Biography

Studying dinosaur knuckle bones

I am the youngest in a family of eight children. Raised in Orem, Utah by my parents, Charles and Diana. My parents noticed early that I loved exploration and Science. My father, being a chemist, provided me with opportunities for my own Science exploration. My mother would frequently allow me to stay up to study the stars and constellations. I grew up enjoying hiking, fishing, art, cooking, and sewing. I have always loved to learn. I was enrolled in year round school while at Bonneville Elementary. I would even sometimes attend school during my off-track weeks, just because I missed being in the classroom. While attending Orem Junior High School, I decided to become a Science Teacher. My thrive to become a Science Teacher was encouraged by the excellent Science Teachers who provided me access to an education, and experiences to continue learning solo. I attended Timpanogos High School and took courses in various Sciences, AP Art, Mythology, etc. I was the costume designer and seamstress for the Drama department my Senior year. I also participated in student service clubs, Spanish immersion activities, choir, and supported local musical & stage performances by my attendance.

Snow leopard, charcoal drawing, 2004 by A. Rosenvall  

I was accepted into Brigham Young University, summer 2003. I took a variety of courses in Meteorology, Invertebrate Paleontology, Stratigraphy, Astronomy, Mythology, Technical Writing, Drawing, etc.

I worked full time as a cashier at a local grocery store, Macey's, to support my financial needs through college and graduated without debt of any kind.

During the summer of 2004, while taking a Intermediate Ballroom Dance class, I met Andrew. After dating 13 months we were married in the Timpanogos Temple on July 29, 2005.

I was offered a position with the Invertebrate Paleontology Professor Ritter, as TA for his class. A position normally only reserved for graduate students. I taught the Invertebrate Paleontology lab and guided students during classroom instruction. After completion of the class, I was offered a position to work on maintaining various Professors webpages, as well as writing lesson plans that would align with State, AAAS and National Teaching standards.

I completed my student teaching experience at Diamond Fork Junior High School in Nebo School District with Sharon Miya. It was a wonderful experience in which I learned collaborative methods, wrote lesson plans, and participated in helping the Science Olympiad team.

I accepted my first full-time teaching position at Oquirrh Hills Middle School (OHMS). There I worked with absolutely amazing teachers and staff for three years. (I left teaching to attend to my children at home.) While at OHMS, I started a Science Olympiad Team. Implemented ZAP, a student reward and study session, full school RTI model.

I continue to volunteer at OHMS as a Science Olympiad Coach. I started Western Governors University in August 2014, and plan to complete my degree summer of 2015.