Call us: 855-667-9388
May 2, 2017
Academic Staff
Academic Staff
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” -Benjamin Franklin
At Discovery Ranch, we strive as teachers and educators to help the girls learn in a way that can stay with them the rest of their lives. A majority of students who are successful in college have learned to develop a skill for learning that goes beyond just attending classes and trying to satisfy the requirements to get a grade. Learning to learn is especially important for young people who have struggled with school in the past. At Discovery Ranch, we have developed a powerful system of helping those who have struggled in the past learn and acquire the skills necessary to find success and enjoyment in school and eventually be prepared for college and their future. A major portion of this learning process involves experiencing the things we are learning about. As you can follow on our blog or FaceBook posts we share a piece of our Experiential activities with you. As we learn concepts we design first-hand experiences that will help your child learn by doing throughout the week, culminating in our “Experiential Friday” event.
Being in a therapeutic setting, the educational progress is paralleled to the therapeutic process and we work together as a program to help your child progress towards healthy relationships and academic success. A focus on helping your child learn at their own pace and develop self-driven study and learning habits is important to us as educators.
Meet our educators! Click on a team member below to learn more about them!
Principal
Laurie recently joined the Discovery Academy team after serving as Education Director for fifteen years at an adolescent female residential program along with one year as Executive Director for a preteen program. Prior to working in residential treatment, Laurie taught in the public school system, both in junior high and high school. Laurie graduated in secondary education from Brigham Young University and has a Master’s Degree in Educational Counseling. Laurie taught at the college level for six years at the University of Phoenix, in the education and math departments. Passionate about providing quality education experience for youth, Laurie brings her education and experience to best serve the academic program at Discovery Academy. Laurie enjoys the outdoors, reading, and spending time with her four children and two grandchildren.
Laurie recently joined the Discovery Academy team after serving as Education Director for fifteen years at an adolescent female residential program along with one year as Executive Director for a preteen program. Prior to working in residential treatment, Laurie taught in the public school system, both in junior high and high school. Laurie graduated in secondary education from Brigham Young University and has a Master’s Degree in Educational Counseling. Laurie taught at the college level for six years at the University of Phoenix, in the education and math departments. Passionate about providing quality education experience for youth, Laurie brings her education and experience to best serve the academic program at Discovery Academy. Laurie enjoys the outdoors, reading, and spending time with her four children and two grandchildren.
.
.
.
.
.
Academic Director
Clint Firth is the Academic Director at Discovery Ranch for Girls. Clint’s circuitous route to the teaching profession began when he graduated from Brigham Young University with a B.A. in International Politics. After spending eight years in the technology industry, most of which was spent as CEO of IntekUSA, Inc, he was convinced by his wife to follow his heart and turn his passion for databases, business math, and kids into a teaching profession. Since that decision, Clint has worked 6 years as a full-time math teacher — 3 as a public school teacher and 3 in the private residential community. He now has a clear math teaching credential in the State of California, as well as being a certified Teacher of English Learners. Clint also has a passion for music and guitars, and he has taught private guitar lessons for several years. Clint and his wife Alison are the happy parents of six beautiful children, all of whom are intelligent, spirited, gifted, and extremely challenging to parent. Hobbies include guitar music, basketball, backpacking, gardening, and anything else he can do with his family.
Clint Firth is the Academic Director at Discovery Ranch for Girls. Clint’s circuitous route to the teaching profession began when he graduated from Brigham Young University with a B.A. in International Politics. After spending eight years in the technology industry, most of which was spent as CEO of IntekUSA, Inc, he was convinced by his wife to follow his heart and turn his passion for databases, business math, and kids into a teaching profession. Since that decision, Clint has worked 6 years as a full-time math teacher — 3 as a public school teacher and 3 in the private residential community. He now has a clear math teaching credential in the State of California, as well as being a certified Teacher of English Learners. Clint also has a passion for music and guitars, and he has taught private guitar lessons for several years. Clint and his wife Alison are the happy parents of six beautiful children, all of whom are intelligent, spirited, gifted, and extremely challenging to parent. Hobbies include guitar music, basketball, backpacking, gardening, and anything else he can do with his family.
Assistant Academic Director
Christi Brazee is the Assistant Academic Director at Discovery Ranch for Girls. She was born and raised in Southern California and then moved to Cedar City her Sophomore year of high school. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Family Services from Southern Utah University. Her future plans include attending a master’s program for School Counseling. In her free time she enjoys refinishing antique furniture, traveling, and spending time her family and friends. She really loves working with the students and guiding them through their academic endeavors.
.
.
.
.
.
Christi Brazee is the Assistant Academic Director at Discovery Ranch for Girls. She was born and raised in Southern California and then moved to Cedar City her Sophomore year of high school. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Family Services from Southern Utah University. Her future plans include attending a master’s program for School Counseling. In her free time she enjoys refinishing antique furniture, traveling, and spending time her family and friends. She really loves working with the students and guiding them through their academic endeavors..
.
.
.
.
Special Education Teacher
Jessica Bulloch is the Special Education Coordinator at Discovery Ranch for Girls. She has been teaching for the past 15 years. She attended Dixie State College (where her grandma was an English professor). She graduated with an A.S. and attended Southern Utah University and graduated with a B.A. degree in Family and Consumer Science. She taught for three years in St. George, Utah and established the Young Parent Program at Millcreek Alternative High School. She then married and stayed home to raise five children. After ten years and a divorce, she started teaching in Cedar City, Utah and went back to school and finished her Master’s degree in Education with an Administrative/Supervisory Endorsement. After teaching FACS for three years in Cedar City, she obtained her degree in Special Education from the University of Utah and has taught in that area since. She is remarried and together with her current husband they have 8 kids. She loves to shop, go to the beach, lay in the sand and read books. She also loves the sun, heat and enjoys riding 4-wheelers and shooting guns.
.
.
Jessica Bulloch is the Special Education Coordinator at Discovery Ranch for Girls. She has been teaching for the past 15 years. She attended Dixie State College (where her grandma was an English professor). She graduated with an A.S. and attended Southern Utah University and graduated with a B.A. degree in Family and Consumer Science. She taught for three years in St. George, Utah and established the Young Parent Program at Millcreek Alternative High School. She then married and stayed home to raise five children. After ten years and a divorce, she started teaching in Cedar City, Utah and went back to school and finished her Master’s degree in Education with an Administrative/Supervisory Endorsement. After teaching FACS for three years in Cedar City, she obtained her degree in Special Education from the University of Utah and has taught in that area since. She is remarried and together with her current husband they have 8 kids. She loves to shop, go to the beach, lay in the sand and read books. She also loves the sun, heat and enjoys riding 4-wheelers and shooting guns.
.
.
Teacher
Micah Baker is the Social Studies Teacher at Discovery Ranch for Girls. She graduated Magna cum Laude from Southern Utah University with a Bachelors of Science in History Education. She has taught all ages but especially loves working with teenagers. While Micah’s passion is with history, she loves learning about all subjects. She also enjoys puzzles and brainteasers.
Micah Baker is the Social Studies Teacher at Discovery Ranch for Girls. She graduated Magna cum Laude from Southern Utah University with a Bachelors of Science in History Education. She has taught all ages but especially loves working with teenagers. While Micah’s passion is with history, she loves learning about all subjects. She also enjoys puzzles and brainteasers.
We are excited to share that Micah won the 2015 NATSAP Service Award! We shared more details about this accomplishment on our blog! Micah Baker 2015 NATSAP Service Award
.
.
Math and Physics Teacher
Vicki Heaton is the math teacher at Discovery Ranch for Girls. She is married and lives in Cedar City, Utah. She recently retired as a Math and Physics teacher at Cedar City High School. Vicki obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics with an Art minor from Southern Utah University. Later, she earned a Master’s of Education with a Science Emphasis also from SUU. This included an endorsement to teach Physics. In addition to loving to read and do artwork, Vicki trained to become a luthier. She currently builds and repairs violins and guitars at her family business Whittlesticks in Cedar City. When time allows, she pulls a few weeds from her garden. She loves the outdoors, especially being in the mountains since she was born and spent her early years in Sun Valley, Idaho. Currently, she is learning how to engrave metal. It should be apparent that Vicki loves learning and hopes to continue doing that her whole life. She wants to share that love of learning with the young women at DRG.
Vicki Heaton is the math teacher at Discovery Ranch for Girls. She is married and lives in Cedar City, Utah. She recently retired as a Math and Physics teacher at Cedar City High School. Vicki obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics with an Art minor from Southern Utah University. Later, she earned a Master’s of Education with a Science Emphasis also from SUU. This included an endorsement to teach Physics. In addition to loving to read and do artwork, Vicki trained to become a luthier. She currently builds and repairs violins and guitars at her family business Whittlesticks in Cedar City. When time allows, she pulls a few weeds from her garden. She loves the outdoors, especially being in the mountains since she was born and spent her early years in Sun Valley, Idaho. Currently, she is learning how to engrave metal. It should be apparent that Vicki loves learning and hopes to continue doing that her whole life. She wants to share that love of learning with the young women at DRG.
.
English Teacher
Kat Orzechowski-Price grew up in Southern California. Her passions are traveling and teaching. She has a bachelor’s degree in English Language Studies from San Francisco State University; a Post-Graduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics from Birmingham University, UK; and a Secondary Teaching Certificate in Language Arts from Southern Utah University. Specializing in teaching English as a second or foreign language, she taught English at Gachon University in South Korea from 2011 to 2013. Having taught English to almost every age group, she loves a challenge. In her free time she enjoys seeing new places, and meeting new people. Of course she also enjoys just sitting at home with a new book.
Kat Orzechowski-Price grew up in Southern California. Her passions are traveling and teaching. She has a bachelor’s degree in English Language Studies from San Francisco State University; a Post-Graduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics from Birmingham University, UK; and a Secondary Teaching Certificate in Language Arts from Southern Utah University. Specializing in teaching English as a second or foreign language, she taught English at Gachon University in South Korea from 2011 to 2013. Having taught English to almost every age group, she loves a challenge. In her free time she enjoys seeing new places, and meeting new people. Of course she also enjoys just sitting at home with a new book.
.
.
Art Teacher
Kaylee Green was born in Ogden, Utah, but she grew up in Plain City (also in Utah). She attended Fremont High School, and graduated with an associate degree from Weber State University. In 2007 she moved to Cedar City and married Phil Green. While in Cedar she attended Southern Utah University and graduated in 2010 with a bachelor degree in both art and PE with an education emphasis. For two years she worked at a special needs high school. Recently, she obtained an art teaching position at SEA (Southwest Education Academy). She loves teaching and enjoys encouraging creative minds. Before teaching art, Kaylee taught and ran swimming lessons at the Cedar City Aquatic Center. She also currently teaches water aerobics at Southern Utah University. She is a proud mother of 2 kids, Sheryl, born in 2011, and PJ, born in 2013. Kaylee has always enjoyed the outdoors and she particularly likes to go hiking with her family. She also loves to scrapbook and paint. She has always shown a passion for running, having completed 6 marathons.
Kaylee Green was born in Ogden, Utah, but she grew up in Plain City (also in Utah). She attended Fremont High School, and graduated with an associate degree from Weber State University. In 2007 she moved to Cedar City and married Phil Green. While in Cedar she attended Southern Utah University and graduated in 2010 with a bachelor degree in both art and PE with an education emphasis. For two years she worked at a special needs high school. Recently, she obtained an art teaching position at SEA (Southwest Education Academy). She loves teaching and enjoys encouraging creative minds. Before teaching art, Kaylee taught and ran swimming lessons at the Cedar City Aquatic Center. She also currently teaches water aerobics at Southern Utah University. She is a proud mother of 2 kids, Sheryl, born in 2011, and PJ, born in 2013. Kaylee has always enjoyed the outdoors and she particularly likes to go hiking with her family. She also loves to scrapbook and paint. She has always shown a passion for running, having completed 6 marathons.
.
Recreation Director
Jared has been connected to the outdoors since his earliest family camping, hunting and fishing trips as a small boy. During these early experiences he came to love the outdoors. As a result of this love, he studied outdoor recreation in college. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism from Southern Utah University in 2010. Jared is also an American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Certified Single Pitch Rock Climbing Instructor and a Wilderness First Responder. Jared grew up in Cedar City, Utah and has been working with adolescent girls since 2011 as a recreation and physical education director. He is passionate in his work and loves working with youth. He believes firmly in the motto: “Challenge by Choice” and likes to push people to overcome their fears. However, Jared also understands that each person must make their own decision to accept or reject the challenges that they are faced with. He finds fulfillment in seeing the girls accept and overcome the physical and emotional challenges that rock climbing, rappelling and other outdoor activities present. Besides rock climbing, Jared loves mountain biking and spending time with his wife and 3 young children.
Jared has been connected to the outdoors since his earliest family camping, hunting and fishing trips as a small boy. During these early experiences he came to love the outdoors. As a result of this love, he studied outdoor recreation in college. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism from Southern Utah University in 2010. Jared is also an American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Certified Single Pitch Rock Climbing Instructor and a Wilderness First Responder. Jared grew up in Cedar City, Utah and has been working with adolescent girls since 2011 as a recreation and physical education director. He is passionate in his work and loves working with youth. He believes firmly in the motto: “Challenge by Choice” and likes to push people to overcome their fears. However, Jared also understands that each person must make their own decision to accept or reject the challenges that they are faced with. He finds fulfillment in seeing the girls accept and overcome the physical and emotional challenges that rock climbing, rappelling and other outdoor activities present. Besides rock climbing, Jared loves mountain biking and spending time with his wife and 3 young children.
.
.
Curriculum Center Coordinator
Cassidy grew up in Moab, Utah and now lives in Cedar City while attending Southern Utah University. She is pursuing a career in Art Education with hopes to later earn a degree in Art Therapy. Her life consists of spending time with family, outdoor adventures, dancing, taking lots of photos, and seeking out any opportunity to create a work of art. Her wish is to use her own passions and talents to uplift and help those in need.
.
.
.
.
.
Cassidy grew up in Moab, Utah and now lives in Cedar City while attending Southern Utah University. She is pursuing a career in Art Education with hopes to later earn a degree in Art Therapy. Her life consists of spending time with family, outdoor adventures, dancing, taking lots of photos, and seeking out any opportunity to create a work of art. Her wish is to use her own passions and talents to uplift and help those in need.
.
.
.
.
.
Math TA, Tutor
Brittany is the Math TA and a tutor for Discovery Ranch for Girls. She grew up in Castle Dale, Utah and is currently attending SUU. Since being employed at Discovery Ranch for Girls, she has changed her major from Architectural Engineering to Education as a result of loving to watch the girls here make progress in their lives. She is passionate about helping the youth grow and learn to reach their potential. When she is not running the Testing Center or attending to her own studies, she enjoys relaxing with friends and family, or settling down with a good book.
.
.
.
.
.
Brittany is the Math TA and a tutor for Discovery Ranch for Girls. She grew up in Castle Dale, Utah and is currently attending SUU. Since being employed at Discovery Ranch for Girls, she has changed her major from Architectural Engineering to Education as a result of loving to watch the girls here make progress in their lives. She is passionate about helping the youth grow and learn to reach their potential. When she is not running the Testing Center or attending to her own studies, she enjoys relaxing with friends and family, or settling down with a good book.
.
.
.
.
.