Early Childhood
Lauri Linton, Preschool 
Columbia University, BA
Bank Street College ofEducation, MS
Quote: "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve meand I learn." —Benjamin Franklin
Lauri Pendray Linton has been a classroom teacher for preschool-aged children for more than 10 years in both regular and special educational settings. In addition, she has developed parenting programs, staff development workshops, and curriculum models.
Lauri also works as an educational consultant for Learning Pathways, achildren’s media company in New York City. In this role, she teams withdesigners to develop concept ideas for toys and games, and conductsobservational research of young children at play with the designedmaterials. This research has contributed to subsequent concept ideas andfurther developed the overall child development databases for LearningPathways.
In addition to her academic education, Lauri has pursuedcertification in massage therapy. In her spare time, she enjoys running,skiing, hiking, and a good book. email >
Elaine Minahan, Jr. Kindergarten
Universityof Kansas, BA
Quote: “Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.”—Maori Proverb
A native of Kansas, Elaine Berns ventured West to explore themountains of Utah “just for a ski season.” Ten years later, she stillenjoys the friendly community and outdoor lifestyle of Park City.
Elaine has a background in Montessori philosophy and eight yearsteaching experience in Early Childhood education. In her classroom,children will find a supportive environment that fosters creativelearning and a sense of independence. A solid understanding ofcurriculum and early childhood philosophy, a joy for learning, and apassion for music are gifts Elaine shares with her students.
When she is not with young people in the classroom, you can find hersinging on various stages in town with two local bands, The Detonatorsand Lash LaRue. She also enjoys yoga, skiing, and hiking on the trailswith her terrier mutt, Lucy. email >
Lyndsey Stewart, Preschool Assistant & Aftercare Director
University of Utah, BA
“Quote: I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.” - Maya Angelou
During her senior year in high school, an optional eighth period professional development in elementary education would spark an interest in children’s education in Lyndsey for years to come. Wanting to help make a difference in children’s lives, Lyndsey has continued to work with children wherever and whenever she is needed.
After graduating from the University of Utah with a Bachelors degree in English, Lyndsey continued working with children and education through Nonprofit Organizations, Charter and Public elementary schools throughout Utah Valley, Salt Lake City, Davis and Los Angeles County areas. When Lyndsey is not working, she spends her time with her husband, Josh and their two dogs, ‘fixing up’ their 1943 Sugarhouse, home. email >
Sara Swenson. Jr.Kindergarten Assistant
University of Texas, Austin, BA
Quote: "It is not what you do for your children, but what youhave taught them to do for themselves, that will make them successfulhuman beings." - Ann Landers
A native of El Paso Texas, Sara enjoyed a successful career in corporate trust banking in Dallas before the arrival of her two children. She moved with her family to Utah nearly twenty years ago for her husband's job and quickly fell in love with the area, settling in Park City.
Actively involved in her children's early education as a classroom volunteer and then teaching aide, Sara continued in Early Childhood and Early Elementary education as her children moved through Park City schools, working at Soaring Wings and Jeremy Ranch Elementary before coming to Park City Day School.
Empty-nesters as of this fall, Sara and her husband John enjoy the extensive trail system of Park City, biking ,hiking, and snowshoeing. Sara's daughter studies Engineering at Cal Poly and her son studies Music at USC beginning this year.
email >