Specialized Instruction

I grew up in Fresno, California. Shortly after getting married, I moved to Utah, and it has been my home for the last 30 years. I became part of the Odyssey community in 2006 as a parent and began working here in 2010. Over the years, I have served in many roles, including parent volunteer coordinator, front office support, full-time instructor, and classroom teacher.

I currently serve as Advanced Learner Support and COMPASS teacher, providing enrichment opportunities and guidance to help students extend their learning and achieve at high levels. I also work as the school’s Literacy Specialist and Coach, supporting teachers in implementing effective, evidence-based literacy practices to improve student outcomes across all grade levels.

Although I always wanted to be a teacher, I initially took a break from school to focus on my family. When the time was right, I returned to college and earned my teaching degree from WGU, graduating as a member of Kappa Delta Pi. I also hold an endorsement in Gifted and Talented Education and was honored to be a 2022 Utah Teacher of the Year nominee, which provided me with incredible opportunities for professional growth.

I have taught kindergarten, a 1st/2nd-grade combo online, 2nd grade, and COMPASS. I am a lifelong learner and a strong advocate for student achievement.

My goal is to help every student discover a love for learning and unlock their full potential. My vision is that every learner receives what they need to grow—through a classically based education that is rigorous, meaningful, and differentiated. I believe all students deserve the opportunity to engage deeply, think critically, and be challenged at the right level to support both academic and personal growth.

When I’m not at school, I enjoy playing with my grandchildren, visiting Disney Parks, cruising, as well as traveling to and exploring new places.

I’m proud to have been a part of Odyssey Charter School since its doors opened in 2005. With over 20 years of teaching experience here, I’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside this amazing community—as both a parent and an educator.

I earned my Associate of Science from Snow College and my Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education with a minor in Music from Utah State University. I’m certified in The Spalding Method and stay current in best practices through ongoing professional development.

Over the years, I’ve served in a variety of roles, including kindergarten and first-grade teacher, reading and math breakout instructor, reading interventionist, and behavior support specialist. I also led a parent tutoring program to support student learning. Currently, I work with students who need extra support in making positive behavior choices, using a strengths-based approach that focuses on growth and learning. I coordinate our Emotional Growth and Learning program along with our school counselor, which helps students build emotional tools and strategies for self-regulation, conflict resolution, self-awareness, and healthy relationships. My goal is to equip students with lifelong skills they can use to thrive both in and out of school.

I believe in fostering curiosity and creating a supportive environment where every student feels safe, respected, and empowered to grow. My focus is on helping students develop social-emotional tools and strategies they can carry with them throughout life. I take a positive and proactive approach to behavior challenges, encouraging students to learn from their mistakes, build resilience, and approach each day with a growth mindset.

I grew up right here in American Fork, just a couple of miles from the school. I love spending time with my family—camping, traveling, playing games, or just being together. I also enjoy photography, audiobooks, the outdoors, and trying new things. Odyssey has truly become a second home to me, and I’m grateful to be part of such a positive, dedicated, and inspiring school community.

I am excited to be back at Odyssey for another year.  I enjoy being with the students everyday and cannot help but smile when I see their smiling faces.  Before getting into education I spent over 30 years in retail and Retail Management.  When not working I enjoy sewing, working in the yard and spending time with my family.  I have 5 amazing kids, 22 grandkids, two great-grandsons, and a great-granddaughter.

Hi!  My name is Sandra Butts and I grew up in Twin Falls, Idaho with three brothers and no sisters and I was the youngest.  It was survival of the fittest!   I graduated from Twin Falls High and continued my education and graduated from BYU with a Bachelor of Science.

I have had a lot of work experience throughout the years.  I was a Recreation Therapist Technician for seven years, taught preschool, substituted in all grades, taught Special Education in different capacities,  and now I have been working at Odyssey Charter School going on fourteen years. I have also served as a paraprofessional in many positions at Odyssey, anywhere from instructor to Special Education, Reading Club and Math Club! At this time I am working with Reading Club and I love it.  I love teaching these young children and want them to succeed in school as well as life.  They are so talented and creative.   I also love our staff.  We have amazing teachers and I love working with them.

I wanted to end by talking about my greatest accomplishment.  I am a mother of four children, two boys and two girls.  They are all married now and have given me eight grandchildren (so far). They are such a blessing to me in my life.

My name is Katie Hunt, and I am a special education instructor here at Odyssey Charter School. This is my 7th year working at Odyssey, and I am honored to be a part of this school’s community. Over the past ten years, I have worked in a variety of grades and settings as a paraeducator, including special education and general education classrooms, intervention groups, and self-contained classrooms. I have also been a full-time aide for a middle school student with special needs and supported them in everyday tasks.

I attended school at both Utah State University and Western Governors University and will be receiving a dual bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education this winter. I have received 10 excellence awards from my university for my academic performance. I love working at Odyssey Charter School and I have a passion for early childhood development and special education.

I attended Odyssey Charter School when I was a child, so I feel a deep connection to the students I teach and want to provide them with a fun and welcoming learning environment where they feel empowered to succeed. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and going to Disneyland! I also enjoy cross stitching, making wreaths, and any other crafting or DIY projects.

I have taught at Odyssey Charter School for the past 4 years. I attended California State University, Sacramento, and obtained a Special Education Teaching Credential for students with mild to moderate disabilities in 2013. My family and I moved to Utah in 2021 and obtained a Utah State Special Education Teaching License for students with mild to moderate disabilities in grades K-12.

I believe in fostering positive and encouraging relationships with my students, and I strive to make it my top priority. I enjoy celebrating my students’ successes, however big or small. I teach my students that “it’s okay to make mistakes:”, and encourage them to push through challenges.

I have enjoyed working at charter schools for the past 9 years in all grades, primarily in grades K-6. I have taught math in small groups for the past 4 years at Odyssey Charter School. I am an advocate for my students and strive to ensure that my students have all the services and supports that they need for the most optimal learning experience. I enjoy working and collaborating with my colleagues at Odyssey.

I speak Spanish, study Greek, and know a little sign language. I am learning piano and just bought a ukulele that I don’t know how to play yet. I love theater, and I currently volunteer as an usher at The Ruth in Pleasant Grove. I love supporting my students by attending their sporting/extracurricular events and cheering them on. I love reading, walking, cooking/baking, laughing, spending time with my family, attending the Temple, and my favorite place to be is at the beach.