Natalie Nielsen holds a BFA in Modern Dance, a BA in English Teaching, a Major Equivalency in History Teaching, and a TESOL certificate from the University of Utah, along with a Master's degree in Educational Psychology and a Level II Reading Endorsement. She recently added a Gifted and Talented Endorsement through Jordan School District.

While at the University of Utah, Natalie danced with Utah's Performing Dance Company, earned a spot on the National Dean's List, and became a published poet. Upon graduation, she fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher, beginning with seven years at the middle school level before moving to high school. Along the way, she has taught language arts, reading, U.S. and world history, general and AP psychology, sports psychology, ACT prep, yoga, and dance. Her first love, though, is dance: for the past fifteen years she has directed West Jordan's Dance Company. In addition to teaching duties, Natalie also serves as West Jordan High's IB CAS coordinator and sits on both the school's Guiding Coalition and its School Community Council.

Natalie is excited to work with this year's Sterling Scholars and looks forward to West Jordan continuing to build its reputation for academic and performing excellence.