UEN Professional Development Staff Information

Justin manages the professional development department at UEN. His expertise lies in instructional design, technology integration, learning strategies and process improvement. He began his career as a network designer for Cisco Systems in 2000 and joined the University of Utah in 2005 in Business and Auxiliary Services before joining the Utah Education Network in 2013. Throughout his career, Justin has implemented several training programs designed to increase learning comprehension and improve customer service strategies. At UEN, he is responsible for the Utah Education Technology Endorsement Program, Leadership in Personalized and Digital Learning for school principals, professional development opportunities and Canvas LMS. Justin strives to create positive working relationships with school districts, libraries, Utah State Office of Education, Utah System of Higher Education and educational partners to improve student education in Utah. Justin has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Master of Education degree in Instructional Design and Educational Technology from the University of Utah.

Nicole is an educational technology specialist who equips school counselors with the tools they need to implement comprehensive school counseling programs and increase equitable student outcomes through technology. She also provides academic planning and advising for teachers looking to complete the Educational Technology Endorsement. She has previously worked as an Academic Advisor, School Counselor and College/Career Advisor in all K-12 settings. She holds a Master's in Educational Psychology / School Counseling from the University of Utah.

Rob is a multimedia education expert who provides teachers with the skills and knowledge to integrate video, images and other forms of media effectively into their classrooms. He guides teachers in fostering student creativity through media production and teaches courses that help educators learn the basics of computer usage. Previously, Rob taught Spanish and language arts in Granite School District. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Spanish education with an English minor and a Master's in Instructional Design and Educational Technology from the University of Utah.

Val is skilled in the area of instructional design. She is dedicated to helping educators create engaging and effective online courses. She earned a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Kansas State University and a Master's of English in Writing, Rhetoric and Digital Media Studies from Northern Arizona University. She most recently worked as an English teacher and concurrent enrollment instructor in Washington County School District.

Dani Sloan
Senior Technology Trainer
Product Manager Leadership Training

Dani is the UEN product manager overseeing leadership training, the principal’s Ed Tech Endorsement, and the Utah Tech Leaders Network (UTTLN). She is enthusiastic about supporting educators in developing their leadership capacity, advancing their research skills, and integrating digital citizenship into everyday teaching. She has served on Utah's Digital Wellness, Citizenship, and Safe Technology Commission and was the Utah Coalition for Education Technology president. Before joining UEN, Dani was a School Technology Specialist and Elementary Teacher for the Granite School District. She has a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy, a Master's in Instructional Design and Educational Psychology, and a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from the University of Utah, where she is currently an Adjunct Instructor for the IDET Program. Dani has a K-12 administrative license and an EdTech Endorsement. She is an ISTE Certified Educator and a Certified Educational Technology Leader (CETL).

Braxton Thornley
Senior Technology Trainer

Braxton specializes in using technology to personalize learning and utilizing artificial intelligence to promote student success. Before joining UEN’s professional development team, Braxton worked as a high school language arts teacher and digital learning coach in Jordan School District. During his time in Jordan, Braxton was recognized as a “Most Valuable Educator” by Instructure and the Utah Jazz, a “Top Fifty Imaginative Teacher” by Disney, and one of the district’s twelve “Outstanding Educators of the Year” in 2022. Braxton holds ESL, educational technology, and instructional coaching endorsements in addition to a Bachelor’s degree in English education from Utah Tech University. He is currently pursuing an M.Ed. in K-12 School Leadership at the University of Utah.

Jason Snow
Digital Teaching Coach

Jason is a Digital Teaching and Learning Coach with Northeastern Utah Educational Services (NUES), where he supports secondary educators in integrating instructional technology, including Canvas, Nearpod, AI tools, and STEM applications. Before joining NUES, he spent nearly two decades as a middle school science teacher and also taught adult ESL and university continuing-education courses. Jason earned his M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: Technology from Grand Canyon University and a B.S. in Geography and Anthropology from the University of Utah. Outside of work, he enjoys skiing, camping, restoring Airstream trailers, riding motorcycles and old Jeeps, fishing, and spending time with his four grandchildren.

Kathleen Riebe
Digital Teaching Coach

Kathleen is a Digital Teaching and Learning Coach with Northeastern Utah Educational Services (NUES), where she supports K–12 educators in integrating instructional technology, early math strategies, STEM tools, and media literacy practices into their classrooms. She brings extensive experience as a longtime educator and state-level education leader, having served on the Utah State Board of Education and in the Utah State Senate. Kathleen holds an M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Utah State University and a B.S. in Elementary Education and Sociology from Hofstra University, along with multiple certifications, including Google Educator Levels 1 and 2 and a Technology Endorsement. Outside of work, she enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, biking, bird-watching, exploring Utah’s parks, and spending time with her dogs.

Brandon Harrison
Regional Trainer

Brandon is the Innovation and Technology Integration Specialist. He is excited to help teachers implement technology and works closely with UEN and SUU to provide quality content for online professional development courses and the Ed Tech Endorsement Program. Brandon also manages the CUES regional SORA digital library. Brandon has been involved in education for 20+ years. Before CUES, he spent 3 years as an Education Mentor for the Cache County and Logan City School Districts' YIC program. He then taught junior high in Murray District for 13 years. Brandon has a BA in teaching from Utah State University, M.Ed from Plymouth State University, as well as a M.Ed in School Leadership from Western Governors University. He is a certified Google, Nearpod, and ISTE Educator and Trainer, as well as a certified trainer for Leadership in Blended and Digital Teaching.

Nathan Wilson
Technology Integration Specialist

Nathan Wilson specializes in technology implementation in the classroom and the effective use of iPads, Chromebooks, and Google Apps for Education. He is available to help coach teacher engagement with software such as Google Classroom, Canvas, Adobe products, Apple products, formative assessment tools, web design and more. Nathan earned an Associate's in Art and Design from the College of Eastern Utah, and a Bachelor's in Graphic Design and a Master's in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences from Utah State University. Prior to joining SESC, Nathan was a tenured faculty member, Art Department Head, and Graphic Arts Department Head at the College of Eastern Utah.

JoLynn Torgerson
Technology Integration Specialist

JoLynn is a dedicated technology integration specialist committed to enhancing education in Southeastern Utah's K-12 public schools. With a strong foundation in classroom teaching, she leverages her experience to support educators in effectively integrating technology into their instruction. JoLynn is passionate about helping teachers implement blended learning strategies that foster student engagement, creativity, and deepen learning. Before joining the Regional Service Center, JoLynn served as an elementary teacher for 13 years at HMK in Grand County School District in Moab, Utah. Her diverse background in education allows her to connect with teachers on a personal level, providing practical guidance and innovative solutions.

Clint Stephens
Technology Integration & Data Specialist

During his twelve years teaching secondary Science, Regional Technology Integration Specialist Clint Stephens was awarded the Utah Middle School Science Teacher of the Year award in addition to several technology innovation grants & awards. Currently, Clint is a Level 1 & 2 Certified Google Educator, Apple Certified Educator, Past President of UCET, and has been helping teachers in the SEDC region with classroom tech since 2007.

Chris Haught
Media & Technology Mentor and Autism Assistant

Chris Haught serves as a Technology and Media Mentor, Canvas Administrator, and Autism Secretary for the SEDC. She supports educators across the region through technology training, media and digital literacy, and Canvas support. Chris collaborates with regional librarians, leads professional conferences, assists with autism programs and events, and contributes to statewide educational innovation through leadership roles in professional organizations.