Mrs. Yorgason grew up in Washington State and Utah. She earned an Associates Degree in Business Management and Accounting at Brigham Young University - Idaho (formerly Ricks College) and then a BS in Marketing from the University of Phoenix. She is currently earning her MBA. Mrs. Yorgason worked in publishing at Deseret Book Company for a number of years and then moved to JetBlue Airways where she became a supervisor. After helping to start American Heritage of South Jordan, she left JetBlue in order to assist in running the school. Mrs. Yorgason is married to Mr. Yorgason (the principal) and together they have 5 children.

Mr. Yorgason grew up in Idaho and Utah. After serving an LDS mission in Norway, he graduated from Utah Valley State College and then earned his BS in Elementary Education from the University of Utah. Mr. Yorgason holds a Masters in Education Administration from the University of Phoenix. He taught for a number of years in the Jordan School District before helping to start American Heritage of South Jordan.

Mrs. Hansen is a transplant to the state of Utah from Arizona. She got her B.A. degree from Brigham Young University in English Teaching and her minor in History, with an emphasis in English history and literature. She had the opportunity to study in London for six months with the BYU Study Abroad program. Once overseas, she traveled to 11 other countries. She taught school in the Jordan School District, then moved to California, where her husband attended medical school. She is the mother of four boys from college age to elementary school. Mrs. Hansen serves on the Board of Directors of American Heritage and is the Curriculum Chairman. She is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Education from George Wythe College. Mrs. Hansen has a passion for learning and has, upon occasion, been spotted on a California beach with a textbook in hand! She loves gardening, reading, and all kinds of dogs.

Bio to come.

Mrs. Wayman was born and raised in Utah. She is married with two daughters. Before arriving at AHSJ in 2008 she began her teaching career at Challenger. Mrs. Wayman loves seeing the growth and excitement that the pre-k children bring into her classroom. This passion is fueled by the noticeable head start given to students, which her children have personally experienced. Her hobbies include spending time with her family, reading with her children, camping, toll painting and going overboard decorating for the holidays! She feels blessed to be given the opportunity to be part of this great learning experience.

Mrs. Audrey was born and raised in Bennion, Utah. Early on in her life, she found the love of gymnastics. She was able to travel around the world and represent the USA in many competitions. She was an Olympic hopeful for the 1992 games in Barcelona. Education and learning have always been at the forefront of her life. She graduated in the top 2 % of her high school, earning her an “honors of entrance” -Scholarship for college. She majored in business and accounting. She was the office manager for a printing company for a number of years, until she had her twin girls!! She’s helped run her and her husband's building company for the past 13 years. Mrs. Audrey has helped design and decorate award winning parade homes. She has held many leadership positions within her church organizations. She has loved teaching at American Heritage as well as running her gymnastics program after school. She is married and has 4 children, one boy and 3 girls. She feels grateful that her children have been able to enjoy the atmosphere that this school brings. She would like to go back to college again and pursue a degree in psychology and become a counselor /math teacher. She loves math, art, design, dance, gymnastics, all sports, 4 wheeling, and traveling. She believes that education is the key to success and that every child has the potential to succeed, if given the right attention and love.

Mrs. Sosa was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, to a large family of 7 brothers and sisters. She attended a private school from which she learned that great education comes from great teachers. She has lived in Utah for the space of 15 years and has spent more than 8 years actively engaged in the education of her children. In college, her favorite subject was history, although she has a great love for all around education. Mrs. Sosa has been in many leadership positions, currently as Young Women's President of her church organization. Her leadership ability and organizational skills along with a fun and engaging personality is a great asset to the Discovery Kindergarten program. Her love for children is obvious as is her desire to teach. Mrs. Sosa and her husband currently live in West Jordan with their 3 children.

Mrs. Johnson grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and moved to Utah after meeting and marrying her husband Gary. She is the mother of seven children, and taught piano lessons at her home studio for twenty years before going back to finish her education at Brigham Young University. She graduated with a bachelors degree in social work. She enjoys music, reading, sewing (especially quilts), and spending time with her family. She looks forward to getting acquainted with staff and students at American Heritage in the coming year.

Mrs. White grew up in the Sugarhouse and Holladay areas of Salt Lake City. After graduating from South High School, she attended the University of Utah and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. She recently retired from the Granite School District. During her teaching career she has taught grades one through five, gifted classes, and worked as a reading specialist. Teaching children is her passion and she is looking forward to the new adventures ahead at AHSJ. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, reading, sewing, and Sudoku. She and her husband, Mr. White, live in West Jordan and have two daughters, one son and a daughter-in-law, and four grand-kitties.

Mrs. Steiner has lived in Utah most of her life. This is her third year at American Heritage of South Jordan, where she has taught both pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. Her most favorite subjects to teach and learn about are literature and history, and she is excited to be able to teach these to her kindergarten class. The thing she loves most about teaching young children is watching their enthusiasm and excitement as they learn new things! Mrs. Steiner currently lives in Sandy with her husband and five children.

Mrs. Blackwing has been working with children for over ten years. Her most recent responsibilities have been within the Headstart Program in SLC as a teacher and family advocate. Mrs. Blackwing's educational background includes SLCC with an emphasis in family and human development, as well as a CDA certificate which she has held since 1998. She feels that the privilege to teach, guide, and influence children on a daily basis is an opportunity to make a difference in our world.

Mrs. Byg grew up in Sandy Utah. She earned her bachelors degree in Family and Consumer Studies at the University of Utah. After working at Discover Card for 10 years she was able to spend some time at home with her children. She spent the last year teaching preschool for Challenger and enjoys helping children to learn and succeed. Mrs. Byg enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. They enjoy family bike rides, playing games, and reading together. Mrs. Byg also enjoys reading and gardening.

Ms. Schafer was raised in the Salt Lake Valley and moved to California to attend high school. She attended Mt. San Antonio Jr. College for her undergraduate work. She later served an LDS mission in Paris, France. Upon Ms. Schafer’s return, she continued her studies in French. She began her teaching career at a private school in California in 1982 and has enjoyed her relationship with children ever since. Moving back to Utah in 1995 she immediately went to work teaching 1st grade at Carden Memorial, a private school in Salt Lake City. After teaching for 12 years, Ms. Schafer accepted a position as a 1st grade teacher at American Heritage of South Jordan. She has loved her association with parents and students alike, and is in her 2nd year at AHSJ.

Mrs. Hunter came to American Heritage with great reviews from one of our kindergarten teachers. She is currently working on a BA in Elementary Education from Western Governors University. Mrs. Hunter has had a great deal of experience working with children--especially in her family of five boys, including one with Autism and another with ADHD. She assisted the drama advisor in the productions of Macbeth and Big Bad, and has recently made the change to teaching in the kindergarten classes.

Mrs. Luck grew up in Modesto, California, and moved to Provo, Utah to attend Brigham Young University where she earned an Associate degree with an emphasis in library technology. Jean Ann worked in the Historical Department and Visual Resource Library for the LDS church where she designed their material cataloging system. She was trained at Learning Techniques and later purchased the business, which allowed her to work with children who had learning challenges. Jean Ann began teaching at American Heritage in 2005 while continuing to help students with individual learning needs. She is married to LaMar Luck and they have 6 children. She and her husband live in Salt Lake.

Mrs. Cole grew up in, and currently lives in West Jordan, Utah. Attended Cottonwood High School and Utah State University. Married to Jason Cole and we have 3 children who attend AH-SJ. I love to quilt in the winter and garden in the summer. I love teaching and encouraging children. I am passionate about special needs and the magnitude of our early elementary years. I believe in the philosophies, curriculum, and the spirit of American Heritage.

Mr. White was born in Ely, Nevada, and moved to Utah when he was five. He graduated from Granger High School in 1972, and served in the South Dakota Rapid City Mission. He graduated from the University of Utah in 1979 in Elementary Education, and taught for 30 years in Granite School District in second and third grades. Mr. White met Mrs. White when they taught third grade together for two years before getting married in 1981. They have three children. Mr. White loves to read, especially by the pool or on the beach, travel, swim, bike, and do jigsaw puzzles. He's excited for a new adventure at AHSJ, and for the opportunity to work with Mrs. White in the same school again.

Mrs. Sanderson grew up in Orem Utah. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in Child Development with additional courses in Early Childhood Education. She and her husband Mark lived 12 years in Maryland where they loved to visit the many Revolutionary and Civil War locations along with other historic sites. Mrs. Sanderson is the proud mother of three wonderful children. She has worked with children in church, service, and professional settings all of her adult life. Her experience includes several years teaching Pre-K children with emphasis on phonics and math development, working in the Montessori Academy as a TA, being a reading specialist at the local Rose Creek Elementary, and serving several years with PTA and District committees to advocate for program improvements and educational opportunities. Aside from being a proud wife and mother Mrs. Sanderson’s greatest ambition is to make learning fun and to help children develop inner confidence and academic skills to prepare them for future opportunities and success.

Mrs. Erwin has been involved in education for more than a decade. She studied at the University of Utah, after which she moved to Elko, Nevada with her husband, Jay. While in Elko she taught pre-school while her children were young and then moved back to Utah. She and her husband helped to start American Heritage of South Jordan and have continued their dedication through service and support. Mrs. Erwin has owned and operated her own businesses, including a childcare center where education was a focus. Her education and experiences are great assets to AHSJ and to her students. Mrs. Erwin and her husband live in South Jordan with their 5 children.

Mrs. Jake has spent more than 16 years involved in education and has a love for learning. Her education and experience, as well as her involvement in the education of each of her five children, has made her a wonderful teacher and asset to American Heritage. She has been involved in many organizations inside and outside the school, including a Native American dance performing group, county soccer leagues, and the American Heritage drama club. She assisted in the production of Big Bad while working as a full-day kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Jake is now teaching our fourth grade students and sharing her love of education with each of them. She is also the advisor of the AHSJ Junior Student Council. Mrs. Jake and her husband live in Sandy with their five children.

Mrs. Bingham grew up in Weiser, Idaho, and graduated with an Associate’s from Brigham Young University – Idaho, formerly Ricks College. She then went on to earn her BS in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University. Mrs. Bingham has run a daycare and pre-school. She has taught grades three through six for a number of years and has been with American Heritage since 2005. She is also the student advisor for the Junior National Honor Society. Mrs. Bingham and her husband, Daryl, live in West Jordan. They have six children and two grandchildren.

Ms Watson grew up in Salt Lake City and has always had a great love of learning. Children and books are two of her favorites. She is the mother of seven amazing children - including 2 sets of twins! After her formal education she taught First Grade students for 5 years, as well as serving as a substitue teacher for grades K-12. She was a Reading Specialist at South Jordan Elementary School for the past three years, as well as having had experience working with Special Needs students. She brings an intimate knowledge of literature and a passion for learning that will be a blessing to her students.

Ms. Hale is a native of Idaho Falls, Idaho. She attended BYU – Idaho and BYU – Hawaii where she studied communication and theater. While obtaining her associates degree she worked for the newspaper on both campuses, held principal roles in several plays and musicals and enjoyed entertaining with her improv troupe. Ms. Hale served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although she didn’t want to be sent to a foreign country, she was called to serve in Trujillo, Peru where she fell in love with the people, culture, food and especially the language. She earned her BS from the University of Utah in Spanish, with her focus in Latin-American Literature. She now joins AHSJ after having completed the CES Seminary training and teaching seminary for the last year at Highland High School. Ms. Hale is excited to be in the classroom working with the youth.

Mrs. Miner has always had a passion and interest in education, both her own and that of others. She grew up in Southern California where her love of children and the pursuit of knowledge led her to BYU, Provo. She earned her Associates Degree in Family Sciences and her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education in 1982 and 1984 respectively. After graduating, she began teaching Special Education at Oakridge School in Utah County where she gained 5 years of teaching experience (K-12) with students having a variety of learning abilities. She became involved in the education and training of Adults with disabilities and was Director of a program designed to evaluate and assist individuals and their parents in transitioning from their homes to independent and group home living. Following her years with special needs students she home-taught her own children until 1995, adding 5 more years of teaching experience. Since that time she has raised 8 children, instilling in them a love of learning, which they have carried on into their own studies. Her first year at American Heritage she taught Kindergarten and Guitar. She currently teaches Guitar and Classical Education.

Mrs. Reed received her Bachelor’s Of Music in Vocal Performance from the University Of Denver. She has performed in Aida, La Traviata, Don Giovanni, Cosi Fan Tutti, Die Fliegende Hollander, Tosca, and I Pagliacci with Colorado Opera. She sang Lucia in Lucia Di Lamermoor with the Centennial Philharmonic. She was one of the Three Soprano’s in the Three Soprano’s Concert in Salida. Mrs. Reed has performed in the musical’s Forty Second Street, Wizard Of Oz, Cabaret, and has played the lead role of Sara in Guys & Dolls, Ship’s Boy in Christopher Columbus, Jennie in Down In The Valley, Robin in Smile, Jennifer in Herriman City’s production, Night At The Library. She has vocally directed Hello Dolly, Annie, Copacabana, Music Man, Sound Of Music and will be vocally directing the Music Man for Herriman City in the summer of 2009. She has also directed The Children’s Choir for The Ensemble Experience as well as the Ensemble Experience contest for young singers. This last spring, Mrs. Reed started Herriman’s new Herriman Community choir, an adult choir for talented singers. Her true passion is teaching and she has taught private voice lessons for over 15 years. She also serves on the Herriman Arts Council.

Computer Science

Matt Kosorok

Mr. Kosorok earned degrees in computer science and business management and has worked for organizations such as Symantec, Microsoft, and Raytheon. He has over 20 years of experience in software and computer engineering. Serving an LDS mission in British Columbia, Canada, he acquired a taste for Cayenne pepper and Madras Curry ( it was very cold during the winter ). Mr. Kosorok writes prolifically, is a student of American military history, and plays the piano.

Mr. Cole is the Director of the West Valley City Police Forensic Services Unit. He began his law enforcement career as a police officer for the Sandy City Services Unit in 1998. Later he transferred back to the detective division where he served as the detective responsible for juvenile and domestic violence crime. He also began to receive training in crime scene investigation and later transferred to the West Valley City Police Department before being promoted to his current position. Mr. Cole also owns a company, Law Enforcement Training Consultants, where he is responsible for teaching the Crime Scene Academy for the state of Utah. He has been teaching this course in area high schools and is excited to bring this great program to AHSJ. Mr. Cole served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan, is married to the 2nd grade teacher, Amber Cole, and has 3 children.

Ms. Dempewolf was raised in St. Louis Missouri. After earning her bachelor's degree from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, she served a full time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Following her mission, she lived in Provo and worked with Orem High School's Drama department. It was then that she decided to teach and went back to school. Moving home to St. Louis, she attended Lindenwood University and earned a Master's Degree in Teaching. After graduation, she accepted a job offer and moved to northern Virginia in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. After teaching home economics for one year, she moved over to the math department. Following a total of three years teaching in public school, she found American Heritage and moved here to begin work. She loves teaching here and the opportunity to work with the students, parents and faculty.

This is Ms. Taylor's fourth year teaching at AHSJ, and has loved it from day one. She teaches Spanish, English, U.S. History, and Theater. After serving a mission in Santiago, Chile, she graduated in 2005 from Brigham Young University, Cum Laude, with a BA in Spanish Translation, and a minor in Humanities, history emphasis. In her spare time Ms. Taylor enjoys reading and participating in community theater and musical events, as well as travelling and visiting new places.

Mrs. Sroka holds a BS in Educational Psychology, Speech Therapy and Audiology from Brigham Young University. She has taught most subjects in the Murray and Jordan School Districts. Mrs. Sroka has also worked a great deal with computers and has even custom built computers and software.  She has also attended fashion design school and plays the flute in the Riverton Orchestra.

Ms. Currier has taught PE and health at American Heritage since 2005. She enjoys her opportunities to participate and interact with students of all ages. Her intent is to motivate young people to take care of themselves now, ensuring quality of life in their future. She graduated from Ricks College with an A.S. in Physical Education, and then from the University of Utah with a B.S. in Exercise Science. Ms. Currier served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Detroid, Michigan. Her interests include many physical activities such as basketball, cycling, and yoga.

Mrs. Mechling was born and raised in Bennion, Utah, and began dancing at an early age. Most of her youth was spent in the dance studio, learning ballet, tap, jazz, cheer, ballroom, and participating in school dance companies and musicals. Her education focused in the areas of social issues, peer relations, writing, and elementary education, while continuing her love for dance and performing. Mrs. Mechling began teaching ballet at the age of 17 and discovered a real love for working with children and young adults. She continues sharing her love of dance and positive thinking at American Heritage and is in her third year of teaching. Alesha and her husband Matt live in Kearns with their two sons, Rylan and Ashton.

Bio forthcoming.

Mrs. Guthrie received the Sterling Scholar Award in art from Pleasant Grove High School. She also served an LDS mission in Pennsylvania. She returned to BYU and studied elementary education, art history, and various art applications at Brigham Young University She has taught classes through Roberts Craft and has volunteered in many classroom settings. Mrs. Guthrie is a published artist and currently has two pieces on display in Nauvoo. She has also assisted with designing the sets for the AHSJ productions of Macbeth and Big Bad. She is continuing her education. For the last two years she studied under the direction of gallery artist, Jeffrey Hein, and is currently studying with Niki Covington who has studied art at the Florence Academy in Italy. Mrs. Guthrie has been involved at American Heritage of South Jordan for a number of years and is now in her third year of teaching here. She loves modeling clay and painting with a passion and hopes to bring the skills that she has learned to the students here at AHJS.

Mrs. Hadock is a veteran at American Heritage of South Jordan and loves working with the students. She graduated from Westminster College with a BS in Biology and then earned an MA in Education. After teaching and supervising at Headstart, Mrs. Hadock began her career with AHSJ as the first full-day kindergarten teacher. She is now in her 3rd year and has transferred to the 1st grade. Mrs. Hadock has headed up the Outdoor Classroom and Playground, assisted with the school production of Big Bad, and is the National Honor Society Advisor. She and her husband live in Sandy with their two children.

Mrs. Harman grew up in Bluffdale Utah. She earned a degree from the University of Phoenix in Health Services Administration. Mrs. Harman also attended the University Of Utah School Of Music where she studied Instrumental Music Education. She has studied privately on both the violin and viola with John Englund at the University of Utah and fiddle with Theresa Ellis. She has been an Elementary String Instructor for Jordan School District totaling six years and has taught privately for over 13 years. She has a love for many genres of music from Classical to Jazz and has played in the bluegrass band “Firewood” for many years. Mrs. Harman is excited to currently be beginning a new musical adventure in the Celtic string group “Daytashay” and to be instructing the Orchestra classes at American Heritage of South Jordan. Mrs. Harman lives with her Husband and their children, dog and snake in Draper Utah.

Mrs. Miller loves teaching and working with children. She hails from Orange County, California. She has been married for three years, and has no children of her own…yet. Mrs. Miller is a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and joined when she was 19. She loves reading, music, travelling, and (if you can believe it) math. Mrs. Miller attended Brigham Young University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marriage Family and Human Development. She taught preschool and Kindergarten for over four years at Tutor Time Learning Systems. This is Mrs. Miller’s second year at American Heritage, having previously taught PreK during the 2008-2009 school year. She looks forward to the change to teaching older students. Mrs. Miller strongly believes that her job as a teacher is to encourage children. She strives to inspire her students to love learning and to believe they are capable of accomplishing great things.

Bio to come.

Bio to come.