Our Fellows

Meet the 2024 CUWP Fellows

Amber Beckstrand
Olympus High School, 11th grade ELA Core, AP English Language and Composition

I didn’t always feel it, but I think I was born to be an ELA teacher. I’ve loved books since I was a baby: eating them before I learned to walk, and then reading them the second I was capable. After eight years in three school districts, I’ve learned so much about teaching from my students and my colleagues, and I’m always hungry for more! 

Katy Bigham
BYU, MA in English Education

I spent ten years teaching ELA to the babies of the school (7th graders) at Mountain Ridge Junior High before stepping away last year to take care of my own baby full-time. To help maintain a little sanity (or lose it?), I’m currently pursuing an MA in English Education at BYU. When I’m not reading or writing, I love quilting, making ice cream, and finding the best french fries on every vacation.

Mindy Carlson
Harvest Elementary, Third grade English and Language Arts

I currently teach third grade in a dual immersion program and get to focus primarily on ELA instruction, which I love! I’m a graduate from USU (BEEd) and SUU (M.Ed). I have a fantastic husband and four keen teenagers. Sunshine, walking and personal development is my recipe to unwind. I’m both analytical and creative and am always on the lookout for ways to learn and grow, especially when it comes to language arts education. My hobbies include concerts, puzzles, games and exploring Pinterest for all things home and health.



Jordon Cottam

Escalante High School, 7-11 ELA, Creative Writing

I wear many hats at Escalante High school in Escalante, Utah. Teaching in a tiny town nestled between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks on the east side of Garfield County offers a unique opportunity as a teacher. I teach nearly every one of our 65 students in the 7th-12th grades. My husband, 6 year old son, and I returned “home” in 2020 and I am in my 5th year teaching at EHS.

Anna Dinsmoor

Westlake High School

I am passionate about helping students find their voice and use it in meaningful ways. After all, life is a journey best recorded, and we remember best what we write down. I won the jackpot marrying my husband, and I have 6 incredible kids, 3.5 of whom are still at home (one graduates high school in two months). When not working with kids, I can be found emoting at the piano — Chopin and Debussy are amazing stress-relievers! — or buried in a book, neither of which happens often enough.

Brianna Gerstner
Hillcrest High School

As I considered career paths during my days at BYU, there was only one thing I was sure of: I love to write. So I tried out the English Teaching program at BYU, loved it, graduated from it, and have spent the past 2 years trying to convince 9th and 10th graders to love writing as much as I do. 

I am currently working on my MA in Teacher Education at BYU.

Mary Kathryn Hall
Park Elementary, Third Grade

I am the Wicked awesome person I am today because I “defy gravity.”  I have had a little bit of life experience working at UPS for 25 years and raising my family before I achieved my lifetime goal of teaching school.  I have now taught for 10 years.  At this point I teach third grade at Park Elementary.  I realize that hard times, patience, and hard work brought me to where I am today.  

Trent Mikesell
Nebo School District

I grew up with two passions: books and outer space. When it came time to choose a career, I discovered NASA wasn’t hiring, so I followed my love of books instead. That decision has led me to a fulfilling career as an English teacher. After several years in the classroom, I recently transitioned to a district role, where I now work as a curriculum specialist for ELA and social studies in Nebo School District. One of my greatest joys is finding books for my four children and discussing literature with my wife who is also a teacher. Feel free to follow me on Goodreads!

Pat Mosbacker
Canyon View Junior High, 7th grade English, English Language Development

I’m a BYU graduate teaching 7th grade English and English Language Development at Canyon View Junior High in Orem, Utah.  This is my twenty-second year at the same school, and I love the students and families.  Writing is thinking. I hope my students and I are continuously improving at both.  I spend most of my non-teaching time with my wife and six kids, reading, board gaming, hiking, and advocating for public education.

Alyssa Murray
Welby Elementary

Hello! I’m a 6th-grade teacher passionate about equal opportunities for student success. Dedicated to helping children embrace who they are, my love for learning continues to grow. Proudly part of the BYU Associates program, I find joy in seeing students progress, even by 1%. At home, I have a wonderful husband and three kids, who are my world. We enjoy biking, gaming, and sharing dad jokes. Plus, I can’t resist cotton candy!

Annika Nielson
Wasatch High School, English 9 and English 9 Honors

I’ve taught freshmen English for four years and have probably taken on some of their traits: I love sarcasm, always lose my pencils, and enjoy drama (but only on TV). A proud English nerd, I’m also pursuing an MA in English at BYU, where I read, write, and research to my heart’s content—and sometimes beyond. I adore YA lit, sometimes travel solo, and have a major soft spot for all things Twilight.

Lindsay Reyes
Copper Hills High School

As a first year teacher, the most difficult thing has been abandoning my perfectionism. I graduated from UVU with a bachelors in English Education and a minor in Creative Writing, and I’ve started my teaching career at Copper Hills High. When I’m not trying to convince 12th graders that writing is fun, I’m most likely working on a new crochet project, playing a cozy video game, or curled up on the couch with a book.

Stacy Selk
Jordan School District, Elementary Literacy Specialist

I’m a sucker for a good story! If I could, I’d spend all my time immersed in a book. I firmly believe that reading and writing are vital to connect and share ourselves with others. Professionally, I focus my attention in helping elementary teachers cultivate capable and confident readers and writers. Personally, I’m a devoted wife, mom, and grandmother. I love to be in nature- gardening or hiking, and aspire to visit all the national parks.

CUWP Fellows Directory

 

Fellows:

  • Shannon Cannon, Maeser Prep
  • Paul Erwin, Salem Hills High School
  • Emily Feveryear, American Fork Junior High School
  • Beth Hansen, Provo High School
  • Kristie Jolley, Brigham Young University
  • Kerri Keuhn, Weilenmann School of Discovery
  • Brandon Merrill, Maple Mountain High School
  • Marissa Palmer, Maple Mountain High School
  • Emilia Williams, Lehi Junior High School
  • Deon Youd, Spanish Fork High School

SI Facilitators: Chris Crowe, Amber Jensen, Chris Thompson, Joseph Wiederhold

 

Fellows:

  • Seth Field, Payson High School
  • Libby Hancock, Mountain Ridge Junior High School
  • Lexi Jackman, Payson Junior High School
  • Mandy Kail, Weilenmann School of Discovery
  • Jazmin Kitchen, Provo High School
  • Jessica Low, Lake Mountain Middle School
  • Kevin McDaniel, Cyprus High School
  • Lori Muir, Salem Hills High School
  • Leah Parks, Orem Junior High School
  • Camille Stewart, Lake Mountain Middle School

SI Facilitators: Chris Crowe, Amber Jensen, Chris Thompson, Joseph Wiederhold

Fellows:

  • Mercedes Allen, Mountain Ridge High School
  • Alan Anderson, Mapleton Junior High School
  • Emily Brown, Merit Preparatory Academy
  • Sariah Fales, American Preparatory Academy
  • Ashley Frey, Spanish Fork Junior High School
  • Laura Justice, Water Canyon Elementary
  • Wasel Lambert, Lewiston Elementary
  • Abby Marchant, Orem High School
  • Allie Randall, Diamond Fork Middle School
  • Kaylee Smedley, Provo High School
  • Rachel Stanger-Wirth, Mountain Ridge High School

Returning Fellow: Jenny Dunn, Maple Mountain High School
SI Facilitators: Chris Crowe, Debbie Dean, Amber Jensen, Chris Thompson, Joseph Wiederhold

Fellows:

  • Emily Anderson, Skyridge High School
  • Jessica Ashurst, Copper Hills High School
  • Katie Francom, Layton High School
  • Hillary Hermansen, Copper Hills High School
  • Shannon Rhodes, Edith Bowen Laboratory School
  • Katie Schrecengost, Maple Mountain High School
  • Scott Stewart, Weilenmann School of Discovery
  • Kara Trammell, Hunter High School
  • Robin White, Spanish Fork Junior High School 
  • Megan Wight, Springville Junior High School

SI Facilitators: Chris Crowe, Debbie Dean, Amber Jensen, Chris Thompson, Joseph Wiederhold

Fellows:

  • Ramona Daun, Rocky Mountain Middle
  • Megan Harbin, Payson High School
  • Pamela Mull, Skyridge High School
  • Zachary Searle, Olympus High School
  • Samantha (Sam) Sirrine, Mountain Ridge High School
  • Amanda (Mandi) Thomas, Copper Hills High School
  • Scott Tippetts, Diamond Fork Junior High School
  • Jacinda Vawdrey, Spanish Fork Junior High School
  • Steve Williams, Weilenmann School of Discovery

Returning Fellow: Alice Ficklin, Independence High School
SI Facilitators: Chris Crowe, Debbie Dean, Amber Jensen, Chris Thompson, Joseph Wiederhold

Fellows:

  • Christina Albers
  • Julie Bouche
  • Carrie Crowe
  • Bryce Evans
  • Genevieve Palestino
  • Heather Price
  • Morgan Robertson
  • Whitney Sorensen

Returning Fellow: Melissa Heaton
SI Facilitators: Chris Crowe, Debbie Dean, Chris Thompson, Joseph Wiederhold

Fellows:

  • Allyson Brooks
  • Georgina Dibble
  • Jennifer Kellis
  • Demarie Long
  • Kristen Oda
  • Marinda Quist
  • Heather Slack
  • Sara Vidal

Returning Fellow: Rillene Nielsen
SI Facilitators: Chris Crowe, Debbie Dean, Chris Thompson, Joseph Wiederhold

Fellows:

  • Kelly Corless
  • Caroline Hansen
  • Amy Huhtala
  • Rachel Knecht
  • Melinda Korologos
  • Jason Miller
  • Elise Orgill
  • Jake Rees
  • Truedson Jerald Sandberg
  • Jessica Theurer
  • Devin Theurer
  • Jade Weinheimer

Returning Fellow: Rachel Knecht
SI Facilitators: Chris Crowe, Debbie Dean, Chris Thompson, Joseph Wiederhold

Fellows:

  • Christopher Atkin
  • Amy Banks
  • Amy Burge
  • Leslie Dalton
  • Raquel Dibb
  • Linda Frost
  • Rebecca Gibb
  • Marlene Goodrich
  • Tani Griffin
  • Dawn Jones
  • Bobbi Schultz
  • Bryan Sours

SI Facilitators: Chris Crowe, Debbie Dean, Chris Thompson, Joseph Wiederhold

Fellows:

  • Juli Andes
  • Rachael Baggett
  • Heidi Bauer
  • Devery Bellingham
  • Ellis Dyck
  • Amanda Fawcett
  • Alice Ficklin
  • Jennifer Heldenbrand
  • Taralyn Holmes
  • Lesli Morris
  • Canda Mortensen
  • Gloria Nance
  • Elizabeth Thackeray Nelson
  • Linda Warnick
  • Tessa Peterson White

SI Facilitators: Chris Crowe, Debbie Dean, Chris Thompson, Joseph Wiederhold

Fellows:

  • Alison Canar
  • Kailene Fieldsted
  • Brad Fillmore
  • Elise Gray
  • Regan Gull
  • Kasey Hammer
  • Julie Hartley
  • Dave Horan
  • Jennifer Madsen
  • Maichael Mayans
  • Megan Miller
  • Melissa Montoya
  • Jessica Sanders
  • David Thacker

SI Facilitators: Karen Brown, Chris Crowe, Debbie Dean

Fellows:

  • Heidi Adams
  • Kami Bone
  • Jennifer Brimley
  • Debbie Frampton
  • Lori Gamble
  • Lindsey Harvey
  • Steve Haslam
  • Craig Jeppson
  • Pat Martinez
  • Steven Nelson
  • Rillene Nielsen
  • Sarah Orme
  • Jenifer Palomarez
  • Daniel Potter
  • Heidi Rees
  • Cindy Waite
  • KJ Williams
  • Christine Yee

SI Facilitators: Karen Brown, Chris Crowe, Debbie Dean

Fellows:

  • Jeanmarie Andersen
  • Kaye Brockbank
  • Jessica Dixon
  • Jenny Dunn
  • Kelsey Foster
  • Tanya Hale
  • Janae Ingram
  • Sarah Johnson
  • Winston Lee
  • Kristen Ludwig
  • Linda Nowlin
  • Mike Poole
  • Carie Ruggiano
  • Randall Seltz
  • Janae Shepherd
  • Lori Smith
  • Joan Tuckett
  • Whitney Weaver
  • Joseph Wiederhold
  • Eileen Wyckhuyse

SI Facilitators: Karen Brown, Chris Crowe, Debbie Dean, Jon Ostenson

Fellows:

  • Jenna Baumgart
  • Stacy Broadbent
  • Robin Duffy
  • Jenna Fitch
  • Audrey Fuller
  • Penny Gardner
  • Timbre Greenwood
  • Lorena Lesue-Smithey
  • Teri McIntyre
  • Nancy Miramontes
  • Kirsten Morris
  • Kristin Pierce
  • Heidi Preece
  • Sadie Rawlinson
  • Emily Robinson
  • Christine Thompson
  • Valerie Thurnell
  • Gary Woodward

SI Facilitators: Karen Brown, Chris Crowe, Debbie Dean, Jon Ostenson

Fellows:

  • Rachel Billings
  • Nancy Bishop
  • Kathy Carter
  • Monique Fausett
  • Haylee Frohlich
  • Melissa Heaton
  • Tanei Henry
  • Jonathan Lawrence
  • Sarah Monson
  • Jeff Nokes
  • Jon Ostenson
  • Shauna Robertson
  • Sarita Rich
  • Meleea Roper
  • Barbara Simpson
  • Ginny Smith
  • Adrienne Warren
  • Angela Williams

SI Facilitators: Karen Brown, Chris Crowe, Debbie Dean

Fellows:

  • Joe Anson
  • Linda Bethers
  • Karen Brown
  • Amy Cowin
  • Claudia Dorsey
  • Elva Escobedo
  • Eric Ferrin
  • Janette Grimshaw
  • Serena Hayes
  • Jane Holman
  • Brian Jackson
  • Jolene Jenkins
  • Amy Lavin
  • Susan McCandless
  • Bartley Nicholes
  • Tavia Richards
  • Andria Robb
  • Denee Tyler
  • Kathryn Wright
  • Deon Youd

SI Facilitators: Chris Crowe, Debbie Dean