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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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I encourage you to come in and talk to me as you make this important decision in your child’s life.
About Miss Lexie
We are so excited to welcome Miss Lexie to our team this year! Miss Lexie is originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico and moved to Utah in May 2024. She began teaching Preschool in 2022 and fell in love with it! When she is not in a classroom, Miss Lexie can be found at home with her husband and two senior rescue dogs. Miss Lexie is a teacher for the Afternoon Classes.
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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 is attending Southern Utah University Online with a major in Elementary 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 the Director Designee and the Lead Floater for the Morning and Afternoon Classes.
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About Miss Emma
We are so excited to welcome back Miss Emma. 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 is attending Salt Lake Community College, with a Major in Elementary Education.
Miss Emma is a teacher for the Morning and Afternoon Classes.
About Miss Jennica
​We are so excited to welcome Miss Jennica to the Shining Stars Team!
Miss Jennica is originally from Colorado, and attended the University of Northern Colorado where she studied Psychology and American Sign Language. After graduation, she lived in Wyoming for just shy of a year where she was a lead teacher at a preschool.
For most of Miss Jennica’s life, she has primarily worked with kids, and has absolutely loved what she has done. Miss Jennica recently moved to Utah and while it is a culture shock, she has loved living in a bigger city!
Miss Jennica is the Student Support Floater for the Morning Classes.
About Miss Aubrianna
We are so excited to welcome back Miss Aubrianna! As the oldest granddaughter and daughter in her family she has always had a love and passion for teaching and caring for children. Nothing brings her more joy than facilitating in the growth and development in young minds. Miss Aubrianna graduated from Hillcrest High School where She took a number of child development courses. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, doing puzzles and journaling. When she is not indoors, Miss Aubrianna loves to spend as much time as possible in the mountains. In the spring and summer months she loves to hike and in the winter months she loves to ski. Miss Aubrianna is a teacher for the Morning Classes.
About Miss Ivy
We are so excited to welcome back Miss Ivy! Miss Ivy graduated from Cottonwood High School in 2022. She loves anything that involves art, singing, and dancing. Miss Ivy has worked with kids in the past, and hopes to be doing so for a long time. Her goal is to become a Kindergarten teacher and direct kids in play productions. When she's not at Shining Stars Academy, she can be seen on stage performing. Miss Ivy has been an actress since before she could read, and loves to integrate skills she learns from performing into her teaching. Miss Ivy is a teacher for the Morning Classes and is excited to be the Liaison for One Kind Act a Day.
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About Miss Jessie
We are so happy to have Miss Jessie as part of the Shining Stars Team!
Miss Jessie is from Oklahoma, where she serves on her church's Worship Team.
A mother of three and a grandmother of one, Miss Jessie loves spending time with her family when she is not at church.
Miss Jessie is Accounts Specialist and Volunteer Coordinator.
About Miss Kim
We are so excited to welcome Miss Kim to the Shining Stars Team!
As a former Preschool Parent and Parent Volunteer, Miss Kim has been involved with Shining Stars for 3 years. She has been a lifesaver to our team, volunteering and subbing when needed. Miss Kim is the mother of two children and enjoys directing music time for her Church on Sundays. Miss Kim is a Substitute Teacher for the Morning and Afternoon Classes.