Having grown up in the Wood River Valley, Miss Tanner was able to experience first hand the beauty of growing up as a child in our valley. As a young adult in our community, she was a multisport athlete who spent her free time getting outside and/or working with children. Whether she was babysitting, coaching sports, or being a camp counselor, she was always happy to be surrounded by children. After spending her high school career working through the Architectural Mechanical Design Academy, she wasn’t sure she wanted to continue down that path. Being passionate about working with children from a young age, her mother nudged her to become a teacher.
After being recruited to play on their college soccer team, Miss Tanner decided to study Elementary Education at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah. While studying to become a teacher, she worked as a preschool teacher for the Deer Valley Academy in Park City. Throughout her life, she has been passionate about visual arts, performing arts, and dance, so she earned a Minor in Visual Arts. Miss Tanner has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education (All Subjects K-8) with a Visual Arts Minor (K-12), a Master’s Degree in Instructional Design, and an Endorsement in Middle Levels Mathematics (5-9). In her 11 years as an educator, she has taught elementary school, middle school mathematics and science, and high school mathematics for the Blaine County School District. She is excited to make the shift to Syringa Mountain School!
When Miss Tanner isn’t in the classroom, she spends her time teaching dance classes at Art and Soul Dance Academy. During her summer vacations, she takes on the role of Art Director for St. Thomas Playhouse Company B productions where she teaches art to children ages 4-14 and enjoys coupling her passion for art with her love for teaching. In her free time, you can find Miss Tanner creating her own artwork/crafting and getting outside with her husband, Nolan, and daughter, Rell. As a family, they love finding the next adventure together!
Fun Fact: Miss Tanner grew up part-time on some of Idaho’s fish hatcheries because her father worked for Idaho Fish and Game, including Rapid River in Riggins, Cabinet Gorge in Clark Fork, and our very own Hayspur Fish Hatchery. She learned valuable outdoor life skills during her summer and winter breaks!