Language Arts 6
Marie Lemmon | Teacher
My Email: marie.lemmon@washk12.orgHello! My name is Marie Lemmon, and I have proudly called Santa Clara home for longer than I lived in my hometown of Centerville, just north of Salt Lake City—so I officially consider myself a Santa Clarian! I am married and have three wonderful daughters. As a family, we love spending time together, traveling, playing sports, watching movies, and being silly.
Teaching is one of my greatest passions. I love helping students discover their strengths, build confidence, and reach their full potential. My goal is to create a classroom where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to do their very best.
I look forward to partnering with families to make this a fun, engaging, and successful school year!
- Bachelor's Degree-Interdisciplinary Studies (K–8)
- Master's Degree-Curriculum and Instruction
- LETRS Science of Reading Certification
- Elementary Mathematics Endorsement
- Elementary Science Endorsement
- Elementary STEM Endorsement
- Educational Technology Endorsement
Peggy Blair | Teacher
My Email: peggy.blair@washk12.orgMrs. Blair, a Navy Brat who later married a Naval Officer, has lived a life filled with adventure and travel. Growing up, she experienced life in various parts of the country and even spent time living in Japan. Eleven years ago, she and her husband settled in Santa Clara after his 30-year Naval career came to an end. Since then, Mrs. Blair has been a dedicated educator at Lava Ridge Intermediate, teaching Math 6, Math 7, Language Arts 6, and Special Education.
Family is of utmost importance to Mrs. Blair, who has four children and six beloved grandchildren. Her love for warm weather and beaches is evident, particularly her fondness for Aruba, a destination her students are well aware of.
In her free time, Mrs. Blair enjoys indulging in her passions for reading, hiking, and spending quality time with her family. She finds immense joy in her role as a teacher, knowing that she has the opportunity to positively influence the lives of her students.
- Bachelor of Science in Education - Miami University
Lise Duraes | Teacher
My Email: lise.duraes@washk12.orgMrs. Duraes has had a rich and diverse journey in both her personal and professional life. She joined the Air Force in 1988 and served until 1991, stationed overseas at Lajes Field, Azores, an island off the coast of Portugal. It was during this time that she met her husband, Antonio, with whom she has shared 33 years of marriage. Together, they have raised two remarkable children: Tyler, who graduated from the University of Utah with a Doctorate in Audiology, and Sofia, an exceptional artist. However, Mrs. Duraes now finds her greatest joy in her role as the primary caregiver for her six-year-old granddaughter, Aurora.
Her educational journey has taken her across continents and through various fields of study. Mrs. Duraes attended college in Portugal, California, and Colorado, ultimately graduating with a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Maryland in 1997. After residing in California for a few years, she and her family settled in St. George in 1998, captivated by its stunning landscapes. Continuing her academic pursuits, Mrs. Duraes completed her degree in Elementary Education from Southern Utah University in 2001, with endorsements in Reading, ESL, and Technology. Her dedication to education led her to earn a Master’s in Education from SUU in 2017.
With twenty-two years of teaching experience under her belt, Mrs. Duraes has made a significant impact in the field of education. She spent three years at La Verkin Elementary, followed by two years at Bloomington Elementary, before finding her home at Lava Ridge Intermediate, where she has dedicated seventeen years to nurturing young minds.
- Southern Utah University (SUU) - Master of Education
- Southern Utah University (SUU) - B.S. Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology
- University of Maryland University College (UMUC) - B.S. Business with a minor in Psychology