Alturas International Academy

Kennedy Bandow was born and raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She loves everything about Idaho especially the outdoors. Her and her family spend lots of time camping, fishing, and exploring the outdoors. She enjoys reading as well as spending time with her two dogs, Ivy and Willow. She is getting married this year to Jack and looks forward to this new chapter.

Kennedy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education at Idaho State University in 2023. While waiting to pursue her passion for education Kennedy has worked at an assisted living caring for elderly residents, which has taught her patience and compassion.

Kennedy has wanted to be a teacher since she was young. She used to spend her free time teaching her younger brothers as a young girl. Kennedy’s favorite part of teaching is being able to witness students personal growth and be a part of their learning journey.

While Kennedy is a new teacher, she is so excited to take this next step at Alturas! She loves all the practices Alturas uses to help students collaborate and communicate. She’s thrilled to be apart of such a amazing school.

Michelle Croft brings a unique blend of artistic talent, educational insight, and compassionate service to every endeavor she undertakes. A passionate dancer from an early age, she performed in the renowned Glenn Miller Show during her time at Utah State University—an immersive dinner and dance production that brought the spirit of the Big Band Era to life with live music, singers, and dancers.

In 1999, Michelle’s performance career reached new heights when she joined the opening cast of Tarzan Rocks! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where she performed as a featured dancer in the high-energy, stunt-filled stage show.

For over 25 years, Michelle has shared her love for dance with students ages 3 to 18, teaching and mentoring young performers across a wide range of styles. Her commitment to youth development extends beyond the studio: she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Social Work in 2024, completed an internship with the Department of Health and Welfare in Children and Family Services, and gained hands-on experience working in an inpatient psychiatric treatment facility for youth.

Michelle is also a proud wife and mother of six children, ranging in age from 9 to 24. Married for 25 years, she balances her professional pursuits with deep dedication to her family and community.

Lexi Humbert, affectionately known by her students as Ms. H, is a passionate and dedicated educator with a deep love for teaching. She has been working with children since the age of 12 and has had the privilege of teaching students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Lexi holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).

Lexi is committed to meeting students where they are academically, socially, and emotionally. She finds great joy in connecting with students on their level and guiding them as they discover their unique strengths and a love for learning. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she values being an active part of her community and believes in the power of strong relationships with families and fellow educators to support student success.

She is incredibly excited to join the Alturas community. Lexi is inspired by the support Alturas provides to both students and teachers and is eager to be part of a school that focuses on individual student needs rather than traditional grade levels. She is especially drawn to Alturas’ commitment to the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework and its student-centered approach, which aligns closely with her own teaching philosophy. Lexi looks forward to growing with her students and making a positive impact within the school and community.

Angela Rice serves as the Kindergarten Teacher at Alturas International Academy. She brings 12 years of experience supporting young learners in early childhood and elementary settings. Before joining Alturas, she taught preschool through 3rd grade in the Idaho Falls area. Her professional interests include nurturing early literacy, designing hands-on learning, and creating joyful classroom experiences. She is passionate about helping children feel confident, curious, and cared for. Rice holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education with minors in TESOL and Family Life from BYU and an M.Ed. in Educational Technology and Instructional Design from WGU. Outside of work, she enjoys family time, board games, and documentaries.

Elisabeth Bernal-Price serves as a 1–3 grade teacher at Alturas International Academy. She brings five years of teaching experience, previously teaching Spanish for two years after a career as a professional opera singer. Her professional interests center on fostering a lifelong love of reading and writing. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Miami University. Outside of work, she enjoys writing, reading, singing, and traveling.

Amanda Forbes serves as a 1-3 Teacher at Alturas International Academy. She brings over 5 years of experience in teaching. Before joining Alturas, she worked in California as a resident substitute teacher in various grades from PK-7th grade. Her professional interests include English Language Arts. She is passionate about education and growing independent, driven learners. Forbes holds a Master’s Degree of Education from California Baptist University. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the local scenery with her children.

Denisha Gordon has lived most of her life in the East Idaho area with her parents and three sisters. She can usually be found smiling as she finds ways to learn something new, explore in the outdoors, serve, or be with her family! She loves to be creative in all that she does and finds ways to incorporate art into whatever she is doing!

Ever since a very young age, Denisha has had a passion for learning as well as teaching! She has found joy as she has spent time with children, both teaching them and learning from them. She has spent many years teaching a range of young children how to draw, paint, play the piano, and dance.

Denisha recently finished her degree in Elementary Education at Western Governor’s University and is excited to be in the classroom to share her passion for learning with all that enter the room!

She is especially excited about joining Alturas International Academy and being part of this great journey of helping each child succeed and excel in their learning!! She wants to create a classroom so that every student can become a lifelong learner! She can’t wait to meet her students and embark on a journey of learning together!

Angie Howell serves as a 1/3 teacher at Alturas International Academy. She brings 7 years of experience in Elementary Education. Before joining Alturas, she worked in pediatrics medicine. Her professional interests include mathematics and problem solving. She is passionate about the Alturas model of small group instruction at instructional level. Ms. Howell holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Idaho State University. Outside of work, she enjoys baking and spending time with her family and pets.

Alicia Johnson serves as a 1-3 Teacher at Alturas International Academy. She brings 24 years of experience in early elementary teaching. Before joining Alturas, she worked as a preschool/prekindergarten and first grade teacher. Her professional interests include reading, writing, and social/emotional skill development . She is passionate about teaching to the needs of each student . Mrs. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science from Liberty University. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, concerts, and family time.

Mallory Kappmeyer serves as a 1st-3rd Grade Teacher at Alturas International Academy. They bring one year of teaching experience to the classroom. Before joining Alturas as a teacher, they worked with students at a Montessori school, at Alturas, and with the Nature Conservancy. Their professional interests include environmental science and conservation. They are passionate about helping students explore their interests and foster new experiences through STEM education. Kappmeyer holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Idaho. Outside of work, they enjoy fly fishing, snowboarding, and traveling with their family.

Caylee Little grew up in Aurora, Colorado, and later moved to Rexburg to pursue her education. She has been happily married to her husband, Alex, for two years. In her free time, Mrs. Little enjoys spending time with her family, playing sports, rock climbing, hiking, and camping. She also loves crafting, painting, and singing.

Mrs. Little earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics from Brigham Young University–Idaho. She is a first-year teacher and is thrilled to begin her teaching journey!

Becoming a teacher has always been Mrs. Little’s dream. She is passionate about creating a classroom filled with interactive, engaging, and creative lessons. She is excited to be a part of the Alturas team, to get to know her students, and to help each of them reach their full potential.

Kara Powers is a 1–3 Teacher at Alturas International Academy with seven years of experience at the school. Before entering education, she worked as a Historian for an archaeological consulting firm and as an editor for an academic publication. She is passionate about leadership, mentoring, and helping students reach their full potential both in and out of the classroom. Teaching has become one of her greatest joys. Mrs. Powers holds a Bachelor of Arts from Washington State University. Outside of school, she and her family enjoy camping, fishing, traveling, attending air shows, and spending time together at weekly game nights.

Julie Schiner was born and raised in northwest Iowa. She moved to Idaho Falls in August 2021. She lives with her husband, Brit, daughter, Elsie, and their two dogs, Cherry and Belle. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors running, biking, hiking, and rafting. Before moving she was a coach for Girls on the Run and enjoyed hosting and participating in local fun runs.

Julie graduated from Buena Vista University in 2005 with a degree in Physical Education and coaching. She added her early childhood PK-K endorsement in 2013. She has been an early childhood director and preschool teacher at the Spencer YMCA for over 13 years.

Julie’s goal as an educator is to create a space where children feel secure to explore their own curiosity, imagination, and creativity. She strives to build a classroom community that embraces personal strengths while also celebrating individual differences. She is excited to be a part of the Alturas International Academy team and she is looking forward to meeting and connecting with the students and families as well as the surrounding community.

Ms. Slopsema grew up in Muncie, Indiana which is a small college town. She recently graduated from Brigham Young University – Idaho with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education. While at college she fell in love with Idaho so she decided to move here. She is loving the people, scenery, and even the weather. She is an avid sports fan, specifically basketball, baseball, and football. She loves to ski, read books, and spend time with people that are important to her.

Ms. Slopsema has always wanted to be a teacher because the thought of being able to be a stepping stone in a child’s educational story is the most rewarding thing that she can do in her life. She loves seeing and learning how each student works and learns best so that she is able to use that information to help them become the best that they can be. Seeing the wheels turn in their minds is amazing and because of this she is so excited to be joining the Alturas International Academy family and begin on this new adventure called teaching.

Kellie Trejo has lived almost her entire life in Idaho Falls. She now has her own family that she is raising here with her husband. Mrs. Trejo has been married for 12 years and has 3 children. She has two boys and one girl: Kheno, Maddon, and Kaia. She also has 2 dogs, 1 cat, 1 crested gecko, and 1 fish.

Mrs. Trejo loves reading, the ocean, and traveling with her family. Her favorite season is summer when she can go hiking, longboarding, and fishing.

Mrs. Trejo attended BYU-Hawaii and BYU-Idaho. She has a degree in Marriage and Family Studies. She loves working with people and building connections. She fell in love with being at the school as a paraprofessional and is so excited to be teaching. She loves the excitement and genuineness of children, every day is a new adventure! She loves watching her students grow and develop what makes each of them special.

Sarah Atwell serves as a 4th/5th grade teacher at Alturas International Academy. She brings twelve years of experience in education. Before joining Alturas, she taught Pre-K through sixth grade and worked as a Title I intervention tutor. Her professional interests include academic intervention and targeted learning support. She believes every student can thrive and is committed to helping each learner reach their highest potential. Atwell holds a Bachelor of Arts from Skidmore College and a Master of Arts in Teaching and Leadership from the University of St. Mary. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family.

Anita Garcia serves as 4/5 teacher at Alturas International Academy. She brings 11 years of experience in education. Before joining Alturas, she taught second through sixth grade in Idaho Falls. She worked for District 91 as Title1 Intervention tutor for 5 years and served as a Grade Level Junior Lead. Her professional interests include student intervention. She is passionate about helping each student reach their full potential. Mrs. Garcia holds a Bachelor of Science through the University of Idaho and a teaching certification through American Board. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, camping, knitting, and reading.

Elaine Goodwin was born in Provo, Utah but was raised in Idaho Falls most of her life. She is married and has 2 children, a boy and a girl. She is an avid animal lover. She has guinea pigs, a bearded dragon, 2 dogs and a cat. Elaine loves to be outdoors spending time with her family. In the fall they spend their weekends in the mountains taking in every moment of Idaho beauty.

Elaine graduated with an A.A.S in Early Childhood Care and Education in May 2017. She graduated with her B.A in Early Child Education along with a Special education certificate in 2021.

Elaine began as a paraprofessional at Alturas in 2018 and moved into her own classroom fall 2020. She loves being part of the Alturas family and team.

Elaine has always dreamed of becoming a teacher, her favorite part of being a teacher is “ The look on her student’s faces when they have their “Ah-ha” moment when they’ve finally mastered a new skill in their learning”. Her passion and love for being a lifelong learner is what drives her in teaching her students. She wants every student in her classroom to develop a love for learning to help set them up for success.

Marc Hirsch serves as a second-year teacher at Alturas International Academy. He brings a long-standing passion for education and a background in philosophy, earning his bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University. Originally from Southern California, he has lived in Idaho Falls for the past 13 years. He enjoys helping students develop confidence through problem-solving and critical thinking. Hirsch also values physical fitness and has previously trained individuals of all ages, believing that both academic and physical challenges build resilience. Outside the classroom, he enjoys playing the piano, going to the gym, and having a nice meal outside during the summer.

Miss Yesica Martinez is an exchange teacher from Mexico. She wanted to be a teacher ever since she was young and has been an English teacher for 13 years. She has worked with students from Pre-k to 6th grade. She received her bachelor’s degree in “Teaching English” from The University of Guanajuato. Yesi loves sharing her creativity and enthusiasm as well as supporting, encouraging and inspiring her students. Her biggest happiness is making an impact on their learning. She loves riding horses, reading, and making crafts. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, music, exploring/hiking and attending baseball games. “Working hard is important, but there is something that matters even more: believing in yourself.” -Harry Potter

Zane Richmond grew up in Dallas, Texas, and is the second oldest of six siblings. He has lived in Texas, Idaho, Utah, Minnesota, and Canada! On January 18, 2025, he married his wife Amber in Logan, Utah. He loves to spend his time outdoors, hiking, camping, or taking walks with his wife and their dog Maggie. He also loves film, card games, and spending time with family!

Zane graduated from BYU-Idaho in March 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He started working in education as a paraprofessional, where he discovered his love for working with and supporting kids! He believes learning should be fun and meaningful in a way that fosters confidence and creativity. A child’s relationship with learning shapes not only their future but also the lives of those around them. He is passionate about creating a classroom environment where students feel supported, inspired, and excited to grow.

Mindy Shurtliff serves as a 4/5 teacher at Alturas International Academy. She brings 7 years of experience in Elementary Education. Before joining Alturas, she worked in Idaho Falls School District 91 as a 6th grade teacher. Her professional interests include engaging students in what they’re learning and increasing student confidence, especially in math. She is passionate about helping students see that learning is a lifelong process. Mrs. Shurtliff holds a master’s degree from Western Governors University. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, camping, and traveling.

Joanne Slifka is the K–5 Physical Education Teacher at Alturas International Academy with 26 years of experience in education. Her background includes roles in special education, elementary teaching, coaching multiple sports, and supporting students with sensory needs. She enjoys discovering new PE activities, watching sports, and following the Olympics. Joanne holds a B.S. in Health and Physical Education with minors in Biology and Special Education from the University of Montana Western, and an M.S. in Secondary Physical Education from the University of Cincinnati. She values family time, baking, and relaxing with her favorite TV shows.

Sionaily was born in Venezuela, in her country she studied a Bachelor’s Degree in Integral Education, she has worked in schools since she was 16 years old, after she graduated from high school. Since she was a little girl she dreamed and played with being a teacher… So her profession is her greatest passion and she does it with great enthusiasm and love. She has been a teacher for 23 years in countries like Venezuela and Ecuador, where she lived for a couple of years, where she was baptized as Miss Nany because her students could not pronounce her real name.

She loves to travel, paint and read. She was a traditional dancer in Venezuela and is a loyal Disney fan! She is in love with Idaho and is excited to work in Alturas and apply the IB philosophy. She is learning English and loves to spread the culture of Latin American countries, she considers herself a Citizen of the World!

Angie graduated from Idaho State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Exceptionality. She has been teaching Special Education since 2014. She specializes in behavior support and enjoys helping students overcome challenges and reach their goals.

Outside of school Angie keeps busy with her 2 children and dog. She loves the outdoors and spends her summers hiking, golfing, and exploring new destinations with her family.

Angie is excited to support student collaboration and learning at Alturas!