Shining Stars Academy
Preschool
Making a difference - one child at a time
About Miss Sam
Miss Sam has over 27 years of experience as a Preschool teacher. A native of Las Vegas, NV, Miss Sam attended Community College of Southern Nevada for 2 years, with a major in Elementary Education. While living in Henderson, NV, Miss Sam owned and operated Shining Stars Academy's Nevada location, as well as working with Henderson Parks and Recreation, teaching 15 classes to young children ranging in age from 18 months to 5 years. In the Summer of 2008 Sam moved to the Holladay area, where she worked with Granite School District Preschool for 1 year. Taking what she learned from her experience in the public school system, and building upon it, Miss Sam opened her doors to Shining Stars Academy's Utah location in the fall of 2009. As more years passed, the once home-based location quickly became too small. Eager to meet the demands of a growing business, and excited with the opportunity to touch more lives, Miss Sam was excited to open the commercial location in August 2016.
In addition to her teaching career, Miss Sam coached and directed the State-winning Morningside Elementary Chess Club for two years. She also worked with Utah Future Problem Solvers for 4 years and has coached several problem solving teams and individuals, including a Community Problem Solving team whose year-long Homeless Children's project was awarded the Award of Distinction at the Utah State FPS Bowl. Sam also served on the Utah State FPS Board as the Scenario Director.
A mother of 4 and a devoted wife, Miss Sam loves children and is excited to meet you to discuss your early childhood education needs.
Miss Sam is licensed with the City of Holladay and the State of Utah, is trained in Pediatric First Aid and CPR, and is Food Handler's Certified
I encourage you to come in and talk to me as you make this important decision in your child’s life.
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About Miss Skyler
Miss Skyler is excited to return to Shining Stars this year! Miss Skyler graduated Bingham High School in 2020 and is pursuing a bachelors degree in elementary education at WGU. She aspires to teach kindergarten or 1st grade. She loves working with kids because of the joy and laughter they bring! Miss Skyler realized she wanted to be a teacher when she was volunteering for the Afterschool program at Life Church Utah where they help kids with their homework and do fun activities and crafts every day. She was a volunteer for a little over 2 years and enjoyed every second. Miss Skyler loves arts and crafts and enjoys helping kids to express themselves through art. She has been babysitting since she was 12 and loves to do so when she has time. Miss Skyler is a teacher for the morning and afternoon classes.
About Miss Alexis
We are so excited to welcome back Miss Alexis. Alexis graduated from Summit Academy High School in 2021. She began her teaching career in high school at Shining Stars for the summer programs. Miss Alexis originally went to school for sports journalism and anthropology but realized she wanted to work with kids instead. She will be going back to school in the Spring for Elementary Education or Special Education. Miss Alexis loves hiking and hammocking in the beautiful canyons. She also love dogs and has two rescue dogs and cats at home.
Miss Alexis is a teacher for the morning and afternoon classes.
About Miss Cassie
We are so excited to welcome Miss Cassie to Shining Stars Academy this year! Miss Cassie started her teaching journey in 2021 and has such a passion for it! This will be her second year teaching preschool. She is currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education at Salt Lake Community College. She loves doing art projects and teaching art as well. When she's not at Shining Stars, she loves reading, sewing, and spending time with her husband and dogs! Miss Cassie is a teacher for the morning classes.
About Miss Emma
We are so excited to welcome Miss Emma to Shining Stars Academy this year! Miss Emma graduated from Skyline High School in 2023. She loves anything outdoors, such as hiking, skiing, and paddle boarding. Miss Emma also loves cooking and reading. Miss Emma has nannied/babysat since she was 12 years old. She loves working with kids and plans to continue her education next fall for Elementary Education.
Miss Emma is a floater for the morning classes.