Thomas Jefferson Jr. High

5850 South 5600 West, Kearns UT 84118

Directory

Thomas Jefferson Jr. High
Photo of Clark Abraham

Clark Abraham

French

  • Degrees:
    • French, Secondary - USU
    • M. Ed. Western Governors
  • Educator since: 2013
  • Jefferson since: 2021
Photo of Paula Almenar

Paula Almenar

Spanish
Spanish 1, Spanish 2, and Spanish for Native Speakers

Educator since 2003

Degrees:

  • Bachelor of Arts degree in English - UNC (National University of Córdoba, Argentina)
  • Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Education/Leadership/General Studies)-SUU

Endorsements:

  • Spanish
  • ESL

Favorite quotation: "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." T.S. Eliot

Photo of Shaun Anderson

Shaun Anderson

Health and PE

Health
Photo of William Archibald

William Archibald

Photo of Amy Arias

Amy Arias

English, Study Skills, Supervised Studies

Self-Contained
Bio
  • Associates degree in History from Ricks College in 1993
  • Bachelor’s degree in History and Special Education from Utah State University in 1996
  • Educator since: 1996
  • Jefferson since: 1996
  • Mrs. Arias teaches English Language Arts with a specialty helping students with more needed services in academic learning or in emotional disabilities. Mrs. Arias has special proficiency in helping students make more than one year gain in language arts.
Photo of Holly Bahr

Holly Bahr

Lunch Worker

Photo of Chezarae Beaty

Chezarae Beaty

Math, Reading

  • Degrees:
    • Music Ed. - U of U
  • Educator since: 2016
  • Jefferson since: 2021
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Zac Bliss

Science
  • Education:
    • Bachelor of Arts in Dance Performance, Weber State University
    • Currently working on a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, Unity Environmental College
  • Hobbies: Reading, traveling, playing video games, archery, and swimming
  • Favorite Quote: “Failure is a necessary step to achieve success”
  • Fun Fact: Mr. Zac has 7 different species of reptiles
Photo of Katrina Brighton

Katrina Brighton

College and Career Awareness, FACS Sewing and Teen Living

Teen Living/Lifeskills/CTE
Bio
  • Degrees:
    • Bachelor of Science Utah State University
    • Master of Science Utah State University
  • Jefferson since: 2001
  • Mrs. Brighton has been a FACS and Business teacher for many years and has also had the opportunity to have her own children as students at Jefferson, which has given her great insight into the perspective of students and parents that has helped her in her career.
  • Favorite Food: Fruit
  • Hobbies: Sewing and Reading
  • Favorite Quote: "The best antidepressant is a sewing machine and a room full of fabric"
Photo of Courtney Brueckner

Courtney Brueckner

English 7, English 8, English GT

Bio
  • Degrees:
    • Masters of Arts in Teaching English - Westminster College
    • Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Creative Writing Emphasis - U of U
  • Jefferson since: 2016
  • Favorite Food: Macaroni and Cheese, Apple Pie
  • Hobbies: Gardening, Jogging/Cycling, Social Dancing, Cooking, Thrift/Antique shopping and learning to sew.
  • Favorite Quote: "You have to be able to write bad things to be able to write good things.... You have to write a lot in order to finally find your voice." - Ziwe Fumudoh
Photo of Janie Canals

Janie Canals

Counselor 6th Grade

Home Phone: 385-646-5196
Bio
  • Bachelors: Psychology - U of U
  • Masters: School Counseling - USU
  • Educator since: 2011
  • Jefferson since: 2021
Photo of Elsa Cavazos

Elsa Cavazos

Special Education

  • Degrees:
    • Special Education Mild/Moderate - U of U
  • Educator since: 2021
  • Jefferson since: 2021
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Blake Collier

CCA, CTE Digital Literacy

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Kathy Conley

Principal’s Secretary

Work Phone: 385-646-3450
Photo of Debby Conner

Debby Conner

Paraprofessional
Photo of Jennine Corak

Jennine Corak

BHA, Attendance Tracker

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Stephen Craker

Psychologist

Home Phone: 385-646-5196
Photo of Adam Erickson

Adam Erickson

College and Career Awareness, Digital Literacy

  • Degrees:
    • Masters of Business Administration - University of Phoenix, 2002
    • Bachelor of Science in Economics -  University of Utah,1994
  • Jefferson since: 2018
  • Favorite Food: Buffalo Wings, Fish & Chips and Veal Saltimbocca
  • Hobbies: Fishing, Sailing and exploring
  • Favorite Quotes:"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." - Hunter S. Thompson "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." —Malcolm X "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." —Albert Einstein
Photo of Yolanda Frazier

Yolanda Frazier

English 6, ESL

  • Degrees:
    • Bachelors: Elementary Education K-8 - Idaho State University
    • Masters: MAED Counseling, Admin - U of Phoenix
  • Jefferson since: 2021
  • Favorite Food: Mexican food without sour cream and guacamole
  • Hobbies: Rollerblading, fishing, biking, dancing and singing.
  • Favorite Quote: "If everything was perfect, you would never learn and you would never grow." -Beyoncé Knowles
  • Little known fact: Ms. Frazier does not eat dairy products.
Photo of Jenna Gardner

Jenna Gardner

Counselor 8th Grade

Home Phone: 385-646-5196
Bio
  • Degree Bachelor of Arts Westminster College 2002
  • Major: Elementary Education
  • Minor: History
  • Master of Education in Psychology 2020
  • Educator since: 2002
  • Jefferson Since: 2020
Photo of Krista Gillson

Krista Gillson

Art

  • Education:
  • Master’s in Teaching Fine Arts from the University of Utah
  • Bachelor’s in Art Education, Minor in English Education from Brigham Young University Idaho
  • Teaching since: 2018
  • Educational Philosophy: I believe in creating a space where students can learn self-confidence through experience and decision-making while experimenting with various art styles and techniques.
  • Hobbies: Reading, paddle boarding, yoga, hiking, dancing, and snowboarding
  • Favorite Food: Pot roast, filet mignon, salmon, and chocolate cake
  • Favorite Quote: “Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ― Howard Thurman
 
Photo of Brecken Gnehm

Brecken Gnehm

Science
Education:
  • Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education – BYU-Idaho (2016)
Educator since: 2016 Jefferson since: 2023 Favorite Food: Freshies Lobster Rolls Hobbies: Snowboarding, hiking, travelling, and watching the Denver Broncos
Photo of Melissa Grover

Melissa Grover

SEL

Photo of Sarah Guyer

Sarah Guyer

Finance Secretary

Home Phone: 385-646-3451
Photo of Kayla Hansen

Kayla Hansen

Resource

  • Education
    • Utah State University
    • University of Norther Colorado
  • Favorite Food: Chinese
  • Hobbies: Music and Reading
  • Favorite Quote: "Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes yet." - Anne of Green Gables
  • Ms. Hansen enjoys being in nature, music (piano, singing, guitar, etc.), reading, cross-stitching and spending time with my family.
Photo of Sasha Harmstead

Sasha Harmstead

Social Worker

Home Phone: 385-646-5196
Photo of Daniel Harnsberger

Daniel Harnsberger

Assistant Principal

Work Phone: 385-646-3453
Bio
  • Bachelor of Arts – History Major & English Minor – University of Oregon (2005)
  • Masters - Secondary Education – University of Oregon (2006)
  • Doctorate - Leadership and Policy - University of Utah (2020)
  • Educator since: 2006
  • Jefferson since: 2022
  • Favorite Food: Breakfast Burritos
  • Hobbies: Soccer, outdoors and foot racing
  • Favorite Quote: "I want to see what happens if I don't give up."
Photo of Anna Heath

Anna Heath

Science

  • Colleges attended: Utah Valley University, Westminster College
  • Degrees:
    • AA Culinary Arts
    • AS University Studies
    • BS Biology
  • Jefferson Since: 2019
  • Favorite Food: Pizza
  • Hobbies: Singing, Sewing and Reading
  • Favorite Quote: "Choose Kindness"
  • Fun Fact: Ms. Heath loves nature and animals. She is often in awe that the world is so beautiful.
Photo of Alex Heugly

Alex Heugly

Assistant Principal

Work Phone: 385-646-3466
  • Bachelor of Science - Mathematics with Statistic Emphasis & Business Minor - University of Utah (2014)
  • Masters - Secondary Education - Utah State University (2017)
  • Masters - Educational Leadership - Western Governers University (2024)
  • Educator since: 2015
  • Favorite Food: ice cream
  • Hobbies: reading and riding horses
  • Favorite Quote: "The only way to fail is to stop trying."
Photo of Diana Hiatt

Diana Hiatt

Head Custodian

Photo of Wendy Hill

Wendy Hill

Aide

Photo of Brittany Holloway

Brittany Holloway

Special Education Aide

Photo of Rod Horton

Rod Horton

Principal

Work Phone: 385-646-5194
Bio
  • Bachelor of Science-Major: Health: Minor: Spanish-University of Utah-1994
  • Masters in Curriculum and Instruction-University of Phoenix-2000
  • Administrative Certificate-University of Utah-2004
  • Educator Since – 1994
  • Jefferson Since – 2018
  • Mr. Horton taught Spanish for 11 years at Skyline high school. He also coached the water polo and swim team there for 12 years. He was an Assistant Principal at Taylorsville High and Granger High for 6 years. He then became the principal at Eisenhower Junior and then Bennion Junior for 6 years.
Photo of Christianna Hoyt

Christianna Hoyt

Math, History

  • Education:
    • Elementary Education Bachelors - U of U
    • SLCC - Associates
  • Jefferson Since: 2021
  • Favorite Food: Ham Fried Rice & Chicken Nuggets
  • Hobbies: Golfing, Curling and Crochet
  • Favorite Quote: "Everyday is Halloween, isn't it? For some of us." - Tim Burton
  • Fun Fact: Mrs. Hoyt collects dead things and loves all things Spooky/Creepy.
Photo of Jamie Jensen

Jamie Jensen

Counselor 7th Grade

Work Phone: 385-646-5196
Bio
  • Degree Bachelor of Science Utah State University 1990
  • Major: Psychology
  • Minor: History
  • Master of Science Utah State University 1992 School Counseling Educator
  • Educator Since: 1990
  • Jefferson Since: 1992
Photo of Michael Jones

Michael Jones

Assistant Custodian

Photo of Sunhee Khang

Sunhee Khang

SPED Paraprofessional

Photo of Kristal King

Kristal King

Registrar

Work Phone: 385-646-5196
Photo of Amanda Lopez-Tibbs

Amanda Lopez-Tibbs

English 7

English
  • Education
    • Bachelors in English Secondary Education from University of Utah
  • Jefferson since: 2019
  • Favorite Food: Korean/Pho
  • Hobbies: Reading, going on walks and watching Netflix
  • Favorite Quote: "If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals." -Harry Potter
Photo of Tiffany Martinez

Tiffany Martinez

Special Education Aide

Photo of Margaret Miles

Margaret Miles

Science

Photo of Sydney Moffitt

Sydney Moffitt

Science

Photo of Tasha Moors

Tasha Moors

Comp Guidance Clerk & Attendance

Home Phone: 385-646-5196
Photo of Sydnee Moser Price

Sydnee Moser Price

Mathematics

  • Education:
    • Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary and Math Education from Southern Utah University
    • Master's from Southern Utah University
  • Jefferson since: 2019
  • Favorite Food: Pasta and Texas Roadhouse
  • Hobbies: Camping and binge watching tv shows
  • Favorite Quote: "At 211 degrees, water is hot. At 212 degrees, it boils. With boiling water comes steam and steam can power a locomotive. And.... it's that one extra degree that makes all the difference!"
  • Mrs. Moser Price teaches Math 7, Math 7 Honors, Math 8 Honors and is the SBO Advisor.
  • Office Hours:
    • Tuesday & Thursday 2:50 - 3:30 (by appointment only)
Photo of Marissa Neeley

Marissa Neeley

English

  • Degrees:
    • Bachelors: Social Studies and ELA - USU
  • Jefferson since: 2020
  • Favorite Food: Mexican and Breakfast food
  • Hobbies: Sleeping, movies, theatre, travel and spending time with people
  • Favorite Quote: "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." - Sydney J. Harris
Photo of Samuel Noyce

Samuel Noyce

Band, Orchestra, French

  • Education:
    • Bachelors degree in French and Music from the University of Utah
    • Columbia University
  • Jefferson since: 2017
  • Favorite Food: Cafe Rio Pork Burrito
  • Hobbies: Baseball, podcasts, politics, sandwiches
  • Favorite Quote: "On ne voit bien qu'avec le coeur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
  • Mr. Noyce teaches Band, Orchestra and French DLI
 
Photo of Flora Odekirk

Flora Odekirk

Lunch Manager

Photo of Christina Ogrin

Christina Ogrin

P.E.

  • Degrees:
    • Exercise & Sport Science - U of U
    • Sport Pedagogy - U of U, SpEd PE-U
  • Jefferson since: 2021
  • Favorite Food: Tacos
  • Hobbies: Hiking, camping, backpacking, running and reading
  • Favorite Quote: "Live vicariously through yourself"
  • Ms. Ogrin has been teaching in Granite since 2008 and loves coaching soccer, basketball and track. When not teaching she enjoys attending University of Utah football games and spending time in nature with her 2 dogs.
Photo of Tyler Owen

Tyler Owen

Math

  • Education:
    • SLCC, SNOW & WGU
  • Favorite Food: Pizza and Ice cream
  • Hobbies: Dance and hanging out with family and friends
  • Favorite Quote: "I think it's my year, Henderson" - Eddie Munson (Stranger Things)
Photo of Mekinzey Parks

Mekinzey Parks

Dance, Math
Photo of Anne Marie Pia-Nielson

Anne Marie Pia-Nielson

Math

  • Degrees:
    • Elementary Education Level 2 Math - USU
    • SLCC
  • Jefferson since: 2020
  • Favorite Food: Pasta
  • Hobbies: Gardening
  • Favorite Quote: "Choose not to be harmed and you won't feel harmed. Don't feel harmed and you haven't been." - Marcus Aurelius
Photo of Thomas Price

Thomas Price

English
  • Degrees: SLCC, Associate of Social Work
UofU, Bachelor of Social Work
  • Favorite Food: Burritos (handheld), Free…
  • Hobbies: Film, Theater, Music, Hiking, Guitar, Reading, Writing all the time, hanging out with my two daughters.
  • Fun Fact: I was a DJ for hire for 10 years.
  • Favorite Quote: “We are unusual and tragic and alive.” – Dave Eggers
Photo of Michelle Reed

Michelle Reed

Library Media Educational Technology Specialist

Work Phone: 385-646-3464
Bio
  • Degree Bachelor of Science – Utah State University
  • Jefferson Since – 2015
  • Before coming to Jefferson Mrs. Reed held a similar position of coordinating technology, fixing problems, and training teachers on technology at Armstrong STEM Academy. Mrs. Reed has been a LEGO League coach at previous schools and has brought that program to Jefferson. During her time here at Jefferson Mrs. Reed has worked hard to make the Library an enthusiastic and welcoming learning center.
Photo of Jessica Reiners

Jessica Reiners

Lunch Worker

Photo of Luz Rivera

Luz Rivera

Lunch Worker

Photo of Douglas Roberts

Douglas Roberts

Drama, Theatre, Stage Production and Technology

Website: To audition for musical theatre & intermediate theatre classes, click on this link and type in the code: ige4sib
Bio "It wasn't until I was in college that I really started doing theatre.  I'm so thankful to the friends that invited me to try it out."
  • Arizona State University, BFA - Theatre in Education, with emphasis in stage techology
  • Lesley University, MA - Technology in Education
  • Educator since: 1993
  • Jefferson since: 2013
  • While attending Arizona State, Mr. Roberts received the "Excellence in Education" award and felt he found what he loved to do the most.  After teaching high school theatre in Texas for two years and 13 years of high school theatre in Colorado, he moved to Utah and taught at two different schools in the Jordan district before coming to Granite and Jefferson.  Mr. Roberts has continued a great tradition of theatre at Jefferson adding his own strengths to make the program and productions even stronger.  Mr. Roberts coordinates the stage crew for all assemblies and performances, directs the school musical and with his students (and some parent volunteers), designs and creates all of the sets used.
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Officer Jesus Rodriguez

School Resource Officer

Work Phone: 3856463454
Photo of Kiersten Smith

Kiersten Smith

Resource

  • Education:
    • BYU Special Education degree
    • University of Phoenix  Elementary Education degree
    • Weber State University ESL Endorsement
  • Jefferson Since: 2019
  • Favorite Food: Chicken and Waffles
  • Hobbies: Thrift shopping, reading and playing with granddaughter
  • Favorite Quote: "Knowing our happiness triggers can be just as important as knowing our anger triggers."
Photo of Nathan Stuart

Nathan Stuart

Health, LIA

  • Degrees:
    • Bachelors degree in health education from UVU. Currently attending WGU for my masters in education.
  • Favorite Food: Hot Wings
  • Hobbies: Traveling, playing sports, and spending time with friends and family.
  • Favorite Quote: " You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky
Photo of Tammy Swadish

Tammy Swadish

Special Education Aide

Photo of Holly VanCouwenberghe

Holly VanCouwenberghe

6th GD Reading
Degrees - Bachelor’s Elementary Education, Master’s School Counseling and Educational Leadership and Administration Teaching since - 2005 Favorite Food - Mangos and Edamame Hobbies - running, paddle boarding, reading, music, and spending time with family and friends Favorite Quote - "Being different isn't a bad thing. It means you're brave enough to be yourself." Luna Lovegood, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Photo of Sharon Viall

Sharon Viall

Media Aide

Photo of Lauren Wilder

Lauren Wilder

English 8

  • Degrees:
    • Westminster College, BA English and Secondary Education
    • University of Nevada, Reno, MA English
  • Educator Since: 2013
  • Jefferson Since: 2020
  • Favorite Food: Appalachian food
  • Hobbies: Reading, hiking, traveling, live music, spending time with family and friends
  • Favorite Quote: "We are, as a species, addicted to story. Even when the body goes to sleep, the mind stays up all night, telling itself stories."
Photo of June Wilson-Wright

June Wilson-Wright

English 7-8 Special Education

  • Education:
    • Bachelor of Education – 1995 from University of Hawaii at Manoa
    • Master of Education – 1999 from University of Hawaii at Manoa
  • Jefferson since: 2005
  • Favorite Food: Polynesian food, Italian food and open to any food item.
  • Hobbies: Volleyball, reading and anything in the great outdoors
  • Favorite Quote: "We will get through this."

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