Our Teachers are dedicated to creating a fun environment in our classes inspiring your child with the love of learning, inspiration, and the enthusiasm to try new things.
Melinda Larson Arts Preschool Director I'm the co-owner of Diamond Arts Wellness Project alongside my husband Brian. Over the past 27 years teaching the performing arts at Diamond, Brian and I have also encouraged doctors, journalists, professional trainers, filmmakers, marketing professionals, school teachers, entrepreneurs, and stay-at-home parents. More than anything I am proud of the many, many outstanding human beings that I have had the honor of teaching. My 35 years as a performer, teacher, choreographer, and director have been filled with great rewards including my marriage to Brian and our three children Miranda, Zachary, Alex, my daughter-in-law Emily and son-in-law Al.
Ava Stout Music Teacher
I have studied multiple styles of dance and musical theatre at Diamond for over 10 years and joined as a teacher soon after graduation. I am so excited to be teaching full time as a Diamond Arts Preschool teacher.
I enjoy listening to and writing my own music, creative writing, and traveling/exploring new places when I get the chance. Though I have many dreams to pursue,
I love to continue to share my passion for the arts through music!
Zachary Larson Puppeteer, Music & Science Teacher Growing up at Diamond Talent performing in all types of dance and musical theatre opened up a world of possibilities for me to discover my strengths through puppets. I discovered my ability to communicate through different voices and characters which led me to entertain and educate students over the last 20 years. Along with my puppets: Samy, Torick, Treky and Odin, I have been guest teaching children’s musical theatre classes, coaching by using acting games and singing and emphasizing the importance of using one’s imagination through storytelling. I am a graduate of SLCC in Film and I earned a certificate in filmmaking from the Musician’s Institute in Los Angeles, CA. After living in LA, I began work as a media editor and videographer in advertising and performance for Diamond Talent and I have continued to be involved in Diamond’s annual Christmas show and Spring performances. I am also a professional filmmaker and writer working on independent short films both in Northern and Southern Utah. I also continue to freelance by directing and creating music videos and demos for bands and independent artists.
Treky the Monster "Manners with Treky" Treky loves to play with the musical theatre classes at Diamond. He has been a good friend to many over the generations of students. He's learned many ways of being kind to each other in class, how to follow directions, and using please and thank you to his teachers and fellow students.
Torick "Art Games with Torick" Torick doesn't have many words to say, but he loves to express himself by playing fun games that teach children the basics in being a leader & following directions, learning the alphabet, and making sure everyone can have fun! Torick also loves to draw and has dreams of becoming a true artist.
Samy the Seal "Singing Time With Samy" Samy began her love of singing after hearing the music from such musicals as "Les Miserables" and "Wizard of Oz". Her singing idol is Judy Garland. She also loves to tell stories and read wonderful books.
Odin the Dragon "Theatre Arts with Odin" Odin studied theatre at DRADA (the Dragon Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts). He is an accomplished Actor with many dragon academy awards. Though he appreciates the dramatic arts, he still loves to be silly and have a good laugh. He also studies history and legends as well as having a deep love of animals.
Miranda Jean Larson "Miss Miranda's Reading Forest" I grew up dancing and performing at Diamond before moving out east to New York City where I attended college studying theatre and film production. Nowadays, I work from my home office in Reading, PA making new stories come to life in live theatre and indie films as an actress, writer, and editor. I also am Communications Director for Diamond Arts and I edit all of Diamond's performance video design and show footage.
I am so excited to pop in to the Diamond Arts class from my Magical Reading Forest from time to time and share those wonderful stories with the next generation of students.
Emily Armstrong Art Teacher Hi, my name is Emily, and I’m a St.George native. My favorite things to do always involve art and being creative. I love sewing and painting and being out in nature.
Before coming to Diamond Arts Preschool as a sub and assistant, I taught preschool for four years. My husband and I also have four kids of my own who have all also attended Diamond Arts as dance students.
