Our Staff
The history of Thorup Tutoring and how it can help your child.
Administration
Nancy Williams
- CEO / Director
Nancy Williams has tutored children for over 30 years. She has extensive experience in the areas of ADHD and learning disabilities. She has a degree from the University of Utah in Elementary Education. She worked for 7 years as a tutor for Dr. Sam Goldstein and Dr. David Nilsson, focusing on children with learning disabilities, head injuries, and ADHD.
Traci Baird
- Administrative Assistant
Traci is the administrative assistant for Thorup Tutoring Company. She does everything from invoices, to paychecks, to shopping for candy for the kids! She has lived in Holladay most of her life. She has worked for Thorup Tutoring for 13 years. The business would not run nearly as smoothly without Traci! She has five children and 10 grandchildren. Traci loves to read, work on family history, and have her family around her.
Academic Coaches - Tutors
Beverly Lippman
Beverly Lippmann was the recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award at two schools. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Utah State University with post-graduate studies at Chapman University.
Christena Keller Ensign
Christena has a master’s degree in education with an advanced reading endorsement from Westminster College where her thesis explored teaching critical thinking skills through reading and literature.
Abi Olufeko
Abi holds a BS and an MS in Petroleum Engineering from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. He has worked in the capacity of a field engineer in the oil industry.
Sam Jones
Sam is graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in biology. He is currently working on earning his master’s degree in education, hoping to be a high school teacher in the future. While his favorite subjects to teach are math and science, Sam has experience helping with all core subjects at any grade level. Sam believes that with the right support, any student can be successful in their education.
Madison Ackroyd
Madison is currently a student at the University of Utah studying music composition on a presidential scholarship. With a wide academic background, she has not only spent considerable time singing, playing the piano, and writing music but also working in two genetics undergraduate research laboratories. Madison's academic excellence is highlighted by her designation as an Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2019 participant, National Merit Finalist, Bechtel Global Scholar, and AP Capstone Diploma recipient. Madison enjoys reading, attending Utah Symphony performances, cooking, and visiting her family out of state.
Alex Knorpp
Alex is currently pursuing a biochemistry degree at the University of Utah. She was raised in Holladay and attended Olympus High School, where she found a passion for language arts, history, and science. In her free time, Alex loves to read, write, and bake, and she dabbles in language learning and the fine arts.
Markus Gulla
Markus is a dedicated computer engineering student with a strong interest in advancing the capabilities of virtual and augmented reality systems through haptic feedback and brain-computer interfaces. In his free time, he enjoys hiking in the mountains and spending time with friends!
.jpg)
Evan Thomas
Evan is currently attending the University of Utah's Doctor of Physical Therapy program. He earned his B.S in Exercise Science in 2025 from Utah Tech University and was valedictorian of his class. For fun, he enjoys running, climbing peaks, and swimming. He is passionate about helping students understand difficult subjects and strives to improve student self-esteem and test-taking skills.
James Bailey
James is a graduate from Brigham Young University and has a B.S in Biology and a B.A in Spanish Studies. He plans to continue his education by returning to school to work towards a master's degree in Biology Education. In his experience working in the education field, he has found mentoring and helping students to be one of the most rewarding things he has done.
.jpg)
McKale Bladen
McKale was brought up in Hyrum, UT and since then has adventured throughout Utah. In 2021, she graduated from Southern Utah University with her BS in both Psychology and Exercise Science. After college she became a Behavioral Technician and tutor for children struggling with Autism, ADHD, and other challenges. McKale understands that school can be difficult and hard to be motivated in especially with the many challenges that may be going on in life, which is why she loves to bring fun into education.
.jpg)
JP Alt
JP is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics at the University of Utah, he enjoys solving math problems and skiing on his days off. He also enjoys hiking, biking and rock climbing. JP believes that with the right mindset and a little hard work, any stuednt can achieve success.
Mary Maxwell
Mary is an Education Coach for Utah Community Action. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s Degree in Instructional Design. She has been a teacher in Preschool–2nd grade for over 25 years. She grew up in the Sugarhouse area and then moved all over the country with her family until 2022. Currently she coaches preschool teachers and works to bring connection, celebrate growth and collaborates discovery of learning goals for those she coaches. She has worked closely with children with special needs, trauma, and emotional dysregulation. She firmly believes that everyone can learn and find success in their own path.
Jennifer Christenson
Jennifer Christenson has a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University in Elementary Education. She enjoys teaching children. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends.
.
Macy graduated from Skyline High School in 2024 and is currently attending the University of Utah. She graduated with AP and IB credits. Her best subjects are Math, English, and History. Macy enjoys finding creative ways to learn for kids who struggle with paying attention and staying on task. She believes that everyone can enjoy learning if they are learning the way that works best for them! For fun, she enjoys animating, painting, and spending time outdoors.
.
Brenda graduated from Utah State University with a degree in English. She spent many years as a marketing manager, a textbook editor, and then a stay-at-home mom. For the past few years, she has been working as a tutor and interventionist at Canyons School District. In her free time, she loves to read, play games, and go to plays.