Ms. Dearden has a bachelor's​ degree from Weber State University in communications and dance teaching. She taught dance for 8 years at Roy High School and was director of RHS Danscompany and drill team advisor. She has performed numerous roles in college and community productions, including a touring vocal and theater group. She has directed for the Farmington Community Arts program and Dinner Theater, and the Centerpoint Leishman Black Box Theater.  Her original one-act play was performed at Westminster College as part of Utah Shorts.  She started Children's Creative Arts in 2005 to promote arts for youth in the community.