Stephanie Alberico
School Psychologist
Mariah Benson
Work Email:
I am so excited to join the William Penn team as a dance teacher! I received my degree in Dance Education from Weber State University, where I have shared my knowledge with many different communities in the Northern Utah area. I believe that dance is not only a fun activity but also a way to connect with oneself, others, and the environment. I look forward to bringing my experience and enthusiasm to the students at William Penn and helping them discover the joy and benefits of dance.
Francisco Diaz
4th Grade Teacher
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I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about me and my background. I was born and raised in Venezuela and have lived in the United States for almost eleven years. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Literature and a Master’s degree in Reading & Writing. My work experience includes time spent in Elementary, High School, and College. I also spent time studying and working in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This is going to be my seventh year in Granite school District and my first year at William Penn Elementary. Previously, I was a Third Grade Dual Immersion teacher for six years at Vista Elementary. I am looking forward to meeting each of you and knowing more about your child.
I have a passion for teaching because I believe each student has a different and unique potential. I enjoy the process of teaching and watching my students learn and grow in front of me. And I love coming up with creative ideas to help learning be a fun adventure rather than something boring and dreaded. My goal for each student when they move on from my class at the end of the year is for them to not only have learned many new things but to have walked away enjoying their time and later reflect on this as a happy and positive experience.
I am happy to be a part of the William Penn family this year. I believe in communication as a key to support everyone, so please feel free to contact me about any concerns you have during the school year because I’m more than happy to help.
Thank you,
Mr. Diaz
Shantelle Ford-Diaz
5th Grade Teacher
Work Email:
Supply List
I am so excited to be here at William Penn elementary. This is my 14th year with Granite school district and I have taught in 4th and 6th grade in both elementary and junior high. I have a Masters degree in Education and endorsements in STEM and ESL. I am honored to be a past teacher of the year with Granite school district. I recently married the love of my life and like to spend free time traveling, reading, painting, and hiking.
Jennette Fordham
Technology Coach
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Aliza Freedman
Kindergarten Teacher
Work Email:
Supply List
Allow me to introduce myself to you. My name is Aliza Freedman. I am thrilled to be teaching Kindergarten this year. This school year will mark my 18th year of teaching. I was born in NJ and moved to Utah in 2009. Before moving to Utah, I taught pre-k and kindergarten for 7 years in NJ. Here in Utah, I have taught 6 years in kindergarten and two years in 3rd grade. Before coming to William Penn, I taught at Roosevelt Elementary, Granger Elementary and then Millcreek Elementary. I am a third-generation teacher in my family. Mom was a high-school science teacher and later went into administration and is now retired and my father has been a college professor for over 50 years and has no interest in retiring yet. I graduated from Rutgers University in NJ with a bachelors in Biological Sciences and where I served as chancellor of the chess team. I have a Masters degree in Teaching and Learning from Nova South Eastern University and a professional teaching certification in early childhood. I am a proud mom, wife and daughter and I can’t wait to meet your little one and be their teacher. It is a role that I cherish and I love being a part of their first experience with school. My favorite color is hot pink, light pink and every pink shade in between. My hobbies include, writing, reading, problem solving, salsa music and thrift shopping. My mission is to instill a love for learning in each and every student and to teach with passion and love. If you have any questions or concerns about the year, please email me at the above listed email. I look forward to meeting you all very soon.
Allow me to introduce myself to you. My name is Aliza Freedman. I am thrilled to be teaching Kindergarten this year. This school year will mark my 18th year of teaching. I was born in NJ and moved to Utah in 2009. Before moving to Utah, I taught pre-k and kindergarten for 7 years in NJ. Here in Utah, I have taught 6 years in kindergarten and two years in 3rd grade. Before coming to William Penn, I taught at Roosevelt Elementary, Granger Elementary and then Millcreek Elementary. I am a third-generation teacher in my family. Mom was a high-school science teacher and later went into administration and is now retired and my father has been a college professor for over 50 years and has no interest in retiring yet. I graduated from Rutgers University in NJ with a bachelors in Biological Sciences and where I served as chancellor of the chess team. I have a Masters degree in Teaching and Learning from Nova South Eastern University and a professional teaching certification in early childhood. I am a proud mom, wife and daughter and I can’t wait to meet your little one and be their teacher. It is a role that I cherish and I love being a part of their first experience with school. My favorite color is hot pink, light pink and every pink shade in between. My hobbies include, writing, reading, problem solving, salsa music and thrift shopping. My mission is to instill a love for learning in each and every student and to teach with passion and love. If you have any questions or concerns about the year, please email me at the above listed email. I look forward to meeting you all very soon.
Judy Ginsberg
4th Grade Teacher
Work Email:
Supply List
As an Air Force "brat", I grew up all over the world. Some of the interesting places I lived were Germany, Texas, Hawaii, and Alaska. My parents retired in Utah, where I graduated from Westminster College, got married, and got my first teaching job all in the same summer! I have been teaching for 27 years, all in 4th and 5th grade. They are my favorite. I have been at William Penn for 20 of those years. It is a wonderful school. Both of my children attended the William Penn Dual Immersion Program. My oldest son is now in the Musical Theatre Program at the University of Utah, and my youngest son is attending Utah Valley University and is a new firefighter in Spanish Fork. My family enjoys outdoor concerts and camping with our dogs in the summer and skiing in the winter.
As an Air Force "brat", I grew up all over the world. Some of the interesting places I lived were Germany, Texas, Hawaii, and Alaska. My parents retired in Utah, where I graduated from Westminster College, got married, and got my first teaching job all in the same summer! I have been teaching for 27 years, all in 4th and 5th grade. They are my favorite. I have been at William Penn for 20 of those years. It is a wonderful school. Both of my children attended the William Penn Dual Immersion Program. My oldest son is now in the Musical Theatre Program at the University of Utah, and my youngest son is attending Utah Valley University and is a new firefighter in Spanish Fork. My family enjoys outdoor concerts and camping with our dogs in the summer and skiing in the winter.
Kaitlin Holton
Kindergarten Teacher
Work Email:
Supply List
I am so excited to be joining the William Penn family and I am thrilled to be teaching kindergarten this year! My past experiences in the business world as well as in the classroom have given me extensive opportunities in leading and motivating groups and individuals. I am so excited to be back in the classroom where my passion has always been. I've had the privilege of teaching in Fiji, Hawaii, New York City and Utah. I met my husband while attending BYU-Hawaii, where I received my B.S. in Elementary Education. Following college, we moved to Utah and have raised our family in my husband's hometown over the past 14 years. I was born and raised in Washington DC and love all of the diverse experiences that I have had living all over the U.S. I bring a vibrant energy and a passion for active learning to the classroom. When I'm not in the classroom, you can find me outdoors, mountain biking, running, or cheering on my three amazing kids at their various sports events. My love for being active and engaged translates into my teaching style, where I aim to create a dynamic, supportive, and fun learning environment for our little ones. I am looking forward to a fantastic year ahead, filled with growth, discovery, and lots of fun. Together, we will make this year unforgettable for your child!
I am so excited to be joining the William Penn family and I am thrilled to be teaching kindergarten this year! My past experiences in the business world as well as in the classroom have given me extensive opportunities in leading and motivating groups and individuals. I am so excited to be back in the classroom where my passion has always been. I've had the privilege of teaching in Fiji, Hawaii, New York City and Utah. I met my husband while attending BYU-Hawaii, where I received my B.S. in Elementary Education. Following college, we moved to Utah and have raised our family in my husband's hometown over the past 14 years. I was born and raised in Washington DC and love all of the diverse experiences that I have had living all over the U.S. I bring a vibrant energy and a passion for active learning to the classroom. When I'm not in the classroom, you can find me outdoors, mountain biking, running, or cheering on my three amazing kids at their various sports events. My love for being active and engaged translates into my teaching style, where I aim to create a dynamic, supportive, and fun learning environment for our little ones. I am looking forward to a fantastic year ahead, filled with growth, discovery, and lots of fun. Together, we will make this year unforgettable for your child!
Lisa Peterson
Literacy Coach
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Alissa Pope
2nd Grade Teacher
Work Email:
Supply List
I have spent 19 years teaching at William Penn and 3 years at Canyon Rim, integrating arts and technology into my curriculum. I particularly enjoy working with first and second graders, encouraging students to explore their talents and interests. My classroom emphasizes kindness and the understanding that everyone excels in different areas, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and four children, camping, playing games, and being with my family at the beach.
I have spent 19 years teaching at William Penn and 3 years at Canyon Rim, integrating arts and technology into my curriculum. I particularly enjoy working with first and second graders, encouraging students to explore their talents and interests. My classroom emphasizes kindness and the understanding that everyone excels in different areas, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and four children, camping, playing games, and being with my family at the beach.
Holly Rawlings
5th Grade Teacher
Work Email:
Supply List
I have worked at William Penn for 17 years in various capacities, the last five in Fabulous Fifth grade. I began my teaching career teaching and coaching basketball at West Jordan High school after graduating from the University of Utah while playing on the women’s basketball team (this was when dinosaurs roamed the earth if you’re searching). I then took a 25-year hiatus to raise my four children, before changing my teaching focus to the elementary level. I was lucky to land at Penn, incredibly where both my children and I attended. I love working in my yard, hanging out with my four grandchildren, Elias (8), Sawyer (5), Stetson (2), and Tallulah (18 mos.) and playing with my one-year-old pup, Sadie. I have a deep love and respect for the community of William Penn as I grew up on Millcreek Way and have enjoyed figuring out which parents could have been my neighbors way back then! I believe that if my students know they are loved, they will want to come to school where their self-confidence and work ethic will lead directly to academic success. I LOVE the journey.
I have worked at William Penn for 17 years in various capacities, the last five in Fabulous Fifth grade. I began my teaching career teaching and coaching basketball at West Jordan High school after graduating from the University of Utah while playing on the women’s basketball team (this was when dinosaurs roamed the earth if you’re searching). I then took a 25-year hiatus to raise my four children, before changing my teaching focus to the elementary level. I was lucky to land at Penn, incredibly where both my children and I attended. I love working in my yard, hanging out with my four grandchildren, Elias (8), Sawyer (5), Stetson (2), and Tallulah (18 mos.) and playing with my one-year-old pup, Sadie. I have a deep love and respect for the community of William Penn as I grew up on Millcreek Way and have enjoyed figuring out which parents could have been my neighbors way back then! I believe that if my students know they are loved, they will want to come to school where their self-confidence and work ethic will lead directly to academic success. I LOVE the journey.
Tricia Reynolds
Special Education Teacher
Work Email:
Melinda Riggs
Social Worker
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Maria Rivas
2nd Grade-Dual Immersion Teacher
Work Email:
Supply List
I am Maria Jose Rivas de Castellanos, I was born in Venezuela on July 29, 1983, I am 42 years old. I am married and have a 14-year-old girl named Amanda. I studied education with a master's degree in educational management. I have 17 years of experience working with children, 16 years in Venezuela and 1 year here at the William Penn School in second grade, I like my profession, I speak Spanish, I am learning English and I understand a lot. I like this country and above all this state, I feel part of it. I like respect, responsibility, kindness, sharing with family, and communicative.
I am Maria Jose Rivas de Castellanos, I was born in Venezuela on July 29, 1983, I am 42 years old. I am married and have a 14-year-old girl named Amanda. I studied education with a master's degree in educational management. I have 17 years of experience working with children, 16 years in Venezuela and 1 year here at the William Penn School in second grade, I like my profession, I speak Spanish, I am learning English and I understand a lot. I like this country and above all this state, I feel part of it. I like respect, responsibility, kindness, sharing with family, and communicative.
Karlyn Salazar
BTS-Drama Teacher
Work Email:
Tabitha Whitmore
Speech Pathologist
Work Phone: (385) 646-9627
Work Email:
Teresa Zajic
1st Grade – Dual Immersion Teacher
Work Email:
Supply List
Hola, welcome to the 1st grade Spanish DLI classroom. This year we are going to learn Spanish and have fun. My name is Maria Teresa Zajic. I'm from Mexico. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from a University in Mexico and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in ESL/Bilingual Education from Arizona State University. I moved to the State of Utah with my husband and my daughter to start a new journey. My hobbies are spending time with my family, going to new places, and hiking. I started working at William Penn Elementary in 2014. I am glad to be your child’s 1st grade Spanish Dual Immersion teacher. During this school year, your child will learn many new skills and learn the academic concepts of Literature, Math, Science, and Social Studies in Spanish. It will be exciting and fun. I am excited to start this new school year. It is a pleasure for me to be your child's teacher. I will help make this year a great, fun, and good learning experience for your child.
Hola, welcome to the 1st grade Spanish DLI classroom. This year we are going to learn Spanish and have fun. My name is Maria Teresa Zajic. I'm from Mexico. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from a University in Mexico and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in ESL/Bilingual Education from Arizona State University. I moved to the State of Utah with my husband and my daughter to start a new journey. My hobbies are spending time with my family, going to new places, and hiking. I started working at William Penn Elementary in 2014. I am glad to be your child’s 1st grade Spanish Dual Immersion teacher. During this school year, your child will learn many new skills and learn the academic concepts of Literature, Math, Science, and Social Studies in Spanish. It will be exciting and fun. I am excited to start this new school year. It is a pleasure for me to be your child's teacher. I will help make this year a great, fun, and good learning experience for your child.
