Fine Arts
Matt Ainsworth | Teacher
My Email: matthew.ainsworth@washk12.org- Theater Foundations I
- Theater Foundations II
- Choir
Nate McGary | Teacher
My Email: nate.mcgary@washk12.orgMr. Nathan McGary has been a band teacher since 2002, working at San Juan High School, Enterprise High School, and is currently the band director at Lava Ridge Intermediate School. He has taught grades 6-12, and has taught concert band, jazz, percussion, guitar, and choir classes. As a band director, Mr. McGary’s groups have participated in local & state festivals, receiving Excellent & Superior Ratings. He has also served as Fine Arts Department Chair and PLC coordinator for Intermediate Band Directors in the district. During his time teaching, Mr. McGary has continued to perform locally. He has been a member of the Southwest Symphony since 2005, has been in the Rebel Jazz Band since 2012, and performed in the pit orchestra for Tuacahn Amphitheater’s Summer Broadway productions from 2006-2015. Mr. McGary has performed with such artists as: Peter Cetera, Kurt Bestor, Allen Vizzuti, Wayne Newton, Wayne Bergeron and Marie Osmond. He also had the opportunity to perform in the Olympic Spirit Band for the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics. In addition to music, Mr. McGary loves sports, video games, movies, and his family. He is married to Crystal, and they have 4 children - Dan, Jake, Brianna, & Rebecca.
- Associate of Arts from Dixie College
- Bachelor of Music in Education from Brigham Young University (BYU)
- Master of Music Technology from Southern Utah University (SUU)
April Nielsen | Teacher
My Email: april.nielsen@washk12.orgMrs. Nielsen's love of music began at the age of six when she convinced her mom that violin lessons were an absolute necessity. It didn't take long for the violin to become her favorite thing, and she eagerly joined the orchestra as soon as she could. The positive influence of her own orchestra teacher inspired her to pursue a career helping young musicians discover that same love of music.
While attending SCHS, Mrs. Nielsen was named the Sterling Scholar for Music and received a full-ride scholarship to study violin performance at Dixie State University. She has performed many times in the pit orchestra at Tuacahn, the Southwest Symphony, events with her own quartet, and currently serves as co-director of the Zion Youth Symphony Orchestra.
When she's not teaching orchestra at school, you'll probably find Mrs. Nielsen teaching somewhere else! She owns a private violin studio and also teaches students from around the country through her online Zoom studio. Whether she's working with a beginner learning their very first notes or helping an advanced student prepare for an audition, her favorite part is watching students discover what they're capable of.
Outside of music, Mrs. Nielsen loves spending time with her husband and their three wonderful children. She has loved horses since she was little and still sneaks in a ride whenever she can. She's happiest watching a sunset on a beautiful beach with sand between her toes, and her family nearby.
Mrs. Nielsen believes music is about so much more than learning notes and rhythms. It's about building confidence, creating friendships, and discovering that hard work really does pay off. She hopes every student leaves her classroom with not only stronger musical skills but also wonderful memories and a lifelong appreciation for music.
Daniel Roberts | Teacher
My Email: daniel.roberts@washk12.orgMr. Roberts grew up in Santa Clara. He went to Santa Clara Elementary, Woodward 6th Grade Center, Dixie Middle School, Dixie High School, and Graduated from Snow Canyon High School with the first graduating class. Mr. Roberts visited Australia for a couple of years, then went to Dixie College and SUU to become a teacher. Mr. Roberts taught for a year in Las Vegas then taught 3rd and 5th grade at Sunset Elementary. He then began teaching at Lava Ridge Intermediate school. Mr. Roberts loves spending time in the mountains hunting, hiking, and biking.
- High School Diploma - SCHS
- Associates Degree - Dixie College
- Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education - Southern Utah University (SUU)
- Masters Degree in Education - Southern Utah University (SUU)
Rosemarie Swallow | Teacher
My Email: rosemarie.swallow@washk12.orgMs. Swallow grew up throughout the western United States because her father worked for the Bureau of Land Management, requiring her family to move every five years. Her mother currently resides in St. George, Utah. She has one younger sister who lives in Sandy, Utah, and works for a medical research and manufacturing company. Her younger brother, who was formerly the Senior Trainer for the Seattle Mariners baseball team, now works for Heritage Mortgage as a loan processor. He divides his time between Pine Valley, Utah, and Seattle, Washington.
Ms. Swallow attended Utah State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Language Arts. She also holds a Middle School Endorsement. A proud "True Aggie," she remains an enthusiastic supporter of Utah State University.
She has two children. Her daughter, Caitlyn, is married to Cameron Fabrizio, and together they co-own Ogden's Carpet Outlet in Cedar City, Utah. Her son, Ben, works in the emergency room as a phlebotomist and medical scribe and also works in the ICU while completing his nursing degree at Utah Tech University. His girlfriend, Lilli Hill, is studying Political Science at Utah Tech University. Both are expected to graduate in December.
Ms. Swallow has been involved in education for 43 years, and this school year marks her 35th year in the classroom. She began her teaching career at Delta Middle School in Delta, Utah. This is her eleventh year teaching Social Studies and her second year teaching Art. Previously at Lava Ridge Intermediate, she taught Language Arts for 14 years, Reading Support for two years, and Science for one year.
Ms. Swallow has a deep appreciation for small-town life and farming. She enjoys cutting hay and watching both the sunrise and sunset. Her hobbies include watching baseball—especially the Seattle Mariners—traveling, gardening, and reading. She treasures spending time with family and friends. Among her lifelong dreams are attending a World Series featuring the Mariners, traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe, and rediscovering her love of oil painting.
Education
Utah State University
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
- Minor in Language Arts
- Middle School Endorsement