Batman
STARBASE Hill Director
Batman spent 21 years in the United States Air Force before retiring in 2014. He immediately came to STARBASE Hill as an instructor and Batman was born! He taught for STARBASE Hill until 2016 and decided to move to the local school district's classroom, teaching in the Title I arena. Batman returned to STARBASE Hill in 2019 and couldn't be more thrilled to receive the opportunity of directing such a vital and outstanding program. When not busy with STARBASE Hill, Batman loves running, reading, music and movies, but most of all hanging with his family, especially his four grandkids.
"Sciences provide an understanding of a universal experience; Arts are a universal understanding of a personal experience... they are both a part of us and manifestation of the same thing... the arts and sciences are avatars of human creativity." -Mae Jemison
STARBASE Hill Director
Batman spent 21 years in the United States Air Force before retiring in 2014. He immediately came to STARBASE Hill as an instructor and Batman was born! He taught for STARBASE Hill until 2016 and decided to move to the local school district's classroom, teaching in the Title I arena. Batman returned to STARBASE Hill in 2019 and couldn't be more thrilled to receive the opportunity of directing such a vital and outstanding program. When not busy with STARBASE Hill, Batman loves running, reading, music and movies, but most of all hanging with his family, especially his four grandkids.
"Sciences provide an understanding of a universal experience; Arts are a universal understanding of a personal experience... they are both a part of us and manifestation of the same thing... the arts and sciences are avatars of human creativity." -Mae Jemison
Marvel
STARBASE Hill Office Manager
Marvel comes to STARBASE Hill as an office administrator from a local elementary where she was the "jack of all trades and Master of ALL". After living in six states throughout her life (not even being in the military herself) she has settled in Utah for the last eight years with her husband and six kids. Interestingly enough, some of her bestest of friends are her four dogs (three Golden Retrievers and one Yellow Lab...yep you read it right). In her "spare" time, she loves home improvement projects, going out to dinner, and even has a hair salon in the basement of her home.
"Science, my lad, is made up of mistakes, but they are mistakes which it is useful to make, because they lead little by little to the truth." -Jules Verne
STARBASE Hill Office Manager
Marvel comes to STARBASE Hill as an office administrator from a local elementary where she was the "jack of all trades and Master of ALL". After living in six states throughout her life (not even being in the military herself) she has settled in Utah for the last eight years with her husband and six kids. Interestingly enough, some of her bestest of friends are her four dogs (three Golden Retrievers and one Yellow Lab...yep you read it right). In her "spare" time, she loves home improvement projects, going out to dinner, and even has a hair salon in the basement of her home.
"Science, my lad, is made up of mistakes, but they are mistakes which it is useful to make, because they lead little by little to the truth." -Jules Verne
Vision
STARBASE Hill Instructor
Vision loves robotics and began her STEM adventures by starting VEX teams with a local elementary school. Her vision and guidance resulted in the teams consistently competing in Utah state and World's competitions. Her greatest joy happens when helping students make STEM discoveries and enliven their future interests. She has lived in Utah for over 16 years, has an amazing husband and four beautiful girls. Vision's favorite hobbies include: anything involving water and a beach (of course!), skiing, pickleball, curling up with a good book, and spending time with her family.
"What you do makes a difference. And you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." -Jane Goodall
STARBASE Hill Instructor
Vision loves robotics and began her STEM adventures by starting VEX teams with a local elementary school. Her vision and guidance resulted in the teams consistently competing in Utah state and World's competitions. Her greatest joy happens when helping students make STEM discoveries and enliven their future interests. She has lived in Utah for over 16 years, has an amazing husband and four beautiful girls. Vision's favorite hobbies include: anything involving water and a beach (of course!), skiing, pickleball, curling up with a good book, and spending time with her family.
"What you do makes a difference. And you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." -Jane Goodall
Magic
STARBASE Hill Instructor
Magic originally began her teaching adventures in the classroom where she taught Jr. High Math and the 6th grade for over 10 years. After a hiatus to raise her own children, she has returned to teaching with STARBASE Hill. She loves seeing students learn new things and connect them with things they already know...it's "magical"! When not at STARBASE Hill, Magic wants to read, hike or backpack all up in the mountains. She has been to some really "magical" places like Machu Pichu, The Pyramids of Giza, Tikal Ruins in Guatemala, The Eiffel Tower, Stonehenge, Petra in Jordan, and The Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
"Because you are human, you do have magic. Get in touch with it." -Leo Buscaglia
STARBASE Hill Instructor
Magic originally began her teaching adventures in the classroom where she taught Jr. High Math and the 6th grade for over 10 years. After a hiatus to raise her own children, she has returned to teaching with STARBASE Hill. She loves seeing students learn new things and connect them with things they already know...it's "magical"! When not at STARBASE Hill, Magic wants to read, hike or backpack all up in the mountains. She has been to some really "magical" places like Machu Pichu, The Pyramids of Giza, Tikal Ruins in Guatemala, The Eiffel Tower, Stonehenge, Petra in Jordan, and The Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
"Because you are human, you do have magic. Get in touch with it." -Leo Buscaglia
Maui
STARBASE Hill Instructor
Spending the last 30 years in the classroom with 5th and 6th graders has made John a cool cowboy like his favorite actor, Clint Eastwood. His wide range of science experience and drive to see the “light bulb” go off in a student’s mind makes him a vital member of the STARBASE Hill team. When not teaching, he loves going camping with his family in his trailer, fishing any lake and stream and metal detecting for the thrill of the hunt. His greatest accomplishment, meeting up with students of his past who thank him for the outstanding education they received in his classroom and the parents who truly appreciate his standard of creating a safe learning environment.
“The best way to learn science is by doing science. Bring the Scientist out of every student.” –Dr. Keisha Kirkpatrick
STARBASE Hill Instructor
Spending the last 30 years in the classroom with 5th and 6th graders has made John a cool cowboy like his favorite actor, Clint Eastwood. His wide range of science experience and drive to see the “light bulb” go off in a student’s mind makes him a vital member of the STARBASE Hill team. When not teaching, he loves going camping with his family in his trailer, fishing any lake and stream and metal detecting for the thrill of the hunt. His greatest accomplishment, meeting up with students of his past who thank him for the outstanding education they received in his classroom and the parents who truly appreciate his standard of creating a safe learning environment.
“The best way to learn science is by doing science. Bring the Scientist out of every student.” –Dr. Keisha Kirkpatrick
Peppermint Pattie
STARBASE Hill Instructor
As the veteran of the group currently starting her eighth year at STARBASE Hill, Peppermint Pattie has taught children of all ages for over 20 years. She fulfills her dreams in the mountains where she lives with her wonderful family which includes her husband, five kids (until they left to start their own lives), horses, cattle, dogs and cats. Her interests include testing the laws of Physics, creating chemical reactions and testing scientific theories, however she spends a lot of time skiing, snowmobiling, photographing, horseback riding, writing music, hiking, international traveling and the occasional detonation of stuff...sounds like she needs a hobby or two...
"Promise me you'll always remember: you're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." -Christopher Robin
STARBASE Hill Instructor
As the veteran of the group currently starting her eighth year at STARBASE Hill, Peppermint Pattie has taught children of all ages for over 20 years. She fulfills her dreams in the mountains where she lives with her wonderful family which includes her husband, five kids (until they left to start their own lives), horses, cattle, dogs and cats. Her interests include testing the laws of Physics, creating chemical reactions and testing scientific theories, however she spends a lot of time skiing, snowmobiling, photographing, horseback riding, writing music, hiking, international traveling and the occasional detonation of stuff...sounds like she needs a hobby or two...
"Promise me you'll always remember: you're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." -Christopher Robin
Indy
Instructor, STARBASE Hill
Indy grew up in Spokane Washington and still misses all those trees. She loved finding treasures in the forest, on the bottom of a lake, or at a thrift store. After graduating from BYU with a degree in Anthropology, she worked as an Archaeologist before staying home to raise four children. Indy spent the last four years mentoring her kids’ elementary robotics club. The club sparked a love for innovation and creativity leading them to the World Championships several times. Indy still finds treasures, but now they are usually found along with her husband (also an Archaeologist) and their children. She loves summertime and warm weather spent at the lake, pool, or mountains. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, she can be found watching movies, listening to podcasts, or reading a book.
“The only source of knowledge is experience.”-Albert Einstein
Instructor, STARBASE Hill
Indy grew up in Spokane Washington and still misses all those trees. She loved finding treasures in the forest, on the bottom of a lake, or at a thrift store. After graduating from BYU with a degree in Anthropology, she worked as an Archaeologist before staying home to raise four children. Indy spent the last four years mentoring her kids’ elementary robotics club. The club sparked a love for innovation and creativity leading them to the World Championships several times. Indy still finds treasures, but now they are usually found along with her husband (also an Archaeologist) and their children. She loves summertime and warm weather spent at the lake, pool, or mountains. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, she can be found watching movies, listening to podcasts, or reading a book.
“The only source of knowledge is experience.”-Albert Einstein
Miracle
Instructor STARBASE Hill
Miracle is a mom of three high schoolers. She loves kids! Miracle started her career with a degree in Food Science from USU and was a research and development scientist at a cookie factory until her kids came along. She loves food! While at home with her kids, she started a small urban farm which grew into another passion. Agriculture! It’s pure love for plants and the fascination in the miracle of agriculture that drives her today. She previously worked at an elementary school by helping students expand their imaginations while exploring STEM subjects. She loves teaching science and seeing children’s eyes ignite through their connection of science to real life. Outside the classroom, her family and gardening are #1!
"I am among those that think that science has great beauty." Marie Curie
Instructor STARBASE Hill
Miracle is a mom of three high schoolers. She loves kids! Miracle started her career with a degree in Food Science from USU and was a research and development scientist at a cookie factory until her kids came along. She loves food! While at home with her kids, she started a small urban farm which grew into another passion. Agriculture! It’s pure love for plants and the fascination in the miracle of agriculture that drives her today. She previously worked at an elementary school by helping students expand their imaginations while exploring STEM subjects. She loves teaching science and seeing children’s eyes ignite through their connection of science to real life. Outside the classroom, her family and gardening are #1!
"I am among those that think that science has great beauty." Marie Curie
Starburst
Instructor, STARBASE Hill
Starburst loves new challenges with the learning and experience that comes along with them. Initially, she joined the STARBASE Hill team as an aide with an emphasis in the 2.0 program. When the opportunity came available to be an instructor for the Academy program, she took it with the determination and discipline to learn everything about it. She strives to bring her enthusiasm to each student building their own excitement toward the STEM subjects. Amber is small in stature, but do not underestimate this competitive runner and cyclist as she has been known to do circles around students and teachers alike. Starburst gets out to the warm places of the world when she can; Caribbean or Hawaii anyone?
“Do or Do Not. There is No try.” – Yoda
Instructor, STARBASE Hill
Starburst loves new challenges with the learning and experience that comes along with them. Initially, she joined the STARBASE Hill team as an aide with an emphasis in the 2.0 program. When the opportunity came available to be an instructor for the Academy program, she took it with the determination and discipline to learn everything about it. She strives to bring her enthusiasm to each student building their own excitement toward the STEM subjects. Amber is small in stature, but do not underestimate this competitive runner and cyclist as she has been known to do circles around students and teachers alike. Starburst gets out to the warm places of the world when she can; Caribbean or Hawaii anyone?
“Do or Do Not. There is No try.” – Yoda
Kodiak
Instructor, STARBASE Hill
Kodiak comes to us from South Weber just to the north of Hill Air Force Base. After graduating from Weber State University, she obtained her teaching credential quickly and has taught fifth grade, first grade and third grade at area elementary schools. She has a love for math and science always looking for fun and exciting ways for students to discover their magic. Kodiak is a mama bear of four boys and loves to go hiking, running and swimming, and basically any other outdoor activity. Kodiak would love to be greeted with a grizzly roar.
“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”
– Albert Einstein
Instructor, STARBASE Hill
Kodiak comes to us from South Weber just to the north of Hill Air Force Base. After graduating from Weber State University, she obtained her teaching credential quickly and has taught fifth grade, first grade and third grade at area elementary schools. She has a love for math and science always looking for fun and exciting ways for students to discover their magic. Kodiak is a mama bear of four boys and loves to go hiking, running and swimming, and basically any other outdoor activity. Kodiak would love to be greeted with a grizzly roar.
“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”
– Albert Einstein
Loonie
Instructor, STARBASE Hill
Hailing from the “Great White North”, Loonie recognizes the importance of education through extra-curricular programs. Previously, she led 13 years of an after-school program at North Davis Jr. High. Even after stepping away from North Layton to raise her four children, she would speak at conferences, such as Jumpstart, Lights On, or Beyond School Hours, emphasizing the importance of structured after-school programs. Normally enhancing skills and curriculum, she refuses to miss any of her kids’ activities. From baseball to cheer or basketball to track, you can find Loonie screaming in the stands!
“However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.”
– Stephen Hawking
Instructor, STARBASE Hill
Hailing from the “Great White North”, Loonie recognizes the importance of education through extra-curricular programs. Previously, she led 13 years of an after-school program at North Davis Jr. High. Even after stepping away from North Layton to raise her four children, she would speak at conferences, such as Jumpstart, Lights On, or Beyond School Hours, emphasizing the importance of structured after-school programs. Normally enhancing skills and curriculum, she refuses to miss any of her kids’ activities. From baseball to cheer or basketball to track, you can find Loonie screaming in the stands!
“However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.”
– Stephen Hawking
Tomahawk
STARBASE Hill Advanced Coordinator
Tomahawk comes to STARBASE Hill after tutoring Math at a local district for the last five years. Tomahawk loved Math and, as she describes, the "light bulb" moments that happen when a student grasps onto a new concept that had them previously stumped. When not at STARBASE Hill she loves to watch baseball (especially the Braves and Reds Sox), fish, hunt, hike and camp all with her husband and three kids who mean the world to her. Raised as a prolific softball player, she now coaches her oldest daughter's traveling, competitive softball team. Currently, she is earning a professional studies degree with an emphasis in accounting and social media marketing from Brigham Young University-Idaho.
"All sorts of things happen when you're open to new ideas and playing around with things." -Stephanie Kwolek
STARBASE Hill Advanced Coordinator
Tomahawk comes to STARBASE Hill after tutoring Math at a local district for the last five years. Tomahawk loved Math and, as she describes, the "light bulb" moments that happen when a student grasps onto a new concept that had them previously stumped. When not at STARBASE Hill she loves to watch baseball (especially the Braves and Reds Sox), fish, hunt, hike and camp all with her husband and three kids who mean the world to her. Raised as a prolific softball player, she now coaches her oldest daughter's traveling, competitive softball team. Currently, she is earning a professional studies degree with an emphasis in accounting and social media marketing from Brigham Young University-Idaho.
"All sorts of things happen when you're open to new ideas and playing around with things." -Stephanie Kwolek
Santa
STARBASE Hill Classroom Aide
No, Santa does not come to STARBASE Hill from the North Pole, but he is one cool character. He would love to fly a magical sleigh with reindeer, but has definitely been in everything else that flies. As a retired air traffic controller of 31 years, we are sure he tracked a certain joyful elf on Christmas Eve and often steps in for Santa during holiday events. Proud of his four children and the people they have become, he often spends time with them working on cars, flying an arsenal of kites and tending the ranch, just to name a few activities. The possession he holds dear is his father-in-law’s Book of Mormon. The book took on shrapnel from a mortar attack in the Korean Conflict literally saving his life during combat.
“If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts, but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties." –Sir Francis Bacon
STARBASE Hill Classroom Aide
No, Santa does not come to STARBASE Hill from the North Pole, but he is one cool character. He would love to fly a magical sleigh with reindeer, but has definitely been in everything else that flies. As a retired air traffic controller of 31 years, we are sure he tracked a certain joyful elf on Christmas Eve and often steps in for Santa during holiday events. Proud of his four children and the people they have become, he often spends time with them working on cars, flying an arsenal of kites and tending the ranch, just to name a few activities. The possession he holds dear is his father-in-law’s Book of Mormon. The book took on shrapnel from a mortar attack in the Korean Conflict literally saving his life during combat.
“If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts, but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties." –Sir Francis Bacon
Pepper
STARBASE Hill Classroom Aide
Pepper comes to STARBASE Hill with a great love for teaching and educating youth. Pepper spent 5 years as a Tutor at a local elementary school, three of those in math specifically. Helping students to master new skills is one of her favorite things to witness. There’s so much in the STEM world to discover and learn! When not at STARBASE Hill she enjoys time with her husband and five kids, watching movies, and playing games. Pepper enjoys the outdoors, camping, hiking, skiing, and time in the mountains. She loves to travel and spend her time cheering her kids on in their sports and activities. A perfect dinner usually includes some chips and salsa and some good Mexican food.
“The very nature of science is discoveries, and the best of those discoveries are the ones you don’t expect.” -Neil deGrasse Tyson
STARBASE Hill Classroom Aide
Pepper comes to STARBASE Hill with a great love for teaching and educating youth. Pepper spent 5 years as a Tutor at a local elementary school, three of those in math specifically. Helping students to master new skills is one of her favorite things to witness. There’s so much in the STEM world to discover and learn! When not at STARBASE Hill she enjoys time with her husband and five kids, watching movies, and playing games. Pepper enjoys the outdoors, camping, hiking, skiing, and time in the mountains. She loves to travel and spend her time cheering her kids on in their sports and activities. A perfect dinner usually includes some chips and salsa and some good Mexican food.
“The very nature of science is discoveries, and the best of those discoveries are the ones you don’t expect.” -Neil deGrasse Tyson