Joanne Andrus
Orchestra Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know?
I’m a member of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square for the past 9 years…
Where did you grow up? Holladay, UT
Do you have children? 6 amazing adult children
If you went to college, where did you go? University of Utah
What did you want to be when you were little? A mom
What are your hobbies/interests? Exercising, sewing, canning, baking, reading
Do you speak any other languages? Tiny bit of Spanish
FAVORITES
Color Green
Flower Peonies
Animal Sea Turtle
Book Little Women
Movie Star Wars
TV Show Relative Race
School Subject English/Literature
Food Lasagna
Treat Pies
Drink Water
Restaurant Olive Garden, Cheesecake Factory, Crown Burger
Store Bath and Body Works, Barnes & Noble, Target, Kohls
Sharla Arnold
Theatre Technician
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know?
I have chickens!
Where did you grow up? Georgia, Ohio, Kansas (Army BRAT)
Do you have children? Olivia 21, Davis 18, Sawyer 13
Do you have pets? Guinea pig, dog, 4 out door cats, 10 chickens
If you went to college, where did you go? Southern Utah University
What are your hobbies/interests? Sewing, reading, crafts
Do you speak any other languages? Little ASL
FAVORITES
Color All shades of blue
Flower All
Animal Panda
Book The Book Thief.
Movie 50 First Dates
TV Show Ted Lasso
School Subject Theatre!
Food Anything someone else made
Treat See’s candy
Drink Diet Dr. Pepper
Restaurant Fueled up
Store Amazon
Sarah Baird
5th Grade Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? All of my siblings and myself are all adopted.
Where did you grow up? Holladay, UT
Do you have children? 3 kids: Jack (20), Elizabeth (12), Charlotte (8)
Do you have pets? 1 big Saint Bernard/Pyranees dog, 4 cats (one tripod and one polydactyl, three of them rescues), 16 chickens
If you went to college, where did you go? BYU-Hawaii, BYU Provo, and Utah State University
What did you want to be when you were little? A teacher like my mom
What are your hobbies/interests? Scrapbooking and baking
FAVORITES
Color Yellow
Flower Roses
Animal Cats
Book Harry Potter series and To Kill A Mockingbird
Movie Some Kind of Wonderful
TV Show New Girl and Gilmore Girls
School Subject Social Studies
Food Bacon cheeseburgers
Treat Cookies or dark chocolate
Drink Ice cold water or Black Cherry Fresca
Restaurant Zupas, Cheesecake Factory, or Five Guys
Store Target and Amazon
Jen Barney
School Psychologist
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I spent a summer living in Israel
Where did you grow up? Cache Valley, Utah
Do you have children? Two wonderful daughters – Olivia in 4th grade and Juniper in 2nd grade
Do you have pets? A golden retriever named Willow and a standard issue cat named Jingles
If you went to college, where did you go? Utah State University
What did you want to be when you were little? An astronaut
What are your hobbies/interests? Hiking, reading, board games, National Parks
Do you speak any other languages? Working on learning Spanish
FAVORITES
Color Turquoise
Flower Peonies
Animal Dog
Book Nonfiction books
Movie Gone Girl
TV Show Modern Family
School Subject Math and science
Food Pork chops
Treat Sour gummy worms
Drink Diet Dr. Pepper, Golden Eagle from Dutch Bros
Restaurant Costa Vida, Dutch Bros.
Store Target, Barnes and Noble
Brooke Bendixen
Behavior Assistant
Where did you grow up? Utah
Do you have children? 3, Emma 10, Lucy 8, Robby 5
Do you have pets? One dog – sheepadoodle named George
What are your hobbies/interests? Reading, movies, being with family and friends
FAVORITES
Color Green
Flower Ranunculus
Animal Lion
Book To Kill a Mockingbird
Movie The Blind Side
TV Show Friends
Food Sandwiches
Treat Chocolate
Drink Diet Dr. Pepper
Restaurant Kneaders
Store Target
Allison Beutler
Special Education Paraeducator
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I have two different colored eyes.
Where did you grow up? Phoenix, Arizona
Do you have children? Four children, all grown – two married
Do you have pets? Goldendoodle – Finley
If you went to college, where did you go? Some college in Arizona
What did you want to be when you were little? A mom
What are your hobbies/interests? Traveling, decorating, playing with two adorable grandkids
Do you speak any other languages? Learning American Sign Language
FAVORITES
Color Copper
Flower Hydrangea, cactus (not a flower, I know)
Animal Elephants, sloths
Book The Book of Mormon, Al Capone Does My Shirts (I don’t do much reading)
Movie Elf, So I Married an Axe Murderer, Mamma Mia
TV Show Psych, Modern Family, The Chosen
School Subject History
Food Mexican food
Treat English toffee, gelato, soft pretzels, pastries
Drink Coke (or Swig – because I’m trying to quit drinking caffeine, but not always successfully)
Restaurant Oh Mai, Settebello, Cafe Rio
Store Target, Amazon
Mario Blanco
Assistant Facilities Manager
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I have seen UFOs
Where did you grow up? Mexico
Do you have children? 3 children Ricardo, Bianca and Valerie
Do you have pets? 2 dogs, Bella and Taquito
What did you want to be when you were little? Firefighter
What are your hobbies/interests? Walking and hiking
Do you speak any other languages? Spanish
FAVORITES
Color Brown
Animal Horses
Movie Sweet November
TV Show Sports
School Subject History
Food Tacos
Treat Chocolate
Drink Pepsi
Restaurant Chili’s and Red Lobster
Store Sierra
Zoe Bradley
4th Grade Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I attended Lone Peak from 2nd to 6th grade and student taught here.
Where did you grow up? I grew up here in Sandy.
Do you have pets? I have three pets- a chocolate lab named Otis and two cats named Mrs. Moon and Jeremy.
If you went to college, where did you go? Southern Utah University
What did you want to be when you were little? I wanted to be a vet.
What are your hobbies/interests? Reading, hiking, and listening to music
FAVORITES
Color Green
Flower Sunflowers
Animal Cat
Book I don’t have a favorite book, I’ve read too many to choose just one.
Movie Hunt for the Wilderpeople
TV Show Schitt’s Creek
School Subject English Language Arts and Art
Food Pad Thai
Treat Chocolate chip cookies
Drink Lemonade
Restaurant Costa Vida and Zupas
Store Target
Kassie Butt
Behavior Assistant
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I have very curly hair.
Where did you grow up? Seattle, Washington
Do you have children? Luke 16, Taylor 14, Payton 10
Do you have pets? 2 dogs
If you went to college, where did you go? Washington State University
What did you want to be when you were little? An archeologist
What are your hobbies/interests? Love to play tennis
FAVORITES
Color I love ALL colors
Flower I love ALL flowers
Animal Dogs
Book Any fictional romance
Movie Meet the Parents
TV Show I love to watch sports
School Subject Art
Food Mexican
Treat Peanut Butter M&Ms
Drink Diet Coke or Diet Dr. Pepper
Restaurant Cliff House, Costa Vida, Starbucks
Store Target and Amazon
Savannah Chen
2nd Grade Chinese Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I like spicy food.
What are your hobbies/interests? Hiking, traveling, reading
Do you speak any other languages? Chinese and English
FAVORITES
Color Green and pink
Flower Rose
School Subject Math
Food Hot Pot, Pad Thai, Sushi
Treat Beef Jerky, Pocky, Nut
Drink Coconut water, Naked Juice
Restaurant Thai Issan Restaurant, Shake Shack, Popeyes
Store Target, Amazon, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s
Shad DeMill
Principal
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I enjoy woodworking and building things with my hands.
Where did you grow up? Utah
Do you have children? We have 5 children. The oldest is 22 years old and the youngest is 13 years old.
Do you have pets? We have 2 goats, 12 chickens, a dog, a cat and a colony of bees.
If you went to college, where did you go? BYU
What did you want to be when you were little? A Professional Basketball Player for the Jazz 🙂
What are your hobbies/interests? Hiking, camping, fishing, woodworking, being outdoors, sports
Do you speak any other languages? Spanish
FAVORITES
Color Blue
Animal Dog
Book Holes
Movie I enjoy humor, adventure, action movies
School Subject Math and Science
Food Mexican, Thanksgiving Dinner
Treat Ice cream & cookies
Drink Strawberry lemonade
Restaurant Red Robin, Texas Roadhouse, Leatherby’s
Store Home Depot
Julie Deng
1st Grade Teacher
Where did you grow up? Salt Lake City, UT
If you went to college, where did you go? University of Utah
What did you want to be when you were little? Teacher or Nurse
What are your hobbies/interests? I love reading books and watching movies! I love puzzles.
Do you speak any other languages? Chinese
FAVORITES
Color Purple
Flower Orchid
Animal Panda
Book Anne of Green Gables
Movie Sound of Music
TV Show Monk
School Subject Reading
Food Any Asian Food!
Treat Frozen yogurt, cookies
Drink Raspberry Dream (Swig), coffee
Restaurant Cheesecake Factory, Zupas, Chick Fil-A
Store Loft, Target, Barnes and Noble, or Amazon
Julie Gardner
Nutrition Manager
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? Never like to be the center of attention
Where did you grow up? Farmington, Utah
If you went to college, where did you go? BYU- Idaho (Ricks)
What did you want to be when you were little? Nurse
What are your hobbies/interests? Traveling, being with family and outdoors.
FAVORITES
Color Blue
Flower Rose or Carnation
Animal Puppies, Kittens
Book Little Black Sambo
Movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
TV Show Hallmark Movies
School Subject PE
Food Italian, Mexican
Treat Red Vines
Drink Grape Crystal Lite
Restaurant Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden
Store Walmart
Ashley Fregoso
School Social Worker
Where did you grow up? Utah
Do you have children? Yes, one boy and another on the way
Do you have any pets? Yes, two dogs- Scooby Doo and Copper
If you went to college, where did you go? University of Utah
FAVORITES
Color Aqua
Flower Lotus and lillies
Animal Dogs
Alayna Garff
Recess/Copy Room Assistant
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I do many forms of art Poly clay sculpting, felting, painting and drawing. I also love collecting teacups.
Where did you grow up? Utah
Do you have any pets? Two (Not counting the many fish), Ciel and Pixel, Ciel is a small blue parakeet and pixel is a English setter.
What did you want to be when you were little? I was never sure.
What are your hobbies/interests? I enjoy art, video games, and working with animals.
Do you speak any other languages? No, but I’d like to learn French and ASL
FAVORITES
Color Teal and light pink
Flower Water lily
Animal Sting ray
Movie Guardians of the Galaxy/Cinderella
School Subject Science
Food Brats and sauerkraut
Treat My grandmother’s raspberry pretzel salad or lemon supreme pie
Drink SoBe pina colada or Lemonaide
Restaurant Bonsai Japaneses steakhouse
Michelle Hamilton
Kindergarten Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I did mission work with children in India, Africa and Romania.
Where did you grow up? Sonoma, CA
Do you have children? I have a child that is a teenager.
Do you have pets? I have a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Her name is Opal.
If you went to college, where did you go? Sacramento, California
What did you want to be when you were little? A mother
What are your hobbies/interests? I enjoy swimming, hiking and ice skating. I also crochet.
FAVORITES
Color Baby Pink
Flower Rose
Animal Elephant, cow, and rabbit
Food Mexican food from Cafe Rio
Treat Dark chocolate, Kit Kats
Drink Coconut milk latte
Restaurant Texas Roadhouse
Store Scheel’s
Mary Hardy
Administrative Assistant
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I did a college internship at Walt Disney World.
Where did you grow up? Austin, TX
Do you have children? I have three children – Bennett, Charlotte, and Stella
Do you have pets? Manchester Terrier/Beagle dog named Maggie
If you went to college, where did you go? BS in Early Childhood, Health Science and Vocal Music from BYU-Idaho
What did you want to be when you were little? Actress or School Secretary 🙂
What are your hobbies/interests? Broadway, Disney, singing, reading, piano, binge watching, and spending time with family
Do you speak any other languages? Spanish in middle school and high school
FAVORITES
Color Pink
Flower Hydrangea
Animal Harbor seal
Book Anything by Elin Hilderbrand
Movie Tommy Boy, Clueless
TV Show The Office, Dateline Mysteries
School Subject English
Food Tex Mex
Treat Walker’s Shortbread cookies
Drink Regular Coke, Starbucks Pink Drink
Restaurant Texas Roadhouse, Slackwater
Store Target, Kohl’s
Amy Heath
Behavior Assistant
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I hiked to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Where did you grow up? Sandy, UT
Do you have children? 4 daughters and 1 son, ages 25 to 7
Do you have pets? 1 beta fish named Betty
If you went to college, where did you go? University of Phoenix
What did you want to be when you were little? Teacher
What are your hobbies/interests? Travel, organizing, hiking, spending time with family
Do you speak any other languages? The tiniest bit of German
FAVORITES
Color I love all colors.
Flower I love all flowers.
Animal Elephants and turtles
Book Too many to list!
Movie Black Panther, La La Land, Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Count of Monte Cristo
TV Show The Good Wife, House, King of Queens, Sherlock
School Subject U.S. History
Food Salads, sandwiches, any kind of potatoes
Treat Chocolate-covered cinnamon bears, Milk Duds
Drink Caffeine Free Diet Coke and Swig Sparkling Fruit Water
Restaurant Cheesecake Factory, Jersey Mikes
Store Target, Amazon, Home Goods, The Container Store
Diane Hofheins
Kindergarten Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I make delicious homemade pies.
Where did you grow up? Lakewood, Colorado
Do you have children? I have 3 daughters, Camille, Olivia and Lucy.
Do you have pets? I have a cat named Dash.
If you went to college, where did you go? Brigham Young University
What did you want to be when you were little? A mom
What are your hobbies/interests? I love being in nature, reading, eating out
FAVORITES
Color Sage green, soft pink
Flower Gerbera daisies
Animal Bunny
Book To Kill a Mockingbird
Movie Emperor’s New Groove
TV Show 1960’s sitcoms
School Subject History
Food Mexican
Treat Ice cream
Drink Fruit smoothies
Restaurant Red Iguana, Cafe Rio
Store Target
Hattie Hope
2nd Grade Teacher
Where did you grow up? WA state
What did you want to be when you were little? Teacher or photographer
What are your hobbies/interests? Photography, traveling, reading, painting
FAVORITES
Color Green
Flower Gerbera daisies
Book More Parts, Giving Tree
School Subject Math
Food Pizza
Treat Peanut butter M&M’s
Drink Smoothies
Restaurant Cheesecake factory, Zupas, Spitz, anything pizza
Store Home Goods, Target, Amazon
Janice Hunt
4th Grade Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I have been on a chartered plane dropped off in the back country of Montana.
Where did you grow up? Utah
Do you have children? I have two children (Sarah and Mason). Love them!
If you went to college, where did you go? U of U
What did you want to be when you were little? When I was little all I wanted to be was a good mom.
What are your hobbies/interests? I love to hike, ski, garden and play board games with my family.
FAVORITES
Color Dark Blue
Flower Roses
Animal I love dogs.
Book Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Movie The Princess Bride
School Subject I love to teach Math.
Food My favorite foods are fresh fruit (almost any kind), bacon, and avocados.
Treat Chocolate Covered Cinnamon Bears
Drink Pink Lemonade or Diet Mountain Dew
Restaurant Texas Roadhouse, Chick-Fil-A, or Zupas
Store Target and Amazon
Kasey Jackson
Special Education Paraeducator
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? That I make TikTok videos
Where did you grow up? I grew up in West Valley City.
Do you have children? I have 1 kid and his name is Johnathan
Do you have pets? I have 5 dogs at my in-law’s and 1 dog at my parent’s.
If you went to college, where did you go? I did one year at SLCC
What did you want to be when you were little? A doctor
What are your hobbies/interests? Hobbies are making TikTok videos, coloring
FAVORITES
Color Navy blue
Flower Pink rose
Animal Koala
Book It Ends With Us
Movie Twisters
TV Show The Secret Life of the American Teenager
School Subject Lunch haha
Food Chinese food
Treat Frozen yogurt
Drink Sharks in the water
Restaurant Chick fil-A
Store Nike, Vans, Lego
Andrea Jacobs
3rd Grade Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I once helped solve a crime.
Where did you grow up? Michigan
Do you have pets? 3 (Genghis is a cat, Maya Mae is a cat, and Nibble is a dog)
If you went to college, where did you go? Western Michigan University for undergrad and I started but didn’t finish my masters degree at Central Michigan University
What did you want to be when you were little? Teacher
What are your hobbies/interests? I love to read, crochet, and listen to music
Do you speak any other languages? A little bit of German
FAVORITES
Color Dark blue
Flower All flowers but plants die when they know they are coming to me 😉
Animal Turtle
Book Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Movie Finding Dory
School Subject Math
Food Chili, pizza, pancakes, or salmon
Treat I love gummy candies and I love chocolate
Drink Mountain Dew
Restaurant The Dodo
Store Target or Bath and Body Works
Belynda Jones
STEAM Technician
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I taught English to kids in China online for 4 years.
Where did you grow up? Here in Sandy
Do you have children? I have 3 children. Brayden is in 8th grade and Jordan is in 6th grade at Indian Hills Middle School. Kimball is here at the school in 3rd grade.
If you went to college, where did you go? I went to Utah State University and majored in Elementary Education with a minor in Elementary Music Education
What did you want to be when you were little? I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I was in 1st grade.
What are your hobbies/interests? I love going camping with my family and spending time with them. I also love going to all of my kids sports activities and watching them play.
FAVORITES
Color Turquoise
Flower I love any flowers.
Book I enjoy reading the Fablehaven series.
School Subject Math and Science
Food Lasagna
Treat Anything mint chocolate
Drink Strawberry Lemonade
Restaurant Cafe Rio, Panda Express, and Chick Fil-A
Store Target, Amazon, and Costco
Yan Li
4th Grade Chinese Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? My personality
Where did you grow up? Inner Mongolia
Do you have children? Yes, her name is Ziyan Sun.
If you went to college, where did you go? Zhengzhou university
What did you want to be when you were little? Teacher
What are your hobbies/interests? Cooking and singing
FAVORITES
Color Red
Flower Lily
Animal Cats
Book Adventure
Movie Alvata
TV Show Prison Break
School Subject Chinese
Food Chocolate
Treat Candy
Drink Cola
Restaurant Hot Pot
Store Smith’s
Janie Linkel-Owens
Instructional Assistant
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I was a preschool teacher for 18 years, and I have my cosmetology licences.
Where did you grow up? Indiana
Do you have children? I have 3 children. I have a daughter at Indian Hills, a son at Lone Peak and my youngest son is in preschool.
If you went to college, where did you go? I went to Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana.
What did you want to be when you were little? I wanted to be a mom and a babysitter!
What are your hobbies/interests? I love traveling, watching my kids play sports/activities, we hike and camp together, and I love to relax with a cup of tea.
FAVORITES
Color Blue or green
Flower Orchids or tulip
Book The Nightingale
Movie Pitch Perfect
TV Show Schitt’s Creek and documentaries
School Subject Art and math
Food Food is my love language! I love to try new foods. Pastas are my favorite!
Treat Acai bowl, creme brulee, and lavender scone
Drink Tea lattes
Restaurant Slackwater, Osteria Amore, Prohibition, Corner Brick
Store Target and Bohme
Kickey Liu
3rd Grade Chinese Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I was 5 minutes lucky to escape from a bomb.
Where did you grow up? Zhejiang, China
If you went to college, where did you go? Zhejiang Yuexiu Foreign Language College
What did you want to be when you were little? A teacher
What are your hobbies/interests? Pickleball, badminton, singing
Do you speak any other languages? Chinese
FAVORITES
Color Light purple
Flower Tulips
Animal Golden fish
Book Journey to the West (aka. The Monkey King)
Movie Green Book
TV Show Stranger Things
School Subject English
Food Dumplings
Treat Homemade German chocolate
Drink Lala Yogurt (mango flavor)
Restaurant Asa Ramen, Little Indi, Ombu Grill
Store Target, Walmart, Harmons, Smith’s, Chinatown
Nicole Luna
5th Grade Teacher
Where did you grow up? Virginia
Do you have pets? 1 puppy mini goldendoodle named Teddy
If you went to college, where did you go? BYU Idaho
What did you want to be when you were little? Artist or Zoologist or Teacher
What are your hobbies/interests? Road Tripping
Do you speak any other languages? Learning Spanish!
FAVORITES
Color Purple
Flower Gerbera Daisy
Animal Hedgehog
Book Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Movie A Cinderella Story
TV Show Grey’s Anatomy
School Subject Social Studies or English
Food Pasta
Treat Popcorn or Sweettart Ropes
Drink Dr. Pepper
Restaurant Costa Vida, Cup Bop or Taco Bell
Store Amazon, Target
Serena Mackerell
Recess/Copy Room Assistant
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I love to sing. And I’m pretty good at it.
Where did you grow up? Salt Lake
Do you have children? 3 – Vivian, Harrison & Dean, all 8 years old.
If you went to college, where did you go? LDS Business College
What did you want to be when you were little? A movie star
What are your hobbies/interests? Singing
Do you speak any other languages? Portuguese
FAVORITES
Color Red, Green
Flower Red rose
Animal Elephant, panda bear
Book Edenbrooke
Movie Gone With the Wind
TV Show Seinfeld
School Subject Art
Food Mexican
Treat Cheesecake
Drink Pepsi
Restaurant Cafe Zao, Costa Vida
Store Target, Walmart and TJMaxx
Amber Mackrell
1st Grade Teacher
Where did you grow up? Green River, Wyoming
Do you have pets? 1 dog named Digger who is a Red Heeler
If you went to college, where did you go? University of Wyoming and University of Alaska Fairbanks
What did you want to be when you were little? I always knew I wanted to be a teacher.
What are your hobbies/interests? Reading, swimming, anything outdoors, painting.
FAVORITES
Color Yellow
Flower Daisy and tulips
Animal Dog
Treat Anything dark chocolate or mint
Drink Flavored water and Dr. Pepper
Paige Martinez
Instructional Coach
Where did you grow up? Draper, UT
If you went to college, where did you go? Utah Valley University
What did you want to be when you were little? Teacher!
What are your hobbies/interests? Baseball, traveling, movies
FAVORITES
Color Purple
Flower Orchids
Animal Dog
Book Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Movie Goonies
TV Show Friends
Food Cheeseburgers, Sushi, pizza
Treat Cookies, cake
Drink Diet Coke, Diet Dr. Pepper
Restaurant In-N-Out Burger, Cheesecake Factory, Porcupine, Cafe Rio
Store Target, Old Navy, Amazon
Megan Meier
1st Grade Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? Mrs. Redd and I have been friends since we were in 7th grade.
Where did you grow up? Sandy, Utah
Do you have children? 4 kids – Brody, Andie, Grant, and Millie
Do you have pets? 3 pets: Dog – Oscar Meier, Cat – Mittens, Bird – Pickles
If you went to college, where did you go? Snow College and then SUU
What did you want to be when you were little? Ballerina or a teacher
What are your hobbies/interests? Running, reading, family game night
Do you speak any other languages? Used to speak Spanish, but way out of practice
FAVORITES
Color Orange
Flower Gerbera daisy, tulip
Animal Penguin
Book Tending Roses
School Subject Writing
Food Anything but seafood
Treat Caramel M&Ms, chocolate-covered cinnamon bears
Drink Diet Coke, Mango-A-Go-Go from Jamba
Restaurant Red Robin, Costa Vida, 5 Guys
Store Target, Amazon
Michele Mickelsen
4th Grade Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I am kind of a health nut!
Where did you grow up? Spokane, WA and Sandy, UT
Do you have children? 2 girls both in college!
Do you have pets? 1 dog – Jasper
If you went to college, where did you go? Utah State University
What did you want to be when you were little? CPA
What are your hobbies/interests? Walking Jasper, podcasts, cooking, hiking, reading
Do you speak any other languages? I wish!
FAVORITES
Color Lavender
Flower Peonies
Animal Dogs
Book The Nightingale
Movie Elf, Blindside
TV Show Ted Lasso
School Subject Math
Food Sushi
Treat Fruit
Drink Water
Restaurant Wasabi, Zao, Costa Vida
Store Target, The Loft
Deb Neslen
Nutrition Assistant
Where did you grow up? Payson, UT
Do you have children? 1 boy, Keagan, very active, cute kiddo
Do you have any pets? 1 dog, Jager, and 2 cats, Nahla and Daisey
If you went to college, where did you go? SUU
What did you want to be when you were little? Teacher
What are your hobbies/interests? Jarring, watching movies, knitting
FAVORITES
Color Brown
Flower Lilies
Animal Horse, Cat
Book Intensity, Fairy Tale
Movie Sandlot
TV Show Football
School Subject Reading, Lunch
Food Steak, Eggs
Drink Iced Tea, Black Coffee
Restaurant El Chihuahua/Chili’s
Melissa Nielsen
Office Assistant
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I am originally from Orange County, CA and grew up with a season pass to DisneyLand.
Where did you grow up? Brea, CA
Do you have children? Kate, Tyler, Bailey
If you went to college, where did you go? BYU
What did you want to be when you were little? Marriage & Family Therapist
What are your hobbies/interests Reading, hiking, crafting
Do you speak any other languages? Spanish (un poco)
FAVORITES
Color Emerald Green
Flower Ranunculus
Book So many favorites, can’t choose
Movie The Holiday
TV Show The Office
School Subject ELA
Food Tsunami Chicken Bowl
Drink Swig Raspberry Dream
Restaurant Tsunami
What is your favorite store? Target
Darina Ochtabec
4th Grade Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I love to cook
Where did you grow up? Slovakia
Do you have children? Lauren, 16 and Ryan, 11
If you went to college, where did you go? Brooklyn College, NY
What did you want to be when you were little? Teacher
What are your hobbies/interests? Cooking, reading, hiking
Do you speak any other languages? Yes
FAVORITES
Color Green, blue
Flower All flowers
Animal Lion
Book Anna Karenina
Movie Meet Joe Black
TV Show Law and Order
School Subject Reading
Food I love everything
Treat Anything peanut butter or dark chocolate
Drink LaCroix sparkling water, coffee
Restaurant Slackwater, Tsunami, Chick Fil-A
Store Amazon, TJ Maxx
Johnny Packard
Playworks Technician
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I have constant throat pain due to a car accident back in May 2017
Where did you grow up? Utah
Do you have pets? 6-year-old Female Cockapoo, Murphy
If you went to college, where did you go? Southern Utah University
What did you want to be when you were little? NBA Basketball Player
What are your hobbies/interests? Video games, movies, anything Disney
FAVORITES
Color Blue
Flower Rose
Animal Elephant
Book Captain Underpants
Movie Lord of the Rings Trilogy
TV Show The Mandalorian
School Subject History
Food Cheeseburgers
Treat Chocolate chip cookies
Drink Dr. Pepper
Restaurant Popeyes
Store Disney Store or Fan
Kenzie Paddock
Kindergarten Teacher
Where did you grow up? Herriman, UT
Do you have pets? I have a Golden Retriever! His name is Hero and he is three. 🙂
If you went to college, where did you go? Utah State University, Go Aggies!
What did you want to be when you were little? A Teacher 🙂 I am living my dream!
What are your hobbies/interests? I love to read and be outside in nature.
FAVORITES
Color Orange
Flower Tulip
Animal Zebra
Book I’ve always loved Harry Potter! I read 19 books and am always looking for suggestions for what to read next.
Movie “Little Women” (2019) & “Cars”.
TV Show My class last year turned me into a “Bluey” fan. 🙂
School Subject Reading
Food Pasta
Treat Ice cream
Drink Strawberry Lemonade
Restaurant Black Bear Diner, Chick-Fil-A
Store Barnes and Noble & Target
Mirielle Page
3rd Grade Teacher
Where did you grow up? Switzerland
Do you have children? Stephanie, Nicole, and Davis
What did you want to be when you were little? Teacher
What are your hobbies/interests? Go for walks, baking
Do you speak any other languages? German
FAVORITES
Color Blue
School Subject Social Studies
Food All kinds of salads
Treat Nuts, dried fruit, sweets and popcorn
Drink Water
Nicole Paneque
Occupational Therapist
Where did you grow up? Chicago, IL
If you went to college, where did you go? University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
What did you want to be when you were little? Ballerina
What are your hobbies/interests? Reading, spending time with friends and family, exploring
FAVORITES
Color Orange
Flower Tiger lily
Animal Snow leopard
TV Show Parks and Rec
School Subject English
Food French fries
Treat Croissants or sour candy
Drink Iced tea
Tricia Pinnock
Instructional Assistant
Where did you grow up? Sandy, UT
Do you have children? I have 3 children. Olivia, Ellie and Luke
If you went to college, where did you go? Ricks College and BYU
What did you want to be when you were little? Mom and a teacher
What are your hobbies/interests? Reading and enjoying time with family and friends
Do you speak any other languages? Spanish in middle school and high school
FAVORITES
Color Blue
Flower Roses
School Subject Reading and English
Bill Pritchard
5th Grade Teacher
Where did you grow up? A little town in Idaho, about 80 miles west of Boise.
Do you have children? I have a daughter who turns two in March.
Do you have pets? No, but I would love a dog in the next year or two.
If you went to college, where did you go? The University of Oklahoma
What did you want to be when you were little? A teacher! Also, a magician.
What are your hobbies/interests? I love backpacking (short trips only so far), hiking, skiing, and reading.
Do you speak any other languages? I do not, which I regret. I know a smattering of a couple of languages, but nothing to brag about.
FAVORITES
Color Green
Flower Lily, sunflower
Animal Otter
Book So hard to choose. The Brothers Karamazov, Les Miserables, and Lord of the Rings for adult books, and The Girl Who Drank the Moon, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and The Hobbit for kids books.
Movie Forrest Gump
School Subject Social Studies
Food Berries of all forms. Also pasta.
Treat Dark chocolate
Drink Arnold Palmer (Iced Tea + Lemonade)
Restaurant Cafe Rio, Red Iguana, Olive Garden (for my wife’s sake), Panda Express
Store Barnes and Noble
Katie Redd
3rd Grade Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I am highly allergic to guinea pigs and touching limes.
Where did you grow up? Utah and Idaho Falls
Do you have children? Braxton-8, Beckham-5
If you went to college, where did you go? UVU
What did you want to be when you were little? Nurse or a News Broadcaster
What are your hobbies/interests? Hiking, shopping, working out, reading.
FAVORITES
Color Fuschia
Flower Gerbera daisy
Animal Elephant
Book The Giver
Movie The Greatest Showman
TV Show Reality TV- Guilty Pleasure
School Subject Reading
Food Sushi
Treat Chocolate chip cookies
Drink Diet Coke
Restaurant Zao
Store Target, Nordstrom Rack, Tj Maxx
Julie Schow
2nd Grade Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? My family breeds dogs
Where did you grow up? West Jordan, UT
Do you have children? 3 daughters, Jessica, Ashley and Sarah, all grown in their 20’s. Jessica and Ashley are married. Sarah lives at home. Jessica has 3 children.
Do you have pets? 3 dogs. Bentley is a 6-year-old golden retriever. Ruby and Scarlett are standard poodles.
If you went to college, where did you go? Salt Lake Community College and University of Phoenix
What did you want to be when you were little? A teacher or an interior designer
What are your hobbies/interests? Reading, gardening, dogs
Do you speak any other languages? Spanish
FAVORITES
Color Red
Flower Rose
Animal Dog
Movie Australia
School Subject Reading
Food Chinese food
Treat Cookies, chocolate
Drink Diet Coke
Restaurant Zupas, Cheesecake Factory
Store Target, Hobby Lobby
Elena Seal
Media Technician
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I love to grow my own veggies and herbs, and I love to cook!
Where did you grow up? Tustin, California
Do you have children? I have 2 girls
Do you have pets? I have a cat named Dolly Parton, and a grandoggie (Belgian Malinois) that lives with me named Nova.)
If you went to college, where did you go? Ricks, Pacific Luthern Univ. and online at SLCC
What did you want to be when you were little? A Charlie’s Angel or Barbie designer
What are your hobbies/interests? Barbie houses, reading, holiday decorating, cooking, and adventures with my family!
Do you speak any other languages? A little tiny bit of Spanish!
FAVORITES
Color All bright colors: yellow, bright green, bright pink!
Flower Sunflowers
Animal Dogs and Cats
Book Too many to say….I LOVE TO READ!!! My favorite Genre is : Historical Fiction
Movie I love All movies, mostly romantic comedy!
TV Show I really do not watch TV, I am kind of a news junky!
School Subject Library and reading, of course!
Food All food, except yucky weird food!
Treat Chocolate!
Drink Lemon sorbet
Restaurant Panda, Chick Fil-A, Cafe Rio, and Zao
Store TJ Maxx attack!!!
Linda Simister
Office Assistant
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I am half Laotian and half Chinese
Where did you grow up? Sandy, UT
Do you have children? 3 kids – two boys and one girl
If you went to college, where did you go? Salt Lake Community College Nursing program
What did you want to be when you were little? A teacher or a nurse
What are your hobbies/interests? Shopping at Target, cheering on my kids at their sports and other activities, reading, spending time with family, watching movies, doing crossword puzzles
Do you speak any other languages? No, but I can understand Cantonese Chinese
FAVORITES
Color Pink
Flower Lillies
Animal Panda
Book Anne of Green Gables
Movie Pride & Prejudice
TV Show The Office
School Subject English
Food Mexican
Treat Ice cream
Drink Diet Dr. Pepper
Restaurant La Hacienda, Texas Roadhouse, Chipotle
Store Target, Hobby Lobby
Patti Simister
Special Education Resource Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I was born on St. Patrick’s Day and that is why my name is Patricia – I go by Patti
Where did you grow up? Tempe, Arizona
Do you have children? I have 5 children – 4 boys and 1 girl. They range in ages from 37 – 25
If you went to college, where did you go? BYU in Provo
What did you want to be when you were little? I have always wanted to be a teacher.
What are your hobbies/interests? I have a lot of hobbies and interests. I love to go for long walks, swim, music, decorate and redecorate rooms, and especially have and cook for large family parties!
FAVORITES
Color Green
Flower I love all kinds of flowers
Animal I had a dog as a child and she was a wonderful friend and companion.
Book A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck
Movie The Sound of Music
School Subject I love working with my students in reading, writing, and math.
Food Gluten-free hamburgers
Treat Any kind of fruit
Drink Sugar-Free Powerade
Restaurant I like to eat at gluten-free restaurants.
Store I like to shop and go looking at outlet stores.
Amber Spillett
School Nurse
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I have a degree in Recreation Management along with Nursing.
Where did you grow up? Utah
Do you have children? 5 kids! 4 boys and 1 girl
Do you have pets? 2 dogs, Lola & Willie
If you went to college, where did you go? BYU, plus a lot of others, but I’m true to Blue
What did you want to be when you were little? A veterinarian
What are your hobbies/interests? I like to mountain bike, ski, read, and spend time with my family.
FAVORITES
Color Blue
Flower Irises
Animal Octopus
Book That’s very hard to choose, possibly A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
Movie Anything that has a good twist at the end
TV Show The Office or Psych
School Subject I love science
Food Good Mexican food or anything with lots of veggies
Treat Peanut butter and chocolate
Drink Diet Dr Pepper
Restaurant I love most restaurants if it means I don’t have to cook or clean up!
Store Costco
Cassie Walker
Art Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I am left handed, but other than writing, I do most everything else with my right hand (cutting, cartwheels, bowling, etc).
Where did you grow up? Bakersfield, California
Do you have children? Three children: Dallin, Dawson and Sadie
Do you have pets? 1 dog, Indie (Coton de Tulear)
If you went to college, where did you go? Brigham Young University and the Art of Education University
What did you want to be when you were little? Astronaut and veterinarian
What are your hobbies/interests? Traveling with family, FOOD
FAVORITES
Color Blue
Flower Succulents
Animal I love birds!
Book The Night Circus
Movie Elf
TV Show Parks and Rec
School Subject Art 🙂
Food Spaghetti
Treat Dark chocolate
Drink La Croix
Restaurant Five Brothers Sushi
Store TJ Maxx
Crystal Waters
2nd Grade Teacher
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I have lived in 5 states: Texas, Alabama, Illinois, Utah, and New York.
Do you have pets? I have two cats: Asher (orange and white), and Colby (black and white tuxedo) and they are 2 years old.
If you went to college, where did you go? University of Utah
What are your hobbies/interests? Movies, board games, karaoke, exercise
FAVORITES
Color Rainbow – all of them!
Flower White Easter Lily
School Subject Theater
Food Popcorn
Treat Dark Chocolate
Drink Sprite Zero
Restaurant Café Rio and Vessel Kitchen
Store Target
Jenny Wong
Chinese Instructional Assistant
What is something unique about you that most people don’t know? I have a legally blind eye.
Where do you grow up? I grew up in Hong Kong and in Utah.
Do you have children? I have 2 children, a girl and a boy.
Do you have pets? We have 2 bunnies, Smores (Girl) and Dusty (Boy)
If you went to college, where did you go? I graduated from the University of Utah.
What did you want to be when you were little? I wanted to be a Teacher or an Occupational Therapist.
What are your hobbies/interests? I love anything craft, snowboarding, volleyball, traveling, hiking, cooking, and spending time with my family.
Do you speak any other languages? I speak Cantonese and Mandarin.
FAVORITES
Color Blue
Flower Snapdragon
Animal Bunny
Book I don’t have a favorite book, there are too many good ones.
TV Show When I was growing up I love watching ER.
School Subject Math and art
Food Thai food, but I like all Asian food
Treat Ruffles Canadian All Dressed Chips, Nerds Gummy Clusters, or spicy dried squids.
Drink Mango Boba and Coke Zero
Restaurant Kyoto and Sawadee.
Store Costco, Target, or TJ Maxx.
Mika Xu
1st Grade Chinese Teacher
Do you have children? I have one daughter. She is Oli. Z. She is 7 years old.
If you went to college, where did you go? NYU
What did you want to be when you were little? A kid who had lots of fun
What are your hobbies/interests? Traveling Music
Do you speak any other languages? Chinese, English, French and a little German
FAVORITES
Color Blue and green
Animal Dog
Subject Chinese Literacy
Treat Ice cream
