Academic Team

Joel Beckstrand

Academics

Credentials:
Bachelor of Science – Mathematics Education, Master of Arts in Education – Administration and Supervision

Graduate of:
Southern Utah University, University of Phoenix

Length of Service at Red Rock:
Since December 2008

Prior professional experience working with adolescents:
2 years private school, Residential treatment since April 2002

Area of expertise and personal interest:
Mathematics, American Government

Specialized training or certifications:
Italian Language

About Me:
St George Marathon finisher every year since 2007

Hobbies and interests:
My 5 kids, running, softball, motorcycles

Which particular set of skills or personal development that students experience at Red Rock do you feel has the greatest impact on their academic success?:
Finding the courage to try and attaining the confidence to try again. Building a positive self-image by highlighting successful academic events.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working with youth?:
Facilitating the discovery of principle and philosophy. Building positive relationships. Witnessing lasting change. Accepting genuine appreciation for help along an arduous journey.

Karen Heins

I.E.P. Coorinator / Registrar

Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts - Education

Graduate of:
The Evergreen State College

Length of Service at Red Rock:
I came to Red Rock Canyon on May 24th, 2010.

Prior professional experience working with adolescents:
Prior to joining Red Rock Canyon School I worked with students in a youth crisis center as the Individual Education Plan (IEP) Coordinator, and have done previous work in drug and alcohol treatment.

Area of expertise and personal interest:
My vocation has always been helping others. Over the course of 20 years I began my career as a Chemical Dependency Counselor providing education and therapy in a long term residential program for individuals 16 years of age and older. Over the course of 12 years I expanded my skill and knowledge to outpatient therapy in both private and non-profit programs, was instrumental in organizing and facilitating a program for county corrections, provided treatment and education in a state correctional facility, and worked with individuals with developmental disabilities. My experience also includes working as a liaison for Children's Protective Services and their clients to help parents understand and access programs and services to better their life and regain an active parenting role.

About Me:
I have always been interested in understanding people and have an innate ability to empathize with their struggles. Whether it's working directly or indirectly with individuals, I am passionate about helping others.

Hobbies and interests:
My husband and I relocated to St. George in 2006 because of the climate and natural beauty of the area. We are avid hikers and golfers (at least one of us...but I like to golf too). Our roots are in the Seattle area of the Great Northwest and we look forward to our semi-annual trips back home to be with our children and grand children, family and friends.

Which particular set of skills or personal development that students experience at Red Rock do you feel has the greatest impact on their academic success?:
I have been so impressed by the atmosphere at Red Rock Canyon School. The youth, although separated from family and the familiarity of home, thrive in an environment that places emphasis on positive peer influence and allows for individuality. Students have enough diversity in their weekly routine and throughout the program design, whether it's through team building exercises, hiking and outdoor activities, an amazing art program, transition services or simply receiving enough 1:1 help in the academic classroom, that inevitably they discover their own talents and passions.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working with youth?:
My greatest reward is witnessing the positive change in individual's lives when they receive the understanding and respect they deserve and the help they need.

Barry Moore

Transition Director

My first contact with the field of human services came in 1989 when I began working with disabled adults in a sheltered workshop setting in Adel, Iowa. Three years later I returned to school to finish my B.A., graduating in 1993 on the President's List with a degree in religion from Drake University. I began working with adjudicated teens in 1994 as an independent living supervisor, and to my surprise I felt as if I had finally found my professional niche in life. Five years later my family and I moved to southern Utah, where I continued my work with adolescents in various administrative capacities. Although a relative newcomer to Red Rock Canyon School (February 2005), my tenure here so far has been richly satisfying. When Walt Disney was once asked about his vision for Disneyland's future, he said, in effect, that it was only limited by his imagination. If i were asked the same question concerning the Transition Program and what lies ahead for its students, I would say something similar, but I would add, "you still have to go through north Anaheim to get there." But, of course that's reality, and that's our mission-- to teach each student how to "navigate through the grindstones" of life while at the same time reminding them about the North Star, and the influential role it can play in their individual journeys.

Brian Bagley

Blue Team Teacher - Math Endorsement

Credentials:
Bachelor of Philosophy

Graduate of:
Brigham Young University

Length of Service at Red Rock:
2 Years

Prior professional experience working with adolescents:
5 years Dixie State College math professor.

Area of expertise and personal interest:
Mathematics

Hobbies and interests:
Outdoors, hiking, culinary, travel, and film.

Which particular set of skills or personal development that students experience at Red Rock do you feel has the greatest impact on their academic success?:
The ability of students to critically reason and make sound decisions based on problem solving.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working with youth?:
Being able to inspire students and watch them want to learn rather than made to learn. Students approach math with a fear and anxiety. Helping students free themselves of this mental barrier allows them to succeed.

Mahauni Fuller

Brick Team Teacher - Science Endorsement

Credentials:
Bachelor of Science

Length of Service at Red Rock:
Since January 2008

Prior professional experience working with adolescents:
3 yrs. Residential Treatment

Area of expertise and personal interest:
Science

Bill Mehn

Resource Assistant

Credentials:
B.A. / Anthropology

Graduate of:
University of Utah

Length of Service at Red Rock:
Over 4 years.

Prior professional experience working with adolescents:
Park City Rec Dept, Salt Lake County Rec Dept., Moab Rec Dept., 3 Years with Park City School District, 2 Years Salt Lake City School District, 2 Years Grand county UT School District.

Area of expertise and personal interest:
History, Boys & Girls Basketball Coach at Red Rock. I played both High School and College Basketball

Specialized training or certifications:
1 Year American Sign Language, Attended U.U. Archeology Fieldschool, Special Education at Mcpolin Elementary, Currently working on Special Ed. Certification.

About Me:
Held a state and world fishing record. Utah sucker 6lbs. 6oz.

Hobbies and interests:
Recreation & Sports, Fishing, Cubs baseball, Riding my Motorcycle.

Which particular set of skills or personal development that students experience at Red Rock do you feel has the greatest impact on their academic success?:
The students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working with youth?:
It's not what you got it's what you give. "Keeps me young"

Kaitlyn Robertson

Green Team Teacher - English Endorsement

Credentials:
Bachelors of Arts in Secondary Education with an English/Language Arts endorsement.

Graduate of:
Northwest College

Length of Service at Red Rock:
Since August 2009

Prior professional experience working with adolescents:
Before coming to Red Rock, I taught inner-city school in California's Central Valley. I taught 7th and 8th grade English, as well as science, social studies, and reading intervention to second language learners.

Area of expertise and personal interest:
My expertise is in literature and the English language. I love all of the things the students hate - diagramming sentences, grammar, etc. However, after breaking those things down for my students and presenting them on a level they will understand, most of them learn to love it too!

About Me:
I grew up in Seattle, WA, and moved to California shortly after graduating from college. There, I enjoyed many years of teaching and met my wonderful husband. We relocated to St. George after our daughter was born in May 2009, so we could be closer to my parents.

Hobbies and interests:
Spending time with family tops my list of favorite things. When we can afford it, I also enjoy travelling. I lived for short time in London, England, so I occasionally get a bug to go back. Scrapbooking, reading, cooking and fishing are also some of my favorite activities.

Which particular set of skills or personal development that students experience at Red Rock do you feel has the greatest impact on their academic success?:
Most of the students who join our classrooms are credit deficient. They have been told throughout their academic careers that they are not smart enough, not capable enough or that they will never succeed. I find the best thing we can give these students is the self-confidence to know that they can achieve. The independent study aspect of our program is very helpful in this regard because students begin to see that they can do the work. Not only that, but they can do the work and pass the exams! Rebuilding this belief in themselves is by far the best thing we can do for our students.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working with youth?:
My biggest reward is to see the students grow as individuals. Many of them come to us as scared, scarred, guarded children. I enjoy seeing them grow through therapy and peer relationships. The students that leave Red Rock, in many cases, are not the same students that came in.

Cedric Colby

Recreation Coordinator

Credentials:
Level II Challenge Course Practitioner, Certified BSA Climbing Instructor.

Graduate of:
Brigham Young University BS In Fitness and Wellness Management

Length of Service at Red Rock:
Since June 2010

Prior professional experience working with adolescents:
6 Years at CLAS Ropes Course as a ropes course practitioner, 5 Years as a competitive climbing coach for ages 8-18, 2 years working in youth residential treatment programs, and an assistant wrestling coach.

About Me:
I am from Irving Texas where I was a 2x state wrestling champion. I went to BYU on a wrestling scholarship. I lived in Italy for 2 years, and I realized that I was supposed to be born there. Currently I divide my time between my work, family, and a lot of climbing and biking.

Hobbies and interests:
Wrestling, Climbing, Mountain Biking, Running, Camping, Swimming, Ping Pong, Racquetball, and cooking Italian food.

Which particular set of skills or personal development that students experience at Red Rock do you feel has the greatest impact on their academic success?:
At Red Rock the students learn how to be intrinsically motivated to be successful. This will carry over into all aspects of their lives.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working with youth?:
I love to see students apply into their lives the principles they learn during their recreation and team building activities.

Vincent Tauanu'u

Vince or Coach Vince

Credentials:
Associates of Arts Degree in Health, Golden West College
Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Graduate of:
University of Utah

Prior professional experience working with adolescents:
Over 15 years of experience in the human services industry

Area of expertise and personal interest:
Coaching and teaching footbal or volleyball

About Me:
Born in Honolulu, Hawai and raised in Wesminster, California. Currently attending American Public University working on a Masters in Sports Management Degree. Resides on Ivins, Utah with wife and kids.

Nanci Siani

Arts Teacher

Length of Service at Red Rock:
5 years

Prior professional experience working with adolescents:
Food service manager in Elementary, Recreation Center

Area of expertise and personal interest:
Art

About Me:
Mother of 3, Grandmother of 4.

Hobbies and interests:
Art, gardening, spending time with my children.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working with youth?:
Seeing the students succeed.

Darlene Blackburn

Girls' Resource Room - Special Education Endorsement

Credentials:
Darlene L. Blackburn holds a Utah Professional Educators License in Special Education.

Graduate of:
University of Southern California with a Masters in Multicultural Education, she received a Bachelor’s Degree in 3 years from Dartmouth College.

Length of Service at Red Rock:
One year.

Prior professional experience working with adolescents:
Presently in my fifth year of Special Education. I worked as a Bilingual Classroom Teacher (Spanish) for 30 years in California.

Area of expertise and personal interest:
My expertise is my ability to successfully reach and teach the most challenging of students.

About Me:
I was born in Detroit, Michigan and traveled the U.S as an “Air Force Brat”. I am currently the shortest employee at Red Rock Canyon School, but immensely enjoy my status as the coolest teacher. My only son, who is seventeen, is my pride and joy.

Hobbies and interests:
I love to dance, dance, dance! I frequently volunteer for school activities such as driving the kids to basketball tournaments, practicing for parent weekend or photographing and supervising events.

Which particular set of skills or personal development that students experience at Red Rock do you feel has the greatest impact on their academic success?:
The students participate in a program that promotes advancement. They witness the success of others who reach the transition level and graduate. Seeing others succeed encourages students to involve themselves in peer models that affect positive social change.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working with youth?:
Meeting the needs of students with diverse learning styles and disabilities is my strength. I feel rewarded when “the learning lightbulb” begins to shine and the student’s feel successful in a positive classroom environment.

Bo Hunt

Blue Team Teacher

Credentials:
Bachelor of History - Bachelor of Spanish

Graduate of:
Idaho State University

Length of Service at Red Rock:
June 2007

Prior professional experience working with adolescents:
9 years residential treatment

Area of expertise and personal interest:
History and Spanish

About Me:
Lived in Chile for a period of time where I learned the Spanish language.

Hobbies and interests:
I love to go camping, as well as play and coach sports.

Which particular set of skills or personal development that students experience at Red Rock do you feel has the greatest impact on their academic success?:
I feel that the students at Red Rock get the attention they need in an academic setting.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working with youth?:
I love to see the change that happens to the students. I tell my students that the only way my job is successful is when they get a High School diploma.

Michelle Wong

Boys' Resource Room - Special Education Endorsement

Credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Graduate of:
Southern Utah University

Length of Service at Red Rock:
2 Years

Prior professional experience working with adolescents:
4 years public schools (Special Ed.) Las Vegas, NV. 3 years private school teacher. 5 Years residential treatment.

Area of expertise and personal interest:
English, Special Education, Science, Child Development, Life Skills

Hobbies and interests:
Bowling, horseback riding, painting, movies and television, superbowl.

Which particular set of skills or personal development that students experience at Red Rock do you feel has the greatest impact on their academic success?:
As they travel through their therapy sessions, each student begins to open up and allows them to work on the traumas that have occurred within their young lives. Working through anger, and other mental health issues frees them up to apply themselves in their academic education.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working with youth?:
Providing them with a positive safe environment for them to grow, to rekindle their enjoyment for learning and accomplishing their academic and personal goals. Also, empowering students to think for themselves and to develop integrity and honesty. Finally to encourage youth to re-establish connections with loved ones.