Alturas Preparatory Academy

Case Jolley serves as the Physical Education teacher at Alturas Preparatory Academy. They bring 12 years of experience in strength and conditioning. Before joining Alturas, they worked as an Academic Counselor at Firth High School. Their professional interests include training and developing students so they can live long healthy lives. They are passionate about helping students learn and create healthy interests and habits. Jolley holds a Bachelor’s Degree from BYU-Idaho. Outside of work, they enjoy sports, exercising, good food, and relaxing.

Cicily Seamons serves as a PE, Health, Strength Training and High School PBL teacher. This is Mrs. Seamons’ 3rd year teaching at APA. Before joining Alturas, she taught online English to Chinese students, taught fitness classes and raised two babies. Mrs. Seamons loves anything health related. She currently teaches spinning at Club Apple. Mrs. Seamons holds her degree in Secondary Education from Idaho State University with certifications to teach Health, PE, and English. Outside of work, Mrs. Seamons spends all her time with her husband, two girls, and dog. Together, they like to play sports, mountain bike, ski, go camping and watch movies. Mrs. Seamons couldn’t imagine doing any other job that doesn’t allow her to share her passion for health and sports.

Cora Andrus is at Alturas Prep for her second year of teaching. The last school year was one of the most wonderful years of her life and she is so excited to be back. She believes wholeheartedly in Alturas’ model of teaching and she loves the students at this school. She also loves to read, to act, to watch musicals, and to be with her family. Mrs. Andrus has been married to her husband, whom she met in college, for 4 years. They just welcomed a baby girl into their small family.

Mrs. Andrus is from Connecticut and came to Idaho in order to get a degree in Social Studies Education from BYU:I, which she completed in December 2022. She has a passion for law and government and loves to use these topics in her classroom as a lens through which to see ourselves and our history. Mrs. Andrus also went on a mission to Brazil for her church, where she learned Portuguese and served the people there. All these experiences impact her teaching and her perspective on historical topics.

Brenna Davis serves as the ELA teacher at Alturas Prep. She brings 10 years of experience in English Education. Before joining Alturas, she worked in Texas and Utah as an ELA teacher, debate coach, and mythology teacher. Her professional interests include literature, writing, mythology, and communication skills. She is passionate about education, exploration of new ideas, and connecting modern issues to history, stories and myths. Davis holds a bachelors of English degree from Utah Valley University, and a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University. Outside of work she enjoys hiking, spending time with her family, baking, basketball and softball, and of course, reading.

Mrs. Opperman is 11/12, DP, and 101 English Teacher at APA. She brings 14 years of experience in education. Before joining Alturas, she worked as a school administrator in Arizona for three years and a classroom teacher for 10 years. Her professional interests include literary analysis and gifted education and is passionate about educational equity. Mrs. Opperman holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education, a Masters in English Literature, a Masters in Educational Leadership, and is completing her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Innovation. Outside of work, she loves to read, play hockey, and spend time with her family.

Sarah Droegemueller is a teacher, writer, wife, mother of four, and church member. She has taught at Rigby Middle School for the past five years, and prior to that worked at Taylor’s Crossing Charter School. She also homeschooled her children for many years. She has written for newsletters, newspapers, and magazines, and dreams of publishing a novel someday.

Sarah, or Mrs. D. as her students call her, grew up in Utah on a dairy farm. She graduated from BYU with a BA in English. She moved to Idaho after college and later pursued a Master’s degree at ISU until deciding to become a teacher instead. She also teaches math at CEI in their college and career readiness department.

Mrs. D loves reading, writing, good literature, and poetry. She also loves hiking, board games, cooking, and spending time with her family, who all love comics, movies, video games, Star Wars, and other “”nerd”” pop culture. But she much prefers Jane Austen books and movies.

Mrs. D is excited to come to Alturas and looks forward to developing a love of reading and discussing literature with her students.

Aaron Schwarzenbart serves as the High School Mathematics, Physics Teacher, Cross-country and Track Coach at Alturas Preparatory Academy. They bring 19 years of experience in teaching. Before joining Alturas, they worked in teaching in Mercer Island, WA. Their professional interests include Differential Equations and Mechanics. They are passionate about bringing out the best in all students. Schwarzenbart holds Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education, and Computer Science from Winona State University and Master’s in Physics Education from Western Governors University. Outside of work, they enjoy running, skiing, and rock climbing.

Daniel Klein grew up in Canastota, NY where he enjoyed wrestling, swimming and football. He studied mathematics and education at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA and started his teaching career in Waianae, HI in 1996. After spending four years in Hawaii and one year in Las Vegas, he has spent the last 21 years in Alaska. He is looking forward to moving to the Idaho Falls area with his wife Eunsuk and children Aimee, Abby, Amber, and Alyssa. He is also very excited to be a first time grandfather from his oldest daughter Ann-Marie.

Mr. Klein is excited about starting the next chapter in his life. He wants to instill the confidence for all students to achieve in critical thinking skills and mathematical knowledge necessary to succeed in today’s society.

He is also looking forward to collaborating with other teachers to help students see the connection between mathematics and real world applications. He has experience teaching all levels of high school mathematics including Pre Calculus, Trigonometry, and AP Calculus, and he is looking forward to being a part of the International Baccalaureate program.

Mr. Klein loves spending time with his family doing various activities such as hiking, gardening, and watching professional football. He cannot wait to get to know his future students and start their pass towards a bright future!

Emily Hathaway, though from Billings, Montana, has always considered Eastern Idaho as a second home, having spent most holidays here. She has always had a love of mathematics and helping others, so after graduating high school, she went to Brigham Young University – Idaho to get a degree in Math Education.

Mrs. Hathaway has been greatly influenced by the educators in her life, by what they taught regarding academics and regarding life, and she desires to bring a similar influence into her classroom. She loves and strives to see her students grow in their understanding and to help them find their passion, in whatever direction that might be.

Mrs. Hathaway is excited to bring her love of mathematics and of education in her MYP Mathematics classroom.

Kailena Ransom loves to travel and learn foreign languages. She speaks English and German fluently and is learning Spanish in her spare time. She has lived in three countries: The United States, Germany, and Austria, and has traveled in total to nine countries outside of the United States. She also loves to adventure and try new things. She has gone repelling, rock climbing, white water rafting, and zip lining.

Mrs. Ransom was born in Virginia, but has lived in Idaho since she was 12, which was when she started teaching herself German. She has been married to her husband Chris for almost 5 years. They are a blended family with two daughters; an 11-year-old, and a sassy two-year-old.

Mrs. Ransom found her love of science while studying paramedicine at Brigham Young University – Idaho. While there she became an EMT. After completing her EMT certification she lived abroad for a while and completed a Bachelor’s degree in German Studies through Idaho State University. She went on to teach German for four years during which she completed a Master’s degree in Earth and Space Science through Western Governors University.

She is really excited to join the Alturas team and to dive into science education. She believes education should be a fun, hands on experience, where students can explore new concepts and develop critical thinking skills. She loves making connections with students and watching them grow as they work towards understanding the world around them.

Madilyn Hatch was born and raised in Layton, Utah. She graduated from Layton High School and then continued her education at Utah State University, where she studied Physics and met her loving husband. She had the opportunity to work at Northrop Grumman as a Structural Design Engineer, where she stayed for a year. She also spent her nights working on research with the USU LIDAR team. After working in this field, she decided it wasn’t the right fit for her and chose to pursue education, starting with teaching Piano.

This decision led her to Idaho, where she began teaching at Alturas Preparatory Academy. She loves sharing her knowledge and fascination with the world with her students and enjoys finding ways to connect science and mathematics to everyday life.

Some of her favorite things in life are her husband, her two crazy dogs (Mac and Cassie), astronomy, sewing, painting, playing the piano, and running.

Carolina C. Carr was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico. She is married, a proud mother of three sons, grandmother to three loving grandsons, and the devoted human to a 75-pound dog named Amigo. She has a passion for teaching Spanish language and culture, inspiring her students to connect with the richness of the Spanish-speaking world. Carolina earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Alaska and a Master’s degree in Teaching a Language from the University of Southern Mississippi. In Alaska, she taught Spanish in a variety of settings, including the International Baccalaureate Program, Spanish Immersion, Heritage Speakers, and courses from Spanish I through AP Language and Culture. She finds great joy in watching her students develop their language skills, and seeing them communicate confidently in Spanish is what fuels her dedication to teaching. Outside the classroom, Carolina enjoys playing pickleball daily and taking long walks with Amigo. She loves reading Isabel Allende’s novels and historical fiction, as well as practicing crocheting and embroidery. An avid traveler, she seizes every opportunity to explore new places and learn about their cultures.

Jordan Tolman is one of the Individuals and Societies instructors for Alturas Prep. He has a deep love for history, and learning from individuals and their choices.

Mr. Tolman has been in the health insurance world for 20 years, but had a degree in History from Weber State University. In 2014, he started teaching health insurance to healthcare administrators at BYU-Idaho, and still does. He realized that he loved teaching, and wanted to combine his love of history and teaching with his degree and started teaching in Springville, Utah. He later moved to Idaho to be close to family, and was graciously received by Alturas Prep as part of the faculty.

Mr. Tolman is a father of 5 children (4 daughters and 1 son who is the youngest). Some of his greatest joys are watching his children in their extracurricular activities. He started one of Utah’s first Ultimate Frisbee Clubs when he attended High School in 1997.

When he is not spending time with his family, he is going backpacking in the wilderness in various locations. His favorite location is Yellowstone’s backcountry.

Julianne Bazzell serves as a Middle School Language Arts Educator at Alturas Preparatory Academy. She brings 5 years of experience in English education. Before joining APA, she worked in the front office at AIA. She also taught high school in Logan, UT and Glendale, AZ. Her professional interests include poetry and creative writing. She is passionate about making information accessible and clear for everyone, as well as making sure that the people who come into her classroom feel seen and heard. Bazzell holds a Bachelor’s degree from Utah State University. Outside of work, she enjoys family, mountains, boats, and books.

Megan Clements serves as an ELA teacher at Alturas Preparatory Academy. She brings one year of experience as a teacher. Before joining Alturas, she worked in the publishing industry as a writer and book editor. Her professional interests include publishing two books on the writing craft and her work in the nonprofit sector as a literacy advocate. She is passionate about helping students find their creative niche and a book they will love.Clements holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Idaho State University. Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors and spending time with family.

Rebecca Scheunemann teaches MYP Language & Literature at Alturas Preparatory Academy. She has been with APA since 2023. Before joining Alturas, she taught 4th grade at Holy Rosary School in Idaho Falls. She loves introducing students to the joys of literature and is passionate about challenging students to think critically. Mrs. Scheunemann holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Idaho State University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in the same field. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, and hiking in the great outdoors.

Mrs. Alexa Moeller serves as the Middle School Mathematics Teacher at Alturas Preparatory Academy. They bring 7 years of experience in Mathematics. Before joining Alturas, they worked as a Media Consultant at Local News 8 and a Substitute Teacher in District 93 and 91. Their professional interests include Mathematics and Physical Education. They are passionate about discovering mathematical strengths among every student. Moeller holds a degree in Secondary Physical Education and a certification in Mathematics 5th through 9th grade from Idaho State University. Outside of work, they enjoy being a mom, camping with friends and family, and traveling to new places.

Polly Suhr was born and raised in California. She attended Linfield College where she received her BA in History and Anthropology. Mrs. Suhr went back to school at University of Phoenix and received her Masters in Education. After college she married Vince and had 2 kids, Dominic (22) and Jasmine (20). Dominic is attending Purdue Northwest earning his Mechanical Engineering and Technology and playing hockey. Jasmine has earned her Vet Assistant Certificate from Truckee Meadows Community College and is working towards being able to apply for the Vet Nursing program. Jasmine also continues to figure skate. Mrs. Suhr has been teaching in Las Vegas, NV, where they raised their family, for the last 15 years.

When not teaching Mrs. Suhr loves spending time with her family, reading, sewing and crafting, hiking, camping and skiing. The family enjoys watching and playing hockey. Mrs. Suhr’s family also loves to travel and a long time goal of Mrs. Suhr’s is to visit all 7 continents. In moving to Rigby, they are looking forward to exploring the area and hiking and camping with their 3 dogs, Muppet, Trix and Jinx.

Mrs. Suhr is very excited to be continuing her teaching career at Alturas Preparatory Academy. She is looking forward to watching her students grow and learn in their academic journey. Mrs. Suhr wants all her students to become lifelong learners.

Shannon Coles was born and raised in East Idaho and resides in Shelley with her husband, 4 wonderful children, one wild dog named Moose (also known as Baby Dawg), and her kids’ 3 (very spoiled) black cats.

Mrs. Coles attended college at Western Governors University, where she gained a strong foundation in teaching practices. She believes in learning as a lifelong pursuit and strives to stay up to date with the latest teaching practices and methodologies.

Mrs. Coles’s most cherished moments are spent with her husband Brock and four beautiful children, Kam, CJ, Kash, and River— who bring immense joy and adventure to her life. They often find themselves on dirt road adventures, playing card games, or having dance parties in the kitchen. Their summer bucket lists always include treasured moments in Island Park, where they enjoy camping, bike riding, exploring, swimming in the creek, and fishing. They also make sure to visit Bear Lake, building sand castles, swimming until the sun sets, and returning home with gnarly sunburns. Their winters are filled with sledding, snow forts, hot cocoa and lots of movie nights.

Mrs. Coles is so thrilled to be joining the Alturas Prep staff as a middle school math teacher. She is excited about the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the success of this wonderful school and to foster a positive and engaging learning environment.

Allison Jenkins is from Rexburg, Idaho. She has been married for three years and is currently just a mother of 1 dog and many plants. She loves Idaho and has a passion for many outdoor hobbies. Those include snowmobiling, wake surfing, hiking, kayaking, cross country skiing, soccer, and snowboarding. Anything she can do with her family and dog she loves!

Mrs. Jenkins went to college at BYUI and got her Bachelor’s degree in Biology Education with a minor in Earth Science Education. She loves to share her enthusiasm and love for learning, especially in science, with others. Allison is excited to be at Alturas where she can share that passion with students here.

Jennifer Sayer Radford serves as the MYP Coordinator and a Science Educator at Alturas Preparatory Academy. She brings 15 years of experience in the science field and in education. Her professional interests include the International Baccalaureate framework, biology, botany, and chemistry. She is passionate about cultivating engaging learning experiences and supporting students in developing scientific thinking. Radford holds a BA degree in secondary science education. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to the ocean and to Idaho’s beautiful mountains, gardening, and being outdoors as much as possible.

Coralei Rodriguez serves as an MYP Spanish teacher at Alturas Preparatory Academy. She brings more than 20 years of professional experience in Spanish language acquisition. Before joining Alturas she taught all levels of Spanish in middle and high school settings and served as a teacher coordinator, providing training and support. She holds a B.A. in Spanish Teaching from Brigham Young University, Provo, and an M.A. in Counseling from Sam Houston State University. She is passionate about sharing the Spanish language and culture with her students and the global perspective this provides. She enjoys experiencing world cultures, languages and the outdoors.

Paige Bundy grew up in a small town in Illinois as the youngest of five. She originally moved to Rexburg to study social work at BYUI, but after living in southern Chile, she fell in love with the Spanish language and Latin cultures. She returned to Idaho with the resolution to improve her language abilities. She changed her major to Spanish Education with a minor of Teaching English as a Second Language.

During her undergraduate studies, she taught English at an international academy in the Czech Republic. Not only did she grow her teaching abilities, but she was able to do one of her favorite things- traveling.

When she is not teaching, Mrs. Bundy enjoys reading, cooking, thrifting, and going on walks. Above all, she values time with her husband and close friends.

Mrs. Bundy is excited to teach at Alturas and continue learning and growing alongside her students. She hopes to help them expand their cultural understanding and develop a love for the Spanish language—a language that has opened many doors in her own life.

Leonard Wekesa was born and raised in Kenya, an East African Country. He completed his Music Education degree and Master of Business Administration from Kenya. He also holds a Master of Arts in Choral Conducting from Radford University, Virginia, USA.

With over 14 years of music teaching experience in Kenya and USA, Mr. Wekesa has passionate love for music. He takes pride in seeing his students succeed. He loves making great music, initiating strong connections with his students, and creating a sense of community within his classroom.

Mr. Wekesa is very excited to join the Alturas Preparatory Academy family and looks forward to meeting and working with each individual music student. He is looking forward to sharing his diverse cultural experiences and perspectives with all.

During his free time, Mr. Wekesa loves to travel, work out at the gym, hike and explore delicious cuisines.

Shannon Claver serves as the Visual Arts Teacher, as well as CAS and Senior Project coordinator at Alturas Prep. She brings 15 years of experience in education and the arts. Before joining Alturas, she worked as a PE teacher, classroom para, Title 1 tutor, and teacher at Grape Van Gogh. Her professional interests include painting, drawing, and sculpture. She is passionate about helping her students thrive at any creative level. Mrs. Claver obtained a bachelors of visual arts and a bachelor of education from Idaho State University. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family, painting, nature, shopping and reading.