childhood learning was similar to Waldorf style education. She graduated from Chapman University in Orange, California with a B.A. in Liberal Studies and a Graduate Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. 

Four children and a golden retriever pup named Moose help keep life at home fun and happy for Melissa and her husband, Jeff. Their two youngest children are identical twin boys who have recently returned to Viewpoint Middle School after having been homeschooled for three years.

Melissa has always felt that childhood should be protected, cherished, and celebrated. When it comes to children, she is always ready to lead them in a game, engage in fun hands-on learning, or get to know them better with a lively conversation. Throughout her career, Melissa has taught each of the K-6 grades and loves them all in their variety and uniqueness. Her favorite subjects are art, history, and writing.

When she’s not in the classroom, Melissa enjoys working in her garden, watercolor painting, quilting, hiking, embroidery, reading, baking, and she loves teaching swimming lessons each summer!

“Success is not the key to happiness.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” - Albert Schweitzer

Catherine received a BS of Elementary Education from the University of Utah. She is a level 2 teacher that has spent many years educating children including 5 years as a third grade teacher. Prior to this, she worked as a 7^th grade math tutor. She knows that learning is the natural result of doing. For this reason, she creates educational materials that cause students to look for patterns, make connections and delve deeper.

Some of her favorite teaching moments are with her family. She and her husband are the proud parents of eight wonderful children. They enjoy reading together, going on outings and spending time outdoors.

A few of her children’s accomplishments include DECA and FBLA state championships. Catherine is proudest of her family when they work to overcome a challenge.

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” –Benjamin Franklin

Mary graduated Summa Cum Laude from Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota with her BS in Elementary Education in May of 2023. She completed her student teaching in Orem and worked as a classroom aide in Provo through the rest of the school year. She enjoys watching students blossom as they follow their interests and enjoys helping them explore new subjects.

Some of Mary’s favorite childhood memories are from going on road trips and camping at state and national parks with her family. In her free time, Mary enjoys spending time outside, watching movies with friends, and exploring new places in the Salt Lake area.

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.  

Mrs. McDonald is honored to be part of Mountain Sunrise Academy. She loves ancient literature, poetry, and all of the fine and performing arts. Her love of Waldorf education began at Brigham Young University. At BYU, Mrs. McDonald read about Agency Education and she discovered that the only schools in existence that practiced this type of education were the Waldorf schools. She resonated, in particular, with Rudolf Steiner's philosophical base of understanding that the child comes to us, not as a blank slate, but with an individual mission to perform in the world. It is her hope to allow the light within each student to shine during this school year.

Miss Carol Ann Gregory was born and raised in the tree-covered hills of the Northwest Arkansas Ozarks. Craft Fairs, Bluegrass Festivals, Family Vacations Road-Trips, and Camping (in tents) are some of her favorite childhood memories. She attended College of the Ozarks near Branson, Missouri and started her teaching career in a local school after graduating with a B.S. in Speech/Theater Secondary Education. Carol moved to Utah in 2012, and has worked in a variety of school settings including both charter and public schools. She also holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership Foundations of Policy Studies and School Administration.

Miss Gregory lives in Provo, Utah. Her hobbies include crafting, home repairs, reading and writing (especially poetry), and learning new things. She is passionate about guiding people to improve and reach their fullest potential. If she had to describe herself in one-word, the top three on the list are Creator, Mother, Teacher.

Matthew recently traveled through Southeast Asia and Oceania with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys experiencing new cultures, meeting new people, and trying new food. He was born in South Africa, grew up in Utah, and has many hobbies. These hobbies include dancing, drums, cooking, meditation, and teaching! 

Matthew has worked as an SLT, taught in Taiwan, and most recently worked at a Waldorf school. He is excited to join the Mountain Sunrise Academy team!

Chalice Maddox loves teaching, is an avid hat wearer, and once published a book. She has taught 6th grade for 4 years, 4th grade for 1, and is excited to begin her journey at Mountain Sunrise Academy. Her book is titled "The Point of Magic". In her spare time she attends a writing group and goes on impromptu road trips (this is how she found the ghost town Dragon).

Jo was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. She received her education at University of Arizona, Brigham Young University and Utah State University. Jo holds a B.A. in Elementary Education and a B.A. in Special Education Certificates in Early Childhood Education and Waldorf Education. She has had thirty one years of teaching experience, including positions at elementary schools, high schools, and Waldorf Schools. Jo has a happy family that includes 12 children and 44 grandchildren, with two more on the way! Her keen interests are in reading, storytelling, art, handwork, nature, hiking and bird-watching. Jo loves children and truly believes that education is the most important work of all.  To Jo, there is nothing more rewarding or satisfying. Jo believes Waldorf education provides a much-needed alternative to traditional schooling and she is thrilled to be a part of bringing it to more Utah families!

Elizabeth was born and raised in Sanpete and Utah County. After High School, she went to school at Provo college for Massage Therapy and Bodywork and also received her certification in Inner Sound Tuning Fork sound healing. She then traveled all over our beautiful country fascinated by our diverse cultures.  In 2012 she was invited to be a part of the beautiful healing community in the Sacred Valley of Peru, Nuna Ayni, where she was introduced to Waldorf Education. She is honored to be the mother of  2 wonderful boys.  

Elizabeth attended a 4-year long teacher training program at The Center For Educational Renewal in California while homeschooling her children and received her Waldorf Teaching Credentials.  She worked at both private and charter Waldorf schools in Sonoma County California for 6 years.

After 20 years, her path has led her back home to Utah. She is so happy to be back with the mountains, to be near her best friend again, and to have her boys around their very, very large family.  

She truly feels the stars aligned when she was invited to join the Mountain Sunrise Academy family and is looking forward to serving and getting to know the community!