Natalie Nielsen graduated from the University of Utah with a BFA in Modern Dance, a BA in English Teaching and a Major Equivalency in History Teaching, a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate, a Gifted & Talented Endorsement, and a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology. During her years at the University of Utah, Natalie was a member of Utah's Performing Dance Company, the National Dean's List, and became a published poet. Upon graduation, Natalie fulfilled her lifelong dream to become a teacher. She began working at the middle school level for seven years, then jumped to the high school level where she has enjoyed teaching a multitude of subjects including language arts, reading, U.S. history, world history, sports psychology, AP psychology, and general psychology. Natalie's passion, however, is dance and for the past seven years she has enjoyed directing West Jordan's Dance Company and instructing the dance classes at the school. In the past nine years directing West Jordan's Dance Company, Natalie has helped eight dancers make it to the semifinal round of the Sterling Scholar competition, and two make it to the final round. Natalie is very excited to work with the Sterling Scholars this year and looks forward to seeing West Jordan continue to build a reputation of academic and performing excellence.