Teachers & Instructors

You Will Be Known And Nurtured

At the heart of our exceptional program are caring and supportive educators committed to providing the very best educational experience for your child.

Kindergarten

lmeyer@odysseycharter.net

Room 140

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Welcome to the beginning of your educational journey! I’m so excited to be your Kindergarten teacher this year! We are going to make so many memories on this adventure!

I began my teaching career after attending my first day of Kindergarten when I was 5 years old and taught my first class to my stuffies on my bed. I wanted to be just like my teacher, Ms. Brady! Since then, I’ve craved being in a classroom!

I’m originally from sunny southern California but moved to Utah after high school to attend college and I’ve been here ever since. I married the man of my dreams while getting my teaching degree from BYU and now we live in perpetual chaos with 4 kids! Three of those kids attend Odyssey Charter School. My oldest ditched us this past school year and moved on to middle school. Each one of our kids participate in one sport or another including softball, baseball, football, soccer, volleyball, track and field, basketball, and Irish dance. We are a very busy family, but we do it all together. We are a team, and I can’t wait to add you to our roster!

tyorgason@odysseycharter.net

Room 139

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I graduated from  BYU in  Elementary Education and earned an Early Childhood Endorsement from UVU.  This will be my twelfth year teaching and eighth year at Odyssey with the most amazing team of people and staff ever!  I have been a Title 1 paraprofessional for a first-grade class and taught as a first-grade writing specialist.  I have also substituted for a variety of classrooms and ages. This past year we have been training how to better teach children to read through the LETRS program.

I am blessed to have five amazing children.  My oldest girl homeschools her 4 children and lives in Montana.  My son is at PA and his wife is a nurse with three beautiful children here in Utah.  My next daughter lives in Colorado with her two boys and a brand new baby coming soon! Her husband manages the Glenwood Springs Amusement Park at the top of a mountain!   My next son plays the guitar, piano, and is a computer programmer.  Finally, my last girl does pottery, has her own house and is a manager with ERC specialists. My children have been my best friends and we like to camp, watch movies, eat out and travel together. I feel like being a mother was one of my greatest blessings.

I also enjoy a variety of exercise classes, swimming, hiking, kayaking, and now a bit of pickleball.  I love to continue learning and am grateful for the opportunity to work with your children at Odyssey!

khunt@odysseycharter.net

Room 141

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Hello! My name is Mrs. Hunt. This is my 8th year working in education and my 5th year working at Odyssey Charter School. I’ve had previous experience in Kindergarten, 3rd grade, K-8 Special Education, and K-6 Math Interventions. I have also taught large group summer camps for the past 4 years to preschool and elementary aged students. I have a passion for early childhood development and I am grateful for the opportunity this year to help strengthen young minds in Kindergarten.

I attended Odyssey Charter School when I was a child, so I feel a connection to the students I teach and want to provide them with a fun and welcoming learning environment. I met my husband here at Odyssey when I was in 4th grade. We were good friends throughout elementary school and high school and then started dating after we graduated. I have been married to him for 4 years and we have an 18-month old boy named Jason.

In my spare time, I love spending time with my little boy and taking him to fun places. My favorite place to go is Disneyland! Jason has already gone there 4 times. I also enjoy cross stitching, making wreaths and home décor, and any other crafting or DIY projects.

 

 

ntaylor@odysseycharter.net

I’m so excited to come back to Odyssey for my fifth year. Through the years as an instructor, I’ve had the opportunity to work in 2nd grade, 1st grade and now enter my 3rd year in Kindergarten. I love charter schools and had worked at one both my daughters went to for 10 years before coming to Odyssey. I love music, concerts, summertime, and anything Halloween. I love decorating for all the holidays. I love to vacation with my family. My husband and I, with our two daughters and three black labs, live in Lehi. 

mchambers@odysseycharter.net

Greetings! I’m Ms.Chambers. This is my 3rd year working in Odyssey. I enjoy spending my free time with my family. I’ve been married to my husband, Jason for 15 years. We have two girls and one boy. I like Mexican food, dark chocolate, dancing, painting and raspberry drinks! I’m excited to meet all of you on our first day of school and looking forward to having an amazing year! We’re going to have a fantastic year together!

 

1st Grade

eeast@odysseycharter.net

Room 111

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I am originally from a small town in North Carolina. I moved to Utah in the summer of 2005 and fell in love with the mountains. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Utah Valley University.

When I am not teaching, I love to read, play board games, and watch baseball. Go Brewers! I also love to spend time with my family, especially my niece and nephews. I share a dog named Elvis and a cat named Bijou with my wonderful other half named Tom.

I have always loved to learn and knew at a very young age that I wanted to be a teacher. My teachers were a great inspiration in my life and I hope to be the same to all of my students. I feel extremely blessed to have the opportunity to work with children. I am constantly learning and growing as I teach them.

This will be my 12th year teaching first grade at Odyssey. I love being a part of the Odyssey family.

gnovotne@odysseycharter.net

Room 106

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I was raised in Colorado, where I met and married my darling husband. We attended college in North Dakota, California, and then Tennessee, where I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.

I have 3 beautiful children who inspire me and make me laugh every day. My oldest daughter and son are both students at UVU, and my youngest son is in high school. I am also “mom” to an adorable Weimaraner. I enjoy cooking, gardening, hiking, snowshoeing, reading, and hanging out with family and friends.

kfrisbie@odysseycharter.net

Room 113

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Hello! I’m Ms. Frisbie and I grew up in sunny southern California.  I graduated from Cal State Fullerton about 15 years ago.  Soon after, I moved here with my family to beautiful Utah.  I have two daughters, two sons, one adorable granddaughter, 4 chickens, one cat and one dog.

I taught Kindergarten for a few years at different schools, but this will be my first year teaching 1st grade here at Odyssey and I can’t wait!

slarsen@odysseycharter.net

 

Hi I’m Sarah Larsen. This is my third year at Odyssey as an instructor. I enjoy working with kids. I have had many jobs and volunteer opportunities working with kids. I was born and raised in Highland, Utah and currently reside in American Fork. I have 6 kids, 2 son-in-laws, and one grandson who I spoil rotten. When I am not at school I enjoy being outdoors. I enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, water sports, Jeeping, and being with my family. I love to take way too many pictures of the outdoors but it’s so beautiful.

2nd Grade

ctrepanier@odysseycharter.net

Room 100

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I have worked in banking and insurance industries for a long while, but I have always had a passion for learning and teaching. I graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and decided to get my teaching license and work with elementary kids. I have managed all grade levels while working as a substitute teacher, which helped me professionally because I learned various teaching methods. I am excited and looking forward to years of learning and fun with awesome Voyagers!

I am originally from Manila, Philippines and moved here about 10 years ago. I love Utah and its beautiful mountains. I have 5-year-old twins, a boy and girl, who keep me busy. We enjoy going to places on weekends, love horseplaying, and I am always excited to try new things together.

I like spending time with family and friends on weekends. I also enjoy watching dramas and inspiring movies when I have free time, love gardening with my kids, always enjoy decorating, and love reading classic literature. My favorite authors are James Joyce and Leo Tolstoy. My favorite books are Dubliners and Jane Eyre. I am a lifelong learner and I do not expect to stop learning, improving my skills, and continuing my education. Some of my interests are in arts, music, language, geography, and astronomy.

lwilkinson@odysseycharter.net

Room 104

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This will be my seventh year as an Odyssey employee, and I love working with our students! I have had the opportunity to be both an instructor and a classroom teacher in fifth and second grade while here at Odyssey. I have loved helping students grow and learn in both capacities.

I grew up here in Utah and attended Odyssey as a student when it first opened. My mom started working at Odyssey while my older sister and I were students, and now all three of us are employees at Odyssey. We love being able to work together! I have three sisters, two brothers-in-law, and a wonderful nephew.  My family loves playing games together and going on Disney vacations.

When I’m not teaching, I love to spend my time baking, making music, and being a brand ambassador for Dr. Pepper. I also served a mission in North Carolina, and I love and miss the south-especially the food! I am very grateful to have had so much experience in the classroom while pursuing my degree.  I love being at Odyssey and I look forward to this school year!

bwallace@odysseycharter.net

Room 105

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Hello! I am Mrs. Wallace. I was born in Seattle, Washington, but primarily grew up in Gilbert, Arizona before moving to Utah. I graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. This is my first year at Odyssey and I am so excited to be working with the most incredible faculty, staff, and families. In the past, I have worked in both 3rd and 6th grade classrooms, but teaching second grade has always been my dream, so I cannot wait for a year full of amazing memories and learning opportunities for my students!

I have always had a passion for working with children, having been a nanny since a very young age. I love providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences for my students and creating an environment where each student feels safe and loved. I believe the classroom should be a safe space where students are encouraged to make mistakes, learn new things, and never forget to have FUN!

Outside of school, I love music, and traveling the world with my husband and family. I have also always loved baking and recently discovered a love for cooking as well. Though I’m an avid traveler, I also believe there are few things more special than returning home, which is why I can’t wait to create that safe space for my students here at Odyssey this upcoming school year!

I grew up in Pleasant  Grove , Utah,  and  graduated from Brigham Young University.  I have worked at Odyssey  for 9 years, and love being a part of a loving, dedicated and talented staff. I have five daughters, four-son-in-laws (my boys) and 13 grandchildren.  I love being with my family, gardening, reading and the holidays.  I love Christmas the best, but my second is Halloween. I love all the fall activities. I love the students  I work with and enjoy my time at school.  If I could have one wish come true (besides world peace) I would love to travel to England and Denmark to see my ancestor’s homelands.

Hi! My name is Jill Stuart. This is my second year at Odyssey Charter School, but I have been an aide for schools in Alpine School District and in Logan Utah. During covid I was also a substitute for a bunch of schools throughout Utah county. I love reading, volleyball, and learning new things. I am currently working my way through my Master’s degree in Elementary Education at WGU.

3rd Grade

Room 202

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tlandon@odysseycharter.net

Room 203

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I began teaching at Odyssey Charter School in 2015.  I graduated from UVU 9 years ago.  I grew up in Sandy, Utah, and have lived in Highland for the past 16 years.  I have 7 girls, 2 boys, and 7 grandchildren. One fun fact about me is that I have 84 first cousins, and we still like to get together as much as possible. As a family, we like to go to our cabin in Fairview to escape the heat and go 4-wheeling.  During the summer I like to go hiking and walk the trail up to Timpanogos Cave.  We have about 45 fruit trees and a large garden, so during the fall I am busy teaching and canning and freezing-drying our harvest. I love spending time with my big family playing games and barbecuing. One of my favorite things to do to relax is read books; it is a great way to take your mind off the crazy world for a few minutes. I love teaching at Odyssey, we are truly a family away from home.

spettit@odysseycharter.net

Room 201

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I have been teaching 3rd grade at Odyssey since 2019. I love this school, its staff, and its students! I grew up in Utah County and love being able to teach here. I have 4 grown children and one grandchild. I love doing puzzles, including jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, and word searches. I especially love reading and enjoy series books. Some of my favorites are Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Michael Vey. I also enjoy listening to True Crime podcasts and trying to figure out who did it and why. My favorite part of the day is reading aloud to my students and sharing my love of reading with them.

swalker@odysseycharter.net

I was born here in Utah but raised in Montana. I grew up on a farm with a horse named troubles as my best friend. I spent my childhood climbing cliffs, mountains, and swimming in creeks and rivers. I moved to Utah to go to BYU at nineteen and that’s where I met my sweetheart. We were married in three months. I have four grown children and ten grandchildren who are my world.

I have hobbies that bring me joy and taught me a lot about life. I love reading. I have spent my lifetime with my head in a book. I love flowers and gardening which led me to doing many weddings and events through the years. I also enjoy organizing so I spent fifteen years in my own cleaning and organizing business. I love kids of all ages, which led me to having my own daycare business. I love sewing which led me to sewing ballroom costumes for many competing universities and individuals for the past ten years. I now work for the fourth grade team as an instructor. I work for the finest women I can imagine who happen to also be fantastic teachers. I love learning. I love people. It’s not always about what I can teach the kids each day but also what they offer me which makes my work a joy. So Odyssey is a great fit for me!

sarmstrong@odysseycharter.net

I grew up in Portland Oregon  and loved being close to the beach, rivers and mountains. We raised our 3 children in Gresham Oregon. I have been married for 48 years and we moved to Utah 16 years ago.  I love doing humanitarian projects, baking, reading and traveling with my husband and dear friends as much as possible.   I came to Odyssey last year and have so enjoyed  working with the wonderful staff and  students. I look forward to seeing the students I worked with this last year and getting to know those who will be 3rd graders this next year.

4th Grade

sclements@odysseycharter.net

Room 207

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Life is an adventure!  Whether I am digging fossils in remote deserts, investigating the possibility of Bigfoot in the Salt Fork forests of Ohio, rescuing wild animals, scrutinizing the theory of Mothman in West Virginia, taming crocodilians, or just lounging with a 22 foot Reticulated Python, my life is an adventure in learning.  So which is my greatest adventure you ask?  It’s sharing my passion for learning with my students.

I began my education by studying child psychology at University of Utah.  Later, I decided my true calling was teaching, and I transferred to Utah Valley University.  I graduated at the top of my class with a Bachelors in Elementary Education.  I have had the opportunity to be a certified teacher since 2003.  I have taught kindergarten, 4th, and 5th grades, and been a K-8 science teacher.  I must say though, I have a true love for 4th grade and teaching here at Odyssey is the BEST!  I received my Level 2 teaching license in 2006 and was trained by the State of Utah as a mentor teacher.  I recently finished training in the new science curriculum and I can’t wait to share all the fun new things with my students.  I am always looking for new learning opportunities.  Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

I am a native Utahan and absolutely love it here.  No matter where I moved as a child (Germany, Arizona, Nevada, etc.) we always came back here.  Utah is home.  I currently live in Springville with my husband and daughter.  My other two daughters, their husbands, and my grandson live close by.  I share my home with a salamander, a chinchilla, 2 rabbits, a toad, a tortoise, several cats, a dog, and 5 assorted lizards.  I love hanging out with my family (including the fuzzies and scalies).

My hobbies include reading, camping and 4-wheeling with my family, and playing guitar, and searching for my next adventure.  I love any excuse I can find for eating cheese enchiladas, chips and salsa…and of course chocolate.

cmccumber@odysseycharter.net

Room 204

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Fireworks lighting up the night sky, fresh raspberries with homemade whipped cream, board games and card games, heavy clouds playing low on mountains, soft fuzzy baby heads and teeny tiny baby toes, the bittersweet taste of rich dark chocolate, finding a book that you love so much it changes your heart, sunrise and twilight walks with my honey, corny jokes that make you roll your eyes, animals of all kinds, and watching young people find magic in learning and joy in discovery-these are a few of my favorite things!

My name is Chrys McCumber.    I have a level 2 elementary teaching license and a master’s degree in Special Education.  I taught for over ten years in Montessori charter and private schools.  I worked for two years as a director of special education but missed the magic of being in the classroom.  I love being able to work with students with diverse backgrounds and find ways to spark joy in a student’s learning.  Like the boy who threw starfish back into the ocean, I am passionate about reaching the “one”.  My goal is to help young people develop a love of learning and equip them to become productive and compassionate community members.

I grew up in a military family that moved frequently.  As a result, I am extremely patriotic, love traveling, and am thrilled with new cultures, foods, and people.  I am a busy mom of six and a grandma!  With one equestrian, one high school football player, and a toddler grandson, our family is always on the go.  With kids and chaos , a dog, cat, doves, geckos, a skink and fish, life is always an adventure…and often a zoo!

ahall@odysseycharter.net

Room 212

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Meet Aimee Lee Hall, your enthusiastic and dedicated fourth-grade teacher and native Utahan! Hello! With over 18 years of experience in education, I am passionate about helping my students grow and succeed. I believe that every child has the potential to achieve great things and work hard to create a safe and inclusive classroom environment where everyone feels valued and respected. I love to incorporate hands-on activities and creative projects into my lessons to keep my students engaged and excited about learning. By providing engaging and interactive lessons, I hope to instill in my students a lifelong love of learning. It is so amazing to see students light up with the joy of learning and see their confidence soar!

I have taught for 18 years and have taught at Odyssey Charter School for 11 years. I have taught first grade, third grade, fourth grade, fifth grade and sixth grade.  I love being a teacher and am so happy to be teaching 4th grade! I have my level 2 elementary teaching license and my Masters in Education specializing in curriculum instruction and technology.  I was honored to receive the UAPCS Educator of the Year award in 2013.  I graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in History. Because I do love learning so much I also have minors in Family and Human Development, Folklore, and British Commonwealth Studies.  I also have my certification in Ornamental Horticulture.  Since receiving my degrees, I have lived and taught in Utah, Alaska, and Switzerland.

When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me doing all kinds of things: reading, gardening, hiking and exploring the great outdoors, building and woodworking, going on adventures, family history, learning something new, traveling around the world, spending quality time with family and friends, and relaxing at my most happy place, my family cabin property.

mgoodrich@odysseycharter.net

This is my third year working at Odyssey. Prior to this I was a volunteer for 8 years. Getting to know the students and staff over the years has been very rewarding for me. I am so excited to work more closely with both. 

 

I have spent 14 years dedicated to my family as a stay at home mom with my 3 kids. Like many families, my children bring great joy and stress. That said, it is a privilege to watch them grow and learn.

 

My professional career started with earning my cosmetology license from Evans Hairstyling College. I worked in salons for 5 years and then out of my home for the last 10 years. 

 

I enjoy traveling, creating special experiences for my family, cooking, and all types of art. I’m excited to be able to interact with the students and staff at Odyssey.

5th Grade

Room 231

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My name is Joanna Baginska and I am from Poland.  I first came to Utah in 2007 to see a friend who lived in Salt Lake City.  During my visit I realized Utah was going to be my new home.  I was very impressed with the scenery (I love the mountains!) and with the friendliness of the local people.  I returned a year later and started my teaching career in Utah.  I taught 4th grade at Odyssey for eight years.  I loved 4th grade, and I especially enjoyed teaching Utah’s history and environments!  However, after eight years I felt I was ready for a change.  Therefore, I moved up to 5th grade, and I never looked back.

My formal education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Political Science.  I am a proud holder of a Utah teaching license with an English endorsement.  I am also a certified Spalding teacher.

Three words that describe me as a teacher are:  demanding, hands-on, and caring.  I believe that every student that walks through my classroom door has a potential to excel through hard work. I always hold all my scholars to high standards.  What is more, I strive to create a stimulating learning environment through numerous science experiments, art projects, technology assignments, etc.  Finally, I truly care about each of my students and their future.  Their academic success is not all about good grades.  Independent thinking, open-mindedness, perseverance and treating failures as a stepping stone rather than the end of the world, hard work ethics – these life skills are far more important in real life than good grades, so I want my students to acquire these skills just as much as I want them to acquire knowledge.

I have a son name Rafael. He is in fourth grade and, of course, he attends Odyssey – the best school out there!

I am looking forward to this coming school year!

mschultz@odysseycharter.net

Room 233

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I am honored to be trusted with the safety, education and mentoring of our future-your children. Throughout my life I’ve found that there is nothing more fulfilling, or special than the instruction and interaction with the precious commodity of our children. As a father I am motivated and passionate about raising my own children, teaching them and showing them how to become upstanding, respectful and responsible citizens. This same intrinsic motivation and desire is what I bring to my classroom. It is my goal to motivate, inspire and excite our students about learning, about life, and generally the world around them.  It all starts in elementary school. Their love for learning should not end once they enter middle school, jr. high or high school but should continue through and beyond university studies-this is my goal.

My passion for service and teaching has taken me through both the civilian workforce and military service. You will find that I love to be accessible to those I serve and relish the opportunities to help students succeed through mentoring and education.

My formal education includes an undergraduate bachelor of science degree and a master graduate degree in Curriculum & Instruction, as well as many years of formal military schooling. I entered service in the Utah Army National Guard in 2006 where I went on to complete Basic Training, Officer Candidate School (OCS), and Engineer Basic Officer Leader’s Course as an Army engineer officer. With a strong background in leadership, instruction and mentoring I have taught for both Odyssey (7 yrs) and the U.S. Army’s ROTC program (3 yrs).

I am the father of three children (10, 13 and 15 years old) and as such am constantly on the run. Whether it is hiking, trail running, camping, riding motorcycles or taking my kids on outdoor adventures there is never a dull moment in my life. I’m fascinated by the truth and hope my fervor for truth in life will reach those I teach. I’m often found researching Bigfoot, reading, listening to podcasts, trail running, riding motorcycles or being a proactive voice for our country and military. I love America, traditional values, muscle cars, motorcycles, new adventure, but just as much I am passionate about teaching.

 

rsmith@odysseycharter.net

Hi! My name is Becky Smith. This is my eighth year at Odyssey and I am excited to work with the children.

Education has always been important to me. I love to read and to learn. I especially love the sciences. I’ve volunteered or worked with elementary school children for over 20 years.

When I am not at Odyssey, I coach two high school level FTC robotics teams. In 2023, our advanced team won the Utah State championships and competed in the World Championships-ending in 15th place out of about 200 teams.  I am proud of them! In addition to coaching robotics, I love to spend time with my family, and walk and hike in the mountains.  I also love to crochet and do artwork.

I graduated from BYU where I met my husband, Bart. We’ve been married 32 years and have six kids, 4 boys and 2 girls.

My kids all love education! Between my kids and their spouses, five of them currently teach school and two are studying education.

We have seven grandsons and three granddaughters. We live in Pleasant Grove with a bearded dragon named Kevin and a bird named Ozzy.

6th Grade

jrauch@odysseycharter.net

Room 227

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Hi!  My name is Jessica Rauch and this is my 4th year teaching at Odyssey Charter School in 6th grade.  I have 11 years of teaching experience and spent half of that in 6th grade.  I am excited and looking forward to a year of learning, fun, and adventure!  I can’t wait to get to know all of you, but first, I’ll tell you a little about me.

I moved to Utah in 2020 from Reno, Nevada.  I was born, raised, and lived in Reno, so our transition to Utah has been a scary endeavor for us but well worth it.  I graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice.  In addition to all of that schooling, I have taken many education classes at the university and found that I enjoy helping others grow through learning.

I have 4 kids, two of them, Tom and Collin, who are adults and living in other states, and my other two kids, Kylee and Jacob, are now in the 12th and 11th grades, respectively.  You will hear many stories about all of my kids throughout the year.  I am very proud of their accomplishments and there may be a time during the school year when you get to meet them as well.

Some of my hobbies include cross-stitch, reading, and binge-watching TV.  Utah has amazing scenery and I also love just driving to various locations and enjoying the nature that surrounds us.  I am an avid sports fan, specifically football (Minnesota Vikings) and basketball (East – Boston Celtics, West – Golden State Warriors) but I enjoy watching all sports.

There is so much that I’m looking forward to this year!  Our classroom will be filled with laughter and fun while having high expectations of learning.  We will work together to become successful in 6th grade and I can’t wait to see how much you grow through this school year as you prepare for middle school.

aparrett@odysseycharter.net

I started working at Odyssey in 2022 after my youngest two boys and I moved from Idaho where I worked in a charter school as well.  I have seven grown children and three super cute grandsons.

I love Odyssey!  I love working with kids in education.  I enjoyed assisting 6th grade last year and look forward to it again this year.

I have an associate degree in art and am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.  I have volunteered in schools teaching art for more than 16 years now.

My boys and I enjoy drives in the mountains and time with family.  I love painting and drawing and almost anything outdoors.

Specialty Teachers

mdaniels@odysseycharter.net

Room 205

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Non scholae, sed vitae discimus – we learn not for school, but for life. (Seneca)

This is why I teach Latin.  Latin, though dead, is expert in teaching logic and learning.  I don’t teach Latin for Latin’s sake, but for the instruction it gives students in how to learn, how to reason, and how to create understanding of words.  We can find Latin in everyday life from law terms, to state mottoes, to Harry Potter spells.  It is woven into the history and literature of the world and our country.

I was born in Aurora, Colorado and graduated high school in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Between times, I lived in the Philippines Islands, Maryland, California, Texas, and Georgia.  I am a proud Air Force brat.  I have five brothers, one sister, and a passel of nieces and nephews.

I came to Utah to study at Brigham Young University.  I majored in Latin teaching and history.  I am a die-hard, dyed-in-the-wool, true blue cougar.  I completed my Bachelor of Arts in 2006 and have taught at Odyssey ever since.  I completed my Master of Education through the American College of Education in 2015.

I have always loved learning and reading, but in Latin I found my true educational passion.  I love the history of words and language, the beauty of literature, and the logic of grammar.  Etymology (the study of word origins) is my greatest interest.  Roman history and mythology are particularly dear to me.

I love airports, traveling, and museums.  My favorite color is periwinkle, favorite animal is the great white shark, and favorite avenger is Captain America.  I am particularly fond of reading DraculaJane EyreMansfield Park, and Calvin and Hobbes.  I have a weakness for Fluffernutter sandwiches and Ritter Sport hazelnut chocolate bars.  I spend my weekends watching college football.

I look forward to another year at Odyssey and sharing Latin words, grammar, culture, and history with my amazing students.

I also work with students in Math Club.

kperkins@odysseycharter.net

Room 120

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“Teach music and singing at school in such a way that it is not a torture, but a joy for the pupil; instill a thirst for finer music in him, a thirst which will last for a lifetime.   If the child is not filled at least once by the life-giving stream of music during the most susceptible period- between his sixth and sixteenth years- it will hardly be of any use to him later on. Often a single experience will open the young soul to music for a whole lifetime. This experience cannot be left to chance; it is the duty of the school to provide it.” (Zoltán Kodály, Selected Writings, p. 120)

Zoltán Kodály (a Hungarian musician, teacher, composer, linguist, and philosopher) believed that music is meant to develop one’s entire being- personality, intellect and emotions. He said, “music is a spiritual food for everybody.” (Kodály, 1966) Kodály realized music was part of everyone’s basic heritage, was necessary for human development, and should be started at as early an age as possible. Jenö Ádám, an early and prominent colleague of Kodály, stated, “The most important thing is to actualize the instinctive love of the child for singing and playing, to realize the changing of his moods through the songs, his feelings, his experiences – in other words, to bring about the miracle of music”.

The quotes above sum up why I do what I do.  I love teaching music!  I believe music can change lives and can, in turn, change the world.  I believe in keeping our musical heritage alive and passing it on to future generations, and I believe the experience should be joyful.

I grew up in Rexburg, Idaho as the youngest of four children.  I began piano lessons at age five and would have rather spent my time doing anything other than sitting at that piano bench, but I did learn and grew to enjoy playing piano.  My real love for music began when I started playing trumpet in the 6th grade.   By 8th grade I announced to my band director/trumpet instructor that I intended to major in music.  I wanted to be a band teacher like him.  At this announcement, my teacher turned to me and skeptically asked, “Are you sure?  You really want to do this?”  I was undeterred.

Throughout high school I was involved in about every instrumental music opportunity available to me: orchestras, bands, solos and small ensembles, and spent three years training, touring, and competing with prestigious drum and bugle corps organizations.  

I entered BYU as a Music Major and was introduced to a whole different music career opportunity:  Elementary Music Education.  I hadn’t ever known this was an option.  Did elementary schools even have music teachers!? –not where I came from.  This option changed my course.  I knew it was what I was supposed to do, so I went for it!—and I found a true passion.  

Five years of college, a double major (Music Education and Elementary Education), three summers of post-graduate work to obtain my Kodály Certification, and 15 years of teaching elementary music brings us up to date.  I love what I do and I love learning more about how to do it better each day/week/year that I teach.   

I am married to the love of my life, Dan Perkins, once a drummer whom I met while we were members of the same drum and bugle corps, now a computer software integration specialist.  Together we now have three beautiful daughters, Anna, Lily, and Sara, and a handsome little boy, Imri.  My husband and children mean the world to me and I love them dearly.  

Outside of teaching and family I have recently picked up the hobby/obsession of Irish dancing and enjoy performing and competing often.  I compete in adult championships and am a member of my school’s performing team.

The start of each new school year renews my excitement for the opportunities I get each day to improve the lives of Odyssey’s students through music and to grow further in my teaching.  If you are new to Odyssey, I look forward to meeting with you.  Welcome!  If you are continuing your Odyssey journey and don’t yet know me well, please come visit with me.  I would love to get to know you better!

Ms. Krista Perkins

sbeckstrand@odysseycharter.net

library@odysseycharter.net

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My family came to Odyssey Charter School the first year the school opened.  It was MUCH closer to home than our previous charter school, and with two kindergarteners still to go that was important.  It turned out to be a great move for us.  As a parent volunteer I had helped start the library at our previous charter school and my oldest son, an avid reader, was quite disappointed to lose that library; I promised him that if we moved to this new school, I would make it my mission to help start a new library here.  So I volunteered for two years to help get our library up and running, then I was hired as the librarian when the library opened in 2007.

The oldest of nine children, I grew up all over the world. Everywhere we went, I found and enjoyed the libraries.   When I grew up, I went to BYU where I obtained an AA degree in Library and Information Science.  I met my husband, Nels Beckstrand, on the BYU Ballroom Dance Company. Together we raised five children, ALL of whom attended OCS back in its early days! We are welcoming grandchildren to our family now, and LOVE it! If we’re lucky, maybe our grandchildren will also get to go to Odyssey in the not too distant future.

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