our faculty

Our staff is selected not only for their educational background and work experience in the field of early childhood development, but also for their personal qualities such as warmth, empathy, and the ability to relate positively to others.

Preschool teachers are required to have, at minimum, a CDA degree in Early Childhood Education while our elementary teachers hold at minimum a bachelor's degree.  Teachers are responsible for curriculum planning, instruction, guidance, and monitoring the progress of students.

Teachers' Aides are required to have a minimum of one year working with young children and are responsible for assisting the teachers in classroom management, student guidance, and organization.

All staff receive on-going training in the areas of child development and developmentally appropriate practices through conferences, outside agencies, and staff meetings.

Kathy Roberts - Director

I have been a part of the Hilltop Christian School family since 2011, when my daughter started preschool here.  I started as a parent volunteer, joined the board, and when my daughter graduated I stayed on as a staff member.  I love Hilltop!

I have always loved children and have taught in one form or another since I was 16 years old and teaching dance classes.  I have worked as an aide in a special needs classroom, been a reading tutor at the Travelers Aid Society (now The Road Home), and worked in various classrooms with children of all ages in San Diego, CA (my hometown) and Salt Lake City.

I have a Bachelor's of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Utah and spent many of my working years as a retail manager.  Feel free to stop into the office anytime for questions, feedback, support or just to chat.

caitlin collins

2 1/2 - 3 Year olds, 3 -4 Year Olds and yoga

I started as a teacher's aide at Hilltop Christian School in 2013 and have since continued as a teacher for two age groups. I am excited to again return to Hilltop and this lovely community. I have lived in Utah for 14 years after moving from Mississippi. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinios, and spent most of my free time there volunteering in different programs for children. During and immediately after college, I had the privilege to work with young children from many different backgrounds and some with special needs. When I’m not at Hilltop, I enjoy hiking, singing, and curling up with a good book.

Lisa Pope

3/4 Year Olds, Pre-immersion Spanish, Art & Art History

I was born in the north-east of England, one of four daughters. After qualifying as a teacher over 20 years ago, I taught 4th and 5th grade near to London. Since then, my husband, Alasdaire, has been employed by an international mining company which has sent us to different wonderful locations around the world. We lived in Newfoundland, Canada for a little over a year; Chile for 7 years, where our children Eleanor and Patrick were born; 3 years in Guadalajara, Mexico, where I began my career in Early Childhood Education; and over 5 years in Tucson, Arizona, where our youngest son Jonathan was born. We moved to Sandy in 2007 and I hope we’ll stay! In my spare time I like to read and relax, listen to music, walk our dog Max, and I have always been a keen ornithologist. I have been teaching at Hilltop since 2010 and I am extremely happy to be here.

Mary Arndt

2 1/2 - 3 Year Olds, 3 - 4 Year Olds, 4 - 5 Year Olds

I was born and raised in Holladay, Utah. My husband and I are the proud parents of three young boys. I received a BFA in Modern Dance and completed an MEd. in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University, Nebraska in May 2019. I began my teaching career in 2003. I am a licensed educator for the state of Utah. I have taught creative dance to ages preschool through middle school. In addition to teaching creative dance, I have been a sixth-grade teacher and have worked in the field of early childhood education as a childcare worker, lead toddler teacher and lead three-year-old teacher. I enjoy the mountains, gardening, camping, playing with our animals and spending time with my family. I look forward to being a partner in your child's early childhood education.

Wendy Harp

4 - 5 Year Olds and Music & Movement

I have been a teacher at Hilltop Christian School since 2006, when my daughter began preschool here.  I have also taught at Christian preschool programs in Texas and Illinois.  I have an Associate of Arts degree from Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa and a Bachelor’s Degree from NWMSU in Marysville, Missouri.  Though my degree was in Elementary Education, my heart is with these little ones in the early childhood years and I find it very rewarding to watch them learn and grow. I am blessed to be married to my best friend, Michael, and to have four wonderful children.  Our two oldest, Emily and Steven graduated from high school; our two youngest, Shelby and Nathan, attended here through 2nd and 1st grade.  Outside of watching my children in their activities, I enjoy bible study, singing, reading, writing, hiking, and swimming.  I thank you all for the opportunity to work with your children.

Deborah Anderson

Kindergarten & First Grade

I am very excited to continue teaching Kindergarten and First Grade at Hilltop Christian School. Of all the early elementary grades I have taught, this age group has a special place in my heart. The children have such a love for learning and I love making learning fun for them. I have been working with children for 20+ years now. I started in an Infant room, to Pre-K Teacher, after school care provider, summer camp teacher, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade teacher.  I received my Bachelor of Education from the University of Arizona. Outside of school, I spend time with my husband, Ty, our son, Jack, and our Beagle, Tracker.  Since moving here to Utah in 2011, we have enjoyed hikes together and seeing the beautiful surroundings! I love to take pictures and put those memories in scrapbook albums.