Swift Creek Learning Center

updated July 5, 2008

Teachers and Staff

Chris Christie

Chris is an online instructor for Language Arts at SCLC. She graduated in 1997 from Doane College with a BA in Language Arts. She then taught for 5 years at Star Valley Middle School. Chris earned a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction in 2001. She has worked at SCLC since 2003. When Chris is not at school, she is at home taking care of her children and helping her husband with the family business.

---

Russell Gardner

Russell is the Principal of the Swift Creek Learning Center.

---

Bret Graves
Mr. G’s Web Page

Bret graduated from Utah State University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (Biology Composite Major with a Health Minor). He started his teaching career at Teton High School in Driggs, Idaho in 1990 and taught there until 2006. Bret has enjoyed teaching Environmental Science, Biology, Physical Science, and Chemistry. He enjoys making biodiesel, driving muscle cars, and being outdoors, and especially enjoys hunting big game (one of the many reasons that he is excited to be here in Star Valley). He and his wife, Dawn, have one spoiled cat named Thomas P. Kitters.

---

Sharolyn Griffith

Sharolyn is the History teacher at the Swift Creek Learning Center (SCLC). She helped start the alternative program in the fall of 2001. She has a bachelors degree in history with a minor in biology from Brigham Young University. Prior to teaching here, Sharolyn taught five years at a middle school in Davis County, Utah, and two years at Star Valley Middle School. Sharolyn enjoys working with students in educational and recreational pursuits and is currently on the Prevention 
Coalition of Star Valley.

---

Leslie Shinaver

SCLC’s Language Arts teacher is Leslie Shinaver. A 1990 UW graduate, Leslie earned a BA in English and Theatre Education and has taught in Wyoming and Montana, including two years on the Flathead Indian Reservation. There she learned to bridge the gaps between poverty and educational opportunity. A fervent supporter of arts in education, she is involved in theatre at Star Valley High School and is the chair of the Star Valley Arts Council.

---

Julie Skinner

Julie is the secretary at SCLC, as well as a special education aide.

---

Val Williamson

Val is the mathematics teacher at SCLC. He is originally from Idaho and received his bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University. He has spent several years working with adolescents as a teaching assistant, counselor, tutor, and instructional leader while working for Trio Student Services, Department of Health and Welfare, and School District #25 in Pocatello, Idaho. He and his wife, have three boys, who keep their lives full of excitement and adventure.