Makena Avarell, Front Office
Charity Bassett, Administrative Assistant/Graphic Design & Marketing Performing Arts Department
Charity Bassett joins American Heritage as an entrepreneur, bringing over two decades of expertise in graphic and website marketing, content creation, project management, and coordination. Additionally, since 2019, she has devoted herself to working with the youth through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Charity’s deep passion for mental wellness and her unique ability to connect with young people drive her to seek ways to touch their lives, helping them build a firm foundation and a loving relationship with their Savior. As a devoted mother of two daughters, Charity is especially proud that one of them will be attending American Heritage for the first time this year. The mission and values of American Heritage resonate profoundly with Charity, embracing everything she holds dear to her heart. She feels deeply honored to join the American Heritage School family.
Mark Beecher, 3rd Grade Teacher
Mark Beecher has a life-long passion for teaching young people. He’s worked for over 30 years in Seminaries and Institutes and has taught around the country with EFY and FSY. He has a Master’s Degree in Social Work and has done some counseling in the past with children and families. One of the most impactful people in his life was his third grade teacher, and that’s where he’s currently working at American Heritage. Mark and his wife Kim have 5 children and 10 grandchildren. They love spending time and vacationing together. They’re a “boating family” enjoy playing board games. Mark’s also the co-author of the book, “Becoming a Great Gospel Teacher.”
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 three 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!”
Stephanie Bischof, 1st Grade Teacher Aide
Kari Brown, Front Office
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 and his wife, Heidi have one daughter, 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.”
Teresa Eichler, 6th Grade Teacher
Teresa was raised in Washington State around the Seattle area. She earned her Bachelors of Education at Western Washington University. Majoring in Special Education with an endorsement in Elementary Education. During COVID she moved to Utah to finish her student teaching. She taught 6th grade at Herriman elementary for 3 years. “I adore the age because they’re beginning to be more independent but they’re still curious about the world. They’re learning what they care about and they’re starting to decide who they are and what they want from life. I’m constantly learning and growing with them which makes the job so fulfilling.” She loves the outdoors; camping, hiking, fishing, paddleboarding, and rock climbing. She also enjoys playing guitar, and swing dancing.
Kimberly Friess, Ballroom Director and HS Instructor
Kimberly Friess, an Amerian Heritage alumna, is thrilled to return as a the Ballroom Director and HS Instructor. She and her husband share a love for ballroom dance—they actually met while dancing on the touring team at BYU. They are now blessed with three children and one more on the way! In addition to being a mom, Kimberly is also a part-time mental health therapist, and ballroom instructor. She has recently been teaching in the BYU Youth ballroom program and is super excited to bring her experience and energy to the students at AHS.
Madi Foster, Girls Varsity Basketball Head Coach
Madi has loved Sports for as long as she can remember. For three years in high school she had the opportunity to play club basketball with the Olympic gold medalist Natalie Williams as her coach alongside other amazing coaches. They traveled the country and played some of the best teams, which is where. her love for defense started! She went on to play basketball at a junior college in Wenatchee Washington. She had an incredible experience serving an LDS Spanish speaking mission in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She currently resides in Orem as a college student pursuing her dreams of being a coach and a Dental Hygienist
Nichole Grey, MS Science Teacher Aide
Nichole is has taught english in the Dominican Republic, gymnastics in California, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ on her mission in Belgium and the Netherlands for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She is currently attending BYU for her bachelors in Public Health with an emphasis in Health Science. She recently married her New Zealander sweetheart. They are enjoying life together with lots of cooking, reading, hiking, and planning for future travels. She is passionate about helping everyone learn about Jesus, and knows that life can be so good when He is included in everything!
Jennifer Hancock, K-5 Leveled Library Aide
American Heritage School, with its family and gospel focused academic mission, has been a continuous thread in the tapestry of Jennifer Hancock’s life. As a kindergarten student she attended the school at its original location in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Young adult life saw her again associated with the school as a first and third grade teacher for several years before marrying and moving to Wisconsin. While raising her seven children the opportunity to help beta test the AHS Worldwide: Family School curriculum presented itself and Jennifer was grateful to include AHS as part of her family’s homeschool experience. When a job change brought them back to Utah a few years ago, she was thrilled to see the AHS life thread come full circle as her two youngest children could now have their high school years include AHS as on-campus students. Jennifer is excited to continue her association and contribution to AHS and its mission as part of the K-5 team. When not contemplating her AHS life thread, Jennifer enjoys seeing God’s hand in the lives of His children, mountain hikes with her husband, family time, and a good taco salad.
Adam Hobson, 5th Grade Teacher
Adam Hobson was a full-time Seminary Teacher for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 23 years. He also had the opportunity to be an EFY Teacher and Session Director for over 18 years. Adam graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Writing. He received a Masters Degree in Education: Curriculum Design and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. Adam loves to spend time with his four wonderful children, loves outdoor activities and adventures, especially surfing and snowboarding. He loves reading both contemporary novels and classic literature, and enjoys storytelling in all formats. He is a life-long learner, always wanting to learn more about history (especially American History), people, and the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Adam has loved working with the youth from all age groups, and feels at home when he is in the classroom, helping students to facilitate their own love for learning.
Joey Hokulani, HS Drama Production Director
Joey is currently studying theater at BYU Idaho. He grew up training in Hip-Hop dance and gymnastics. Joey has been performing since childhood and danced competitively for about 10 years. His true passion lies in teaching. He has taught dance and coached gymnastics for several years and has choreographed a few musicals here at AHS. Joey is very excited to be at AHS working with his favorite students in the world.
Monica Ingoldsby, Middle School Art Teacher
Monica Ingoldsby was born in Lima, Peru; but has spent most of her life in California and Utah. She went to California Polytechnic State University in San luis Obispo, California and Obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Art and Design. She has worked and taught commercial art for many years and found her passion in teaching art. She has been teaching art for the last six years at American Preparatory Academy where she received her teacher’s license. She loves to travel, draw, paint, garden and outdoor activities.
Maria Jacobs, 4th Grade Teacher
Maria Jacobs was born and raised in Bountiful, UT as the eighth 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.
Kirstyn Jarvis, High School Advanced Ballroom Instructor
Kirstyn Jarvis joins AHS having taught and coached ballroom dance for nearly 25 years. Most notably Kirstyn coached at BYU as Adjunct Faculty at BYU for 9 years teaching teams, technique classes and even developed a competitors class for championship level dancers. She also coached in the BYU Youth Dancesport program for 4 years, leading her teams to numerous national titles. Many of Kirstyn’s dance students continue to dance and teach professionally around the country—even here at AHS! Kirstyn is currently coaching the “Sevies” team in the BYU Youth Dancesport Program.
Kirstyn danced with the BYU Ballroom Touring Company and twice won the British Ballroom Formation Championships with the team in Blackpool, England. After receiving her B.A. (Dance—Ballroom Dance Emphasis) from BYU in 2001, Kirstyn went on to study ballroom professionally in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Victor Veyraset and Heather Smith. While in L.A., she became a Certified Pilates Instructor (mat work plus all Pilates apparatus). She has coached Pilates in L.A., NYC, Denver and Utah. After a recent move from Colorado, Kirstyn is excited to settle the new house in Lindon re-open her in-home Pilates studio.
Kameron Kavanaugh, Patriot Chorale (9-10 Grade Choir) Director
Tara Kelley, 1st Grade Teacher
Tara Kelley has been a teacher for the past eight years. She has taught 1st grade, 3rd grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade. She completed her education with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wyoming in 2015. She has held positions in both Utah and Wyoming. Most recently, she worked with 3rd and 4th grade students in an online school called Ensign Peak Academy. She has been married for twenty years and has five children between the ages of seven and eighteen. Mrs. Kelley’s family loves all things outdoors. They enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. Her children are also very interested in cross country, track and field, art, soccer, and basketball. One of the things that makes Mrs. Kelley happiest is watching her kids do the things they love. She can often be found cheering them on and supporting their interests. When she is not doing that, she enjoys baking, reading, cooking, and serving others. Mrs. Kelley is so excited and feels privileged to serve the families of American Heritage School!
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 on the frontline for education. When not in the classroom you can find her playing games with her family, playing pickleball or with puppies.
Tagen McEntire, MS Science Teacher Aide
Tagen (pronounced like “taken” with a “g”) holds a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism with a focus on Experiential Education from the University of Utah, along with a teaching degree in Special Education and a reading degree from Utah State University. She spent seven years as a full-time teacher in Utah and California, where she taught reading, English Language Arts, and Travel and Tourism. Beyond the classroom, Tagen is married to Dr. Eric who is an amazing chiropractor in Draper. Tagen is the proud mother of two beautiful daughters who share her passion for adventure, travel, and exploring the world. She finds joy in hiking the mountains with her two dogs—a Great Dane named Luna and a Blue Heeler mix named McGee. Her love for the outdoors extends to gardening, skiing, biking, and caring for her chickens. Wyoming holds a special place in her heart, serving as her home away from home.
Tagen has a deep and abiding faith in her Savior and cherishes the proximity of several temples near her home.
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 has enjoyed it even more than imagined. Jeffery 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 trying to have a balanced variety of fun. They have two sons and a daughter.
Heather Nelson, K-5 Accompanist
Heather has played the piano for more than 30 years. For the last 10 years, she has been growing her own piano studio and teaching piano lessons from her home. She received a bachelors degree in Communication with an emphasis in public relations from Utah Valley University in 2010. She has been married to her husband Kevin for 17 years, is the mother of four boys, loves distance running, horseback riding, and adventuring with her family. She feels so blessed to be able to join the American Heritage team and spend each day sharing her passion for music with the children.
Daniel Omer, Lyceum Youth Orchestra and Heritage Youth Choir Program Manager
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 eight 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 two sitting Presidents, and for millions of Americans. He also worked as Horn Professor at Christopher Newport University for four years. He then was Honorably Discharged from service to tend to family health emergencies, and moved with his wife and their three 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 Heritage Youth Choir Program. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys telling too many dad jokes to his three children, and playing tabletop games with his wife and friends.
Laura Stirland, Ballroom Dance Teacher (Middle School)
Laura graduated from BYU with a Bachelors degree in Dance and a minor in Family Studies. She spent several years on the BYU Ballroom Dance Touring Company. She represented BYU at the 2023 International Ballroom Blackpool competition where they became international champions. She is a two time U.S. National Finalist in Amateur Cabaret. Aside of ballroom, Laura has trained in many other genres including gymnastics, tap, ballet, jazz, contemporary, and more. She is excited to be a part of American Heritage Middle School this year.
Laura has a love for all things movement based. She has 12 years experience teaching many styles and loves her students. When Laura isn’t dancing, she’s enjoying time with family, listening to Michael Bublé’s music, or spending time outside.
Emily Viveros, Exercise Science Teacher (Elementary)
Emily Viveros, originally from Vacaville, California, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from BYU-Idaho and has professional education in Nutrition Science from Stanford University School of Medicine. As a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, she has led top-rated fitness programs for youth and children, showcasing her ability to create engaging and adaptive activities. An AHS parent and mother of four, Emily is passionate about empowering young people to live happy and fulfilling lives through fitness and proper nutrition, guiding them to achieve their full potential.