2024-2025 Scholars
Ash Castro
Occupational Therapy
Ash Castro
Hello! My name is Ash Castro. I am a first-year Master of Occupational Therapy student. I went out-of-state for my undergrad and graduated from Tufts University in Massachusetts with a degree in Biopsychology. I love sewing, playing card games, listening to musical theater songs, and researching historic fashion/architecture. I worked as a paraprofessional at a local Title 1 charter school for five years, and am excited to join Get REAL to learn new ways to help students become successful alongside future clinicians and educators.
Camille Rodriguez
Elementary Education
Camille Rodriguez
Carly Randall
Tanner Dance
Carly Randall
Hi, my name is Carly Randall. I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, UT. I enjoy hiking, reading, playing piano, and spending time with family. I am second year Psychology major considering a second major in Biology with an emphasis in Neurobiology. I grew up dancing at Tanner Dance and working with the Dancers with Disability program. I love that dance creates a space where all people can learn to express themselves and love their bodies. I am looking forward to learning more about how to help children learn in a variety of ways while integrating the arts and other disciplines.
Daisy Fuentes
Elementary Education
Daisy Fuentes
My name is Daisy Fuentes and I was born and raised in Utah. My first language is Spanish and I am able to use this skill to support students in translanguaging. I am studying Elementary Education and I'm in my 4th year at the University of Utah. I'm currently student teaching in a 2nd grade classroom and will graduate this May. I'm passionate about supporting diverse learners and contributing to an inclusive education. I'm looking forward to implementing what I learn from the Get Real! program into my future as a teacher. Outside of my academics I enjoy being outdoors, doing art, and practicing yoga!
Isabel Jensen
Special Education
Isabel Jensen
My name is Isabel Jensen. I am currently at the University of Utah getting a BS in Special Education. With this degree I hope to teach in a classroom with students with severe behaviors. The disabled community is really important to me! I have volunteered at Darby's Dancers for four years helping teach children with all kinds of disabilities how to dance. More recently I volunteered for several months in the LEADD program at Tanner Dance helping teach adults with disabilities music, dance, and visual arts. I have also worked at Utah Independent Living Center in their summer program for young adults learning life skills. Now I work at an after-school program at Copper Hills Elementary and I love the kids I work with! When I am not doing school, volunteering, or working I like to spend time with my family, watch tv, and crochet. I am looking forward to working on this project because I think meaningful inclusion is so important!
Jasmine Luo
Elementary Education
Jasmine Luo
Hello! My name is Jasmine Luo! I am currently a Sophomore at the University of Utah majoring in Elementary Education. I have been observing classrooms and have volunteered at after-school programs, and I love it! It has been so much fun and fulfilling to visit classrooms and help with the education of students! I am so excited to work with others in the Get REAL program and learn more about what they do!
Johnny Morris
Special Education
Johnny Morris
I'm Johnny Morris and I'm a grad student at the University of Utah working toward my degree in Special Education with a mild/moderate emphasis. I completed my undergrad at Utah Valley University where I studied photojournalism. After completing a graduate certificate in documentary film through the Salt program in Portland, Maine, I was introduced to the school I currently work, which I now consider a new life passion. I'm in an alternative high school setting with a youth-in-custody/at-risk population. This setting provides endless opportunities to learn, teach, and build meaningful relationships. I'm constantly reminded of why teaching is important and never want to stop learning how to do it better!
Jrehana Young
Elementary Education
Jrehana Young
Hello, my name is Jrehana Young and I am a sophomore studying elementary education at the University of Utah this year. I've grown up In Salt Lake my entire life and enjoy finding the diversity that the city has to offer. I especially enjoy being within diverse schools, whose students have shown me the beauty of how different perspectives and life experiences can shape children's education. When I am not studying, I love to spend time with my friends, read fun books, and watch sad movies.
Kara Pike
Elementary Education
Kara Pike
My name is Kara Pike and I am attending the University of Utah, majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Special Education and Family, Community, and Human Development. I am in the final year of my bachelor's degree as I am completing my student teaching. I love the field of education because it paves the road for the future. I look forward to exploring what opportunities exist within education. I was born and raised in Utah. I like spending time outdoors, movies, and hanging out with my cats.
Katlynn Richmond
Secondary Education
Katlynn Richmond
Hello, my name is Katlynn Richmond! I am born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah and I am twenty-seven years old. I am in my second semester back to school here at the University of Utah and I am studying Secondary Education in English teaching. I enjoy mountain biking, traveling and live music. I am excited to be part of this program because I hope to make an impact as a future educator!
Kylie Martin (Wride)
Occupational Therapy
Kylie Martin (Wride)
Hello! My name is Kylie Martin. I was born and raised in Gilbert, Arizona and attended BYU for my bachelor’s in Human Development. I’m currently at the University of Utah as a second-year OT student and will graduate in the spring of 2026. I was drawn to OT because of its holistic approach to healthcare and from personal experience watching family members benefit from OT intervention. A majority of my work experience has been within the educational sphere, and I am excited to learn more about the Montessori Method. I was raised in a family of educators and have always been taught the importance and value of the pursuit of knowledge. I’m excited to be a part of this unique interdisciplinary experience to become a more knowledgeable and holistic clinician! When not studying, I love volunteering, going on hikes, cooking, hanging out with my puppy, and reading a variety of literature.
Lea Hawkins
Occupational Therapy
Lea Hawkins
My name is Lea Hawkins, and I am a second-year Master of Occupational Therapy student at the University of Utah. I grew up in Boise, Idaho, and obtained my bachelor's degree in psychology from Boise State University. I have previously worked as a paraprofessional in a special education classroom, gaining valuable experience in understanding how a dynamic and connected team can be a powerful advocate for learner needs. I was also impressed by the amount of special consideration and expertise required to ensure every child meets their individual goals. I have loved my experiences in the school system and am eager to learn more and apply occupational therapy practices to improve the functionality and independence of children during the school day, which aligns perfectly with the Montessori model! Outside of work and academics, I enjoy trail riding on horseback, reading, board games, and starting—but never finishing—those paint-by-number kits, no matter how good my intentions are.
Mackenna Malady
Physical Therapy/Tanner Dance
Mackenna Malady
My name is Mackenna Malady, and I am the Assistant Director and Stage Manager for Elevate Theater Company at Tanner Dance, a theater program for adult actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am also a current third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student.
I started attending the University of Utah for my B.S. in Kinesiology, where I had the opportunity to volunteer as a coach with Elevate. Although, at the time, I had limited experience in theater and working with individuals with disabilities, I fell in love with the program. Watching and supporting our participants as they rise to new challenges and develop confidence, expressiveness, and new skills is an experience I deeply value. I have loved not only working with Elevate, but also introducing other students and community members to the possibilities of this and other adaptive programs.
I can't wait to explore interdisciplinary partnerships through the Get REAL! program and learn more about how our different strengths can be utilized to support and empower the individuals we work with.
When I'm not working in a clinic, studying, or helping a show run smoothly, I enjoy cross-stitching, ballet, playing games, and listening to classical music.
Mathea Langley
Elementary Education
Mathea Langley
Hello! I am Mathea Langley. I am an Elementary Education student at the University of Utah teaching 3rd grade. I grew up in Hailey, Idaho and have always loved the outdoors so moving to Utah was a great way to maintain that lifestyle. I love to run, read and cook & am always looking for new ways to pass my time. I have a passion for traveling and seeing new parts of the world and thats part of the reason why I love working with kids because they allow me the opportunity to learn about new cultures and see new perspectives in life. I have a dog named Chandler and he is a 2 year old Golden Retriever, he is the best running buddy. I am excited to continue my learning and work at the University of Utah with the Get REAL team.
Meghan Nelson
Elementary Education
Meghan Nelson
Hello! My name is Meghan Nelson and I'm in my 3rd year studying Elementary Education. I was born and raised here in Salt Lake City, Utah and grew up playing soccer and basketball! I believe that every child has the right to an enriching education that celebrates their unique strengths and encourages collaboration. I am thrilled to be part of the Get REAL! program and look forward to learning from my peers and mentors as we work together to create equitable opportunities for all learners.
Mikayla Gudmundsen
Occupational Therapy
Mikayla Gudmundsen
My name is Mikayla Gudmundsen. I am a Doctor of Occupational Therapy student at the University of Utah with a strong focus on pediatrics and early intervention. My background includes working closely with neurodiverse students as a peer mentor for the Center for Disabilities and lots of varied experience in rehabilitation settings. I’m passionate about promoting independence in children with special needs and integrating fine arts into education to support this goal. I’m excited to use my experiences in neurodiversity and adaptive strategies to enhance inclusive practices and support personalized learning environments through the GetReal! program.
Rachel Hansen
Secondary Education
Rachel Hansen
My name is Rachel Hansen. I was born and raised in Salt Lake City and love living here. I am currently in the final year of my secondary history teaching program here at the University of Utah which I have absolutely loved. I will be completing my student teaching before graduating next spring. I most enjoy spending my time with friends and family, reading, watching movies, baking, cooking, traveling, walking my dog, and furthering my History knowledge. I am looking forward to the opportunity to further my understanding of Elementary and Secondary Montessori programs with the Get Real program.
Sadie Eggleston
Occupational Therapy
Sadie Eggleston
My name is Mercedes (Sadie) Eggleston, and I am currently a second-year student in the Doctorate in Occupational Therapy program at the University of Utah. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, I earned my bachelor's degree in Psychology from Brigham Young University, where I also minored in Sociology.
Professionally, I have a background in audio-visual technology and significant experience working with children with special needs. I appreciate the organization and love a good spreadsheet.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, painting, playing games, traveling, and spending time with my husband and dog.
I am particularly interested in maternal and infant health and am eager to explore how Montessori techniques can be integrated to enhance educational outcomes for these populations.
Sophia Navincopa
Communication and Speech Disorders
Sophia Navincopa
My name is Sophia Navincopa. I grew up in Utah and love being close to the mountains. I am currently a student at the University of Utah, majoring in Speech and Hearing Sciences, with plans to pursue a master's in Speech Pathology. Once I graduate, I hope to eventually open my own practice and specialize in working with individuals with Autism. I'm bilingual in Spanish and English and have a passion for learning new languages. I enjoy traveling and being outdoors. reading, snowboarding, and spending time with my pets. I am excited to be a part of this program and learn how I can be more inclusive and be able to take what I learn and apply it to my future career endeavors.
Yahaira Chavarria
Occupational Therapy
Yahaira Chavarria
Hi, my name is Yahaira Chavarria and I am a second-year Master of Occupational Therapy Student at the University of Utah. I got my Bachelor's degree in Physical Activity & Health and Communication Studies from Eastern Oregon University where I was a student-athlete. I am from Oregon and love playing soccer, running, lifting, and spending time with family and friends. I was drawn to occupational therapy when my brother with Down Syndrome starting receiving services. I chose to continue my education to become an occupational therapist because of its holistic approach and I wanted to help bring meaning into peoples' lives (across the lifespan) by helping them return to activities that are important to them. After occupational therapy school, I'd like to work with the pediatric and Spanish-speaking community and help children and families be seen and understood. I'm excited to be a part of GetReal and have the opportunity to learn more about the Montessori program and work and learn alongside students from other professions. This experience is one that will allow me to grow and help me as a future clinician.