Administration
ADMINISTRATION TEAM
Heather Guastella
Administrative Director
Education - I went to American Military University and graduated with my degree in Counterterrorism and Intelligence Studies.
Background - I served 15 years on Active Duty in the US Navy as an Intelligence Analyst. Post military, and prior to joining APA, I worked in residential treatment centers for mental health and addiction.
Hobbies - I enjoy drawing, singing and playing games with my daughter. I love playing volleyball, softball and pickleball! You will always find me on the volleyball court or softball field on Friday nights and pickleball court on Sundays. I also enjoy riding horses, Disneyland and going on adventures!
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Craig Peterson
Secondary Director
Education: Bachelors of Science in Psychology from BYU
Masters of Arts - Education Leadership from CMU
Background: I grew up in Holladay, UT and I have always enjoyed sports, skiing and camping. I attended Skyline High School and then enrolled at the University of Utah. After an LDS Spanish speaking missing to Connecticut I transferred to Brigham Young University where I finished my undergraduate degree in Psychology. In 2017 I received a masters degree from Central Michigan University in Education Leadership. I have been working at American Prep since 2008 and I cannot think of a better, more fulfilling career. I love working with our wonderful students and exceptional staff. Every year we seem to improve our school and we become a more unified school community. I am grateful to be a part of this incredible academy.
Hobbies: My favorite thing to do is spend time with my wife and our four children. We love taking little trips and going fun places together. I enjoy being active and try to find time to ski, hike and camp. Though I am slower now, I still play soccer competitively.
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Jake Winegar
High School Director
Education: Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science, University of Utah
Background: I was born and raised in Utah. I come from a fairly large family and love the time I spend with my five siblings and my own little family of five. I served an LDS Mission in southern Chile and loved my time learning the culture and working with amazing people. I worked in health care administration for a few years at an assisted living center and home health care company. I have been with APA since 2012 and love my experience with the students and staff here.
Hobbies: I am a sports enthusiast and enjoy anything that has a ball. I absolutely love being outdoors climbing, rappelling and hiking. My Disneyland is actually Zion National Park.
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Alvaro Ramirez
Junior High Director
Education: MBA- Business Management with a minor in Finance
Background: After serving in the United States Army for a number of years and playing semi-professional baseball I pursued a career in business. I have operated my own business as a Business and Financial Consultant for more than 18 years. During those 18 plus years I've had a very diverse working experience. In 2015 I was convinced to leave the boardroom and enter the classroom to teach in Wendover, Utah. I taught for 3 years and coached baseball. During my time as a business teacher, I covered the entire business curriculum, teaching over 20 different classes every school year. After 3 years I returned to the business world for one year after which I felt that I needed to look into the education field again and started with American Preparatory Academy. I have so far enjoyed getting to know students and working with the staff and administration of the school.
Hobbies: I am a baseball fanatic. I always say that it is my sirens' call. I work with youth groups and women's organizations teaching them what I call Warrior Combat Defense which is a modified self-defense technique from what I learned in the military.
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Aylin Gharabighi
Junior High Assistant Director
Education: Bachelor's degree in liberal arts, master's degree in educational technology, CA teaching credentials.
Background: I have taught English and history in California for many years in the junior high grades.
Hobbies: I have recently acquired a passion in reading thriller books. I love watching movies with my family. Being active is an essential part of my lifestyle.
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Tammy Okelberry
Director of Support Services/Counseling
Education: Bachelors of Social Work from Brigham Young University, Masters of Education from Northwest Nazarene University
Background: I have worked with family and youth for over 25 years in juvenile justice, mental health, and schools. I have been with APA since Fall 2012 and have fallen in love with all our APA families.
Hobbies: I like to spend time outside or snuggled inside with a good book or movie. I especially like to spend time with my family.
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Lea Mier
Assistant Activities Director
Education: Bachelors of Science in Public Health
Background: I am from Provo Utah. I studied Public Health Promotion at BYU and graduated April 2021.
Hobbies: I love to exercise, cook, read, and express my culture through Polynesian Dancing.
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