Gail Williamsen, along with her husband Thom, founded Elizabeth Academy in 2008. Gail was born and raised in Salt Lake City and attended public schools, graduating from Highland High School. She began her undergraduate studies at the University of Utah while designing women’s apparel and producing the catalogs for LeVoy’s Lingerie. Interrupting school and career, she paused to focus on what she considers to be the most important of her life’s work–the rearing of her seven children. Gail returned to the University of Utah in 2004, continuing her formal education and earning her BA in English.

She completed her Master of Education degree and American Montessori Society (AMS) Administrative credential through the Institute for Montessori Innovation at Westminster College. Gail has a passion for lifelong learning and particularly enjoys great art, music, and literature.

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!

Fernanda has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Utah in Gender Studies, History, and Portuguese, and an Infant and Toddler Montessori Certification from the Institute of Guided Studies. She’s been working with Infants and Toddlers in a Montessori school since 2012, and is about to begin her second year at Elizabeth Academy.

Prior to working with Infants and Toddlers, Fernanda spent time working with children with special needs, and in a restaurant for several years. In her spare time, Fernanda loves spending time with her kiddo (Silas), dancing, swimming, and working with plants. She is passionate about Infant and Toddler education and working with families as their tiny humans learn to grow and learn.

Gloria was born and raised in Salt lake City. She is the only girl among four brothers. She has been working with children for four years helping as a volunteer in an after-school program. Gloria also has experience as a pre-school teaching assistant. She is excited to implement Montessori practices and see the positive differences it offers from traditional education. She enjoys seeing children grasp concepts daily to accomplish big results.

During her free time, Gloria enjoys discovering new places and spending time outdoors. She especially loves camping and hiking. Gloria also loves shopping and can often be found in the mall looking for new shoes.

Christina was born and raised in Salt Lake City. She brings four years of experience working with children – as a volunteer helping students learn to read and write and as an After School group leader. She enjoys her role in Early Childhood Education, and is excited to be a part of a Montessori program. She loves building relationships with her students.

During her free time she enjoys dancing, reading, and watching movies. She also loves to travel with her boyfriend to new places.

Originally from Arizona, Samantha is the oldest of seven kids giving her plenty of experience with the various age ranges. Before working at Elizabeth Academy, she was a nanny for seven years for a little girl with Down Syndrome and other medical issues. During that time she had a lot of exposure to different therapists and picked up several strategies in helping with development from ages 1-8, along with learning a substantial amount of ASL.

In her free time, she’s with her husband, mostly relaxing at home. She also really enjoys reading and writing, currently, I have a novel series that I have been working on over the last couple of years.

Kami Rivera has her MATCE for ages 0-3 from PMI (Prepared Montessorian Institute). She has a passion for the Montessori Method, her love for Montessori started in 2021 when she started working in a Montessori school in Ogden. Kami has worked with children most of her life, from babysitting when she was 12 to nannying and working in various daycares.  She loves that Montessori focuses on each individual child learning. 

In her free time, Kami enjoys working out, traveling, dancing and spending time with her family.

My name is Zaida Virginia Romero Chona, and I am originally from Venezuela. I was born, raised, educated, and worked there. I earned my degrees in Integral Education from the Libertador Experimental Pedagogical University, receiving the titles of Teacher: Education Specialty (2005) and Professor: Integral Education Specialty (2006). Subsequently, I pursued postgraduate studies and obtained the title of Specialist in Didactic Processes for the Basic Level (2009). Additionally, I received a certification from the Audubon Conservation Society of Venezuela (SCAV).

With over 15 years of experience working with children in Venezuela, I relocated to this beautiful country 10 years ago due to political circumstances. I am now honored to be part of Elizabeth Academy, which has afforded me the opportunity to continue practicing my profession.