Karina Beus, K-5 Exercise Science Teacher
Coach Beus is thrilled to kick off her teaching career at American Heritage School as the Elementary Exercise Science/PE Teacher! She graduated from BYU with a BS in Physical Education Teaching & Coaching and a minor in History Teaching. She was born and raised in Houston, with a Texas sized love for physical activity! She grew up playing a variety of sports from basketball to soccer, but her personal favorites quickly became water polo and swim team. Since she was 14 years of age, Karina has worked with young children in developing themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally through swimming, whether it be for leisure or competition. She currently coaches several swim teams across Utah Valley, including the Provo’s Youth Summer Swim Team. She served a Church mission in Pocatello, Idaho & Star Valley, Wyoming. After returning from her mission and moving up to Utah to attend BYU, she met her husband while playing ultimate frisbee. They have been married for almost 3 years, and when they aren’t busy attending Utah Jazz games, they love to hike in any and all National Parks. She is thrilled to share her enthusiasm for physical activity with the young minds at AHS. She wants every child to leave her class knowing that God has blessed each of them with an amazing, unique body that can do great things!”
Ari Coleman, 9-12 English Teacher
Ari Coleman joins American Heritage School after having taught mathematics at Paradigm High School since 2022. He is part of the philosophy faculty at Brigham Young University and has taught there since 2023. Ari holds a master’s degree in Liberal Arts in philosophy and theology from St. John’s College and a bachelor’s degree in general studies in music from Brigham Young University-Idaho. He is principally a husband to Heidi, a father to Zoë. His research interests include: philosophies of language, mind, and religion, number theory, and music. Ari enjoys hiking, playing euphonium, and dancing with his daughter while singing “Once Upon A Dream.”
Maria Jacobs, 4th Grade Teacher
Maria Jacobs was born and raised in Bountiful, UT as number eight of eleven children. She served a mission in San Antonio/Austin, TX, and then earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Family Life, conducting practicum semesters in kindergarten and fourth grade, and student teaching in second grade. While studying at BYU, she worked at the MTC initially as a teacher, then as a Workshop Trainer and Tour Guide—and loved every minute of her 4 years there. She also attended the BYU Jerusalem Center in the winter of 2023, and was able to study and serve all over Israel, and in Jordan and Turkey! She has a passion for fruit, swimming, movies, reading, homemade ice cream, biking, the sun, spending time with family and friends, teaching, learning, and above all, Jesus! Maria is thrilled to teach, learn, and serve in such an uplifting environment centered on the gospel truths.
Erin Kusch, 4th Grade Teacher
Erin Kusch is a dedicated educator known for her unwavering enthusiasm for teaching and genuine love for children. With 15+ years of experience in early childhood education, she fosters a dynamic learning environment where every child feels valued and supported. She graduated from Brigham Young University in Communications, but learned quickly her passion is children and their education. She has served in the education field in various administrative roles and decided to shift into the classroom where she can be the frontline for education. When not in the classroom you can find her playing games with her family, playing pickleball or with puppies.
Jeffery Muhlestein, 7-8 Math Teacher
Jeffery grew up in Utah and wants to stay in Utah because he loves outdoor recreation of all types, summer and winter. His favorites were waterskiing and racing triathlons. Jeffery studied engineering at Brigham Young University but had a great desire to become a teacher so he eventually made the changes needed to become a teacher and he’s enjoyed it even more than imagined. Jeffery has previously taught at Pleasant Grove High School, Ivy Hall Academy, and Discovery Ranch for boys; all giving different perspectives to learning and teaching. His wife is also a teacher so they enjoy sharing education ideas with each other. He and his wife enjoy attending BYU football games, going to plays at Hale Center Theater, and try to have a balanced variety of fun. They have two sons and a daughter.
Daniel Omer, Lyceum Youth Orchestra Coordinator
Daniel Omer has over a quarter-century experience in the professional music industry, beginning in downtown Salt Lake City as a 15-year old French hornist. After completing his Horn Performance degree at BYU, he won the national audition for Principal Horn of the US Air Force Heritage of America Band at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. After being recognized as an Honor Graduate from Basic Military Training, Daniel served active-duty and full-time for 8 years as Principal Horn of the Concert Band & Ceremonial Band, Solo Horn with the Langley Wind Quintet & Heritage Brass Quintet, Music Director of the Heritage Brass Ensemble, soloist on many multi-state tours, and part-time Staff Composer/Arranger. He performed across 23 states, for 2 sitting Presidents, and for millions of Americans. He also worked as Horn Professor at Christopher Newport University for 4 years. He then was Honorably Discharged from service to tend to family health emergencies, and moved with his wife and their 3 children back to Utah. Since then, Daniel has solidified his place as one of the top freelance hornists in the state. Since 2022, he worked as Orchestra Personnel Manager for the Bozeman Symphony in Montana. Daniel is thrilled to be joining the superlative team at Kayson Brown’s Lyceum Youth Orchestra program, and the outstanding staff at AHS. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys telling too many dad jokes to his three children, and playing tabletop games with his wife and friends.