Our School Faculty & Staff Administration
The Administration
Matt Culberson, Head of School
Number of Years as a Professional Educator: 25+
Education:
B.A., Philosophy, Washington and Lee University
M.A., Philosophy/Ethics, University of Denver
Matt enjoys moving in the out of doors-up, down, horizontal-climbing, back country skiing, and trail running. In addition, Matt enjoys becoming immersed in good literature and rich discussions. Matt currently is on the Board of PNAIS, Board of Utah HealthCare Institute, and serves as ethicist on three medical ethics committees.
Matt believes that preparing students for a rapidly changing and virtually shrinking world necessitate that education be nimble, attuned and forward thinking. At McGillis, partnerships with parents, students, and faculty create a base of support to help the child grow to their potential as problem solvers, and as inquisitive, caring and interested participants in a world of possibilities.
Contact Matt Culberson: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sallie Warmath, Assistant Head of School/Admissions and Communication Director
Number of Years as a Professional Educator: 26
Education:
B.A., Art History and Elementary Education, University of Utah
M.Ed., University of Utah
Sallie enjoys everything about American History and the U.S. Constitution. Sallie enjoys reading biographies, and spending time supporting equality and social justice issues, the Human Rights Campaign and Equality Utah. Sallie enjoys traveling, especially in the UK and southern Europe, and in her spare time practicing yoga, hiking, downhill skiing, river running and spending time at Zion National Park!
Sallie believes the values based education at McGillis is about creating and nurturing a community of children and adults. The purpose of school is to not only prepare students for academic pursuits, but also to teach the value of perseverance, how to resolve conflicts, learning from experiences, and growing to be the best human being one can be.
Contact Sallie Warmath: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Francesca Brake, Lower School Director
Number of Years as a Professional Educator: 17
Education:
B.A., Education, St. Mary's College
M.A., Education, St. Mary's College
M.Ed., St. Mary's College
Francesca has taught school in Dubai and California, running the gamut of elementary to high school. She brings an international flavor to everything she touches.
Francesca enjoys spending time with her husband and her two daughters. She is an active community volunteer.
Contact Francesca Brake: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Vince Fragasso, Middle School Director/8th Grade Humanities Teacher
Number of Years as a Professional Educator: 20
Education: M.A., History/Education, University of California, Santa Barbara.
Contact Vince Fragasso: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
More to come!
Jocelyn Gukeisen, Middle School Math Teacher/Director of Studies
Number of Years as a Professional Educator: 10
Education:
B.S., Mathematics, University of Utah
M.Ed., Teaching and Learning Mathematics Research Emphasis, University of Utah
Jocelyn thrives on researching, developing and implementing new math curricula. When she is not teaching, Jocelyn enjoys golfing, reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her son.
Jocelyn strives to instill Limud L'Shma, -learning for the sake of learning.
Contact Jocelyn Gukeisen: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Teresa Totorica, Physical Education Teacher
Number of Years as a Professional Educator: 14
Education:
B.S., Political Science, University of Utah
Teresa was named the 2A Coach of the Year in 2003. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, reading, biking and remodeling homes. She also enjoys the time she spends with her two sons.
Contact Teresa Totorica:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Melanie Battistone, Educational Psychologist
Number of Years as a Professional Educator: 6
Education:
B.A., Psychology, Western Carolina University
M.S., Educational Psychology, University of Utah
Ph.D., Educational Psychology, University of Utah
Melanie enjoys spending time with her family, especially in the outdoors. Melanie also relishes the time she spends running and reading.
Melanie thinks the best part of her job "is watching our students learn academically, emotionally and socially. Everyday I am reminded of how each child at The McGillis School has the remarkable potential to make a unique contribution to the world."
Contact Melanie Battistone: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Jori Harris, Advancement Officer
Number of Years as a Professional Educator: 11
Education:
B.S., Communication Sciences and Disorders, Syracuse University
M.S., Speech and Language Pathology, Syracuse University
Jori enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and adventuring in the outdoors; running, hiking, skiing and biking.
Jori embraces the opportunities The McGillis School affords its students; a supportive and respectful community, celebrating differences and capitalizing on each child's strengths.
Contact Jori Harris: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Kerry Steward, Advancement Director
Number of years in Marketing: 9
Education:
B.S., Small Business Management, University of Vermont
Kerry enjoys skiing, traveling and sailing with her husband and two children.
Kerry believes The McGillis School environment is where a child feels confident and valued as an individual, and where a child will grow as a person who values the joy of learning.
Contact Kerry Steward: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Marci Burk, Business Manager
Number of years in administration: 14
Marci enjoys camping with her family in the southern Utah deserts and high alpine mountains. If not camping, Marci enjoys gardening, walking her dog or curling up with a good book.
Marci is always amazed at the fun and creative ways the teachers inspire the students to become involved in learning. She feels fortunate to be able to watch the students grow from eager, excited first graders to independent, confident middle schoolers. Marci enjoys watching each student make their journey at The McGillis School.
Contact Marci Burk: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Jen Roddick, AfterSchool Director
Number of Years as a Professional Educator: 6
Education: M.A. Experiential Education, University of California, Berkley. Six years teaching and after school experience.
Contact Jen Roddick: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
More to come!
Brooke McDonald, Front Office Manager
Number of Years in Administration: 4
Education: Currently enrolled in B.S. program in Human Development and Family Studies, University of Utah. Four years experience in youth after school and summer programs.
Contact Brooke McDonald: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
More to come!
Joanna Nieves, Administrative Assistant
Number of Years in Administration: 4
Education:
B.A., Spanish and Latin American Studies, University of Washington
Outside of The McGillis School, Joanna has many interests including skiing, baking, international cuisine, travel and photography.
Joanna believes that it is important to teach to the child's interests.
Contact Joanna Nieves: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Bridget Wicklander, Administrative Assistant
Number of Years in Administration: 11
Education:
A.D., General Education, LDS Business College
Bridget enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews, going to movies, camping and time with her dog. Bridget volunteers at the GLBT Pride Center.
Bridget is proud to be a part of a community that encourages students to learn to respect others and learn for the sake of learning. Bridget believes that every day offers learning opportunities for each of us, whether it's a personal accomplishment or a new found skill.
Contact Bridget Wicklander: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
