Clark Abraham
French
Work Email: 
- Degrees:
- French, Secondary - USU
- M. Ed. Western Governors
- Educator since: 2013
- Jefferson since: 2021
Amy Arias
English, Study Skills, Supervised Studies
Self-ContainedWork Email:
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.
Chezarae Beaty
Math, Reading
Work Email:
- Degrees:
- Music Ed. - U of U
- Educator since: 2016
- Jefferson since: 2021
Paul Brennan
US History, Utah Studies, Civics
Utah HIstory, 20th Century, World Geography, GovernmentWork Email:
Bio
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts, University of Utah
- Major: United States History and Russian History
- Minor: Chemistry
- Competed professionally as a marathon runner for Nike International 1991 to 1993.
- Educator since: 1987
- Jefferson since: 1987
- Mr. Brennan has been at Jefferson since the second year it was opened. During that time he has influenced so many students in the classroom and on the track. Jefferson has won several division and district championships in Cross Country and Track with Mr. Brennan as coach.
Katrina Brighton
College and Career Awareness, FACS Sewing and Teen Living
Teen Living/Lifeskills/CTEWork Email:
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"
Courtney Brueckner
English 7, English 8, English GT
Work Email:
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
Elsa Cavazos
Special Education
Work Email:
- Degrees:
- Special Education Mild/Moderate - U of U
- Educator since: 2021
- Jefferson since: 2021
Hunter Clapsadl
English 6, Reading
Work Email:
- Degrees:
- Elementary Education - U of U
- Currently attending Westminster
- Jefferson since: 2021
- Favorite Food: Pho from Pho Tay Ho in S. Salt Lake
- Hobbies: Rocking climbing, reading, cooking, watching movies and travel
- Favorite Quote: " I believe that each person is more than the worst thing they've ever done. " -Bryan Stevenson.
Natalia Clark
Contract Substitute Teacher
Work Email:
- Education:
- Kyiv Pedagogical college
- National Pedagogical Dragomanov University
- Favorite Food: Borsh and Vareniky
- Hobbies: Knitting, sewing and spending time with family
- Favorite Quote: "Success in teaching creates a path leading to that part of a child's heart where burns the desire to be good." - Vasil Suhomlinsky
- Mrs. Clark participated in organized dance in elementary school, track and field in Jr. High and gymnastics in college. She also sang in choir during college.
Blake Collier
CCA, CTE Digital Literacy
Work Email:
Debby Conner
BHA Specialist
Work Email:
Adam Erickson
College and Career Awareness, Digital Literacy
Work Email:
- 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
Yolanda Frazier
English 6, ESL
Work Email:
- 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.
Brad Gibson
History
Work Email:
- Education:
- Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education - Utah State University (2000)
- Master of Science - Computer Information Systems - University of Phoenix (2003)
- Educator since: 2001
- Jefferson since: 2018
- Favorite Food: Mexican Food
- Hobbies: Reading
- Favorite Quote: "Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel." - Socrates
Krista Gillson
Art
Work Email:
Melissa Grover
SEL
Work Email:
Kayla Hansen
Resource
Work Email:
- 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.
Anna Heath
Science
Work Email:
- 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.
Wendy Hill
Aide
Work Email:
Brittany Holloway
Special Education Aide
Work Email:
Brad Holscher
Science
Work Email:
- Education:
- University of Utah, Bachelor’s Degree
- Indiana State University, Bachelor’s Degree
- Jefferson since: 2021
- Favorite Food: Lobster Thermidor
- Hobbies: Skiing, Mountain Biking, Fly Fishing, Playing Banjo and Reading
- Favorite Quote: "It's what you learn after you know everything that really counts."
Christianna Hoyt
Math, History
Work Email:
- 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.
Brian Jacketta
Mathematics
Work Email:
- Degrees:
- B.S. in Mathematics from University of Utah,
- M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University (Orange, CA)
- Jefferson Since: 2019
- Favorite Food: Tacos/Mexican or Chocolate
- Hobbies: Sports (Football and Baseball) and Scuba diving
- Favorite Quote: "Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." - John Wooden
- Big fan of the Seahawks and Utes
Sunhee Khang
SPED Paraprofessional
Work Email:
Mrs. Jillian Knox
Social Studies, ESL
Work Email:
- Degrees:
- Bachelors of History & Special Education - SUU
- Jefferson since: 2020
- Favorite Food: Popcorn
- Hobbies: Travel, movies and reading
- Favorite Quote: "Whatever you are be a good one." - Abraham Lincoln
Mamie Kynaston
History
Work Email:
- Degrees:
- Bachelors of History - BYU
- Teaching - U of U
- Salt Lake Community College
- Jefferson since: 2021
- Favorite Food: Comfort food like meat & potatoes, pasta, bread - carbs 😉
- Hobbies: Reading, puzzles, boating and being outdoors
- Favorite Quote: "Anytime you learn History, you add to yourself as a person.
- Ms. Kynaston loves our Jefferson Jr. High family and the Kearns community. She thinks we are AMAZING!
Julie Leith
English
Work Email:
Amanda Lopez-Tibbs
English 7
EnglishWork Email:
- 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
Tiffany Martinez
Special Education Aide
Work Email:
Margaret Miles
Science
Work Email:
Sydney Moffitt
Science
Work Email:
Vatasha Moors
Special Education Aide
Work Email:
Sydnee Moser Price
Mathematics
Work Email:
- 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)
Marissa Neeley
English
Work Email:
- 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
Maria Nemelka
Spanish
Work Email:
- Degrees:
- Bachelors: UNISON—MEXICO, School of Law, Bachelor’s Degree
- Masters: University of New Mexico, Master’s Degree
- Educator since:
- Jefferson since: 2021
Bethany Nielsen
English
Work Email:
- Degrees:
- Bachelors: English Degree - USU
- Masters of Education - U of U
- SUU
- Jefferson since: 2020
- Hobbies: Reading, rock climbing, cooking and traveling
- Favorite Quote: "There's no person in the world like you and I like you just the way you are." - Mr. Rogers
Samuel Noyce
Band, Orchestra, French
Work Email:
- 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
Christina Ogrin
P.E.
Work Email:
- 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.
Emily Olaya
Science, History
Work Email:
- Degrees:
- Bachelors: Elementary Education - BYU
- Masters: Elementary Education - SUU
- Jefferson since: 2021
- Favorite Food: Anything International
- Hobbies: Crafting, sewing, music (violin, piano, sing), puzzles camping, hiking and spending time with family.
- Favorite Quote: "If you treat an individual as he is, he will remain as he is. If you treat him as he ought to be and could be, he will become what he ought to be and could be." - Goethe
Tyler Owen
Math
Work Email:
- 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)
ShaeLee Pearson
CTE, CCA
Work Email:
Anne Marie Pia-Nielson
Math
Work Email:
- 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
Mark Pierce
PE, Athletic Director
Work Email:
Bio
- Degree Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Exercise and Sports Science, PE - University of Utah
- Educator Since: 1979
- Jefferson Since: 2013
- Mr. Pierce was an All-American defensive back for the University of Utah football team. After graduating from college Mr. Pierce began teaching high school along with being the head football coach at Bear River High and Viewmont High before moving to the coaching staff at the University of Utah. After finishing coaching Mr. Pierce returned to teaching PE at Centerville Jr. High where he taught for many years before coming to Jefferson with his experience and love of teaching at the middle school level.
Douglas Roberts
Drama, Theatre, Stage Production and Technology
Work Email: Website: To audition for musical theatre & intermediate theatre classes, click on this link and type in the code: ige4sib
Website: To audition for musical theatre & intermediate theatre classes, click on this link and type in the code: ige4sibBio "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.
Kiersten Smith
Resource
Work Email:
- 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."
Tammy Swadish
Special Education Aide
Work Email:
Pamela Tafili
Science
Work Email:
- Education:
- 1998-2004 U.S. Navy (Nuclear Electrician)
- Iowa State University - B.S.
- Thomas Edison State College - B.S.
- University of Utah - MBA
- Jefferson since: 2016
- Favorite Food: Caramel Dumplings and Tacos
- Hobbies: Doing anything with my family, going to the beach, swimming and hanging out with her sisters.
- Favorite Quote: "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration" - Thomas Edison.
- Fun Fact: Mrs. Tafili served in the United States Navy onboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower as a Naval Nuclear Electrician and Watch Supervisor. She is PASSIONATE about STEM and thinks that literacy is key to becoming who you want to be.
Eric Taylor
History
Work Email:
- Degrees:
- Interdisciplinary Studies - WGU
- Pace University
- Gettysburg College
- Jefferson since: 2021
- Favorite Food: Chile Rellenos or any Mexican food.
- Hobbies: Music and movies
- Favorite Quote: "Never let the fear of striking out get in your way." - Babe Ruth
- Fun Fact: Mr. Taylor is a three-time nominee for National History Teacher of the Year.
- Website: www.mrtaylor.win
Lauren Wilder
English
Work Email:
- Degrees:
- Bachelors: English & Sec Ed – Westminster
- Masters of English – U of Nevada, Reno
- Educator since: 2013
- Jefferson since: 2020
- Favorite Food: Tacos!
- Hobbies: Hiking, reading, 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 stay up all night, telling itself stories."
June Wilson-Wright
English 7-8 Special Education
Work Email:
- 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."
