Taralyn Christensen was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho. She has lived in several other states including Utah and Massachusetts for a short period, but always has felt that Idaho was home. Mrs. Christensen married another longtime Idaho resident from Lava Hot Springs and after living in Idaho Falls for 10 years, she and her family moved back to Lava to help with her husband’s family farm. Because of this decision, her children have had the opportunity to attend the elementary school that their father’s family has attended for generations.

As a lifetime resident of Southeast Idaho, Taralyn gained a love of learning from the public school system in Pocatello that she graduated from as part of the National Honor Society. She further went on to graduate with honors with both her associate and bachelor degree in social work from Brigham Young University-Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho.

Along with a love of the community she lives in, and a powerful respect for the education experience, Taralyn also prioritizes community service. As previously mentioned, she was part of the National Honor Society and was required to complete service hours to graduate with honors. During her junior year of high school, she spent 6 weeks helping teach and take care of children in the orphanages of Quito, Ecuador with the OSSO program. In college, she completed her internship hours for her degree at Children Support Services working with children of various ages that dealt with behavioral challenges. She further finished her internship requirements by working at LDS Family Services helping young women work through the adoption process. Upon graduation, Taralyn worked with children and adults with developmental disabilities and delays.

She is currently working as a certified teacher at Lava Hot Springs Academy in the 1st and 2nd grade classroom and loving it!