Our Fellows
Meet the 2026 CUWP Fellows – BYU Cohort
Sara Barber
Salem Junior High School, Special Education English 9
I am a rule follower at heart, but I occasionally like to rock the boat. As a life-long resident of Utah County, I have learned to embrace my “Ands.” While I am definitely not Superwoman, I am a special education English teacher, a wife, a mother of 3 children and a cute puppy, a daughter, a friend, a book club member, an earring aficionado, a Spanish Forkian, a feminist, AND an introvert.
Sara Barnes
Mount Nebo Middle School, 6th Grade Reading
I’ve loved reading and writing my whole life, which led to an English Teaching degree from BYU. While there, I worked as a writing tutor and loved it. I currently teach 6th and 7th-grade reading. Outside of work, I can be found reading, learning how to crochet, playing the piano, doing yoga, enjoying the many beautiful hikes in Utah, keeping up my German skills on Duolingo, and watching “Gilmore Girls” with my husband.
Aimee Clyde
Franklin Elementary School, Kindergarten
Aimee’s favorite place to be is wherever her 5 kids (ages 17, 16, 14, 13, 12) are, which lately is in the audience for ballroom or drama. When not adventuring with her brood or running them to various activities, she enjoys skiing, scuba diving, weight training, hiking, camping, cryptozoology, traveling, and playing board games. Some desired life goals include paying off her house, becoming fluent in Spanish, and backpacking around Loch Ness to spot Nessie.
Sydney Fromm
Copper Hills High School, ELA
I am a lover of literature through and through. If I could be a professional student, I would never work again. My love of reading and writing developed into a love of learning, and these loves evolved into a love of teaching, which I have been lucky enough to do as my career for ten years. I love traveling and experiencing the locations I have read and studied about. I have two cats named Pippin and Nox; based on their names, you can see I am indeed a literature lover. I also love all things spooky, mysterious, and macabre; Halloween is my favorite!
Jennifer Hansen
Salem Hills High School
Call me the Reluctant Teacher —
As a kid I wanted to be a policewoman, a US Marshall, a nurse, a doctor, an astronaut… anything but a teacher! I landed on nursing when I went to college, but then I got married, had four kids, and decided I had no idea what I wanted anymore. When my children started elementary school I helped in their classes and was SURE I didn’t want to be a teacher. Then I was given an opportunity to teach 17 year olds in a class at church. I was terrified. I was panicked. I fell in love. I decided I could do this every day.
— that became the Joyful Teacher.
Lauren Maynes
Provo High School, 11th Grade ELA
I became a teacher of English when I realized that meant I would get to talk about stories and the craft of language for years to come—and have the opportunity to share that enthusiasm with others. My heart is most content when I am hiking, thrifting for old treasures, cuddling with my dog, playing games with my family, reading (of course), and eating great food and traveling with my husband. Some recommended reading that I would add to fellow lovers of literature and words are: fantasy, The City of Brass Series; mystery, The God of the Woods; fiction, The Awakening; YA, The Legendborn Cycle.
Jenny McCulloch
Springville High School, SPED English
Jenny is a Special Education teacher at Springville High, where she teaches English and runs Unified Sports. Jenny loves the outdoors and trying new things—despite being terrified of most new things. She became a ski instructor to learn to ski, and joined the CUWP to learn to write. Jenny was raised in part by public librarians on U.S. Military bases and recently earned her M.Ed from SUU. She believes in approaching life (and writing) with curiosity and snacks.
Samantha Montgomery
Mountain View High School, ELA
I’ve always known that I wanted to be a teacher, but I haven’t always been sure exactly what I wanted to teach. Ultimately, as someone who loves to read and write, I decided that teaching high school English excited me the most. Now, I have taught for six years at three different schools. Despite hopping schools and states, I’m excited to be in Utah for a while as I pursue my masters degree!
Genevieve Palestino
Salem Junior High School, ELA
I have made my home in several places throughout my life. I lived in the Philippines for a year and a half on four beautiful islands. My husband’s family’s house in Sonora, Mexico, has become a second home with a second family to me. I have called Utah home for about 15 years in the shadow of Y Mount. But the place I think of when I picture the word home will always be Oregon.
Ricky Ricks
West Jordan High School, ELA
(No, it’s not my legal name.) I moved around a bit, so I say I grew up in Utah, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and North Carolina. This is my 4th year teaching (all at beloved West Jordan High School). I did my undergrad at BYUI, and I’m currently working on my Master’s from SNHU in creative writing because I just can’t stop going to school. I enjoy reading, writing, and trying to pick up new creative hobbies (most recently embroidery). I am a chicken tender—I have 10 chickens to constantly research how to take better care of.
Meredith Sager
Lake Mountain Middle School, ELA
I’ve spent 15 years teaching middle school, high school, and college English. I am currently teaching English 9 and 9th Honors. Before (and even during) teaching, I have been a state tax auditor, a legal research librarian, a school librarian, a content creator/writer, and a piano teacher.
I am a life-long learner and always looking for new opportunities to be a student. I love the stories people write and tell. I enjoy reading, participating in musical endeavors (primarily piano and violin), writing, cycling, exercising, and being with family and friends.
I have three kids and two dogs who are my whole world.
Tamara Willis
Salem Junior High, Secondary Math 1
Math + Person = Writing? I’ve heard that the brain has two sides, the left is the analytical side used for critical thinking and math, while the right is the creative side used for creative thinking and art. To which side does writing belong? I went to school for art. Now, I teach math. Why not be a writer too? Writing isn’t just one thing. Neither are people. That’s why I’m starting to think that every one is a writer, and writing belongs everywhere.
Natalie Wood
Franklin Elementary School, First Grade
I have taught first grade for two years now! I have learned a lot and I’m excited to keep learning and growing. I used to love writing so I’m excited for this opportunity to rediscover that love and take it to my students next year. When I’m not teaching, I love to make things. It can be anything! Food, knitted clothes or stuffed animals, home improvements, music, and pieces of art. I hope this year that I can really bring in my love of learning and creativity into my classroom.
Meet the 2026 CUWP Fellows – Concurrent Enrollment Cohort
Rachel Billings
Skyridge High School
Carleen Burnell
Highland High School
Jessica Chamberlain
Copper Hills High School
Kim Cowart
Copper Hills High School
Heather Ence
Riverton High School
Sydney Fromm
Copper Hills High School
Vivian Gates
Cottonwood High School
Julie Hoffmann
Provo High School
Jeremie James
Copper Hills High School
David Kearl
Salt Lake Community College
Lindsay Reyes
Copper Hills High School
Cathy Richins
Springville High School
Sam Sirrene
Mountain Ridge High School
Luci Sullivan
Brigham Young University
Tiffany Sullivan
Cottonwood High School
CUWP Fellows Directory
Fellows:
- Amber Beckstrand, Olympus High School
- Katy Bigham, BYU MA in English Education
- Mindy Carlson, Harvest Elementary School
- Jordon Cottam, Escalante High School
- Anna Dinsmoor, Westlake High School
- Brianna Gerstner, Hillcrest High School
- Mary Kathryn Hall, Park Elementary
- Trent Mikesell, Nebo District ELA and Social Studies Curriculum Specialist
- Pat Mosbacker, Canyon View Junior High School
- Alyssa Murray, Welby Elementary
- Annika Nielson, Wasatch High School
- Lindsay Reyes, Copper Hills High School
- Stacy Selk, Jordan School District K-6 Literacy Specialist
SI Facilitators: Amber Jensen, Joseph Wiederhold, Megan Russell
SI Grad Assistant: Luci Sullivan
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