Robin Gibbs
Kindergarten Teacher
Hello! My name is Mrs. Robin Gibbs. I graduated from UNLV in 1995 with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood. Much later in my career, I decided to go back to school and received my Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from WGU. After graduating from UNLV, I taught first and second grade for a few years up until I began my family, then chose to be a stay at home mom and raise my two girls. I went back to teaching when my youngest was in 4th grade, as her 4th grade teacher, in a small rural school in Utah. For a short time, I also taught at the middle and high school level, and was an assistant Drill Team and Cheer coach. In 2019, I went back to teaching grades K-6 full time in the same rural Utah school that my girls attended.
I love my students and care very deeply for their education and learning adventure. Each student has their own unique personality and learning style. This is what drives me to facilitate each individual, better my instruction, and assist students with their educational journey to becoming lifelong learners.
I have two grandsons that have huge and very different personalities, and the cutest little strawberry blonde granddaughter whose sweet voice brings joy to my heart. I LOVE Chocolate Chip Cookies, for they are my greatest weakness, Second of course to my grandkids! My husband and I have a small little farm with a horse and a few cattle. We enjoy the mountains and playing with the loves of our life, the grandchildren.
Danette Verde
Secretary
Prior to serving as the Garfield Online Secretary, I spent several years in the classroom as a paraprofessional teaching computer science to K - 6 grades. I also worked as an kindergarten aide & administrative assistant for the Garfield County School District.
I enjoy being able to live in beautiful Garfield County, where outdoor adventures abound. In my spare time, you can find me playing with her kiddos & hubby in our mountain backyard. I also love snuggling with my puppy & pet bunny, going for bike rides, and doing yoga.
I am so grateful to the Garfield Online students & their families. They are a joy to work with & make every year awesome!
Sally James
Special Education Teacher
Hi, I’m Mrs. James!
I’ve been a teacher for 17 years, and I have a Master’s Degree in Special Education. Being a teacher truly makes my life complete. I love helping students discover their strengths, build confidence, and realize that learning can be fun!
When I’m not teaching, you’ll probably find me doing laundry, washing dishes, or chasing my teenagers—with my husband right by my side! My greatest joy is spending time with my family and watching my kids play sports, dance, or sing in choir. I also love watching Netflix or sneaking in a nap whenever I can. My favorite drink is diet soda pop—I’d choose it over food any day!
We also share our home with six dogs, each with their own silly, lovable personality. They bring so much fun and laughter to our lives.
Every student I’ve ever worked with is amazing and special. Getting to know you, playing games with you, and learning together makes me so happy. I can’t wait to see all the great things we’ll do this year—let’s make it an awesome one!
Diona Jones
1st Teacher
Hello, my name is Ms. Diona Jones, and I am so thrilled to be your teacher this year. I have my Master’s in Teaching with an emphasis in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. I have had the opportunity to teach for 8 years with experience both in the classroom and online. Although I have lived in other states across the west coast, southern Utah is by far my favorite place, and will be my forever home. When I am not teaching, I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my 3 dogs. My favorite activities are paddle boarding, hiking, biking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Being a teacher is one of the most fulfilling parts of my life because I get to help students grow and develop academically. I am looking forward to meeting you. We are going to have a fantastic year!
Taylor Steed
2nd Teacher
Hi I'm Mrs. Taylor Steed. I was raised in a small town in Southern Utah. Growing up in a small loving community I was taught from a very young age the importance of education and the roles that it can play in our lives.
I graduated from Southern Utah University with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. I have 2 years of experience in the classroom teaching 2nd grade. Watching students learn and grow is one of the best parts of being a teacher. I have loved creating friendships with them and their families.
My family is my world. My husband is currently continuing his education while attending medical school in St. George Utah. We have a beautiful, sassy, energetic 1 year old who we adore. As a family we love to bake, play board games, watch movies, and do all things sports and outdoors.
Kimberly Blood
3rd Teacher
Hi! I’m Mrs. Kimberly Blood and I am so excited to be your Garfield Online 3rd Grade Teacher! I attended Southern Utah University where I received a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Special Education. I have had the opportunity to work with students Pre-K through 12th grade. I have always had a passion for teaching. I love watching students learn and grow while being their biggest cheerleader. I am so blessed to have an amazing husband and a beautiful baby girl, who are my everything. We love to spend time with our families, go on the mountain, camp, play games, watch movies, and soak in every moment of our happy life!
McKaylie Ruhr
4th Teacher
Hey there! My name is Mrs. McKaylie Ruhr and I am beyond excited to be a part of your education journey this year! The first thing I want you to know is that I value developing strong relationships with those I work with. I strive to maintain open communication between myself and the families I am lucky enough to have in my class. Together, you and I can work to ensure your student has an amazing year.
I come from a family of educators and have always believed that being a teacher is the most rewarding career out there. I graduated from Southern Utah University in 2018 with a degree in Elementary Education and emphases in Mathematics Education and Early Childhood Education. I have six years of experience teaching fourth grade in Cedar City and feel fortunate to spend my time dedicated to helping my students learn and grow.
I am happily married to my high school sweetheart and have been blessed with two beautiful children (and a very hyper dog). My son is 2 years old and loves anything that has to do with construction vehicles. My daughter is 6 months old and loves anything that has to do with her mom. A few of my favorite things are: the color yellow, books by Brandon Sanderson, Thai food, baking chocolate chip cookies, and spending time playing in the sun. I can’t wait to get to know you and your favorite things this year!
Jenae Raban
5th and 6th Teacher
Hi there! My name is Mrs. Jenae Raban. I am extremely excited to be a part of your education this year. I graduated from Nevada State University in December 2018 with a degree in Elementary Education. I have six years of experience teaching fourth grade in Cedar City. I loved spending time developing strong relationships with my students and their families. I am dedicated to helping my students learn and grow. I value open communication between myself and the families of those I am lucky enough to have in my class. Together, you and I can work to ensure your student has an amazing year. I am looking forward to getting to know and work with you.
I come from a family where education is important and valued. I grew up in a small town in Southern Utah where my principal had to step in and become my kindergarten teacher. Her example left a lasting impression on me.
I have been happily married to my best friend for 27 years. We have been blessed with four beautiful children, a bonus daughter, and two crazy dogs. Our three sons are adults. Two of them are working to get their education and one of them is serving in France until June of next year. Our daughter is 16 years old and loves anything that has to do with her friends or dancing with her High School Drill Team. Our bonus daughter works hard to help and support our oldest son to continue his higher education.
A few of my favorite things are: the color blue, audio books, podcasts, anything Disney, Sushi and Thai food, Swig drinks, hiking, exploring, and camping in the mountains, and spending time with family.
State Required Disclosure:
Garfield Online employs individuals holding an LEA-Specific educator license, license areas, and/or endorsement.
Types of Educator Licenses:
Professional: Standard professional license issued to educators that have completed a Utah education program, traditional or alternative, or transferred an educator license from another state or country and met Utah’s licensure requirements. Valid for 5 years, renewable.
Associate: Temporary license issued to an individual earning their professional educator license through a Utah university-based or alternate education preparation program as defined in Utah Administrative Rule R277-301. Valid for 3 years.
LEA-Specific: Temporary license approved by the governing board of a Local Education Agency (LEA) under Utah Administrative Rule R277-301. Valid for 1, 2, or 3 years.
Garfield Online School has 100% of educators who hold a Professional License, 0% who hold an Associate License, and 0% who hold an LEA-specific license.
Utah Educator Look-Up Tool: https://cactus.schools.utah.gov/PersonSearch
