How did Thriving Day come to be?
The journey for this school began when Ms. Stevie started elementary school and started disliking school.
Why should any young child dislike learning and school?
Education begins at home but teachers and school play a huge role in the foundation of our children. It's time that schools start to focus on the individual needs of our children and less on how children do on a standardized test.
Throughout Stevie's search to find an education style that ignites a child's natural curiosity she found Montessori. A unique style that meets the needs of the child through a custom curriculum that supports each child's independence, self-esteem, and confidence.
We invite you to schedule a tour and learn more about a school that aims to inspire children to thrive from the inside out and enjoy the learning journey.
Mrs. Stevie Clark
AMS, M.Ed, B.S
Founder, Director, Teacher (Chickadees Class)
Stevie grew up in Heber and Park City, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah in 2007 and shortly after she fell in love with the Montessori method. She believes it empowers both teachers and students to know what they stand for and claim their uniqueness. This is exactly the type of environment she wants to raise her own daughter in, and she knows that she's meant to share these gifts with a world full of children who are craving a learning environment just like this.
Mrs. Stevie earned her American Montessori Society credential in 2009 and her master’s degree in education in 2014 all while teaching (and learning) in a Montessori classroom. And now she has the honor of sharing these gifts with families in Wasatch County at Thriving Day Academy.
When she's not pouring her heart into the school, she enjoys skiing, running, hiking, camping, and anything outdoors with her family!
Mrs. Alicia Pratt
Early Childhood Teacher (Owls Class)
Mrs. Alicia was born and raised in Park City, Utah. After graduating from Park City High School, she moved to Truckee, CA, to live, play and enjoy beautiful Lake Tahoe. Within days of moving to Lake Tahoe, she met her husband Jeff and quickly settled into her new home away from home. They lived happily in Tahoe for ten years, spending as much time as possible skiing, biking, snowboarding, hiking, swimming, and welcoming their oldest son Finn into their family.
Next, they moved to Poulsbo, WA, where they spent countless hours wandering the shores of Hood Canal searching for crabs and oysters, hiking the rainforests of the Olympic Mountains, surfing the cold waters of Washington's Pacific Coast, and gardening in the fruitful PNW summers.
Soon enough, their second son Odin joined the family, and his endless humor and energy keep the whole family entertained.
Finally, after five beautiful years in the Pacific Northwest, they moved back to Heber City, Utah, for a welcome return to the mountains, Utah sunshine, and to be closer to their family.
Mrs. Alicia and her family stay active throughout the year in the Wasatch mountains. In the winter, you'll find the whole family skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. When they're not enjoying the snow, they'll be out exploring all the wonders of Utah with friends and family: camping, hiking, biking, swimming, and paddle boarding. Outside of adventuring, Mrs. Alicia loves yoga, gardening, baking, dinner parties with friends, and relaxing with her wonderful family.
Mrs. Alicia is currently training with the Center for Montessori Studies (GCMS) and can't wait to be a part of your child's educational journey.
Miss Kayla Folkman
Assistant Teacher (Chickadees Class)
Miss Kayla grew up in Heber City, Utah, with her parents and two brothers. Her nurturing personality and love for kids started when her brother was born, and an impactful teacher from the 3rd grade whom she has dreamt of being just like ever since.
Since graduating high school in 2018, she has completed half her bachelor of science degree, majoring in Elementary Education at Utah Valley University. She has spent time working with multiple ages in the local elementary schools. She plans to graduate college and become a lead teacher in her own classroom. She loves exploring the Montessori philosophy and is excited to try a new teaching method.
As a new mother, she enjoys spending time with her baby, family, and friends. She also enjoys hiking, working out, singing, playing guitar, and playing with her two dogs.
Mrs. Diana Holt
B.S. Elementary Education
Assistant Teacher (Chickadees Class)
Mrs. Diana grew up as the youngest of 6 kids in the San Francisco Bay Area. She came to Utah for college and graduated from Utah Valley University in 2007, majoring in Elementary Education. She taught 5th grade for one year before deciding to stay home and raise a family. She and her husband have six kids, the oldest is 13, and the youngest is 4. She loved spending time at home with her children but is anxious to get back to working with kids in a school setting.
Since college, Diana has been interested in different learning styles. She has enjoyed learning more about the Montessori approach. The more she learns about it, the more she realizes how well it aligns with her core beliefs about how children learn and how she has raised her kids. She loves the autonomy it gives kids over their education.
Ever since the first time Diana visited some family in Heber back in 2005, she has been drawn to the Valley. It has been a dream of her and her husband’s to move to Heber. They are excited to realize this dream and raise their family in our beautiful community.
Miss Emily Cortopassi
Assistant Teacher (Chickadees/Owls Class)
Miss Emily was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, and is the oldest of 4 children. She moved to Heber City in her junior year of high school and instantly fell in love with the mountains and the people. Since her youth, Emily has been passionate about one thing: people. Thriving on connection and compassion, she knew whatever she did in life would have to include being surrounded by others and helping them however she could. Growing up with three younger siblings and babysitting often, she specifically grew fond of helping young children.
She found teaching in her college years and has felt "at home" since deciding on education as a career path. While attending school for her bachelor's in Elementary Education, Emily worked for Wasatch County School District at Timpanogos Middle School in the special needs classroom. Learning invaluable information and feeling excited about the future, she decided to join Thriving Day Academy to gain experience and knowledge in the early childhood education world and the Montessori method.
Besides her passion for tiny humans, Emily enjoys reading, music, the outdoors, time with friends and family, and baking!
We believe an independent child is a confident child. A child who is independent and confident is primed for academic success and a deep love of learning.
Independence
We practice skills from pouring, preparing snack, putting away belongings, dressing oneself, and learning how to be a cordial part of a community that respects all living things.
Confidence
An independent child naturally becomes confident. The Montessori philosophy is based on practice, using mistakes as learning opportunities, and routine and consistency (which we all thrive on) creating confidence from the inside out.
Love of Learning
A child who completes all three years of the Montessori Early Childhood program will leave ready for first grade feeling independent, full of confidence, and encompass foundation for a genuine love of learning .
Come and Join Us
If our school seems like a fit for your family, please don't hesitate to get on the waiting list. We would love to meet you.
