Administrator

Principal

Samie Ott

Samie grew up in Tropic, Utah, and is a proud graduate of Bryce Valley High School. She earned her degree from Southern Utah University and taught elementary school for 20 years before pursuing her administrator license. Samie is extremely excited to be part of the educational team at Bryce Valley High School, which she believes is the best team around. She is the proud mom of two kids, Kage and Skyler, whom she considers her greatest accomplishments. Samie loves spending time outdoors with her family and traveling.

Counselor

Rowdy Miller

 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. I decided that I still needed more schooling, so I graduated with a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rocky Mountain University in August 2024. This is my seventh year in education; I have taught 1st Grade (for 4 years) and 6th Grade (for 1 year) at Bryce Valley Elementary and was most recently the principal for Garfield Online School before coming back to a brick and mortar school. 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! My wife and I enjoy spending time working on our home, working in the yard, playing with our three puppies, and spending time with our families. Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can help you in any way

Secretary

Shalee Mortensen

Cambry Jensen is originally from Cedar City, Utah, but her roots run deep in Bryce Valley. Her maternal grandmother and father are both proud graduates of BVHS. Cambry earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southern Utah University in 2018. After discovering a passion for education while working in a high school setting, she pursued and completed a Master’s in English Education from Western Governors University. Cambry plays the viola and piano, enjoys 80’s music, and loves rediscovering classic literature with her students. She is thrilled to be part of the Bryce Valley community—Go Mustangs!

Resource Teacher

Van Cluff

Van Cluff describes himself as “old, fat, and happy,” and he’s glad to be at BVHS. With a light-hearted approach and years of experience, Van brings humor, heart, and perspective to the school. He’s a valuable presence in the lives of students and staff alike.

English Teacher

Cambry Jensen

Cambry Jensen is originally from Cedar City, Utah, but her roots run deep in Bryce Valley. Her maternal grandmother and father are both proud graduates of BVHS. Cambry earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southern Utah University in 2018. After discovering a passion for education while working in a high school setting, she pursued and completed a Master’s in English Education from Western Governors University. Cambry plays the viola and piano, enjoys 80’s music, and loves rediscovering classic literature with her students. She is thrilled to be part of the Bryce Valley community—Go Mustangs!

History Teacher

Jessie Nicholson

Jessie Nicholson is from Orangeville, Utah. She attended Snow College and completed her education through Utah State University. A lifelong lover of history, Jessie is always on the lookout for local museums during her travels. Her hobbies include hiking, camping, kayaking, baking, and reading. She brings curiosity and a love of learning to her role at BVHS.

Math

Roman Platt

Art Teacher

Kara Syrett

Originally born in Alaska and raised in Cedar City, Kara Syrett attended Southern Utah University and has been teaching art for nine years across multiple schools. She is married and the proud mom of three energetic boys. Kara loves gardening and is passionate about all things art. She brings creativity and enthusiasm to her classroom every day.

Agriculture Science

Katherine Denhof

Business & Marketing Teacher

Chelsea Nielson

Chelsea Nielson grew up in Cannonville and is proud to now be teaching at Bryce Valley High School. She holds a degree in Hospitality Management and brings her passion for business, marketing, and real-world skills into the classroom. Outside of school, Chelsea enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and spending time in the scenic red-rock landscapes. She loves spending time with her husband, Bradyn, and their son, Brycen.

Science Teacher

Fred Beesley

Born in Sandy, Utah, Fred Beesley has studied at the University of Utah, Western Governors University, and Southern Utah University. He loves the outdoors and spends his free time hiking, canyoneering, exploring new places, and collecting rocks. Fred values time with his family and is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences for his students.

Family Consumer Science Teacher

Shayne Chynoweth

I was born and raised in Tropic and am proud to be a Bryce Valley High School alumna. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in University Studies with a minor in Marriage and Family Studies from BYU–Idaho and received my professional teaching license in 2021. I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and together we’re raising our two wonderful children, Allie and Jace. Teaching is something I truly love—I enjoy getting to know my students and watching them grow and succeed. Outside the classroom, you can often find me baking, reading, or spending quality time with my family.

ESL/Health/PE Teacher

Tyrell Post

Originally from Rigby, Idaho, Tyrell Post holds an Associate’s degree from Dixie State University, a Bachelor’s from Brigham Young University–Idaho, and a Master’s from Concordia University. He has a deep passion for working with students, both in the classroom and through extracurricular activities. Tyrell enjoys playing games and going on adventures with his family, and he brings great energy and enthusiasm to the school community.

Paraeducator

Kristine Nez

Kristine Nez grew up in a military family and eventually settled in Tropic after her father retired. A graduate of Bryce Valley High School, she later served a mission in British Columbia, Canada. Kristine has continued her education through BYU Pathways. She and her husband have seven children and are soon to welcome their seventh grandchild. Kristine enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her family. She is passionate about working with the youth and loves seeing them grow and succeed.

Concurrent Enrollment Paraeducator

Jaden Denhof

Jaden Denhof hails from Belvidere, Illinois. He began his college journey at Utah Tech and is currently pursuing his degree at Southern Utah University. Jaden is passionate about sports—especially football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. He recently married Katherine Denhof, who also works at the school. Jaden is excited to be part of the BVHS team and is dedicated to making a positive impact on students.

Librarian/ Credit Recovery Teacher

Robin Huddleston

Robin was born in Beech Grove, Indiana, and has lived in six different states. She graduated from Wasatch High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Utah State University. Robin also holds a Master’s in Educational Counseling (K-12) from the University of Montana. She is a proud mom of two amazing children and enjoys road trips, hiking, biking, kayaking, gardening, and spending quality time with family and friends—especially jumping into cold mountain lakes!

Head Custodian

Nick Mathews

Born and raised in Panguitch, Utah. Attended all 3 schools in Panguitch. Graduated in 2000 from PHS and married Amber Veater in June of that year. I graduated from the Fred House Corrections Academy in 2002, and worked for Garfield County Sherrifs Office for 13 years as a corrections officer and EMS Dispatcher. While at the Sheriffs office I managed the inmate work crew doing community service and work projects for the school district and several communities throughout Garfield County. I also taught Culinary Arts for Southwest Tech and facilitated college courses for the inmates involved in the education program at the Garfield County Jail. While being employed at the sheriffs office I also managed and operated JW Disposal providing residential, commercial, and construction roll off services throughout Garfield, Kane, and Piute counties. I started my employment part time for Garfield School District helping with maintenance in January of 2016 and full time in September of that year. I own and operate 6M firewood and provide firewood bundles and cordwood to residences, forest service campgrounds, gas stations, grocery stores, state and national parks in Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. Some of my hobbies are reading, listening to audio books, working on my yard and home, and hanging out with my family.

Head Lunch Service

Linda Larson​

Linda Larson was born in Richfield, Utah, and spent much of her life in Henderson, Nevada, before moving to St. George in the 7th grade. She is a Dixie High School graduate and the proud mother of five children and grandmother to 14, plus one great-granddaughter. Linda enjoys camping, crafting, wood burning, gardening, and decorating her porch with beautiful flower pots. As the oldest of seven children, she developed a strong sense of order and responsibility. With family ties to Henrieville and Cannonville, Linda is related to many in the Bryce Valley area and loves being part of this close-knit community.

Custodian

Troy Willis

Troy is a devoted father of three wonderful children and is married to the amazing Miss Holly. When he’s not working, Troy loves spending time outdoors working on the family farm, hiking, hunting, and fishing. He is passionate about the outdoors and brings that enthusiasm to everything he does.
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