Maryann Early Special Education Director Maryann has over 10 years of teaching experience. She is endorsed in special education, math and choral/instrumental music education. Maryann believes in individualizing instruction to meet the needs of each student. She uses research-based practices and her well-honed "gut instinct" to reach all children. Maryann believes all children are capable of learning. Her passion is encouraging students, and seeing them reach their full potential. Maryann was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona. She is a graduate of Arizona State University. She is married to her high school sweetheart and love of her life, JD. She enjoys singing, movies, laughing with friends, and spoiling her pets.

Stephanie Nelson Teacher Stephanie Nelson has been with Alpine Academy since the implementation of our academic program. She teaches a variety of courses in the area of Family and Consumer Sciences including foods, child development, adult roles, finance, and TLC (technology, life, careers). Ms. Nelson’s curriculum includes important life skills, and her positive attitude and high expectations create a welcoming classroom environment where students know they can be successful. She is a graduate of Utah State University.

Beverly Thompson Teacher Beverly Thompson earned an English degree from Brigham Young University and has taught language arts for seven years. She is in her second year with Alpine Academy. She expects the students in her English classes will use numerous writing opportunities to analyze novels they read, improve their communication skills, and demonstrate proficiency of important literacy competencies. Mrs. Thompson’s skill as a teacher and concern for each student is evident in thoughtful and frequent feedback she provides on their assignments.

	Julie Cardon Teacher Julie Cardon earned her Masters at the University of Utah and now teaches science at Alpine Academy. Ms. Cardon demonstrates a true passion for science and requires students to frequently use real-world examples and hands-on experiences to apply what they have learned. She teaches earth science, biology, botany, environmental science, and French.

Denise Sagers Teacher Denise Sagers earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees from Utah State University. She holds an ESL endorsement and has a duel area of emphasis in Spanish and Fine Arts. She brings multiple years of teaching experience with her, beginning at the age of fifteen when she began teaching swimming lessons. She currently teaches English, Spanish, and Art at Alpine. Her outside interests include water related activities, reading, writing, spending time with her family, sewing, and building furniture.

Sarah Lowe Teacher Sarah graduated from BYU with a Bachelor's Degree in history in 2006. She was endorsed in French teaching in 2008. Sarah joined the Alpine Academy academic team in December 2008. She eaches US History, World History, Government, Debate, and Current Events. Sarah states that the reason she loves teaching history is because "the wise learn from their own mistakes, but the ultrawise learn from other people's mistakes." ~ author unknown.

Pegeen Liston Teacher Pegeen Liston has a degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies from the University of Florida and an Accounting degree from the University of North Florida. In the 80's she made the switch from being an accountant to the much more exciting profession of teaching, working with students throughout the years in New York City, Florida, Georgia, and now Utah. Pegeen loves math and the challenge of teaching math to students who are convinced it's too hard, only to see the relief on their faces when they realize they can do it. In addition to teaching, Pegeen has worked for the Migrant Education Agency in Georgia and Florida where she organized summer camps for the children of migrant workers, has been a translator for Workman's Compensation, and helped organize 60 soccer games per weekend in Florida. She believes in staying busy and learning new things every day, and she currently takes a welding class at Salt Lake Community College.

Kayla Walker Teacher Kayla Walker earned her B.S. degree from Utah State University in Physical Education and Health. She also has a Masters from Brigham Young University in Physical Education and Coaching. She brings to Alpine Academy over 30 years of experience in teaching and coaching. Her outstanding coaching career includes championships in three different sports (gymnastics, volleyball, and track). Kayla has received numerous awards, including Outstanding Female Athlete at Utah State University, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Utah Volleyball Coaches Association, and in 2006 she was inducted into the Utah High School Coaches Hall of Fame. Kayla believes that physical activity and personal fitness are ideal ways for young ladies to improve feelings of self-worth and personal confidence, and that Physical Education courses provide many opportunities for students to discipline themselves and learn that they are in control of their own destiny. She teaches Emergency Medical Services, Introduction to Health Occupations, Health, Fitness for Life, Lifetime Sports, and P.E Skills.

Brandi Garcia Academic Associate Brandi started working for Alpine Academy in 2007 as an Associate Family Teacher in the Pine Canyon Home. While working in the homes she proved to be highly skilled at working with the youth and meticulous in her administrative duties. After 3 years working in the home she made the transition to the school as the Academic Associate where she continues to learn and grow with the Teaching Family Model. In her role as the Academic Associate Brandi supports the teachers with behavioral issues and class room management. Brandi acts as another set of ears and eyes in the school to make sure that the academic program runs smoothly. Brandi enjoys spending her free time with her family and friends hunting, fishing, camping, riding four wheelers and most of all Brandi loves helping others in any way possible! She is planning on attending school to further her education.

Ruth Sagers Academic Assistant Ruth graduated from Utah State University in December 2004, with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. She started working with Alpine Academy in June 2006, where she served as a part-time PE teacher. This later expanded to teaching PE full-time and assisting with the horse program. For several years, Ruth coordinated medical/health needs for the girls on campus as the health services coordinator. Ruth currently works as the Academic Assistant for Alpine Academy. In this role, she assists the principal and office manager in day-to day operations as well as provides academic services such as substitute teaching, and assisting with academic clubs. Ruth enjoys getting to know the girls at Alpine Academy, and loves to see the change that occurs in their lives as they work towards their goals. She also loves to do anything outdoors that includes spending time with her dogs and her husband, such as camping, horseback riding, snowshoeing, hiking, and four-wheeling.

Daira Talbott Substitute Teacher Daira Talbott has been a Spanish language instructor, a tutor, and an educator trained to assist English language learners. An invaluable member to our staff, she currently serves as a substitute teacher and tutor. She is a graduate of the University of California-Irvine. Daira has remarkable talent for identifying and addressing a student's particular emotional and academic needs.

Jan Richardson Special Education Liaison for Tooele School District Jan Richardson brings over 30 years of experience in testing, assessment tools, and reading instruction. She earned her special education (mild/moderate) degree at Brigham Young University. Her concern for her students is evident, and to ensure their needs are being met in all classes, Mrs. Richardson willingly shares her expertise with the entire staff. She is truly dedicated to her profession.

Alpine Academy Staff