Canyon Crest Parents/Guardians, We would like to extend a friendly, warm, and embracing cub bear welcome to the following educators for the 2024-2025 school year. In addition to Christine Whatcott as our Assistant Principal for next school year, we also announce:  [Please access the following Google Doc for photos with the bios.  

• New Canyon Crest Teacher Assignments

McKenzie Holden – Instructional Coach (Current 3rd Grade Teacher)

We are excited to welcome McKenzie Holden to our leadership team as full-time instructional coach! She is a phenomenal educator who understands and routinely demonstrates high-quality and best instructional practices. She received her bachelor’s degree from Utah Valley University and has taught 2nd and 3rd grade at Canyon Crest for the past 7 years. Additionally, she has been an online instructor for 2.5 years. She’s served on our school’s Safety Committee and has been an Innovative Learning Ambassador for our district. McKenzie says, “I love being in the classroom and am so invested in the Canyon Crest teachers, students, and community! I can’t wait to serve them in a new capacity this next school year!”

Kylie Hortin – 1st Grade Traditional Teacher (Current 1st Grade DLI English Teacher)

Many of you may already know Ms. Hortin. She has been teaching the last three years as our 1st Grade DLI English Teacher. She has done a fantastic job and is beloved by her students. Next school year, she will be our 1st Grade Traditional Teacher. She attended Utah Valley University where she studied Elementary Education. She has also participated on the district’s Early Literacy Committee and is one of our school leadership team members. Kylie says, “I am excited for this new opportunity and to continue to teach and be a part of this amazing community.”

Taylor Kinsey – 1st Grade DLI English Teacher

There are not enough words to describe our excitement of bringing Taylor Kinsey to Canyon Crest! She comes highly recommended! In fact, Taylor describes her experience and education best. She says… “My name is Taylor Kinsey and I am thrilled to be a new addition to your faculty as a 1st Grade DLI English Teacher next school year! I grew up on a farm ranch in Hayes, South Dakota. After high school, I attended Brigham Young University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in teaching multi language learners. Upon graduating college, I was fortunate to be hired as a teacher at Sunset View Elementary, where I have taught 2nd grade and 1st grade for a total of 11 years. In these years of teaching in our district, I have served as an instructional leader in various capacities (district committees, leadership teams, student teacher/new teacher mentorships, and professional development at the school and district level). I am a dedicated and driven teacher with a strong desire to help students find joy and success in their learning. As an educator, one of my highest priorities is building meaningful relationships with my students, staff, and community. I am passionate about literacy and empowering students with the foundational skills and critical thinking needed to become successful readers and writers. I am a lifelong learner who is constantly refining and perfecting my craft through professional development and collaboration with my grade level team. Each class I teach quickly becomes a family, whose members are valued and celebrated on individual and group levels. I strive to create a safe, nurturing classroom environment where perseverance, grit, embracing challenges, and celebrating mistakes are incorporated into each and every day. I feel extremely blessed to be a teacher! I am eager and excited to become a part of the amazing Canyon Crest team! I look forward to getting to meet the community in the near future!”

Y. Vanessa Jorgensen – 1st Grade DLI Spanish Teacher

We give Vanessa a heartfelt welcome as she makes a return to Canyon Crest! Vanessa graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Secondary Spanish Education and taught 2nd and 3rd Grades at Canyon Crest for 8 years. In recent years, she has been teaching at a school in Alpine School District. Vanessa says, “When I heard there was a chance to come back to Provo, I got super excited. I am glad I have had some different experiences that will help me bring a new perspective to Provo, and I am super excited to be working in 1st Grade as a DLI Teacher. I look forward to being a part of the Canyon Crest community again.”

Britti Armantrout – 2nd Grade Traditional Teacher

Welcome, Britti, our new 2nd Grade Traditional Teacher! Britti has been studying elementary education at Utah Valley University with a foundation in early childhood education. For five years, she was a teacher’s assistant to children ages 0-5. She has instructional experience in preschool, 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades. She has already been spending time at Canyon Crest to prepare for the upcoming school year and says, “I love the dedication I see in the students at Canyon Crest, and can’t wait to begin my journey with them here!”

Maddie Frei – 3rd Grade DLI English Teacher (Current 5th Grade Traditional Teacher)

Maddie Frei has been a wonderful addition to our Canyon Crest community this past school year. She has done incredibly well in supporting her current 5th grade students. Next school year, we are excited to see her expand her skills across 3rd grade as our new 3rd Grade DLI English Teacher. Maddie graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree from Utah Valley University. Maddie says, “I have loved every moment (teaching), so to say I am excited to continue my teaching career at Canyon Crest is a huge understatement.” We are equal parts excited to have Maddie continue here, too!

Brianna Campbell – 5th Grade Traditional Teacher (Current 6th Grade Traditional Teacher)

We are so grateful to keep Brianna Campbell on our teaching faculty for next school year. She has been a marvelous 6th Grade Teacher this school year and will bring her engaging instruction and love for students to the 5th Grade Traditional classroom next school year. Brianna graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree from Utah Valley University. She says, “I absolutely love Canyon Crest and the community it has. I am very lucky and excited to be able to continue to teach the students of Canyon Crest!”

Kylie Monson – 6th Grade Traditional Teacher

We love the energy and excitement that new teachers bring to our school! Our incoming 6th grade traditional teacher, Kylie Monson, comes with great experience as a registered behavioral technician for students with unique learning needs. She is currently attending Utah Valley University. Additionally, she has had a great variety of instructional experience within Provo City School District. Kylie says, “I could not be more thrilled for the opportunity to work at Canyon Crest!” Welcome, Kylie!

The pleasure is ours to welcome new faces and see some familiar faces in new positions for the 2024-2025 school year. Thank you to all of you wonderful parents who provide such amazing support to our incredible school.

Best, Dr. Sean Edwards

Principal