About Us

Our Teaching Beliefs

At Rising Heights Academy, we have assembled a dedicated team of professional guides and aides who are committed to enhancing your child's educational experience. Our foundation is built on the principles of prioritizing the whole child over a generalized curriculum, allowing us to serve your child as an individual, not simply as part of the system.

Our Story

I absolutely struggled in public education. I studied and worked hard for every average grade I received. I became frustrated with trying to adapt my way of learning to a rigid, standardized system. There had to be a better way…

Wanting to help other struggling individuals and eventually understanding that there’s nothing standardized about each person’s unique understanding, I became a teacher because I KNEW there had to be a better way.

I thrived as an educator, adapting the direct instruction traditional curriculum as best I could to help individualize my teaching approach. At the same time I became exhausted trying to meet every student’s needs with extremely limited resources and very little help. There had to be a better way…

Then I had my son and my struggles in education boiled to the surface. As a parent, you want what’s best for your child, you feel the need to help ease them from some of the same turmoils you went through growing up. You want to SHOW them a better way.

I dove into researching educational methods, used my own past educational and educator experiences as well as observed a different approach with my own son.

I came out of it all with an understanding of a better way… a way to meet each child’s needs, help them RISE to their potential with the support and resources that are necessary for a lifelong, quality education. An approach that would help create entrepreneurs and innovators, creative thinkers and leaders.

THIS is that way.

Melissa Ray

Director of Rising Heights Academy

Meet the Team

Director and Upper Elementary Guide

Melissa Ray

I have a degree in Elementary Education and taught 5th grade in a traditional class setting for several years. I then got the opportunity to move to Maui and run my own business for 6 years. Wanting to be closer to familial support and better educational resources, we moved back to Utah where I worked with districts on recruiting and managing substitutes.

Worrying about my son's educational future, I debated on homeschooling but then had the wonderful opportunity and support to build and open a school that encourages and nourishes a child's true potential.

Administrator

Stephen Pemberton

Together, my wife and I have eight children. Seven of which are still living in their own productive ways across the nation. Our twenty-three grandchildren (ages 0-21) remind us every day how important the basic principles that determine our tranquil societal evolution are of paramount significance now, more than ever before in our civilizations’ history.

I achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Organizational Administration. I had the privilege to be a teacher and administrator for 32 years before joining Rising Heights Academy.

I enjoy life in multiple recreational activities, community and family events, and exploring our world's natural beauties.

Upper Elementary Lead Guide

Tami Oleson

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in teaching k-8th and History. This is my second year teaching at Rising Heights Academy. I love the Montessori vision that our school offers students, meeting the students where they are and individualizing the curriculum to fit the child, not the class. I have been teaching for eighteen years all over the country.

I am the wife of an amazing retired special forces helicopter pilot and the mother of five incredible children. My family has had the chance to live all over our great nation for 24 years serving in the Army. We moved back to Midway two years ago to settle down. I love reading history, traveling, and spending time with my family. I am passionate about creating an environment where students love to learn and creating a classroom community where they want to be each day. My goal is to instill a love of learning in each child through exciting and memorable lessons.

Lower Elementary Lead Guide

Megan Galati

I have lived in Utah for the last 26 years, and this is my third year as a Lead Guide in Lower Elementary at Rising Heights Academy. I have a BA in Psychology with a Child Development minor from California State University, Chico, and a Master's in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix. I taught in traditional first and third grade classrooms and then worked as a paraprofessional part time when my kids were young. For 8 and a half years, I was the Victim Advocate for Summit County. As a victim advocate, I also had the opportunity to work with Peace House, teaching child abuse prevention education in elementary and middle schools in Summit and Wasatch counties.

When I'm not at school, I enjoy spending time with my 2 kids, hiking with my dog, writing, gardening, and cooking. I'm looking forward to another fun-filled year of learning and friendship at RHA!

Art Lead Guide, Website Specialist, & Social Media Specialist

Kaitlin Heckel

I graduated from BYU with a BA in Art Education and a minor in Art History and Curatorial Studies. I have always loved art and working with children. I want to inspire children to be creative agents and to explore their creativity when it is most abundant in their lives; as children!

When preparing my art curriculum, I love to reference art history and share my passion with students. I am always blown away with children's willingness to learn and try new things in the art classroom. I am excited to not only be the art guide at Rising Heights Academy, but I will also be working on the schools website and social media!

Outside of the classroom, I am a wife and a new mom. I enjoy going for long walks with my son around Midway. When I'm not at school you can often find me curled up with a good book.

I am so excited to be a part of the Rising Heights Academy staff. This school will be such a blessing to me and our community.

Music & Drama Lead Guide

Stacey Eaton

Originally from Las Vegas, NV, I’ve been a devoted classical violinist for over 33 years. I studied music at Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University and have had the privilege of performing with Grammy Award-winning artists such as Suzy Bogguss, Jason Alexander, Riders in the Sky, and Michael Martin Murphey, as well as world-renowned Spanish guitarist Sir Angel Romero.

I'm a co-founder, violinist, and Board Member of the Coronado Philharmonic Orchestra. I previously served as President of the Heber Valley Orchestra and was a member of the Heber Arts Council. My performance experience includes work with the Utah Valley Symphony, BYU Orchestra, Roosevelt Pops, American Fork Symphony, Midway String Quartet, and Park City Strings.

Now in my second year at Rising Heights, I’ve also taught elementary music in Utah and spent two years with the Coronado Unified School District in California. I believe music is a lifelong gift with the power to heal, inspire, and bring people together—and I’m passionate about sharing that with students.

Outside of music, I’m a proud mom to four children, a daughter-in-law, and a perfect grandbaby. I enjoy reading, camping, nature, fragrances, live music, and learning about the law (I have one son who is a lawyer and a daughter in law school). I'm also honored to serve as a Domestic Violence Victim Advocate in Park City, UT.

Preschool/Kindergarten Lead Guide

Lissa Schantz

I am looking forward to another year at Rising Heights Academy! My goal, in the Redwood class, is to spark curiosity and excitement for the world around them. Seeing the “lightbulbs” go on is the best feeling in the world.

I graduated from Arizona State University with a BA in English. I went back to ASU and received my Post Baccalaureate in Elementary Education, with a minor is Spanish. Through my twenty plus years of teaching, I have spent time in preschool, kindergarten, second and third classrooms.

When I’m not at Rising Heights, I love to spend time outside, traveling, and going to concerts. I have lived in Utah for almost a year, so I am always exploring.

Lower Elementary Lead Guide

Jenny Cirone

I grew up in Ocean Park, Washington, on the beach with four siblings. As a competitive college athlete playing second base in Fastpitch, and a cheerleader, I developed a love for teamwork, coaching, and mentoring. Some of my favorite childhood memories include bonfires with family, sandcastle-building contests, kite festivals, and clam digging along the shore.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, with a focus on scientific discovery and experiential learning, and have also studied Art abroad in Europe, including at the Louvre. I graduated from BYU-Idaho and have several years of experience teaching Middle School Earth Science to at-risk teens and youth in custody, supporting students in completing their programs and continuing their education. I’ve also taught Life Skills and Social Skills at an all-girls residential boarding school.

Passionate about the outdoors, I’ve participated in numerous expeditions, including backpacking the Grand Canyon, Havasupi Falls, and the Oregon Coast, while studying geological features such as stratigraphy, volcanic activity, and erosion. I enjoy collecting rock, mineral, and fossil samples, and pursue outdoor adventures including hiking, paddleboarding, river rafting, fly fishing, cliff jumping, and skiing.

I have three children, and together we love exploring parks, splash pads, museums, zoos, planetariums, and traveling—our favorite adventure being a trip to Monaco to experience the Formula 1 race from the Prince of Monaco’s Castle.

I am deeply committed to education and community, I actively support initiatives that preserve the arts and advocate for women and children. Teaching, learning, and exploring life with curiosity and enthusiasm remain at the center of everything I do

Lower Elementary Assistant Guide

Marilee Meuzelaar

I live in the mountains of Midway, Utah, with my husband, Pete, a talented architect, Marine Corps veteran, and wake surfing enthusiast. Together, we are raising seven children, four of whom have unique special needs that inspire us daily. I cherish spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, cycling, reading, engaging in art, and music therapy. I warmly embrace my journey as a mindful yogi and am passionate about sharing this transformative healing practice with others.

I began my yoga teaching journey at Heartwood Yoga Institute in Bradenton, Florida, where I earned my Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT®200) certification in 2020 and started teaching. By the end of 2022, I had completed my RYT®500 certification training in yoga therapy. In 2024, I earned my RCYT® (Registered Children’s Yoga Teacher) certification through Sarasota, Florida's RCYS® Balanced Kids Yoga program. This included specialized training for teaching children from birth to 18, including those with special needs. During a 20-hour practicum, I collaborated with educators to create lesson plans and teach mindfulness yoga classes to children. This experience was genuinely empowering.

Over the past five years, I have witnessed the significant impact of mindfulness yoga on enhancing students' well-being and supporting their growth in various areas, including physical, cognitive, linguistic, and emotional development. More recently, I have worked as a Paraeducator Specialist in the Wasatch County School District, focusing on helping children with special needs. It brings me great joy to assist students in achieving their goals.

At Rising Heights Academy, I enjoy collaborating with educators, students, and their families to empower each child's learning journey and cultivate a mindful learning environment. I am genuinely grateful to be part of this beautiful community. Namaste!

Upper Elementary Assistant Guide

Gwen Pemberton

I grew up in Denver, Colorado with one sister and loving parents, and am blessed with two lovely children and two wonderful grandchildren. For more than 20 years, I have worked as a Family Counselor, where I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals and families with compassion and understanding. I believe each person is a unique gift to the world, and it is a joy to support them in reaching their full potential.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy artwork, interior design, and creating special event basket designs. My husband and I love traveling together to visit our family and friends. Between us, we have eight children and twenty-three grandchildren spread across the country, who keep us happily busy with all kinds of events and celebrations.

It is a true pleasure to work with so many beautiful souls, and I am continually inspired by the growth and achievements I see in the children I serve—often beyond what many might expect.

Preschool/Kindergarten Assistant Guide

Hilary Obzansky

Born and raised in this beautiful valley, I spent my childhood on a dairy farm in Charleston, surrounded by cows, fresh air, and four amazing sisters. This is my first year at Rising Heights Academy and I’m excited to spend my days helping preschoolers and kindergarteners learn, play, and discover new things. I love that no two days are ever the same.
When I’m not at school you can usually find me camping with my 3 kids, skiing down snowy slopes, reading a good book, playing the piano, digging in my garden, or designing playful creations for my sticker shop.
I believe that learning should feel like an adventure and I’m excited to help bring that sense of wonder in the classroom every day.

Upper Elementary Assistant Guide

Sharon Aydin

I have always been passionate about helping children discover the joy of learning. In my own education journey, I first struggled in the traditional classroom, so my mother decided to begin homeschooling me, basing my curriculum on the Montessori method. That hands-on, self-paced approach helped me not only to catch up academically to my fellow peers but also to thrive as an individual. My own experience is what fuels my commitment to Montessori and other action-based education methods.
I first discovered my love for teaching as a young teen working as a teacher's assistant at my local ballet studio. Since then, I furthered my studies at Snow College and the University of Utah and have gone on to teach ballet and Pilates at local studios in the Heber area.
I recently got married and settled in Midway with my husband. We love the community and look forward to putting down roots and starting our family here.
I am thrilled that I have this opportunity to work here at Rising Heights Academy and help children grow confidence in themselves and what they are capable of achieving.

Lower Elementary Assistant Guide

Meranie Karen