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 25 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 fell in love with education, she obtained a degree in Accounting and worked as an accountant and auditor for years. Later 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 and the staff she works with at Learn Beyond The Book. She serves homeschoolers and educational entrepreneurs with podcasts, coaching, and curriculum, such as her financial literacy curriculum Where’s the Money? for teaching Economics, Finance, and Entrepreneurship. Her newest book, What I Wish I Knew Before I Started Homeschooling, is available now on Amazon.
Email her at learnbeyondthebook@gmail.com
Manny Aguiler
Digital Design & 3D Modeling with Blender
Manny is a professional storyboard artist and illustrator with more than 18 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He studied illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York and was part of one of the earliest digital arts programs in the United States.
He has taught at the Animation Academy in Burbank and has experience teaching drawing, character design, comic book art, storyboarding, visual development, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Blender.
Manny creates a supportive, encouraging learning environment where students can build new skills, strengthen their creative confidence, and learn how to turn their ideas into finished visual projects. His lessons are approachable, engaging, and designed to meet students at their individual skill levels.
Have a child who loves creating characters, props, environments or entire worlds? Come meet Manny and discover what they can build next!
Juliana Bajovic
Social Emotional Learning with Core Subjects
Juliana is the creator and facilitator of a new program that combines literacy, therapeutic art, and movement to help kids work through big feelings.
While teaching over the last 15 years, she observed children carrying big emotions without always having the tools to manage them. Her class is a space where kids can explore their creativity, connect with themselves and others, and build lifelong skills for resilience.
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.
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, which had her fall in love with history as well. She cannot wait to share her love of science and this history of the world with your children!
Meredith Boyle
English & STEAM for all ages
Teacher and mother of four. I love learning and teaching and want to help others around me experience the joys of discovery through learning. l starting my teaching career in the homeschooling community teaching English, cross curricular STEAM, preschool, and Science classes in both co-ops and here at Learn Beyond the Book. My love of teaching English led me to purse and obtain a credential in English and English language development. I spent the past several years teaching High School English and English Language Devlopment at Kennedy High School. I am pleased to now be able to offer classes to those beginning their educational journey and provide support to any who may be interested in more advanced studies.
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 three years! I recently got married and I’m very excited to be teaching again.
Mayelice Castro
French Cooking Club & French Tutoring
Mayelice is a native French tutor from France and the founder of MonPetitWorld. She specializes in making French fun, engaging, and accessible for children through games, movement, songs, stories, crafts, and hands-on activities. Her goal is to help children build confidence while naturally developing their French skills in a warm, encouraging environment.
She has several years of experience working with children of different ages, both in-person and online, and she believes language learning should feel like play rather than school. Her classes are interactive, immersive, and designed so every child participates and enjoys learning.
Lisa Creahan
Music & Singing & Northridge 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
With over a decade of experience working one-on-one with private clients at Nourished By Alicia, LLC, Alicia has witnessed firsthand how transformative holistic wellness practices can be in creating vibrant, healthy lives. Through her work as a Holistic Nutritionist, Herbalist, Yoga Instructor, Regenerative Gardener, and Holistic Wellness Practitioner, she has come to realize that one of the greatest gifts we can offer is teaching these foundational wellness tools early in life. This passion inspired her work with children; she aims to guide young learners in discovering the connection between nature, nourishment, movement, and well-being. Alicia’s classes introduce children to plant-based, gluten-free holistic nutrition, food as medicine, herbal remedies, yoga, regenerative gardening, plant identification, and storybook cooking in engaging, hands-on ways that inspire curiosity and confidence. She believes that children thrive when they understand where their food comes from, how plants support health, and how daily choices impact both personal wellness and the health of our planet. Through interactive lessons, garden experiences, creative cooking activities, and nature-based learning, Alicia helps children develop practical skills and lifelong habits that support sustainable, healthy living. As an avid gardener and lifelong student of holistic wellness, Alicia’s goal is to empower the next generation with the knowledge and appreciation needed to care for themselves, their communities, and the earth. By introducing holistic living concepts at a young age, children gain a valuable head start in building awareness, resilience, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Here is her website: http://www.NourishedByAlicia.com
Kaeley Duarte
Site Manager – Northridge
Kaeley loves art and science and has been making her own art for years. She has been working as a site manager & teacher at Learn Beyond The Book and is excited to share her love of art and science with the students now as well.
Erika F.
Santa Clarita and Northridge Site Manager
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.
Selin & Josue (Oue) Gasa
Storytime Crafts & Art History and Expression
Selin and Josue (Oue) are the husband-and-wife team behind MakerStudio, a creative enrichment business dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that spark imagination, inspire creativity, and help children discover their unique talents and confidence through art and creative exploration. Their journey began in 2014 when they converted an old school bus into a mobile art studio. What started as an adventure on wheels grew into years of bringing creativity to schools, camps, parks, community events, and neighborhoods throughout Southern California, reaching thousands of children along the way. As homeschool parents themselves, Selin and Josue believe learning should be rooted in curiosity, engaging, and memorable. They strive to build community, create meaningful connections, and help children grow in confidence while discovering the joy of learning in an environment where every child feels welcome, capable, and inspired.
Angela Goree
Site Manager – Newhall
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.
Jennifer Gunther
Critical Thinking, Public Speaking, Early Reading, Early Math
Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia Jennifer Gunther holds a B.A. in Rhetoric and Communication Studies from the University of Richmond. Jennifer also earned a Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. She has been a speech consultant, teacher, and hospital chaplain. Jennifer has previously served a congregation as an ordained minister. She brings public speaking, writing, communication and leadership experience to Learn Beyond the Book. Jennifer is mom to two boys and homeschooled both of them for part of their educational journey. She loves spending time with her husband and sons and explores the world near and far at any chance.
Lynn Hayes
Shakespeare for Kids, Acting & 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 and in the process of obtainer her masters in Drama. Lynn uses her theatrical background to teach kids to learn with fun, hands-on, playful activities!
Nozomi Hirota
Japanese
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.
Jean Hong
Tutoring
Jean is a native Angeleno and worked for 30 years on and off as a math & vocabulary tutor and SAT test prep teacher in the La Cañada-Flintridge area. She worked as head camp counselor for her church for several years. She is also homeschooling her 3 children for 20 years and counting. She is a big believer in unschooling principles and project-based learning through field trips, experiences, and ongoing discussions with her children. “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” ~ William Butler Yeats
Ayumi Inoue
Japanese
Born and raised in Japan, Ayumi strives to inspire a love for both the Japanese language and culture. With over 30 years of experience teaching Japanese, she is passionate about making learning Japanese a fun and engaging experience for her students. By incorporating creative methods such as crafts and origami into her lessons, she makes the learning process more interactive and helps students connect with Japanese culture on a deeper level. She is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive and achieve their language goals.
Kamryn Johnson
Soccer & PE
As a dedicated soccer player with 13 years of experience, Kamryn has grown through every level of the game—from AYSO and competitive club soccer to playing for a high-level elite academy team. Kamryn’s goal is to continue his soccer journey at the NCAA Division I collegiate level next year. In addition to competing at a high level, Kamryn enjoys sharing his passion for soccer through his YouTube channel, where he showcases training, skills, and game highlights. He believes soccer is about more than just athletic ability—it teaches discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and confidence. As the instructor for Soccer FUN-damentals, Kamryn’s goal is to create a positive and encouraging environment where children can build confidence while developing their soccer skills. Through age-appropriate drills, skill-building activities, and scrimmages, he will help young players improve their technique, learn the value of teamwork, and most importantly, have fun while growing their love for the game.
Shari Kenehan
High School Biology, Finance (incl.crypto), AI & Critical Thinking, and more
With a degree in psychology, over 10 years of private school teaching, and two decades of hands-on homeschool experience, Shari brings both professional expertise and a deep personal love for learning into every classroom she leads. She’s the kind of teacher who doesn’t just cover material—she makes it come alive.
Known for her fun, quirky style and contagious enthusiasm, Shari has a gift for connecting with kids of all personalities and learning styles. Whether she’s guiding deep discussions, leading interactive projects, or slipping in a little humor to keep things engaging, her classes are where curiosity is encouraged, critical thinking is sharpened, and kids genuinely enjoy learning.
Most recently, she worked as a community manager in the fast-paced world of crypto and Web3, combining her skills in communication, innovation, and leadership. At her core, Shari is passionate about two things: education and building meaningful communities—both in and out of the classroom
Jennelle Kidwell
Life Skills
Laura Lanoil
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.
Michael Marchesan
Engineering, DIY Projects, Accelerated Math&Engineering, Cooking, Photography, Video Production & Math
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.
Kristina Mavrodiev
Play and Wonder Academy
Kristina is a dedicated childcare professional with over 20 years of experience. Her journey began in college studying child development, where she integrated her academic studies with hands-on observation. Building a career from her lifelong passion, she spent years as a private nanny for high-profile families, traveling extensively and adapting to diverse household routines.
Today, Kristina brings her knowledge of child development into her home as she homeschools her own child. She has an enduring love for seeing the world through children’s eyes and is a strong advocate for learning through play. Her approach focuses on holistic, interactive education using reading, arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, science, and song.
Jennifer McEllis
Event Planning for Kids
As a mother, Jennifer loves working with children. She believes it is critical that we actively participate in our children’s personal, social and educational development. This type of parental support leads to well-socialized, confident, inquisitive and life-long learners. Educators play a crucial role as the first teachers, guiding children through the process of understanding and appreciating learning. She enjoys sparking curiosity in children and introducing them to the world of knowledge and learning.
She realized at an early age that she enjoyed arts and crafts and social activities at school. These types of activities require creativity, thought, careful planning and execution. Working with children to develop these skills has become her passion in life. For the past 7 years, she has been an active participant in her daughter’s education. She has worked with children as a classroom assistant and playground supervisor. During this time, she has also been actively involved with planning school events, class parties, and dances. This led her to develop a curriculum for children that focuses on planning social activities, arts and crafts and cooking. Her goal is to teach these skills while making it fun and exciting.
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 & Plumbing Basics
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.
Daniel Nah
Tae Kwon Do, Pokemon Academy, & Harry Potter Academy
Daniel is a passionate educator with a unique blend of academic and practical experience. Holding a Master’s degree in Tae Kwon Do, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in martial arts and physical fitness to his teaching. With a background in healthcare administration and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, he has honed his skills in creating engaging and supportive learning environments.
Daniel believes that “the first step you take is the best step you make.” He encourages his students to embrace challenges, step outside of their comfort zones, and pursue their passions. Whether it’s exploring the magical world of Harry Potter, the exciting realm of Pokémon, the disciplined world of Tae Kwon Do, or the rhythmic beats of hip-hop dance, Daniel is dedicated to fostering a love of learning and personal growth in his students.
Beyond the classroom, Daniel is an avid anime fan and enjoys immersing himself in the worlds of One Piece, Pokémon, and Naruto. He also spends his free time practicing Tae Kwon Do, exploring the outdoors, and dancing hip-hop. His diverse interests and experiences allow him to connect with students on a personal level and create a dynamic and enriching learning experience.
Lior Levy
Chess
Lior has been teaching chess for years and loves to ignite the love of chess in his students.
Kristin Petherbridge
Science & Math courses
Kristin has been an educator for many years and taught in a variety of learning environments – from community college to homeschool co-ops and learning centers. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Truman State University and a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Baylor College of Medicine. Her experience as a homeschool parent and as an educator in the homeschool community has helped deepen her appreciation that each learner is unique – with their own passions and interests, their own level of attention and patience, and their own natural curiosities about the world around them. Kristin works to meet learners where they are and to foster their curiosities and educational growth.
Hosanna Rodriguez
Literature & Art
Hosanna majored in film production in college because of her love for engaging stories. After she began the journey of homeschooling her four children, she discovered the magic of engaging stories found in the children’s books she savored with her kids and shifted focus to the wonderful world of literature. She has since published seven children’s books and curriculum sold internationally, directed children’s educational programs, and coordinated educational events in her community. Hosanna currently leads regular book clubs, co-op classes, and online courses in literature, language arts, and painting, blending creativity with learning. She and her husband have now graduated their two eldest, who are high-achieving students with purpose and passion in spite of their drastically differing career pursuits (one double-majoring in physics and applied mathematics and the other in business management and film production). What has stayed consistent for these two is their love for literature, nurtured in their early days, nearly two decades ago. Hosanna’s mission is to continue inviting children into the exhilarating world of engaging stories and art.
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.
Martha Rovira
Art
Martha started her career as a preschool teacher and eventually ended up with amazing art creations that she would sell at craft fairs and holiday boutiques big and small. She is excited to impart some of those skills to students and encourage their creativity in their projects.
Angie Sanders
Growth Mindset, Acting & Theater Games, Board Games Class
Angie is a certified Parent Educator in Peaceful Parenting, specializing in emotional intelligence and peaceful parenting. She’s the founder of Evolving Parents, a community that offers support to parents. She is also co-founder of the Evolve On Community which hosts workshops for people seeking a more balanced life in mind, body and spirit. She co-leads monthly worldwide Zoom Connection Circles for members of We Are Brave Together, a group for moms with children of unique and special needs. She founded and ran the Adoptive Families Support group for over 10 years, the largest parent-led group of its kind in Los Angeles with over 350 members. She’s been a speaker at the Mixed Remix Festival in Los Angeles, various adoption agencies, at KPCC’s Crawford Family Forum, a guest on the radio show The Brood with Alex Cohen, and the podcasts AdoptTalk, Atomic Moms, and Not Your Average Lives. Before becoming a parent herself, Angie was a child actor and later an acting coach for children at Young Actors Space for over 13 years, ran her own acting studio for all ages focused on audition acting, and she worked as a casting director in film and TV. Angie has coached hundreds of young actors for film and television, on set, in private sessions, and in workshops. She helps students use their imagination, tell great stories, and feel confident performing in front of others. Angie loves creating fun, supportive classes where kids can play, be creative, and discover their unique talents. Her goal is to help every student feel brave, expressive, and proud of their voice, both on stage and in everyday life. She’s a homeschooling mom to her spirited, awesome teenage son.
Nancy Schier
Art & Digital Design
Nancy Ramirez-Schier is a multidisciplinary artist with over 25 years of experience in illustration, animation, and design, including studio credits at Walt Disney Animation Studios, Warner Bros., and Disney Interactive. She brings that professional artistry into her teaching, guiding young students through art, Procreate, and character design. Having homeschooled her own daughter, she understands how kids learn best and creates a space where curiosity and imagination thrive. For Nancy, every student has a creative voice worth discovering.
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.
Amanda Surette
Creative Writing, Movie Appreciation, Art Appreciation & Side Shows
Amanda is very enthusiastic about teaching at Learn Beyond The Book, where she spent seven years taking a wide range of classes that provided her with a strong academic foundation and a lifelong love of learning. She went on to graduate from University of California Irvine with a degree in Film Studies and has since worked in the media industry as a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator for creative agencies. Her most recent role was as an On-Air Promotion Coordinator for the Kelly Clarkson Show.
Amanda brings both enthusiasm and a breadth of knowledge to her teaching. She has experience with fiction and nonfiction writing, film, and a deep familiarity with Disneyland. She is also well-versed in Sideshow history. Additionally, she has built a respectful and successful online community in New Media that celebrates the talents of historic Sideshow performers, attracting over 7,000 subscribers.
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
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.
Lavender Stephens
Rollerskating
Lavender has been on wheels since age seven, starting with roller blades and transitioning to quad skates during her pre-teen years. She honed her skills further as a competitive roller derby athlete for the past two years, developing both technical proficiency and resilience on the track. Beyond her athletic background, Lavender holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her professional experience includes providing adolescent therapy services and working directly with children at a residential foster care facility.
This unique combination of athletic discipline and psychological insight allows Lavender to connect deeply with young students. She specializes in creating a patient, supportive learning environment that builds confidence alongside skating technique. Lavender believes in teaching by example, often demonstrating moves from her own skates.
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.
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
High School Economics, High School Government, Social Studies Tutoring
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 a Master’s degree in Transformative Learning Communities from Antioch University. Her interests surround Philosophy, US Politics and Government, American History, Economics and many topics surrounding human interaction.
