Support Staff
Support Staff

Angela Hoffman
Junior High Secretary
Education: Idaho State University
Background: Before transitioning to American Prep, I worked in healthcare and specialized with helping people with Alzheimer's Disease.
Hobbies: In my free time I like to bake, hike, kayak, travel, crochet, and adventure. In the summer, I volunteer as a director and counselor at summer camps for teens with type 1 diabetes in Stanley, Idaho.
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Meredith Patterson
High School Secretary
Education - I attended Ricks College and Weber State
Background - I grew up in the South and moved to Utah when I was 18. My first real job was working at Target and I loved it so much that I stayed there for 20 years. Working at Target gave me the opportunity to learn many different things, but the most important was customer service. I came to APA in 2017, scared to start this new chapter in my life, but excited. I love working with students and families! I pride myself on knowing student names and who their parents are.
Hobbies: I love to craft and go camping with my family. I am "boy mom" and they keep me on my toes!
xCounselors

Tammy Okelberry
Director of Support Services/ School Counselor
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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Lauren Hatch
College Access Advisor
Education: B.A.
Background: I was born and raised in Salt Lake City and am an APA graduate. I graduated from BYU in Humanities with an English literature emphasis, and a minor and certificate in TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages).
Hobbies: I love yoga and being active, hiking, reading, writing, and meeting new people!
xCharacter Development

Gina Jeppson
Character Development Director
Education: B.S. in Biomedical Exercise Science from BYU-Hawaii
Background: I was the Assistant Director of Intramural Sports at BYU-Hawaii. I then taught Special Education in California prior to moving to Utah in 2019.
Hobbies: I enjoy being in the outdoors with my dog, going to concerts, and aerial silks in my free time!
xSpecial Education

Jamie Aoyama
Special Education Teacher
Education: Bachelor Degree from Utah State and Masters Degree from the University of Phoenix
Background: After graduating from college I went to Japan and taught English. I have worked for Tooele and Granite School Districts in Special Education. I taught Japanese and ESL classes at Weber State University.
Hobbies: Racquetball, Japanese, piano and accordion
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Connie Keith
Assistant Special Education Teacher
Education: Bachelor's Degree - University of Utah, Behavioral Health & Science; Master's Program - University of Utah, Occupational Therapy
Background: I live in Sandy, and have three grown boys. I started working at APA in 2021 in special education.
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Katelyn Strong
Assistant Special Education Teacher
Education: I attended Snow College, studying early childhood education and special education with a focus in Autism.
Background: I began working in APA's Special Education department in 2016 and have had the opportunity to work with many amazing students in my time here.
Hobbies: I enjoy singing, reading, and baking. I also love musical theater, both watching and performing.
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