Meet Our High School Team

Desarae Wright | High School Assistant Principal

dwright@utahvirtual.org
801.262.4922 ext. 3340

Mrs. Wright graduated from the University of Utah with her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and completed her master’s in educational leadership from Western Governor’s University in 2017. She taught grades K–2 before moving to administration as assistant principal, first for K8 and now for high school. Mrs. Wright joined the UTVA team in 2013 and has a passion for education and serving the virtual school population. Although working with younger students is where her career began, she quickly found a special place in her heart for high school and looks forward to seeing the school grow.

Brittney Wanlass | High School Lead Teacher

Mrs. Wanlass has been with UTVA for nine years and has taught both high school and middle school math. She is also currently teaching a UTVA concurrent enrollment course through Dixie State University. Mrs. Wanlass earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary math education from Southern Utah University, and a Master of Arts degree in math education from Western Governor’s University. She is a second-generation educator and hopes to become half the teacher her mother is.

Melanie Denton | High School Special Education Program Coordinator

Mrs. Denton brings more than 15 years of education experience to UTVA. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, master’s in special education, master’s in school administration, and an endorsement as director of special education from Murray State University in Kentucky. She enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Jillian Hymas | Career Technical Education (CTE) Academic Administrator

Ms. Hymas joined the UTVA team in 2016. She has more than 15 years of experience in elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Southern Utah University, and her master’s degree in education with an emphasis in schooling counseling from the University of Utah. Ms. Hymas loves connecting with students on the human level and is passionate about the work she does with Stride Career Prep and Concurrent Enrollment Programs at UTVA.

Kelcee Allen | 10th Grade Special Education Mentor

Ms. Allen joined the UTVA team in February of 2018. She has a passion for helping others learn and succeed. She loves being able to work with students that have struggled in public school and enjoys making them feel more comfortable in their own environment.

Stephanie Bird | High School Engagement Lead

Ms. Bird joined the UTVA team in 2016. She earned a bachelor’s degree in family studies from Weber State University and has plans to complete a master’s degree in education or school counseling. Ms. Bird believes online learning gives students the opportunity for growth in education, and the flexibility to build their skills in various fields and extracurricular activities.

Ashley Willey | High School Mentor

Ms. Willey joined the K12 team in 2018. She has years of experience creating relationships, building positive environments, and motivation. She has a license in Cosmetology and loves that she can use her skill of individual relationship building in her position with UTVA.

Nicole Christensen | High School Health Teacher

Ms. Christensen joined the UTVA team in 2016. She attended both Texas A&M University and Utah Valley University to complete a BS in health education.

Christine Gale | 10th Grade Mentor

Mrs. Gale joined the UTVA team in 2018. She has seven years of experience in education. Mrs. Gale earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UVU. She grew up in New York and like being able to build relationships with families and students.

Robin Elmy | Part Time Coordinator

Ms. Elmy joined the UTVA team in 2013. She has more than nine years of experience as a K–8 principal, elementary, middle school, and high school math. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education and math endorsement at Weber State University.

Abby House | Student Advisor and Mentor for Grades 9–12

Ms. House received her bachelor’s degree in education from Utah State University. Her background includes experience with the Farmington Historical Downtown Development Committee, youth council advisor, a music specialist with Davis School District, and extensive experience as a substitute high school teacher, and specialist working with troubled teens and youth in custody.

Jenny Holmes | High School Integrated Math 2 Special Education Teacher

Ms. Holmes joined the UTVA team in 2017 and says it’s her best job ever. She has experience in special education at California Virtual Academy, and as a resource teacher at the elementary school level. She earned her master’s in education, specializing in special education from California Baptist University.

Natalie Niederhauser | Math 2 Credit Recovery Teacher

Mrs. Niederhauser joined the UTVA team in 2017. She has more than five years of experience in education and loves the ability to work with students daily. She earned a Bachelor of Science at Weber State University with teaching endorsements in both sociology and mathematics. Prior to UTVA, Mrs. Niederhauser taught math at Clearfield High School in Utah.

Jessica Price | High School Math Teacher

Ms. Price joined the UTVA team in 2012. She earned a BS in math teaching from Weber State University and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University. She enjoys going on adventures with her family and once encountered a bear in Alaska. Mrs. Price believes online learning gives students more flexibility in their schedule and provides more individualized.

Jessica Tremea | High School Math Special Education Teacher

Ms. Tremea joined the UTVA team in 2016. She earned a dual degree in special education and elementary education with a music minor from Utah State University. She loves helping students from all backgrounds and abilities discover how they can succeed and is passionate about helping provide a safe educational environment.

Natalie Roberts | High School Math Teacher

Ms. Roberts joined the UTVA team in 2015. She previously taught high school science in northern Utah. Ms. Roberts earned a bachelor’s degree in physics teaching from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in geosciences from Mississippi State University. She holds certificates in physics, chemistry, and mathematics level IV.

Shay Anderson | High School Language Arts Teacher

Mrs. Anderson has been at Utah Virtual Academy since 2011. Mrs. Anderson earned a bachelor’s degree in English teaching with a minor in ESL from Weber State University. She graduated cum laude and received her Utah teaching license for secondary education.

Melanie Morris | High School English Teacher

Mrs. Morris graduated from Utah State University with a degree in English and secondary education. She also has attended college in Jerusalem. Mrs. Morris is active in community events and loves to travel the world and meet new people. She has been recognized as a finalist as teacher of the year for the K12 Central Region.

Ashlee Reeder | 9th Grade Math 1 Resource Teacher

Mrs. Reeder started working at UTVA in 2012 and worked at an intermediate school before UTVA. She earned a composite bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Utah State University. Ms. Reeder also holds a highly qualified endorsement in mathematics.

Rachel Bellamy | High School English Teacher

Ms Bellamy decided she wanted to be a high school English teacher during her first English class in 7th grade. She has taught at every level of education from kindergarten to higher education in various capacities and can confirm that 11th grade is the best grade to teach. This is her sixth year teaching English at UTVA, and her eighth year at the school. Ms. Bellamy earned a bachelor’s degree in English education from Utah State University with minors in French teaching and British and Commonwealth Cultures.

Britany Barnes | 12th Grade English Special Education Teacher

Ms. Barnes joined the UTVA team in 2016. She has more than 10 years of experience in education, community service, and development. She earned a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis on severe disabilities and MS in special education from Brigham Young University. She has completed her master’s degree in research and a semester of international study in India.

Melynda Lister | 10th Grade English Special Education Teacher

Ms. Lister taught special education, and 2nd and 3rd grade at Fredonia Elementary in Fredonia, AZ for three years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education 1–8 and special education K–12. She also has an ESL endorsement and is taking coursework toward completing an English minor. She joined the UTVA team in 2017.

Cassidy Ulrich | High School Special Education Teacher

Ms. Ulrigh brings more than nine years of teaching experience to UTVA. She graduated from Utah State University and earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University. She believes the virtual learning environment allows her to focus on teaching and helps eliminate many of the distractions students face.

Kaelyn Nelson | 9th Grade English Language Arts Teacher

Ms. Nelson joined the UTVA team in 2015. She previously taught at Legacy Preparatory Academy and West Lake Junior High. Ms. Nelson received a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Utah State University and attended Weber State University’s PRIME program for teacher training and licensing. Ms. Nelson has a special education mild/moderate teaching license, with highly qualified status in secondary language arts.

Mason Andersen | High School Biology Teacher

Mr. Andersen received a Bachelor of Science degree in composite teaching- biological science from Utah State University. He joined UTVA immediately after his student teaching and has never looked back. Mr. Andersen appreciates the fact that many of his students are naturally comfortable using technology when they arrive.

Janae Raymond | High School Biology Special Education Teacher

Ms. Raymond joined the UTVA team in 2016. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a minor in earth sciences from Utah Valley University, and a master’s degree in conservation ecology from Trinity College in Dublin. She is currently working towards a teaching endorsement in special education.

Amy Quebbeman | High School Special Education Teacher

“Mrs. Q” brings six years of teaching experience to UTVA. Her experience at UTVA includes teaching science, social studies, life skills, transition skills, writing, personal finance, study skills, and geography. Mrs. Q earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University and holds endorsements in early childhood special education, and severe and profound special education.

Jenifer Nye | High School Science Teacher

Ms. Nye has been teaching at UTVA since 2014. She graduated with two bachelor’s degrees from Weber State University, and is licensed to teach earth science, as well as medical career and technical education courses, such as anatomy.

Jessie Russell | High School Mentor

Ms. Russell joined the UTVA team in 2017. She graduated from University of Texas of Permian Basin with a bachelor’s degree in business management. She enjoys working with students in an online environment that is free from many routine distractions that usually hold students back.

Nicole Keller | Spanish and Electives Teacher

Mrs. Keller has been a UTVA teacher for 11 years. She teaches Spanish and a wide range of high school elective courses. Mrs. Keller earned a bachelor’s degree from BYU-Idaho, and is currently working on becoming a certified career services provider with Stride Career Prep. She greatly appreciates the flexibility in being available and involved in activities and events with her own five children.

Rebecca Glover | Physical Education Courses and Culinary Arts Teacher

Mrs. Glover has more than 15 years of experience in education and coaching. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degree in education from Southern Utah University. Mrs. Glover enjoys being able to bring passion for fitness in multidimensional ways to her students.

Misty Bagley | High School History and Electives Teacher

Ms. Bagley joined the UTVA team in 2015. She has more than nine years of experience in education, team building, and dependability. Ms. Bagley earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Toccoa Falls College, and a computer science level 1 endorsement from the State of Utah.

Rachel Girot | Multi-Media Teacher

Ms. Girot joined the UTVA team in 2015. Her background includes 15 years of experience teaching grades K–12, in both brick-and-mortar and online settings, in Arizona, Hawaii, and Utah. She earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from Arizona State University, and a master’s degree in education management through Strayer University. She has also studied microbiology at the University of Guanajuato, Mexico, and is fluent in Spanish.

Bradford Chaston | High School Special Education History Teacher

Mr. Chaston joined the UTVA team in 2017. He worked as a substitute teacher for several years before becoming a full-time teacher. Mr. Chaston earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from BYU-Idaho and master’s degree in mild-moderate special education from Missouri State University.

Andrea Peterson | High School Special Education Teacher

Ms. Peterson joined the UTVA team in 2016. She briefly left UTVA to teach 3rd grade in Nevada and returned in 2018 as a life skills instructor in the special ed department. Her background also includes experience as an ELL teacher with VIPKid. Ms. Peterson earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from Western Governors University and a master’s degree in education in instructional design.

Jesslyn Popwell | High School Special Education Teacher

Ms. Popwell originally joined UTVA as the first special education mentor for UTVA in the spring of 2018. She has more than 10 years of experience in education, performing arts, and community outreach. Ms. Popwell earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater from the University of Utah, and a master’s degree in psychology with an emphasis on organizational leadership and development from the University of the Rockies. She is currently earning a Master of Education with a special education licensure emphasis at Weber State University.

Amy Quebbeman | High School Special Education Teacher

“Mrs. Q” brings six years of teaching experience to UTVA. Her experience at UTVA includes teaching science, social studies, life skills, transition skills, writing, personal finance, study skills, and geography. Mrs. Q earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University and holds endorsements in early childhood special education, and severe and profound special education.

Zack Hancock | High School History and Electives teacher.

Mr. Hancock joined the UTVA team in 2017. He has been in education for five years and holds a BS and MEd from Weber State University. He also holds certificates in special education, social studies composite, general financial literacy, and driver education.

Carol Cluff | Special Education Administrative Assistant

Ms. Cluff joined the UTVA team in 2014. She manages the special education office needs, including scheduling of meetings and file maintenance. She is currently working toward her bachelor’s degree in general studies at Brigham Young University.

Sam Arnold | Transition Counselor

Mr. Arnold joined the UTVA team in 2013. Prior to joining UTVA, he worked as a school counselor for four years in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mr. Arnold earned a bachelor’s degree in marriage and family studies from Brigham Young University Idaho, and a master’s degree in school counseling from University of Phoenix – Colorado.

Alia Herrod | Truancy/Attendance Interventionist

Ms. Herrod joined the UTVA team in 2013. She has more than 10 years of experience working in education. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Kharkov National University in Kharkov, Ukraine, majoring in secondary education, ESL, and foreign languages instruction.

Tiffany Allen

Ms. Allen has been a part of the UTVA team since 2017. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and public relations from the University of Utah. She likes the opportunity to create an online school community through social media and other digital communication tools.

Melody Burum | Social Worker

Twenty years after earning her bachelor’s degree, Ms. Burum returned to school and recently graduated from the University of Utah with a master’s degree in social work. She also holds a school social work certificate.

Taylor Spencer | Strong Start Coordinator

Ms. Spencer joined the UTVA team in 2014. Her background includes experience in office administration, operations, academics, and student services. Ms. Spencer earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Utah State University. She loves to travel and has visited Japan and France.