I grew up in Lava Hot Springs and feel incredibly blessed that the stars aligned for our family to move back here four years ago. My husband, John Tolman, and I are grateful to be raising our five children—James, Milo, Lucy, Benjamin, and Abigail—in this incredible community surrounded by family and friends. Four of our children will attend Lava Hot Springs Academy this year, and we’re hoping our youngest will be able to join Lava Preschool as well!

After graduating from Marsh Valley High School in 2004, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Special Education from BYU–Idaho in 2010. I began my teaching career right here at Lava Elementary as a Special Education teacher. Later, I moved to Provo, Utah, where I taught for three more years, earned a master’s degree in Special Education from Western Governors University, married my amazing husband, and welcomed our first child.

When my oldest was born, I chose to step away from the classroom to focus on raising our family—earning my most difficult, but meaningful degrees in motherhood/everything else. 😊
In 2023, after returning to Lava Hot Springs, I taught part-time at Lava Elementary and most recently at Downey Elementary. I’m now incredibly excited to be part of Lava Hot Springs Academy and its historic beginnings.

I love working with children—especially because they are eager to learn and to love. In my role as a Special Educator, I hope to be a bridge between where children are and all they can become, just as my life was shaped by great teachers and mentors. It’s an honor to walk alongside students and support families in this meaningful work.