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!
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.
Paige holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Child Development from Waynesburg University in Pennsylvania, as well as certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant from Brightwood Career Institute. With over 12 years of experience in the field, she has worked in various educational settings, including as a developmental therapist for TEIS in Pittsburgh, PA.
Her teaching experience encompasses infant, toddler, preschool, and pre-K classrooms, allowing her to gain a deep understanding of early childhood development. Most recently, Paige served as the Director of a childcare center in Park City for two years, where she focused on creating a nurturing environment for young learners and supporting their growth.
Paige is passionate about collaborating with families and educators to ensure each child receives the support they need to thrive. She looks forward to contributing to the school community and making a positive impact on the lives of the students!
Paige enjoys spending her time with friends and family. She also enjoys traveling, going to concerts and her favorite place to visit is the beach.
Britta is the Art Inclusion at the Secondary School! She has four years of teaching experience, being a certified TESOL instructor and fluent Spanish speaker. Britta has two little toddlers, ages 3 and 4 years old. She enjoys dancing, spending time with her family, and creating/appreciating art in her free time. Britta started teaching at the Upper Campus in October 2022 and looks forward to more years to come!
Sam is looking forward to getting to know everyone throughout this year. If students and co-teachers could know just one thing about Sam, it would be that she is a HUGE advocate for mental health and taking care of ourselves, as well as each other. Sam studied Psychology with an emphasis on Positive Psychology at the University of Utah. She has worked in various settings with teens and individuals with intellectual disabilities, including after-school programs, supported living, and has volunteered with the University of Utah Special Olympics team for over five years.
Sam loves being outside as much as possible, taking her dog on walks, hiking, and snowboarding. She enjoys learning new hobbies and improving her skills. Currently, she is engaged in learning yoga, rock climbing, and pickleball, but she loves being active in many ways. Sam sees herself as a never-ending learner and plans to continue her education in the psychology field. She is a fierce advocate for those who are perceived as “different,” based on personal experience. Her goal is for everyone she interacts with to feel uplifted and to understand their importance.
Shana has been working in a Montessori environment since 2015 in a variety of different roles. She has been a parent reading volunteer, lower elementary co-teacher and kindergarten lead teacher. Shana is a certified Early Steps Reading Instructor through the University of Utah and teaches as an Instructor at the University of Utah Reading Clinic after school. Shana loves working with children and finds great joy in helping each child realize their full potential. Shana is completing her Lower Elementary Montessori credential through the North American Montessori Center (NAMC).
In her spare time Shana enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two children, Ayla and Kai. She loves making crafts, playing the piano and fixing things. Shana is always involved in learning new skills and is excited to be a part of Elizabeth Academy.
Chassie holds a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and K-6 licensure from Westminster College in Salt Lake City. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with a Fine Arts Teaching minor in Visual Art, also from Westminster College. Chassie completed undergraduate coursework in ballet from the University of Utah and participated in the Ballet West Conservatory Summer Intensive. She has taught ballet and creative dance to students of varying ages and has trained in many dance forms.
Chassie has experience in arts integration and is finalizing the completion of an Elementary Arts Integration Endorsement through the Utah State Office of Education.
In her spare time, Chassie loves spending time with her husband and three children, running, doing yoga, making art, and learning to play the guitar.
