Becka Groendyke considers working at Early Light Academy an extraordinary adventure. Becka began this journey at the Junior High as a Special Education Teaching Assistant over twelve years ago. Grateful to be a part of this environment, she accepted a full time position as a 4th Grade Educator in 2014-2020. 

Becka was reared in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Becka taught in the Granite School District for thirteen years. She also pursued other dreams and became a Flight Attendant for Delta Airlines, a Hostess for the Marriott Concierge, and a student at Westminster of Salt Lake City, where she earned a Master's Degree in Education.

Becka is married to Rick Groendyke and together they have one son, Noah.  Becka finds pleasure in simplistic beauty...quiet moments, supermoons, billowing clouds, the sound of thunder. It is in the small minute details of daily life,  that she becomes keenly aware of the breathtaking “WOW” moments.  Becka’s passion is sharing those moments of awe with her students. Her strength is being able to see the worth of an individual and having the desire to be an instrument in assisting others in the discovery of their innate potential.

Mrs. Groendyke's Wishlist (coming soon)

Jamie Nelson loves working with the amazing kids at ELA.  She was born and raised in Chicagoland but moved west to finish high school.  She graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a degree in Elementary Education.  Jamie spent 13 years teaching the kids in the community of Kearns and the past 4 years at ELA.  She enjoyed teaching fourth grade for 10 years and has been in kindergarten for six years now. 

As the mother of four kids, Jamie is often found playing legos, reading books, coloring, losing at the occasional video game or playing at the park.  When she has a minute to herself she enjoys reading, watching baseball with her husband (go Cubs!), participating in theater and singing.  She is excited for a great year!

Mrs. Nelson's Wishlist

Jane Austin is excited to be a part of the Kindergarten team at Early Light Academy and support young children in making the transition to Elementary School! She recently graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Utah State University and loved her time there working with students almost every semester leading up to her student teaching in preschool and first grade. 

Outside of school, Jane loves running, painting, listening to music, and adventuring to new places. She is a total people person and simply loves spending time with family and friends no matter what the activity is. 

Jane can't wait to meet her students and their parents and meet diverse needs through hands-on learning activities and practicing self regulation. 

Ms. Austin's Wishlist

Emma Riley recently graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education. There she worked with preschoolers on the autism spectrum and completed her student teaching in kindergarten. She is passionate about building independence, self regulation skills, and excitement about learning in young students.

In her free time, Emma loves to go on adventures outside and learn all about the plants and animals she finds. She is also an avid reader, cook, and birthday cake artist.

Emma is excited to be joining the ELA team this year and looks forward to meeting each student and family! It is going to be a wonderful year full of friendship and growth!

Ms. Riley's Wishilst