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.
Holly has worked at our upper campus filling many roles. Her most current , this year, is as A reading Interventionist.
Britta is the Art Inclusion and Spanish Specialist here at the Upper Campus! 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!
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.
Mason Thomas has been studying music for 14 years. Most recently, he has received his Bachelor’s in String Performance at Utah State University. During this time, he taught Elementary Orchestra through Mountain West String Academy. He also had the opportunity to play in a myriad of different settings including pit orchestras, symphony orchestras, big bands, and various chamber ensembles.
Outside of academia, Mason maintains a private studio and plays locally as a freelance musician. He had the chance to play with many well known artists including the Warren Brothers, Corey Christiansen, and Danny Gotlieb. Alongside his ensemble work, Mason has developed a solo repertoire for educational and performative use.
Lauren Kurt has a Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Utah and Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Northern Iowa, with an emphasis in American Sign Language. This is her fifth year with Elizabeth Academy. She works with children receiving Early Intervention and Integrated Services, from Toddler through Upper Elementary.
*Private Speech Therapy Available
Shanone received her Master of Science degree in Speech & Language Pathology as well as her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech & Language Pathology and Audiology from Idaho State University. She has over 30 years of experience providing speech and language therapy in all areas of communication to children from preschool to high school in a variety of educational settings.
*Private Speech Therapy Available
Taylor received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Florida in 2018 and her Bachelor of Health Science in Rehabilitation Science from Armstrong State University in 2014. She is a Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist. Taylor has experience in hospital-based outpatient pediatric physical therapy as well as with private and charter school-based pediatric physical therapy. She has worked with individuals from ages birth to 21 years with various neurological, developmental, and orthopedic diagnoses.
Taylor loves gardening, playing volleyball, and spending time with her husband, Tyler, and her cat and dogs. She loves to see students exceed their own expectations.
*Private Physical Therapy Available
