Elementary Leadership and Staff
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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Eryn Woolston
Elementary Director
Education: I went to SLCC to complete my Associates in Pre-Teaching and then transferred
Background: I went to SLCC to complete my Associates in Pre-Teaching and then transferred
Hobbies: I love to do antigravity and high fitness, as well as west coast swing dance. I also enjoy frequenting museums with my daughter and husband.
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Julie Rodriguez
Upper Elementary Director
Education - I went to SLCC to complete my Associates in Pre-Teaching and then transferred
Background - I have worked with American Prep for the past nine years. I was a 3rd-grade teacher for the first four of those years and have been in administration for the last five.
Hobbies - I love to do antigravity and high fitness, as well as west coast swing dance. I also enjoy frequenting museums with my daughter and husband.
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Irene Christenson
District Curriculum Director
Education - Brigham Young University, BA - History, Secondary Education
Hobbies - Officiating High School Basketball
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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.
xCharacter Development
Elementary K-3
Sarah Ikimau
Education: Human Development and Family Studies. Emphasis Child Life
Background: I grew up in West Jordan, Utah. I come from a big family and married into an even bigger family. This is my 2nd year teaching Kindergarten at APA and I really enjoy it. I have worked with children my whole life and they are my favorite kind of people to be around!
Hobbies: I enjoy playing basketball, journaling, watching movies, being outside in the sunshine, hanging out with my husband, and getting together with family!
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Shannon Sinclair
First Grade Teacher
Education - B.S. in ECED
Background - I have been a First Grade teacher at APA for 6 years.
Hobbies - Snowboarding, playing at the pool with my daughter, and I love to be doing anything outside any chance that I get.
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Lynzi Rojas
1st Grade Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science Level 2 Licensure
Background: I graduated from the University of Utah in 2008 and began my career as a 1st grade teacher, with APA, in 2009. I have been teaching 1st grade for more than 10 years and I feel incredibly grateful to continue to have unwavering love, passion, and adoration for what I do!
Hobbies: Spending time with my 2 young children and husband, crafting, traveling, and staying busy....whether I want to, or not.
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Courtney Allen
2nd Grade Teacher
Education: I graduated from Granger High School in June 2010. After high school I received my Bachelors of Arts from the University of Utah with a major in Human Development and Family Studies. While attending the University of Utah I did a study abroad in the Dominican Republic to study Spanish for a semester.
Background: Previously I worked 3 years as an after school group leader with Kindergarten through Second grade children. This is where I found my love for teaching and knew I wanted to become a teacher.
Hobbies: I love the outdoors! I like to go camping, hiking and on ATV adventures. I am always ready for a good road trip! Recently I drove Route 66 start to finish from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California.
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Cassie Zizumbo
2nd Grade Teacher
Education: B.S. in Psychology & B.S. in Communications
Background: I was born and raised here in Salt Lake City, UT. I've played sports and danced since I was very little! I have about ten years' experience teaching competitive dance, cheer and tumbling, and I don't plan on stopping any time soon. My husband and I have four daughters and a blind dog named Snickers.
Hobbies: I love to hang out with my family and my dog! I like to read, watch movies, and go on adventures!
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Ashley Nash
3rd Grade Teacher
Education: I graduated from the U of U in 2013 in Elementary Education.
Background: I knew in high school that I wanted to become a teacher and I love APA's philosophies and structure. I have been teaching third grade at APA for six years now and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I am also the District lead over third grade. I have learned so much from leading and mentoring all the 3rd grade teachers in the APA district.
Hobbies: A few interesting things about me are I love to scrapbook, I love to read books, and spend time with my family especially my little girl.
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Britaini Delbo
3rd Grade Teacher
Education: Bachelor's Degree (Double Majors in Criminal Justice/Psychology) from Weber State University
Background: As a kid, I grew up in Kearns, Utah and now live in Fruit Heights. After graduating from college, I worked as a mental health counselor in a treatment center for young adults and adolescents. I have been at APA for about 3 years. I started as a first grade instructor and then became a third grade teacher two years ago.
Hobbies: Working with animals, reading, gardening, spending time with friends and family
xElementary 4-6
Treyele Fuentes
5th Grade Teacher
Education: B.A. in Sociology from University of Utah
Background: Born and raised in Utah, oldest child, teacher for about 10 years (pre-K, Kindergarten, 2nd, 4th, 5th, high school), Spanish-speaking mission.
Hobbies: Zumba, volleyball, camping, cooking/baking, traveling
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Sarah Moore
5th Grade Teacher
Education: Bachelor's in Elementary Education at Western Governors University
Background: Stay at home mom, nanny
Hobbies: Reading, Theatre, Singing, Knitting
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Catherine Hancock
6th Grade Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Ancient History & Religion, Masters of Educational Psychology
Background: Stay at home Mum while my kids were young, groups instructor, then teacher.
Hobbies: Reading, watching movies, crocheting, sewing, baking
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Madison Gasu
6th Grade Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Capella University
Background: I am originally from Mississippi! I attended Itawamba Community College there before moving to Utah and graduating from Capella University online. My husband, daughter, and I have been in Utah for just over a year now. I have always wanted to be a teacher and am excited for an amazing school year.
Hobbies: Cooking, baking, reading, traveling, and spending time with my family
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Elementary Instructors
Delene Hurd
Instructor
My name is Delene Hurd
Education: I studied Interior Design and Fashion Merchandising.
Background: I grew up in Idaho on a potato farm and spent lots of time moving pipe, driving trucks, and loving sunrises. I came to Salt Lake City to go to college, got married, and started a family. There wasn't a preschool close to where we were living, so I started a preschool in my home and did that until my kids were in school and then I followed them. Helping kids to learn and watching them be excited about learning is so rewarding for me.
Hobbies: I love creating things for my home. Crafts, sewing, and baking are things that I really enjoy. My biggest love is spending time with my husband, kids, and grandkids.
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Rachael Beackstead
Groups Instructor
Education: Graduated from Taylorsville High School, 1 year at Ricks College
Background: I am a certified EMT and worked in an ER. I have worked here at APA for the last 7 years and absolutely love it!
Hobbies: Hiking, running, cooking, watching movies, playing games with my family!
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Shirley Harr-Workman
Groups Instructor
Education: Associates of Science, Bachelors in process
Background: Technical support, Medical Assisting, Certified Nursing Assistant, College Bookstore Manager/Curriculum, and General Customer Service.
Hobbies: Painting, Gardening, gaming, READING, crafting, cooking, and writing to name what I can remember.
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Elementary Specials
Camille Ludlow
Music Teacher
Education - BS Elementary Education, BA Music, MS Elementary Math Education
Background - Lifetime of piano lessons and participation in music classes. Teaching in schools for over 15 years. Teaching piano lessons for 20+ years.
Hobbies - Knitting, crossword puzzles, hiking.
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Lunch staff
Stephanie Egli
District Assistant Food Services Director
Education: Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration
Background: Moved from California to Utah in 2017. Prior to working at APA worked in Human Resources. 10 years private sector and 10 years public (government) sector.
Hobbies: Swimming, snowboarding, hiking, and just spending time with my family (husband and 2 kids ages 9 and 14).
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Support Staff
Robin Riding
Academic Coordinator K-3
Education - Associates
Education - Community service, Religious service, Theater scholarship, PTA member, Preschool Teacher
Hobbies - Read, Family vacations, singing, date nights,
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After School
Trina Christensen
Sistema Director
Education: General Studies, Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate, Suzuki Violin Method Teacher Training Books 1-6, Suzuki Principles in Action
Background: I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and began exploring music at the age of 5 when observing my friend's Suzuki violin lessons. At the age of 8 I began to play the violin studying traditionally through orchestra in school and later converting to the Suzuki Method when studies began with Esther Larsen. I have received Suzuki teacher training from Jeanne Grover, Ed Kreitman, Linda Fiore, Allen Lieb and Bill Starr. I believe that every child should have the opportunity to learn music and has witnessed the magic of Dr. Suzuki's mother-tongue method from working with her children who have been learning string instruments.
Hobbies: Music is my passion and I love to play my violin! In addition to music, I love cooking, shopping and listening to books on tape.
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Operations
Ed Brunisholz
Operations Manager
Education: Some college
Background: Operations
Hobbies: Cycling, running and other outdoor activities
xFine Arts
Jairo Velazquez
Mr. Velazquez
Education: Bachelors/Masters degree in Clarinet Performance from The University of Utah School of Music
Background: Mexican
Hobbies: Hiking, skiing, playing music, and hanging out with my cat.
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