MMS Employees of the Month

Adam Birt was born and raised in Morgan. After graduating from Morgan High School he attended Weber State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in History. 

After graduating with his bachelor's degree Birt had always planned on going back to school to get a teaching certification. Before he returned to school to become a certified teacher, he spent over 20 years working in the retail grocery industry. “I loved getting to know and help people, but I am so happy I made the change and became a teacher,” he said. 

Birt has been teaching for eight years at Morgan Middle School spending his first three years in sixth grade teaching math and social studies. He is now in his fifth year teaching fifth grade where he teaches math, and social studies along with one sixth-grade math class.

“I had always thought about becoming a teacher but kept putting off and putting off making a change in my career. I realized the best way to spend more time with my kids and to accomplish my goal was to be in their school with them,” commented Birt. “I am so grateful I was hired by Principal Renn Hoopes and the amazing staff at Morgan Middle School who believed in me, helped me complete my teaching certification, and mentored me along the way.

“I love so many different things about teaching. I love the interactions with students and hearing about the things they love to do. I love seeing those moments when their faces show they have figured out a problem they were having a hard time understanding. I love watching young minds grow and learn,” said Birt. He commented that he loves it when former students come to visit him in his room and let him know about what is going on in their lives.

Birt met his wife Sherry while working together at the local grocery store. Sherry is also a teacher at MMS where she teaches seventh and eighth grade science. Together they have five kids: Katelyn, Kimberly, and her husband Bryson, Madison, Lindsay, and Matthew.

In his spare time, Birt enjoys spending time with his family. They love road trips together where they get to see and visit new places. They look forward to their annual trip to Yellowstone National Park, trips to St. George, and time spent in the mountains. Birt also loves reading books about anything history. “My kids call them my "nerd books" which I take as a title of honor because they also enjoy (most of the time) when I tell them random facts and stories from what I've read.” He also enjoys projects in the yard and swimming. λ

Nathan Richins grew up in Henefer, Utah. After graduating from North Summit High School, he attend  Utah Valley University and Weber State University where he earned a Bachelors of Science in Health Promotion and Human Performance with a minor in Physical Education. 

Richins in currently in his fifth year teaching at Morgan Middle School where he has taught health and P.E. to all four grades. 

“I have and have always appreciated the influence of great teachers in my life, and have many educators in my family,” said Richins. 

“I teach Health and PE at the middle school and often have debates with my wife (who is a math and art teacher) about which subject in school is most important. Of all the skills to develop as a student and a human, I believe an understanding of how to live a healthy, well-adjusted life is so valuable and is critical to success in all other endeavors,” said Richins. “I love that I have an opportunity to have conversations every day about things that are current, applicable, and necessary for our students to thrive and lead the best possible lives.”. 

While Richins does not live in Morgan, he said he has loved the opportunity to teach in one of our great communities along the Wasatch Back. “Having grown up in a neighboring town, I appreciate the values and sense of community and am so grateful to work with our fantastic administration and the great people of Morgan Middle School.”

Richins met his wife during their last semester at WSU while in education practicum classes before they started student teaching. They have been married for almost five years and together they have a little boy who will be two in April.

“I love any chance to be outside–especially working on my family’s farm in Henefer.” He also enjoys traveling, playing with his son and spending time with his wife. λ

Yesenia Preece grew up in Puerto Rico and Maryland. After graduating from Oxon Hill High School in Maryland she attended Dixie State College where she received her associates in Mass Communications. She then received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Weber State University.

Preece has worked at Morgan Middle School as a paraprofessional since Feb. of 2021.

She loves helping students. Having two children of her own with special needs gives Preece a little insight into what a lot of kids who struggle learning for a variety of reasons.  

Preece met her husband while he was on his mission in Washington DC North Mission. They have been married for 23 years. They have lived in Morgan for 10 years then in 2010 they moved to Clinton, Utah until 2021 when they moved back so their youngest child could experience high school in Morgan and participate in sports. 

Currently, Preece attending school for Graphic Design. “I love art and music when I can go to concerts.” λ