Our Team

Nicole Nielsen is the Head of Middle School at Ivy Hall Academy and teaches 7th Grade Math and American Studies. She earned her degree from Brigham Young University and has been part of the Ivy Hall community for the past 15 years, including more than six years in Middle School. Nicole has received professional certification with Project-Based Learning through the Buck Institute, the Teaching for Understanding framework through Harvard Project Zero, Leader in Me, and earned a Blended Learning and Educational Coaching Credential through Arizona State University. She is passionate about helping students develop confidence, leadership, and a love of learning while creating meaningful educational experiences. Outside of school, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, exploring historical sites, and reading.  

I am honored to continue serving the Ivy Hall family as Head of Lower School. I was recruited to Utah from Arizona by Cynthia Simpson in 2015 and began my Ivy Hall journey teaching third grade and as an Assistant Principal. With 26 years in education, all within private schools, I have had the privilege of teaching and serving in leadership roles in Utah, Arizona, California, and internationally in Thailand.

My educational philosophy is grounded in integrity and excellence. I believe every child should have the opportunity to discover their unique talents, experience daily success, and grow academically and as a leader.

I hold a Master’s in Education with an emphasis in School Leadership from Brigham Young University, an Executive Leadership certificate from Cornell University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Child Psychology from Brigham Young University.

Outside of school, I love spending time with my husband, Mel, our blended family of 8 children, 5 spouses, 5 grand-dogs and 5 grandchildren and friends. We stay active with early morning gym workouts, playing tennis, biking, and traveling.

For over three decades, I have had the privilege of working with children and youth in a variety of educational and mentoring roles. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from BYU and believe every classroom should be a safe, nurturing place where children feel loved, valued, and encouraged to develop confidence in themselves.

Keri Eschrich has over 11 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education and completed coursework in Elementary Education at Utah State University. She believes every child deserves a nurturing, engaging classroom where they feel valued, challenged, and inspired to learn. Her passion is helping students build confidence, develop a love of learning, and reach their fullest potential.

I am excited to be starting my 9th year with Ivy Hall. I have spent 26 years working in and out of the classroom, and my degree in psychology helps me support every child’s growth and learning. Kindergarten is a special place! My favorite part of teaching is learning from my students.

When I am not in the classroom I love spending time with my husband, our four children, their wonderful spouses, and our three beautiful grandchildren.

Providence brought me to Ivy Hall Academy and allowed me the opportunity to realize my

childhood dream of becoming a teacher. This is my 12th year at Ivy Hall, and my 24th year in a

kindergarten classroom. I received my degree from Utah Valley University, and I feel incredibly

grateful that I get to spend my days doing what I have always dreamed of doing.

My husband and I have three wonderful sons and one daughter, and our family has now grown

to include a daughter-in-law and a son-in-law. We live in my favorite place on planet

Earth—Provo, Utah! We love BYU and are proud Cougar fans. I also served a mission in Chile, so

I speak enough Spanish to get along.

I look forward to welcoming your child into my classroom and partnering with you to build a

foundation of learning, confidence, and curiosity that will last a lifetime.

Madi graduated from BYU with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She started out teaching with Provo School District and then switched over to Ivy Hall. This is her third year teaching here. She is excited to continue creating a fun, welcoming, and engaging classroom for her students! She loves Swig, shopping at Target, hot pilates, and most of all spending time with her family and friends.

Originally from Mesa, AZ. I attended BYU for my elementary education degree and received a Masters in Literacy from SUU. Teaching & Learning are my passion. I play the violin & love to attend events at The Ruth or The Hale Center Theater. I am the “favorite” Aunt of 44 nephews & nieces and 18++ great nephews & nieces. (2 due by Halloween). This is my 25th year in teaching & I love being a part of the Ivy Hall Academy family.

Studied Elementary Education with a minor in TESOL K-12 at BYU. She grew up in Portland,

Oregon. She loves camping, snowboarding, going to small concerts, and cooking Thai curry.

Katie has a degree in Elementary Education from Dixie State and has been teaching for the past six years. She believes that all children can move mountains and that every day is a chance to learn something new.

I graduated from UVU in 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Family Science. I taught for 3 years at Edgemont Elementary running their Space Lab specialty, as well as the yearbook, coding, and engineering specialties. This will be my 5th year teaching 3rd grade at Ivy Hall! I love to read, travel, and play with my adorable nieces and nephews.

I’m a mom of two who loves spending time outdoors, staying active, and trying new restaurants. After graduating from BYU in Geography, I began my teaching career in Arizona before continuing my journey in Utah. I have taught in high school and middle school settings, yet elementary has my heart. I will be entering my third year at Ivy Hall.

Third grade is a year full of growth. I encourage my students to be kind, make meaningful connections, work together, and discover that they can do hard things. I look forward to a year filled with wins, laughter, and fun!

Hi! My name is Jessica Eastwood. I studied Elementary Education at Utah Valley University and have been teaching for 14 years, mostly in 4th grade. I love being in the classroom and getting to know each of my students. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, and riding horses!

Addy is from Gilbert, Arizona but she is a military kid so she has lived all over. She attended BYU and received a degree in Human Development before transitioning to education. This is her second year teaching at Ivy Hall and her fourth year working in elementary schools overall. She knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher. In her free time she enjoys reading, traveling, watching movies, doing her nails and working out.

Ali is from Cedar City, Utah where she received her degree from Southern Utah University in

family services and social work before transitioning to education. This is her second year at Ivy Hall and her fourth year working with elementary students. She enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and playing music. She and her husband have been married for three years and are expecting their first baby this fall.

Hello! My name is Meg Murphy and I am entering into my second year of teaching 5th Grade at

Ivy Hall Academy. I graduated from Saint Martin's University with a degree in Elementary Education. Before coming to Ivy Hall, I had taught 3rd Grade at McLane Elementary School in Olympia, WA. Outside of school, I love to read, hike, and cheer on Ohio State football with my super sweet dog, Cub!

DeAnn Sanders is beginning her third year at Ivy Hall Academy and brings a wealth of experience, having taught in Nebo School District for 21 years before joining Ivy Hall. During that time, she completed extensive professional development in Language Arts instruction, including earning a two-year LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) certification. She is passionate about reading and enjoys sharing that love with her students while helping them grow as confident readers, writers, and communicators.  

6th Grade Math & History

Olivia Luthi is entering her first year at Ivy Hall Academy and comes to us with high recommendations for her passion, dedication, and ability to connect with students. Originally from California, she moved to Utah to study Psychology at Brigham Young University. Olivia began her career in education in Heber, where she worked closely with intervention teams to support English Language Learners in math and reading, and it was there that she discovered her love of teaching. She has a particular passion for mathematics and enjoys helping students build confidence as they develop their problem-solving skills. A fun fact about Olivia is that she grew up with four sisters and no brothers!

Brian Choi was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and moved to Utah in 2013 after serving a mission in Seoul, South Korea, to continue his education at Brigham Young University. He joined Ivy Hall Academy in February 2026 and now serves as the Middle School Math Specialist and Entrepreneurship teacher. Brian is passionate about helping students build confidence in mathematics by meeting them where they are and believes math teaches critical thinking, problem-solving, and perseverance. He enjoys creating engaging learning experiences that help every student grow in both skill and confidence.

Sebree Barney is excited to join Ivy Hall Academy as the 7th Grade English Language Arts teacher. She recently earned her Bachelor of Science in English with a Teaching Emphasis from Utah State University and completed her student teaching in both middle and high school English classrooms. Sebree is passionate about creating a safe, engaging learning environment where every student feels supported and challenged to grow. Her experience working with diverse learners has strengthened her ability to build meaningful relationships and meet the individual needs of her students.

Jensen Caldwell has a degree in Psychology with a minor in Biology. He loves helping students see how science connects to their daily lives. In his class, students will learn how to use science to ask big questions, solve problems, and understand the world around them through fun, hands-on learning. Outside the classroom, Jensen enjoys 3D printing, hiking, and spending time with his family as a new dad. He is looking forward to a great school year full of learning and discovery!

Miranda Koutz is entering her second year as the student success specialist in the middle school. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in educational psychology. Miranda believes all middle school students deserve an advocate who understands and loves them- she hopes to be that person for all her students at Ivy hall. In spare time she loves to play mahjong with her friends and spend time with her cat Max

Ellie Andra is returning for her third year at Ivy Hall Academy as a Teacher’s Assistant and Student Success Aide. She works closely with students in small groups and one-on-one, provides additional support through the Student Success program, assists with classroom organization and grading, and is a friendly, familiar face during recess and lunch. With a background in teaching and several years of experience working with children, Ms. Andra brings energy, compassion, and a genuine love for helping students learn, grow, and thrive.

Sherene Funk serves as Ivy Hall Academy’s Office Manager and loves getting to know the students and families who make up the school community. She believes every student has unique strengths to offer and enjoys helping them recognize their potential. An avid reader, Sherene hopes to inspire a love of reading in the students she meets. She recently spent the summer working for America’s Freedom Festival, which renewed her appreciation for our nation’s history. Sherene is known for her great sense of humor and love of laughter, and she jokes that after 31 years of marriage, her husband is her only child—and she’s done a pretty good job raising him! One day, she hopes to retire to a cozy tiny house with a library, a dog, and an enchanted forest just outside her door.

After earning my Bachelor’s degree in History from Utah Valley University, I completed my Master’s degree in Secondary Social Studies Education. I absolutely love working with students and helping them discover the genuine joy that comes from truly understanding the past. My goal in U.S. History and Government is to make history come alive, inspiring students to find their own voices as active community members and responsible citizens. By exploring everything from civic duty to the beauty of art history, I love guiding students to see how the past connects to their lives, empowering them to make thoughtful decisions for our present and future.

I’ve always been passionate about learning and have had a thirst for knowledge. I love helping students foster that within themselves and to help them think critically and rigorously. It’s important we help them develop this as AI grows.

Nellie Boyer holds a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Utah, a State of Utah Teaching License, and an M.Ed. from Utah State University. She has been teaching for 20+ years in various settings. Because of her husband’s job in the U.S Air Force, Nellie and her family were able to travel, see, and experience many regions and cultures around the world. She believes in being open-minded, inclusive, and learning from everyone. You will rarely find Nellie without a book close by. She believes that books can be windows, mirrors, or sliding glass doors and that education can enlarge our worldview to help us become better people.

Christie Allen brings many years’ experience as a university writing instructor and professional writer to Ivy Hall Academy, where she teaches AP Seminar and AP Research. Mrs. Allen earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Brigham Young University and holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She loves sharing amazing literature with students, encouraging them to explore their passions, and helping them blossom into confident writers!

Mrs. Allen lives with her husband and five children in Springville. When she’s not reading or hanging out with her family, she enjoys doing 90s step aerobics, cross-stitching, and going on long, solitary walks (like a true Jane Austen heroine).

 I have an undergraduate degree in neuroscience and a graduate degree in health systems administration. My work experience is primarily in healthcare quality improvement and compliance. I am inspired to train a future generation of healthcare professionals who will make a mark on the world through scientific inquiry and empathetic leadership. I look forward to accompanying each of my students on their rigorous academic journey through Ivy Hall’s STEM offerings.

Jake Searcy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from BYU. He discovered his love of teaching as a TA at BYU, and has been enjoying his time at Ivy Hall Academy. His favorite things about teaching are helping students discover a love of science and seeing them grow and progress throughout the year. He is looking forward to another great year at Ivy Hall!

Ms. Cook earned her bachelor’s degree in Math Education Composite with an emphasis in secondary education from BYU–Idaho. She is passionate about helping students build confidence in mathematics by developing strong problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Ms. Cook is committed to creating a supportive learning environment where all students can succeed while continually refining her teaching practices.

Lori-ann Campbell earned a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance with an emphasis in Choral Conducting from Colorado Mesa University and brings more than ten years of experience teaching private voice lessons and music directing theatrical productions. She is excited to be part of the Ivy Hall Academy community and to share her love of music.

Miss Courtney Hart is a professional artist and educator who graduated with honors from BYU in Art History before continuing her classical art training at the Beaux-Arts Academy. She has taught art to students from preschool through high school, exhibited her work nationally and internationally, and created large-scale public artwork, including murals at the Provo Municipal Airport. Outside of the classroom and studio, she loves traveling, any activity involving water,

and spending time with friends and family.

I love nature, being active and coaching PE at Ivy Hall Academy! I have a Masters degree in Community Health from BYU and have taught and coached all ages. I believe physical fitness is an important part of succeeding in all areas of life and brings opportunities for joy and progress!

I believe every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. I strive to create an environment where kindness comes first and where curiosity and creativity help students build confidence in themselves and their abilities.

When I’m not teaching, you can usually find me embracing my role as the self-proclaimed favorite aunt, introverting with my cat, or chasing sunsets with my camera. I love books, video games, bad puns, and finding beauty in the little things. Fun fact: my favorite dinosaur is the Pterodactyl.

Gina Carson is a passionate Chinese teacher with a degree from Guangxi Normal University and an International Chinese Language Teacher Certificate. She loves making Chinese language and culture fun and meaningful through Pinyin, reading, hands-on activities and cultural experiences. Her goal is to help every student feel confident, curious, and excited to learn

Chinese.

I have a background in psychology and am passionate about mental health, bringing people together, and creating spaces where kids feel confident, supported, and free to be themselves.

Outside of school, I enjoy golfing, reading, listening to music, and spending time with my friends and family!

From an early age, I have loved working with children and helping them learn. My teaching journey began shortly after high school when I attended Ricks College, where I took preschool education courses and had the opportunity to run a preschool lab. After taking a short break to start a family, I returned to school and earned my degree in Elementary Education from the University of Utah. I began my elementary teaching career in Granite School District, where I worked as a reading teacher with students in grades 1–6. I then spent 15 years teaching in Alpine School District, where I had the opportunity to work with students across elementary grades and develop a deep passion for literacy and helping children become confident, capable readers and writers.

Throughout my career, I have enjoyed opportunities to grow as an educator and collaborate with other teachers. I served on district teams developing ELA and math assessments. I participated in the Central Utah Writing Project, an experience that strengthened my own writing instruction and inspired me to help elementary students discover the joy and power of expressing themselves through words. I also completed the BYU Reading Endorsement

Program, which expanded my knowledge of research-based reading instruction and strengthened my ability to support students in developing strong foundational reading skills and a lifelong love of reading.

My passion for education continued beyond the classroom. I earned a Master of Education from Western Governors University in Educational Technology and Instructional Design. I also had the opportunity to work on the Education Team at Thanksgiving Point, where I helped create science curriculum for Utah educators and conducted professional learning workshops.

Today, I especially enjoy creating meaningful, engaging learning experiences for students of all ages. I love finding ways to make reading, writing, and learning exciting and accessible for every child. I believe children learn best when they feel supported, capable, and curious—and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of their learning journey.

Outside of school, I love reading, writing, hiking, kayaking, walking along the beach, and collecting seashells. Most of all, I love spending time with my seven grandchildren, who bring me endless joy and remind me every day of the wonder and curiosity that make childhood so special.

As the Leader In Me Coordinator at Ivy Hall Academy, I have the privilege of supporting our school wide leadership journey. My role is to help bring the Leader In Me framework to life throughout our community by supporting students, teachers, and staff as we develop leadership skills, strengthen relationships, and create a culture where every student has the opportunity to lead. I am excited to work alongside our Ivy Hall community as we empower every student and staff member to embrace leadership as a way of thinking, learning, and living.

This is my sixth year at Ivy Hall Academy, where I serve as both a Kindergarten Class Assistant and the Lunchroom Supervisor. It has been a privilege to be part of such a dedicated team of educators who strive to help each student reach their full potential. I hold a bachelor’s degree in International Business from PUC-Campinas in São Paulo, Brazil. I also studied English and Grammar at Georgetown University in Washington DC, for one year before earning a Certificate in Business Management from SEDA College in Dublin, Ireland, where I lived for two years.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, and dancing. I also love learning about different cultures and languages.

I’m Miss Stefani, originally from Peru, and after moving to the United States five years ago, I transitioned from a career in nursing to a passion for education and supporting children’s growth. I am currently an Instructional Assistant at Ivy Hall, where I value the school’s eight leadership habits and their impact on developing confident, responsible students. I am also currently completing my RBT certification at UVU, and my teaching philosophy is: “Every child can learn, grow, and lead. I’m here to help them believe themselves”