Rowdy Miller
Principal and Special Education Case Manager
Hello everyone! My name is Mr. Rowdy Miller and I am so excited to join Garfield Online Elementary this year. I graduated from Southern Utah University in 2019 with a degree in Elementary Education and an emphasis in Mild/Moderate Special Education. I then got my Masters Degree in Education with my Educational Leadership endorsement from Southern Utah University in 2021. I also have endorsements in Reading, Advanced Reading, and Elementary STEM. Finally, I will graduate with a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rocky Mountain University in August 2024. This is my sixth year in education, and I have taught 1st Grade (for 4 years) and 6th Grade (for 1 year) at Bryce Valley Elementary prior to joining Garfield Online. I have always wanted to go into the world of education and I love what I do. Helping children and parents in their educational journey is so rewarding! I recently got married and my beautiful wife and I live in beautiful Garfield County where she is a teacher at a local elementary school. We enjoy spending time working on our recently purchased home, working in the yard, playing with our two puppies, and spending time with our families. Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can help you in any way!
Danette Verde
Secretary
This is Danette's second school year being part of the Garfield Online team. Prior to serving as the Garfield Online Secretary, she spent several years in the classroom as a paraprofessional teaching computer science to K - 6 grades.
She & her family enjoy being able to live in beautiful Garfield County, where outdoor adventures abound. In her spare time, you can find her playing with her kiddos & hubby in their mountain backyard, snuggling with her 2 pet Holland Lop bunnies, or eating chocolate.
Hillary Bonner
Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Hillary Bonner began teaching in 1994 as a Special Education teacher in Kanab, Utah. She and her husband then moved to St George and Hillary became the beginning reading specialist for a private academy for 3 years. While she had her first two sons she was a stay-at-home mother and ran a preschool in her home. When her children started to attend school, Hillary went back with them and taught Kindergarten for many years. During these years they adopted two beautiful children, a baby girl and then their baby boy. Hillary also taught fourth grade for several years. They made a move as a family to beautiful Garfield County where Hillary's family goes back 7 generations. They bought a little farm and began rescuing horses and other animals. In 2017 she was in a head on collision with a driver that was under the influence of drugs. After 4 surgeries and a year in a hospital bed she began teaching Kindergarten again. Also, during the pandemic, she took her Kindergarten online so her class could still receive instruction. When Garfield Online became available, she knew this would be right up her alley. Mrs. Bonner loves teaching in such a one-on-one setting. She loves spending time up in the tall pines smelling the clean air and spending quality time with her children and grandchildren.
Brittney Dodds
Kindergarten Teacher
Hello! I'm Mrs. Brittney Dodds, and I'm excited to be a part of your child's educational journey. I was born and raised, and now reside in the same small town in Southern Utah. Growing up in this close-knit community instilled in me the values of warmth, community, and a deep appreciation for education.
I attended Southern Utah University, where I obtained a degree in Elementary Education. I then embarked on a fulfilling teaching career. This marks my eighth year in education, with most of that time dedicated to teaching kindergarten—a truly magical age where curiosity and wonder are boundless.
In addition to my classroom experience, I spent four years teaching English online, connecting with students from around the globe. This unique experience allowed me to adapt and refine my teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles and needs.
My family is my world. I am a wife and mother of a supportive husband and three children--an 11-year-old girl, an 8-year-old boy, and a 6-year-old girl. As a family, we enjoy camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and food!
Outside the classroom, I am an avid lover of sunshine, traveling, reading, baking, chocolate, and Diet Coke.
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!
Janette Lee
5th Teacher
Bio coming soon.
Robin Gibbs
6th Teacher
Bio coming soon
Meet the Garfield County School
District Staff
Meet the Harmony Educational
Services Staff
Contact Us
rowdy.miller@garfk12.org
danette.verde@garfk12.org
145 E Center St.
P.O. Box 398
Panguitch, UT 84759
