Cherstine Willis
My name is Cherstine Willis and I am thrilled to be the new Assistant Principal at River Rock. I am originally from Seattle and came to Utah to attend BYU. I have been in education for over 20 years. I am very passionate about teaching in general as well as helping teachers and kids. I have: 1 husband, 4 children, 2 grandsons, 1 son-in-law, 1 dog, and 1 turtle. Spending any time with my family is definitely my happy place. I also love: yoga, crafting, hiking, reading, listening to podcasts, and watching movies. I cannot wait to get to know the River Rock Community.
Grace Stubbs
My name is Grace Stubbs, and I will be joining the River Rock team as a Kindergarten teacher next year. I am from Draper, Utah, and recently graduated from BYU, studying Early Childhood Education. I've had the opportunity to be in a variety of classrooms and loved my time teaching preschool, first grade and second grade.
I love to hike, read, and listen to/create music. I have been singing and playing the guitar for many years and hope to bring music into my classroom whenever possible. I also love playing board games with my siblings and parents and enjoy playing with my family's dogs (who, in my unbiased opinion, are the world's cutest).
I am beyond excited to begin my journey at River Rock and with the kindergarten team. I look forward to diving right in and learning as much as possible from the entire River Rock community!
Kenzie Gray
I am so excited to be part of the 1st grade team at River Rock Elementary this coming school year! I grew up in Yuma, Arizona, but I attended Brigham Young University. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, along with a minor in Family Life. I married my husband just over a year ago. My husband and I grew up in the same small town but never knew each other until college. We have a 6-month-old mini golden doodle named Winnie, who we adore so much. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, traveling, swimming, and being out in the sunshine. I am so excited to learn and grow with your children this coming year!
Emi Workman
My name is Emi Workman and I am so excited to teach 2nd grade this upcoming school year! This will be my second year teaching 2nd grade. I previously taught at Deerfield Elementary! I grew up in Colorado and New Zealand and moved to Utah to go to BYU and just stayed. I love the mountains, being outside with my dog and spending time with friends and family. I love arts, crafts, and singing songs with my class! One fun fact about me is that I have a lizard named Darth Rader. 2nd grade is my favorite grade ever and I think I have the best job in the world!
Nicole Soderquist
I am Mrs. Soderquist, or you can call me Mrs. Sodapop. I love gardening, hiking, camping, watching BYU sports with my family, and especially READING! I have been the librarian at Lehi Elementary for 9 years and am excited to join the River Rock family! I can't wait to get to know all of you and see where our reading adventures take us!
Heather Roman
My name is Heather Roman, and I am thrilled about the opportunity to work at River Rock Elementary. I have worked for the Alpine School District for many years, serving in various capacities. My hobbies include traveling when possible, volunteering primarily at Thanksgiving Point, and going on walks or hikes with my family. One of my youngest children attended River Rock several years ago and recently earned his Associate’s Degree from UVU. He will graduate from UCAS at the end of May! I am also a new Grandma!
An interesting fact about me stems from my upbringing: I lived in Keflavik, Iceland; Madrid, Spain; and Okinawa, Japan.
Justine Melton
I am excited for this new adventure at River Rock Elementary. This is my 7th year in Alpine School District, and my 6th year teaching Special Education, Foundations Preschool. I have a wealth of knowledge and personal experience in child development, and additionally worked as a developmental specialist in Early Intervention, at Kids on the Move, in Utah County, for over 6 years (working with infants to 3-year old’s). I graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education, and recently received my Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction, from WGU. I am married with three children (a spunky 3rd grade girl, a 2.5-year-old girl, and 6-month-old boy). I was born and raised in Utah, where most of my immediate family still lives, and even with all the crazy weather I love it here! I love music and art and hope to implement them often in class. I love to have fun and love to help the students enjoy each moment while they are learning.
