Our Team

John Tripp, LAU Executive Director

As the Executive Director of LAU, John is committed to helping your student thrive in their education. John grew up in Southern Utah, where he often spent his time learning and adventuring in the outdoors. His passion for education grew while attending Brigham Young University and Utah State University. After graduation, John acted on his love of teaching and began working with students from 3rd through 12th grade. He even spent 18 years developing an early college program to help his students navigate the overwhelming road to higher education. John passed on his love of learning to his ten children, and he continues to spark that passion in his eight grandchildren by reading with them regularly. John currently lives in Hyrum, Utah, with his wife, two cats, and a dog. Together, they often spend their time outdoors in the Wellsville mountains.

Email: executivedirector@lautah.org 

Shelly Jenkins, LAU Director of Operations

Shelly’s commitment to LAU’s mission and passion for student success will help to ensure a rewarding experience for your student. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and is currently working towards a Master’s in Information Technology Management. Shelly currently lives in Northern Utah with her nine amazing children and can often be found gardening, rowing, or adventuring in the mountains.

Email: operations@lautah.org

Sharla Nelson, LAU Executive Assistant & Communications Specialist

It’s often easy to feel disconnected from your student’s education, but Sharla’s dedication to LAU’s students and families helps create a one-of-a-kind community. In her own words, she’s “passionate about helping students experience a unique and meaningful education.” Sharla received a degree in office administration, and she enjoys using it to help LAU students and families. In addition, she loves spending time with her family and can regularly be found serving her community, reading great literature, or continuing her education.

Email: communications@lautah.org

Linda Hansen, Director of Administrative Services

Having homeschooled her own children, Linda knows just how to create an exciting and educational environment for your student. She’s also had the opportunity to teach several homeschool groups. Linda currently lives in Cedar City, Utah, with her two children. She has a deep passion for classic books, antiques, and old-fashioned flowers.

Email: hr@lautah.org

John Tripp, LAU Executive Director

As the Executive Director of LAU, John is committed to helping your student thrive in their education. John grew up in Southern Utah, where he often spent his time learning and adventuring in the outdoors. His passion for education grew while attending Brigham Young University and Utah State University. After graduation, John acted on his love of teaching and began working with students from 3rd through 12th grade. He even spent 18 years developing an early college program to help his students navigate the overwhelming road to higher education. John passed on his love of learning to his ten children, and he continues to spark that passion in his eight grandchildren by reading with them regularly. John currently lives in Hyrum, Utah, with his wife, two cats, and a dog. Together, they often spend their time outdoors in the Wellsville mountains.

John Tripp, LAU Executive Director

As the Executive Director of LAU, John is committed to helping your student thrive in their education. John grew up in Southern Utah, where he often spent his time learning and adventuring in the outdoors. His passion for education grew while attending Brigham Young University and Utah State University. After graduation, John acted on his love of teaching and began working with students from 3rd through 12th grade. He even spent 18 years developing an early college program to help his students navigate the overwhelming road to higher education. John passed on his love of learning to his ten children, and he continues to spark that passion in his eight grandchildren by reading with them regularly. John currently lives in Hyrum, Utah, with his wife, two cats, and a dog. Together, they often spend their time outdoors in the Wellsville mountains.

John Tripp, LAU Executive Director

As the Executive Director of LAU, John is committed to helping your student thrive in their education. John grew up in Southern Utah, where he often spent his time learning and adventuring in the outdoors. His passion for education grew while attending Brigham Young University and Utah State University. After graduation, John acted on his love of teaching and began working with students from 3rd through 12th grade. He even spent 18 years developing an early college program to help his students navigate the overwhelming road to higher education. John passed on his love of learning to his ten children, and he continues to spark that passion in his eight grandchildren by reading with them regularly. John currently lives in Hyrum, Utah, with his wife, two cats, and a dog. Together, they often spend their time outdoors in the Wellsville mountains.

John Tripp, LAU Executive Director

As the Executive Director of LAU, John is committed to helping your student thrive in their education. John grew up in Southern Utah, where he often spent his time learning and adventuring in the outdoors. His passion for education grew while attending Brigham Young University and Utah State University. After graduation, John acted on his love of teaching and began working with students from 3rd through 12th grade. He even spent 18 years developing an early college program to help his students navigate the overwhelming road to higher education. John passed on his love of learning to his ten children, and he continues to spark that passion in his eight grandchildren by reading with them regularly. John currently lives in Hyrum, Utah, with his wife, two cats, and a dog. Together, they often spend their time outdoors in the Wellsville mountains.

Becky Matz, Adventures Program Director

Becky is passionate about working with youth. In her words, “I hope I can help spark learning and discovery in youth and also help them recognize their strengths, gifts, and who they are so they can lead in their lives.” She has worked with students in numerous settings, including camps, after-school programs, co-ops, and 4H.

Becky holds a degree in Recreation Management from Brigham Young University. She loves spending time outdoors, cooking, gardening, and traveling.

Melissa Manning, Utah State Adventures Coordinator

Melissa has played a valuable role at Williamsburg Learning and LAU for three years. In addition to organizing statewide activities for our amazing LAU students, she has experience leading the Davis County Outdoor Adventures program and working as Activities Coordinator.

Melissa loves playing volleyball, hiking, snowboarding, building things, playing cards, and watching soccer. She also loves working with students and especially loves helping them meet in person for social activities.

Heston Hansen, Weber Adventures Lead

Bio coming soon.

Juliann Mann, Cache Adventures Lead

Transformational learning can also happen outside of the classroom, and Juliann’s love for the outdoors is the perfect catalyst. She’s currently studying Recreation Administration and Outdoor Adventure Leadership at Utah State University. She regularly takes other college students on multi-day backcountry adventures as part of USU’s outdoor program. Juliann is passionate about getting students of all ages outside and promoting lifelong learning through sports and activities. She believes that adventure is a crucial part of living a meaningful life, and she hopes to help your student find their own love for outdoor adventures.

Cissily Braten, Davis Adventures Lead

Having a dedicated mentor is crucial to a student’s success, and there is no doubt that Cissily fills that role. She discovered her passion for mentorship while pursuing a medical degree and quickly switched her paths. Cissily then completed her bachelor’s in Biology from Western Governors University and received an endorsement from the state of Utah in Biology and Middle School Sciences. She has taught in nearly every school setting, whether brick and mortar, online, charter, public, or private. She discovered across the board that students learn best when parents, students, and mentors work together to create transformational learning experiences. In addition to teaching, Cissily enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her husband and two children.

Kailey Gilbert, N. Salt Lake Adventures Lead

Bio coming soon.

Shannon Sipe, S. Salt Lake Adventures Lead

Bio coming soon.

Sarah Millward, Utah County Adventure Lead

Sarah’s enthusiasm for mentoring shines through in her classroom. Her devotion to her students is apparent from the moment you meet her. She worked as an aide at the ILC last year and is looking forward to returning to the classroom! Sarah is currently working towards her bachelor’s degree at Utah Valley University. She loves sports and has coached several of her children’s baseball and soccer teams. Sarah believes that transformational learning can happen when you least expect it, and she hopes to create those opportunities for your student this year. 

Chelsea Forsythe, Central Adventures Lead

Chelsea met her husband 20 years ago on the BYU track and field team. They are proudly raising 6 children ages 17 to 5. They live in a small town in Central Utah on a small hobby farm with many animals, including cows, chickens, bunnies, turkeys, pigs, and emu.  

Chelsea has visited all the lower 48 states with her family as well as all 51 National Parks in those states. She is excited to join Williamsburg in the Adventure Lead position and looks forward to leading the students on memorable adventures.

Melanie Bray, Washington/Iron Counties Adventures Lead

Bio coming soon.

Nels Peter Jensen, CEO & Co-Founder

Nels is CEO and Co-Founder of Williamsburg Learning. He is passionate about helping others learn, grow, and transform themselves, their families, and their communities. Nels is working toward the goal of creating millions of transformational learning experiences in the next ten years.

A native of the Rocky Mountains, Nels grew up in Idaho and Utah and has lived and traveled abroad on five continents. He studied the liberal arts as an undergraduate and received an MBA in Entrepreneurship from the Acton School of Business in Austin, Texas. A father to five energetic children, Nels loves to coach and support them as they grow into young adults and prepare to lead unique lives of meaning. Personally, he is an dedicated father, avid reader, weight lifter, cyclist and yoga instructor. His deepest purpose is to use his talents to help reduce suffering and elevate consciousness.

Gary Arnell, Chief Technology Officer

Gary’s passion lies in creating reliable and efficient administrative services to simplify and improve your and your student’s Williamsburg experience. Before joining Williamsburg in 2010, Gary worked in software development, project management, and administrative positions for businesses and schools in California and Utah. Today, he oversees the People Operations, Finance, Technology, Registrar, Customer Service, and Communications functions at Williamsburg. Gary is passionate about moral and political philosophy, the liberal arts, and the outdoors. He loves designing systems that support all three in his role at Williamsburg.

Gary completed his undergraduate studies in business and computer science at Utah State University and an M.A. in education from George Wythe University. He lives with his wife, Liesl, and their six children in Cedar City, Utah. Away from work, he enjoys volunteering in his community and spending time with his family—especially if it involves canyoneering, hiking, backpacking, travel, or reading.

Adam Hailstone, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Marketing Officer

Adam is passionate about building a vibrant and expanding community to support your student in their adventure through online learning. In his words, “I love inspiring parents and students to get a great education and overcome the barriers in their way. My role directly aligns with my life’s mission, so it’s as much a calling as it is a career.” Adam joined Williamsburg in 2010 as a mentor, and has designed and taught much of The Williamsburg Curriculum. He has presented talks on alternative education throughout the U.S. and Canada and loves finding creative ways to expand and enhance the Williamsburg tribe.

Adam holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts from George Wythe University. He lives with his wife, Laura, of thirteen years and their son Emmett in Denver, Colorado. Adam loves wrestling with his son, hiking, reading, discussing, CrossFit, cinema, and making delicious food for family and friends.

Kim Stanley, Chief Financial Officer

Bio coming soon.

Rob Noorda, Chief Academics Officer

Bio coming soon.