McGillis School

Melanie Battistone, School Psychologist, Middle School Director, 7th Grade Advisor

I believe we can make a profound difference in a child's life when we partner with parents to provide a solid academic, social, and ethical foundation. This foundation prepares our students to serve in a world that is increasingly in need of those who are motivated, not by personal interests or by popular opinion, but by an awareness of the responsibility each of us has to repair the world and to care for others.

Number of years as a professional educator: 7 (7 years at McGillis)

Education:
B.S. Psychology, Western Carolina University
M.S. Educational Psychology (Counseling), University of Utah
Ph.D. Educational Psychology (School Psychology), University of Utah

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Cazzie Brown, Lower & Middle School Physical Education Teacher

8 Years Teaching Experience (1 year at McGillis)

Education:
B.A., Education, Idaho State University.
Cazzie has taught and coached for seven years in Catholic schools and is a former pro-football player.

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Logan Campbell, 7th & 8th Grade Spanish Teacher, 7th Grade Advisor, Outdoor Education Teacher

Logan believes the words education and life are synonymous. He spends his life in academia because of a sincere dedication to Limud L'shma: learning for the sake of learning. What better place than middle school to do something just for the sake of it?

5 Years Teaching Experience  (5 years at McGillis)

Education:
B.A., Spanish, University of Utah (2007)
Wilderness First Responder Course (2011)

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Jesse Canales, Middle School Visual Arts Teacher

First Year Teaching Experience (first year at McGillis)

Education:
B.A., Clinical Chemistry

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Paul Chung, 7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher, 7th Grade Math Teacher, 8th Grade Advisor

The goal of education is to create citizens of the world. International lines are blurring and individual power is growing. The marketplace was the driver of educational principles the last 100 years; however, social justice and equality for humankind will prioritize educational structure in the 21st century. This shift is made out of necessity. Paul is honored to be a member of a community that believes that education is the key to global leadership.

1 Year Teaching Experience  (This is Paul's sophomore year as a teacher, though he has been involved in the training, development and management of successful teams for 18 years.)

Education:
B.F.A., Graphic Design, Miami University (1992)
M.A.T., Westminster College (exp completion 2012)

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Jennifer Farrell, Middle School Spanish Teacher, 6th Grade Advisor, Outdoor Education Teacher

In teaching Spanish, it is Jen's goal that students become excited about the diverse cultures in our world. It is her greatest hope that students will feel her own enthusiasm for learning a language and be inspired to explore the world we live in. She believes learning a second language can humble us, as well as teach our brain to be more creative.

10 Years Teaching Experience (1 year at McGillis)

Has taught outdoor education, 2nd grade, middle school art, 7th grade biology, 3rd & 4th grade, K-12 Spanish; both nationally and internationally.

Education:
B. A., Sociology California State University of Long Beach
1 year of a Masters of Education K-8 from University of Phoenix
200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Wilderness First Responder (2004 & 2011) with Solo and Wilderness Medicine Institute CPR (2011) American Red Cross and Wilderness Medicine Institute

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Sharol Gauthier, 7th & 8th Grade English Teacher, 8th Grade Advisor, Speech/DebateTeacher

Sharol thinks a teacher's main responsibility is to give students the tools not only to question the world around them but also to shape it as well. We can do this by energizing students' imaginations with literature, giving them a way to both explore the world and make sense of it in their own way.

6 Years Teaching Experience (first year at McGillis)
Before moving to Utah, Sharol worked as a counselor in an academic support program for low-income college students at the University of South Carolina. She also taught English at a private high school in the Washington, DC area and worked as a writer for an educational non-profit organization.

Education:
B.A., Sociology, The Kings College
M.A., English, University of Sussex, Brighton, England

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Josh Goldberg, Lower School Ethics & Cultures Teacher, Middle School Hebrew Teacher, Middle School Foundations Teacher, 6th Grade Advisor

Josh believes that it is the duty of every person to make the world a better place. Through his teaching, he is able to create connections with students, teachers, and school community members, which make that belief a reality. The work he does every day is to make learning meaningful by being the teacher and the learner. Teaching is his passion.

5 Years Teaching Experience (2 years at McGillis)

Education:
B.A., History and German, University of Utah
Ulpan Hebrew Union College, Jerusalem, Israel
Ulpan (Hebrew Language School), Beersheva, Israel
M.Ed. Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah (2011)

Click here for Mr. Goldberg's professional portfolio

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Jocelyn Gukeisen, 7th & 8th Grade Math Teacher, Assistant Middle School Director, 8th Grade Advisor, Director of Studies

Watching children grow, develop, and create in ways they never thought possible is extremely rewarding to Jocelyn. She believes in fostering a foundation filled with challenge, independent growth, and purpose.

Jocelyn also enjoys developing and implementing new math curricula and is an active participant on the question development team of ACT. Jocelyn has been teaching at Independent Schools for 11 years, ranging from grades 5-8, and has taught math, physical education, as well as coached a number of basketball teams at a variety of levels. In her free time she enjoys trail running, hiking, golfing, reading, and spending time with her son.

11 Years Teaching Experience (4 years at McGillis)

Education:
B.S., Mathematics, University of Utah
M.Ed., Teaching and Learning-Mathematics Research Emphasis, University of Utah
Utah Secondary Education Teaching Credential

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Karen Lynne, 6th Grade English & History Teacher, 6th Grade Advisor, Performing Arts Teacher

Karen believes the role of an education system is to help support a child to develop good character, independence, and a strong sense of self in order to help him or her become a better world citizen. Her passions include: teaching, singing, attending classical musical events, traveling, and spending time with her cats, friends, and family.

10 Years Teaching Experience (10 years at McGillis)

Education:
A. A., Idaho State University
B.S. Arts Management, Northern Arizona University
B.M. Vocal Performance, Northern Arizona University
M.M. Vocal Performance, Northern Arizona University
Post Masters training in vocal pedagogy from CU Boulder, Colorado
Certification, Elementary Education, Westminster College

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Emily Mallory, 7th & 8th Grade History Teacher

Emily's goal is to empower students to recognize, develop, and value their intellectual curiosity and their ability to move through academic challenges with confidence. When students realize the knowledge and skills they learn in the classroom apply to the real world and how to use them to positively impact our world, they have truly learned.

5 Years Teaching Experience (first year at McGillis)

Education:
B.A. International Affairs and Anthropology, University of Colorado, Boulder (1993)
M.A. Social Studies and Global Education, The Ohio State University (2004)

Emily has taught inside and outside of the traditional classroom. At two independent schools: 5th, 6th grades Spanish and English, 7th grade Social Studies and Social Studies Department Chair, 9th grade English and 12th Global Studies. Outside of the traditional classroom she traveled overland with high school students and other teachers through Southern Africa, Mexico, and Central America teaching history and government, mathematical applications, global studies, and Spanish.

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Deborah McDermott, Lower & Middle School Visual Arts Teacher

As an art specialist at the McGillis School, Deborah hopes to model creativity, dedication, and persistence for her students. Her goal is to provide authentic art-making experiences and compelling information that helps young people appreciate and enjoy art and what artists do, while they go through the process of making it themselves.

16 Years Teaching Experienc (16 at McGillis/JCC Elementary School)

Education:
B.F.A., University of Utah (1975)
M.F.A., Queens College (1985)

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Michael Miller-Imperiale, Middle School Outdoor Education Intern

First Year Teaching

Education:
Student in the Parks Recreation and Tourism Department studying Adventure and Outdoor Programs, University of Utah

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Joanie Packard, Middle School Performing Arts Teacher

8 Years Teaching Experience

Education:
B.A., English Literature, University of California, San Diego
Teaching Certificate in Secondary English, Prescott College

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Jayde Prudden, 7th Grade History Teacher, Outdoor Education Teacher

Jayde is a competitive and traveling Ultimate Frisbee Athlete. She skis every week there is snow on the ground, and travels widely to participate in community service.

11 Years Teaching Experience

Education:
B.A., English, University of Utah
Teacher Certification, Westminster College

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Jennifer Roddick, AfterSchool Director, 7th Grade Advisor, Outdoor Education Coordinator

Jen believes the goal of education is to help students become effective citizens in our society through real world learning experiences. She values adventures in the outdoors and teaching students to interact with their natural environments. She enjoys biking, skiing, hiking with her dog, practicing yoga, and traveling internationally.

7 Years Teaching Experiene (1 year at McGillis)

Education:
B.A., Psychology, University of Berkeley, California (2000)
M.S., Experiential Education, University of Utah (2006)
State of Utah Teaching Certification, Level II (2009), Level I (2006)
Wilderness First Responder (2011)

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Dianne Sanchez, Lower & Middle School Visual Arts Teacher

Dianne believes in creating an art environment that supports risk-taking and a sharing of ideas. She encourages mutual learning where both teacher and students learn through one another. Her ultimate dream at The McGillis School is to successfully teach a comprehensive and balanced art program that not only draws social and personal connections for each child, but also produces artwork that authentically reflects their identity and role as a valuable part of their community.

3 Years Teaching Experience (first year at McGillis)

Education:
B.F.A., Art Teaching-Photography Specialization, University of Utah (2010)
Ed.M., Arts in Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education (2011)

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Teresa Totorica, Athletics Director, Physical Education Teacher, Middle School Foundations Teacher

 In her free time, she enjoys skiing, reading, biking and remodeling homes. She also enjoys the time she spends with her two sons.

15 Years Teaching Experience

Education:
B.S., Political Science, University of Utah

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John Walker, Lower & Middle School Music Teacher

John believes that music provides a creative opportunity for children from diverse backgrounds and beliefs to discover that differences are essential to making great music.

1 Year Teaching Experience (1 year at McGillis)

Education:
B.A., Choral Conducting, University of Utah
Director of Young Choral Artists East/Salt Lake Choral Artists

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Sallie Warmath, Assistant Head of School,

Admissions & Communications, 8th Grade History Teacher, 8th Grade Advisor

Sallie believes the values based education at McGillis is about creating and nurturing a community of children and adults. The purpose of school is to not only prepare students for academic pursuits, but also to teach the value of perseverance, how to resolve conflicts, learning from experiences, and growing to be the best human being one can be.

Number of Years as an Independent School Educator: 26 (6 years at McGillis)
Has taught 5th grade, 6th Grade Humanities, Art, Theater, 8th Grade US History School Administration for 6 years

Education:
B.A., Art History, University of Utah (1980)
B.A., Elementary Education, University of Utah (1985)
M.Ed., Education, Culture, and Society, University of Utah (2005)

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Tyler Waterhouse, 6th Grade Math & Science Teacher, 8th Grade Geometry Teacher, 6th Grade Advisor

Tyler believes that in order to be a good citizen, one must understand the world around them, have an interest in learning what is currently puzzling, and be curious to experience that which is unfamiliar. As a teacher, he is excited by the opportunity to assist and accompany his students along this personal journey of discovery.

3 Years Teaching Experience (first year at McGillis)

Education:
B.A., Economics, Finance & German, Princeton University M.Ed., Westminster College

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