Leadership/Staff
Administrative Team
BRAD SHENEMAN
School Director
Mr. Sheneman is a graduate of the University of Utah, with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University. He has served as the Jr. High Director of West Valley 1, beginning in 2011. Mr. Sheneman has been working with teens for over two decades. Previously he served our great country in the United States Marine Corps and was released from active duty in July of 2000. He enjoys meeting with parents and students and is motivated by student achievement. Mr. Sheneman is also married, a father of 3 boys, and is active in our community.
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CAROLE HOLLINGER
High 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
Junior High 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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Character 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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Kassidy Weiss
Character Development Coordinator
Mrs. Weiss went to Brigham Young University-Idaho where she Majored in Marriage and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology. She has studied and taught ballroom dance for over 7 years. Mrs. Weiss started at American Preparatory Academy in 2019 as a dance instructor at another campus, before coming to Draper 3 in 2020 as a Character Development/Dance Coordinator. She loves the Character Development Program and strongly believes in the leadership lessons and events she teaches. She also loves reading, hiking, running, singing, and spending time with her family.
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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!
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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.
xDepartment of English
Chelsea Fisher
English Teacher
Mrs. Fisher studied Chinese and English at Brigham Young University, then earned a Master's in Secondary Education from the University of Phoenix. For the last decade, the Fisher family has been living overseas due to Mr. Fisher's career with the US State Department, posted in China, Brazil, and India. Mrs. Fisher has taught high school English in China, middle school English in India, and junior high Chinese Immersion in Utah. She started teaching 7th grade English and ELL at APA in 2022.
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Kimberly Wilde
English Teacher
Kimberly Wilde first started teaching in 2019 as a substitute teacher, but then became an English teacher at APA in 2020. She graduated as Salutatorian from Full Sail University in March 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing. She loves to write flash fiction and short stories, kayaking, and hiking with her four boys and husband.
xDepartment 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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Michael Romney
Drama Teacher
Mr. Romney received a BS in Family Life Education from Brigham Young University and a MFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from University of Hawaii Manoa. He competed in ballroom dance (Formation Team and Individual) for 5 years and performed and toured with the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble for 5 years. Mr. Romney taught clogging, Irish dance, and folk dance at BYU for 5 years. He also taught ballroom dance at the University of Hawaii for 2 years.
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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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SARA OCHS-HOWSER
History/Geography/Financial Literacy Teacher
Ms. Ochs attended California State University San Marcos, in North County San Diego, where she studied African and European history. After completing her bachelor’s degree she enrolled in the Middle Level Teacher credentialing program where she specialized in the education of young adolescents, at-risk students, and English language learners. Her formative teaching years were spent out in the Coachella Valley, teaching for Palm Springs Unified School District, where she taught world history from ancient to early modern times, seventh grade English, and student leadership. After six years she moved to Utah and decided to quit teaching because she felt that schools were not doing enough to prepare students for the rigors of adult life. However, upon procuring employment as an instructor at American Prep in West Valley, her passion for teaching was reignited. Ms. Ochs taught sixth grade in West Valley for one year before moving to the Draper 2 Campus in 2013. Upon arriving at Draper 2, Ms. Ochs taught Utah Studies and U.S. History to seventh graders. The next year she moved on to teaching High school as she took on the challenge of developing and implementing AP Human Geography, AP European, Geography Honors, and Western Civilizations.
Her favorite parts of teaching are the lively discussions and debates that take place in her classroom. The youthful exuberance and excitement that her students bring to her classroom are the reasons she stays in the profession. She loves all things geeky, especially Star Wars and comic books. In case you have to know, she prefers Marvel, but has nothing against D.C. In her free time, Ms. Ochs enjoys working out, watching movies and television shows, and reading. She is a gastronome who not only likes to eat at the lowliest taco cart to the finest of fine dining restaurants, but also enjoys cooking exotic and everyday foods. She is also known to randomly burst into song, because there is always something happening that is worth singing about.
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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!).
xDepartment 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.
Alicia Leitch
Latin Teacher
Mrs. Leitch is so excited to be teaching Latin at APA this year! Mrs. Leitch graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 2013 with a major in history and minor in Latin language. She then returned to Utah State University to earn a Master of Arts in history where she studied theory, folklore, and effective teaching practices. She graduated in 2015, earning the Latin Student of the Year award for her work in reforming beginning Latin courses. She enjoys reading, writing, yoga, martial arts, and pretty much anything revolving around science fiction and fantasy.
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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
Danielle Anderson
Math Teacher
I attended BYU-Idaho where I enjoyed tutoring math, working as a TA, and participating in several other on-campus organizations. I graduated in 2015 with a degree in applied math. I returned to school at UVU for a M.Ed in secondary Education (current). I have been at APA for 5 years and love teaching here.
I enjoy listening to audio books, hiking, running, swimming, and I dabble in in coding, art and music.
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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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Kathy Woodcox
Math Teacher
Mrs. Woodcox has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics Education, from Western Governors University. She started at APA in 2005 as a Music Teacher, at the first Draper campus. During her time at Draper 1, she wrote the Builder’s Song, taught Math, served as Jr. High Secretary, and received a Builder of the Year Award, while working on her Math degree. In 2010, she began teaching Math at the West Valley 1 campus, where she stayed for 9 years. While teaching in West Valley, she served as Math Team Coach, HOPE Squad Mentor, Ambassador Council Mentor, and Math Department Co-Chair. She is excited to be back in Draper, teaching Math full time. Mrs. Woodcox is the D3 MathCounts coach, and she enjoys preparing Mathletes for competitions. Mrs. Woodcox thinks of the classroom as her Happy Place. She enjoys playing and writing music, and she is mildly obsessed with nutrition and wellness. She also loves camping and rock climbing with her family. She and her husband of 33 years have 4 children and 6 grandchildren.
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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.
xDepartment 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
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Noelle Gatlin
Special Education Case Manager
Mrs. Gatlin started her career in special education in 1996 after graduating from Brigham Young University. She taught in Provo and Orem before coming to APA in 2017. She took 14 years off to stay at home with her children and came back to work when the youngest of her 3 sons started kindergarten. She loves working with students with special needs. Working with a team to help these special young people is a passion for her.
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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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Andrea Thames
Curriculum Specialist
I received my BA in graphic design and my MA in English/creative writing with an emphasis in fiction, both while raising five kids. My greatest joy is my family and spending time with them, however I do enjoy writing, painting, drawing, gardening, and wildlife photography. I have had short stories published in literary magazines, and my art has won awards in various shows.
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