Faculty

Karisa Nielsen earned a master’s degree in Reading in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University in 2024. She brings 15 years of teaching experience in both Colorado and Utah, and this will be her sixth year teaching kindergarten. Karisa began substitute teaching at WPA and quickly fell in love with the school’s positive and supportive environment, which inspired her to become a permanent part of the team. She was drawn to education by a desire to advocate for young learners and help every child find confidence and success in the classroom. Outside of school, she enjoys paddleboarding, musical theatre, traveling, and spending time with her dog, Sophie.

From the moment Kaysie Polad stepped into WPA as a teacher intern in 2023, she knew she was in the right place. Miss Polad earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education from SUU. In 2024, Miss Polad also earned her Master’s degree in Educational Technology and Instructional Design. She still remembers how safe and happy she felt in her second grade classroom, and ever since, she’s wanted to give her students that same feeling. In her free time, she enjoys reading and crocheting. She's proud to be part of the WPA community and is excited for another year full of growth, joy, and discovery in kindergarten.

Mrs. Beal earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Performing Arts. She is also certified in Early Childhood Education and interpretation. Originally from Uruguay, she began her career in education in 1998 and has taught students of all ages. She taught preschool for five years, directed a childcare center for two, and is now in her third year at Wasatch Peak Academy. Her passion for teaching is rooted in a strong belief that every child deserves access to a quality education. She loves teaching kindergarten, as well as dancing, hiking, and reading by the fire.

Abby has been teaching first grade at WPA since 2018. She loves being part of such a welcoming and kind school community. Her goal is to create a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Abby earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University. Outside of school, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends. A big Disney fan, Abby especially loves visiting Disneyland!

Ellie Hallstrom is thrilled to be part of the amazing first grade team at Wasatch Peak Academy. Ever since she was a little girl, she has dreamed of becoming a first grade teacher, and she’s excited to see that dream become a reality. Ms. Hallstrom recently graduated from Southern Utah University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. In her free time, Ms. Hallstrom loves reading all kinds of books, baking, and crafting.

She was inspired to become a teacher by the caring and creative educators in her own life who made learning exciting and meaningful. This year, she looks forward to building strong connections with her students, creating a joyful classroom environment, and helping each child grow in confidence, and curiosity. Ms. Hallstrom believes that every child learns in their own unique way, and she is committed to differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs, strengths, and interests of each student. 

Missy Davis joined Wasatch Peak Academy in 2018 as a Kindergarten TA. In 2021, she began teaching afternoon Kindergarten and now teaches First Grade. She loves helping young students become confident readers and build strong learning habits. Missy holds an Associate of Applied Science, is finishing her Bachelor’s degree in Education, and has earned her LETRS endorsement. She values the Wasatch Peak community both as a teacher and as a parent—her three children have attended the school. Outside the classroom, Missy enjoys spending time with her husband, Ryan, their kids—Jackson, Ayden, and Macie—hiking, and playing sports.

Rylee John is an enthusiastic and supportive teacher! Rylee was born and raised in North Ogden, Utah. She grew up loving all sports and has always loved to be around her family and friends. When she’s not prepping for her second-grade class, Rylee is either relaxing on the couch while watching a movie or exploring new areas in the world we live in today. The 2025-2026 school year will be her fifth full year teaching, and she loves being apart of Wasatch Peak Academy! She began her journey in 2017 at Westminster College. Rylee had the opportunity to teach full-time while also completing her student teaching in January 2021. She then graduated in May 2021 with her Elementary Education Major with two Special Education minors. Go Griffins!

Melinda Abel first fell in love with Wasatch Peak Academy while volunteering in her own children’s classrooms.  She  worked as a TA for 6 years, and then finally made the decision to jump into teaching in 2022. This will be her 4th year teaching. She loves helping her students feel excited about learning and she loves to watch them grow! She loves all of her students with all her heart and she puts her soul into teaching. She creates a classroom environment where she hopes that all students feel happy and safe at school. When she’s not at school, she loves spending time with her husband and 2 teenage daughters. She loves to build puzzles, play games, ride her bike,  and is a huge Disney fan.

Macey Roberts discovered her love for teaching during her time as an intern and long-term substitute for third grade at Wasatch Peak Academy. However, it was in the second-grade classroom where her passion truly blossomed. She is dedicated to creating a classroom environment where every student feels loved, appreciated, and empowered to reach their full potential. She is originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee and moved to Utah in 2016 to attend the University of Utah, where she competed on the gymnastics team. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking, snowboarding, and spending quality time with her family and two beloved dogs. Macey is also eagerly anticipating the arrival of her first child, a baby boy, in November 2025.

Heather Chance graduated with her teaching degree from Western Governors University in 2018. She has always dreamed of being a teacher, even creating a classroom in her parents’ basement as a child. That lifelong passion led her to pursue her degree while raising her children as a stay-at-home mom. Heather has taught 2nd grade for four years at WPA and is now thrilled to be in her fourth year teaching 4th grade. She strives to make every student feel loved, respected, and safe. Heather lives in Centerville with her husband and four children. They enjoy spending time together and baking.

Mrs. Hansen has her Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education from Utah State University. This will be her second year teaching fourth grade but her third year teaching—she taught kindergarten for one year. Mrs. Hansen looks forward to teaching the people of the future and is excited to help her students feel loved and welcome in my classroom. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Hansen enjoys reading, working out, and hanging out with her husband and daughter. She is excited to grow with her students this year.

Mr. Sim is a Utah local who studied history and foreign policy at the University of Utah, served in the Marines, and made the move from research to teaching. He's excited to help kids find a love for all subjects and has  been with Wasatch Peak Academy since 2016 joining the school after enjoying the work he had done volunteer teaching English to refugees. In his spare time he enjoys being outdoors and sailing. He's excited to be working with new personalities, watching them complete challenges, and excel in new skills. His ultimate goal is to set his students up with habits that will last a lifetime.

Mrs. Smith has been involved with Wasatch Peak since it opened its doors in 2005. She’s experienced the wonderful, supportive WPA environment as a parent, T.A., and teacher, and couldn’t imagine a better place to teach. She is excited to be in 5th grade again this year sharing her love of literature, math, science, and U.S. history with eager young minds.

In her free time, she enjoys puzzles of all kinds -- Sudoku, crosswords, logic problems, jigsaw puzzles – as well as hiking, biking, paddle boarding, camping, and road-tripping. She also likes to sing, play the piano, read or listen to audio books, and attend the theater. 

Emily Schacht earned both a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instructional Design from Western Governors University. Her passion for working with children and helping them grow academically and personally inspired her to pursue a career in education. She enjoys building strong connections with students and supporting their overall development. Outside of school, Emily loves spending time with her family, watching movies, and decorating cakes and cookies.

Coming soon! 

Star Lamping holds a bachelor’s degree in Family Studies from Weber State University and a master’s degree in Educational Studies from Western Governors University. Her passion for education began when she was just six years old, inspired by the many wonderful elementary teachers who made a lasting impact on her. That early experience sparked her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. Star is excited for her first year at Wasatch Peak Academy. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling with friends and family, both on land and at sea.

Vanessa Almanza earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Gonzaga University and began her journey in education while volunteering at the Immigrant and Refugee Community Center in Portland, Oregon. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Vanessa brings a love for learning and a deep appreciation for community to the classroom. She has lived in Utah for nearly 14 years, teaching in several charter schools and leading youth programs through the Department of Youth and Family Services in Salt Lake City. Outside of school, she enjoys climbing, skiing, biking, and spending time with her husband, Eric, and their dog, Mesa.

Star Lamping holds a bachelor’s degree in Family Studies from Weber State University and a master’s degree in Educational Studies from Western Governors University. Her passion for education began when she was just six years old, inspired by the many wonderful elementary teachers who made a lasting impact on her. That early experience sparked her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. Star is excited for her first year at Wasatch Peak Academy. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling with friends and family, both on land and at sea.

Yessica Andrade is a teacher with a true passion for educating children, youth, and adults. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Education in 2007 and completed her Master’s degree in 2014. Also, she is a professional journalist and a pastry chef.

She brings 18 years of experience in the field of education in her home country, Ecuador. This year marks her first at WPA, where she is excited to share her native language as a Spanish teacher.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys walking, being with animals, volunteering for social causes, and most of all, spending time with her family. 

Coming soon! 

Randi Enriquez has her Bachelors in Special Education with a minor in health/physical education from College of the Southwest, Hobbs, NM. She also has her Masters of Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Utah. Mrs. Randi has been teaching at WPA for several years now. She came to our school when she saw a job post opening for a PE teacher back in the spring of 2007 and has been there ever since. What Mrs. Randi loves about teaching at WPA is the students and everyone who works there—being there is like being part of a huge family. We laugh. We have fun. Sometimes we struggle. Some days are harder than others, but when it comes down to it, we all work so hard for each other. To make each other better—students, teachers, and staff. It truly is an amazing place to be a part of!!    

Randi Enriquez' favorite sport is pickleball. She cannot get enough of this amazing sport! She would play every day if she could. She also loves to walk, read, do puzzles, crochet, and hang out with her family. She collects magnets from the various places she visits.

Ms. Stoddard began teaching at WPA in 2022. With over 15 years of teaching experience, she provides students with instruction in instrumentation as well as beginning choral works. Music at Wasatch Peak Academy is an important part of each student's elementary experience. Ms. Stoddard helps students develop a love for music, and that appreciation translates into academic success and better social skills.  

Ms. Stoddard earned her degree from BYU in communications, with minors in music and German. She is a local vocal performer, but when she isn’t singing or playing an instrument, she enjoys spending time with her children, traveling, hiking, and baking. 

Emily Polanco graduated from BYU-Idaho with a degree in Art Education in 2021. She has always loved the arts and loves to introduce new mediums and activities to her students. She is currently striving to get a masters in art history and looks forward to implementing that new knowledge for the students here at Wasatch Peak Academy. Outside of school, Emily enjoys participating and watching all types of fine or performing arts as well as playing sports such as volleyball or soccer. 

Brooklyn White is working on getting her degree in Elementary Education online. She grew up going to a private school where learning was fun and interactive, and because of that has always liked the world of Education. Brooklyn began as a teacher’s assistant for a kindergarten class at a private school before taking the job as a substitute teacher at Wasatch Peak Academy. She now gets to be the school librarian, which she loves! Brooklyn loves reading and stories, as well as music, dancing, and learning new skills. 

Mr. Thorpe has a passion for learning and taking on challenges! As an educator, he believes that we grow best by getting our hands dirty (literally or metaphorically) by using what we learn in real ways.  He took a bit of a winding path to get to WPA, starting out studying astrophysics, then pursuing a career in martial arts before deciding that he wanted a real challenge - early childhood education. After graduating from the University of Utah, he taught in grades 1-3 at a Montessori charter school (where students called him Mr. Alden, so he may get confused sometimes). He then stepped into the roles of gifted and talented director and computer science specialist before coming to WPA as the math specialist.  

He runs a variety of activities throughout the year including Math Olympiad, riddles, Rubik's cube and coding competitions.  Mr. Thorpe loves being active, getting outside and making things with his hands. He's always up for a good riddle, joke, or random fact, so stop by and share something when you're around the school.

Cami Hamblin has wanted to work in education for as long as she can remember.  She graduated from Utah State University in 2009 with a degree in Elementary Education.  She began teaching 4th grade at WPA the following fall.  After spending seven years in the classroom, Cami shifted to her current role – mentoring new teachers.  She loves her job and loves the excitement and passion new teachers bring to the profession.  When she’s not as WPA, Cami enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids, playing the piano, hand lettering, cooking, and playing pickleball.