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Meet The Teachers—
our HeART Collective
Click on a teacher to see their classes.
Katie D. Higley
Musical Theater | Songwriting | Ukulele | Guitar | Tiny Disciple Songs | Homeschool Kids & Teens Choirs | Young Entrepreneurs | Canva Creator Workshop
Music has been my heartbeat since I was six months old. That spark grew into a career as a two-time American Idol Hollywood Week contestant, TEDx speaker, and artist development coach for over 17 years. But my deepest joy has always been in the community — watching someone discover a gift they didn't know they had. That's what led me to create The HeART Collective. I'm also the happy wife of Jeremy and mom to our four wonderful homeschooled kids.
Music has been my heartbeat since I was six months old. That spark grew into a career as a two-time American Idol Hollywood Week contestant, TEDx speaker, and artist development coach for over 17 years. But my deepest joy has always been in the community — watching someone discover a gift they didn't know they had. That's what led me to create The HeART Collective. I'm also the happy wife of Jeremy and mom to our four wonderful homeschooled kids.
Jeremy Higley
Entrepreneurship Teacher
Entrepreneurship is in my blood. I grew up learning from my parents’ business and started my own ventures as a teen, including a lawn mowing company. Since getting married, my wife and I have launched over a dozen businesses, including The HeART Collective. I bring my passion for business and analytics to help students turn ideas into impact.
Entrepreneurship is in my blood. I grew up learning from my parents’ business and started my own ventures as a teen, including a lawn mowing company. Since getting married, my wife and I have launched over a dozen businesses, including The HeART Collective. I bring my passion for business and analytics to help students turn ideas into impact.
Natalie Beddoes
Adult Watercolor | Kids Art Club
I am so honored to bring my love of all things art to The HeART Collective. I started crafting at a young age, and my joy for making things has only grown. I earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Columbus College of Art and Design. I’m a mom to four amazingly creative children and admire their unique artistic abilities. I can’t wait to create with you and see what you discover.
I am so honored to bring my love of all things art to The HeART Collective. I started crafting at a young age, and my joy for making things has only grown. I earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Columbus College of Art and Design. I’m a mom to four amazingly creative children and admire their unique artistic abilities. I can’t wait to create with you and see what you discover.
Jessica NS Blackhurst
Musical Theater Teacher
I am thrilled to bring the study of great storytelling to The HeART Collective through film, creative writing, songwriting, and musical theater classes!
Besides my love of God and family, my greatest passion is storytelling. Starting at the age of 12, I have written novels, plays, films, and musicals. I received a BA in Media Arts (film studies) from BYU, and since college, I have written hundreds of songs, children’s books, and musicals.
I am thrilled to bring the study of great storytelling to The HeART Collective through film, creative writing, songwriting, and musical theater classes!
Besides my love of God and family, my greatest passion is storytelling. Starting at the age of 12, I have written novels, plays, films, and musicals. I received a BA in Media Arts (film studies) from BYU, and since college, I have written hundreds of songs, children’s books, and musicals.
Brooke Koyle
Creative Writing Teacher
Arika Lau
Pottery Teacher
I am a sculptor and ceramic artist with a degree in Sculpture and Ceramics from Utah Valley University. Inspired by God’s creations, much of my work centers around plants and animals. As a mother of three children and one angel baby, my life deeply influences my art. I love creating with my hands, collaborating with others, and helping students build confidence in their artmaking skills.
I am a sculptor and ceramic artist with a degree in Sculpture and Ceramics from Utah Valley University. Inspired by God’s creations, much of my work centers around plants and animals. As a mother of three children and one angel baby, my life deeply influences my art. I love creating with my hands, collaborating with others, and helping students build confidence in their artmaking skills.
Emmitt Higley
Minecraft Teacher | Pilot in Training
Emmitt Higley built his first PC at 12 and has logged 1,500+ hours in Minecraft — defeating the Ender Dragon, mastering redstone, and designing custom maps. He's completed the game multiple times and loves helping new players find their footing. Emmitt also works with command blocks and data packs, bringing real technical depth to his teaching.
When he's not playing Minecraft, he's training to become a pilot — logging hours in a flight simulator and even flying a single-engine plane.
Emmitt Higley built his first PC at 12 and has logged 1,500+ hours in Minecraft — defeating the Ender Dragon, mastering redstone, and designing custom maps. He's completed the game multiple times and loves helping new players find their footing. Emmitt also works with command blocks and data packs, bringing real technical depth to his teaching.
When he's not playing Minecraft, he's training to become a pilot — logging hours in a flight simulator and even flying a single-engine plane.
Melissa Snow
Pottery at the wheel | Drawing
I graduated in Human Development with a passion for healing. After working with at-risk youth and exploring the world, I found healing through art, which began my creative journey through photography, pottery, sketching, and painting. I believe everyone is creative and love helping students discover their artistic side while building strong foundations. I am excited to embark on this journey with my students.
I graduated in Human Development with a passion for healing. After working with at-risk youth and exploring the world, I found healing through art, which began my creative journey through photography, pottery, sketching, and painting. I believe everyone is creative and love helping students discover their artistic side while building strong foundations. I am excited to embark on this journey with my students.
Nicole Ortiz
Geology Teacher
I hold a Master’s degree in Geology from Brigham Young University, where I also teach. I’ve always loved rocks and the stories they tell about Earth’s past. To me, geology is like detective work—every mineral, layer, and fracture is a clue waiting to be uncovered! I love helping students identify rocks, ask great questions, and think like geologists, and I’m excited to explore Earth together.
I hold a Master’s degree in Geology from Brigham Young University, where I also teach. I’ve always loved rocks and the stories they tell about Earth’s past. To me, geology is like detective work—every mineral, layer, and fracture is a clue waiting to be uncovered! I love helping students identify rocks, ask great questions, and think like geologists, and I’m excited to explore Earth together.
Twila Clair
Acting Teacher
I am the founder and artistic director of The Lantern Marquee, a traveling dinner theater company recognized for its immersive productions and community-centered storytelling. As a director, producer, and seasoned performer, I bring extensive experience in stagecraft, character development, and creative leadership. I am dedicated to cultivating confident, expressive actors and am thrilled to guide students in developing their craft with professionalism and heart.
I am the founder and artistic director of The Lantern Marquee, a traveling dinner theater company recognized for its immersive productions and community-centered storytelling. As a director, producer, and seasoned performer, I bring extensive experience in stagecraft, character development, and creative leadership. I am dedicated to cultivating confident, expressive actors and am thrilled to guide students in developing their craft with professionalism and heart.
Fred Orgill
Woodworking Teacher
I bring over 40 years of experience as a master stair builder, millwork business owner, and architectural millwork manufacturer. I’ve also taught woodworking for Nebo School District and Utah Valley University’s Construction Trades program, and served as a SkillsUSA judge and industry leader. I’m excited to share my experience and help students build confidence—and create their own woodworking masterpieces.
I bring over 40 years of experience as a master stair builder, millwork business owner, and architectural millwork manufacturer. I’ve also taught woodworking for Nebo School District and Utah Valley University’s Construction Trades program, and served as a SkillsUSA judge and industry leader. I’m excited to share my experience and help students build confidence—and create their own woodworking masterpieces.
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