Founder & Music Teacher Katie D. Higley is the Founder and Owner of The HeART Collective. Her passion for music and the arts drove her to create a place where other members of the community could share their talents and experience the joy of teaching.

Writer, Producer, Theater Teacher Jessica is a passionate writer overflowing with words. With a degree in Film from BYU, she loves helping others find their voice and learn to express themselves. Jessica has written over 30 training musicals for Grow With Shows, a company she co-owns, and is an articulate teacher. She brings her love of musical theater to The HeART Collective and helps kids find their inner actor.

Watercolor & Kids Art Club Teacher Natalie is so honored to bring her love of all things art to the HeART Collective. She started crafting at a young age and the joy of making things grew and grew. She earned a bachelors degree in graphic design from the Columbus College of Art and Design. She is the mom to 4 amazingly creative children and admires their unique abilities in the arts. She can't wait to make things with you and see what you discover.

Pottery & Drawing Teacher Melissa graduated in Human Development with a passion for healing. After working with at-risk youth and exploring the world, she found healing through art, which began her creative journey through photography, pottery, sketching, and painting. She believes everyone is creative and loves helping students discover their artistic side while learning strong foundations. She is excited to embark on this journey with her students.

Pottery Teacher Arika Lau is a sculptor and ceramic artist with a degree in Sculpture and Ceramics from Utah Valley University. Inspired by God’s creations, much of her work centers around plants and animals. As a mother of three children and one angel baby, her life deeply influences her art. Arika loves creating with her hands, collaborating with others, and helping students build confidence in their artmaking skills.

Geology Teacher Nicole Ortiz holds a Master’s degree in Geology from Brigham Young University, where she also teaches. She has always loved rocks and the stories they reveal about Earth’s past. To Nicole, geology is like detective work—every mineral, layer, and fracture holds clues to discover. She loves helping students identify rocks, ask questions, and think like geologists, and is excited to explore Earth with them.

Creative Writing Teacher

Woodworking Teacher Fred brings over 40 years of experience as a master stair builder, millwork business owner, and architectural millwork manufacturer. He has also taught woodworking for Nebo School District and Utah Valley University Construction Trades, while serving as a SkillsUSA judge and industry leader. Fred is excited to share his expertise and help students create their own woodworking masterpieces.

Sculpting Teacher Brandy Foy is a hobbyist extraordinaire with a gift for creating beauty in everything she touches. With a passion for sculpting in all its forms, she brings creativity, warmth, and encouragement to every class. Brandy loves helping students turn simple materials into meaningful works of art while building confidence, skills, and a love for creating.

Ukulele Teacher Emily Yates loves sharing her love of music with her students. She has been playing the ukulele since she was around 10 years old and has loved it ever since. Emily loves helping young musicians learn, grow, and have fun with the ukulele.

Bucket Drumming Teacher Adam has been drumming for many years and bought his first drum set with money he earned chopping cotton on a farm in Buckeye, Arizona. Since then, he hasn’t looked back. He has studied drum set at Snow College and Los Angeles College of Music, and currently performs with Johnny Utah and Bat Brain.