Salt Lake Center Staff
Meet the Administration and Staff at the BYU Salt Lake Center
The BYU Salt Lake Center has a dedicated team of administrators and staff who work tirelessly to create an enriching, supportive environment for our students and faculty. Our team is committed to upholding the values of BYU while providing exceptional service and resources to ensure a seamless educational experience.
Student-Centered Support
Our administration and staff are focused on helping students thrive academically, spiritually, and personally. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Experienced Leadership
The administration team at the BYU Salt Lake Center brings years of experience in higher education and organizational management. Their leadership ensures that the center operates smoothly, efficiently, and in alignment with BYU’s mission and values.
Dedicated Service
Our staff members are committed to providing the highest level of service, whether it’s assisting with academic advising, helping you navigate campus resources, or ensuring that our facilities are welcoming and accessible.
Staff Directory
Type a staff member's name or role.
Testing Center Supervisor
Testing Center Supervisor
Dawn-Noel Aiono is the testing center supervisor at the BYU Salt Lake Center. She graduated from BYU in 2011 with her Bachelor of Science degree in economics and a minor in business. She worked as the administrative assistant and training specialist full-time at the BYU Registrar’s Office before switching to part-time work in the testing center. She has four daughters and loves spending time with family, going to concerts, and visiting amusement parks.
Academic Support Services Administrator, Librarian
Academic Support Services Administrator, Librarian
Amy Bernards is the Academic Support Services Administrator and Librarian at the BYU Salt Lake Center. She is a graduate of Ricks College and BYU and received a Master of Science in Library Science degree from Clarion University. Amy has worked at the Salt Lake Center since 2009 and prior to that she worked at the Harold B. Lee Library at BYU. She loves to research and does her best to convince students that it is fun. Amy enjoys gardening, reading, sewing, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Computer Lab Attendant
Computer Lab Attendant
Patrick Carlile, a graduate of BYU–Idaho with a degree in Theater Studies, is a passionate enthusiast of film and live theater. In addition to his love for the arts, Patrick enjoys a variety of hobbies, including collecting trading cards, learning new games, and investing in his personal growth.
Academic and Admissions Advisor
Academic and Admissions Advisor
Originally from Sacramento, California, Natalie came to Utah for her undergraduate at BYU. She received her bachelor's degree in Sociology and immediately began working as the Director of Internship & Career Services for the BYU School of Communications. She left that position to start her family and spent the next ten years doing freelance marketing communications and design. Natalie has now returned to BYU to help support non-traditional students navigate the rigors of higher education in FlexGE and the Bachelor of General Studies programs.
Academic and Admissions Advisor, Student Services Specialist
Academic and Admissions Advisor, Student Services Specialist
Hailing from Utah County, Ariel stayed nearby for college and graduated from BYU with a degree in Exercise Science. She is passionate about finding wellness in all aspects of life and enjoys helping people figure out their academic journey, whatever that journey may look like!
Evening Classes Academic Program Administrator
Evening Classes Academic Program Administrator
Karen grew up on a farm in a tiny Cache Valley town near the Utah/Idaho border with a big family. Karen has worked with Evening Classes for 20 years and achieved a masters in Instructional Psychology and Technology during that time. Prior to joining BYU, she received two bachelor’s degrees (from Utah State and University of Utah respectively), including one with a teaching ASL emphasis. Karen enjoys fall, football, and doting on her many great nieces and nephews in her spare time.
Advising Program Administrator
Advising Program Administrator
Sariah has lived in Washington, Utah, and Virginia. She received an associate’s degree from Utah Valley University, served a mission in Moscow, Russia, and graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. After graduation, she lived near Washington, D.C. for ten years. Her family consists of a husband, three kids, three dogs, and too many chickens. An advisor helped her to find her career and she completed her master's degree in academic advising at Kansas State. She loves books, lemonade, outdoors, country music, and supporting students on their education journey.
Technology Administrator
Technology Administrator
Garren Durtschi works at the BYU Salt Lake Center as the Technologies Administrator. Garren received his associate’s degree in Data Processing from Ricks College and his bachelor’s degree from BYU in Information Management. He holds a Masters of Business Administration in Technology Management from University of Phoenix. Before coming to work at BYU, Garren worked for Wyeth Pharmaceutical, Novell, WordPerfect, Utah Valley Community College, SOS Computer Systems, and Signetics.
Academic Advisor
Academic Advisor
After living in two U.S. states and two European countries, Meg earned a BA in History Teaching and a French teaching minor from BYU. She taught in public schools for a few years and loved being a stay-at-home parent. Meg earned her MA in School Counseling from Adams State University and has come full circle to work at BYU as an academic advisor. Meg loves time with her husband, family and friends, and spending peaceful time in nature. If she can include good food and fun in any of her other interests, Meg is even happier!
Testing Center Assistant Supervisor
Testing Center Assistant Supervisor
Sydnee Furlong is the Assistant Testing Center Supervisor at the BYU Salt Lake Center. Sydnee is an alumna of BYU, holding a bachelor's degree in General Studies with an emphasis in Family Life. Sydnee is currently furthering her education at the University of Utah and enjoys spending time with her family on the East Coast.
Academic Advisor
Academic Advisor
Paul Gillespie is an academic and admissions advisor for BYU Continuing Education. After earning a bachelor’s degree from the California Institute of Technology, Paul served as an Air Force officer before returning to academia. He has a background in both STEM and the humanities and was previously an academic advisor and faculty member at the Air Force Academy in Colorado. Paul is a graduate of Alta High School in Sandy, Utah, and served a mission in Catania, Italy. He and his wife, Yvonne, are the parents of four children.
BGS Program Administrator
BGS Program Administrator
Matt is the program manager for the BYU Bachelor of General Studies program, where he has worked since 2010. Originally from the Richmond, Virginia area, he moved to Utah to earn his bachelor’s degree in International Studies from BYU. Afterward, he returned to Virginia to complete a master’s degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. During his time at BYU, Matt has earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership. He resides in Orem with his wife and two children, where he enjoys tending to his small garden.
Academic and Operations Administrative Assistant
Academic and Operations Administrative Assistant
Laurie is the Academic and Operations Administrative Assistant at the BYU Salt Lake Center. She holds a master’s degree in accounting, is a licensed CPA, and has previously worked in several finance and accounting positions. She enjoys gardening and making costumes.
Academic Administrator
Academic Administrator
Rob is an Academic Administrator for the BYU Salt Lake Center and has been working for BYU Continuing Education since 2005. He also worked with the Bachelor of General Studies program. Rob graduated from BYU with a Master of Public Administration and completed undergraduate degrees from the State University of New York at Cortland and BYU–Idaho. Rob, a native up-state New Yorker, is married, has four children and resides in Orem.
Associate Controller
Associate Controller
Hal Johnson is an associate controller in BYU’s Department of Continuing Education Classroom Programs which includes the BYU Salt Lake Center, BYU Evening Classes, BYU FlexGE, and the BYU Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) program. Hal graduated with a MAcc degree from BYU and joined the BYU team after 13 years of experience working in both public accounting and industry jobs. Hal is also a licensed CPA.
Academic and Admissions Advisor
Academic and Admissions Advisor
With roots in Bear Lake County, Idaho, Sarah is a small-town girl at heart. She tried the Washington D.C. area for a few years, then came to Provo as a newlywed. Five kids later she had an associate's degree from UVU and a Personal Fitness Trainer Certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. As a stay-at-home-mom she also spent years helping individuals work toward optimal health and finished a bachelor’s of Family Science at BYU. Her passion for helping students and for all things outdoors, sunshine, and creativity bring her great joy!
Visiting Students Program Administrator
Visiting Students Program Administrator
A native of Park City, Utah, Kyle served a mission to the Philippines Bacolod Mission and studied Political Science for his bachelor’s degree from BYU. While finishing his education at BYU, Kyle met a beautiful Texas-girl and got married (and they now have five kids). Kyle worked in construction material sales followed by a tenure in retail management in Texas and pursued a master’s in Counseling from the University of North Texas (UNT) while also working for the university as an academic advisor. Upon graduation from UNT, Kyle returned to BYU where he now works as an academic advisor and the program coordinator of the BYU Visiting Student program. Kyle advises students in the post-baccalaureate, concurrent high school, audit-only, undergraduate visiting student, and FlexGE programs.
Academic Support Services Specialist
Academic Support Services Specialist
Marisa has worked at the BYU Salt Lake Center since 2019 in Academic Services. She enjoys assisting students, faculty, and staff with a variety of questions and tasks. She also works closely with the BYU FlexGE program. She earned her BA in English with a Creative Writing emphasis from Weber State University in 2017.
Academic Advisor
Academic Advisor
Clint Payne is an educational leader who thrives on innovation and grit. As the FlexGE Program Manager at BYU, he’s doubled student enrollment by reimagining possibilities and driving creative initiatives. Clint’s passion for finding new solutions and his determination to see them through are at the heart of his work. With a Masters in Instructional Design and Technology, and years of hands-on experience, he’s dedicated to making education better for every student. Clint is always looking for new ways to push boundaries and create meaningful change.
IT System Tech
IT System Tech
Connor Phelps is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree with BYU in Cybersecurity, with an expected graduation in 2027. Outside of academics, he is an avid hockey enthusiast, enjoys camping adventures with his wife and two children, and often unwinds with co-op gaming sessions alongside his wife. With a commitment to both family and future career growth, he brings a balance and focused approach to everything he does.
Academic and Admissions Advisor
Academic and Admissions Advisor
Jessie Scoville is thrilled to help students navigate their academic journeys and discover (and achieve) their goals. With over two decades of experience in higher education, Jessie has worn many hats: writing instructor, editor, administrator, recruiter, writer, and advisor. These diverse roles give her a multi-faceted perspective on the challenges and opportunities students face. She finds joy connecting with students on a personal level, ensuring they feel supported and empowered. Jessie’s commitment to education and lifelong learning goes beyond her professional life. Outside of her work, Jessie enjoys being curious, whether she’s exploring on a hike, hanging out with her family, diving into a good book, or expressing herself through writing.
Associate Director
Associate Director
Michael Lyle Shamo is the Associate Director for BYU Continuing Education’s Classroom Programs. He has also taught Religious Education courses at the BYU Salt Lake Center since 2016. He received his Ph.D. in American History from the University of Utah, where he worked as a researcher for the American West Center on projects for the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the State of Utah, and local Native American groups, among others. Before that, he worked as a researcher at the Church History Library in Salt Lake City. His research and personal interests frequently take him to the deserts of southern Utah, where it seems impossible to remove the red sand from his shoes.
Academic Support Services Specialist
Academic Support Services Specialist
Amanda Shrum is an Academic Support Services Specialist, actress, and writer. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Utah and an MFA in Creative Writing from BYU, where she taught Writing 150 as a Graduate Instructor. Amanda has worked as a writer for BYU’s College of Fine Arts and Communications, as well as in customer service for Broadway Across America, Walt Disney World, and Philmont Scout Ranch.
Computer Lab Attendant
Computer Lab Attendant
Mike has worked with the BYU Salt Lake Center's technology for nearly a quarter of a century and has loved [almost] every minute of it. A Salt Lake native, he studied computer science at LDS Business College (now Ensign College) and marvels at technology's endless advancements.
Testing Center Clerk
Testing Center Clerk
Liz is a testing center clerk at the BYU Salt Lake Center. Liz has a strong customer service background in both the public and private sectors with large-scale business clients resolving customer claims or complaints. She has previously worked for JetBlue Airlines, Utah Family Services, and the Davis County Health Department. Liz was born in Guatemala and moved to Utah many years ago after she joined the church in her youth. She loves to listen to romantic boleros, dance salsa, and spend time with her family.
Evening Classes Academic Program Administrator
Evening Classes Academic Program Administrator
Jon works as the Evening Academic Program Administrator in the BYU Salt Lake Center. He grew up in Boise, Idaho, the third of three boys. He served a full-time mission in the Finland Helsinki Mission and graduated from BYU with a degree in chemical engineering. He and his wife have been married for 26 years. They are the parents of four adult children and will welcome their first grandchild into the world this November. Professionally, he also served for nearly 24 years in the US Navy as a submarine officer.
Director
Director
Jay serves as the Director of Classroom Programs for BYU Continuing Education (CE). He helps manage the administrative efforts for Evening Classes, the BYU Salt Lake Center, BYU FlexGE, Visiting Students, the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) program, and CE University Advising. His background includes general management, instructional design, and training and development. Jay has earned a PhD, MBA, and BA from BYU, along with an MA from the Fielding Institute. He and his family enjoy attending BYU sporting events, cheering for the Boston Red Sox and Denver Nuggets, and watching Drybar Comedy.