Nebo Administrative Appointments - Barnett, Spanish Oaks, Orchard Hills, Foothills Elementary Schools

Submitted by lana.hiskey on

Kali Brown – Principal of Barnett Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Kali Brown as the Principal of Barnett Elementary in Payson.

Mrs. Brown graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Utah Valley University as well as a master’s degree in Education Administration from Southern Utah University. She has an Educational Technology Endorsement from Utah Valley University and English as a Second Language Endorsement from Southern Utah University. 

Mrs. Brown has served as the Principal of Spanish Oaks Elementary Principal for the past seven years. She also served as the facilitator and intern coach at Santaquin Elementary and taught second grade and transitional kindergarten at Sage Creek and Art City Elementary schools.

Mrs. Brown received the Utah PTA Outstanding School Administrator Award from the Utah PTA Region 10 in 2016. She was awarded the Nebo School District PEAK Award in 2013 and the Teacher of Tomorrow Award from Utah Valley University in 2006.
                        
A colleague said, “Kali persistently reflects on how to improve not only her ability to lead, but how to help teachers and paraprofessionals advance their skills in reaching the needs of all students. Her passion for learning and teaching is evident in everything she does. She leads the school in community involvement with constant communication through the school website, social media, and School Community Council.”

Mrs. Brown stated, “Each year at Spanish Oaks, we have a theme or idea we focus on.  Inspired by conference keynote speaker, Noelle Pikus-Pace, last year, we chose to Aim High! Just like when you are riding a bike… where you look, that’s where you’ll go. If you are riding down the road and you focus on the tree, you will run into the tree!  Instead, focus on the place you want the bike to go to have a nice bike ride. Where you look, that’s where you go; where you focus your attention is where you will end up! Aim high and look where you want to go!

“I love my job and work with the very best people in the world. I am blessed to learn alongside them every day. I love my family and could not do what I need to do each day without their unwavering support,” said Kali.
        
Kali enjoys spending time with her awesome family in Disneyland, eating too much and laughing too hard. Having sleepovers with her grandbabies is her new favorite! She is married to Garrett. They have four children and three grandchildren.

Ryan Murray – Principal of Spanish Oaks Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Ryan Murray as the Principal of Spanish Oaks Elementary in Spanish Fork. 

Mr. Murray received his bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Brigham Young University, his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Brigham Young University, and his master’s degree in Elementary Education from University of Phoenix. 

Mr. Murray has served as the Principal of Orchard Hills Elementary in Santaquin for the past eight years. He taught at Rees and Brockbank Elementary Schools as well as Springville High. Mr. Murray was honored as Teacher of the Year for Brockbank Elementary by the PTA.

A colleague said, “Ryan is an outstanding and strong instructional leader. He is willing to extend himself professionally. Many teachers have expressed their sincere appreciation for his help. He is willing to accept suggestions and feedback. Ryan positively impacts whatever school he leads and has a reputation of being motivating, honest, cheerful, and fun.”            

Ryan’s motto for the last eight years is: “Life is all about making mistakes and learning from them.”  Ryan said, “I believe there is a freedom that comes from not being held back because of past mistake. True growth comes when we overcome the hurdles placed before us.”

“The opportunity to work daily with the children of Nebo School District and all those that play a role in their lives is the greatest part of the job of being a principal. I am so thankful for all of the mentors that have helped me become a better leader and person.  I feel so blessed that this is where my life has taken me,” said Ryan. “I am so thankful for the wonderful experience of being part of Orchard Hills Elementary for the past eight years. I want to share my appreciation and love to the students, parents, and staff of Orchard Hills. These have truly been some of the greatest years of my life. I am excited for this next part of my life, and the opportunity I have to become part of the Spanish Oaks Elementary family.” 

Ryan enjoys golfing, fishing, camping, and spending time at Disneyland with family. He is married to Julia, and they have three children.

Keri Huntsman – Principal of Orchard Hills Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Keri Huntsman as the Principal of Orchard Hills Elementary in Santaquin. Keri received her bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Alaska and her master’s degree in Education and Administrative Endorsement from Southern Utah University. 

Mrs. Huntsman has served as the Principal of Foothills Elementary for the past eight years. She served as a Clinical Faculty Associate for BYU for four years and as an Intern Coach for UVU for three years. She taught kindergarten for three years and first grade for eleven years.

Mrs. Huntsman was selected as Walmart Teacher of the Year in 2005 and Teacher of the Year for Spanish Oaks Elementary in 2004. She has been involved with National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Utah Music Educators Association, International Reading Association, National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators, and National Education Association.

A colleague said, “Keri is an outstanding leader. She relates well to students, teachers, and staff. She provides a positive school culture and sets up clear expectations. Keri is an excellent mentor and an authority on balanced literacy.”

Mrs. Huntsman’s motto is: “Gratitude—The more opportunities for positivity you see, the more grateful you become.” The Happiness Advantage ~by Shawn Achor.

Keri enjoys grandmothering, gardening, traveling, crafts, sewing, and quilting. She is married to Doug, and they have 6 children and 20 grandchildren.

Angela Stoddard – Principal of Foothills Elementary
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Angela Stoddard as the Principal of Foothills Elementary for Nebo School District.

Mrs. Stoddard received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and her master’s in Educational Leadership both from Brigham Young University.

Mrs. Stoddard has served as the Principal of Barnett Elementary for the past nine years. She also served as the Staff Developer of Westside for three years and was selected as Nebo’s Leadership Preparation Program (LPP) candidate for Brigham Young University. She taught fourth and fifth grades at Taylor Elementary in Payson and fifth grade at Westside Elementary in Springville. Mrs. Stoddard also served nine years as a Shadow Mountain Counselor in Nebo’s summer outdoor program.

Mrs. Stoddard was selected as Instructional Leader of the Year 2020 by the Utah Association of Elementary School Principals. She was honored as Nebo District Innovator of the Year for 2016 and 2018. Mrs. Stoddard started the Leader in Me program at Barnett in 2016.

A colleague said, “Angela is very talented and has such an enthusiasm for the educational process.  She cares about children and understands what is important in creating a culture of learning. Angela understands curriculum and great instruction. She genuinely cares about others. Angela knows how to inspire and motivate others to achieve success as a principal.”

“What an honor it is to work in Nebo School District and work alongside so many amazing individuals. Over the past 20 years, I have been mentored by the very best who have taught me through servant leadership how to make a difference in the lives of students, teachers, and families. Nebo School District is the best place to be!” exclaimed Angela. “I am the luckiest gal in the world to have spent the past nine years of my life at Barnett Elementary. The teachers are a true inspiration and the best examples of hard work and love for students. I have watched hundreds of students grow up and become leaders in the community and give me great hope for the future. I cherish so many life-changing experiences that will be with me forever. I am excited for my next adventure at Foothills Elementary and look forward to building relationships, having fun, and making a difference with a whole new school community!”

Angela enjoys reading, shopping, and playing games, especially with her kids and family. She is married to Brian and they have two children.

#DiscoverPowerWithin #NeboHero #NeboSchoolDistrict #StudentSuccess #EmpowerStudents #EngageStudents #FocusOnStudents #LoveUTpublicSchools #UtPol #UtEd #ThankATeacher #LoveTeaching

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By Lana Hiskey
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