We are a small team of talented professionals with a wide range of skills and experience and we are all livescanned. We love what we do, and we do it with kindness, care, and passion. We believe in individualized alternative education and we look forward to working with you.
Elmarie Hyman
Founder, Executive Director, and Math, Economics & Entrepreneurship instructor
Elmarie is the founder of Learn Beyond The Book and has more than 20 years experience as an educator. She has taught her own 4 adult children, as well as group classes for homeschoolers and after school enrichment classes for public school students. She also has experience tutoring and has been a speaker at various homeschool seminars and conventions. She has been the coordinator of various homeschool co-ops and support groups, organizing numerous fieldtrips and other homeschool events as well.
Before she started teaching, she obtained a degree in Accounting and worked as an accountant and auditor for years. She earned her Master’s degree from Antioch University specializing in Transformative Learning Communities.
She has a passion for student-centered and relationship-based education and strives to accomplish that goal through means that go way beyond the textbook. She loves using projects, games, and hands-on learning while teaching, which is evident in the classes that she offers, the staff she works with at Learn Beyond The Book, as well as in the Where’s the Money curriculum she developed for teaching Economics, Finance, and Entrepreneurship.
Email her at learnbeyondthebook@gmail.com
Lara Aguayo
Science, Baking, Cake Decorating, Automechanics
Lara graduated from CSUCI with a B.S in Biology. She is currently working towards a degree in auto tech. She was homeschooled from 3rd grade through high school and even attend some classes at Learn Beyond the Book. She enjoys doing and teaching a variety of things! She calls herself a huge STEM nerd and also enjoys baking and learning about all kinds of animals.
Melissa Amos
Literature, Art&History of Film & From Hero to Superhero
Melissa has an MFA in Film from Loyola Marymount University and is an award-winning copywriter for film and television. Prior to that she worked as a teacher and theatre director, bringing the arts into local schools. Melissa loves to see students connect with stories, whether it’s Shakespeare or Star Wars. As a homeschool mom, her wish to encourage a love of reading in her own children inspired her to start a neighborhood book club. Three years and many sticky lemonade floors later, she founded Crate Expectations, a book club subscription box, to encourage other families to have reading adventures of their own.
In her spare time, Melissa enjoys reading, watching movies, visiting museums and farmers’
markets, and trying to bake the perfect chocolate chip cookie.
Susan Beaty
Piano Lessons
Susan grew up in Southern California and has been playing piano since the age of 6. She received her education from UCLA, earning a degree in Music Education. Starting small while raising her 4 daughters, she now maintains a private studio and has for over 30 years, averaging 35-40 students.
She is an active member of the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) and offers her students the Certificate of Merit® testing program. She also holds a position on the CM Council and helps to run the program throughout the state. Susan is also a member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) which allows her to offer her students even more testing and performing opportunities. One of the things Susan enjoys most about teaching piano is that each student is different, with unique capabilities and challenges. Her goal is to instill a lifelong love for listening and making music in all of her students.
Ruth Blanding
Cultures & Creativity Unit study, Pre-K Circle Time, Sewing, and more
Ruth Anne Blanding is the mother of 6 wonderful children; ages ranging from 26 to 7 years old. She has homeschooled her children for 15 years across multiple learning styles, abilities, and learning desires. As a homeschool professional, Ruth is well versed in the many various styles and functions of homeschooling as well as available resources online and in person.
She coaches families just beginning their homeschool journey as well as assisting in refocusing homeschoolers who feel like they need to revamp their homeschooling journey. Ruth helps to build the framework for curriculum creation with families who
seek to create their own flow for learning. She runs local community classes for multiple ages and learning levels and
is working towards building a learning space for her homeschool
community, This Joyful Village. Ruth moderates several social media homeschool groups where families can seek community connection and ask questions of each other.
Sarah Bonham
Science & History
Sarah is a homeschool mom to two girls with an enthusiastic eye for Science. In her former life (before kids) she was a collegiate rower with a scholarship that helped her obtain her B.S.in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Fitness, Health and Nutrition. She spent a year on a Study Abroad program in both Scotland and Australia. She loves social studies as well! She cannot wait to share her love of science and this history of the world with your children!
Charlotte Cass
Clay Art courses
My name is Charlotte, I’m 21 years old and I’ve been sculpting since I was 11. I sculpt miniature foods, figurines, cake toppers, earrings, and keepsakes for fun on my own and now I’ve been teaching kiddos the same things for about two years! I recently got married and I’m very excited to be teaching again.
Becky Castells
Dance, Fitness Training & Jewelry Making
Originally from the east coast, Becky majored in dance, (ballet and jazz concentration) at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA, graduating Cum Laude. She also studied with the Hungarian Ballet in Budapest, Hungary, and was a principal dancer in the Chester County Ballet Company in Pennsylvania, the Hollywood Ballet Company, and the Donlavy Dance Company in Los Angeles. Becky is a member of the Screen Actor’s Guild and has appeared in numerous commercials, TV shows, movies, and music&videos. She has performed as a professional dancer all over the U.S. and&abroad in countless shows of every type, from modern dance to magic – and everywhere in between. In addition to dance and acting, Becky has enjoyed&a long and decorated career as a choreographer, and has had the opportunity&to choreograph in many different genres, from TV and Film to Musical&Theater. Becky has been the proud recipient of several stagesceneLA Scenie Awards over the years, including Choreographer of the Year, Best Choreography, and Outstanding Choreography in Multiple Productions, and was honored by the Simi Valley Cultural Association as Ventura County’s 2016 Artist of the Year. In addition, Becky has been a highly regarded dance teacher for 20 years, specializing in ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz, musical theater, tap, and ballroom. Becky also loves creating jewelry and enjoys teaching the jewelry making class.
Hannah Cook
Pokemon Science
Hannah Cook is a homeschool mom to two children. She grew up in Seattle and graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor degree in Community Psychology. She worked for the school district in various capacities as well as being a Camp Counselor for YMCA Camp Orkila. Hannah has a passion for working with children with different needs and has always believed in alternative methods to learning, ever since she attended an alternative high school herself. Hannah has also studied alternative medicine and is a certified energy healer.
Suzy Cooper
Phonics & Reading Comprehension, Handwriting & Early Math Concepts
Suzy Cooper has always loved working with kids and knew from a young age that she was meant to teach. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Oregon studying International Studies with a focus on Culture and Art. She then earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Master’s in Education from Pepperdine University. She taught Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade for 12 years in the public school setting and she also has experience teaching in the Montessori school setting. Her speciality is to teach children how to read and write with ease. Suzy has a 2nd grade girl, a 5th grade boy and two dogs named Thor and Loki. She would love to meet everyone and invites you to say hi and introduce yourself if you see her on Learn Beyond The Book campus.
Lisa Creahan
Music & Singing & San Fernando Valley Site Manager
Born in Alaska and raised in Taiwan, the Philippines and Florida, Lisa grew up singing in choirs, bands and musicals. She received her BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Roosevelt University in Chicago, where she was fortunate to perform with some great theaters. She put professional performance on the back burner to raise her two beautiful children. After moving to Los Angeles, she returned to music with acoustic sets and vocal recordings, many of which have been featured on TV. Bring it on Home to Me was featured on 90210 with Keaton Simons and Nothing Can Change this Love was featured on TV’s Arrow. She is thrilled to be working in music again. To see more about Lisa’s singing career, feel free to check out her website: lisacreahan.com
Also, check out this short video of Lisa’s homeschooling experience.
Rachel Dang
Real-life Math, Pre-algebra, High School Algebra & Geometry
Rachel has a decade of intermittent teaching experience, complemented by a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Arts in Film Studies. Her career journey has included roles at a film studio and a television station, but her passion for teaching mathematics has been reignited, especially through engaging with her 13-year-old child in their educational pursuits. Her approach is student-centered, focusing on enhancing their academic performance and self-assurance. She employs a dynamic and encouraging teaching style, utilizing visual aids to meet the diverse needs of students. She is a staunch advocate for making learning both enlightening and enjoyable. Her classroom is a place of frequent celebratory “High Fives” as she believes in nurturing students’ confidence and motivation, which she considers fundamental for creating the optimal learning atmosphere.
Alicia Danielle
Nutrition and Cooking Workshops & From Ten to Zen Yoga & Meditation
Alicia is a holistic nutritionist who loves to work with kids and adults and teach them how to cook healthy meals. Here is her website: http://www.nourishedbyalicia.com
Dasana Sports with Efrain Cordero
PE
Dasana Sports offers sports activities to all students interested in our fitness program! Every month we change a new sport, such as Soccer, Basketball, Dodgeball, Volleyball, Softball, Kickball, Track and Field and games!
Erika F.
Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley Site Manager & Co-Teacher 3D Modeling with Blender
Erika has ten years of personalized experience in education with homeschooling and is continuing her support of alternative learning through her unique classes at Learn Beyond the Book. She completed a Writing Certificate Program through UCLA Extension and shared her love for writing as she mentored children in Los Angeles schools through the Young Storytellers Foundation. Erika demonstrates her passion for children and learning by developing a safe space in her classes for kids to open up their imaginations and CREATE, while also working to steadily build personal and academic confidence in their work.
Camryn Good
Ancient Cultures, Literature, German, Math, English & Art Tutoring
Camryn, a former Learn Beyond the Book student, graduated UCLA summa cum laude with his MA in Assyriology and BA in Ancient Near Eastern Studies/Egyptology, having learned 5 languages in the process.
He is currently volunteering to assist some PhD student archaeologists from UCLA in their research for a week in Israel, and presenting his original research on the current reception of the Epic of Gilgamesh in Germany.
Camryn hopes to share his passion for the ancient world and its literature with students as well as impart his love for art as well.
Angela Goree
Cheerleading, Let’s Build a Theme Park, Team Building, Hip Hop, PLaying through the Arts, and more
Angela is an experienced teacher and homeschool parent who believes that children learn best through the arts, hands-on experiences and play. A child’s social/emotional development is
the focus of her teaching style.
She graduated from UC Irvine with her B.A. in Drama with Honors and continued her education at Full Circle Academy. She has taught from a young age and has experience working with in-person and online students in the public and private education worlds. She is excited to join our team to share her gifts.
Lynn Hayes
Shakespeare for Kids & Literary Analysis
Before becoming a mom, Lynn Hayes was a professional theatre director in Chicago and Los Angeles, and also directed youth at both the elementary grade and college level. Lynn started two play-school groups for when her son was younger and currently leads two nature clubs for her kids who are now 5 and 9. She holds a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Pittsburgh. Lynn uses her theatrical background to teach kids to learn with fun, hands-on, playful activities!
Lena Harbali
Art, Fashion Design, Sewing, and Entrepreneurship
Lena Harbali is a multidisciplinary artist, fashion designer, model, and activist. She sketches, cuts, and sews each original garment by hand. The boutique is a collection of beloved items sourced from shops around the world. Lena’s artwork uses bold imagery and bright colors to evoke powerful energy. As a queer Syrian American model with curves, she defies cultural norms. Lena uses her creative expression to raise the vibration of the world.
Victoria Hinkley
Photography, Rollerskating, & Northridge site manager
Vicky is born and bred SFV, she embraced homeschooling since the age of 12, continuing the journey with her two kids for over a decade. Equipped with a Cal State Northridge degree in liberal studies and education, she steers the homeschool ship with humor and flair, turning the occasional chaos into teachable moments. Beyond the books, she’s a photography enthusiast, a retired roller derby girl, a road trip warrior and an avid lover of hiking and camping – because sometimes the classroom is best in nature. Navigating two decades of marriage, over a decade of homeschooling with a side of gardening and a strong cup of coffee because life’s an adventure! She’s is committed to leading the charge with laughter, self expression and her love of learning as her compass.
Nozomi Hirota
Japanese & Japanese Art & Architecture
Nozomi was born and raised in Fukuoka, Japan and is a native Japanese speaker. She currently teaches Japanese language and culture at the San Fernando Valley Japanese Language Institute in Pacoima. After graduating from the Kyushu Institute of Design, B.A. Environmental Design, she worked in the architectural and fashion trend forecasting fields in Los Angeles and Hong Kong. She has spent the past 25 years living in Los Angeles, Tokyo, Hong Kong and most recently Shanghai. This global travelling influenced the raising of her 3 children (currently 17, 15 and 12). Now she’d like to share her experiences to help her students think both creatively and with a broadened outlook on the world.
Noriko Hiruma
Japanese
Noriko was born in Tokyo and is a native Japanese speaker. She completed a 420-hour Japanese language teacher training course and passed the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test. She has had various work experiences in Japan, including hotel business and trading and worked as head teacher at a Japanese language school in the USA for 9 years adding to her other teaching experience, totaling 15 years. She is also a JLPT Teaching Specialist N5-N1 level and enjoys tailoring her teaching skills for all students based on her extensive experience and training.
Sander Hoek
Cake Decorating
Sander is a cake decorator and pastry chef. He was born in the Netherlands, and moved to the U.S. only 6 years ago. Recently, he was fortunate enough to open his own bakery here in Chatsworth, called Tulip Bakery. You can find out more about his work @bakerytulip on Instagram. He started baking when he was very young, and never stopped. Nowadays, he mostly do custom cakes and cupcakes, but he is always up for a challenge. Baking is his true calling, and he also enjoys baking with his two kids (12 and 4y/o) who are also homeschooled. He believes anyone can learn how to bake and decorate, and that having fun is absolutely essential.
Arwa Husain
Data Science & Math
Arwa was a math lover in grade school, majored in Mathematics & Economics in college and then worked as a data analyst at Facebook and Pinterest for over 6 years. She started homeschooling 4 years ago and knew that she wanted to make Math exciting, fun, and relevant and she is excited to share her love of math and data science with the Learn Beyond The Book students.
Laura Lanoil
Theater & Improv, Theater Games, Reader’s Theater, Public Speaking, and Acting Coaching
Laura Lanoil has worked in Film, TV and Commercials as well as Voice-overs and live theater. She worked with Robert Altman, Anthony Newley Jane Curtain, Jon Cryer, Tyne Daly, Annette Funicello, and Frankie Avalon to name a few. She has taught at the Canyon Theatre Guild for eight years. She has performed at the local theaters in the Santa Clarita Valley. Teaching kids and giving them tools for self-esteem is a great passion and she feels blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of SCV Theater Community.
Josh Mann
Writing tutoring & Screenwriting
Josh has extensive experience tutoring and teaching at many private schools in the Los Angeles area for the past six years, including, Campbell Hall, Windward, New Roads, New Community Jewish High School (de Toledo), Bridges Academy, Urban Homeschoolers and Westmark. He has also tutored students who attended Pierce College, CSUN, Harvard Westlake, Brentwood, and Crespi. He has taught literature, creative writing, life skills, drama, film, and Shakespeare classes to students of all ages. He specializes in helping students who have learning disabilities and behavior challenges, such as Dyslexia, Autism, ADD, and Aspergers syndrome. Josh also incorporates life coaching skills into his process of working with students, in order to assist with organization, scheduling, executive functioning, time management, social skill improvement, and motivation. He also has experience teaching young children how to read and improving the reading skills of all students. Additionally, he works with students on college essay writing and SAT Preparation. He has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College in writing and also studied at The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and at Oxford University.
Michael Marchesan
Engineering, DIY Projects, Accelerated Math&Engineering, Cooking, Photography, Video Production
Michael began tutoring math while studying Civil Engineering at Cal State Northridge. Upon graduating with his B.S. in the Fall of 2014, he founded Alyria Tutoring to further pursue his passion for teaching. His engineering coursework provided him with a strong background in critical-thinking & problem solving strategy with the math, physics and engineering classes he took. This gave him a practical perspective to effectively explain problems to his students in unique way. His experience as a martial arts instructor from 2008-2014 showed him the value of discipline & repetition when it comes to polishing one’s skills, and is vital to his teaching methods. Also an avid photographer, cinematographer, musician & cook, Michael’s passion in the arts as well as the sciences allows him to connect with almost any student.
Jared Meeker
Ukulele, Guitar, Digital Music Recording, Songwriting, Music Theory, Jazz Improvisation, Basics of Drumming, Math & Music
Los Angeles-based guitarist, composer, producer, educator, and author Jared Meeker has performed throughout the world, playing blues, rock, Latin, reggae, metal, R&B, funk, hip- hop, and soul. Jared graduated from California Institute of the Arts and has taught workshops at USC, UCLA, Seattle Pacific University, SUNY, Los Angeles Music Academy, Crown of the Continent, and the National Guitar Workshop. The diverse roster of artists Jared has worked with include Nate Dogg, Snoop Dogg, Myka 9, N.A.S.A. / Squeak E. Clean, Karen O, Salvador Santana (son of Carlos Santana), and Hollie Cook (daughter of Paul Cook from the Sex Pistols). Jared has released several instrumental albums of original music, and his compositions were featured in the Sundance award-winning Fuel and in Sunken City, which won best music at the Dubuque International Film Festival. He has also composed original scores for films including Take Me To Tarzana, directed by Maceo Greenburg, and Interreflections, directed by Peter Joseph. His music can also be heard on the hit television shows Dexter and Smash, as well as on various programming on MTV, Showtime, NBC, VH1, CBS, and TNT. Jared has appeared in music production video courses for Producertech and appeared in dozens of guitar, bass, and mandolin videos for Alfred Music. Jared also worked as a sound designer with Loopmasters UK to create a few award-winning sound sample libraries as well as releasing his own plugin called DejaVu by Meeker FX. He has been featured in Guitar Player and Guitar World, has written columns for Premier Guitar, and authored several books on guitar styles for Alfred Music. Read more about Jared on his website.
Kevin Michael Jr.
Skateboarding
Kevin Michael Jr. is a local Valley native who is a homeschool father to three kids, one of which attends Learn Beyond the Book. Kevin has been passionately skateboarding for over 20 years competitively and loves to teach his sons how to skate as well. Being a father to two young boys, he has learned about the importance of being patient and giving students space when needed. Every child is unique and learns differently, some may have apprehension from falling and getting hurt. With that said, pads and helmets are crucial tools in helping a child feel safe enough to attempt maneuvers that may intimidate them. This safety measure also ensures the confidence of parents. Kevin hopes to bring fun and curiosity to this skate class and inspire kids to continue pushing themselves to skate more.
Noel Rodriguez
Edifying Journeys, Social Studies, Latin American Literature, Art & Spanish Conversations & Guitar
One size doesn’t fit everybody. Why should learning be any different? This is the philosophy that Noel brings to education. When you learn with Noel, you end up engaging a subject you are struggling with differently. That’s because you will have an educator with over 5 years of experience providing you a personalized approach to learning. He holds two bachelor’s degrees, one in Spanish from the University of Houston and the other in Philosophy from the University of St. Thomas.
Adela Ruiz
French & Spanish Literature with History, Geography & Culture
Adela Ruiz holds a BA in French Studies from UCLA. Fluent in both French, Spanish (and of course English) Adela originally hails from El Salvador though she grew up in Los Angeles and studied briefly in France. After 10+ years working with children in the private sector, Ms Ruiz relishes sharing her love for language, literature and culture. She believes in teaching via experience: exploring art, singing songs and both writing and reading poetry. Adela is a devout Francophile, meditator and lover of coffee.
Mayra Santos
Spanish & American Sign Language (ASL)
Mayra received her formal American Sign Language Interpreter training at Pierce College. Her prior experience includes 16 years working at Los Angeles Unified School District as a Sign Language Interpreter for the “Deaf and Hard of Hearing” students who were mainstreamed into K – 6th grade classrooms. In her role, she provided academic support for students, and facilitated communication between students, parents and staff. Mayra also taught American Sign Language to hearing students and provided interpretation for teachers, campus staff and at school events. Mayra received the “Exceptional Children’s Certificate” which focused on “Early Childhood & Exceptional Children Development” from Los Angeles Mission College. In 2018 Mayra started her own business “Luvz2Sign” offering both in-person and on-line American Sign Language Instruction and Interpretation services. Mayra is very passionate and enjoys teaching Sign Language to students and she makes learning fun, easy, and unforgettable.
Cameron Scott
Economics through Minecraft & Other Games
Cameron Scott is an enthusiastic, knowledgeable teacher passionate about economics, wellness, and games. He holds a B.A. from UCSB in Economics with extensive coursework in Exercise and Nutritional Science and Entrepreneurship. He’s taken courses at LBB himself and loves to teach high-level concepts through games and interesting discussions.
Lizzie Scott
Co-founder & Teacher for High School Literature & Composition (2 levels), Well-being 101 (different age levels), Psychology courses, and English 101, 103, Public Speaking, Cinema, and Health companion college courses
Dr. Lizzie Scott is an enthusiastic and experienced teacher who has expertise in language arts, psychology, math, and academic coaching. Her classes incorporate discussions, games, and activities tailored to each student’s personality, strengths, and challenges. Lizzie is a published author who holds a PhD in Positive Psychology, an M. S. in Counseling, and a B. A. in Psychology (with a minor in English). She is also a certified coach focusing on ADHD, personal organization, and wellness. With many years of experience in both the traditional classroom and small-group settings, Lizzie connects with her students as a group and as individuals, and works to build a supportive learning environment, and takes the educational experience to a deeper level. As a member of Mensa and a game enthusiast, Lizzie has strong mathematical and logical skills as well and uses games and fun activities to help students enjoy what they are learning and to bring out creativity and connection. Lizzie creates classes that are exciting for those who already enjoy the subjects she teaches, engaging for those who tend to find the topics challenging, and fun for all. You can learn more about her at DrElizabethScott.com.
Elizabeth Seward
Waldorf-inspired Handwork, Knitting & Quilting
Elizabeth Seward, PhD (Education), has been a teacher in private and public Waldorf schools for around 40 years. She delights in teaching handwork to homeschool groups, charter school students, parents, and teachers, and in sharing the enlivening and successful Waldorf curriculum. Elizabeth has been knitting and sewing for over 60 years, is the author of Teaching Through Stories: Jane and Jeremy Learn to Knit, available at www.ElizabethSewardAuthor.com. She is Executive Director of Waldorf Handwork Educators, offering online international handwork teacher training, conferences, and skills classes. See www.WaldorfHandwork.org
Jason Sheinkopf
Technology & Programming
Jason is a science and technology teacher with a passion for STEAM education. He enjoys combining arts and engineering through creative projects.
Terri Stair
Accredited Instructor for the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)
IEW Writing Classes, Grammar Classes, Food Science Classes, Etiquette Classes, and Tutoring
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Northridge and graduating with high honors from the UCLA Paralegal Program, Terri enjoyed a decade in the world of litigation. However, her desire to preserve her children’s love of learning lured her into an unexpected adventure, home schooling. While teaching a home school group class, she was surprised to discover it was a blast! As author and illustrator of “The STAIR WAY to My Secret Recipes for Making Grammar Fun and Easy,” Terri is reaching beyond the classroom to encourage parents, teachers, and students with the clever and whimsical posters and props she created to transform grammar from boring and bewildering to amusing and understandable! Visit www.thestairwaytogrammar.com to learn more. Terri is an Accredited Instructor for the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), and she delights in equipping students to listen, speak, read, write, and think the IEW way. After a three day IEW summer camp, a shy student’s note exclaimed, “I am so glad I took this class…it made writing a lot more fun and ENJOYABLE! This class was EPIC!” (Emphasis added by student.) A busy mom wrote, “She (her daughter) has really come to love writing in just these three days. I am so thankful…!” Terri’s enthusiasm for teaching grows every time her students overcome their apprehensions about writing and become confident communicators.
David Stieve
Intro to Mini Painting
David Stieve is an accomplished screenwriter, youth camp leader, D&D enthusiast, and seasoned miniature painter. With four years of experience navigating the intricacies of this popular hobby, he is eager to impart his wisdom and help new painters avoid common pitfalls. This course will delve into the shared worlds of storytelling and tabletop gaming, while offering a unique creative outlet for those looking to enhance their learning outside of traditional classroom instruction. Join him as he guides you through the artistic blending of storytelling and miniature painting, equipping you with the skills needed to bring your imagination (and your minis) to life!
Erin Sullivan
Math & Phonics
Erin is a homeschooling mom who has worked in education for 15 years. She has an associates degree in education and a love for teaching. Sharing her love of learning with children, so that learning is fun and we create lifelong learners together is her aim!
Kim Turney-Schmidt
Lego Robotics, Video Game Design, Minecraft Mods Programming & Social Studies through Minecraft
Kim received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Theater and Acting from Ohio State University. She has tons of teaching, theater, and acting experience. In recent years, she has enjoyed working with children learning computer programming and Lego Robotics. Minecraft is a personal favorite. Kim knows how to connect with students and bring out the best in them!
Gabriela Viramontes
Play-based Spanish, Social Studies, Literature, Wild Gardens & Art, Yarnwork & Mindful Mending, Sensory Play & Site Manager – Santa Clarita
Gabriela is a yoga teacher, early childhood educator, and a life-long student to the world that surrounds her. As a teacher who works with young children, she aims to provide her students with opportunities to learn and develop their own path of individualized growth. She does this by providing children with support, hands-on experiences, and allowing them to choose the courses of action they take through discovery-based education. She began studying Early Childhood Education in 2012 at Antelope Valley College and began her Yoga journey in 2013.
Quest in Science (Debbie Walker & Staff)
Science courses
Debbie Walker has been teaching for over 18 years and is a co-owner of Quest in Science Inc, a company that provides high-quality, hands-on science education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Physics and a minor in Psychology from Scripps College in Claremont, California. She is currently working on a Master of Arts in Education with The University of Phoenix. She will be celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary this year and has three amazing children. She loves teaching science and appreciates the wonderful families here at Learn Beyond the Book.
Elizabeth Wescott
Herbalism for Kids
Elizabeth Wescott is a wife, mother and self-professed “lifelong learner” who has been interested in herbalism from an early age.
After nearly thirty years in the natural health/dietary supplement industry, Elizabeth recently decided to change careers and focus on teaching children about herbalism and the healing wonders of the plant world.
Elizabeth’s formal training as an herbalist spans nearly two decades and includes completion of The Forager’s Path School of Botanical Studies’ 9-month Foundations of Herbal Medicine course and the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA)’s Western Herbalism – Foundations of American Herbal Studies program, in addition to various other courses, classes and learning experiences throughout the years. Currently working towards a degree in anthropology/archaeology, Elizabeth is particularly interested in the traditional and ancient uses of the plants of the American Southwest.
Elizabeth lives in Arizona, where she enjoys hiking, exploring, and homeschooling her 9-year-old daughter Petra.
Manik Yervandyan
American Sign Language & Deaf Culture
Manik was born in Yerevan, Armenia and raised in Los Angeles, CA. She is a homeschool mom of two CODA (Child/ren of Deaf Adult/s). Her native language is American Sign Language and she speaks two other languages (Armenian and Armenian Sign Language). She received a Bachelor’s in Deaf Studies at California State University, Northridge. Her prior experience includes tutoring American Sign Language at Pierce College for five years, three years private ASL lessons working with families of Deaf/ HOH children, and two years of teaching American Sign Language 1 and 2 at Berlitz, Inc. Manik is very passionate about teaching Deaf Culture and American Sign Language to students and families.
Asia Zanders
Middle & High School US History, World History, Philosophy, Civics & Economics
Asia Zanders is a wife and mother of three children, ages 10, 7, and 5. She has been homeschooling her oldest child, who is both gifted and has ADHD, on and off for over three years and began teaching her younger two towards the end of 2019. She holds Bachelor’s degrees in both Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and is currently working on her Master’s degree in Transformative Learning Communities at Antioch University. Her interests surround Philosophy, US Politics and Government, American History, Economics and many topics surrounding human interaction.
