Amanda has an educational background in psychology and has spent 10 years in the childcare industry with a love for Montessori. She started working at a Montessori school in high school and fell in love with the approach. She has worked with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers over the last few years developing a love for education. She slowly worked her way into different management positions ranging from administrative assistant to director. She loves being able to help teachers and parents and being the connection between the two. Last fall she had her first child and has been loving navigating motherhood.

Makyla is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Utah. She is currently working on a TF-CBT certification and has received training on using play as a way to support attachment-based interventions. She is also a certified MANDT instructor and practicum field-instructor for social work students through the University of Utah.

Makyla supports our students through individual work, group/class work, and connecting families to resources. She loves using child-centered play as a way to support children and teach important age-appropriate social/emotional skills. She’s a firm believer in trauma-informed care and loves being an advocate for children.

She has a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Utah with a focus on mental health. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree from Westminster College, holding a major in Psychology (clinical emphasis) and a minor in Sociology. Prior to joining the Elizabeth Academy staff in 2017, Makyla completed her MSW practicum requirements with Canyons School District and The Road Home. She has also gained experience through her volunteer work with The Children’s Center, Crisis Text Line, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Sofia Laguna Rigolon is from Boulder, Colorado, and has been teaching, designing curriculum, and focusing on inclusive education practices for the past 11 years.

Sofia has two Masters degrees- one in Curriculum and Instruction (University of Denver) and the other in Instructional Leadership (Utah State University), and she holds a certificate in Instructional Design from the University of Utah. Sofia studied English with an emphasis in creative writing from the University of Colorado.

Sofia has taught students from Kindergarten to university, and specializes in language acquisition, curriculum development, differentiation, and establishing collaborative teaching and planning models to maximize ALL student learning. Sofia and her husband are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters. As a family, they love being part of the Elizabeth Academy community!

This is Christine’s third year at Elizabeth Academy and this year she is thrilled to be transitioning into the role of the School Counselor at the Secondary Campus. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in School Counseling through Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, and will graduate in May of 2025. Previously, she completed her Bachelor’s degree at Southern Utah University double-majoring in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Family Services. 

Before coming to work at Elizabeth Academy Christine worked with some of our students as a Teacher and Behavioral Specialist at Chiron Academy. During her time there she also acted as the Staff Representative on the Board of Directors. Christine has been working with kids and teens throughout her entire career and has also had roles as a summer camp counselor and a youth mentor at a residential treatment center for teenage girls.

When she isn’t at school Christine enjoys spending her time in the climbing gym, hiking to waterfalls, or taking photos on adventures out in nature.

With three impactful years at Elizabeth Academy Secondary, Holly has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic and social environment of the school. As the Assistant Admin, Holly has demonstrated exceptional organizational skills and leadership, ensuring that the administrative functions run smoothly and efficiently.

In their role as Behavior Coordinator, Holly has successfully implemented strategies to foster a positive and inclusive school culture, addressing behavioral issues with a proactive and supportive approach. This role has allowed Holly to work closely with students, parents, and staff to create a harmonious and conducive learning environment.

As the Student Council Advisor, Holly has mentored and guided students in developing leadership skills, organizing events, and advocating for their peers. This position has provided Holly with the opportunity to inspire and support student initiatives, helping to cultivate a strong sense of community within the school.

Additionally, Holly serves as a CTE Teacher, where she is dedicated to preparing students for future careers through hands-on learning and real-world applications. Holly’s commitment to integrating career readiness into the curriculum has greatly benefited students, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge for their professional journeys.

Through her diverse roles, Holly has made a significant impact on the Elizabeth Academy Secondary community, demonstrating unwavering dedication to student success and school improvement.

Dave has a Plumbing Trades degree from Salt Lake Community College and experience operating and supervising a residential plumbing company called Core Water Solutions. He also worked as a foreman for V&S Plumbing and as an apprentice electrician for Mott Electric.

Prior to joining the Elizabeth Academy/Garfield School staff, Dave worked as a material logistics technician for Caterpillar and as a lead skilled trades technician for Lozar Apartments. He also has experience in the security industry, having managed a twenty man security detail for Andrews International and having worked as a security officer lieutenant for CBI Security.

Teresa has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Utah. She has four years of experience working as a paraeducator for the Granite school district. She will be supporting the infant, toddler, and early childhood classrooms.

She is a mother of four kids and she is also a foster parent. She enjoys hiking and camping with her family. She likes to use her free time to be creative and crafty.