Elizabeth loves sharing her passion for the outdoors as a mentor. As she says, “The raw learning and growth that occur in nature are difficult to recreate in other settings.” She has served as a mentor for youth and adults of all ages, and that perspective enables her to inspire those around her.

Elizabeth’s family loves spending time outdoors. Hiking, biking, kayaking, backpacking, camping, and exploring lava tubes are a few of the adventures they enjoyed together this last year!

Having a dedicated mentor is crucial to a student’s success, and there is no doubt that Cissily fills that role. She discovered her passion for mentorship while pursuing a medical degree and quickly switched her paths. Cissily then completed her bachelor’s in Biology from Western Governors University and received an endorsement from the state of Utah in Biology and Middle School Sciences. She has taught in nearly every school setting, whether brick and mortar, online, charter, public, or private. She discovered across the board that students learn best when parents, students, and mentors work together to create transformational learning experiences. In addition to teaching, Cissily enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her husband and two children.

Leadership is at the core of what we do, and Ellie brings the experience and drive to inspire leadership in your student. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Community Health and has used that to create leadership opportunities throughout her life. She is a business owner, area manager, tennis coach, and mother of three children. Ellie strives to create a supportive environment that will help your student gain confidence, self-worth, and a strong desire to make a difference in this world.

Your student’s learning environment is crucial to their success. Jodi is committed to creating the ideal environment for your student. She spent two years working with distance schoolers at Canyon Grove Academy and helped develop the curriculum for their Epic Day program. As a parent with two ILC students herself, Jodi understands how important transformational learning experiences are in a student’s education. She strives to build a place where students can learn from uplifting mentors and develop their skills every day. Her favorite hobby is reading, but she also loves hiking, vacationing, and biking through the red rock canyons with her family. 

Your student’s mentor should be a well-rounded and capable individual. Ellen is precisely that. Her passion for math is unique, and she shares that passion with her students every day. In addition to working with LAU students, Ellen is an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University where she teaches College Algebra. She balances her love of math with a love of theatre. She even puts on full-fledged Shakespeare plays in her basement with her eight children!

Outdoor Adventures is an educational program, but it’s also an opportunity for students to have fun and create new friendships. One of Sam’s top priorities is for your student to have an amazing experience on every adventure. He believes that you can’t beat time spent on the water, especially in a canoe, and that laughing with people is one of the best pastimes. After growing up in Minnesota, Sam moved to Wisconsin to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Geoscience and Outdoor Education. He recently moved to Salt Lake City after living with his twin brother in Missoula, Montana. He’s looking forward to mentoring your student and taking them on transformational adventures.

Shelby brings a rare passion for science to her classroom. Since middle school, she has been interested in the workings of the human body, which fueled her desire to get a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Wellness from Brigham Young University. The same passion drove her to attain a teaching certificate with a biological science endorsement from the state of Utah. From coaching gymnastics to teaching science, Shelby has always found ways to be an educator, which is her greatest passion in life. When she’s not teaching, she’s often doing yoga or running through the mountains of Logan, Utah.

Bob is the first-rate mentor every student deserves. He’s been a teacher and mentor for over 30 years, working with high school and middle school students across the state. He has also served as Director of the LDS Institute at the University of Oklahoma and Utah State Prison. Bob’s love for teaching has pulled him towards Leadership Academy of Utah, and he is looking forward to providing high-quality learning opportunities for your student. When he’s not in the classroom, Bob enjoys camping with his wife and cheering on his favorite sports teams.

Every student can benefit from a mentor with a variety of real-world experience. Cedric began working with the US Marine Corps where he trained Marines to repair communication electronics. From there, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Digital Media Production from the Art Institute of Phoenix. At the same time, he was the president of the Digital Film Society and even produced a PSA for NASA’s Mars Rover Project. Cedric created his own online magazine focused on music and media. He even went on to manage a music co-op in Louisiana and trained producers and online radio hosts at Acadiana Open Channel. His passion for electronics, media, and technology will bring a new perspective to your student’s classroom experience.

Your student deserves support and encouragement in all they do, and Katelyn is ready to celebrate and cheer on your student. Katelyn recently moved from Logan to Provo, Utah, to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art. Besides art, Katelyn’s other passion is being outdoors. She’s worked as a personal mentor to students of all ages both in the classroom and outdoors and loves challenging them to see their true potential. It brings her complete joy to see students achieve their goals and to celebrate those achievements with them.

Cindy is the perfect mentor to help your student discover their inner artist. Cindy comes to Leadership Academy of Utah having worked in various media, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics. She’s exhibited her work in several galleries across the country and has won several awards and public art commissions. Cindy received a BFA in illustration and MFA in sculpture from Utah State University and has taught art to students of all ages for over 20 years. When she’s not making art, Cindy enjoys landscaping, reading, and spending time with her family.

Your student deserves a safe and transformative learning environment. After working in education for most of her adult life, Joanna is just the person to ensure your student has exactly that. She grew up in Florida but moved to Utah seven years ago and has loved every minute since. Joanna has homeschooled her children for ten years and believes it was one of her greatest adventures. She recently worked with a local school district to open one of the first wellness rooms for students at a community school. You can often find her at the nearest roller rink either skating or playing roller derby in her free time! She loves to hike with her dogs and find new and exciting places to eat. She currently lives in Herriman, Utah, with her four kids and two dogs. 

A relatable mentor can be rare for students, but John has a unique ability to connect with students on a personal level. John recently started studying philosophy and communication at Utah State University after having been homeschooled for many years. As a result, he developed a diverse academic background that will help him guide your students through a year of exciting adventures. When he’s not adventuring, John enjoys reading, experiencing nature, playing games, and discussing philosophy.

As the Executive Director of LAU, Pete is an excellent fit to help your student learn how to become an extraordinary leader. Pete grew up as part of a large family in rural Utah. After spending two years in London, England as a young adult, he returned to Utah State University, where he received a degree in Political Science. He then received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the USAF and spent six years on active duty. Once he returned, Pete ran a private school in Northern Utah for two years. He now works to help facilitate transformational learning experiences for students at Leadership Academy of Utah. He spends lots of time reading, studying, and being with his family.

Some people believe that drama is a gateway to creating greater understanding and empathy for others. Christian is one of these mentors. He believes that transformational learning can take place in and out of the classroom. Having recently completed his master’s degree in Communication Studies from Utah State University, Christian is ready to create meaningful and fun learning experiences for your student in either the classroom or the mountains. He’s a seasoned adventurer who loves to be outdoors. He’s even been a backpacking guide at Yellowstone and the Grand Teton National Parks. He currently lives in Logan, Utah.

A mentor’s passion for their subject is crucial to a successful classroom experience, and Sarah’s passion for STEM is the perfect catalyst for transformational learning. She discovered at an early age that sharing her passion for math and engineering brought her true joy. Sarah has been involved in robotics for most of her life and has been a teacher, tutor, and mentor in various educational settings from middle school through college. She has degrees in Math Education, Computer Engineering, and Electrical Engineering from Oklahoma Christian University and Utah State University. She currently lives in Logan, Utah, with her husband and foster children.

Transformational learning can also happen outside of the classroom, and Juliann’s love for the outdoors is the perfect catalyst. She’s currently studying Recreation Administration and Outdoor Adventure Leadership at Utah State University. She regularly takes other college students on multi-day backcountry adventures as part of USU’s outdoor program. Juliann is passionate about getting students of all ages outside and promoting lifelong learning through sports and activities. She believes that adventure is a crucial part of living a meaningful life, and she hopes to help your student find their own love for outdoor adventures.

Physical fitness is a crucial part of a student’s education, and no one is better suited to mentor your student than an experienced professional. Melissa became a Certified Nursing Assistant after getting her degree in English from Weber State University. Since then, she’s worked in the emergency room, cardiac department, and rehabilitation unit at McKay-Dee hospital. She’s also spent time working in elementary and middle school special education. Melissa is an avid sports enthusiast who regularly plays volleyball and coaches competitive soccer. She is passionate about learning and is always ready for a new challenge.

Becky is passionate about working with youth. In her words, “I hope I can help spark learning and discovery in youth and also help them recognize their strengths, gifts, and who they are so they can lead in their lives.” She has worked with students in numerous settings, including camps, after-school programs, co-ops, and 4H.

Becky holds a degree in Recreation Management from Brigham Young University. She loves spending time outdoors, cooking, gardening, and traveling.

Sarah’s enthusiasm for mentoring shines through in her classroom. Her devotion to her students is apparent from the moment you meet her. She worked as an aide at the ILC last year and is looking forward to returning to the classroom! Sarah is currently working towards her bachelor’s degree at Utah Valley University. She loves sports and has coached several of her children’s baseball and soccer teams. Sarah believes that transformational learning can happen when you least expect it, and she hopes to create those opportunities for your student thi

Passion and commitment are two critical characteristics of a good mentor, and Regan is a shining example of that. He began studying art at a young age and was invited to apprentice and study under some of America’s top portrait and figure artists while still in high school. After graduating, he spent two years participating in humanitarian work in South India. Regan returned home and continued his artistic career, producing collector-worthy masterpieces and working on some of his greatest projects yet. He is thrilled to expand his love of art by teaching and helping students enhance their own artistic abilities.

Annie has spent the last ten years homeschooling and traveling with her husband and four kids. Having visited 30 plus countries and 49 states, she and her family paused their nomadic life and bought a house when they found heaven in North Carolina. Annie loves learning about every plant and animal on their wooded property.

Annie is a passionate mentor and her students love her energy and excitement about life. Her greatest joy is seeing students accomplish goals that they previously couldn’t even dream were possible. Her degree is in Physical Education and she stays active coaching a running club for youth in North Carolina.

She loves good questions, and the power that they have to cause us to rethink our previously held assumptions and to expand our vision of what is possible. She loves helping students begin their journey of discovering their passions, talents, and all that they have to offer the world.

Gary’s passion lies in creating reliable and efficient administrative services to simplify and improve you and your student’s Williamsburg experience. Before joining Williamsburg in 2010, Gary worked in software development, project management, and administrative positions for companies and schools in California and Utah. Today, he oversees all technology and administrative systems for Williamsburg, including the development of our personalized Student Information Services platform. Besides technology, Gary is passionate about leadership, the liberal arts, and the outdoors. He loves designing systems that support all three in his role at Williamsburg.

Gary completed his undergraduate studies in business and computer science at Utah State University and an M.A. in education from George Wythe University. He lives with his wife, Liesl, and their six children in Cedar City, Utah. Away from work, he enjoys volunteering for a local Boy Scouts troop and spending time with his family—especially if it involves canyoneering, hiking, backpacking, reading, or dancing.

Email: gary@williamsburglearning.com

Anya holds Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Social & Behavioral Sciences, a Master’s degree, and an Administrative Endorsement in K-12 School Leadership. She lives in Saint George and is the proud mom of three amazing children. Outside of education, Anya’s passions include the ocean, travel, art, humanitarian work, chocolate, and hot yoga.

Email: anya@williamsburglearning.com

Adam holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts from George Wythe University. He lives with his wife, Laura, of thirteen years and their son Emmet in St. George, Utah. Adam loves wrestling with his son, hiking, reading, discussing, CrossFit, cinema, and making delicious food for family and friends.

Email: adam@williamsburglearning.com