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
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
Music & Drama Lead Guide
Stacey Eaton
Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, I have been a dedicated classical violinist for more than 35 years. I studied music at Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University, and I’ve been fortunate to perform alongside Grammy Award-winning artists including Suzy Bogguss, Jason Alexander, Riders in the Sky, and Michael Martin Murphey, as well as world-renowned Spanish guitarist Sir Ángel Romero.
I currently serve as 2026-2027 President and violinist of the Coronado Philharmonic Orchestra in Southern California, traveling to California three or four times a year to perform. Previously, I served as President of the Heber Valley Orchestra for four years and as a member of the Heber Arts Council. My performance experience also includes the Utah Valley University Symphony, BYU Orchestra, Roosevelt Pops, American Fork Symphony, Midway String Quartet, and Park City Strings.
My passion for music extends beyond performance. I have taught elementary music in the Wasatch County School District in Utah and spent two years teaching with the Coronado Unified School District in California. Now in my third year at Rising Heights, I’m passionate about helping students discover the joy of music and develop an appreciation for the fine arts. I believe music is a lifelong gift—one with the power to heal, inspire, connect, and enrich our lives.
Outside the classroom and concert hall, I’m a proud mother of four and grandmother to one very special grandbaby. I enjoy reading, camping, spending time in nature, attending live music performances, and cheering on my family. My children include two attorneys and two who are currently pursuing careers as an occupational therapist and a pilot.
I’m also honored to serve as a Domestic Violence Victim Advocate in Park City, Utah. Whether through music, teaching, family, or social services, I always strive to create a positive experience in my circle of influence and for those around me.
Art Lead Guide
Assistant Admin
Website & 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.
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.
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
Meranie Karen
Hello! My name is Meranie Karren. I love being at Rising Heights Academy! I’ve had the opportunity of teaching for over 15 years! I graduated from SUU in Elementary Education with a Minor in reading. Most of my teaching career I taught first grade. I taught in Lehi UT, Texas, Heber and here. I also taught preschool for 5 years out of my home.
I love teaching! Teaching gets in your heart and soul, and the joy found there is unable to be found anywhere else!
I have three beautiful daughters and my handsome cowboy that are the joy of my life! We have a small farm with lots of animals, room to run and LOTS of work that always needs to be done. I grew up on a small farm and I’m grateful for the work ethic that my parents taught me.
I love to be outside working in the field, or in the garden. Outside is my happy place! Our family loves to ride horses, go camping, play games and be together.
I also give some of my time to Wasatch Back Devastation Relief. This amazing group of ladies work hard to help those in our community who are struck with very hard times. I love helping with this group and giving back to this amazing valley and the wonderful people that live here!
I’m so happy to work here. As I walk these halls, work with these smart and fun kids and amazing staff I can’t help but feel great joy! I’m so thankful to be apart of something so wonderful that cares about the students, their growth academically but also cares for each one individually!
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
Diane Owens
I would say my greatest accomplishment is raising seven children and remaining somewhat sane. After being a full-time domestic engineer for twenty-five years, divorce forced me into the work force.
Because of my love for the Montessori concepts I started training to be a Montessori teacher.
Since I have always been interested in health, nutrition and alternative healing I decided to get my massage therapy license. I loved doing massage and making people feel better physically and emotionally. After a few years of massage and other odd jobs, the strain on my physical body forced me to retire from that line of work.
I am so excited to see Rising Heights Academy coming to our community, giving parents an alternative to other schools and children more opportunity to focus on their interests. I feel it a privilege to be a part of it!
Upper Elementary Assistant Guide
Currently Hiring
Apply on Indeed if interested.
Preschool/Kindergarten Assistant Guide
Meg Evans
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
Currently Hiring
Apply on Indeed if interested.
Preschool/Kindergarten Assistant Guide
Carrie Dayton-Madsen