We welcome the following educators who will be joining our Canyon Crest team this school year!

Marie Baird – Kindergarten

Hello Canyon Crest Family!

My name is Marie Baird and I am so excited to be a part of the Canyon Crest community.

I am from Provo, Utah and attended Canyon Crest as a student many years ago. I was a para at Canyon Crest before I finished my Early Childhood Education degree at BYU. I have been teaching at Franklin Elementary for nine years where I have taught kindergarten for a year and 1st grade for eight years. I am excited to be teaching kindergarten again.

A little bit about me, I am the youngest of eleven children. I have 39 nieces and nephews. I love spending time with my family, reading, watching movies, cooking/baking, hiking and visiting new places.

Most of all, I love teaching! I adore teaching the younger grades and love to see the connections the students make when learning. Learning is magical!

Here’s to a spectacular 2023-24 school year!

Saida Christopherson – 1st Grade DLI Spanish

I have always considered education a relevant part of everyone’s life. I received my Associate and Bachelor’s degree from UVU and WGU respectively. I have been involved in education for many years, which primarily involved teaching English as a Second Language to kids, so they could become proficient in English. My favorite part about teaching is when I get to see students learning new things and getting excited about their own accomplishments.

I like to travel and go to new locations with my family. Most of my traveling is typically done in the summertime. Some of my favorite locations are Lava Hot Springs, St. George and Park City.

I am also excited to work in the first grade DLI program and teach this curriculum in Spanish to the kids. It is an honor to be part of Canyon Crest and being able to work with such a wonderful and supportive group of teachers, administration, and staff members.

Yanina Policarpo – 3rd Grade DLI Spanish

I firmly believe that teaching is a rewarding career. I value helping children recognize and apply their strengths in order to become functioning, happy and self confident adults.  I am from Lima, Peru. I have lived in Cajamarca, a farming town in the countryside of Peru for the last 12 years, which is a perfect place to raise kids. Provo Is very similar to Cajamarca and becomes very familiar to me due to its mountains, weather and nice people. When I am not in class I enjoy spending time with my two children and my husband. We enjoy going out and having fun together.  With lots of enthusiasm I am looking forward to meeting The Canyon Crest community and utilize my resources and knowledge to educate children with the best of my skills and my experience.  I look forward to taking over my teaching duties and responsibilities very soon.

Ignacio Ramiro – 4th Grade DLI Spanish

Hola, 

I am so glad to have the opportunity to be a new member of the Canyon Crest Community. My name is Ignacio, and I am from one of the most amazing cities in Spain, Madrid. Growing up in such a diverse and cultural place has greatly influenced my perspective on life and education. Teaching has always held a special place in my heart. It brings me immense joy to teach and support young minds on their educational journey through the Spanish Language. I look forward to contributing my knowledge and experience to create engaging and dynamic lessons to help my students to learn about Spanish. Outside of the classroom, I have a deep passion for outdoor sports and activities. I am truly honored to be a part of the Canyon Crest community, and I can’t wait to embark on this exciting educational journey with all of you.

Sincerely,

Ignacio

Maddie Frei – 5th Grade Traditional Teacher

Hi my name is Maddie Frei. I am currently attending Utah Valley University and have worked in Provo City School District for the last 2 years as a paraeducator. I am so excited to be a part of the Canyon Crest Family.

I love the world of education because it’s a place of constant learning — no matter the age. Your kiddos are the future and they need to know just how incredible they are. I’m very fortunate to be able to work alongside them to learn and grow.

Brianna Burt – 6th Grade Traditional Teacher

Hello! My name is Brianna Burt and I’m from Highland, UT. I love sports, especially soccer, and being outdoors. I also love reading and spending time with loved ones. My happy place is in the water, whether that be in a pool, a lake, or the ocean! I can’t wait to start teaching and watch my students learn and grow this year! I look forward to reaching the goals the students and I will create. It will be a great year!

Pilar Garcia Casanova – 6th Grade DLI Spanish Teacher

Hola everyone!!!

My name is Pilar. I am from Spain. I have got two children: Martí, who is 11, and Emma, who is 7. I love getting together with my friends and family as well as spending time outdoors with my dog, Foski. I really enjoy reading books, watching movies and learning new things, too.

My two greatest passions are languages and kids. That is why I studied Translation and Interpreting as well as Teacher Training at university. I have been working at elementary schools in Spain since 2009 and I have enjoyed every single bit of it! It warms my heart when I see my students’ eyes light up when they realize that they have learnt something new. This happens when students, teachers, families and everybody in the school community work together as a team. I strongly believe that it takes a village to raise a child!

I am so excited to be able to work as a DLI Spanish teacher at Canyon Crest this year because, even from Spain, I can feel your warmth, good vibrations and kindness. I cannot wait to be part of your amazing team!!!

Nathan Powell – Special Education

I am excited to come to Canyon Crest Elementary School!  I was raised in Nebraska and have lived in Eagle Mountain for the past 21 years.  I enjoy spending time with my 5 children and 12 grandchildren. I am an avid sports fanatic and enjoy cheering for the BYU Cougars and the Pittsburgh Steelers. I am a collector of old coins and Native American artifacts. I enjoy being outdoors hiking or just doing yard work.  My favorite part about teaching is seeing student’s eyes light up when they learn something new.  Even though I have been teaching and coaching for over 32 years, I have not had the opportunity to work with elementary aged students and I am looking forward to this new adventure at Canyon Crest.

Forrest Hassell – Physical Education

Hey all! My name is Forrest Hassell and I am super hyped to come on as Canyon Crest’s new PE teacher! I am 21 and the youngest of 4 from Bend, Oregon. In my free time I love Cross Country skiing, mtn. biking, running and will probably ask to pet your dog. Also I am a big car fanatic and sports fan (Go Broncos & Trail Blazers!)

I am looking forward to building relationships with the students through the years. My favorite part about teaching PE is the life lessons and teamwork that can be taught through sports and physical activity! As a substitute teacher before this, I have always admired the unique culture of genuine kindness among staff and students at Canyon Crest and I’m so excited to be a part of it!