My name is Cody O’Brien, and I am the new School Director for the Eagle Mountain Campus.  I wanted to take a minute and introduce myself.  I am a Utah native, and I have always lived in Utah County for most of my life.  I spent my childhood in Orem, and most of my adult life I have lived in Payson, where I currently live with my family.  My wife’s name is Lindsey, and we have three children: Chandler (26), Carter (19), and Lydia (15).  Our family loves to vacation in California or Florida and spend time at Disneyland and Universal Studios.  We love the thrill rides and wearing ourselves out at the parks.  My hobby is gardening and enjoying the flowers and fruits that come with it.  I could spend all of my time outside if my life allowed it, and because I love being outside no matter the weather, learning how to garden has developed into my favorite hobby.  I simply love the beauty of flowers, shrubs, trees, and all the varieties of tomato plants that are out there.

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix in 2009, and my first and only teaching experience has been with APA.  I started in 2009 as a 5th-grade teacher at the American Prep Draper 1 campus. After teaching for a few years, I had the opportunity to open up another APA campus in Salem and spent the next ten years as the 4th– 6th Elementary Director.  Recently, I was the Site Director of APA’s Early Learning Center for a couple of years.  The Early Learning Center is adjacent from our Draper 1 campus and I supported the Kindergarten team and also a preschool program.  I have a master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Phoenix, and my time in Salem and the Early Learning Center has given me an incredible amount of experience working with staff members, students and parents to support schools to thrive as part of the APA district.

I am thrilled to be part of the Eagle Mountain campus and help your child have a wonderful year.

I am honored to serve as the Administrative Director of American Preparatory Academy’s Eagle Mountain campus. Education has been my passion for more than 14 years, and I have been blessed to serve students, families, and fellow educators in a variety of roles throughout my career. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education and my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership because I believe great schools are built by leaders who never stop learning.

Throughout my career, I have been passionate about helping students discover their potential while supporting teachers in creating meaningful, engaging learning experiences. I believe every child is capable of excellence when they are surrounded by high expectations, genuine encouragement, and adults who believe in them.

American Preparatory Academy’s commitment to classical education and virtuous character deeply resonates with me. I believe education is about far more than academics; it is about helping students develop wisdom, integrity, self-discipline, and a lifelong love of learning. My goal is to partner closely with families and faculty to create a joyful, safe, and inspiring school community where every child is known, challenged, and encouraged to become their very best.

Outside of school, I enjoy singing with others, baking, spending time outdoors, traveling with friends and family, and making memories with my Papillon, Jonas. I am excited to be part of the APA family and look forward to serving the wonderful students and families of the Eagle Mountain and Cedar Fort community.