Early Childhood
Lauri Linton, Preschool 
Columbia University, BA
Bank Street College of
Education, MS
Quote: "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me
and 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, a
children’s media company in New York City. In this role, she teams with
designers to develop concept ideas for toys and games, and conducts
observational research of young children at play with the designed
materials. This research has contributed to subsequent concept ideas and
further developed the overall child development databases for Learning
Pathways.
In addition to her academic education, Lauri has pursued
certification in massage therapy. In her spare time, she enjoys running,
skiing, hiking, and a good book. email >
Elaine Minahan, Jr. Kindergarten
University
of 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 the
mountains of Utah “just for a ski season.” Ten years later, she still
enjoys the friendly community and outdoor lifestyle of Park City.
Elaine has a background in Montessori philosophy and eight years
teaching experience in Early Childhood education. In her classroom,
children will find a supportive environment that fosters creative
learning and a sense of independence. A solid understanding of
curriculum and early childhood philosophy, a joy for learning, and a
passion for music are gifts Elaine shares with her students.
When she is not with young people in the classroom, you can find her
singing on various stages in town with two local bands, The Detonators
and Lash LaRue. She also enjoys yoga, skiing, and hiking on the trails
with her terrier mutt, Lucy. email >
Shawna Marshall, Jr. Kindergarten
Brigham Young University-Idaho, BA
George Mason University, M.Ed.
Quote: “Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” —Anonymous
Born and raised in Montana, Shawna Marshall began her teaching career when she joined Teach For America, a program designed to eliminate the education gap in America. At the end of the two-year commitment, Shawna was deeply passionate about teaching children.
Shawna has specialized in teaching Early Childhood education, and encourages her students to work hard, be kind, and become independent. She combines educational best practices with a practical understanding of day-to-day learning.
Having been raised in Montana, Shawna is a western girl. She loves music, reading, hiking, and skiing. She especially loves living in the mountains and developing new skills.
email >
LaDonna Yancich, Jr. Kindergarten Assistant
UCF
Quote: "When you cannot make up your mind between two evenly balanced courses of action, choose the bolder." - W.J. Slim
After
graduating from UCF, LaDonna taught 4th grade in Windermere, Florida
for 5 years until starting her family. While her children were in
school, she volunteered in the classroom, the PTA and substituted in
both private and public schools. After moving to Evergreen, Colorado she
worked as a travel coordinator for their medical software company for
15 years.
LaDonna is pleased to be back in the classroom and has
enjoyed helping in kindergarten and fourth grade classrooms in Denver
before moving to Park City last winter. I love helping the
children learn to enjoy reading and express their ideas on paper.
After school, you will usually find LaDonna working on
her new home, reading, writing, visiting with her daughter and
son-in-law or planning her next adventure.
email >
Jodi Kent, Jr. Kindergarten Assistant
Westminster College, BA
Quote: "Think what you want, because you get what you think whether you want it or not!" -- Great Grandma Betty
Jodi is originally from the "Live Music Capital of the World" known as Austin, Texas. Jodi attended Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah where she earned her BA in Elementary Education and a minor in Mathematics. She has worked with children in all grade levels ranging from Preschool to Middle School and has also worked in special education. She is continuing her education with training in the Montessori philosophy and also teaches beginning piano.
Jodi was recently married and just added her newest addition to her family. Her daughter, Jaycee Leigh Srok, was born in September of 2010. In Jodi's spare time she enjoys going camping to explore wild Utah with her husband, daughter and two dogs, Bailee and Vader. She enjoys listening to live music outdoors and her husband manages a golf course so she has now taken up golf.
email >