Amy Roan TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: My name is Amy Roan, and I grew-up in southeast Idaho.

I moved to Utah in 2002 after my husband's job ended in Japan. I have been teaching at Walden since Fall 2005. Education: I graduated with a BS in Elementary Education, then completed a MS Degree in Educational Psychology (School Counseling). In 2006 I earned an endorsement in Special Education. Classes taught at Walden: I work with the faculty to help them meet the needs of the special education population and other children at risk. I also teach some of these students in a resource setting. I have accompanied Walden students to Zion National Park, Washington D.C., Escalante, and back-packed with them on the back of Timp. I am very good at writing letters of recommendation for students who need them for college entrance or work applications. I have also sewn costumes for the students' production of "The Crucible". In my spare time I serve on the accreditation committee. Hobbies: Any downtime is spent with my nose in a book, quilting, or working with plants. Email and/or other contact info: amy@waldenschool.us, Call me at the school between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Best method & times to contact me: Email. I usually have one or two after-school meetings a week with parents so it is best to call first. You may email or call me to make an appointment. To view the school counseling calendar: please see the tabs at the top of my personal Walden website page or on the Walden homepage.

Stephanie Young TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: My name is Stephanie Young, and I grew-up in Casper, WY. I moved to Utah in 2002 to attend BYU. I have been teaching at Walden since Fall 2006. Education: I graduated with a BA in English Education from BYU in 2006. Classes taught at Walden: I have taught "Great Depression Literature," "Victorian Literature," "Creative Writing," the "Writing Major," etc. Having read 18th and 19th century literature extensively has inspired me to teach these subjects as a part of the History and English curriculum. I have chaperoned students to Boston, San Francisco, Southern Utah, Salt Lake, all around Utah County, and Southern California.

Hobbies: In my spare time, I am writing a novel series that I hope to have published someday. This has helped me immensely when teaching Creative Writing and the Writing Major. I also have a great love of reading. I love a wide variety of books ranging from early American authors such as Willa Cather and John Steinbeck to British authors like Emily Bronte and Charles Dickens. Email and/or other contact info: stephanie@waldenschool.us, call me at the school only between 8:00-8:30 a.m. and 3:15-4:00 p.m. Otherwise, you can call and leave a message with Hannah at the front desk, and I will call you asap. Best method & times to contact me: Email. Also after school. You may email me to make an appointment or just show up to see if I'm available. To find assignments that and due dates: Both calendars and a syllabus for each class can be found on my website with information pertaining to every class. If there are any questions feel free to contact at the times listed above or email anytime. I will do my best to be prompt with my email replies! Access to my website can be found through the Walden School website; click on high school and then my name on the left-hand side under English.

Josh Graham TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: My name is Josh Graham, I grew up in New York City. I moved to Utah in 1999 to attend BYU. I have been teaching at Walden since Fall 2008. Education: I graduated with a BFA in Illustration from BYU in 2006. Classes taught at Walden: I have taught a number of art related courses at Walden including Art History, Photoshop, Graphic Design, Studio Art, Watercolor and Drawing. I have chaperoned students to Denver, Co, Southern Utah, Salt Lake, all around Utah County. Hobbies: When I am not teaching you can find me in the mountains skiing or rock climbing. I am currently working on freelance illustrations as well as my own personal portfolio pieces. I work primarily in oil paint but I enjoy all kinds of mediums. Email me at: joshgrahamart@gmail.com, call me at the school only between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, call my cell only between 8:00 am and 9:00 pm. Best method to contact me is by email. Also after school. You may email me to make an appointment or just show up to see if I'm available. To find assignments and due dates: please see the tabs at the top of my personal Walden website page.

Bev Pecoraro TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: My name is Bev Pecoraro, and I grew-up in Washington, Oregon, and Arizona. I spent my junior high and high school years in Bend, OR and call that home. After living in Utah for a few years for college, I moved to Seattle and lived there for about 7 years before moving to Utah in 2008 to student teach, the last step in my Master's program. I have been teaching at Walden since Fall 2008 and absolutely love it! Education: I graduated with a BS from BYU in 2000. Then graduated with a Master's in Teaching in 2009 from Western Washington University (WWU). Classes taught at Walden: I have taught Junior High U.S. History, Psychology, Sociology, Fashion, Italian Culture, Anthropology of High School, Junior High World History, World Civilizations, and Documentary Arts. (Just a few!!) I have chaperoned students to Mexico, San Diego, Moab, and local field trips. Hobbies: I love anything outdoors--hiking, camping, snowboarding, etc. I enjoy music and especially love attending live concerts. I love attending sporting events and wish Utah had a MLB team and/or NFL team. (I miss my Mariners!) I also enjoy reading--anything from C.S. Lewis to fashion magazines and everything in between! I love movies, especially Sundance films, and look forward to volunteering at the Sundance Film Festival again! I also love travel and finding adventures in everyday life!Email and/or other contact info: teachbev@gmail.com , feel free to call me at the school, (801)374-1545 between 8am and 4pm. Best method & times to contact me: Email is the best way to reach me. Or if you'd like to call or meet, it's probably best before or after school. To find assignments and due dates: Please see the tabs at the top of my personal Walden website page, then click on either Jr. High World History tab or Ancient World Civilizations tab. The assignments are listed in the "Assignments" box and the handouts are posted in the "My Documents" box.

Shelly Gramajo TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: My name is Shelly Gramajo. This is my third year at Walden. I have been a Montessori teacher for five years now. I started out at a Montessori preschool, but when my oldest child graduated from preschool to elementary, I followed her to Walden. I started teaching Spanish and assisting in the lower elementary in 2007 and was lucky enough to be able to start teaching full-time in the spring of 2008. I've been in the lower elementary ever since.

Education: I attended Snow College for one year before transferring to BYU where I studied History Teaching. I graduated in 2000. I have an ARL credential for Elementary Education issued through the Utah State Office of Education. Classes taught at Walden: I have been teaching in the lower elementary, grades 2-4 since 2007. I also taught Spanish for all of the elementary students during the 2007-2008 school year. Hobbies: My favorite color is green, and my favorite season is summer. I love Mexican cuisine, and I could eat at Bajio Grill every single day. I read a lot. I enjoy browsing the non-fiction shelf at the library, and I'll pick up anything that looks interesting. I also enjoy science-fiction, and some of my favorite authors are Orson Scott Card and Charles de Lint. I loved the Harry Potter books. I don't watch a lot of TV, but I try watch House and Bones if I have time. I don't have a favorite movie, and if you looked at my MP3 player, you'd see a lot of alternative rock and a lot of rock en espanol. Email and/or other contact info: If you need to contact me, email is the best bet. You can reach me anytime at shelly@waldenschool.us. During the school day you can also reach me by calling the main office (801-374-1545). I can take the call if I'm not busy, and if not I can call you back. Before or after school hours you can call the classroom direct line (801-655-5878). I am available from 8:00 - 4:00, Monday through Friday. You can also drop in and see if I'm available.Best method & times to contact me: Email will always get my attention first. If you call during school hours, there's a pretty good chance I won't be able to take the call, but if you email me, I'll get the message right away. Before or after school hours you can stop in and see if we can meet, otherwise, we can set up an appointment. I'm always happy to talk to the parents of my students! To find assignments and due dates: Please see the class web page for information on upcoming outings.

Stephanie Young TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: My name is Stephanie Young, and I grew-up in Casper, WY. I moved to Utah in 2002 to attend BYU. I have been teaching at Walden since Fall 2006. Education: I graduated with a BA in English Education from BYU in 2006. Classes taught at Walden: I have taught "Great Depression Literature," "Victorian Literature," "Creative Writing," the "Writing Major," etc. Having read 18th and 19th century literature extensively has inspired me to teach these subjects as a part of the History and English curriculum.

I have chaperoned students to Boston, San Francisco, Southern Utah, Salt Lake, all around Utah County, and Southern California. Hobbies: In my spare time, I am writing a novel series that I hope to have published someday. This has helped me immensely when teaching Creative Writing and the Writing Major. I also have a great love of reading. I love a wide variety of books ranging from early American authors such as Willa Cather and John Steinbeck to British authors like Emily Bronte and Charles Dickens. Email and/or other contact info: stephanie@waldenschool.us, call me at the school only between 8:00-8:30 a.m. and 3:15-4:00 p.m. Otherwise, you can call and leave a message with Hannah, and I will call you asap. Best method & times to contact me: Email. Also after school. You may email me to make an appointment or just show up to see if I'm available. To find assignments and due dates: Both calendars and a syllabus for each class can be found on my website with information pertaining to every class. If there are any questions feel free to contact at the times listed above or email anytime. I will do my best to be prompt with my email replies! Access to my website can be found through the Walden School website; click on high school and then my name on the left-hand side under English

Eric Beecroft TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: My name is Eric Beecroft, and I grew-up in Los Angeles and Provo. I moved to Utah in 1983. I have been teaching at Walden since Fall 2004, when the school first opened. I'm happily married and have two sons. Education: I graduated with a BA in History Education from BYU in 2000. I completed 20 history courses in a wide variety of historical topics, as well as a multitude of courses in world religions, cultural geography, anthropology, and wilderness recreation. My emphasis was twofold: Nineteenth Century American Western History and Counterculture Studies and South Asian religions. I have taught at 4 different schools (from traditional large public high schools and junior highs to small specialized programs). I also taught history and English courses to youth-in-custody and adjudicated/troubled youth for two years. Classes taught at Walden: I have taught a myriad of courses at Walden, including American History from 1492 to the modern day, modern American War Studies, terrorism and counterterrorism studies, a history of romance, history of the 1960s counterculture, anthropology of death, history of the Colorado Plateau, anthropology of world music, wilderness survival, basic

photography and advanced photojournalism, and documentary arts. Journeying through Latin America, Anatolia and South Asia as a traveler, photojournalist and as a teacher on many occasions over the past ten years has influenced my teaching substantially. I strive to teach multiple points of view, tolerance and conflict resolution through peaceful means in my courses. I have a deep love for the wilderness, and have planned and co-led a variety of wilderness trekking trips, from the mountains of the Wasatch to the deserts of Southern Utah, for various size groups of students (anywhere from 10 to 100). I developed the digital photography and photojournalism programs at Walden and have worked as a photographer, on both personal projects and for NGOS, on several continents. I have a passion for history and for storytelling and have found that combining the image with the written word is both rewarding for myself and a great aid for students in expressing themselves and in understanding the world. I love travel and I love exploring the world with students; with my Walden peers I have planned and co-led successful student trips to Guatemala, Turkey, Mexico, San Francisco, The US-Mexico border, and will be traveling to India with students in March of 2010. Hobbies: I enjoy hiking, backpacking, camping, reading, photography, budget travel, folk music, eating good food with good friends and most of all spending time with my family. I am the director of the Foundry Photojournalism Workshop, an international photography education program, bringing some of the world's best photographers and passionate students together each summer. Past workshop locations include the Indian Himalayas and Mexico City. I also like laughing and teasing the social studies department, and helping my friends get married as a matchmaker. I'm three for three. . . Email and/or other contact info: ericbeecroft1@hotmail.com. I prefer to respond via email. Please feel free to call me at the school between 8.30 am and 4.30 PM; however, please try to refrain from calling during teaching time. You can reach me on my cell after hours 801-6231388. Also can find me at: www.ericbeecroft.com and www.foundryphotoworkshop.org Best method & times to contact me: Email. Also after school. You may email me to make an appointment or just show up to see if I'm available. To find assignments and due dates: please see the tabs at the top of my personal Walden website page, then click on...

Wendi Fredrickson TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: My name is Wendi Frederickson, and I grew-up in Eugene, OR and Goleta, CA. In 1989, I moved to the Provo/Orem area. I have been working at Walden since January 2004.

Education: I attended Ricks College in 1988/89, Utah Valley State College in 1989, and am currently attending UVU. Classes taught at Walden: I started out at Walden as a Reading Tutor. After earning my Para Professional license, I have been working as a teacher's aide in various grades. I have been with the Jr. High for the last three years. I have chaperoned students to Mexico, Turkey, San Francisco, San Diego, Southern Utah, Salt Lake, and all around Utah County. Hobbies: I love to travel, read, bike, hike, and have recently taken up mountain biking. Email and/or other contact info: wendifred@gmail.com, call me at the school at 374-1545 during school hours. Best method & times to contact me: Email. Also after school. You may email me to make an appointment or just show up to see if I'm available. To find assignments and due dates: please see the tabs at the top of my personal Walden website page, then click on "assignments".

Sarai West TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: My name is Sarai West, and I grew-up in Caldwell, ID. I moved to Utah last fall from Las Vegas, NV. This is my first year teaching at Walden! Education: I graduated with a BA in International Business from Boise State University in 2004. Classes taught at Walden: I currently teach Spanish I to Jr. & High school students. I also work with lower elementary, teaching 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders. Hobbies: In my spare time, I enjoy working out and attending cycling classes. I also crochet and I'm currently learning how to sow. Long walks and play dates is a must with my poodle Teddy. Email and/or other contact info: bella4west@yahoo.com (I'm not sure I have a walden e-mail). My cell phone number is 801-995-3360. Best method & times to contact me: Email or anytime after school. To find assignments and due dates: Please log on to studyspanish.com and check syllabus.

Sara Jo Hopkins TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: My name is Sara Jo Hopkins, and I grew up in Florida where I lived until five years ago. I have four beautiful children and two incredible grandchildren. Just ask me to share their pictures! My grandson is the same age as some of my students which makes me love my job just that much more. Education: I was an interior decorator before my teaching career began twenty years ago. I graduated from University of Florida (Suma Cum Laude) in elementary education with a specialization in early childhood. My academic specialization was environmental science. I have taught all of the grades from Kindergarten to sixth-grade. I recently taught Latin and literature in homeschool classes (before my work here at Walden.) I also did portfolio evaluations and coaching for homeschool families in Florida. Classes taught at Walden: I am teaching a 6-9 year old class at Walden this year after a ten year break from public/ charter school teaching. I am so fortunate to have such a creative and compassionate class. Hobbies: I enjoy writing and teaching about plants and herbalism. My grandmother was Cherokee, and taught me to love nature. I wrote a column on herbology in Florida. I was later richly blessed to study with Rosemary Gladstar and other wise-women in this field in Vermont while living there for one year. I enjoy being in the garden and working with plants. I love anything to do with sewing, art and music as well. The creativity of my students is amazing. I have never seen anything like it. They are precious. I am happy to be here at Walden. It feels like home. My email address is sara@hopkinsweb.org. Best times to contact me: I encourage families to share information and ask questions often.

Joshua Faulkner TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: I believe in Montessori teaching methods and that students deserve a say in their own education. A less ordinary education can be beneficial for students if it is implemented correctly. I believe that mastery of core subjects is necessary for students to become well rounded and intelligent individuals, which I believe the Montessori atmosphere accommodate quite nicely. I also strongly believe that there is no such thing as a non-math person or non-English person or non-history person. These labels are placed on students early in their lives for whatever reason and bind these students to a way of thinking that allows them the scapegoat of saying Im just not a math person, and most likely leads them to

failure. It is my goal to discredit this way of thinking, because everyone can succeed where and when he or she wants to. My expectations of students are simple. I expect students to complete assignments on time and to earn a passing score on all exams. If these expectations are met, the student should receive a grade no lower than a B. Educational: In 2002 I graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering (BS EE), with a main focus on antennas and other communication devices. This summer I graduated from Utah State University with a Master's Degree in Secondary Education (M. Ed.). For the last two years I have taught Algebra I and II here at Walden and three years ago I taught Elementary Algebra, and Geometry at Hawthorn Elementary in Salt Lake City. I currently have a Level IV math endorsement and a Utah teaching license. Classes Taught at Walden: Over the past three years I have taught: Algebra I, Algebra II, Discrete Mathematics, Introduction to Electronics, Beginning Guitar, Song Writing I, Song Writing II, and The History of Music and Recording Techniques. I am currently the advisor for the Applied Mathematics Major, where were using data collection and math concepts to experiment with music and computer programming. Also, I taught "The Math of San Francisco" when I accompanied a group of students to San Francisco last year.

Hobbies: In my spare time I like to build and design electronics, convert obsolete computer equipment into musical instruments, play and create music. These hobbies have allowed me to see, experiment with, and experience a different side of mathematics than most people get to see. I am passionate about my hobbies and I try to express this passion to my student through the math and music classes I have taught at Walden. Contact Information: I prefer to be reached by email (joshua_faulkner@yahoo.com), and in most cases I will respond faster to an email than to a phone call, but if you feel more comfortable calling me then try my cell phone at 801.856.8441 801.856.8441 . Best time to contact me: Also, if there is a particular concept that is confusing to you I EXPECT YOU TO ASK QUESTIONS. As long as your question is relevant to the topic being discussed, you cannot ask a stupid question. And finally, if you are still struggling with a concept I expect you to come in prior to school (8:00-8:30) at lunch (12:15-1:00), or after school (3:154:00) to receive help from me. There is no excuse for failing my class and extensions will only be considered if they are discussed with me prior to the due date of the assignment. To find assignments and due dates: If a student is absent, for whatever reason (excused or unexcused), I expect them to find out what work they missed on their own. In other words, I am not responsible for telling you what you missed.

All of the class assignments for the term can be found by clicking on the tabs at the top of the page. First click on the tab that corresponds to your class, and then click on the assignment that is named after the date you were absent. A syllabus for each class can be found on the webpage for that class. Walden Late Policy: all assignments must be turned in on the date assigned by the instructor. If a student does not turn in an assignment on the day it is due, that assignment will be docked 10% for each day it is late. If an assignment is turned in later than two days from the initial due date, the assignment will not be accepted for credit. If a student has a special circumstance or situation (i.e. vacation, overwhelming amounts of homework, etc), prior arrangements must be made with the teacher. If extenuating circumstances apply (such as a hospital stay, illness, etc.), rare exceptions to this policy can be made.

Lara Candlund Asplund TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: My name is Lara Candland Asplund. I grew up in Mesa, Arizona and after graduating from high school lived in Utah, New York City, San Francisco, Oakland, Seattle, Corvallis, Oregon, Norman, Oklahoma, and finally moved back to Utah in 2002 to work on a PhD in Poetry at the University of Utah. My daughter Eva Asplund graduated from Walden in 2008 and my daughter Ingrid Asplund will graduate in '10.

Education: I graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with a bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing, got a Master's degree in Fiction Writing from Mills College, and am currently studying for my doctoral exams at the University of Utah. I've taught writing and literature at many schools around the country while my husband and I were finishing our educations, including Bellevue Community College in Washington, University of Oklahoma, Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. My first book of poetry, <Alburnum of the Green and Living Tree> will be published in January from Blaze Vox press, and I've published poetry and short stories in many literary journals. Classes taught at Walden: I've taught AP Literature, AP Language and Composition, Creative Writing, Senior Portfolio, Holocaust Literature, Poetry, Honors 9/10 English, Walden Journal, Shakespeare, and Playwriting at Walden. Hobbies: cooking and reading cookbooks and food blogs, mystery novels, yoga, early music (especially medieval and new music), and hanging out with my five children. Best way to contact me is through email: laracandland@gmail.com to make an after school appointment (I'm not here after school unless I have an appointment) or during lunchtime on Monday or Tuesday in the teacher's lounge.

To find a course syllabus and schedule: click on the class tab and the links for assignments and calendars.

Melissa Daley TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: My name is Melissa Daley, and I grew up in West Linn, OR. I moved to Utah in 2002 to attend BYU. I then moved to Arizona to pursue a Masters degree and moved back to Utah to take a teaching job with Walden. Education: Bachelors degree in English, Masters degree in Secondary Education Classes taught at Walden: 4th-6th grade class, American Lit High School English classes I have also chaperoned trips for secondary students to Ensenada, Mexico and Guatemala. I have also taken elementary and secondary students on various trips to Salt Lake City and all around Utah County. Hobbies: My interests include curling up with a great book, writing, hiking, camping, and running. Lately I have devoted all of my free time towards working on our house. Email and/or other contact info: Melissa@waldenshool.us, call me at the school between 8:00 Am to 4 PM Monday thru Friday or email me anytime. Best method & times to contact me: Email me or come in after. You may set up an appointment with me via email, or just pop in to see if I am available. To find assignments and due date: Please visit my website and check parent notes. Downloads of assignments are available under My Documents.

Carl Young TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: My name is Carl Young, and I grew up in Houston, TX. I moved to Utah for the second time in July of 2006. I have been teaching at Walden since Fall 2006. Education: I graduated with a BS in Conservation Biology from BYU in 1999 and an MS in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences from the University of Washington in 2009. Classes taught at Walden: I have taught biology, integrated science, and various science electives. I have chaperoned students to Kino Bay, Ensanada, and Quintana Roo, Mexico, as well as the Pacific Northwest, Zions (twice), and Walkabouts throughout Utah.

Hobbies: In my spare time, I try to teach myself how to solve differential equations and I watch NASCAR. Email and/or other contact info: carldyoung@hotmail.com, call me at the school only between 800 and 1615. Best method & times to contact me: Email. Also after school. You may email me to make an appointment. To find assignments and due dates: please see the tabs at the top of my personal Walden website page http://my.uen.org/myuen/204410

Kim Perry TEACHERS AIDE PROFILE Introduction: Hello everyone! It's me, Miss Kim. Our classroom is a great place to be. I love Walden, love the Montessori philosophy of teaching, and love love love the adventure that we all get to go on as we explore the world we live in together! I live in Orem, with my husband Joe and our four children: Leila, who is in 5th grade this year; Hayli is my 7th grader; Jess eats Slurpees (10th grade); and Zac Graduated last year from Walden. Phew! Education: Paraprofessional at UVU 2008. Montessori training with Lois Bobo for 2 years. As a Teachers Aide at Walden: This is my third year teaching in a 9-12 Montessori classroom. Hobbies: I love plants and flowers. In fact I used to be a florist at a crazy flower shop. I truly enjoy gardening, I even like the weeds. (Hmmm, I wonder if watching weeds grow counts as gardening.) I am an avid listener of all kinds of music and relish even the thought of getting lost in a good book. And well, I might as well admit that Test Tube Division really gets me jazzed! Oh... and my favorite color is green. Best way to contact me: Parents should contact head teacher Melissa Daley concerning our students, but can also contact me at perry mailbox@comcast.net

Kati Bobo TEACHERS AIDE PROFILE Introduction: My name is Kati Bobo and I grew-up here in Utah. Education: I am attending UVU and working on a degree in Early Childhood Education. I grew up in Montessori. My parents ran a Montessori school and so from the time I was born through 7th grade, I was a Montessori student.

As a Teachers Aide at Walden: I am delighted to be able to help create the wonderful learning experiences I had as a child for Walden students. I am currently teaching grades 2-4 with Shelly and am enjoying it very much. Hobbies: Best way and time to contact me:

Gwen Dutcher TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: My name is Gwen Dutcher and I am originally from Madison, Wisconsin. I moved to Utah in 1986 to attend BYU. After getting married, my husband and I moved to Los Angeles, California, where I worked in advertising and as a commercial sculptor for companies such as Disney, Warner Brothers and Mattel. My family moved back to this area in 2000. I have seven children and four are currently attending Walden. My oldest is a 2009 Walden graduate. I have taught here since January of 2009. Education: I studied at BYU with an Art Major and Theater Minor. I'm currently completing my Secondary English Education teaching certificate at UVU. Classes taught at Walden: I have taught "Short Story Writing," "Writing with Humor," and "Mental Illness in Literature." I am currently teaching both Jr. High and High School English classes. Hobbies: I love to sculpt, watch movies and read. My favorite authors are Chaim Potok, Kurt Vonnegut and Anne Lamott. Email and/or other contact info: Please feel free to email me at gwendutcher1969@msn.com Best method & times to contact me: Please email me to make an appointment if you would like to meet. To find assignments and due dates: To see the class syllabus or assignment schedule, please go to my webpage found on the Walden Web site.

Michael Leavitt TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: Before moving to Utah, I worked throughout the Las Vegas valley as musical director and/or pianist-conductor for many musical theater productions including Brigadoon, Guys and Dolls, Mame, Fame, Cinderella, Oklahoma, Oliver, Anything Goes and many more. I began piano lessons at age 8, with Barbara Lee, then studied with Roger Bushell, Khoren Ouzounian, Dr. Scott Holden, and Dr. Robin Hancock. In my teens, I won many competitions

including the prestigious Bolognini Piano Competition and the Yamaha High School Piano Competition. I am an Eagle Scout who served an LDS mission in San Francisco, CA. In 2003, I moved to Utah and became the pianist for BYU's Young Ambassadors, performing all over the United States, China, Korea, Brazil, Argentina, and Canada. I also the pianist and band leader for BYU's production of Smokey Joes Caf, AIDA, Oklahoma, and the BYU New York Showcase. Education: I graduated from BYU in 2008, with a degree in Media Music. Classes taught at Walden: I teach Jr. High Drama, Elem. Choir, and Secondary School Choir. I am also directing the school musical "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" to be performed Dec. 18th and 19th. Hobbies: My recent works include: Producer of the American Radio Cafe (americanradiocafe.com); Music and Sound Engineer for the BYU film, Onward Alone, which explores the experiences of the women of the Mormon Battalion, through dance; Co-Producer of A Brand New Year for the LDS Church; and Music Producer for the new BYU film, Berlin, a musical written by Broadway producer Erik Orton. I have performed and worked with local artists such as David Zabriskie, Tyler Castleton, Kelly Eisenhour, Alex Boy, Aaron Ashton, and SPIN. email: mike@leavittmusicstudios.com phone: 801-358-3939 Best time to contact me is evening Teresa Allen TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: My name is Teresa Allen. I am the middle child of 6. We were born in a 7 year span of time. No twins, and yes, my mom is still sane. I have 24 nieces and nephews at last count. I love my family. I served an L.D.S. mission to Cordoba, Argentina, many years ago.

This is my third year at Walden. I have been a Montessori teacher for 10 years now. I taught for the first 7 years at Bell Canyon Montessori and other private Montessori schools in Salt Lake.

After my 7th year of teaching I took two years off and moved to Washington, D.C. to work as a nanny. I was a nanny for 2 year old twins. The boy had special needs including a feeding tube, oxygen off and on, and was mentally handicapped. My responsibilities included

implementing his occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy and feeding therapy as instructed by his therapists. I put in a Montessori classroom in their basement where I taught the two children one on one most days. When I left this family the 4 year old girl was reading chapter books fluently and had been accepted into a prestigious private school.

Education: I have two Montessori certifications through the UMTEP. I am certified to teach both the 3-6 year olds and the 6-9 year olds. I have spent many years working with both age groups. I am currently attending WGU to complete my Elementary Education degree.

Classes taught at Walden: 2007-2008 I taught the 6-9 year old class (1st-3rd). 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 I have taught the 3-6 year old class (K-1st). 2008-2009 I taught the high school Early Childhood class. Hobbies: My favorite colors are purple, red and black. I love to cook, scrapbook, sing, paint ceramics, or do most anything that involves creating. I love miniatures. I am always searching for ways to better my classroom or ideas that would spark creativity and imagination. I own a lot of stuff. I dont really know where it all comes from but I am good at acquiring things. I enjoy working with people and spend my free time talking with or listening to friends. I love watching movies. I enjoy leaving my own reality an entering someone elses for a brief period of time. I enjoy traveling by plane (not so much by car) and seeing new things. I love lighthouses and would love to live in a quite house on a cliff beside a lighthouse one day.

Email and/or other contact info: If you need to contact me, email is the best bet. You can reach me anytime at missmontessori@comcast.net or during the school day you can also reach me by calling the main office (801-374-1545). Before or after school hours you can call the classroom direct line (801-655-5876). I am available from 8:00 - 4:00, Monday through Friday. You can also drop in and see if I'm available.

Best method & times to contact me: Email will always get my attention first. If you call during school hours, there's a pretty good chance I won't be able to take the call, but if you email me, I'll get the message right away. I'm always happy to talk to the parents of my students!

To find assignments and due dates: Please see the class web page for information on upcoming outings.

Melissa Wagner TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: My name is Melissa Wagner, and I grew-up in Las Vegas, NV and Santa Clara, UT. I moved to Utah in 2003 to attend BYU. Education: I graduated from BYU in April of 08 with my bachelors in Marriage Family and Human Development, with an emphasis on early childhood. I am currently in the states ARL program to earn my teaching certificate and if all goes well will have it by the end of this school year(2010). Classes taught at Walden: This is my second year teaching in the 3-6 year old class Hobbies: I love to dance, any type, but am currently involved with competitions in Standard Ballroom dance. I also enjoy oil painting, and building things. Email: alwaysctr@gmail.com Best method & times to contact me: Email. Also after school

Susan Rogers TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: I like beautiful things and beautiful people and sharing that beauty. I have eight children, 10 grandchildren, a dog, a turtle, and have lived in Provo, Salt Lake, St George, New York and France. Education: I have a BS from BYU in Education/Fine Arts Classes taught at Walden: This year I teach 4-6th grades. Last year (2008-2009) I taught Miss Shellys 2-4th. Hobbies: Reading, traveling, gardening Email me at: susanroge@gmail.com Best way to contact me: email or call my cell 801-234-0081

Matt Ellsworth TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: I was born in San Diego, CA; raised in New Zealand and Hawaii. I am age 28 (Oldest of 6 children)and Single. My Ethnicity is Other (Although, I check the box Pacific Islander on official documents). Education: I graduated from BYU with a BA in Spanish and a Minor in Chemistry and Microbiology. I have ARL teaching credentials through the Utah State Office of Education. Classes taught at Walden: Physical Science, Honors Physics and Biology Hobbies include, but are not limited to: Volleyball, Tae kwon Do, Cooking, Party Host, Korean, French, Japanese, Latin Dancing, International Cinema Email and/or other contact info: locomacizo@gmail.com Best method & times to contact me: Email. Im usually around after school or you may email or call me to make an appointment. To find assignments and due dates: The front page of my Walden webpage has the syllabus, homework assignments and class notes and docs.

Marni Headman TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: First I received a medical assisting certification, then I worked as a substitute teacher and a reading tutor at Grandview Elementary then at Ivy Hall Academy. I worked in the Special Ed program at Freedom Academy as well. I started working at Walden in 2006. Education: I received my Paraprofessional certification in 2006 Classes taught at Walden: Mixed class of 10-12 yr olds (4-6th grade). I have also chaperoned Walden trips to Wanaka, Mexico, Guatemala, Ensenada, and other places throughout the State of Utah. Hobbies include: Reading, owning and riding mules, fishing, camping and boating. Email and/or other contact info: marniheadman@yahoo.com Best method & times to contact me: My first choice is that you pop into class any time. We have an open door policy. I am also available to talk to until at least 3:45 on most school days. Or you may email me

To find assignments: Info about any major projects we are working on will be sent home in a flyer with your child or emailed to you directly. Victoria Tafesh TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: My name is Victoria Tafesh and I am full Asian (half-Palestinian and half-Filipino). I was born and raised in the deserts of Lancaster, CA. I actually graduated high school early to move to Ottawa, Ontario, where I lived for 6 months before attending a community college in Lancaster. At the community college I played for the school tennis team. I later transferred to BYU where I finished my degree; however, while finishing school my family moved to Seattle. I have actually traveled quite a few times out of the country. I have been to Jordan five times, Egypt and Israel/Palestine twice, also Amsterdam and Frankfurt, Germany. This is my first year teaching at Walden and I love it. Education: I graduated with a BS in Middle Eastern studies/Arabic in 2009. Classes taught at Walden: I teach math classes (geometry, pre-algebra, and pre-calculus) and Arabic. Hobbies: I love to play tennis; sadly, there are not that many people I have the opportunity to play with anymore! I also love to hike, camp, backpack, crochet, cook, and read. Email and/or other contact info: vtafesh@gmail.com I am at school all day. You may reach me anytime at school and after school you can call me at 661 547 2340. Best method & times to contact me: Email. Also after school. You may email me to make an appointment or just show up to see if I'm available. To find assignments and due dates: I am currently working on my website and until that is finished you may email me for any questions.

Travis Harris TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: I started learning Chinese at the age of 16 after I returned home from a summer study abroad program in Beijing, China. Initially I took classes at a local community college and then at Portland State University in Portland Oregon. At the age of 19 I served a two year mission for the LDS Church in Taiwan. Upon returning home from Taiwan, I received a four year degree from BYU in Chinese linguistics with a minor in Business Management. During the last two years at BYU, I held multiple teaching assistant and head instructor positions in the Chinese department. The range of classes I taught were from entry level 101 classes all the way up to 400 level literature and ancient texts. My duties included curriculum planning, teaching, student consultations, and grading. Now, aside from teaching part time at Walden, I work full time as the Asia area language director for a translation company located in Orem

Utah. In this position, I have spent more than a year doing formal Chinese translations for various agencies of the US government and military branches. Additionally, I have overseen and participated in numerous commercial Chinese translation projects of which includes translating the Mathematics section for World Book Encyclopedia into Chinese.

Aside from my academic and employment history dealing with Chinese, I have also spent the last three years doing intensive research into old world Chinese history and how it correlates with Old Testament Christianity. This particular path of research has exposed me to many ancient and valuable Chinese texts and has greatly improved my knowledge of Chinese culture. Because of this research I have been able to complete many chapters of my book titled China, The Lost Christian Nation, which I am hoping will be published in the near future. Classes taught at Walden: I teach Chinese level 2 during 6th period and level 1 during 7th period. Hobbies: I enjoy the outdoors, reading, languages, and philosophy. Best way to Contact me: outside of school hours is via email. I can be reached at travis.harris@hotmail.com Assignments and due dates: I will show each student his or her grade every three weeks in class. However if parents or students require, I can send more frequent reports via email. Homework is given in class and generally has a 1-2 day turn in period. Late work is accepted up to 2 days late at 10% off each day. After the second day 0 points will be awarded.

Jenessa Benson TEACHER PROFILE Introduction: I was born right here in Utah but moved to Littleton, CO when I was two years old. Littleton was a fun area. We had a pool in our backyard that we swam in every summer. We even a wild duck hatch her eggs in our pool one spring. I loved to ride my bike around the neighborhood and on the nearby bike trail. I enjoyed Cherry Hills Village Elementary School until my forth grade year. After that my mother decided to try her hand at homeschooling. That is when I learned to love to read. I would read for hours on end in my room. We moved to Kooskia, ID when I was ten. It's a tiny town in north central Idaho. I loved it up there. Even though we were a bunch of city slickers we tried our hands at ranching. We bought fifty acres and ten head of cattle, a milk cow, fifty chicks, and two dogs. Needless to say, we made a lot of mistakes that first year. We didn't realize that calfs get sick if you keep switching them from formula to cows milk and back. We had to get the neighbors to help us slaughter our meat chickens. Our garden was almost an acre. We had so many fun times as well. Our milk cow had a little calf we had to bottle feed. He was like a little dog. We would call his name and he would come running with his tail in the air. We each got to choose a few vegetables to

grow in our garden and had to plant, weed, and harvest the vegetables that we chose. I have many fond memories of our ranch in Idaho. We moved to Provo when I turned sweet sixteen. I started at Timpview as a junior after homeschooling for seven years. I got almost straight A's my first year. I did well my senior year also but I got into the social scene a lot more. I enjoyed running on the track and crosscountry teams. I also participated in the schools A Capella choir. I enjoyed my multimedia and physiology classes as well. After high school I took a Montessori teachers training course in St. George, UT. I considered becoming a teacher but thought I would go into multimedia instead. I enjoyed ballroom dancing on the beginning ballroom team at UVSC. I also took a soccer class, piano class, took guitar lessons, and really enjoyed most of the general classes. I received my AS degree from UVSC in April 2002. Later that year I decided to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In Anaheim, CA I learned to serve others, teach, and speak Spanish. I made so many great friends and learned many lifelong lessons. When I returned I decided to transfer to a private collage down in Cedar City called George Wythe University. I met many great people and made many lifelong friends. I read more books then I've ever read before. I learned to love the great classics like Les Miserables, Plato's Republic, Democracy in America, The Federalist's Papers, John Adams, and Uncle Tom's Cabin among many others. I was also able to participate in simulations of mock trials, constitutional conventions and mock elections. After I received my BA in Statesmanship I decided to move up to Provo. I decided to follow my heart and become a teacher. I started off working at American Leadership Academy as an assistant. I loved working with the students in the elementary school. In the summer of 2007 I met Diana and learned of Walden. I was impressed especially by the students. They seemed to be so level-headed, hard-working, and service oriented. I started working that fall as a coteacher with Teresa Allen in a 6-9 class. I learned so much more about the Montessori Method and teaching in a classroom. The following year I took over the other 6-9 class and have enjoyed teaching there ever since. Education: Bachelors degree from George Wythe College. Classes taught at Walden: For the last 3 yrs I have taught 1st-3rd grades at Walden Hobbies: Horseback, guitar, piano, ballroom, skiing, reading, rock-climbing, anything outdoors Email me at jenessabenson@yahoo.com Best way to contact me: email or call me at 801-592-0866, or drop by after school

To find assignments and their due dates: Click on the Homework tab at the top of my Walden page. Things they should be doing are usually there or given to your child in a flyer to take home.

TEACHER PROFILE for Wesley Eldredge INTRO: "A democratic civilization will save itself only if it makes the language of the image into a stimulus for critical reflection - not an invitation for hypnosis" - Umberto Eco I was born and raised mostly in Glendale, Arizona until making the journey to Utah. I attended Pleasant GroveHigh School. Education: 2000-2006 attended Utah Valley University and received a B.S. Suma Cum Laude. While an undergraduate, I studied Communication(s) and Anthropology, which somehow burgeoned a passion for documentary filmmaking. From 2008-2010 I attended Temple University, Philadelphia, PA where I recieved an M.A. BTMM (Mass Media and Communications) Classes Taught at Walden: Computer Technology, Media Literacy Hobbies: Spending time with my family and friends, learning/reading, consuming media, and playing the acoustic guitar. During the 2004 Presidential election I became a co-creator and coproducer for a documentary entitled, This Divided State which later went on to win the Santa Cruise Film Festival and became an Ofcial selection of the Hong Kong international lm festival, and the Gothenburg lm festival in Sweden. Best Method to contact me: wesacution21@hotmail.com , Cell: 602-513-9895