Anna Elkins is thrilled to join the team at Elizabeth Academy! She brings a strong background in early childhood education, having previously worked as an Office Manager at a daycare in Provo, Utah, as well as an Infant, Toddler/Twos, and workshop teacher. Anna is passionate about being in a school environment and is excited to expand her experience into the postsecondary space.

She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and is always eager to learn and grow in her field.

Outside of work, Anna is an avid reader steadily making her way through an ever-growing “to be read” list. She enjoys spending time with her puppy, Rita, and and never misses a chance to hang out with her niece and nephews. A self-proclaimed anglophile, Anna dreams of moving to London someday. Her current Hyper-fixation include Formula One racing, all things Jane Austen, Star Wars, and the art of Claude Monet.

Makyla is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Utah. She is currently working on a TF-CBT certification and has received training on using play as a way to support attachment-based interventions. She is also a certified MANDT instructor and practicum field-instructor for social work students through the University of Utah.

Makyla supports our students through individual work, group/class work, and connecting families to resources. She loves using child-centered play as a way to support children and teach important age-appropriate social/emotional skills. She’s a firm believer in trauma-informed care and loves being an advocate for children.

She has a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Utah with a focus on mental health. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree from Westminster College, holding a major in Psychology (clinical emphasis) and a minor in Sociology. Prior to joining the Elizabeth Academy staff in 2017, Makyla completed her MSW practicum requirements with Canyons School District and The Road Home. She has also gained experience through her volunteer work with The Children’s Center, Crisis Text Line, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

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!

With three impactful years at Elizabeth Academy Secondary, Holly has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic and social environment of the school. As the Assistant Admin, Holly has demonstrated exceptional organizational skills and leadership, ensuring that the administrative functions run smoothly and efficiently.

In their role as Behavior Coordinator, Holly has successfully implemented strategies to foster a positive and inclusive school culture, addressing behavioral issues with a proactive and supportive approach. This role has allowed Holly to work closely with students, parents, and staff to create a harmonious and conducive learning environment.

As the Student Council Advisor, Holly has mentored and guided students in developing leadership skills, organizing events, and advocating for their peers. This position has provided Holly with the opportunity to inspire and support student initiatives, helping to cultivate a strong sense of community within the school.

Additionally, Holly serves as a CTE Teacher, where she is dedicated to preparing students for future careers through hands-on learning and real-world applications. Holly’s commitment to integrating career readiness into the curriculum has greatly benefited students, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge for their professional journeys.

Through her diverse roles, Holly has made a significant impact on the Elizabeth Academy Secondary community, demonstrating unwavering dedication to student success and school improvement.

Dave has a Plumbing Trades degree from Salt Lake Community College and experience operating and supervising a residential plumbing company called Core Water Solutions. He also worked as a foreman for V&S Plumbing and as an apprentice electrician for Mott Electric.

Prior to joining the Elizabeth Academy/Garfield School staff, Dave worked as a material logistics technician for Caterpillar and as a lead skilled trades technician for Lozar Apartments. He also has experience in the security industry, having managed a twenty man security detail for Andrews International and having worked as a security officer lieutenant for CBI Security.

Teresa has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Utah. She has four years of experience working as a paraeducator for the Granite school district. She will be supporting the infant, toddler, and early childhood classrooms.

She is a mother of four kids and she is also a foster parent. She enjoys hiking and camping with her family. She likes to use her free time to be creative and crafty.