Meet Our Founder
Kristina Hanson
I am the founder of Intrinsic Motivation 4 Learners, a microschool in Riverside, Utah, dedicated to fostering personalized, student-centered education. As a licensed educator in Utah for seven years, I specialize in both general and special education at the high school level, with a strong focus on language arts instruction. My experience in education spans 14 years of working with children and an extensive 25-year career supporting individuals with disabilities.
Beyond my work in the classroom, I have homeschooled my own children at different points in their academic journeys, giving me firsthand insight into the benefits and challenges of alternative education. I hold a Master of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Science in University Studies with an emphasis in Child and Family Studies. Additionally, I have state endorsements in special education and secondary English language arts. My master’s thesis explored the critical role of self-efficacy and growth mindset in students with disabilities, reflecting my commitment to helping all learners reach their full potential.
With over 40 years of experience in music and more than 30 years in theater, I bring a unique, multidisciplinary approach to education, integrating the fine arts to create engaging, dynamic learning experiences.
Through Intrinsic Motivation 4 Learners, my mission is to provide an innovative, nurturing, and flexible educational environment where students can develop confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.
My Story
Nine years ago, my journey in education began—not just as a teacher, but as a mother who deeply understands the struggles children face in traditional schools. I’ve worked with youth in many capacities, even homeschooling my own children when they needed something different. But as I navigated the school system, I became increasingly heartbroken.
I saw students with disabilities receive only surface-level support through Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), while teachers—myself included—were buried under paperwork instead of being given the time and resources to truly help children learn. Standardized testing ruled the classroom, leaving so many kids behind, and funding structures discouraged real progress for students who needed the most support.
Then came the pandemic, shaking the foundation of education. More families turned to homeschooling and online learning, exposing the deep flaws in the traditional system. I watched bright, capable students merely “go through the motions,” while teachers burned out. My own daughter, my youngest, began crying every day before school, overwhelmed by a system that moved too fast for her to truly absorb what she was being taught. She felt lost, unheard, and disheartened—and she wasn’t alone.
That was my wake-up call.
I knew I had to make a change. I chose to homeschool her, but I worried—what about socialization? Would I be able to give her everything she needed? Then I discovered microschooling, a transformative approach that blends the flexibility of homeschooling with the best aspects of a traditional classroom. It offers small, personalized learning environments where children can thrive at their own pace—free from the pressures of rigid schedules, high-stakes testing, and the social challenges that often hinder emotional well-being.
Now, I’m on a mission to create a space where children don’t just get through school—they love learning again. A place where:
✔ Every child is truly seen and supported
✔ Learning is personalized to their pace and interests
✔ Social interactions are intentional, positive, and uplifting
✔ Education is about growth, confidence, and curiosity—not just test scores
If you’ve ever felt that your child is struggling in a system that wasn’t built for them, you are not alone. There is a better way. Let’s create an educational experience that nurtures your child’s unique gifts and reignites their love for learning.
Join us in reimagining education—because your child deserves more.
Mission Statement
At Intrinsic Motivation 4 Learners, we empower students to take charge of their education by fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love of lifelong learning. Through inquiry-driven exploration and self-paced progress, we nurture independent thinkers who are confident, capable, and ready to thrive—academically and beyond.
Vision
I envision a nurturing and dynamic learning environment within my home, where a small group of 12 to 16 students in grades 3 to 8 can thrive. This space will serve as a haven for exploration and self-discovery, allowing each learner the freedom to pursue their interests and uncover their unique learning styles. My goal is for every student to love the learning process and feel enthusiastic about coming to school each day. They will sense success, a warm welcome, love, and empowerment, which instills a lifelong passion for knowledge and growth.
