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View District Performance Levels* Due to new ELA assessments, the release of the 2024-2025 report card from USBE will be significantly delayed
View District Performance Levels* Due to new ELA assessments, the release of the 2024-2025 report card from USBE will be significantly delayed
Some people leave behind memories. Our retirees leave legacies — ones forever etched in our hearts.
This year, Canyons School District proudly celebrates the educators, mentors, leaders, and support staff whose quiet acts of service have shaped generations of students and strengthened our school communities in lasting ways.
To our retirees: thank you for the gifts you have given to the Canyons community. Though you may be stepping away from your daily roles, you leave an indelible mark on the lives you’ve shaped and doors you’ve opened for so many.
Sherilyn Andrizzi
Sherilyn Andrizzi didn’t enter college with a master plan to become a teacher. She was attending Utah State University while her future husband served an LDS mission when one roommate casually suggested she try an education class. Sherilyn did and leapt into teaching straight out of college. Forty-five years later, after a career spent almost entirely at Crescent Elementary, she is finally joining her husband in retirement. Sherilyn is the kind of teacher who managed classrooms with a balance of structure and just enough laughter and organized chaos to keep learning fun. She especially loved winning over reluctant math students — the children who arrived announcing they “hate math” only to end up eagerly gathered around her math table a few months later. Over the years, Sherilyn has watched education evolve. But teaching, she says, has been and always will be about joy. Retirement likely won’t slow her down for long. Sherilyn plans to pour her self-described “hyper” energy into volunteering with children or walking dogs at the Humane Society. After all, as her husband has gently reminded her, retirement hobbies may be important for everyone’s well-being.
Trudy Barnes
After 35 years in the classroom — nine teaching Spanish and the last 26 teaching psychology at Jordan High — Trudy Barnes is retiring with two things: a deep understanding of teenagers and an overflowing drawer stuffed with letters from former students. “I’ve kept everything,” she says. Originally inspired by a high school Spanish teacher, she always thought she might become a psychologist because, at her core, she simply wanted to help people. Instead, she found a way to do both, teaching psychology while quietly becoming the kind of trusted adult students sought out when life got complicated. She also learned a few hard truths about teenagers: pressure rarely works, motivation can’t be forced, and sometimes students need space before they come around. Among her favorite memories was watching struggling AP Psychology students somehow pull off near-perfect pass rates despite doubting themselves all year long. In retirement, Trudy plans to spend more time with family, especially helping care for loved ones in Logan.
Karla Bennett
Karla Bennett never planned on a career in education. After years as a banker and stay-at-home mom, she simply wanted a part-time job to help support her family. Instead, she discovered a calling. Karla spent 13 years as a special education paraeducator at Bell View Elementary before joining the new Glacier Hills community. Along the way, she learned that some of the most important victories happen quietly — a child reading independently for the first time, or solving a math problem they were convinced they could never do. One former student, now headed to college, recently reminded her just how much that mattered. “Mrs. Bennett,” he told her, “you helped me learn to read. I didn’t think I could do that, and I can.” In retirement, Karla plans to spend more time with her mother and eight grandchildren, travel, volunteer, and possibly help organizations that support families learning English. She also hopes to volunteer when the Olympic Games return to Utah in 2034. Looking back on her 17-year career, her greatest takeaway is simple: every child is capable — sometimes they just need someone to believe in them first.
Fred Bennion
For more than 25 years, Fred Bennion has been the man schools called when the freezers stopped freezing, the dishwashers quit mid-lunch rush, or a cafeteria’s entire operation was on the brink. As the lone food-service equipment technician for 43 kitchens across Canyons schools, Fred became something of a legend among cafeteria staffs. “There’s nothing more gratifying,” he said, “than coming and being the rescuer and being so appreciated when they see me walk in the door.” Fred got his start in restaurant maintenance at Arctic Circle in 1978. Over the years, he became a one-man Swiss Army knife of plumbing, electrical systems, gas piping, welding, and commercial kitchen repair. He maintained everything from milk coolers and walk-ins to stadium snack bars. At his recent retirement party, nearly 60 colleagues showed up to celebrate the man many credited with saving their bacon — sometimes literally — though he’ll tell you lunch workers are the true unsung heroes. In retirement, Fred plans to spend more time with his wife, children, and 16 grandchildren — though several family members have already booked him for full-time grandpa duty.
William Bodell
To be honest, school psychologist William Bodell may not remember all the counseling he’s given Canyons students over the last 51 years. But his students apparently do. “It’s good to see students who I’ve worked with do well in the future. They come back and they say, ‘Oh, remember when you said such and such?’ And I think, ‘Well, I don’t really remember all of that conversation. But I’m glad you remember it and it was beneficial to you,’” William says. Over the years, he estimates he’s helped thousands of students. “Just to be able to build a relationship helps them a lot. … You can’t short circuit it, do it in a quick way. It takes so much time.” That’s what made the COVID-19 pandemic, such a challenge, he said, trying to connect with students in need remotely. During his well-deserved retirement he has projects planned for some recreational property he has in central Utah and he’s also looking forward to spending time with his children and 14 grandchildren, with the 15th due soon. Education, he says, is a team effort: “It’s the classroom teacher, it’s the aides, it’s the administration. It’s everybody.”
Dean L. Bond
Dean Bond’s career path to Canyons School District was anything but predictable. Before becoming an alarm technician six years ago, he had already repaired bowling machines, delivered mail for the Post Office, managed restaurant kitchens, sold mortgages, served in the Army, worked on radar systems, tested X-ray machines for GE Healthcare, and built a career as an electrician. By the time he arrived at Canyons in 2020, Dean had already earned multiple retirements — but wasn’t ready to sit still. At Canyons, Dean became the behind-the-scenes problem solver responsible for fire alarms, security cameras, and badge readers. In true Dean fashion, when something broke, he often fixed it himself. At one school, he even built custom replacement circuit boards for kitchen gas systems because paying $800 for four tiny parts “seemed silly.” Keeping the kids safe mattered to him, and so did doing the job right the first time. Now officially retiring at 65, Dean plans to spend more time golfing, camping, restoring a 1966 Mustang, and spoiling what will soon be 20 grandchildren. And if retirement somehow gets boring, history suggests he’ll probably just start an entirely new career by next Tuesday.
Amy Brand
Amy Brand originally planned to become a journalist, but while studying at Utah State University, she was told she would make a really great teacher. Her journey into teaching was not always easy. Amy remembers having to fight for her place in Utah State’s highly competitive education program, an experience that taught her the value of persistence and resilience — lessons she later carried into her classrooms. After completing her student teaching at Edgemont Elementary, she spent 15 years there before joining Draper Elementary. Looking back on 30 years of teaching, Amy says relationships have always mattered most. “If you can build a relationship and find the positives,” she says, “you can do anything.” Whether cheering students on at football games, creating classroom “houses” and friendly competitions, or simply surviving school-day “shenanigans” alongside teammates, Amy built classrooms where students felt seen, valued, and loved. “I want them all to think they were my favorite,” she says. “Because everyone is my favorite.” Now retired, Amy looks forward to traveling through Europe, spending more time with her three grandchildren, and finally diving into creative projects, arts, crafts, and DIY adventures — with her beloved dog Daisy likely supervising nearby.
Denée Bringhurst
For 30 years, Denée Bringhurst has taught second grade at Sandy Elementary—same school, same hallway, same parking lot. In a profession where change is constant, she found her place early, and for three decades has chosen it again and again. “I always knew I wanted to be a teacher,” she said. Long before she had a classroom of her own, she was tagging along with her older sister on babysitting jobs or working for her high school’s on-campus preschool. A career aptitude test later confirmed what she already knew: teaching was it. Whether decorating her classroom with Star Wars-themed Grogu collectibles and wall hangings, or simply making learning fun, her driving force has always been the same: “These are my kids.” Now, she looks forward to traveling, driving with the top down on her Jeep, and volunteering at the animal shelter. She also hopes to foster a child with her husband. It won’t be easy stepping away, she admits. After all, when you’ve been doing the same thing with all your heart… even the parking lot starts to feel like home.
Jeana K. Bruse
Seventeen years ago, Jeana Bluse found her way into education through the person who has shaped so much of her life — her daughter. When her daughter, who has special needs, attended South Valley School, Jeana became friends with her teacher and eventually joined the school’s Life Design program. What started as a job became something much more. She transferred to Jordan Valley School as a paraeducator just before the creation of Canyons District. The school felt like home. Jeana has witnessed remarkable moments of growth, such as students arriving in wheelchairs and later walking out on their own — moments that will stay with her forever. Caring for and serving others has always been central to Jeana’s life. She and her daughter have volunteered together at the Humanitarian Center, Bishops’ Storehouse, and Primary Children’s Hospital, where they donated handmade quilts. Her daughter, now 43, especially loves visiting care centers to spend time with residents. So don’t be surprised if, in retirement, you find the two of them quietly serving wherever they’re needed most.
Susan Burns
For nearly three decades, Susan Burns has been the calm, capable person helping schools and administrators navigate just about everything imaginable — from complicated Land Trust reports and worried parent phone calls to the thousand behind-the-scenes details that keep a district running smoothly. An administrative assistant in Canyons School District’s School Performance Department, Susan recently was named Secretary of the Year by the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals — recognition that came as no surprise to the colleagues who’ve relied on her institutional knowledge, steady demeanor, and uncanny ability to always know exactly who to call for the right answer. Her journey into education began as a PTA volunteer at her children’s school before growing into a 27-year career supporting principals, staff, and school communities across the District. “Every day is different,” she says. Susan now looks forward to more time with her four grandchildren in Idaho, baking cookies and pies, and maybe sleeping in a little later — though after years of waking up at 5 a.m. to exercise before work, old habits may die hard.
Shelly Christensen
Long before Shelly Christensen became a beloved teacher at Willow Canyon Elementary, she imagined herself on a stage. She loved theater and having an audience. In the end, though, she discovered the perfect audience had been waiting for her all along — inside a classroom. “When theater didn’t work out,” she jokes, “I brought my own audience to myself.” That audience has been generations of students over a career spanning roughly 40 years, including decades at Willow Canyon, where Shelly became known for filling her classroom with laughter, encouragement, and the occasional life lesson hidden inside a joke. Inspired by her mother — a University of Utah professor who taught human growth and development — Shelly believes students learn best when they feel cared for and understood, not simply managed by a curriculum. Former students have returned years later to tell her she helped them through difficult moments or made them believe in themselves. In retirement, Shelly plans to spend more time with her husband, travel, play pickleball, and spoil her 12 grandchildren. She’s already warned her husband that he’ll now be responsible for supplying at least 30 hugs a day to make up for daily hugs from her cherished students.
Debra Christensen
Debbie Christensen is No. 17. Not in line at the grocery store or waiting for lunch — but the 17th District employee hired prior to the launch of Canyons in 2009. Her path into education began simply: she needed a job. Debbie loved volunteering in schools, and after a brief stint with Jordan School District, she was recruited to join Canyons back when District offices operated out of the old Cottonwood Heights Elementary building and administrators reportedly zipped through the hallways on scooters. As the head Administrative Assistant for the Instructional Supports Department, much of her work happened behind the scenes. But she never lost sight of the bigger mission. Nearly everything she did, she says, ultimately supported students by helping teachers and administrators succeed. She loved the challenge of constantly learning something new and helping solve problems others thought were impossible. In fact, she says that may be one of the defining lessons of her career: around Canyons, “impossible” was never a very popular word. Retirement will be less about solving problems and more about enjoying life’s sweeter moments. Debbie and her husband — affectionately known as “my honey” — plan to spend more time together traveling, gardening, researching family history, and especially doting on their 13 grandchildren.
Doreen Christenson
Doreen Christenson volunteered so much at East Midvale Elementary that someone finally suggested she ought to get paid for it. Twenty-four years ago, the longtime PTA parent started working in the school’s behavior unit before eventually becoming a Title I interventionist. She says many of the children she worked with simply needed someone who cared about them. She still remembers one little boy whose backpack overflowed with papers he refused to take home because, as he quietly told her, “She doesn’t care.” Moments like that stayed with her and deepened her commitment to helping students feel seen and valued. Because she lives just down the street from the school, Doreen still occasionally spots former students walking through the neighborhood and realizes, years later, they were practically neighbors all along. She admits slowing down may take a little practice. But, by all accounts, her plate is still pretty full: tending to eight grandchildren — with a ninth on the way — tackling home projects, and possibly serving a mission with her husband.
Stephen Dimond
Steve Dimond has been part of Canyons School District since the beginning, one of its first 100 employees and a foundational influence on the people and systems that keep it running. In 38 years, he has been called to serve many roles and has cherished them all. Whether teaching theater at Alta High School, or working as an assistant principal at Union Middle, the Principal for Indian Hills Middle, or recruiting and supporting educators as Human Resources Director, he has helped build a culture grounded in service and care. His work has not gone unnoticed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his leadership in managing employment protocols and vaccine clinics earned him the Apex Administrator of the Year award. Earlier in his career, he was recognized with the prestigious Huntsman Award for Teaching. But Steve is known as much for his humility as his leadership. Whether shoveling snow or flipping burgers at the new teacher lunch, he has lived out the belief that no role is more important than another. As he often says, “If something is worth doing, it is worth giving your all.” Before entering education, Steve spent 17 seasons performing with the Sundance Theatre Company. In retirement, he looks forward to returning to the stage and rediscovering the joy of performing—something his adult children will now get to witness for the first time.
Lorie Easter
After volunteering for the PTA at her children’s schools, Lorie Easter realized education was where she could make the greatest difference. “I could be part of the solution,” she says, recalling her decision to return to college at age 38 and pursue teaching. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she joined Altara Elementary, where she has spent all 19 years of her teaching career helping students discover confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Originally, Lorie taught fifth grade — her self-described “first love” — where she especially enjoyed teaching math and social studies. More recently, she brought her talents to second grade, trading preteen sarcasm for a classroom full of hugs, missing teeth, and students who still think their teacher knows everything. She’s banked more memories than she can count, but one moment in particular that stays with her was the time a student just learning English wrote on the classroom whiteboard: “You made my life better.” Now retiring, Lorie plans to focus on family history research, birdwatching, gardening, and spending time with her eight grandchildren — soon to be nine.
Connie Evans
“I’ve always thought it would be fun to work in a school” — little did Connie Evans know that uttering those words would set her on a decades-long path of working at Jordan High. As a support assistant, Connie dedicated 23 years to assisting with payroll and ensuring every class that needed it had a substitute ready to jump in at a moment’s notice. She would come in early and leave late to compile schedules that worked for Beetdigger teachers and subs, before helping to streamline the process. Her mentor, and the woman who suggested the job, Jordan Head Secretary Marilyn Collier, always said, “we try our best and angels can do no better.” Connie says the phrase stuck with her, taking it to heart as she worked every day. For Connie, it was all about the relationships, some which have grown through the years into lasting friendships. Already retired, she continues to see friends who she met at Jordan in between visiting her four grandchildren across the country. At the end of the day, she hopes her fellow Beetdiggers remember that no matter how you feel, being kind to others serves everyone.
Beth Fyans
Beth Fyans was 52 when she retired from the phone company after 32 years of service. “I was pretty young to retire and I thought, well, OK, could I handle driving kids?” she wondered. Turns out, the answer was yes. So in 2009 she became a bus driver for Canyons. Beth quickly discovered the students on her routes would become one of the best parts of the job. She became known for greeting every student as they climbed aboard. After noticing only some students returned the greeting, she devised an incentive system: Tootsie Roll rewards for kids who said hello back. Over the years, Beth quietly paid attention to the details of students’ lives, from those who climbed aboard without coats on cold mornings to those who would casually sing the periodic table on the ride home. “They were the most interesting kids,” she said. “Goodness.” Her post-retirement plans? Quilting. “I’m gonna retire and I’m gonna sew,” she says. Beth is also getting into genealogy and wants to do some traveling to Scotland and Ireland. How does she hope to be remembered by the kids on her bus? Simple: “That I was kind to them.”
Ginger L. Gines
For the past 18 years, students at Union Middle School have known Ginger Gines — affectionately called “Gigi” — as the friendly hall monitor keeping the Bobcats safe, smiling, and moving to class on time. But long before joining the Union family, she spent another 16 years at Mount Jordan Middle School working in the lunchroom, special education programs, the main office, and even supervising after-school detention. At Union, Ginger became known as much for her kindness as her watchful eye. She cheered students on in cross country, soccer, basketball, and chess, celebrated their victories — even noticed their new haircuts. Over the years, that care extended far beyond the school walls. A mother of nine who helped raise 12 children altogether, Ginger also opened her home to foster a Union Middle student who eventually became part of her family. Ginger believes schools are built on relationships and on showing up for students, especially during difficult times. “Every one of those kids have different challenges,” she says. “We keep going through these hard times and still give them the help that they need. We just can’t give up because they need us.”
Charlotte B. Graham
Based on her name recognition — and her favorability rating among residents — Charlotte Graham may as well be the unofficial mayor of Midvale. Her near-celebrity status in the city is largely due to her ubiquitous presence at East Midvale Elementary, where she’s warmly welcomed families to the school for 47 years. While her lengthy tenure in the Front Office makes her the CSD employee with the most service years, it does not even come close to the amount of affection she has in her heart for the Eagles. Graham remembers her first days at the school with fondness. She had a telephone, typewriter, and pads of paper — a far cry from the technology that’s at her fingertips today. Yes, the advances of the 21st century have changed the way she completes her day-to-day duties in the Front Office of East Midvale, but what hasn’t changed is her approach to ensuring that every family that comes through the doors is made to feel like they matter, that they belong, that they are part of a community. In nearly a half-century she’s worked with 17 principals, hundreds of teachers and support staff and has navigated the changes that came with the creation of a new school district, where she’s played a big role in negotiating increased salary and benefits for all Education Support Professionals. While she won’t see the students’ smiling faces every day, she’ll still get her fill when they trick-or-treat at her nearby home on Halloween. This much we know for sure: East Midvale won’t be the same without Charlotte, but she can head into retirement knowing that all of Canyons won’t be the same without her. True to form, and perhaps as a nod to her dedication to education, she’ll continue her volunteer position on the board of Miss Utah, an organization with a mission of scholarship, service — and smiles.
Tami Guidash
Eleven years ago, Tami Guidash was looking for a part-time job that matched her children’s school schedule after years working executive secretary positions at Kennecott. She found a home at Butler Middle School, and has worked there since the rebuilt school’s grand opening. Whether working as a hall monitor, in study skills, or most recently in attendance, “Miss Tami” built a reputation for treating students with respect, humor, and just enough sarcasm to keep life interesting. “If I could make a little trouble for somebody, I would,” she admits with a laugh. Family has always been central to Tami’s life. She and her husband adopted two children under extraordinary circumstances — one at just 36 hours old and another years later after a surprise phone call from the same birth mother. Her daughter still insists she somehow dreamed her little brother into existence before the call even came. Retirement comes partly because of major back surgery, but Tami already has plans: Lake Tahoe, Texas, Arizona, California, and a sisters’ cruise with all six of her sisters. After years of roaming Butler’s hallways, she’s ready to roam somewhere with better scenery and fewer tardy slips.
Doug Hallenbeck
Doug Hallenbeck’s career in education began with a high school shop teacher in New York who saw potential in a student who loved technology, engineering, and building things with his hands. Thirty-three years later, Doug is retiring after a career spent building more than classroom projects. He built programs, systems, and opportunities for generations of students while navigating one of the biggest technological revolutions education has ever seen.
Early in his career, when most schools were still grading with paper and pencil, Doug quickly became the unofficial tech expert — helping implement web servers and student information systems that many educators were encountering for the very first time. He served multiple leadership roles in Jordan and Canyons School Districts, working with students from middle school through high school. Doug’s work to expand career-focused learning as Principal of the Canyons Technical Education Center, helped pave the way for the launch of the Canyons Innovation Center. A certified dive master, Doug plans to earn his scuba instructor license and return to teaching — just under water this time. He’s also looking forward to spending time with family and helping care for his father back in New York.
Suzanne Hardy-Smith
After first working as a reading aide and substitute teacher, Suzanne Hardy-Smith found herself at a crossroads one summer when an opening appeared at Willow Canyon Elementary just days before the school year began. She interviewed, stepped into the classroom as a long-term substitute, and never looked back. Thirteen years later, she still calls her now full-time teaching job “the best choice” she ever made. Originally from England, Suzanne spent parts of her childhood in England, Canada, and Utah before earning a degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Southampton. Inspired by a beloved sixth-grade teacher who made school feel safe, joyful, and full of music, Suzanne built her own classroom around those same principles. She also served on the executive board of the Canyons Education Association and participated on a Utah Education Association committee, advocating for educators and public education. Now retiring after nearly 18 years in education, she plans to continue substitute teaching and volunteer with children while spending more time with her grandsons in Nebraska and traveling to England to visit family — preferably without paying peak summer airfare prices.
Wade Harman
For 27 years, Wade Harman has helped students stay seen, supported, and on track to graduate — no matter where learning had to happen. Some were recovering from chemotherapy or organ transplants. Others battled anxiety, depression, or other challenges that made traditional school impossible. As a Home and Hospital teacher, Wade’s job was to keep students connected to learning no matter the obstacle. His own path to teaching was anything but conventional. In 1998, he walked into a Jordan District school to substitute teach for the day, which immediately turned into a longer-term role. After earning his certification, he worked with incarcerated students in the prison system, taught youth living in a court-ordered group home, and eventually became Canyons’ first Home and Hospital teacher. What Wade loved most was the responsibility and trust that came with helping students one-on-one. Every student learned differently, and every situation required creativity, patience, and compassion. But when his students walked across the graduation stage, Wade felt the reward deeply because he knew exactly how much work it took to get there. In retirement, Wade hopes to spend more intentional time serving his family, church, and community. But above all, he hopes students remember one thing: someone was there for them when they needed it most.
Michèle Harward
When Michèle Harward first arrived in the United States from France, she barely spoke English. While living in Hawaii, she learned pidgin English before “proper” English — all while helping teach AP French students who, in return, helped her. So began a 30-year career in education. Over the next three decades, Michèle would become much more than a French teacher. She taught math, helped launch Lone Peak High School before the building even existed — choosing her classroom from a blueprint map — taught in Hillcrest High’s IB program, consulted with multiple districts, worked with the College Board, and eventually became Canyons School District’s World Language and Dual Language Immersion specialist. Along the way, she became known for her passion, flexibility, and ability to connect ideas, and people. Whether mentoring teachers through French workshops at the University of Utah or helping students earn the Seal of Biliteracy, Michèle constantly reminded others that learning isn’t about memorizing content. It’s about learning how to learn. Retirement, for Michèle, remains delightfully très flexible. She may continue working with teachers, spend more time with her grandson, or perhaps simply enjoy the rare luxury of not thinking for a few minutes. After 30 years of nonstop motion, a life in repose sounds pretty well deserved.
Denise Haycock
Denise Haycock began her journey in education as a software trainer and paraeducator at Jordan Valley School before becoming one of the first 100 employees hired by the newly formed Canyons School District. Over the years, she served as administrative assistant for the Special Education Department, Superintendent, Business Administrator, and Canyons Board of Education. But it was eight years ago, when she was hired as the Development Officer for the Canyons Education Foundation, that her passion truly found its home. “The foundation work for me has truly been a privilege,” she says. Through a deep belief in the power of community, Denise helped transform the Foundation into a force for good. What began as a golf tournament raising $25,000 now brings in more than $100,000 annually. Under her leadership, college scholarships expanded, teacher innovation grants flourished, and hundreds of thousands of dollars flowed into classrooms, Unified Sports, mental health supports, and resource closets for families in need. For all the lives she has touched, Denise’s final year in Canyons ended with her being named the 2025 Apex Award winner for Education Support Professional of the Year. As she looks ahead to traveling and spending more time with family, Denise leaves behind a legacy of compassion, determination, and countless “not yets” that became life-changing “yeses.”
Bret Hodge
After 45 years working with students — including the last 18 at Sunrise Elementary — first-grade teacher Bret Hodge has learned two things: patience matters, and sometimes the breakthroughs take a while. “I always say I learned patience from fishing,” he joked. “You sit around waiting, and then suddenly the big thing happens.” After decades working with everyone from Special Olympics athletes to troubled teens in California classrooms, he eventually found his sweet spot in first grade, where the growth from the beginning to the end of the year felt almost magical. Former students still track Bret down on Facebook to say thank you — including one who recently returned to Sunrise as a television news reporter covering a story. In retirement, Bret plans to travel the country visiting Major League Baseball stadiums with a scratch-off map his daughters gave him. He says he’d rather fly over the Coliseum than stand in it. After 45 years in education, he’s probably earned both the window seat and the legroom.
Alicia Hoerner
For Union Middle School Psychologist Alicia Hoerner, education has always been about helping people discover potential they may not yet see in themselves — much like the professors in Peru who encouraged her to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology. That encouragement eventually brought Alicia to the University of Utah, where she found both her career path and her home. Throughout her 35-year career — from Head Start programs to Canyons District classrooms — Alicia became has balanced teaching university classes, and running a private psychology practice. “School is a little universe on its own,” she says. “It’s a community, and I enjoy working with students. They’re my number one source of joy. Retirement, however, may simply mean Alicia will now have more time for all the things she was already doing. She plans to continue teaching at the University of Utah, traveling, and continuing to run her private practice. A fluent Spanish speaker, she’s also studying French, brushing up on Italian, and looking forward to auditing university classes simply for the joy of learning something new.
Denise Hoffman
After 37 years in education, Denise Hoffman has learned many things — including the fact that kindergarten teachers in Utah deserve hazard pay. Denise began her career in Wisconsin and later in the Boston area, where she split her time between working as a nanny and serving as a kindergarten aide while attending graduate school. Eventually, the Montana native tried to move closer to home, only to discover that Montana didn’t yet certify early childhood educators. So, with some encouragement from her sister, she headed to Utah. After working in Boston with a personal aide and a steady rotation of specialists, Denise suddenly found herself teaching two tracks of kindergarten in Jordan School District — 30 students in the morning, 30 more in the afternoon, no aide, and no specialists. It was, as she describes it, a “baptism by fire.” But Denise stayed with it, teaching in private school settings and for Willow Canyon Elementary, because the children, she says, remain “absolute treasures.” Retirement won’t exactly mean slowing down. Denise plans to spend time traveling — possibly even visiting her son in Okinawa, Japan, where he is stationed with the Marines — and eventually find another job because, as she admits, she’s probably not built to sit still.
Annette Hubley
Some people are born educators. Annette Hubley always knew that was her path, and now after 37 years teaching various elementary school grades — fifth grade is her favorite — she’s imagining a new future. Annette began her career at Westvale Elementary in Jordan School District, where she spent many years teaching mostly the upper elementary grades — an age when, she says, students are just beginning to discover who they are. In 2015, she joined the faculty at Ridgecrest Elementary, teaching children not only how to read and solve math problems, but how to grow in confidence and curiosity. Some students grew up and later sent their own children to her classroom. Former students still stop her in grocery stores, visit her at school, invite her to weddings and missionary farewells, and proudly tell her she “still looks the same” — a compliment Annette accepts with good humor, even if she insists otherwise. As retirement begins, she’s looking forward to something teachers rarely get to experience: traveling when school is actually in session. She also plans to spend more time gardening and enjoying a schedule that finally belongs to her.
Marie Humphrey
Canyons School District has a lot of teachers. Lots and lots of teachers teaching lots and lots of kids. But without people like accountant Marie Humphrey, all that teaching doesn’t get done. “You know, teachers, obviously, they are very important and very needed, but the support staff,” Marie says, “are critical as well.” She started 18 years ago with Jordan School District, and says the experience has been eye-opening. “I had no idea what made a school district tick,” she said. “You know, you really don’t have a clue about a company until you actually are within it. I have a whole new appreciation for everybody at the school district and what they do.” Her retirement plans include — wait for it — spending more time at the gym. “It used to be, OK, I better do my run and then get out, go home and get ready for work,” she says. “But now I can go to the weight room, I can spend 10 minutes on the bike.” Asked how she’d like to be remembered by her colleagues, this humble accountant said, “They don’t need to remember me.” But if they did? “Just that I was helpful when called upon.”
William A. Jackson
For 20 years, William Jackson has dedicated his life to students and children with disabilities, whether in schools or at home with his four adopted children. Before landing at Jordan Valley School in 2017, he served in the Army, studied industrial technology in Colorado and at Brigham Young University, worked in the healthcare field, taught woodworking and CTE classes, and led special education classrooms for Provo and Jordan School Districts. William says the work was never easy, but always meaningful. “No two days are ever the same in this field,” he says. His wife, who still teaches at age 65, remains his greatest inspiration. “She has made amazing things happen with her students,” he says. “She’s taught children to read that parents never thought would be able to do that.” Health challenges have made the daily rigors of work at Jordan Valley more difficult. But education still calls to him. Retirement may simply become a new chapter in service as William looks to possibly working with adults who struggle to read. As he leaves Jordan Valley, William says he will miss the creativity of working with students, the “wonderful” families, and a school that felt more like a second home.
Ladenea Jo Jenkins
For more than two decades, Ladenea Jo Jenkins has helped keep the financial gears of public education turning — one spreadsheet, bank transfer, and reconciled account at a time. If something involving payroll, purchasing cards, deposits, insurance, or legislative funding, chances are Ladenea had a hand in it. “Numbers are my thing,” she says with a laugh. “Every job I’ve ever had has involved numbers.” Ladenea began her career in Jordan School District, working part-time in payroll before moving into Human Resources and eventually returning to payroll full time. When Canyons District was formed, she joined the founding accounting team, building systems and processes while also raising a growing family. Over the years, she became known as someone who could spot even the tiniest accounting discrepancy — the kind of person who probably notices when Monopoly money is missing from the box. But, for Ladenea, it was always the people who mattered most. Now retired, Ladenea looks forward to reading, puzzles, stitchery, nutrition and technology classes, traveling, and spending more time with her 12 grandchildren spread between Utah and Ohio.
Sandra Jones
About 25 years ago, Sandra Jones was encouraged by a mentor to interview for a paraprofessional position in special education — a field she admits she didn’t even know was a thing. “It was like this new land that I had never discovered,” says the Quail Hollow resource teacher, who quickly realized how much she loved building relationships with students and families and helping them grow. Over the course of a career spanning public schools, private schools, preschool reading intervention, district projects, and even running her own dance studio while raising four young children, Sandy always found her way back to education. She says what kept pulling her back was the opportunity to make difficult things a little easier for students. Sandy credits much of her success to the mentors and teammates she worked alongside throughout her career. “Great teachers become great teachers by working with other great minds and working together,” she says. Now entering retirement, Sandy is looking forward to traveling, spending time with her two grandchildren, celebrating her daughter’s upcoming marriage, and enjoying a well-earned season pass to Disneyland.
Ron Keller
Before Ron Keller stepped into a high school classroom, he was solving complex risk equations as an actuary for insurance companies, with jobs taking him from Los Angeles to Kansas City, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati. But after years in the corporate world, and after teaching night classes at a community college on the side, he realized what he enjoyed most wasn’t crunching numbers. It was helping people understand them. That realization brought him to Alta High, where he has spent the last decade teaching math and helping students discover that the subject is about far more than formulas. “If math is anything,” Ron said, “it’s helping your brain think logically.” He tells students to look for patterns, solve puzzles, and, most importantly, learn the “how” behind an answer instead of simply asking a phone for it. What Ron will miss most is when “you see a student’s eyebrows go up, those ‘aha’ moments.” In retirement, Ron and his wife plan to visit family, including their daughters — one a CNN producer in Atlanta and the other an actress and singer in New York — along with their grandchildren. Still, after 20 years in education, Ron says he’ll miss the students who made teaching such a rewarding encore career.
Becky Lawson
Crescent Elementary teacher Becky Lawson once thought she might become a nurse — right up until the moment a classroom lecture involved a patient whose eyeball was, in Becky’s words, decidedly “not in their face.” Her instructor looked at her and said, “You’re about to faint, aren’t you?” Becky’s response? “Mm-hmm.” And just like that, it was back to teaching, which, truthfully, had always been the plan anyway. Over a career spanning more than 35 years — including the last eight at Crescent Elementary — Becky became known for making school feel warm, welcoming, and fun. Second grade was her favorite because students are “still cute and fun” and still fully invested in things like the Tooth Fairy. She filled her classroom with games, movement, and activities because, as she put it, she never liked keeping kids sitting too long. In retirement, Becky plans to sew quilts for children in hospitals and crisis situations. She may also return as a substitute teacher someday because, despite retiring, “It’s not that I don’t love it anymore.” And if her students remember nothing else, Becky hopes they remember two important facts: she loves quail, and she loves sea otters.
Sandra Lecheminant
Alta High School Instructional Coach Sandra LeCheminant knows first-hand the power of a good melody as the notes of her life have connected her with a veritable orchestra of kindred spirits, even bringing her together with her husband who is a professional musician. Sandra brought her love of music to the classroom in 1981, teaching and conducting student groups for more than 30 years. During her time at Albion Middle School, Sandra was named the 2018 Utah Assistant Principal of the Year. Later, she lent her administrative expertise to Alta High where she says music is an important part of the student’s educational experience. She says: “When you’re sitting in math class or ELA class or science, you don’t bring your knowledge to the level of performing it very often. When you’re in music class, you are performing, and refining, and perfecting every single day. That goal towards that perfection really demands excellence, and to me, that’s the bottom line.” As Sandra looks ahead to retirement, she looks forward to spending more time with family, enjoying life at a slightly less hectic tempo, and reconnecting with some of her oldest and most reliable friends: Bach, Mozart, and Mahler.
Kaya Le Prey
As a mother of five daughters, Kaya Le Prey understands how important it is for children to know someone is in their corner. About 30 years ago, she started working in special education for Jordan School District and later with teams supporting students experiencing homeless — riding the bus with them, tying their shoes and doing their hair. The path to her final role came about almost accidentally. Asked to help her daughter with a Native American presentation at Hillcrest High, Kaya reluctantly agreed to give a cultural reverence and created a symbolic “war bundle,” made not with traditional items, but with school supplies representing education and opportunity. The presentation made such an impression that it ultimately opened the door for her to inherit her daughter’s position as Title VI Intervention Mentor, ensuring Native American students have everything they need to graduate. She even put off retiring for a few years to see some of her students put on their gowns and mortarboards. When she’s not helping students graduate, she’s organizing biannual gatherings where fourth and fifth graders can interact with their tribal communities. Now, Kaya is looking forward to spending time with her own community: camping and working in the yard with her daughters and grandchildren.
Trish Morrison
At Willow Canyon, they’ve jokingly dubbed it, “the Morrison-Winzenried Farewell Tour.” But behind the smiles is a decades-long story built on friendship, community—and a career that almost didn’t happen at all. Trish Morrison first came to Willow Canyon as a student teacher, fully intending it to be a brief stop. But after having triplets and postponing her start, she returned to finish her student teaching and was told they’d call if a position ever opened up. They did. “I thought, I’ll try it for a year,” she said. “And then I just kept saying that. Thirty years later, here I am.” What began as an experiment turned into a calling, rooted in a school community she calls, “the most supportive I could ever ask for.” It’s also where she met Wendy who, she says, has been her greatest mentor. “We speak for each other. When she’s down, I pick her up,” Trish says. “When I’m down, she picks me up.” Now, as both step into retirement, Trish is looking forward to more time with her 10 grandchildren, volunteering in their classrooms, and traveling with her husband—starting with Hawaii. And, she adds with a smile, one more perk: “No one telling me what to do—or when I can go to the restroom.”
Karen Payne
If you’ve ever set foot inside Albion Middle School, then you’ve likely been greeted by Karen Payne. For nearly 20 years, she helped keep Albion running smoothly as one of the familiar, welcoming faces in the front office. Before moving to Utah, Karen worked in California schools as a library media aide before joining her district’s library services team. After relocating to Utah in 2006, she was hired at Albion Middle School, where she eventually became the school’s head secretary — a role she would hold for more than a decade. “People think it’s the same day in and out and it’s really not,” she says, “I’ve loved working with the kids and the community.” Even at a young age, Karen could see education as often a thankless job; she and her childhood friend take the time every year to visit their third grade teacher on her birthday. She hopes the Albion community remembers her as a hard worker who cared for her fellow Knights. Already retired, she and her husband are enjoying traveling, spending time with family, volunteering, and reading more.
Kazuko K. Prisbrey
For more than 20 years, Kazuko Prisbrey has been the grande dame of the school cafeteria. She started with the Hillcrest Huskies before working at Union Middle, and landing finally in the kitchen of the Sandy Sharks. All of the students who go through her line at breakfast or lunch affectionately call her grandma. A constant learner and avid cook, Kazuko knew working as a “lunch lady” was the perfect fit as she went to college and raised a family. “I always find nice ladies to work with which makes it fun,” she says, “and I love food.” Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Kazuko came to Utah nearly 50 years ago to attend Utah State University before eventually making her home in Salt Lake County. Kazuko says the students and her colleagues made her job less work and more fun. Her managers, and colleagues all looked out for each other and cared about one another. Now, as she approaches her 80th birthday, she looks forward to spending time with her granddaughter, continuing to cook traditional Japanese meals, going out for the occasional sushi, and reading, as she always carries a book with her wherever she goes.
Suzanne Ren
It’s the naughty ones, the ones who get booted from class for against-the-rules behavior or the ones who skip English and go to McDonalds for breakfast, who bring a sparkle to Suzanne Ren’s eye. To Suzanne, those are the kids who need someone like her: A take-no-guff auntie who can see through rough exteriors to get to the good parts of an angsty teen. Since 2009, Suzanne has been Canyons District’s truancy specialist, and in this work has criss-crossed Canyons to track down the students who need firm words said with love to get back into class and onto the path to graduation. Suzanne started her career in public education in the Union Middle cafeteria in 1991. She then worked as an attendance secretary at Eastmont Middle, then as a Hall Monitor at Jordan High, and eventually landed at a program for suspended students. That led to the position she’s held at Canyons for the past 17 years. What drives her, even after three decades in the schools, is her interactions with the students, especially those who are tough nuts to crack. She loves to watch them find their own potential, and get out of their own way, on their way to realizing their dreams through education. In her career’s final years, Suzanne has been part of the innovative and nationally recognized Canyons Peer Court, a restorative justice program where trained high school student volunteers hear cases and determine consequences for fellow students who have committed minor school-based offenses. So, what’s next for Suzanne? When we asked the question, she answered, without a beat: The casino, in Elko. Really, though, her grandchildren are the apple of her eye, and she and her husband, Gary, will be headed to San Diego to spend the summer with the family.
Gary Ren
Halfway through his interview to work at Jordan Valley, the principal and a teacher invited Gary Ren to take a walk with them down the hallways of the school for children with severe disabilities. It should be no surprise that they saw something in Gary that perhaps he could not see in himself: A heartfelt capacity, a special soul-deep talent even, to be a caretaker for Canyons District’s most special students. After watching his reaction to the needs of the students, it was clear to the hiring panel that Gary, a former draftsman and Warehouse worker, was a perfect fit for the job. By all accounts, the role of a paraeducator at Jordan Valley can be a tough job, and one that can be both emotionally and physically demanding. But it’s one that Gary has done for 17 years with an unwavering loyalty to the students and their families, who trust him fiercely and without question. It’s the small victories with the students that have kept him coming back day after day — when one of the Jordan Valley kiddos learns how to be just a little more independent or gives him a hug. He also sees value in consistency with the students and, simply put, they need him to be there, reinforcing the lessons they’ve been learning all year. In retirement, the ski patrolman plans to spend time with his wife, Suzanne, and his grandkids, with country music as the soundtrack as they make their way down the road to their golden years.
Kristene Rigdon
Kristene Rigdon took a job at East Midvale Elementary in 2008 mostly because friends told her she should apply. Eighteen years later, she’s still there, proving that sometimes the best life decisions start with a casual, “Why not?” The interventionist fell in love with helping students find success. She also discovered something about herself: she’s actually a math person. “I get math now,” she laughs, realizing now that she hadn’t been taught the way her brain learns best. At East Midvale, Kristene ran the AmeriCorps volunteer reading program, where she saw not only the impact volunteers had on students, but the joy students brought to the volunteers — many of them retirees. Kristene’s own retirement does not sound especially relaxing. She and her husband plan to continue chasing bluegrass festivals, camping trips, and bucket-list travel adventures, including a long-awaited trip to New Zealand and Australia. She’s also learning violin, training the family bernedoodle as a therapy dog, and spending time with six grandchildren. She leaves Canyons with bragging rights for having the shortest commute in the District: out the back gate and straight onto campus.
Rick Robins
Rick Robins feels most at home in a huddle, surrounded in a tight circle by dedicated teammates. The former collegiate Hall of Fame quarterback thrives in those electric, against-all-odds moments, when sheer will and strategy spark a winning alchemy against the run of play. It was a metaphorical fourth and long when Robins was appointed the fourth Superintendent of the Canyons School District. The announcement of his selection to lead Canyons into a new era came just four weeks after the governor had ordered schools to shutter to stem the spread of COVID-19. As a result, Robins inherited the politically charged challenge of preparing for the school year in the midst of a global pandemic. A start of a superintendency usually is marked by a period of meet-and-greets and friendly get-to-know-you lunches. Instead, Rick’s introduction to Canyons came from behind masks, standing six feet apart, or over Zoom calls. But fueled by his trademark competitive spirit — and countless cans of Diet Coke — Rick approached the start of the school year with a laser-like focus on the goal: to make sure children had access to a world-class education, be it via technology or in schools where wellness protocols had been put into place. Keeping schools open was the priority. The result: Utah was the state with the least COVID-year learning loss — and Canyons students outperformed their peers statewide on year-end assessments. In short, thanks to the leadership at the helm in our District during the pandemic years, Canyons was the national lighthouse for academic achievement during one of the most difficult periods in the history of public education. But Robins’ game-winning strategy for District success did not end with the historic COVID vaccination clinics held at Mount Jordan Middle. As Superintendent, Robins focused on supporting school employees through additional planning and professional development time, enhanced personal and maternity leave benefits, and the hiring of assistant principals for CSD’s elementary schools. Robins also helped guide the creation and implementation of CSD’s first-ever Strategic Plan, which is CSD’s blueprint for growth for the coming decade and beyond. During Rick’s six years in Canyons, ribbons were cut at the opening of three rebuilt or renovated high schools, a middle school, and two elementary schools. Major renovation work also has either recently been completed or is underway at Eastmont Middle and Jordan High. Beyond all that, perhaps the most historic moment in his tenure in CSD came with the purchase of the former regional headquarters of the tech giant eBay. The Draper building was acquired to house the Canyons Innovation Center, which is on track to open in August 2027. The new technical-training center will prepare high school students for immediate entry to high-demand careers in healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, broadcasting and other industries. As Rick caps 30 years in education and literally hands the ball to his successor, we can’t help but think of all the times he would call a huddle, read the defense, collaboratively create a strategy, and call the play. Touchdown. As the clock ticks down to the final moments of his time as CSD’s quarterback, Rick, let us tell you now that it’s been an honor and a pleasure to be on your team.
Andrea Rowell
For 30 years, Andrea Rowell has built classrooms where children felt excited to learn. The last 17 of those years were spent at Ridgecrest Elementary, where generations of students came to know her for her ability to make learning feel a little magical. Andrea’s path into education started early. As a child, she loved school so much she can still name every one of her elementary teachers. That love eventually led her to the University of Utah’s Child and Family Development Center, where she began working in preschool education and earned her early childhood teaching certificate. From there, she taught kindergarten, ran her own preschool out of her home while raising her children, spent several years with Head Start, and ultimately found her home at Ridgecrest. About the only thing she hasn’t taught is golf lessons, which, she says with complete confidence, is perfectly fine because she is “not a golfer.” Retirement will bring new adventures, including traveling through Europe, exploring the United States in a trailer, and spending more time in the garden. One thing she’s learned from 30 years of teaching is that hope is important. “Hope, that’s all we have,” she says. “Hope. Kids are proof of that.”
Lori Salter
When Glacier Hills Elementary opened its doors, Lori Salter wasn’t just helping launch a new school, she was helping shape its identity. From discussions about traditions to the personality of the school’s Yeti mascot, she said, “I knew the school would be a legacy past my lifetime. I wanted it to be a place people were proud of.” Her 35-year career in education began in Price after a shortage of teaching jobs brought her back to her hometown, where she had the rare opportunity to teach alongside her own former elementary teachers. She later joined Sprucewood Elementary, Midvale Elementary, Edgemont Elementary, and eventually Glacier Hills, leaving her mark everywhere she went. At Edgemont, when the school needed someone to direct the choir, Lori stepped forward, despite not considering herself a singer. Under her direction, students would go on to perform in the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics. Whether through hands-on science experiments, mountain man activities, choir performances, or simply making every child feel seen, she spent her career helping students believe they could do hard things. She hopes her students will remember the mantra she’s lived and worked by, “education is the gift you give yourself.”
Niloufar Sanatina
When Niloufar Sanatina first came to the United States from Iran, she planned to study English literature. But while in graduate school, she was inspired by a fellow student to consider working with children with disabilities. The work sounded meaningful and felt personal to her, partly because she had a cousin with Down syndrome back home. And so began a 30-year career, starting with special education classrooms in Davis School District and later transitioning into school psychology in the early 1990s. No matter her role, Niloufar became known for her calming and supportive demeanor — even as the paperwork and red tape seemed to multiply by the year. Paperwork aside, it was always the students who kept her coming back. Retirement will bring more sunshine, long walks with her dog, yoga, mindfulness, travel during the off-season, and finally making progress on the towering stack of books she keeps buying faster than she can read them. And while she may be retiring from schools, Niloufar suspects she will still find ways to serve others and stay connected to the community — because helping people has always been at the heart of her journey.
Toril Sheppard
Nearly 20 years ago, Toril Sheppard took a friend’s advice and applied for a job with Canyons School District Nutrition Services. “Just jumped right in,” she says. What began as a lunch worker position turned into a career serving students at schools across the District, including 18 years at Butler Middle School before she spent her final two years as nutrition manager for Bella Vista and Oakdale elementary schools. Toril discovered quickly that school kitchens are about far more than food. She loved the fast pace, the teamwork, and especially the students. One of her favorite memories came during a Harry Potter-themed event when she transformed the cafeteria with decorations and fully embraced her love of the series. “I just went all out,” she said. “And they loved it.” Through it all, Toril tried to focus on caring for both her coworkers and the students she served. Originally from Norway, Toril moved to Utah more than 40 years ago after meeting her husband at a church missionary reunion — a bonus being that he spoke Norwegian, too. In retirement, she plans to travel to visit her five grandchildren, spend more time knitting beautiful handmade sweaters, and finally tackle those long-overdue home improvement projects.
Gaylynn Sterling
Gaylynn Sterling had hoped to make it 15 years with Canyons School District. Instead, after 13 years in facilities, she’s retiring a little earlier than planned — reluctantly, and mostly because her body finally told her it was time. Gaylynn took real pride in her work, whether working as a rover for Albion Middle and Brighton High or the custodial lead at East Sandy Elementary. “The District has been good to me,” she says. While bathrooms may not have been her favorite assignment, taking care of people absolutely was. “I like taking care of the teachers,” she said. “I’m a hostess-type person.” Retirement won’t mean slowing down. Gaylynn already has her truck and trailer ready for road trips, beginning with drag races in Washington. She’s also looking forward to spending more time with her eight grandchildren and soon-to-be second great-grandchild. As for how she hopes people remember her? “That I care,” she says, “that I care about the buildings and the people. That’s about it. I mean, that’s all you can do, right?”
Katherine Smith
The law field’s loss was certainly Canyons District’s gain. Katherine Smith was an attorney for 15 years, practicing in domestic law and protective orders when she felt called back to the classroom. Katherine says her courtroom specialty was eating at her soul. She needed to get back to her roots of making a difference and contributing to the foundations of a kind and gentle society instead of dealing with the aftermath. Before going to law school, she’d earned degrees in education, and 11 years ago returned to the classroom. She’s most at home with fifth graders, whose years are marked with civics lessons about touchstones in American history such as the crafting of the Declaration of Independence, the creation of the Constitution, and the formation of the three branches of the government. To Kathy, public education is the foundation of our democracy. The Founders of the country saw the importance of education in order to be wise and good citizens. The study of democracy has served her well as a citizen advocate for education with the Canyons Education Association and the Utah Education Association. She also hit the pavement to gather signatures for the referendum on HB267, which targeted the ability of teacher’s unions to engage in collective bargaining. In addition to being a mainstay in the CEA, Kathy has played a major role in making life better for Canyons teachers by serving on the Calendar Committee and the Policy Review Advisory Group. In retirement, she plans to visit National Parks with her daughter, spend time with family, campaign for candidates she believes in, and perhaps lead tours around the State Capitol for classes who visit during the legislative session.
Lon H. Szymanski
They call him “Chief.” “They” being the kids on the Canyons school buses Lon Szymanski has driven for the past 15 years. “It was an easy job and I liked the kids and it was fun. They were friendly to me,” Lon says. “They’d all get on the bus or off the bus and say, ‘Thanks, Chief, see you tomorrow.’” Then there was the music on his bus — not for the elementary kids who were busy doing their own thing, and not the high school kids who slept a lot, but for the middle school kids who, he says, “are the most fun.” Often, he would play music from an earlier era, the Beatles or the Rolling Stones. “Thumbs up or thumbs down,” he’d ask students as they disembarked. “I’d get them introduced to some music they might not hear normally. I love that,” he says. Retirement will be filled with woodworking, making rocking horses and other things for his eight children and 39 grandchildren. He’ll miss his friends at Canyons, though, especially the students. “I’ve never had a bad experience. Everything,” he says, “has been positive and fun.”
Paulette J. M. Takata
For 25 years, Paulette J. M. Takata has made her coworkers at Canyons School District feel like part of her “ohana.” And fittingly, it all began with a neighbor mentioning a part-time opening at Brighton High School shortly after Paulette moved to Utah from Hawaii in 2001. Paulette later moved into a full-time role in Human Resources, where she interviewed for what she thought was a general administrative assistant position. Instead, she found herself interviewing to become the assistant to longtime Human Resources Director Steve Dimond, becoming one of Canyons first 100 employees. The duo worked together for 19 and a half years, and Paulette jokes, “We’re both still alive. We have not killed each other.” Behind the humor is genuine admiration and friendship. Paulette credits Dimond as one of the great mentors in her life, and colleagues say Paulette herself became part of the glue that held the Canyons family together: warm, dependable, and endlessly caring. In retirement, Paulette has been enjoying time with her own family — including trips to Hawaii and Japan, as well as her family’s first Disney cruise.
Suzanne Timoney
Suzanne Timoney has been a lifelong learner, and with a grandmother and mother who were teachers, it’s no surprise she’s spent the last 30 years helping young minds learn to love learning just like her. Suzanne taught for 13 years in Jordan District before joining Canyon View Elementary, where she quickly became part of a school community she describes as “the happiest school in the district.” She says teaching stayed fresh because no two days — or years — were ever the same. Along the way, she was inspired by teachers like Alta High humanities teacher Becky Laney, who took a personal interest in students and encouraged Suzanne to pursue her passions. Suzanne carried that same philosophy into her own classroom, building relationships and helping students become the best versions of themselves. Her own students now reach out even long after leaving her classroom. “It always reminds you,” she says, “of how much of an impact you do have.” As retirement begins, Suzanne looks forward to spending more time with her two daughters, traveling to visit family in Hawaii and Detroit, and figuring out what life looks like as an empty nester.
Donata Trussell
Born and educated in Italy, Donata Trussell has spent four decades helping people move through life — sometimes quite literally. “Non mollare,” or “don’t give up,” could easily serve as her professional and personal motto. After earning her physical therapy degree in Italy in 1981, she moved to the United States in the 1990s and tackled the demanding process of becoming licensed all over again. Since joining Canyons District, first at Jordan Valley and later as the District’s lone itinerant physical therapist, Donata has traveled between 20 schools helping students gain physical confidence and independence. One day she may be helping a student learn to sit at a desk instead of a wheelchair. The next, she’s coaching a child through the complicated business of climbing stairs. For Donata, the work has never just been about therapy. It’s about dignity, belonging, and helping students fully participate in life. “What does this kid need?” she asks herself every day. “Can I make a difference?” Now, after 30 years of doing just that, and living by carefully scheduled calendars, Donata is ready to trade bell schedules for open roads. She and her husband hope to spend more time traveling in their motorhome, with dreams of eventually splitting time between Utah and Italy.
Bryon Veenendaal
No matter what challenge Bryon Veenendaal has encountered in his 17 years with Canyons, he’s calmly found a solution — usually with a smile on his face. Since joining the District in 2009, Bryon has worked nearly every level of facilities operations, from rover to head custodian to assistant facilities manager, overseeing multiple campuses and crews. When the District added more buildings and responsibilities to his department, Bryon essentially redesigned the operation on the fly. “We kind of use Tetris or chess,” he explained, describing how his team strategically shifts staff and resources to keep dozens of facilities running smoothly. “I like that challenge.” Before Canyons, Bryon built homes, managed his family’s laminating business during the Franklin Covey day-planner boom, and even worked airport security during the 2002 Olympics. But he says his time in education has been “one of the best” chapters of his working life. Outside of work, Bryon is an accomplished wildlife photographer who finds peace behind a camera lens in Yellowstone and Utah’s west desert, photographing bears, wolves, elk, and wild horses alongside his wife. Retirement plans include more photography, traveling, and family time with his 11 grandchildren. “You gotta enjoy the ride,” Bryon says, “and this has been a good ride.”
Michelle Watts
For 40 years, Michelle Watts has helped students find their voices — sometimes quite literally. As a speech-language pathologist, she’s worked with everyone from preschoolers learning basic articulation to students with significant communication disabilities, always guided by one core belief: communication is foundational to everything in life. Michelle originally planned to become a teacher for the deaf and hearing impaired, but after studying speech-language pathology at Brigham Young University, she discovered her true calling. Her advice to others working with people who struggle to communicate is simple: “Be patient. Don’t speak for them. Let them talk because there’s such beauty to be found if you’re patient.” In retirement, Michelle plans to spend more time with family, travel, and visit grandchildren in Virginia. But leaving the classroom won’t be easy. “I still love it,” she says of the profession. To anyone thinking about going into speech language pathology, she says, “Go for it. We need you. It’s a wonderful field.”
Elizabeth Wilkinson
It was an existential reaction to a heart-wrenching family tragedy that put Elizabeth Wilkinson in a position to work as a special education paraeducator. When her parents suddenly died in a plane crash, she reflected on her taxing position as a FedEx dispatcher. In a fog of grief, she decided: Life is just too short to be this stressed. So, she quit the five-deadline-a-day post to stay home, tend her two little kids, and mend her heart. Then, one day, a good friend who was a special education teacher called with an idea: Would she be interested in being a part-time aide in a classroom of children with disabilities? She had a sister with Down syndrome, so she had some experience interacting with people with special needs —but she never thought she’d have a 25-year career working in special education. What she’s learned along the way is that the same instructional and communication techniques that work with students also often work when interacting with loved ones at home, be it a spouse, a parent, or a friend. She will miss her full-time work as “Miss Liz,” as she’s known by students at Glacier Hills, but she’s looking forward to spending time with a new grandbaby and skiing with her husband at Snowbird. Maybe here and there she’ll volunteer or substitute teach at Glacier Hills or another Canyons school — because, as she says, when you are retired, you can say yes or no based on what you really want to do that day.
Wendy Winzenried
For more than two decades at Willow Canyon—and more than 30 years in education—Wendy Winzenried has built a career on the joy of watching students finally “get it.” Early on, she made herself a promise: she wouldn’t become the kind of teacher who lost that spark. “I may have become old,” she jokes, “but I hope I haven’t lost my joy.” Teaching was never a question. It runs in the family. Her mother and sister were teachers, and her father was both a teacher and a principal. After seven years teaching at Terra Linda in Jordan District, Wendy came to Willow Canyon, where she met Trish Morrison who would become her best friend. When two second-grade positions opened, both she and Trish applied. Wendy, in a moment that perfectly captures their dynamic, even shared interview questions with Trish beforehand. “My husband said, ‘Wendy, you’re giving her an advantage,’” she recalls. It didn’t matter. They were both hired and have been keeping each other sane ever since. Now, as she prepares to retire, Wendy is looking forward to a slower pace — sleeping in, reading, and traveling — but never too far. “Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat,” she says. “I’ll be around.”
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If a movie about super teachers were ever made, Lucie Chamberlain would be a prime candidate for a leading role. Fortunately for her kindergarten students at Alta View Elementary, she already thrives in a supporting role for them. Parents thank her for being a “super teacher.” She is also described as an “amazing colleague.” Whether students need help in the classroom or from home while sick, Lucie goes above and beyond to help them learn, overcome fears, and feel important and cared for. Lucie is the reason a number of kids went from hating school to loving it, according to parents. The way she exudes patience, sweetness, positive energy, and love for her students with special needs melts is appreciated and admired. One parent noted: “Both my kids wish she could be their teacher forever.” Another added: “She treats every student like their learning and their feelings are her priority.” Super teacher, indeed!