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
Room 141
Hello! I am Ms. Gerard. I am so excited to embark on my teaching journey here at Odyssey! This is my first year teaching, and I can’t wait to begin. I was born and raised in Southern California and moved to Utah four years ago to go to college. I graduated from the University of Utah in 2024 and it was truly one of the best experiences.
I have always had a passion for working with kids. My journey working with kids started at a young age with nannying. Then I became a gymnastics coach for four years. While working on my degree, I have had the privilege to work in K-6 classrooms along with being a substitute teacher. I strive to create an environment that is fun and hands-on, while also being a space that every student feels safe and comfortable in.
Outside of teaching, I love to travel. I love visiting my family in Southern California every chance I get. Some of my hobbies include baking, cooking, hanging out with friends and family, and watching sunsets. I am looking forward to an amazing year of growing and having fun!
Room 139
I graduated from BYU in Elementary Education and earned an Early Childhood Endorsement from UVU. This will be my 13th year teaching and 9th year at Odyssey with the most amazing team of people and staff ever! I have had experiences substituting a variety of classrooms and ages and became a Title 1 paraprofessional for a 1st grade class and taught as a 1st grade writing specialist.
One of the most precious blessings was to be a mother of five beautiful children. I now have ten wonderful grandchildren! I enjoy traveling, swimming, hiking, kayaking, and now taking up some mindful yoga classes. I look forward to having a wonderful year this year!
Room 120
Greetings! I’m Ms. Parker, and I’m thrilled to embark on a new chapter here at Odyssey. Originally from the East Coast, I’ve recently made the stunning state of Utah my home. With five years of teaching experience under my belt, I’m excited to transition back to Kindergarten after teaching second and fourth grade over the past two years.
Joining the Odyssey community is a true honor, and I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to connect with my new colleagues, students, and families. Utah’s breathtaking landscape played a significant role in drawing me to this area, and I’m already envisioning exciting adventures ahead—whether it’s hiking, camping, or simply exploring the wonders of this remarkable region.
I look forward to fostering a nurturing and inspiring learning environment in my classroom while embracing each child’s unique growth and discovery. Here’s to an unforgettable year!
rsmith@odysseycharter.net
Room 140
My name is Rachel Smith. I have worked in the education field for over 20 years. I have taught preschool, kindergarten (my favorite), 1st grade, and gifted/talented classes. I have also served as a literacy coach and a curriculum director during my career. My happy place is being in the classroom with my wonderful students. I love helping them develop their curiosity and fall in love with learning. I hold a master’s of education in educational psychology and a bachelor of science in early childhood education. I am a certified level 2 Utah Early Childhood teacher with a level 2 reading endorsement.
I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and am the youngest of 5 children. I have loved calling Utah home. It is a great place to explore the outdoors and have adventures. My husband and I have two wonderful daughters who we adore to pieces. We love to bike together, explore different parks, visit the library, and play in our yard.
I’m so excited to come back to Odyssey for my sixth year! Through the years as an instructor, I’ve had the opportunity to work in 2nd grade, 1st grade and now enter my 4th 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. On the nights and weekends I also work at Costco Saratoga Springs. My husband and I have been married for 25 years. We have two beautiful daughters who are in college at the U. My oldest just got married, the youngest is at home with us in Lehi.
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!
Hi I am Mrs. Ribbens! I was born and raised in the beautiful landscapes of Utah, I have always had a passion for education and nurturing young minds. With a background as an aide for four years, I bring valuable experience and dedication to my role as an instructor here at Odyssey.
Outside the classroom, I cherish family time with my husband, Jason, of eight years. Our home is lively with the presence of two dogs, two snakes, and a tortoise who currently resides in my mom’s backyard in St. George.
My hobbies include exploring the great outdoors through occasional hiking and swimming. I also enjoy writing, often penning down thoughts and ideas that inspire me for future teaching practices.
During my downtime to unwind, I love to catch up on my favorite TV shows or movies. My ultimate goal of becoming a teacher is a driving force in my life, guiding me through each day with passion and determination to make a positive impact on my future students’ lives. I am eagerly looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!
Hi, I’m Shayli Clements-Briggs, and I’m thrilled to share a bit about myself! Traveling is a passion that I share with my wonderful husband, Seth. Together, we’ve explored many corners of the USA, always seeking new adventures and experiences. One of our favorite places to visit is Disneyland—so much so that we’ve been over 100 times! There’s something truly magical about the parks that keeps drawing us back.
I’m also deeply committed to education and have a special place in my heart for children. My love for teaching and learning is something that runs in the family. My mom, Mrs. Clements has been inspiring young minds as a fourth-grade teacher for years, and her dedication has always been a major influence in my life.
In addition to my passion for education, I adore cats and animals of all kinds. Whether it’s a playful kitten, a sassy lizard, or a gentle dog, animals have my heart.
So, that’s a bit about me—travel enthusiast, education advocate, animal lover, and Disney aficionado. Life is an adventure, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next!
1st Grade
Room 111
I am so excited to announce that I got married this summer! For over a decade, I have worked at Odyssey and been Ms. East. Now I am Ms. Ross. My husband, Tom, is the smartest and funniest person I know. We are so excited to begin this new chapter in our life together.
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. Tom and I have a dog named Elvis and a cat named Bijou.
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 13th year teaching first grade at Odyssey. I love being a part of the Odyssey family.
Room 106
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.
Room 113
Hello! I’m Ms. Frisbie and I grew up in sunny southern California. After graduating from CSUF, I moved here with my family to beautiful Utah. I have two daughters, two sons, one adorable granddaughter, 3 chickens, one cat and one dog.
I taught Kindergarten for a few years at different schools, this will be my 2nd year teaching 1st grade here at Odyssey and it’s the best! Can’t wait for another great year.
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.
This is my first year working at Odyssey and I am thrilled to be working with your children as an instructor!
Raised in Davis County, Utah, I developed a love for learning. That enthusiasm for learning led me to Weber State University where I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting. I worked in the corporate world for five years before making the decision to leave the desk and stay home with my three children.
While my children have been at Odyssey, I have spent many hours in the school volunteering and have developed an even stronger love for learning. I can’t wait to share my excitement of learning with students this year!
Being with my family is my favorite way to spend time. We like to watch shows, go on adventures, and have friends over to make s’mores and play games in our backyard. When I have time to myself my hobbies include reading, solving puzzles, and playing the piano.
2nd Grade
mhollingshead@odysseycharter.net
Room 100
I have lived in several places throughout my life but claim Lehi as my home. I love spending time with my family, playing and listening to music, and getting outdoors as much as possible. In my downtime you’ll most likely find me re-watching my favorite TV shows, shopping with my sisters, or going Latin Dancing with my friends. I am currently trying to plan as many trips to nearby national parks as possible before my annual pass expires! My favorite so far has been Grand Teton.
I received my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from BYU-Idaho this year. I am eager to put into practice what I’ve learned during my time there. Through my education I’ve gained a passion for teaching. I believe deeply in the potential of my students; my objective as an educator is to provide my students every opportunity for success in a safe and positive learning environment.
Room 104
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 teach at Odyssey. We love being able to work together! I have three sisters, two brothers-in-law, and two wonderful nephews. 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 graduated from WGU with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, along with a professional license in grades K-8. I love being at Odyssey and I look forward to this school year!
Room 105
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 second year teaching at Odyssey and I am so excited to continue working with the most incredible faculty, staff, and families.
In the past, I have taught in both 3rd and 6th grade classrooms, but teaching 2nd grade is my absolute favorite!
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 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 the feeling of returning home- a feeling I strive to create in the classroom each day for my students. I love Odyssey and cannot wait for another amazing year of learning, laughing, and growing together as a class family.
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.
3rd Grade
Room 202
Hello, fellow explorers! I’m Aimee Lee Hall, your enthusiastic and dedicated third-grade teacher, and I’m thrilled to embark on this learning adventure with you! A proud native Utahan, I bring over 19 years of experience in education to our classroom, where I believe that every student has the potential to achieve amazing things.
Our classroom is a safe and inclusive space, much like a cozy campfire where everyone is valued and respected. I love to incorporate hands-on activities and creative projects that keep you engaged and excited about learning. Watching your faces light up with the joy of discovery is the best reward!
Having taught at Odyssey Charter School for 11 years, I’ve navigated through first, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. I hold a Level 2 elementary teaching license and a Master’s in Education with a focus on curriculum instruction and technology. I was honored to receive the UAPCS Educator of the Year award in 2013, but my greatest joy comes from seeing you all thrive.
I graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Science in History, and I also have minors in Family and Human Development, Folklore, and British Commonwealth Studies. Plus, I’m certified in Ornamental Horticulture! My journey has taken me from Utah to Alaska, and even Switzerland, but my heart is right here in the classroom with you.
When I’m not teaching, you can find me enjoying a variety of adventures! I love reading, gardening, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors. I’m passionate about building and woodworking, diving into family history, traveling the world, and spending quality time with my loved ones. And of course, I cherish relaxing at my family cabin—my happy place!
Let’s make this year an unforgettable expedition filled with laughter, learning, and lots of fun! 🌟
Room 203
Classroom Website
I began teaching at Odyssey Charter School in 2015. I graduated from Utah Valley University in 2013 in Elementary Education. I grew up in Sandy, Utah, and have lived in Highland for the past 17 years. I have 7 girls, 2 boys, 1 granddaughter and 8 (almost 10) grandsons. 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, 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.
Room 201
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.
4th Grade
Room 207
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.
Room 205
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 kids and chaos , a dog, cat, doves, geckos, a skink and fish, life is always an adventure…and often a zoo!
This is my fourth 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 have enjoyed working 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, learn, and do what they love.
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 14 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.
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!
5th Grade
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!
Room 233
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.
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
Room 227
I am thrilled to be teaching 6th grade this year! With a passion for education and a strong background in commercial art and elementary education from the College of Southern Idaho and Western Governors University, I am eager to inspire my students and foster a love for learning. This pivotal 6th grade year is filled with growth and discovery, and I can’t wait to be a part of my students’ journeys as they explore new ideas and develop their own unique voices.
As a mother of two boys still at home, along with seven grown children and four adorable grandsons, family is a central part of my life. I cherish the time spent with them, whether we’re enjoying walks in Provo Canyon or indulging in creative activities like painting and drawing. These experiences not only enrich my life but also provide valuable insights that I bring into the classroom, wanting to create a warm and nurturing environment where every child feels valued.
Teaching 6th grade is my absolute favorite! I am excited to engage students with creative projects and hands-on learning experiences that make lessons come alive. My goal is to instill confidence in my students and help them realize their potential, making this a great year full of achievements, growth, and good memories to prepare them for the challenges ahead!
Room 229
Hello! My name is Sarah Painter and this is my first year teaching at Odyssey Charter School. I have 6 years of elementary teaching experience. I have taught 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade. This will be my first adventure with 6th grade! I am really looking forward to 6th grade math and science. I love science experiments! I also am a huge math nerd. Helping my students understand how to do their math is something that I am really good at.
A little about me: I am single and do not have any children. I do have pets. At some point in my life I have had most of the different types of pets a person can have. I currently only have dogs, cats, and fish. (Ask me about the python or the skunk sometime.)
I come from a nomadic people. I have moved around a lot! My father was in the oil field and I attended 11 schools growing up, mostly in Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. I graduated from Bingham High School in South Jordan in the 1990s. Then I tried a variety of college majors and occupations until I went into teaching and found my calling. I have a B.S. in Elementary Education from USU, and last summer I earned my M.A. in Mathematical Education from WGU.
In my free time I like to read, cross-stitch, and go camping.
Specialty Teachers
Room 212
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 Dracula, Jane Eyre, Mansfield 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.
Room 214
“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
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Room 115
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.
Room MPR
I am thrilled to be the PE teacher at Odyssey Charter School, combining my passion for sports, the outdoors, and teaching. Growing up in a family that valued physical activity, we spent countless hours playing soccer, hiking, and biking together. These experiences nurtured my love for movement and nature, and I am excited to share this passion with my students.
With a degree in Physical Education, I understand the profound impact of physical activity on health and well-being. I aim to create a fun and inclusive environment where every child feels motivated and capable. Designing engaging lessons that cater to various interests and abilities, I help students discover the joy of being active, whether through traditional sports or creative movement activities.
Connecting with students on a personal level is one of my favorite aspects of teaching. Seeing their excitement and confidence grow as they master new skills is incredibly rewarding.
Outside of the classroom, I lead an active lifestyle through coaching my children in their various sports, hiking, and being a busy mom of 4. My family remains my greatest support system, constantly encouraging me to pursue my passions and be the best teacher I can be. Their influence shapes my teaching philosophy and approach, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and respect.
Being an elementary PE teacher allows me to inspire young students to develop healthy habits and experience the joy of movement. I feel incredibly fortunate to be doing what I love every day.