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High School Administration & Staff
Administration
Monika Moreno
Special Education Secretary
Bio Coming Soon!
June Jensen
10th-12th Grade Head Counselor
Bio Coming Soon!
Malea Simmons
Reading Specialist / ESL Secondary
Bio Coming Soon!
Detective Anderson
School Resource Officer
Coming Soon!
CTE Teachers
Jerilyn Brown
CTE Teacher & Team Leader
Financial & Digital Literacy Teacher
I was born in the state of Maine where my parents originate. I lived there until I was five and then my family moved to California where I grew up as the youngest of five children. I went to Utah to attend B.Y.U. and received my Bachelors degree there. I met my husband while in Utah and we have seven children, six sons and one daughter. Our seven children are now all adults. My youngest child just turned eighteen this year. When I went back into the workforce I knew that I wanted to work with children in a school setting. I worked at the Provo School District Preschool as a paraprofessional for four years and that’s when I decided that I wanted to be a teacher. I loved my job and I enjoyed working with young children with special needs. I also loved working and learning from so many wonderful teachers. I left the preschool so that I could pursue my dream of becoming a Kindergarten teacher. While in the process of getting my teaching license I also worked as an Instructional Aide for first, second, fourth and fifth grades. It was a great feeling to get my teaching license and I am grateful that I am about to begin my seventh year of teaching Kindergarten. Helping young children learn and gain confidence in themselves and their abilities is an important teaching philosophy that I foster in my classroom.
Jason Tippetts
Digital Media Teacher
Bachelors of Fine Arts in Art Education from the Academy of Art University – School of Art Education
I became a member of the ALA family last year in 2020! What a year to start a new chapter!
I love learning the different artistic strengths of all my students. I also love sharing my love of art and photography and hope I can pass along some of my passion and excitement to them.
Working at ALA is fantastic! It feels like a family and everyone is incredibly supportive of one another. ALA encourages and promotes the arts, which is a HUGE plus for me!
In my spare time I like to hike, backpack, travel and create! This year I traveled to Virginia, Texas, South Dakota (went to Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse), Florida and Belgium. While in Belgium I was able to visit castles and cathedrals. The highlight was visiting The Church of Our Lady, in Bruges, which houses a sculpture called Madonna and Child, by artist Michaelangelo. This sculpture is marble and created in 1501-1504.
MOTO: Keep Creating! Have Fun! Be Respectful!
Daniel Rosell
TV Broadcasting/Photography/Robotics/Video Production Teacher
Coming Soon!
Duel Immersion
Extended Learning
Fine Arts
Kiara Atherley
ALA Orchestra Director
Hello! I am Mrs. Atherley. I graduated from American Leadership Academy in 2009. I started here the year the school opened in 2005 as a freshman. ALA is where I fell in love with orchestra and music. Mr. Bowman was my orchestra teacher and he is a big part of the reason I chose to become a music teacher myself.
I attended Brigham Young University Idaho and graduated from there with my degree in Music Education with an emphasis in orchestra. I was the orchestra director at Payson High School and Mt. Nebo Junior High for two years. I also teach private violin and viola lessons. I love music and I am passionate about what I do! I am currently a member of the Utah Valley Symphony and I love being able to play incredible music with some very talented musicians from all over the valley!
Some of my favorite things to do are take care of my garden, read, do puzzles and go on walks with my dogs. I am married and have three beautiful girls and I live in Santaquin. I am very excited to be back here at ALA and doing what I love best!
Larry Blackburn
MDT. Piano Lab/AP Musci
Larry Blackburn teaches piano, theater tech, AP music theory and music theater classes at the American Leadership Academy in Spanish Fork, UT and has been the organist at First Presbyterian Church in Salt Lake City for 19 years. Larry has a Bachelors degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and a Masters degree in organ performance from Brigham Young University. He has performed with the Utah Symphony and recitaled regularly on the historic Tabernacle and Conference Center organs on Temple Square as a Guest Organist for 25 years. Mr. Blackburn has served as a staff accompanist at BYU, performed and taught at the annual BYU Organ Workshop for many years and was adjunct professor in the Theater and Film department at Utah Valley University for several years.
Mr. Blackburn is highly sought after as a professional accompanist. He frequently is asked to be the rehearsal accompanist for the Utah Symphony Chorus, has served many years as the accompanist for the 150 voice Wasatch Chorale in Utah Valley, an accompanist for the Institute for Young Dramatic Voices under the direction of Dolora Zajick, and he is a recording studio pianist/accompanist.
Larry comes to Utah after serving the Minnesota Bach Society and two Episcopal parishes in St. Paul, Minnesota and Santa Barbara, California where he also taught piano at Westmont College. Larry has performed in Canada, England, Poland, Estonia, and Russia, and he can be seen on International TV as far away as China, Russia and South America.
Derek Hegsted
Arts Teacher
At the early age of six years old, Mr. Hegsted found that he could draw with a unique accuracy. A gift that would win him international awards and allow him to be utilized by some of the largest publishers in New York, NY and Hollywood, CA.
With a wife, six kids and a cat for food storage J (wink, wink) Mr. Hegsted has been trained in 17 different mediums which includes: Oil and Acrylic Paint, Pottery, Ceramics, Calligraphy, Photoshop, Graphite, Color pencil, Charcoal, Stippling with black india ink and color pens, and scratchboard with Ink, and Sculpture with plastilina Clay and water base clay to name a few to choose from. With classes emphasizing Classical Portraiture, Illustration, Graphics and Pottery.
His Students have won over 46 Divisional State Championships Awards including College competition awards, Springville Museum All State Awards and over 126 awards in 12 years. Mr. Hegsted says, “I am just trying to keep up with what the students can do.” With the basic foundations of the Masters being stressed, Mr. Hegsted runs a classical style of training from the teachings of Bridgman, Vanderpoel, John Singer-Sargent and Andrew Loomis to name a few. Mr. Hegsted says, “You can’t break the rules until you know the rules.”
Trained as a Classical Portrait Artist, and Commercial Artist, Mr. Hegsted has had the opportunity to work with some of the wealthiest kind hearted people in Utah. Receiving degrees from BYU-Idaho, Utah Valley University and Salt Lake Community College, Mr.Hegsted was hired by American Leadership Academy to be the Visual Arts Director in 2009. Where he deeply regrets not starting sooner.
Kellie Messerly
Dance/Yoga Instructor
Kellie’s passion for dance began when she was 3 years old. Growing up, she trained competitively in Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballet, Tap & Contemporary at The Winner School. She was a member of the Alta High Drill Team for 3 years where she was the Drill Mistress of her state winning team. While in high school, Kellie won the title of Miss Dance/Drill Team Utah. Kellie was then invited to Nagoya, Japan where she won the title of Miss Dance/Drill Team International and won top honors with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Award. Kellie then continued her education at the University of Utah where she was the head cheerleader.
Kellie danced professionally with Odyssey Dance Utah for seven years. She was the director of Dance Utah Summer Camp. Kellie had the opportunity to direct Odyssey’s Junior Company, O2, for two years.
Kellie’s real passion is teaching and choreographing. She has been teaching for over 25 years. She was nominated for the Who’s Who Among America’s Top Teachers. She has choreographed for Odyssey Dance Theatre, Miss Utah, dancers on Star Search, dancers on So You Think You Can Dance, and Dancing with the Stars. Kellie has choreographed the musicals Peter Pan, Footloose, Rag Time and Wizard of Oz at the Scera Shell Outdoor Theatre.
Kellie’s Student have won many National titles, have been seen dancing on So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, Broadway Stages in New York, at Julliard, on tour with pop stars, and dancing internationally.
Kellie was a co-founder of The Vibe Performing Arts. In 2011 the Vibe was finalists on Paula Abduls dance show “Live to Dance”. She has choreographed and directed shows with the Vibe including, Move, One Night Only, and Evolutions of Dance. In January 2012, the Vibe danced in Hong Kong, China in the Chinese New Year parade celebration.
Kellie is currently teaching dance full time at American Leadership Academy in Spanish Fork, Utah. She is coaching the Drill Team, Dance Company and Junior High Dance Company at ALA and loving every minute. Kellie is also currently teaching at multiple studios in Utah.
Sandra Millet
Drama Director
Sandra Millet has taught Theatre, French and Film at ALA since 2006. She has been passionate about theatre ever since she can remember, but her first experience on a professional stage was at 12 years old with the Utah Shakespeare Festival. She believes that theatre has the power to build confidence, teach interpersonal and language skills, and inspire empathy. Sandra attended Brigham Young University, earning a dual Bachelor’s degree in English and Theatre and a Master’s degree in Theatre History, Theory and Criticism. She has helped to create two theatre companies– Salem Community Theatre and Halfpenny Youth Theatre. and loves to direct and write plays. Some of her favorite directing experiences include The Three Musketeers, The 39 Steps, Peter and the Starcatcher and Richard III. Her students have won awards and scholarships for both acting and playwriting, and many have gone on to perform in live theatre, opera, television and film.
Bruce Neilbaur
ALA Band Director
My name is Bruce Neibaur and I am thrilled to be here at American Leadership Academy this year as the new band teacher. I grew up in Pleasant Grove, Utah where I also graduated high school. I graduated from Snow College with a degree in trumpet performance, commercial music, and music education. Recently I taught band at Lyman High School and Intermediate School where in my time there, both concert band and jazz band received superior ratings at festival. I love to play my trumpet as much as I can and share my talent with the world. I play often at funerals and memorials, with the Utah Premiere Brass, and other community and professional groups. I look forward to working with the students here at ALA and helping the amazing students in the band program grow their musical talent!
History Teachers
Brian Blackham
U.S. History Teacher
I have taught at ALA for all 17 years of its existence and have grown old with age in the service of my students. I have enjoyed teaching US History, AP US History, Concurrent Enrollment US History, Concurrent Enrollment US Government, US Government, and World History. I am a Utah native. I received my bachelor degree in history from Southern Utah University, my masters degree in history from the University of Utah, and my teaching license from Utah Valley University. I have five children that mean everything to me. I am an avid outdoorsman. I love hunting, fishing, backpacking, four wheeling, hiking, and running. My most exciting run was a marathon to the top of King’s Peak and back.
Lora Nichols
World Civilization
Lora Nichols has been at American Leadership Academy for 8 years. She serves as the Athletic Director and teaches World Civilizations. Lora has 4 degrees. She graduated with a double major in political science and psychology from The George Washington University in Washington, DC and went on to get a masters in Communications from SUU in Cedar City, Utah. For her final degree, Nichols picked up a history degree from SUU in order to be certified to teach history.
Nichols came to American Leadership Academy with a background in college athletics. Lora was a college basketball coach at Southern Utah University and Radford University.
At SUU Lora served as the 3rd assistant and prior to coaching at Southern Utah, Mitchell was the Director of Basketball Operations at Radford University in Radford, Va. The Highlanders are in the Big South Conference.
Lora played collegiately at George Washington University, helping the Colonials to four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, including back-to-back sweet sixteen berths during her final two years. She earned individual honors, earning two unsung hero awards and the Nancy Oliver Smith Award for her strong commitment to service.
At Mountain View HS, Mitchell was a part of a dominating high school program that swept three consecutive state championships and was undefeated in the state of Utah during her three years on the team. She was also a three-time all-state and all-region honoree while playing for the Bruins.
Lora is married to Tyler Nichols of East Millcreek, Utah. They live in Orem.
Kristen Smith
Geography & Psychology Teacher
I currently live in Utah County with my family. We are proud owners of currently 9 fish. In 2005 we moved from New York to Utah and have since enjoyed to more tranquil lifestyle.
I grew up in Europe and lived in Germany, England and France for all of my adolescence. I was very fortunate to have had a very adventurous Grandmother, with her I visited China, Australia, India and countries of Africa among many others.
I attended the University in Germany for 3.5 years and furthered than my education with additional degrees from the University of New York in Buffalo.
Language Arts Teachers
James Lockwood
Jr. High & High School Language Arts Teacher
My name is James Lockwood and I am a high school English teacher here at ALA. I attended Western Governors University for 3 years, where I attained my Bachelor’s in educational studies and Masters in Secondary English Education and gained a love of helping students grow. This is my first year teaching and I am so excited to work with parents, other teachers, and administration here to help all my students recognize their true potential. I believe that curiosity and a growth mindset are essential in the classroom and I strive to see every one of my students find joy in learning every day.
Leadership Teachers
Jeff Ballew
HS Student Government Advisor & Science Teacher
I am a native of the great Midwest and have lived in six Midwestern states. I have also lived in northern Nevada and for a total of sixteen years in Utah. My training is a B.S. in Biochemistry from Iowa State University and a M.S. in Cellular & Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan; and I have eighteen years’ experience in biomedical and genetic research. In the classroom, I have taught junior high and high school math; college biotechnology (at UVU); and now chemistry, physics, and concurrent enrollment biology at American Leadership Academy. I have also worked for United Way and even spent a year working at a gold mine.
My teaching philosophy is that the most important thing we learn—at ALA or anywhere—is how to be good to each other and help each other. In the end, our hearts are more important than our resumes. I also believe in second chances: “The end of a story matters more than the beginning or the middle.” When not teaching I enjoy service, ballroom dance, community theater, and chess. Marrying my sweetheart Robin is the best decision of my adult life.
Daryl Workman
High School Speech & Debate
I am a native of the great Midwest and have lived in six Midwestern states. I have also lived in northern Nevada and for a total of sixteen years in Utah. My training is a B.S. in Biochemistry from Iowa State University and a M.S. in Cellular & Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan; and I have eighteen years’ experience in biomedical and genetic research. In the classroom, I have taught junior high and high school math; college biotechnology (at UVU); and now chemistry, physics, and concurrent enrollment biology at American Leadership Academy. I have also worked for United Way and even spent a year working at a gold mine.
My teaching philosophy is that the most important thing we learn—at ALA or anywhere—is how to be good to each other and help each other. In the end, our hearts are more important than our resumes. I also believe in second chances: “The end of a story matters more than the beginning or the middle.” When not teaching I enjoy service, ballroom dance, community theater, and chess. Marrying my sweetheart Robin is the best decision of my adult life.
Math Teachers
Tamara Hansen
High School Math Teacher
I was born in upstate New York but spent most of my childhood in the Salt Lake Valley. The summer before my senior year my parents moved our family to New Hampshire. The next fall I headed to BYU and have lived in Utah ever since. At BYU I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and worked for the Bureau of Reclamation for almost 10 years. In 1999, I went back to BYU and earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Following my MBA I worked at a mortgage bank in just about every capacity they had and loved them all!
I am excited to be earning my teaching certificate through the Alternate Route to Licensure program that the state offers and even more excited to be teaching math at ALA this year. My goal is to give students the foundation in math that they need to succeed in future schooling as well as open the door to careers they may not have thought of… and hopefully we’ll all have a little fun along the way!
Loraine Hanson
High School Math Teacher
I am the youngest of seven children and was raised in Northern California. I graduated high school from Alhambra High in Martinez California. I received an Associates Degree in Mathematics from Ricks College. I received both a bachelor and master’s degree from BYU-Provo in Mathematics Education. I have taught University mathematic courses at Montana State University- Billings, Utah Valley University and BYU-Provo. Besides teaching secondary math at American Leadership, I have also taught at Orem High School here in Utah. I am married to Carl Hanson who is a Health Science Professor at BYU-Provo. I have four children and currently 6 grandchildren. I play the piano and enjoy spending time in the great outdoors!
Health & Physical Education
Jakenzie Jones
Health Teacher, Canvas Director
Hello! My name is Mrs. Jones. I am the health teacher at ALA. I am passionate about health and I hope to relay that passion to my students. I graduated from Payson High School in 2013 after participating on the drill team for three years. I immediately started college at UVU where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Education as well as a Minor in Public and Community Health and a second Minor in Autism Studies. While in college, I married my husband and we have been married for six years and have one baby girl. We currently live in Springville. Some of our favorite things to do are have friends over for game night (we get pretty competitive), watch movies (we go to several movies a week), and travel! My favorite places to travel are to Europe, anything tropical, and of course, DISNEYLAND! I love connecting with people and making new friends!
Science Teachers
Jodalyn Buck
Biology Teacher
My name is Jodalyn Buck. I was born and raised in Utah Country. I have been married for 27 years and have 5 offspring. I graduated from BYU with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science and Biology. I love watching football and I am a die hard cougar fan. Running is one of my favorite pastimes along with reading and hiking with my people. I have been teaching at ALA for 11 years accompanied by my pet tarantula, Dr. Octopus. I love educating tomorrow’s future and interacting with the great humans that are my students.
Jeff Ballew
Chemistry & Physics Teacher
I am a native of the great Midwest and have lived in six Midwestern states. I have also lived in northern Nevada and for a total of sixteen years in Utah. My training is a B.S. in Biochemistry from Iowa State University and a M.S. in Cellular & Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan; and I have eighteen years’ experience in biomedical and genetic research. In the classroom, I have taught junior high and high school math; college biotechnology (at UVU); and now chemistry, physics, and concurrent enrollment biology at American Leadership Academy. I have also worked for United Way and even spent a year working at a gold mine.
My teaching philosophy is that the most important thing we learn—at ALA or anywhere—is how to be good to each other and help each other. In the end, our hearts are more important than our resumes. I also believe in second chances: “The end of a story matters more than the beginning or the middle.” When not teaching I enjoy service, ballroom dance, community theater, and chess. Marrying my sweetheart Robin is the best decision of my adult life.
Special Education Teachers & Dual Immersion
Doug Kallas
Special Education Teacher Math
I have worked at ALA fifteen years. I have lived in Spanish fork for twenty five years. I graduated from Weber State University with a degree in education and minor in computer science. I have a special ed. endorsement from SUU. I have two kids and two stay at home dogs.
Sasha Kallas
Special Education Teacher English
I have worked at ALA for fifteen years and have lived in Spanish fork for twenty-four. I have really loved the close-knit culture and support I find here at ALA. I graduated from Weber State University with an elementary ed. degree, an early childhood degree, as well as a special ed. endorsement. I have two fun kids who work in teaching and biochemistry.
One of my favorite things to do is read, read, read! I also enjoy long walks with my husband and two sweet dogs.
World Language Teachers
Sandra Millet
French Teacher
Sandra Millet has taught Theatre, French and Film at ALA since 2006. She has been passionate about theatre ever since she can remember, but her first experience on a professional stage was at 12 years old with the Utah Shakespeare Festival. She believes that theatre has the power to build confidence, teach interpersonal and language skills, and inspire empathy. Sandra attended Brigham Young University, earning a dual Bachelor’s degree in English and Theatre and a Master’s degree in Theatre History, Theory and Criticism. She has helped to create two theatre companies– Salem Community Theatre and Halfpenny Youth Theatre. and loves to direct and write plays. Some of her favorite directing experiences include The Three Musketeers, The 39 Steps, Peter and the Starcatcher and Richard III. Her students have won awards and scholarships for both acting and playwriting, and many have gone on to perform in live theatre, opera, television and film.
Jared Peterson
Spanish ESL Teacher
As an ALA alumnus, I have an enormous passion for what our school represents and how we can affect the world for the better. After graduating, I attended Utah Valley University where, in 2018, I received my Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. I joined the ALA faculty soon after, in 2019.
My favorite thing about teaching is seeing students’ eyes light up when they understand a concept. I’m very passionate about my subject, and so getting to share that enthusiasm makes this one of the best vocations. When I’m not teaching, you can find me at the Barnes & Noble café reading, at home playing the piano, or spending time with my family.
