Canyon Crest Elementary School announced the arrival of several new faculty members on July 28, 2026, introducing a diverse roster of educators to the school community. The new staff includes veteran teachers and specialists in Dual Language Immersion programs, as the school prepares for the upcoming academic year.
Veteran Educators Join Staff
The new faculty lineup includes a mix of experienced educators and rising professionals. Tami Anderson, a Canadian educator, joins the Canyon Crest team for her second year at the school after celebrating a 40-year career teaching elementary school within the Provo School District. Anderson, who noted a passion for travel and having visited six of the seven continents, expressed excitement for the new year of learning with students.
Joining the 2nd-grade team is Anderson, while other veteran educators are set to impact various grade levels. Megan Anderson, who joins the 5th-grade staff, brings 15 years of experience in education, including eight years specifically teaching 5th grade. Anderson holds a Master's degree in Learning and Technology from WGU and has a specialized interest in coding and robotics.
Dual Language Immersion Focus
The school is expanding its specialized programming through several new instructors focused on Dual Language Immersion (DLI). Maria Cruz will join the 6th-grade staff as a Spanish DLI teacher. Cruz, who has over 15 years of experience in elementary education, holds a Master's degree in Education and a professional teaching license in Utah with a Spanish endorsement.
Cruz stated her goal is to create a welcoming and engaging classroom where students feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. She expressed a passion for helping students grow as bilingual and biliterate learners while celebrating their specific cultures and identities. Cruz also noted her role as a 'Cougar mom,' supporting a daughter at BYU.
Specialized Instruction and Training
The DLI program will also benefit from the addition of Itzy Nielsen-in the 1st-grade Spanish DLI program. Originally from Mexico City, Nielsen-in moved to Utah 13 years ago. Before her move to the United States, she studied Pedagoga in Mexico. Her background also includes experience in the culinary arts, having worked as a chef for many years before deciding to pursue teaching.
Nielsen-in is currently finishing studies in Special Education and Elementary Education and has spent the last three years working as an aide to deepen her passion for student instruction.
Third Grade Faculty Appointments
New staff members also include Lauryn Kirokiro and Kamryn Larsen, who will serve in 3rd-grade positions. Kirokiro, who relocated to Utah after living in Hawaii and the Philippines, noted a personal interest in travel to locations including England, Denmark, Sweden, and Mexico. Kirokiro expressed excitement about joining the Canyon Crest team and starting this new professional chapter.
Kamryn Larsen will serve as an intern for the 3rd-grade DLI English program. A native of Salina, Utah, Larsen has been studying Elementary Education at Utah Valley University. Larsen, who comes from a family of five, noted she is looking forward to the opportunity to meet students and grow alongside the school community during the upcoming year.
Preparation for the New Year
As the school prepares for the new academic term, Canyon Crest has emphasized its commitment to supporting each student's growth. The faculty introduction follows a period of summer office hours held in late May, June, and July to assist parents and families during the transition into the new school year.
