A new school year began on Thursday, Aug. 27, for Uinta County School District #4 in Mountain View. Earlier in the week, Superintendent Ben Carr welcomed staff with a reminder of the district’s values: relationships, rigor and relevance, collaboration and commitment to lifelong learning. In addition to the seven new teachers introduced to readers in this article, the Buffalos’ non-certified support staff added several new faces, with a handful of familiar faces transferred or rehired into new positions.
New to the district’s custodial staff are Terri Adams and Jacquie Zadra. Joining the transportation staff are bus drivers Morna Larsen, Dean Podzamsky, Domanick Montoya and Barbara Pratt, and bus assistants Jessica Leon and Megan Mayne. The classroom is where you’ll find new paraeducators Jessica Anderson, Bryell Pitts, Kolten Roitz and Ashley Brogden.
Finally, here are the district’s new teachers:
Jolee Barker, Elementary School Special Education: Hi! My name is Jolee Barker. I am originally from Mountain View and graduated from Mountain View High School in 2020. Growing up, my family consisted of my dad, mom, myself, and three younger sisters. I am now married and my husband and I have five horses and two dogs. I love to be outdoors and spend time with my family!
Steve Bell, High School Spanish: ¡Hola! My name is Steve Bell, and I am the new Spanish teacher at MVHS. I came to Mountain View from Big Piney where I taught Spanish and Computer Science for 10 years. I also taught in Mesa, Ariz., for nine years before that. Originally, I am from Spring Creek, Nev. I earned a BA in Spanish Education from BYU-Idaho and an MEd in Educational Leadership form Northern Arizona University. I have taught at the middle school and high school level. I have six beautiful children — four girls and two boys — who live in Big Piney with their mom. I enjoy spending time outdoors paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, camping, you name it. I am an amateur percussionist. I enjoy playing in bands and musical ensembles. I love spending time with my kids who are very involved in sports, music, etc. I have coached middle school boys’ basketball, and I also love to play most sports. I love teaching and interacting with my students. I am excited for this school year and living here in Mountain View!
Brittany Bluemel, Middle School Math: I am from Rock Springs where I spent the last five years teaching fourth grade. Math is my favorite subject to teach and I am excited to focus on that this year! My partner in crime is my dog, Valley, who brings chaos, attitude and energy everywhere we go.
Bethany Harbour, High School Special Education: My name is Bethany Harbour and I’m from Missoula, Mont. I graduated from Hellgate High School and the University of Montana. I’m the proud mom of five Mountain View Buffalo. I love road trips and card games!
Kamryn Jenkins, High School Special Education: I was born and raised in Star Valley. I attended Northwest College and The University of Wyoming. I just graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. In my free time, I love to camp, hike, paddle board, NCAA volleyball, and spending time with my family! I do not like drama, being late, and snakes! I am SO excited to be in Mountain View!
Veronica Ottley, High School Science: My name is Veronica Ottley; I go by Roni. I live in Evanston with my husband and our two dogs. I have two adult children, one who lives in Evanston near me and the other in North Dakota. I am blessed with five amazing grandchildren. I have a BS in Parks, Recreation and Tourism, a BA in Elementary Ed, and an MA in Secondary Science Teaching focus on Biology. I love to create, make and tinker. I love the outdoors.
Waleryan Haleakala Wisniewski: My name is Waleryan Haleakala Wisniewski. I was born in Rock Springs, but recently came from Powell, where I have taught the last 18 years. I received my degree from the University of Wyoming. I have been married for 25 years and have five kids — three girls and two boys. I love sports, PE, having fun, spending time with family and friends, and everything about fly fishing. My hobbies are tying flies for fly fishing, fly fishing, and sports.
Superintendent Carr thanked the district’s employees for being a part of the special things going on in the district. He added, “Last year’s school recalibration legislation presented some challenges, but the evolving changes required of schools won’t change the focus of our district from doing what we do best here in Mountain View: teaching our students and building relationships with our parents.”
