Lucas Charon, Director/Principal

Mr. Charon has been involved with both the arts and education for many years. As an educator, he began his career as a Special Education teacher in Jordan School District, eventually earning his Masters in Educational Administration to become a school principal. Mr. Charon has been in education for over 10 years, and truly feels that each student can learn if given the right opportunity.

Mr. Charon is also no stranger to the arts. He has been involved in multiple musical productions, including leads at Hale Centre Theatre, Centerpointe Theater, community theaters, as well as originating a role on an original cast recording. 

Angela Pontious, Assistant Principal

Angela Pontious has over 12 years of teaching experience in the areas of band, orchestra, and music theory. She served as the Director of Instrumental Music and Department Chair at Highland High School, Director of Bands at American Fork Junior High, and Bull Run Middle School (Gainesville, VA). Highlights of her teaching career include establishing band and orchestra programs at BRMS, creating a district art curriculum and assessments, mentoring new district art teachers, hosting district events, and performing at the Utah Music Educators Association conference. 

Angela received her Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Ball State University and her Master of Arts degree in Arts Administration from Florida State University. As a clarinetist, she has performed with many community bands including Fairfax Wind Symphony, Tallahassee Symphonic Winds, Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band, and Salt Lake Symphonic Winds. Angela has also been a member of the Bands of America/Music for All SWAG Team and on staff with George N. Parks Drum Major Academy. 

Chris Wright, Counselor

Chris' role at SPA combines multiple passions of his: working in education; helping performers find and trust their voice, and facilitating a culture of collaboration and creativity. Chris was drawn to SLSPA not just for its unique program, but also because of its stellar reputation in the state as a public charter school.

Graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2008 with a B.S. in Psychology, he became a Special Education Teacher in Salt Lake City. He has been working with students ever since. After relocating to California, He worked with at-risk youth at non-public schools in San Francisco, creating a music program in a day-treatment facility and helping students write and record their original music. In 2012, he returned to Utah and served as a teacher and program director for the theater department in Box Elder and Ogden School District where he produced and directed numerous plays and musicals. In 2015, he returned to Salt Lake City and special education, but always found ways to incorporate film, music, and theatre into his teaching. With over ten years of experience in education, Chris has worked with students in elementary, middle, and high school settings in various capacities, before coming to SLSPA, he was most recently as Vice-Principal of a Junior High in West Jordan, but 

Chris and his wife live in Sugarhouse with their hyperactive border collies, Porter & Rosie. In his free time, he loves writing, producing, and recording music, attending concerts & films, hiking, traveling, and finding the best cup of coffee or sandwich in his current location.

Mike Stumph, Dean of Students & Title IX Coordinator

Michael Stumph has worked in education for many years. As an educator, he began his career as a Dean of Students at the American International School of Utah, eventually earning his Masters in Educational Administration to become a school administrator. Michael has held a variety of administrative positions, and through these different roles feels that each student can achieve success whenever we meet the student's basic needs and focus on the "whole" child. Mr. Stumph graduated from Idaho State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Exceptionality with an emphasis in Behavior Disorders. 

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