As a passionate and motivated individual with a deep love for children, my journey through the ABA graduate program has been incredibly fulfilling. My commitment to understanding and applying behavior analysis principles has not only enhanced my ability to positively impact children's lives, but also deepened my appreciation for the unique challenges they face. This program has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to advocate for and support children in reaching their full potential.

I am a first-generation Hispanic college student. In my free time I enjoy reading, playing with my dog and watching movies. I loved my time at UVU, and learned perseverance while being in an inclusive environment. I found practicum experience and case studies to be most valuable during my time at UVU, and I am so thankful for my experienced professors that prepared me to pass my board certification on the first try!

I absolutely loved my time in the ABA grad program at UVU. It gave me so many hands-on projects and experiences that prepared me so well to enter the field as a competent practitioner!

I grew SO much during this program! I learned to enjoy reading and discussing topics that were new to me, pushing myself in new ways, and connecting with my cohort. It was the best experience!

I am an involved and engaged employee at UVU. I am the Director of Admissions for the UVU Physician Assistant Program. The UVU Higher Education Leadership program has played a pivotal role in my professional growth. The knowledge and contemporary insights I gained as a graduate student have transformed me into a more empathetic, astute, and confident leader. The cohort model and the inspirational leadership demonstrated by the program director, Dr. Sean Crossland, and the UVU faculty have been instrumental in this journey.

I enjoyed the flexibility of the program, and being able to pace myself. The professors were very supportive, and helpful throughout the program.

I would like to give my thanks and appreciation to all the supportive faculty, especially Dr. Mia Kang who provided me with the tools and resources to thrive!

Hannah Sanders-Smith has dedicated over 8 years to education, starting as a kindergarten paraprofessional and progressing to teaching 2nd grade at a Title 1 school. She later transitioned to teaching 1st grade in the Alpine School District. Through her teaching journey, she observed the significant challenges and lack of support for multilingual learners in schools. Her initiative, "Translanguaging Pedagogy in Writing Instruction for Multilingual Learners," aims to revolutionize writing education by moving away from English-only methods. Her goal is to foster a cohesive classroom community, empower multilingual learners and their identities, and enhance academic access for these students. Hannah earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Utah Valley University in 2021.

Alison Kolander received her undergraduate in mathematics education from BYU in December 2020 and has been teaching in mathematics classrooms since. She currently is teaching Math 8 and Secondary Math 1 at a charter school. Her desire to be a lifelong learner is what inspired her to continue her education at UVU.

Melanie has worked in education since 2019. She is currently a 5th grade teacher in Provo City School District. Melanie enjoys working with multilingual students on the English side of Two-Way Dual Immersion in a Title 1 Highly Impacted school. She also loves helping pre-teens love to read and coaching her students through social and emotional challenges. Her passion for Dual Immersion and teacher retention inspired her Master’s project titled “Structural Supports for English Partner Teachers in Dual Immersion”.

Emily Blaisdell is a dedicated fourth-grade teacher who has taught for fourteen years in the Nebo School District. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from BYU and an Elementary Mathematics Endorsement through UVU. Emily received the Teacher of the Year Award (2013-2014), the Crystal Apple Award (2015), was the Daily Herald Educator of the Week (February 2020) and was awarded the PTA Region 10 and Utah State PTA Award for Outstanding Elementary Educator (2021).

Elizabeth Pratt began her public school teaching career in 2007, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from BYU in 2008. During a 12-year break to raise her five children, she remained deeply engaged in education by teaching her children preschool and volunteering in their classrooms. For the past five years, Elizabeth has taught fifth grade while earning her Elementary Mathematics Endorsement from UVU and completing her Master’s Degree.

Tamra Beames Rossiter began her teaching career in 1993, instructing high school students in chemistry, biology, and AP biology. After four years, she paused her career to raise five children with her husband, Eric. In 2012, she resumed teaching high school, this time in chemistry, honors chemistry, and AP chemistry. She now serves as both a high school chemistry teacher and technology coach. Tamra completed her master's degree in educational technology from UVU in 2024 to further enhance her skills.

Rosaria “Rosie” Morreale Boren is a dedicated 4th-grade general education teacher with three years of experience in the Nebo School District. Rosie earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from BYU in 2022 and obtained her Educational Technology Endorsement in 2023. Her passion for literacy and educational technology inspired her Master’s project, titled “Listening to Learn: The Impact of Audiobooks on Literacy in Educational Spaces”.

Olivia Murphy is the K-3 music educator at Majestic Elementary in Jordan School District. Olivia has a Bachelors in Music, is Level 1 Orff-Schulwerk Certified, has her Arts Endorsement, and now a Masters of Education and Arts Integration. She is a member of the Utah Music Educators Association (UMEA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).

Kelli Cannon has been an educator for eleven years, teaching upper elementary students prior to her current role as a Digital Learning Specialist in Jordan School District. Kelli is a Utah Teacher Fellow and a board member of the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology (UCET). Kelli holds a Bachelor’s Degree from BYU in Elementary Education, as well as endorsements in Teaching English as a Second Language, Educational Technology, and Instructional Coaching.

Alexis Wagner taught kindergarten and fifth grade at Treeside Charter school for years before deciding to move to Spain for a year. In Spain, she worked at a private school where she helped students gain better proficiency with English. For her master’s project, she combined her knowledge of social and emotional learning with her experience working with multilingual students. She hopes to continue supporting students from other countries to better adjust to school settings.

I have been in secondary education for my whole career at charter schools and public schools. I enjoyed looking at different scenarios an administrator would face with my colleagues and determining the best outcomes. This helped me to view situations from various perspectives while getting to the balcony.

With over two decades of experience in the elementary school setting, Necia Albrecht enters school counseling with an extensive background in teaching, mentoring, and coaching; but most importantly a passion for helping students thrive in the classroom and beyond. As a school counselor at Taylor Elementary, she is committed to fostering and strengthening positive relationships between students, faculty, parents, and the school community. She is working to build a prevention-focused counseling program that values and celebrates each student’s unique strengths and challenges.

Prior to embarking on a career in school counseling, Sydney Brooks gained valuable experience working as an advisor and life coach to neurodiverse young adults in a residential treatment center. Since graduating from BYU with a B.S. in Psychology, Sydney has been passionate about promoting mental health awareness and resiliency skills among young individuals. She is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, and she aims to empower them to overcome challenges - socially, emotionally, and academically. Sydney enjoys helping students explore their strengths, talents, and interests in an effort to set them on a path of discovery and success that will enrich the quality of their lives.

After graduating from the school counseling program, Kaha’i is excited to further his education in the Master of Science Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at UVU. He hopes that he will be able to use both degrees in unison to inspire students and people, especially the Pacific Islander community, to help them achieve their dreams. Kaha’i graduated from BYU with a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics. He hopes to continue his journey in learning languages and other cultures, and working with people of various backgrounds to overcome barriers and invoke a belief that anyone can succeed.

Matthew Omer embarked on his journey as a school counselor after completing his undergraduate degree in Choral Music Education from UofU. He honed his skills as a choir teacher, contributed to an online music-education company, and worked at Alpine Academy, a residential treatment center. These varied experiences have cultivated a rich background, equipping him with a deep understanding of how to support students, teachers, administrators, and parents alike. Matthew brings this diverse expertise to his role as a school counselor, enabling him to make meaningful contributions to the education and personal growth of his community.

As a passionate educator for over 14 years, Koreen Humphries gained a deep love for the power emotional intelligence plays in the social, emotional, and academic success of all students. Her classroom experience and parenting her 5 boys have enriched her understanding of children’s needs socially, emotionally, and academically. Koreen holds a Master of Science in Education from Utah Valley University, where she received several recognitions for outstanding performance. Her journey is marked by continuous learning and a profound enthusiasm for her students to experience a lifetime of success and well-being.

Before the UVU School Counseling program, Megan graduated Cum Laude from the UofU with a Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Sciences and a certification in Positive Psychology. She then began her career at UVU, where she educated high school students on STEM career pathways. As a current advisor for UVU, she has a passion for helping students of all ages, backgrounds, and life situations become successful at college. Megan has goals in life to one day bring her higher education experience into her role as a high school counselor and help students realize their potential to pursue a college education.

Jacquelyn Eckert has spent 20 years in education. Her first seven years were in Chicago Public Schools teaching first grade and as a mentor teacher. She moved to Utah and spent 11 years teaching first grade. In 2022 she transitioned to Elementary School Counseling. As a school counselor she believes in fostering a safe and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported. She strives to empower students, nurturing their emotional well-being and helping them realize their full potential.

Rachel Ferguson was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite having that infamous Nevada education she was able to pursue and obtain a bachelor's degree in psychology at BYU. During her educational pursuit she worked at a residential treatment center where she came to realize that working with youth was a passion of hers. There she assisted with the therapy and mental health regulation of the students. After graduating from BYU, she then decided to pursue a Masters in School Counseling through Utah Valley University. There she has loved every moment of the program and has formed a close bond with her cohort.

Prior to beginning her career in school counseling, Rachael Fuhriman worked for a nonprofit organization to provide abuse prevention and crisis respite services for children in the community. In this capacity, she discovered a passion for using education to empower those she works with. As an elementary counselor, Rachael loves the proactive nature of providing every student with guidance on how to cope with challenges, big or small. She believes this preventative work prepares young students for future social-emotional, academic, career, and life success.

Wife, mother, educator, and school counselor – Emily affirms that tomorrow's successes require today's sacrifices. As a recognized educator of 10+ years, Emily has brightened the lives and minds of many students with her positive energy and enthusiasm for learning. As a school counselor, Emily demonstrates compassion and an innate capacity to connect, engage, and inspire young learners. She is passionate about preparing all students to succeed in college, career, and life. Emily holds a Bachelors in Elementary Education from BYU, a Masters in School Counseling from Utah Valley University, and a Badge of Honor in Motherhood from the University of Home.

Ellee Hansen is a dedicated School Counselor with a profound appreciation for education. Raised in a family of educators, she inherited a passion for shaping young minds. Ellee thrives on her daily interactions with students, cherishing each opportunity to guide them toward their academic and personal goals. With a warm and empathetic approach, she creates a supportive environment where students feel valued and understood. Ellee's ultimate goal is to make a difference in the lives of those she serves, empowering them to overcome challenges and realize their full potential. She has a firm commitment to the education and well-being of her students.

Bailey Lake is a recent graduate with her master’s in School Counseling from UVU. She comes from a background of education and teaching health to secondary students. Through her work and schooling she has developed an understanding of the unique role that educators play in a student’s life and how critical it is that each student has someone who believes in them and will advocate for them. By collaborating with students, teachers, families, and communities she strives to create an environment of inclusion and success for everyone.

Cali McKay embarked on her educational journey at Utah Valley University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Family Science. With a commitment to empowering students, Cali is graduating with a Master of Education in School Counseling. Her experience spans six years working with adolescents, from paraeducator roles in life skills and special education classrooms, youth mentor at a residential treatment center, to teaching guided studies classes. Currently working as a school counselor at Timberline Middle School, Cali draws from her own educational challenges to connect with students who may struggle, fostering a sense of empowerment and belief in their ability to succeed.

Tori Miller got an Associate’s degree from Snow College and a bachelors degreen in Mathematics Education from BYU Idaho. She taught math for two years, where she learned she loved helping students and working with them one-on-one, leading her to embark on a new path and start a career in school counseling. Tori wants every student she works with to know they are capable of reaching their full potential. She goes out of her way to support students in their extracurricular endeavors and is constantly building relationships and rapport with those she interacts with. She currently works as a school counselor at a Junior High, where she has helped create a more inclusive and cohesive culture.

As a dedicated school counselor, Katie is committed to nurturing the holistic development of students. With 11 years of experience in education, she fosters a supportive environment where students feel empowered to navigate academic, personal, and social challenges. Katie employs a person-centered approach, tailoring interventions to meet the diverse needs of each student. Through active listening and empathetic guidance, she cultivates resilience and self-awareness, promoting mental well-being and academic success. Her collaborative efforts with educators, families, and community resources ensure a comprehensive support network for student growth. Katie exemplifies compassion and professionalism in empowering students to thrive.

Jennifer Pratt grew to love advocating for students' educational success by supporting them and their families during her eleven years of teaching as an elementary educator and a literacy interventionist. In 2015, Jennifer was the recipient of the Nebo School District Positive Energy and Kindness (PEAK) Award, nominated by the parents of the children she taught. Jennifer hopes to enhance her counseling capabilities by encouraging children to discover their purpose, potential, and unique abilities so that they can see the impact for good that they can have in their own lives and in the world around them.

Karla Ramirez-Arrazola is a first-generation graduate and immigrant from Chiapas, Mexico. Before seeking a career in school counseling, she obtained her Bachelor's in Social Work from the University of Utah. Karla has contributed to child welfare and family services since the start of her career, and is committed to aiding other first generation students and students of color in their education experience. Her journey is fueled by gratitude towards her family whose unwavering encouragement propels her forward.

Before starting the school counseling program, Mindy Swenson worked in higher education assisting students with various parts of their journey toward graduation. During her time in the Graduation Office, Mindy enjoyed celebrating successes with students and eventually moved to academic advising. Having a background in higher education has helped Mindy assist high school students in completing their high school education and planning for future goals. Mindy obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health before pursuing her M.Ed. in school counseling.

Jewelia Wall’s career path toward school counseling began with her Bachelor of Science from BYU as a first generation college student. Her education expanded through years of raising five children, taking leadership roles in her community, and working as an educator for a decade. This journey culminated in her Master of Education in School Counseling from Utah Valley University. Impassioned with helping students overcome barriers, Jewelia takes a holistic approach, encouraging them to recognize their potential. She sets high expectations for herself and others, remaining future-focused and committed to positive growth.

With a background in social work, Chyenne Walters dedicated herself to serving families in challenging circumstances. Fueled by her passion for mental health, she became an elementary school counselor, where she aims to empower children to navigate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors confidently. Her goal is to create a safe space for students and be a trusted touch point along their journeys of growth and self-discovery. With every interaction, she strives to cultivate resilience so each child can flourish despite the obstacles they face.

I am an athlete, coach, and an educator who believes that sports have incredible lessons to teach us about life. This program was incredibly impactful for me and molded a lot of my strategies and teaching practices that I implement to this day. The instructors were masters within the field of education and gave great insights as to what I would need to know and do to be an effective educator.

Will King is a born and bred native of Springville, Utah. After collecting degrees from BYU and UVU, he now teaches screenwriting and film history at UVU and for the Utah Film Center, and is certified to teach history and film at the secondary level. When not teaching or volunteering for Springville’s Public Art Committee or the Rivoli Theater, he writes for the podcast History That Doesn’t Suck.

Kiley M. Campbell received her Bachelor’s Degree from New York City’s Fordham University in 2020, double majoring in Comparative Literature and Spanish. Since that time, Kiley has been working as a middle school Language Arts teacher at Wallace Stegner Academy in Salt Lake City. She is proud to be an openly trans educator and an advocate for Utah’s LGBTQ+ community. She returned to Utah later that year and got her teaching license in 2022.

Bailey graduated from UVU in 2019 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry with a Minor in Biology and an emphasis in Biochemistry. After graduation Bailey found a job teaching high school chemistry and biology in rural Utah where she worked through the COVID pandemic. After her daughter was born in 2021 Bailey and her family moved back to Utah County where she has continued to teach and obtained her professional teaching license.

Erika Free graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in English with a minor in Japanese. She worked as a podcast producer and editor before deciding to brave the world of education. Her passion for creating concise content to meet her audience’s needs translates well to her passion for creating curriculum to help each student thrive. She loves teaching 9th graders at Cedar Valley High School.

Riley Daniels grew up in Spanish Fork, Utah and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Southern Virginia University. After graduating, he began teaching in Nebo School District. He taught one year at an Elementary School, two years at a Middle School, and is now currently teaching Biology at Payson High School where he is also the Head Baseball Coach.

Debbie Lindsay is a fourth year government and citizenship teacher at Lehi High School. She completed her Bachelor and Master’s degree from BYU and is excited to finish her Master’s in Secondary Education from UVU. Over the past four years she has pre-registered hundreds of high school students to vote and opened the world of state and local government to her students.

Jennifer Avondet graduated from BYU in History in 2001. 21 years, 4 children, and a lot of trips to visit historical sites later- she re-entered academia by starting a Master’s in Education program at UVU. She fell in love with teaching middle schoolers after student teaching 8th grade US History at Viewpoint Middle School where she is currently employed as a World and Utah History teacher.

Laura De Backer is originally from Angers, France. She moved to Utah in 2010 and has been working in education since 2014. She is a French Dual Immersion Teacher for Granite Schools District, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Languages applied to Media and Communication from Université Paris Ouest, France, and a Dual Immersion Endorsement and Master’s degree in Secondary Education from Utah Valley University. She was awarded a certificate by the University for Peace’s Centre for Executive Education for the completion of the course: Educating in Changing Times, Reflect, Rethink, Rebuild in 2021.

Ty Tischner began pursuing a flying career with the Utah Army National Guard as a Chief Warrant Officer flying Blackhawks and a full time airline pilot before deciding that he loves his wife and didn’t want to be gone all the time. To fuel his passion for helping lift the younger generation, he completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in history before pursuing the UVU graduate certificate program in secondary education. He continued his schooling to complete his Masters Degree in Secondary Education during the summer of 2024.

Hunter completed his Bachelor’s Degree in History, then decided to pursue teaching after a brief stint as a train conductor. After securing a position as a social studies teacher and feeling he’d found his calling, he decided to pursue a higher education in education. Hunter is married, and a father of two. He loves history, sharing it with others, and connecting with his students through terrible jokes.

Chloe completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the Utah Valley University in 2021. After working as a 504 aide in a middle school and falling in love with education, she decided to return to graduate school and pursue a dream of becoming a teacher. She completed her Graduate Certificate and became licensed while teaching 7th grade. She was hired full time as an 8th grade US History teacher and an English as a Second Language teacher for the 2024-25 school year.

Kevin Baldwin is a new teacher who has taught chemistry and physics in Utah and California. He is passionate about connecting with students and making science a fun, memorable experience. With a focus on innovative educational strategies and interpersonal skills, Kevin aims to enhance classroom dynamics and foster effective group collaboration among students.