Welcome New Teachers

We have several new faces in the building this year, and now that they are all settled in, we asked them to share a little about themselves:

Ms. Westenskow- English Teacher: I teach 7th and 8th grade English. I moved around a lot growing up and have lived in Arizona, Ohio, Texas, Guatemala, and Utah, but spent more time in Utah than anywhere else and graduated from Riverton High School, so I feel like Riverton is home. I am loving MNJHS so far! I have been so impressed with the administration and the faculty, and the students have been respectful and wonderful to work with. I'm excited for this school year! 

Mrs. Hanks- Special Education/English Teacher: I have been involved with education either as a teacher or as a school board member for 22 years. I have a BS degree from BYU in Elementary Education and Special Education and a Master of Education degree from the University of Utah in Special Education. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, hiking, camping, and reading. This is my second year teaching at a junior high. I was glad I was able to come to MNJHS. The staff has been great and the students are amazing. 

Mrs. Wright- Math Teacher: I grew up on an apple orchard in rural Washington State. I attended BYU to receive my teaching degree. I am married and have 4 children, 3 daughters and a son. I have lived in Utah for 12 years. I have loved getting to know the wonderful students here at MNJHS.

Mr. Ford- History Teacher: More info coming soon!

Mrs. Miller- CTE Teacher: I grew up in Mapleton, Utah and live there still. I married my old boyfriend and we have two children. I enjoy reading, gardening, cycling, sewing, cooking, hunting, fishing and killing flies. 

Mr. Vincent- Art Teacher: I grew up in Parowan, Utah. My two lifelong passions have been art and music, which also became my Major and Minor at Southern Utah University. I have worked as a graphic designer, a fine art bronze foundry worker, a mural painter, a freelance artist, and now for the last few years as an art teacher. I love teaching.... especially the relationships with students, and seeing them learn and grow in their artistic abilities. Apart from school, I enjoy singing as part of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and playing the piano. I have a cat, 8 chickens, a garden, as well as a wife and 3 children. 

Mrs. Nelson- School Psychologist: I work at both MNJHS and Orchard Hills Elementary. I received my Masters in Psychology from Utah State University and am currently working on my Education Specialist degree. I was recently married over the summer, love golf, and have an adorable puppy named Dash. My favorite part about MNJHS so far is the amazing Special Education staff, the Diet Coke runs with the counselors, and the support I have received from the administrators. I hope to be able to get to know all of the faculty better this year. Stop by my office anytime to sit in the hammock chairs, get help with students, and/or just say hi! GO PANTHERS!!

Mr. Nelson- Counseling Intern: I am from Orem, Utah. I have my Bachelor's degree in Business Management and I'm finishing my Master's degree in School Counseling. I love working with children and I believe that they can all achieve great things if they have somebody in their corner. I am very happy to be at MNJHS and appreciate the way that the staff has been patient with me and accepted me into the team. 

Mr. Turnbow- Animal and Ag Science Teacher: More info coming soon!