LaReta Brinkerhoff was born in South Gate, California to parents who served the Lord faithfully. She met her husband, Gary, at B.Y.U. They were married in the Los Angeles Temple in 1961, and are the parents of eight boys and three girls. They currently have 30 grand children. She graduated form B.Y.U. in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Elementary Education with a music minor. She returned to B.Y.U. in 1981-82, and received her Early Childhood Certificate. She has taught in both the Provo and Alpine Districts, 2nd & 3rd Grade, operated a pre-school for 9 years, and taught at a private academy for four years before coming to American Heritage School. Being able to teach gospel principles along with academic truths, led Mrs. Brinkerhoff to American heritage school in 1997. She taught a 7th/8th Grade combination class for 2 years, and 8th Grade for 10 more years. During that time she began the American Heritage Shakespeare week. After twelve years, she retired from full time teaching to serve a mission in the New York, Rochester Mission. She served as the secretary to two mission presidents. Upon returning to American Heritage, she has subbed and tutored for the past 2 years, and is grateful to be back, encouraging the committed students and parents at American Heritage School. She loves reading, gardening, cooking, and camping.