Leadership/Staff
Administrative Team
CAROLE HOLLINGER
School Director
Mrs. Hollinger started working for American Preparatory Academy in 2012, after moving to Utah following her husband’s retirement from the U. S. Navy. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland and continued to pursue her educational interests by obtaining a Masters in Educational Leadership. Mrs. Hollinger enjoys spending time with her husband of 20 years and their three children. Travel, service, biking, reading, and photography are all hobbies she wished she had more time for!
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TODD CHRISTENSEN
High School Director
Mr. Christensen moved to Utah in 2002 from San Diego, CA to begin his college studies at Brigham Young University. After serving a two-year LDS mission he graduated from BYU with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in business management. He later received a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Utah and practiced mental health therapy for a time, focusing on work with adolescents. Mr. Christensen came to APA in 2015 as a school counselor and transitioned into administrative leadership shortly after. He completed a second masters degree in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University in 2022. He is married with four children and enjoys living in Salt Lake County. Mr. Christensen is a sci-fi and fantasy enthusiast and enjoys all things Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings. He loves to read, see movies with his wife, and cook. His passion is working with adolescents and he brings years of experience in this field along with his energy and enthusiasm for learning to the junior high program here at APA.
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Jeni Mitchell
Administrative Assistant / Registrar
Mrs. Mitchell grew up in the Pacific Northwest and attended college at Brigham Young University, where she studied Therapeutic Recreation. She began working for APA in 2019. She loves spending time outdoors (including hiking, camping, and water sports), especially if it is with her husband and children.
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Holland Rowley
Student Success Director - Campus Coordinator
Mrs. Rowley also works as the College & Career Counselor.
xCharacter Development Team
Jennifer Stratton
Character Development Director
Mrs. Stratton went to Utah Valley University, where she studied Elementary Education. She worked in management for over 10 years. Mrs. Stratton started teaching American Prep English groups in 2015. She was the 7th and 8th grade student council mentor for 2 years, at another campus, before coming to Draper 3 in 2019. She really loves the Character Development Program here at APA. Mrs. Stratton has 2 kids that both attend American Prep. She also loves sports, hiking, camping, and reading.
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Hannah Pugmire
Character Development Coordinator
Background/education: I grew up in Utah, and I attended BYU where I got my Bachelor’s Degree
in Communications-Journalism with a minor in Ballroom Dance.
Hobbies: I enjoy baking, dancing, spending time in the mountains, and going to concerts!
xCounseling Team
Aimee Buroker
Testing Coordinator
Mrs. Buroker received her Bachelor’s of Political Science from BYU-Idaho and went on to get her Master’s of International Community Leadership from Westminster College. She’s spent seven years working in the mental health and non-profit sectors. She’s worked with a variety of individuals ranging from at-risk youth, incarcerated adults, and marginalized women both in the US and abroad. In 2018, she decided to make a career switch and entered the field of academia. She became an Adjunct Instructor at Utah Valley University and loved working in education so much she decided to go full-time. In her spare time, she enjoys sports, backpacking, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family.
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Department of Fine Arts
Kathryn Thompson
Choir Teacher
After directing a few choirs at Salt Lake Community College, Mrs. Thompson decided that she wanted more choir in her life! With her two teenage daughters getting older, she decided it was the right time to get a full-time teaching job (She taught part-time at SLCC for 10 years) and she is very excited to be teaching music and singing to the wonderful students at APA! Originally from Northern California, Mrs. Thompson got "stuck" here in Utah after graduating from BYU in 1999 with a degree in Music Education/Choral Conducting. For the last 20 years, she has been raising her beautiful girls, teaching voice lessons, and pursuing a variety of other interests, including singing with the Utah Opera Chorus, health coaching & personal training, and travel.
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Department of History
Ruby Johnson
History Teacher
Ms. Johnson is originally from Utah and graduated from South Summit High School. She holds an undergraduate degree in History and Philosophy from Moravian College and graduate degrees from Villanova University and George Washington University. Prior to teaching, she worked as a historical documents editor in Washington, DC and spent much of her time in the archives. Ms. Johnson joined the APA team for the 2019-2020 school year. She teaches World Geography and World Civilizations. Outside of school, she loves to read, research and write about Utah's past, and spend time with her son.
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Shane Lingo
History Teacher
Mr. Lingo graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Willam Jessup University and recently received his Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University. Mr. Lingo loves spending time with his wife and 2 daughters. When he's not teaching or leading students, he enjoys reading, mountain biking, running, and camping.
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David Passmore
History Teacher
Mr. Passmore recently retired from a career in public safety, serving for 28 years as a paramedic. During this time he served in both the Fire Service and Law Enforcement, and became an educator in varying disciplines of this field. Mr. Passmore has been on the faculty of Utah Valley University's Paramedic program as an adjunct instructor and has had oversight of training programs in differing agencies over the years. Mr. Passmore obtained a B.A. in History from Utah Valley University and is a life long learner. Mr. Passmore enjoys studying, reading, and writing about history and visiting historical sites. However, Mr. Passmore gets extremely excited to talk about and teach history to who ever will listen! Mr. Passmore is grateful to have joined the APA family.
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Madyson Mcdade
History Teacher
Ms. Prevette graduated from Appalachian State University, in her home state of North Carolina, with a degree in History Education. She previously taught American History and AP US History in North Carolina, before moving to Utah. She joined the American Prep team in 2019. When she is not working, she loves doing anything outdoors, including hiking, rock climbing, and running. She is passionate about anything food related and loves a good board game or trivia. She is a huge sports fan and loves all things App State, Carolina Panthers, and UNC Tar Heels! On her bucket list is the goal to travel to all 50 states and to be a contestant on either Jeopardy or Family Feud (or both!).
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Department of Latin
REBECCA ALLEN
Latin Teacher
Ms. Allen started taking Latin as a sophomore in High School. By her senior year, she was student teaching a Latin class. Encouraged by this experience, she decided to continue her study of Latin with a goal of teaching. She attended the University of Utah, with a major in Classics and a minor in Classical Civilizations. She graduated from the University of Utah in 2001 with an Honors Bachelor of Arts Degree in Classics, with a split focus on Latin and ancient Greek.
Ms. Allen started teaching at American Preparatory Academy in the fall of 2004, initiating the Latin program for American Prep. In 2010, she had the wonderful opportunity to tour parts of Italy and Greece. This opportunity came out of the dedicated efforts and sacrifice of many American Prep students and families, who graciously offered a realization of her desire to visit Rome, Pompeii, Athens, and other locations that she taught about, but had not seen first hand. She considers this gift as one of the greatest highlights of her life, and has tried to use the knowledge she gained to enhance her classes and inspire her students.
John Martin
Latin Teacher
Mr. Martin is originally from Oregon. He graduated from BYU in 2017 with a BA in Classical Studies emphasizing in Classical Civilizations. In 2019, he graduated from BYU with an MA in Comparative Studies. He began teaching at APA in 2019. Mr. Martin loves languages: in addition to his formal study of Latin and Ancient Greek, he is also learning Old English in his spare time. He loves baking, reading, and games of all kinds.
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Ian Campbell
Latin Teacher
Mr. Campbell graduated from Utah State University in History with minors in Latin, Greek, and Information Systems. He has been teaching since the fall of 2023. Outside of school, he enjoys gardening, personal study, and yoga.
xDepartment of Mathematics
Jonah Kortsen
Math (and Science) Teacher
Mr. Kortsen graduated with Honors from Chaffey College with an Associate Degree in Mathematics in 2018. He then went on to California State University of San Bernardino and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics in 2020. While at these institutions he served as a Supplemental Instruction Leader for Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus for three years and went on to win awards and scholarships for his mathematics achievements and ability to teach. In February of 2021 Mr. Kortsen was hired at American Preparatory Academy to teach mathematics and physics. When he is not teaching, he enjoys exploring Utah with his wife and sons, reading about history and theology, and serves as a CASA for children in foster care.
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JULEAN STEWART
Math Teacher
Mrs. Stewart has been with American Prep since 2007 as a parent and since 2012 as a teacher. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelors degree in mathematics education and a minor in biology. Prior to teaching at American Prep, she taught math and science in Jordan School District for six years. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Stewart enjoys running and spending time with her family. She and her husband have four children, two boys and twin girls.
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COREY SWENSEN
Math Teacher
Mr. Swensen graduated from the University of Utah with a mathematics degree in 2015. While at college, he worked at the mathematics-tutoring center and was a T.A. for numerous courses. He began teaching at American Prep full time in March 2015, where he has taught Algebra 2, Advanced Mathematics, Saxon Calculus, and AP Calculus. Mr. Swensen was born and raised in Midvale, Utah and attended High school at Murray High. He enjoys hiking, camping, rock climbing, playing board games, and eating food.
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Allison Gow
Math Instructor
Mrs. Gow is originally from Canada. She attended Mount Royal College and the University of Alberta. She worked in the hotel industry for 17 years as a manager in front office and housekeeping operations. She has lived in Utah since 2007. Mrs. Gow worked for the Canyons School District, at Albion Middle School in the Math Department, for 7 years. She was also the Chess Coach for 5 years. Mrs. Gow joined the American Prep team in 2017, working at the Draper 2 campus as a second grade teacher. She was excited to be able to return to the secondary level of education here at the Draper 3 campus in 2018. She also enjoys golfing on two women's leagues, and with her husband.
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Bridget Sullivan
Secondary Math Teacher
I grew up in Las Vegas, NV and moved to Salt Lake City in 2010 to attend the University of Utah. In May 2014, I graduated with a bachelors degree in mathematics and a minor in physics. Immediately following graduation, I became a math teacher at APA. When I’m not at school, I enjoy reading, playing board games, and spending quality time with friends. My favorite color is pink and can often be found eating a chocolate chip cookie.
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Department of Psychology, Health, and Exercise Sciences
Craig Hollinger
Psychology, Philosophy, and Health Teacher
Mr. Hollinger teaches AP Psychology, Psychology Honors, Health 10, and Classical Philosophy. He started teaching at American Preparatory Academy in 2011. Before coming to APA, Mr. Hollinger retired from the US Navy where he worked as an Independent Duty Corpsman, which is a stand-alone medical provider similar to a Physicians Assistant or Nurse Practitioner. His last tour in the Navy was as the medical provider for SEAL Team 5 where he deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Lebanon.
He attended University of Maryland, University College and Red Rocks Community College as a Psychology Major in addition to many military schools.
Mr. Hollinger is an engaging teacher who actively seeks to make every student reach his or her potential.
Department of Science
NICHOLE DYE
Science Teacher
Mrs. Dye has been teaching since 2014. She has a B.S. in Chemistry from Eastern Oregon University and a M.S. in Environmental Science and Toxicology from University of Nevada, Reno. She enjoys spending time with her 2 boys and husband, reading, and science, of course! Mrs. Dye is also the advisor for the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society.
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Jonah Kortsen
Science (and Math) Teacher
Mr. Kortsen graduated with Honors from Chaffey College with an Associate Degree in Mathematics in 2018. He then went on to California State University of San Bernardino and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics in 2020. While at these institutions he served as a Supplemental Instruction Leader for Algebra, Trigonometry, and Calculus for three years and went on to win awards and scholarships for his mathematics achievements and ability to teach. In February of 2021 Mr. Kortsen was hired at American Preparatory Academy to teach mathematics and physics. When he is not teaching, he enjoys exploring Utah with his wife and sons, reading about history and theology, and serves as a CASA for children in foster care.
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Harrison McCamy
Science Teacher
My name is Mr. McCamy, I grew up in Georgia, and attended Wake Forest University in North Carolina, where I studied psychology, neuroscience, and biology. Psychology and neuroscience are my two passions--I enjoy learning about the brain and behavior! Shortly after receiving my bachelor's degree I moved to Utah, and I did so for the nature and activities. In my free time I enjoy skiing, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, and playing music. I play guitar and bass, have had the privilege of playing in both rock and jazz bands, and while in college I wrote music articles for our school newspaper.
xOperations Team
Sebastian Neugebauer
IT Specialist
Native German, American by choice. Master's in piano performance from HMDK Stuttgart, loves time with his family, moving the body, and making music.
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Secretarial Team
STASI GARRETT
Jr. High Secretary
Ms. Garrett joined the American Prep team in 2009 and has enjoyed working at many of our campuses over the years. She loves to help support and encourage our teachers, students, and parents. She also enjoys traveling, attending local events, DIY projects, and playing with her Mini AussieDoodle. Ms. Garrett has 2 boys who also attended APA
xSpecial Education / Speech Team
Kevin Kelley
Special Education Case Manager
Mr. Kelley graduated from BYU with a bachelor's degree in special education. He started working in the special education field in 2012, began teaching in 2015, and joined APA in 2018. In his spare time, Mr. Kelley enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, going to movies, and anything to do with sports.
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Taylor Meek
Speech-Language Pathologist
I am excited to be at APA! I received my undergraduate degree in communication disorders from Brigham Young University and my masters degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Memphis. I have been an SLP going on 2 and a half years, and I love my job! Outside of work I enjoy reading, hiking, and playing sports.
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Emily Scott
Speech-Language Technician, Graduate Student Clinician
I graduated from BYU with a BA in English in 2004. In 2019 I graduated from Utah State University with a second BA in Communicative Disorders. I am currently enrolled in a graduate program at Utah State University earning my MA in Communicative Disorders. I started teaching at APA in 2020. I love doing anything outdoors especially hiking, biking, gardening, and camping!
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