Speech Therapy

Joni is a National Board Certified Teacher with 12 years of experience teaching special education. She is passionate about creating a classroom community where students feel challenged, capable, and important. When she isn't teaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. 

 

Hi. My name is Vanessa, and I teach PE at Hartvigsen. I was born and raised in Denmark. My track and field adventures brought me to the University of Utah in 2003 where, with a little luck, guidance, and support from some wonderful people, I decided to pursue a Masters degree in Adapted PE. After graduating in 2011 I was fortunate to become part of the Hartvigsen family. I love coming to work everyday, and share my day with our amazing students and staff. When I am not at work I like to take advantage of the great outdoor adventures Utah has to offer, especially white water rafting and skiing.

Seyyed Sharifi is a special education teacher in Granite School District, working with post-high students who have significant disabilities. He focuses on building meaningful relationships, teaching transition skills, and helping students connect to their communities. Seyyed incorporates innovative tools such as virtual reality to give students real-world experiences that would otherwise be inaccessible. His teaching approach is grounded in compassion, patience, and a trauma-informed mindset.

Mrs. Alison Wendel Bennett loves being a part of the Hartvigsen School faculty, overseeing Hartvigsen’s music program.  A Board Certified Music Therapist (NOCA/NCCA), Alison graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a BS in Music Therapy.  Alison also holds a Music Educator License from the Utah State Office of Education, and the title of State Certified Music Therapist through the State of Utah Department of Commerce. While Alison’s background spans populations from: Medical, Juvenile Justice, Alzheimer’s, and Hospice; the last thirteen years of her life have been devoted to serving those with developmental disabilities. She feels blessed to be part of such a devoted, supportive, and talented team.  Prior to Hartvigsen, Alison worked for eleven years at the Utah State Developmental Center (USDC).  This wonderful ICF-MR facility housed around 220 adults with special needs. Alison has received recognition for her service throughout the years. In 2000, the Mental Retardation Association of Utah (MRAU) featured her in the President’s Message of their newsletter for her work with the individuals at USDC.  August 6, 2001 she received the Jerold C. Smedley Award by the Division of Services for People with Disabilities.  In 2003 she was nominated for Outstanding State of Utah Employee. March 30, 2005, while volunteering as part of the Utah State University and Primary Children’s Hospital’s (PCH) Music Therapy Pilot Program, Mrs. Wendel Bennett’s work was featured on the front page of IHC Today – Primary Children’s Medical Center Edition*. PCH also recorded her work as part of the DVD sent to potential donors for a full time Music Therapy position. The position was subsequently funded.  In August of 2007 Mrs. Wendel Bennett was nominated for the State of Utah’s Executive Director’s Award and was highlighted on KSL’s Doug Wright show as the Public Employee Salute recipient.  In November of 2012, the Parent Counsel for USDC awarded her the “Lasting Influence for Empowerment” award. Believing professional involvement and service is crucial, Alison Wendel Bennett, MT-BC has served in many leadership positions. She recently completed terms as the National Student Affairs Advisory Board Chair for the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), and the Western Region Chapter of AMTA (WRAMTA) Parliamentarian.  In addition Mrs. Wendel Bennett served two terms as the WRAMTA Secretary.  On the state level she served two terms as the Vice President of Utah Association for Music Therapists.  As Secretary Mrs. Wendel Bennett has mentored students for 14 years as both a National Roster and University Affiliated Internship Director.  Her past interns now work all over the United States, Canada, and Greece.

Joni is a National Board Certified Teacher with 12 years of experience teaching special education. She is passionate about creating a classroom community where students feel challenged, capable, and important. When she isn't teaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. 

 

Hi. My name is Vanessa, and I teach PE at Hartvigsen. I was born and raised in Denmark. My track and field adventures brought me to the University of Utah in 2003 where, with a little luck, guidance, and support from some wonderful people, I decided to pursue a Masters degree in Adapted PE. After graduating in 2011 I was fortunate to become part of the Hartvigsen family. I love coming to work everyday, and share my day with our amazing students and staff. When I am not at work I like to take advantage of the great outdoor adventures Utah has to offer, especially white water rafting and skiing.

Seyyed Sharifi is a special education teacher in Granite School District, working with post-high students who have significant disabilities. He focuses on building meaningful relationships, teaching transition skills, and helping students connect to their communities. Seyyed incorporates innovative tools such as virtual reality to give students real-world experiences that would otherwise be inaccessible. His teaching approach is grounded in compassion, patience, and a trauma-informed mindset.

Mrs. Alison Wendel Bennett loves being a part of the Hartvigsen School faculty, overseeing Hartvigsen’s music program.  A Board Certified Music Therapist (NOCA/NCCA), Alison graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a BS in Music Therapy.  Alison also holds a Music Educator License from the Utah State Office of Education, and the title of State Certified Music Therapist through the State of Utah Department of Commerce. While Alison’s background spans populations from: Medical, Juvenile Justice, Alzheimer’s, and Hospice; the last thirteen years of her life have been devoted to serving those with developmental disabilities. She feels blessed to be part of such a devoted, supportive, and talented team.  Prior to Hartvigsen, Alison worked for eleven years at the Utah State Developmental Center (USDC).  This wonderful ICF-MR facility housed around 220 adults with special needs. Alison has received recognition for her service throughout the years. In 2000, the Mental Retardation Association of Utah (MRAU) featured her in the President’s Message of their newsletter for her work with the individuals at USDC.  August 6, 2001 she received the Jerold C. Smedley Award by the Division of Services for People with Disabilities.  In 2003 she was nominated for Outstanding State of Utah Employee. March 30, 2005, while volunteering as part of the Utah State University and Primary Children’s Hospital’s (PCH) Music Therapy Pilot Program, Mrs. Wendel Bennett’s work was featured on the front page of IHC Today – Primary Children’s Medical Center Edition*. PCH also recorded her work as part of the DVD sent to potential donors for a full time Music Therapy position. The position was subsequently funded.  In August of 2007 Mrs. Wendel Bennett was nominated for the State of Utah’s Executive Director’s Award and was highlighted on KSL’s Doug Wright show as the Public Employee Salute recipient.  In November of 2012, the Parent Counsel for USDC awarded her the “Lasting Influence for Empowerment” award. Believing professional involvement and service is crucial, Alison Wendel Bennett, MT-BC has served in many leadership positions. She recently completed terms as the National Student Affairs Advisory Board Chair for the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), and the Western Region Chapter of AMTA (WRAMTA) Parliamentarian.  In addition Mrs. Wendel Bennett served two terms as the WRAMTA Secretary.  On the state level she served two terms as the Vice President of Utah Association for Music Therapists.  As Secretary Mrs. Wendel Bennett has mentored students for 14 years as both a National Roster and University Affiliated Internship Director.  Her past interns now work all over the United States, Canada, and Greece.

Joni is a National Board Certified Teacher with 12 years of experience teaching special education. She is passionate about creating a classroom community where students feel challenged, capable, and important. When she isn't teaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. 

 

Hi. My name is Vanessa, and I teach PE at Hartvigsen. I was born and raised in Denmark. My track and field adventures brought me to the University of Utah in 2003 where, with a little luck, guidance, and support from some wonderful people, I decided to pursue a Masters degree in Adapted PE. After graduating in 2011 I was fortunate to become part of the Hartvigsen family. I love coming to work everyday, and share my day with our amazing students and staff. When I am not at work I like to take advantage of the great outdoor adventures Utah has to offer, especially white water rafting and skiing.

Seyyed Sharifi is a special education teacher in Granite School District, working with post-high students who have significant disabilities. He focuses on building meaningful relationships, teaching transition skills, and helping students connect to their communities. Seyyed incorporates innovative tools such as virtual reality to give students real-world experiences that would otherwise be inaccessible. His teaching approach is grounded in compassion, patience, and a trauma-informed mindset.

Mrs. Alison Wendel Bennett loves being a part of the Hartvigsen School faculty, overseeing Hartvigsen’s music program.  A Board Certified Music Therapist (NOCA/NCCA), Alison graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a BS in Music Therapy.  Alison also holds a Music Educator License from the Utah State Office of Education, and the title of State Certified Music Therapist through the State of Utah Department of Commerce. While Alison’s background spans populations from: Medical, Juvenile Justice, Alzheimer’s, and Hospice; the last thirteen years of her life have been devoted to serving those with developmental disabilities. She feels blessed to be part of such a devoted, supportive, and talented team.  Prior to Hartvigsen, Alison worked for eleven years at the Utah State Developmental Center (USDC).  This wonderful ICF-MR facility housed around 220 adults with special needs. Alison has received recognition for her service throughout the years. In 2000, the Mental Retardation Association of Utah (MRAU) featured her in the President’s Message of their newsletter for her work with the individuals at USDC.  August 6, 2001 she received the Jerold C. Smedley Award by the Division of Services for People with Disabilities.  In 2003 she was nominated for Outstanding State of Utah Employee. March 30, 2005, while volunteering as part of the Utah State University and Primary Children’s Hospital’s (PCH) Music Therapy Pilot Program, Mrs. Wendel Bennett’s work was featured on the front page of IHC Today – Primary Children’s Medical Center Edition*. PCH also recorded her work as part of the DVD sent to potential donors for a full time Music Therapy position. The position was subsequently funded.  In August of 2007 Mrs. Wendel Bennett was nominated for the State of Utah’s Executive Director’s Award and was highlighted on KSL’s Doug Wright show as the Public Employee Salute recipient.  In November of 2012, the Parent Counsel for USDC awarded her the “Lasting Influence for Empowerment” award. Believing professional involvement and service is crucial, Alison Wendel Bennett, MT-BC has served in many leadership positions. She recently completed terms as the National Student Affairs Advisory Board Chair for the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), and the Western Region Chapter of AMTA (WRAMTA) Parliamentarian.  In addition Mrs. Wendel Bennett served two terms as the WRAMTA Secretary.  On the state level she served two terms as the Vice President of Utah Association for Music Therapists.  As Secretary Mrs. Wendel Bennett has mentored students for 14 years as both a National Roster and University Affiliated Internship Director.  Her past interns now work all over the United States, Canada, and Greece.