Welcome to our new Canyon Crest Faculty!
Itzy Nielsen- 1st Grade DLI Spanish (Pictured Bottom Right)
Hi everyone! My name is Itzayana, but I like to be called Itzy. I am originally from Mexico City, and I moved to Utah 13 years ago. Before moving to the United States, I studied Pedagogía in Mexico because I have always enjoyed learning and helping others grow. After moving here, I studied culinary arts and worked as a chef for many years. Although I loved working in the culinary world, I realized that teaching was where my heart truly belonged, so I decided to go back to school to become a teacher. I am currently graduating in Special Education and Elementary Education, and I have worked as an aide for the past 3 years, which has deepened my passion for working with students.
I am also a proud mom of two kids and a Yorkie named Bella. In my free time, I love Disney, crafting, trying different foods, and planning fun parties with family and friends.
Tami Anderson- 2nd Grade (Pictured bottom left)
My name is Tami Anderson. I am happy to be celebrating my 40th year teaching elementary school in the Provo School District by returning to Canyon Crest for a second year. I am a Diet Coke, gummy candy, and art loving Canadian! I love teaching and watching students grow, explore, and discover their potential. It brings me joy and is why I have remained in the profession as long as I have. I also have a passion for travel and have been fortunate to visit six of the seven continents, which has broadened my perspective and enriched the stories and experiences I share with my students. I’m excited for a new year of learning together!
Lauryn Kirokiro- 3rd Grade (Pictured Top Middle)
My name is Lauryn Kirokiro and I’m from Oregon◡̈ After I graduated high school, I’ve lived in Hawaii, the Philippines, and now Utah! My husband and I have been married for 4 years. We LOVE to travel. Some of the places we’ve visited are England, Denmark, Sweden, and Mexico. I’m a BIG fan of rollercoasters, so we try to go to as many amusement parks as we can when we travel. I love rain, sunsets, baking, pickleball, sleeping, reading, watching movies, and most importantly, I love teaching! I am so excited to be joining the Canyon Crest team and I am so excited to continue learning in this new chapter.
Kamryn Larsen- 3rd Grade DLI English (Pictured Bottom Middle)
Hi I am Miss. Larsen!
I have been studying Elementary Education at Utah Valley University and will be an intern at Canyon Crest Elementary next year! I cannot wait! A little bit about me is that I come from a small town, called Salina, Utah. And come from a family of 5, with 2 siblings and 1 cute dog! I love to travel, go shopping and spend time with my family and friends. I am so excited for this upcoming year and for the opportunity to get to meet all of you, to learn and grow together!
Megan Anderson- 5th Grade (Pictured Top Right)
My name is Megan Anderson. I've been in education for 15 years, eight of those years I've taught 5th grade. I have a passion to help students to see their potential through progress and improvement in their learning. I have a Master's in Learning and Technology from WGU, which led me to fall in love with coding and robotics. My favorite book series is Harry Potter. My husband and I have three kids, two daughters and one son, and two fur babies, a golden doodle and a boxador. I am excited to join your team at Canyon Crest Elementary!
Maria Cruz- 6th Grade Spanish DLI (Pictured Top Left)
Maria is a dedicated and caring educator with over 15 years of experience in elementary education. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and a professional teaching license in Utah with a Spanish endorsement. She loves creating a welcoming, engaging classroom where students feel safe, valued, and excited to learn.
She has experience in Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs and is passionate about helping students grow as bilingual and biliterate learners while celebrating their cultures and identities. Maria brings creativity, enthusiasm, and high expectations to her teaching, always encouraging her students to do their best and enjoy the learning process.
Outside the classroom, Maria is a proud wife and mother of two daughters. She is a proud Cougar mom, supporting one daughter at BYU, and also celebrates her other daughter’s journey in cosmetology. She loves spending time with her family and feels grateful to be part of a supportive school community.
Maria is excited to join the Canyon Crest Elementary community and looks forward to building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
