Meet the Ambassadors!

We are super excited that you are interested in becoming future teachers and educators. We want to help make sure that the process is as smooth as possible. To help you we are continually posting information regarding program highlights, introducing you to your future professors, and helping you learn what you can expect as a potential McKay School student! We can't wait for you guys to join us!

Emily Reed

I am a senior majoring in Special Education with an emphasis in mild/moderate disabilities. I am also minoring in TESOL K-12. My passion is my education! I love working as a student ambassador as well as a research assistant for the Counseling Psychology and Special Education department! I knew that I wanted to be a special education teacher when I had the opportunity to work with individuals with disabilities on my mission. I am so excited to give these precious souls an opportunity to learn and I look forward to advocating for equal opportunities for all students!

Abbey Orr

I am a junior majoring in elementary education! I love music, movies, and cooking (food!!), and I love education/educating. I wouldn't say I had a defining moment that I knew I wanted to be a teacher but my collective experiences with the teachers I admired changed my own life. I have always felt teaching was an act of love, and I can't wait to spread that love every day as well as learn from my own students!

Valery Abila

I am a junior majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in TESOL K-12. I am from Georgia; I love music, spending time with family and friends, and road trips! Growing up, my teachers were some of my biggest role models who I looked up to! They were some of the most influential people in my life who taught me to love learning and to love going to school! I want to be that person for my future students and pass the love of learning to them as well!

Joan Halsey

I am a junior majoring in elementary education with a TESOL minor! I am from Maryland; I like to hike, swim, read, and play the violin. I love teaching because it is people-oriented. There is no better feeling than seeing someone understand a concept that they used to think was so hard. Being part of that learning process is just so exciting!

Stella Beeson

I am a sophomore majoring in early

childhood education and minoring in TESOL K–12. I am a transfer student from Mesa Community College. I love food, traveling, spending time with my family, cooking/baking, and doing things outdoors! I love children and have worked as a nanny for over ten years. I have always wanted to be a teacher and cannot wait to one day have a classroom of my own!

Ashley Zundel

I am a sophomore majoring in PE Teaching/ Coaching and minoring in health. I love music, spending time with friends and family, playing volleyball, and going to the beach. I love teaching because it allows me to be able to make a difference in the life of another person. I always knew I wanted a career that would allow me to help others, and this major was a great fit. I am so excited to continue learning and sharing my passion with others!

Anna Glenn

I am a junior majoring in special education with an emphasis in mild/moderate disabilities. My Miner is TESOL K-12. Some of my hobbies include baking, eating, sports, naps, and deep conversations. I absolutely love learning and I want to help others love it too. After working with individuals of differing abilities in high school, I realized I love special education and thought I’d give it a try. I’ve been hooked ever since my first CPSE class. I look forward to helping students with disabilities learn to break through the barriers of an ableist world.

Seriously, if you ever have any questions about BYU, the McKay School, or education in general, don't be afraid to reach out to us! Shoot us an email or visit our website! We hope you feel comfortable reaching out us over Zoom! Contact us here to set up a call!

Website: https://education.byu.edu/home

Contact us: mckayambassadors@byu.edu

Social Media: @BYUMcKaySchool