• Administrative Staff Bios

    Administrators

Grant Beckwith, Head of School

Mr. Beckwith joined American Heritage School in 2005 as principal of the American Fork campus and now serves as the Head of School overseeing the school’s four campuses: American Fork, Salt Lake City, AHS Online High School, and  AHS Worldwide Campus. Prior to joining American Heritage School, Mr. Beckwith was an attorney practicing corporate law for the Washington D.C. office of Nixon Peabody LLP. A member of the Utah Bar, the Virginia Bar, and the District of Columbia Bar, Mr. Beckwith is a graduate of the BYU Law School and also holds masters and bachelors degrees in accountancy and information systems from the BYU Marriott School of Management. Mr. Beckwith has lived and worked in Russia (Moscow and St. Petersburg), New York City, and Washington D.C., and grew up in various parts of the United States including Utah, California, Texas, Florida and Wisconsin. Mr. Beckwith serves in leadership roles for a number of volunteer organizations including on the Board of Directors for Saprea, a non-profit organization devoted to sexual abuse prevention, healing, and education. Mr. Beckwith is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served an LDS mission in St. Petersburg, Russia from 1993-1995. He and his wife Candice live in Alpine and are the parents of four children (three graduates of AHS and the youngest still attending). In addition to his responsibilities as Head of School, Mr. Beckwith enjoys teaching a high school seminar each year entitled “Principles of Leadership.” The Beckwiths are deeply honored and grateful to be involved with the mission of American Heritage School, and to associate with the many extraordinary families who are drawn to it.

Chase Hale, Principal

Chase Hale was drawn to American Heritage by the values and priorities signaled in its mission statement. After completing a bachelors degree in general accounting and a masters degree in financial accounting (BYU Marriott School of Management), Chase began his professional career with Deloitte & Touche. Chase specialized as a financial-statement auditor in Deloitte’s Raleigh, North Carolina practice, where he was exposed to a wide array of clients across a diverse spectrum of industries. Chase made the jump from public accounting to industry when he accepted an offer to work for MasTec Network Solutions, a project-management firm specializing in wireless-telecommunications infrastructure; Chase’s last position before leaving MasTec was as the Regional Finance Controller for the Mid Atlantic market. Prior to assuming his current role as Principal for American Heritage’s American Fork campus, Chase spent seven years serving as the school’s Business Officer. Chase and his wife Laura enjoy the positive impact the school has on their family as their five children have attended as students and as the prescribed literature, history lessons, and other aspects of school curriculum become a starting point for dinnertime and other-family discussions.

Charné Adams, Assistant Principal, Elementary (K-5)

Charné Adams brings over 30 years of experience as an elementary school teacher, school principal and educational administrator in public, charter and private schools. Originally from South Africa, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and began her teaching career in 1994. In 2002, she and her family immigrated to the United States, where she continued her passion for teaching. Driven by a deep love for children and education, Mrs. Adams pursued further studies at Idaho State University, earning a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Leadership. She holds a K–12 administrator and teaching license in the state of Utah. Her commitment to education aligns perfectly with the mission of American Heritage School, a place she is honored to be a part of. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Adams has been actively involved in various school activities, including directing school musical productions, designing yearbooks, and coaching fast-pitch softball, field hockey, netball, and swimming. Above all, she is dedicated to fostering a love of learning and helping students reach their full potential. Mrs. Adams and her husband are proud parents of five children. Their four eldest children have families of their own, and together, they cherish their growing family, which now includes 12 beloved grandchildren.

Blaine Hunsaker, Middle School (6-8)

When Blaine Hunsaker was first introduced to American Heritage School, he was impressed with the principles taught at the school that develop the Christian character of each child. Mr. Hunsaker completed is undergraduate work at Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in secondary music education and a minor in history. He was delighted to accept a position as a music teacher when first coming to the school in 2002. Later, he would also teach science and Spanish and in the summer of 2005, he joined the administrative team. In the summer of 2006, he completed a rigorous certification in the Kodaly methodology of music teaching at BYU. He has performed as a singer in such places as New York, Hawaii, El Salvador and Italy. Mr. Hunsaker completed his master’s degree in educational leadership at Western Governors University in 2023.  He feels blessed to work with the middle school faculty and students. He and his wife Adrianne are the parents of seven sons and one daughter and consider American Heritage School to be a wonderful blessing to their family.

Elizabeth Acuná, Assistant Principal, High School (9-12)

Elizabeth Jacob Acuña was privileged to attend American Heritage as a student for grades 1-6 and is a granddaughter of H. Verlan Andersen, one of the original school founders. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Viola Performance and Pedagogy as well as a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from BYU. Before working at AHS, Elizabeth wrote the charter and served as a co-founder of Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy. She has six children and three stepchildren, six of whom have attended American Heritage. She is grateful for the opportunity her children have had to enjoy the same educational experience she values so much from her childhood. Elizabeth’s hobbies include reading and travel. She especially appreciates the unique mission of American Heritage to teach religious truth while expecting academic excellence, and the incredible people she is able to associate with at AHS.

David Buer, Assistant Principal, Athletics | Director of Communications

David Buer comes to American Heritage with a broad background in public and media relations, athletics, marketing, content creation, event management, and non-profit operations and fundraising. After receiving a bachelor’ s degree in communications from Brigham Young University, Dave spent several years in the Atlanta area doing sports communications work while also running a multimedia startup. Dave has worked with clients throughout the country and has extensive experience in the Utah market after spending seven years as the communications director for a Salt Lake City-based public policy non-profit. Dave was also an elementary school teacher for three years and is grateful for the opportunity to once again work with students as an assistant principal and in teaching and coaching capacities at AHS. Dave and his wife, Jessica, are the parents of five boys—three currently attending AHS and two AHS alums.

Rob Swenson, Assistant Principal, Performing Arts

Rob Swenson holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Brigham Young University and Level III OAKE-endorsed Kodály certification. He is currently pursuing a DMA in Choral Conducting He has taught choir at American Leadership Academy in Spanish Fork, Utah; at Timpanogos Academy in Lindon, Utah; and at Liahona High School in Liahona, Tonga, where he also served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 2008, he joined the faculty at American Heritage School, where he currently directs the curricular high school choirs. From 2004-2007, he served as an assistant director with the Utah Valley Children’s Choir, leaving in 2007 to found the American Heritage Youth Chorus. Under his direction, this faith-centered choral program for children and youth has grown to include over 300 members who perform free, inspirational programs for audiences throughout the United States. Rob received the 2016 Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Christmas Carol Commission for his “Christmas Hosanna.” In Fall 2016, his original composition, “Go Forth From This House,” was recognized as a second-place winner and was performed at the state conference of the Utah ACDA. Rob resides in Pleasant Grove, Utah, with his wife, Kristy, and their four children.

Peter Knecht, Business Director of AHS Worldwide

Peter Knecht comes to American Heritage School with an extensive background in business development and operations. He dropped out of the BYU Marriott School of Business as a senior to start his first online software business and never made it back. He later sold the business and went on to build various sales companies for a number of telecommunications providers around the country—the last of which became the largest of its kind in the nation. In 2011, Peter was invited by a friend and AHS board member to volunteer his services in support of the school’s new distance education program, which he did for six months before coming on full-time as the American Heritage Worldwide Business Director. In 2012, AHS Worldwide launched Family School, which has served more than 30,000 children all around the globe, and Peter continues to put his heart and mind to work for this important mission outreach. Peter and his wife, Amber, stay busy in their house of four boys, and “bookend” daughter. Of all the things they enjoy, just being together as a family has always been their highest priority. Whether at a soccer match or church activity, working in the garden or racing in a triathlon or 5K—family time is sacred time for the Knechts!

Yahosh Bonner, Athletic Director

Yahosh comes to American Heritage having served as the Director of Basketball Operations for Southern Utah University, Assistant Coach at Western Nebraska Community College, and most recently as the Head Varsity Basketball Coach at American Leadership Academy, where he also taught a “Values in Leadership” course and served as the “Voice of the Eagles” announcer for several sports. Yahosh served a Latter-day Saint mission in Tampa, Florida, and is a second-generation member of the Latter-day Saint faith (his parents joined the Church in Connecticut). He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communications from the University of Northern Colorado and Southern Utah University, respectively. He played basketball at the University of Northern Colorado, where he was named the Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and where he also competed in track (long jump) and football. In addition to athletics administration and teaching, Yahosh also loves singing and acting. View a music video of the Bonner family’s original composition “I Am Here” and a duet “One Call Away.”  Yahosh and his wife, Vanessa, are the parents of three sons and one daughter: Malachi, Samaiah, Nehemiah, and Kuregiy.

Adam Hendrickson, Finance / Human Resources Director

Adam was born and raised in Richfield, Utah. He is the youngest of 4 children. He served a Latter-day Saint mission in Florianopolis, Brazil from 1998 – 2000. In 2004 Adam started Peace of Mind Home Inspections LLC, a growing home inspection company in Utah County. He still enjoys inspecting homes today. Adam has also been extensively involved in the financial services industry and currently holds numerous insurance and investment licenses. He is also involved in the direct sales industry. Adam enjoys serving in his church calling, golfing, reading, and a good movie. Adam and his wife Melisa reside in Pleasant Grove, Utah with their two sons, Logan and Nathan. They have enjoyed their associations at AHS for the past 6 years, and love the mission of the school and dedication of the faculty and staff. Adam is thrilled to be a part of the American Heritage finance team.

Melisa Hendrickson, High School Academic Counselor/Registrar

Melisa been a parent at American Heritage School for 11 years.  She has spent the last 5 years in the Admissions office, and thoroughly enjoys meeting new families and students. She has also worked as a Kindergarten aide. Melisa graduated from Utah Valley University where she worked at the University Institute as an Administrative Assistant. She loved her time there and enjoyed the process of supporting the Institute teachers, students, and student council.  Melisa married her high school sweetheart, Adam, and they have two amazing teenage boys at AHS. She considers it an amazing blessing and miracle to be at school with her boys each day. When she is not at school, Melisa enjoys spending time with her family playing games, baking, and snuggling up to watch a movie.

Elizabeth Hancock, High School Academic Counselor/Registrar

Elizabeth was born and raised in Southern California and is Mr. David Hancock’s wife of 34 years: they live in American Fork and have five children (three daughters and two sons), five and 1/2 grandchildren (four in So. Carolina and 1.5 in California), and two dogs (one with a Napoleon complex). Mrs. Hancock graduated from BYU-Provo with a B.A. in English and also has an MEd in Instructional Design. After teaching 7th—9th graders for 15-years, she is EXCITED to be a full-time high school counselor at AHS and the opportunity to teach an AP English Language class. While preparing to earn a second master’s degree (for School Counseling), she enjoys reading (far too much), yoga and weight classes, long bike rides, her flower garden, playing with her grandchildren, sewing, painting, calligraphy, and dreaming about European travel—not necessarily in that order.

Jenny Burr, Middle School Academic Counselor

Mrs. Burr’s experience at American Heritage School is long and varied. She and her husband, Phillip, have been parents at AHS for 15 years and have two sons who are alumni of the school. She has served in many capacities within the school community, including six years in the Parent Service Organization, three of which she served as President. She began her employment at AHS as an aide in the High School and later stepped into the classroom, where she has had the opportunity to teach a variety of courses including 9th Grade Written Portfolio and Senior Thesis. For the past six years, she has loved serving as a 7th grade Homeroom teacher and looks forward to continuing to support students and families at AHS.

Tammy Morse, Website and Database Manager

Tammy has worked with teachers and administrators at American Heritage school for over 20 years.  She loves to be a “behind the scenes” supporter of the school in any way she can.  She enjoys learning and increasing her graphic design, webmaster, and technology skills.  She enjoys her growing family of five children and 16 grandchildren.  She and her husband served a public affairs mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Toronto Canada, and she continues to be a strong supporter of religious freedom and interfaith efforts.

Kristy Swenson, K-5 Administrative Assistant/Guidance Coordinator

Kristy Swenson was born and raised in the Bay Area. She left her hometown and studied at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. During her studies, she traveled to New Zealand to study literacy teaching methods. She graduated from BYU with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a minor in Music, and a minor in Marriage Family Human Development. In addition to working as an elementary school teacher in Nebo School District, she has tutored children from around the world as a VIPKid instructor. Kristy joined the American Heritage School community in 2008 when her husband, Rob, began teaching choir at the American Fork campus and now all four of their children attend American Heritage. Most recently, she worked with AHS Worldwide as a teacher–actor for the LiftEd program. She is excited to continue her involvement with AHS, helping children grow spiritually, mentally, physically, and academically. Kristy enjoys playing and traveling with her family, sampling delicious food with Rob, and learning new ways to decorate and organize the Swenson home.

Dr. Alicia Henderson, Social/Emotional Counselor


Alicia Henderson completed the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Brigham Young University. Alicia specializes in working with a variety of issues with children, adolescents and adults, especially OCD and other anxiety related issues. She completed a capstone internship through Primary Children’s Medical Center. There she worked at a rotation on the residential and day treatment behavioral health unit, where she engaged in individual, group and family therapy and completed psychological evaluations. She also completed a rotation in an outpatient clinic doing psychotherapy with children and adolescents and completing psychoeducational assessments. She also completed a mini-rotation in the oncology/hematology and bone marrow transplant unit where she completed developmental and psychological assessments for infants and children undergoing bone marrow transplants and cancer treatments. Throughout the internship she engaged in extensive training in family therapy and participated in many multidisciplinary case consultations.

Additionally, Alicia has worked with families of high conflict divorce for several years, including supervision, facilitating exchanges, divorce education, intake interviews, and providing other therapeutic services. She has also conducted assessments for youth and adults, in elementary school, university and clinical settings for autism, learning disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder, behavioral disorders, and other mental health disorders. She has also worked in elementary schools with students and teachers. Further, Alicia has assisted with dialectical behavioral therapy groups at the Utah State Hospital.

Alicia has also been involved in extensive research on variables that affect children’s and adolescent’s outcomes in treatment, including parenting skills and parental social support. She has also assisted with research on autism. Lastly, she has taught several undergraduate psychology courses at Brigham Young University, including child psychopathology, child development and abnormal psychology.

Timothy Tsai, Social/Emotional Counselor

Tim is an Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He’s Chinese American, born in California and raised in Utah. He grew up in Provo and has a love for Utah with its mountains, places, and people. Tim loves to play video games, sports, travel, and try new foods. Above all, Tim loves and cherishes the time that he gets to spend with family and friends, especially his incredible wife Abby. His work history has brought him from the hospitality industry, to sales, to elementary tutoring, to residential treatment, and now to therapy. While working in residential treatment, he learned about a variety of aspects regarding adolescent mental health and the importance of family systems. Tim graduated from the UVU Marriage and Family Therapy Masters program in 2024, and remains passionate about the learning and experience he continues to gain as a therapist.

Tim is passionate about learning peoples’ stories and understanding their lives from each of their unique perspectives. As someone with a multicultural background, Tim understands the importance of meeting people where they are at and approaching concerns with empathy and patience.

Jeremy Wright, Director of Facilities and Security

Jeremy Wright comes to AHS having recently retired as the Chief of Police for Fairview, Utah, looking for an opportunity to continue his career focusing on one of the things that he loves most: working in schools with students. Mr. Wright was born and raised in Pleasant Grove, Utah. The second of five children, he served a Latter-day Saint mission in Tampa, Florida, and graduated in 2000 from the Utah Peace Officers and Standards Academy. He has had a 20-year career in law enforcement, including with the Tooele City Police Department and the Saratoga Springs Police Department, which he helped to found. Jeremy has significant experience in various first-response professions, including School Resource Officer (one of his favorites), D.A.R.E. instructor, EMT, Hazmat Technician, Firearms Instructor, Detective, Corporal and Sergeant. Jeremy earned his bachelors degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia Southern University and has long enjoyed teaching a class to students who have interest in criminal justice. Jeremy enjoys serving in his church calling, spending time with his family, and working in the yard. Jeremy and his wife Jody reside in Saratoga Springs, Utah with their seven children, six sons and one daughter.

Kandace Goodrich, HR/Hiring Manager

Kandace was born and raised in Kearns, Utah, but prefers the warmth of St. George where she lived for 9 years. While living in St. George she attended Dixie State University. She has worked in the front office of LDS Family Services for 5 years assisting therapists and clients, which has deepened her desire to educate others about emotional challenges. She loves faith-based therapy, and loves that American Heritage provides a faith-based education. The opportunity to work at American Heritage combines Kandace’s love for office administration work, education, family, and faith. Kandace plans on becoming a Family Life Educator after completing the online Family Life program at Utah State University. She also hopes to become more involved with two organizations she volunteers for – Utah Coalition Against Pornography and Operation Underground Railroad. She served a mission in Nauvoo, Illinois where she deepened her love of the gospel, church history, and teaching. Kandace is the 4th of 8 children, and the favorite aunt of 7. When not working or pursuing education, she enjoys hiking, reading self-help books, organizing, and spending time with two of her five sisters whom she lives with in Orem, Utah.

Brook Brockbank, Admissions Coordinator

Brooke Brockbank is very happy to be here at American Heritage. She grew up in Utah, one of 8 children. During college she was able to travel with the BYU ILP program and teach English in the kindergartens in Voronezh, Russia. Upon returning home she married Steve Brockbank and they headed off to California for his schooling. After graduation they moved multiple times to multiple states with the last out of state home being on a farm in Pullman, Washington. This is where she and her husband started “Freedom Camp”. A 3-day camp that focuses on Faith, Family (ancestors), Freedoms (love of America and the founding fathers) and hard work! After moving to Lehi about 4 years ago they have gone on to host 3 more camps with the latest here in Utah County for nearly 100 of their extended family members. This is her family’s passion and last year they were awarded Lehi City’s “Family of Year” award. She loves American Heritage because the people here also have this same passion for Faith, Families and the Freedoms we hold dear in America. She is very excited to be working with the children here. She currently lives in Lehi with her husband and 6 children, where you can find her playing with her children, singing, cooking, working in the yard, and if you ask her 6 year old what she loves he’ll say her favorite thing to do is clean the house.

Katie Bush, Admissions Manager

Katie Bush joined American Heritage School with a background as a registered nurse, educator, and content writer. Born in California and raised in Utah, she received her bachelors of science from Brigham Young University on a presidential scholarship and graduated as valedictorian of her nursing class. Katie served a mission in Bolivia and upon returning married her sweetheart, John Bush, who is the head chaplain at Utah Valley Hospital. They are the parents of five wonderful children, and their family loves to spend time in the outdoors hiking and camping. Katie is delighted to share the mission of American Heritage School as she interfaces with the community through the admissions office.

Heather Smith, Admissions Coordinator

Heather attended Brigham Young University where she danced for 3 years on the International Folk Dance Tour Team, studied Health and Business, and continued on to receive a Master of Public Administration from the Marriott School.  She met her husband, Steve, while at BYU, and they have 3 daughters and 2 sons and 1 awesome son-in-law. Throughout the years, Heather has been lucky to find jobs that enable her to combine family and work.   She has been a Sorority House Parent for Pi Beta Phi at Cornell University, dance instructor, Director of the Maverick Ski Team for Arrowhead Ski Team, and currently gets to work in the Admissions Office at AHS.  Her favorite things about her current position are meeting new students and families, taking people on tours and telling them about the mission of AHS,  seeing her children in the halls, and working with the incredible Admissions Team.

LeAnn Hatfield, Advancement Assistant

LeAnn Hatfield is excited to be working to help advance the mission and development of American Heritage School. Most recently she was the controller for a software company in Springville. She also previously worked for the State of Utah doing financial audits, internal auditing, and special projects for several departments and agencies. She has a Bachelors and Masters degree in Accounting from Brigham Young University. LeAnn served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Antonio, Texas. She and her husband Glenn live in American Fork. Their twins, Savannah and Corwin, have been attending American Heritage School since kindergarten.

Jamie Wright, Advancement Assistant

Jamie first joined the AHS community as a parent. After seeing firsthand the values and priorities that make this school what it is, she became passionate about AHS and its faith-based mission. She is grateful for the opportunity to be more involved at the school and is thrilled to be on the Advancement team. She and her husband have 3 children. After completing a bachelor’s degree in business management, Jamie has spent much of her career in business, finance and philanthropies. Prior to taking a break from her career to focus on growing her family, Jamie worked for Philanthropies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Nya Torgesen, Assistant Athletic Director

Nya hails from Copenhagen, Denmark and received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from BYU. She has worked as a teacher in several capacities and has been heavily involved in various roles in the schools her children have attended over the years. Nya first worked in the front office at American Heritage School before being recruited to the athletics team as an assistant athletic director. Nya and her husband are the parents of six children, with the youngest two attending AHS.

Kim Hughes, Athletics Administration Assistant

With 17 years in accounting, 10 years in sales and a degree from Utah Valley University, Kim brings extensive experience to her role as Athletics Admin. Assistant at American Heritage.  Married for 27 years, she and her husband have four teenage children, including three adopted boys. Her children’s attendance at American Heritage strengthens her connection to the institution. In her position, she combines her financial expertise with her passion for sports, managing the financial aspects of the school’s athletic programs. She balances her professional life with a love for hiking, reading, and supporting her children’s sports activities. Her blend of accounting skills, administrative experience, and personal background in adoption and raising a family brings a unique perspective to her work in school athletics finance management.