Ignite Virtual Learning
Meet the Team
Dawn McNiel
Ignite Virtual Learning Director
UE Lead Teacher
UE Lead Teacher
Dawn McNiel
After having three of her own cherished children, Miss Dawn decided she wanted to spend the rest of her life teaching and learning with and from children. She attended Wilmington University in New Castle, DE receiving a Bachelors in Elementary Education K-6 with a double Minor in Special Education and History along with a Masters in School Leadership. During her time in Utah she has been actively involved in STEM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) through writing and receiving grants, implementing STEM events, and volunteering as a STEM Ambassador for Utah. In 2017, Dawn was award STEM Teacher of the Year receiving start up funds toward a local school's first STEM lab! She is an advocate for project based, hands-on, blended learning. Dawn is excited to direct IV and use her passion for and love of digital teaching and learning to provide wonderful opportunities for students!
dmcniel@igniteutah.org
dmcniel@igniteutah.org
Amanda Stafford
LE/ME Lead Teacher
Amanda Stafford
Amanda loves seeing children find their love of learning. Her desire is for every student in her class to become a lifelong learner as well as gain confidence in their individual abilities. She has eight years of experience teaching first and second grade. Since becoming a teacher she has earned a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. When not in the classroom Amanda is enjoying life with her family. She loves camping, hiking or anything outdoors. She also enjoys snuggling her kids while reading a good book or watching a movie together. They enjoy finding an adventure everywhere they go and had the opportunity to spend the past year in Nashville.
astafford@igniteutah.org
astafford@igniteutah.org
Rylie Larsen
Teacher Assistant
Rylie Larsen
Ms. Rylie is excited to be starting another year as the Resource Librarian for the Distance Learning program. With a love for learning and a passion for education, she is thrilled to once again have the opportunity to help the Distance Learners on their own educational journeys. Ms. Rylie graduated from Brigham Young University- Idaho with a degree in English. She loves literature and believes strongly in the knowledge that can be gained from reading. Ms. Rylie is excited to be in the Lower Elementary class again this year. She is ready to help your children learn in a unique and positive environment.
rlarsen@igniteutah.org
rlarsen@igniteutah.org
Nadine Ashton
KIndergarten Lead Teacher
Nadine Aston
Nadine
is so excited to be part of Ignite this year! She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and a Montessori Teaching Diploma. Nadine has previously taught Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd and Lower Elementary but is happy to be back in Kinder! She loves being able to encourage a love of learning at such a young age and being part of a child’s school journey so early on. Nadine can’t wait to see what she and her students can achieve together this year. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, being outdoors, trying new foods and traveling.
nashton@igniteutah.org
nashton@igniteutah.org