Ms. Nicole Andersen
Interventionist
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I have been a teacher in Granite District for 23 years and have taught kindergarten and second grade. I love my current job as an interventionist because I get to work with students from several different grade levels and it's wonderful to see the progress they make over the course of a school year!
Mrs. Jessica Brinkerhoff
Social Worker
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Mrs. Julie Christensen
2nd Grade Teacher
Hello! I'm Mrs. Julie Christensen, but my students know me as Mrs. C. I am excited to begin my 21st year of teaching and have been fortunate to teach at Armstrong Elementary since the school first opened. I love working with second graders and helping them develop a love of learning while building confidence in themselves and their abilities. I earned my Master's Degree in Elementary Education and believe that learning is a lifelong journey. I hold endorsements in Reading, Mathematics, Technology, and English as a Second Language (ESL) and have completed LETRS training to strengthen my literacy instruction. I am also currently participating in the STEM Action Center Elementary SEI Cohort, where I continue to learn new ways to bring engaging, hands-on STEM experiences into my classroom. I believe every child can succeed when they feel valued, supported, and encouraged to do their best. My goal is to create a classroom where students feel safe, challenged, and excited to learn each day. One of the things that I work hard to teach my students is to always Be Kind! When I'm not at school, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful family. I am happily married and the proud mother of four amazing children that keep life busy. I also love reading a good book, watching Hallmark Channel movies, and making memories with my family, especially traveling. I look forward to partnering with you to make this school year a fun, successful, and memorable experience for your child!
Mrs. Carri Cooper
5th Grade Teacher
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Born in Colorado, I developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors that continues to shape who I am today. I earned my teaching degree from Westminster University and enjoy creating a positive, engaging learning environment where students can grow and succeed. Outside the classroom, I love spending time hiking, golfing, and watching beautiful sunsets. I'm fascinated by the ingenuity of trains and hope to ride more railways in the future. I also enjoy taking road trips and exploring new places, always looking forward to the next adventure.
Mr. Randy Dodge
Kindergarten Teacher
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Meet Mr. Randy Dodge! Mr. Dodge grew up on a big farm. He went to college at Weber State University. Then he did something really special. He went to school in Denver, Colorado to learn how to be a Butler. He was a professional Butler for 12 years! After that, Mr. Dodge went back to school again. He got his Master's Degree in Education. Now he is a teacher! This is his 15th year teaching. Mr. Dodge enjoys traveling to new places. He enjoys fixing old wood furniture. He likes to garden, swim, and ride his bike. He also enjoys cooking and Asian cuisine. Mr. Dodge has a wonderful family. He has two daughters and nine grandchildren! He loves them very much.
Mrs. Leah Dorval
2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Krista Dougal
Kindergarten Teacher
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Hello Out There! I am Mrs. Dougal, the luckiest teacher in the whole world because I get to teach kindergarten here at the Best School EVER, Neil Armstrong Academy!!! I have taught pre-k, kindergarten, first grade and third grade. My favorite subjects to teach are math and science. I am married and have 4 kids, who are growing up waaaaay too fast!! When I am not at school, you can usually find me on the softball field coaching my daughter's team with my dad and my first-born! When our family gets a few minutes at home, we love family game night. I look forward to playing games with my students! It's going to be a great year!
Mrs. Amy Funk
Kindergarten Teacher
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Hello, Armstrong Eagles! My name is Mrs. Funk, and my ultimate goal is for my students to have FUN in Kindergarten with Mrs. FUNk! I’ve been teaching Kindergarten at Neil Armstrong Academy for seven years, and I feel so grateful to be part of this wonderful community. Altogether, I bring 19 years of teaching experience across preschool, 2nd grade, and Kindergarten. Nothing brings me more joy than watching my students grow, learn, and fall in love with school. I'm a lifelong Utah resident, married for 27 years, and the proud mom of three amazing adult kids. When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me hiking, riding my e-bike, playing card games with my family, reading, enjoying a bit of milk chocolate, or getting sweet hugs from my students!
Mrs. Jenny Grosh
PE Specialist
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Mr. Philip Heyrend
4th Grade Teacher
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Hi, I am Philip Heyrend. I currently teach 4th grade at Neil Armstrong Academy. I love teaching and have taught for over 20 years in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. I love 4th! I graduated from the University of Utah and Utah State Universities. I am married and have 3 wonderful children (1 boy and 2 girls). We have 2 cats at home, and we live in Tooele. I love teaching at Neil Armstrong and have found it to be a very special school, not like any of the others that I have worked at before. It is definitely because of the faculty, students, and families that are a part of our learning community.
Mrs. Candice Hind
1st Grade Teacher
My name is Candice Hind. I am a proud Armstrong eagle and have been here since our school opened! I received my bachelor's degree from Southern Utah University and my master's degree from Western Governor's University. I also have endorsements in technology and gifted education. I am married and I have four children. I enjoy traveling, reading, exercising, watching movies, and baking!
Mrs. April Ishola
3rd Grade Teacher
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I have been part of the district for 12 years, beginning my career as a Behavioral Health Assistant before spending the past 10 years teaching students in grades 3–5. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Utah State University and am passionate about creating a classroom where kindness, inclusion, and a strong sense of community help every student thrive. I love hands-on, highly engaging lessons that encourage creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. I am honored to have received the Utah PTA's 2024–2025 Outstanding Elementary Educator Award and to have been recognized as the Utah PTA Kind Teacher of the Month in January 2026. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, hiking, yoga and fitness, watching movies with my family, and cheering on my daughter as a proud drill team dance mom.
Mrs. Debbie Kirby
5th Grade Teacher
I lived in many places growing up, including Nevada, Colorado, Ohio, Montana and South Dakota. I lived in Spain as a missionary and speak Spanish. I graduated from Brigham Young University with a Spanish teaching minor. I am married and have 3 kids. I enjoy teaching, reading, playing the piano, doing jigsaw puzzles, traveling, spending time in nature and being with family.
Mrs. Samantha Lopez
Preschool Aide
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Mr. Darin MacLeod
4th Grade Teacher
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I come from a family of educators and have been teaching upper grades in Granite School District for 30 years. When I'm not at school I like to travel, read, play video games, and more than anything, hang out with my 9 grandkids. Go Broncos!
Mrs. Nicole McCrea
4th Grade Teacher
Hi! I'm Nicole McCrea, and I've had the privilege of teaching at Armstrong for the past 14 years. I absolutely love teaching fourth grade and all the curiosity, growth, and excitement that comes with it. My favorite part of teaching is seeing my students experience those wonderful "aha!" moments when a concept they've been working hard to learn finally makes sense. I enjoy creating a positive, engaging classroom where learning is both meaningful and fun, and I love organizing and planning activities that help my students make lasting memories while they learn. I look forward to helping each of my students grow in confidence, discover their potential, and have a fantastic year! Outside the classroom, I've been happily married to my husband, Jim, for 26 years, and we have one wonderful daughter. As a family, we love to swim, travel, watch movies together, and spend time with our pets, which include several fish and a rabbit. In my free time, you'll often find me working in my garden. I like to joke that I'm a "domestic horticulturist" because I love growing potted flowers and plants. Halloween is my favorite holiday, and every year I have fun creating a new spooky theme in my front yard to delight all the trick-or-treaters who stop by. Whether I'm in the classroom, in my garden, or dreaming up my next Halloween display, I enjoy planning, creating, and helping things grow!
Mrs. Ashley Moore
Technology Coach
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Mrs. Becky Mott
3rd Grade Teacher
I am excited to learn and grow alongside our Armstrong students each year! ! I believe that learning should be engaging, meaningful, and fun. I love creating hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and help students develop a lifelong love of learning.
I hold both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education and have earned the following endorsements and certifications: Gifted and Talented, English Language Learner (ELL), Educational Technology, Academic Service Learning, Monarch Butterfly Education, Agriculture Literacy Educator, LETRS
A Few of My Favorite Things
Learning, Students, My job (it's the best in the world), Amazon, Target, Sprite Zero Sugar, Coke Zero Sugar, York Peppermint Patties Sugar-Free Candy, Inspirational books, Embroidering, Hiking, Biking, Traveling, Spending time with my granddaughter, Reading, Exercising, Shave ice, Teaching, Menchie's Frozen Yogurt
Ms. Brittney Nelson
1st Grade Teacher
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My name is Brittney Nelson, and this is my 8th year teaching! I grew up in Utah, and live in Davis County. I got my bachelor's degree at the University of Utah, and my master's degree at Westminster University. In my free time, I like to read, and play with my frenchie Laika. I love to visit Disneyland on school breaks.
Ms. Lisa Noyes
BTS Arts Teacher (Drama)
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Mrs. Amber Parry
5th Grade Teacher
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I am passionate about creating a positive, engaging classroom where every student feels supported and inspired to learn. I have a degree from the University of Utah. Outside of school, my husband and I enjoy spending time with our three children and our dog. My mom is from way down south in Georgia and my dad is Chinese, so I feel fortunate to have grown up with the best of both cultures. In my free time, I love traveling, reading, and making memories with my family. I’m excited to be part of this wonderful school community!
Mr. David Pendleton
4th Grade Teacher
Hello! This is my 20th year as a teacher, and I still love it every single day. I have been at Armstrong since it opened in 2013, and this is my dream job. I love working with your kids and finding new ways to make learning an unforgettable experience for them. I have two teenagers at home (my wife says she has three teenagers), and we love to travel, play games, and watch movies together.
Mrs. Lisa Rogers
Librarian
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Mrs. Wynn Rugg
Special Education Teacher, K-2
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Ms. Linda Singley
Speech and Language Pathologist
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Mrs. Paige Smith
Special Education Teacher, 3-5
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Hi! I'm Paige, and I believe the best learning happens when students feel excited, supported, and part of something special. I love creating fun classroom experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and teamwork. Whether we're building a classroom zoo, solving mysteries, or celebrating our accomplishments together, I enjoy making every day an adventure for my students. Outside of the classroom, I love traveling, cheering on speedskating, and watching the Olympic Games—they're some of my favorite things! I also enjoy finding fresh inspiration and creative ideas to bring back to my classroom. My goal is to help every child feel confident, valued, and excited to learn while making lasting memories along the way.
Mrs. Amy Sommer
1st Grade Teacher
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My name is Amy Sommer. I have been a teacher for over 10 years.I have a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I have taught all lower elementary grades (pre-k to 3rd grade), but 1st grade is my very favorite grade to teach. I am married to my best friend and am a mom to 3 very energetic boys ages 11, 9, and 5 as well as expecting my 4th son in December. When I am not at school I love spending time with my family doing anything outdoors including kayaking, boating, swimming and camping. Some of my favorites include: pink, reading and target. I LOVE Armstrong and am thankful to teach at the very best school!
Mrs. Jennifer Spicer
Kindergarten Teacher
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My name is Jennifer Spicer. I have lived in Utah all my life. I have been married to my sweetheart for 25 years. We have 6 incredible children. I love being a mom and my kids keep me busy with sporting events, dance recitals, concerts, drama performances and many other activities. I love spending time with family and friends, camping, reading, playing games and learning new things. I have been teaching in grades K-2 for the past 13 years and I am excited to begin year 14! I graduated from Utah Valley University with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. I have an Educational Technology Endorsement and my LETRS Certificate for Reading Instruction. I love teaching and consider myself lucky to be part of an amazing team of educators, parents and students here at Neil Armstrong Academy.
Mrs. Candace Wagaman
3rd Grade Teacher
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Hi! My name is Candace Wagaman, and I am thrilled to be teaching at Neil Armstrong Academy! This will be my 7th year at Armstrong and my 19th year teaching overall. I bring a wealth of specialized training to the classroom with a Master's Degree in Elementary Education, along with endorsements in STEM, Gifted Education, and Coaching. These licenses allow me to blend critical thinking, innovative science and math projects, and differentiated support into our daily routine to help every student thrive in my classroom. I love to help my students build their confidence, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills through engaging, hands-on learning across all subjects. To keep lessons memorable, I enjoy connecting academic standards with fun, real-world events, such as the Super Bowl or "Leap Like a Frog Day!" Outside of school, you can find me spending time with my own two boys or curled up with a good book. I look forward to partnering with your family to celebrate your child's growth and make this a truly fantastic school year!
