Kanesha Adams is an innovative educator, nonprofit leader, and founder of The Learning Lounge, a microschool dedicated to empowering students through personalized, project-based learning. She is also the creator of Bearapy, a social-emotional learning initiative that blends therapeutic play, literacy, and family support. A passionate storyteller, Kanesha has self-published over 12 children’s books and leads a youth authorship program that guides children in writing and publishing their own stories. Kanesha partners with universities across the country to support community-based education initiatives and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Education at the University of Alabama, where her research focuses on school choice and family engagement in underserved communities. Through her work, she continues to bridge the gap between equity, innovation, and community voice in education.
Karema Akilah is a 23-year veteran unschooling mom of 6 and founder of Geniī DAO INC, a decentralized, autonomous organization of adults, children, teens and facilitators merging OnChain (Blockchain) technology with self-directed learning (unschooling) to create and fund DAO Community Schools. She created the GENIE app with AI and $BeMeToken to document, translate, and tokenize self-directed learning (SDL). Karema has authored 2 books, “For the Fish at the Bottom of the Tree” a conversation for everyone suffocating in school, and “Who Do You Never Get to Be?” a children’s book celebrating being free to be me. She is building Ikigai, a Hybrid Private School for SDL, with her 15-year-old son.
Thomas Arnett is working to transform industrial-style schooling as a senior research fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute. He started his career as a teacher in Kansas City, where he experienced firsthand the frustration of working within a one-size-fits-all approach to education that neglects students’ widely-varying academic and emotional needs. He then joined the Christensen Institute after seeing how Clayton Christensen’s work offered not only a new vision for K–12 education but a comprehensive theory for bringing that vision mainstream. Over the last decade, Arnett’s work has expanded on Christensen’s insights by identifying the enabling conditions to disrupt conventional education and the circumstances that motivate education stakeholders to choose new models of schooling.
Katherine Bathgate is the CEO of SchoolForward. She has helped pass dozens of school choice and education reform bills, led extensive message research and polling projects, and helped thousands of educators exercise their First Amendment rights. She led media relations for Supreme Court cases Janus v. AFSCME and Friedrichs v. CTA. Ms. Bathgate previously led communications at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools and was Deputy Press Secretary for the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce from 2011-2013. Ms. Bathgate is a frequent speaker having taught education policy and issue campaigns before audiences such as American Enterprise Institute, EdChoice, State Policy Network, Club for Growth Foundation, ExcelinEd, and for Education Reformers Academy. Ms. Bathgate resides in Park City, Utah with her husband and four children. She is the Board Chair at Telos Classical Academy, a classical Christian microschool that started in her family's barn in 2021.
Celeste is the Executive Director of One Stone, a nationally recognized, student-driven nonprofit in Boise, Idaho. One Stone leads in purpose-driven, innovative, real-world learning that prepares students for a rapidly changing future. A published author and respected voice in student-driven education, Celeste has guided One Stone’s transformative approach for nine years, including five years as director of its award-winning high school. Bringing a scientific lens to education, Celeste holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Whitman College, a Ph.D. in Neurotoxicology from the University of Montana, and completed postdoctoral fellowships at the Curie Institute in Paris and Boise State University. Her research produced twelve peer-reviewed publications, multiple international presentations, and grant funding from cancer research institutions.
Robert Bortins stands at the intersection of classical education and entrepreneurial innovation. As CEO of Classical Conversations, he leads a community serving 135,000 students worldwide, transforming how families approach education through time-tested classical methods and a biblical foundation. A homeschool graduate turned homeschooling father of three, Robert brings authentic understanding to the educational challenges modern families face. His leadership extends beyond boardrooms—as a three-time Rugby National Champion, he embodies the discipline and teamwork he instills in his organization. Through his podcast "Refining Rhetoric" (www.refiningrhetoric.com), Robert explores the art of persuasion and communication, equipping leaders with classical tools for modern discourse. His unique perspective as an "edupreneur" combines business acumen with pedagogical wisdom, creating sustainable educational solutions that honor both intellectual rigor and spiritual formation, making ancient traditions accessible for contemporary learners.
Michelle Bowen is a mom of six, co-founder of Acton Leadership Academy, and the kind of gal who geeks out about learning design and tacos at the same time. She and her husband, Brad, opened their first learner-driven school after watching their own kids slowly lose their spark for learning—even while homeschooling. What started as a crazy family adventure turned into a focus on leadership and revolutionizing learning as a calling. On the path to launching 20 schools in the North Houston area, they imagine a world where everyone views life as an exciting adventure, parents intentionally strengthen their families, and children are empowered to learn. Michelle is the author of “The Essential Guide Playbook” and creator of transformative events like The Unstuck Summit, School of Dreams, and The Dream Cruise. She’s currently working on her next book, “Putting School In Its Place.” Whether coaching a school leader or parent, Michelle strives to leave every person feeling empowered with clarity of purpose and fueled with love.
Derrell Bradford is the president of 50CAN: The 50-State Campaign for Achievement Now. In his role, Mr. Bradford leads communications and policy, and trains and recruits local leaders nationwide to serve as executive directors of state CANs, advocacy fellows, and citizen advocates. He also leads the National Voices fellowship, which focuses on education policy, media, and political collaboration. He serves on several boards dedicated to putting the needs of students and families first, including Success Academy Charter Schools, yes. every kid., the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, the advisory boards of the Alliance for Catholic Education at Notre Dame, and the National Association of Charter School Authorizers. A native of Baltimore, Derrell graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in English.
Constance Bradley, a VELA Founder and Micro & Horizon Grant recipient, serves as the Director of Rogue Christian Academy (RCA), leading with deep Christian faith. For 15 years, she has been a devoted wife to Jason and mother to three lively boys, instilling values of faith, love, and resilience. Her motherhood equips her to connect with RCA’s families, fostering a nurturing environment for just over 200 students, nearly doubling in size leading into RCA’s third year. With a decade of entrepreneurial success, Constance blends innovation and resourcefulness with her passion for education. Her vision for RCA goes beyond academics, cultivating a culture where students discover God’s purpose for their lives. Constance’s faith, family values, and commitment to shaping Christian leaders inspire the academy and broader community, empowering others to live boldly in their faith.
Tina Brouwer-Kraska is the Director of Red Oaks Forest School, a nature-based education program dedicated to reconnecting children with nature and each other in the heart of Central and Eastern Kentucky. Tina has a B.S. in Natural Resource Conservation and Management and a Master’s in Peregrine Falcon Ecology and Behavior. She is professional photographer and entrepreneur and is the creative director and owner of Vrai Photo, founded in Chicago. She also co-owned and managed a small farm to table restaurant in eastern Kentucky. She came to environmental and homeschool education organically while trying to find community and high-quality education for her high-energy child. She has designed and built an innovative system of programming that grows with the child, which incorporates field experience, children’s input, and the latest research on early childhood development, mental and physical health concerns, and environmental literacy.
Aziza has always been a passionate educator! Trained at the University of Virginia and DePaul University, she taught in inner-city Chicago classrooms (both public and private) before transitioning to a thriving homeschooler when her first child was born in 2011. Aziza specializes in helping parents leverage their unique skills, strengths and family values to create a personalized and family-centered educational roadmap for their children’s educational journey, while supporting them every step of the way. Since 2017, she has pioneered the “City As Campus” approach to learning through WeSchool (a flexible-schedule learning center) which continues to grow - proving that families love to partner with her! Aziza presents urban homeschooling as a viable option to all families, especially of color, while developing strong Parent Educators. Married 18 years, Chris & Aziza live on Chicago’s Southside and never have a dull moment as they raise their six children (Azaria, Corban, Azadi, Christopher, Azeem and Cole).
Meg Cangany is a storyteller and strategist working at the intersection of education, media, and social change. She leads communications for K–12 education at Stand Together, where she helps elevate the voices of parents, educators, and everyday changemakers rethinking how learning happens. Meg has spent her career building campaigns that make big ideas feel human and accessible—across philanthropy, global development, and health.
Andrew Clark is a veteran of the Stand Together community, a philanthropic organization founded by Charles Koch to address some of the most difficult and pressing issues facing our nation. A skilled lobbyist and political tactician, Andrew has worked to unite broad and diverse coalitions to transform policy ranging from food trucks to social security. Andrew helped found and now serves as the president of yes. every kid., which works to change the nation’s education system from its current standardized approach to one grounded in serving the unique needs of every individual student. A native of Arizona, Andrew now lives with his wife and three kids in Dallas, TX.
Ryan drives the development and execution of marketing strategies across VELA, drawing on her leadership experience at a marketing agency supporting entrepreneurs and start-ups. She is inspired by the passion of the VELA Founder Network and the refreshing ways in which VELA is reimagining education to better serve families. Ryan lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband and their three children.
Dr. Caleb Collier leads the research, networking, and consulting efforts of the Institute. Caleb has a PhD in Teaching and Learning from Georgia State University with a research focus on self-directed learning. He served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Virginia’s Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture. He has authored many articles on learner-led education and his book, “Theoretical and Historical Evolutions of Self-Directed Learning,” is a foundational text in the field. Caleb’s greatest passion (and greatest adventure) is his family, and he gladly spends most of his time with his wife and three children at their home in Atlanta.
As the Founder and Head of School at MindSprout Montessori, Desiree has spent over 20 years creating child-centered learning environments that empower both students and educators. Her background in curriculum development, school administration, and strategic growth has given her a strong understanding of how to build and sustain engaging, effective educational programs. At MindSprout, she’s led the development of innovative initiatives that blend Montessori principles with modern educational practices, always with a focus on nurturing each child’s natural curiosity and love of learning. Desiree believes in collaborative leadership and in the power of community to support educational transformation. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to helping students thrive by creating environments that respect their individuality and support their growth—academically, socially, and emotionally. Her goal is to make learning meaningful, joyful, and relevant, so that every child is inspired to reach their full potential.
Kenneth is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of North Star: Self-Directed Learning for Teens, established in 1996. His commitment to making school optional for all teens arises from his six-year career as a public school teacher, first in Prince George’s County, MD, and then in Amherst, MA. In 2013, he co-founded Liberated Learners, a network of centers based on the North Star model. Liberated Learners has supported dozens of individuals and teams to start centers, and Kenneth offers free monthly webinars about the model for people from all over the world. Two essential items explaining his vision and commitment are his 2013 TEDx Talk and his 2017 Alumni Outcomes article. In 2019, Kenneth published his book, “Learning is Natural: School is Optional: the North Star approach to offering teens a head start on life,” found through his website, www.kennethdanford.com. Originally from Shaker Heights, OH, Kenneth has been living in Montague, MA since 1995.
Alicia Dickerson is a dedicated educator with over 30 years of classroom experience. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Southeastern University and holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Cambridge College. She is the founder and director of The Success Center in Goose Creek, South Carolina—an award-winning microschool and tutoring center. Since its establishment in 2020 with just a few students, the center has grown to serve more than 70 students today. Alicia has been married to her husband, Doug, for 38 years. They are the proud parents of two daughters and grandparents to seven wonderful grandchildren.
Heather is the founder of Elements Academy, a progressive microschool (PreK-12) reimagining education through connection, creativity, and curiosity. She currently teaches the Middle/High School program and brings over 15 years of experience as an educator, including her time as a public school special education teacher. Heather holds degrees in psychology, elementary education, and special education—and her work is grounded in both academic insight and deep personal experience. A lifelong learner and former family yoga studio owner, she brings a deep commitment to wellness and mental health into every part of her work, creating spaces where kids can thrive as their full selves.
Nicole is a solution-oriented homeschool advocate championing the "Parent-as- Educator" movement. She works to ensure under-resourced families have accessible support for their homeschooling journey. As co-founder of the Georgia Black Home Educators Network and host of the Flourish Family Homeschool Conference, she uses her platform to bridge the technology equity divide for families by distributing over 250 laptops and hotspots. She also advocates nationally and statewide as an HSLDA Georgia Volunteer Ambassador, Empowered Parents Invested in Change with GeorgiaCAN, and an Ambassador for EdChoice’s Parent Corps. Nicole serves her community as a board member of Eastside Academic Studies, a hybrid high school homeschool cooperative, and has served as Board Chair of DeKalb Christian Home Educators (2017-2024). She frequently speaks at events like SXSW Edu, VELACon, and the Black Minds Matter Conference on building multigenerational communities and homeschool collaboration. But to Nicole and her husband, Willie, their most important mission is homeschooling their four children, including three sons to college and a middle-school age daughter.
Sam Duell leads policy development and design at yes. every kid., a leading education advocacy organization. He is a former public school teacher, charter network administrator, and leader in a state education agency. His areas of policy focus include school enrollment, funding, and governance with an emphasis on student individuality and family autonomy. Sam has drafted and amended education legislation for numerous states and works with nonprofits and advocacy organizations supporting education across the nation. Sam is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and of the University of Colorado at Boulder. He lives with his family in Oklahoma City.
Carlos and his wife Margo left their careers in education in the same week to reimagine what learning could look like for their family. Together, they launched The Social, a K–12 microschool focused on problem-solving and durable skills. Today, The Social is a thriving microschool serving families across West Michigan. In addition to his work as an education founder, Carlos is a senior software consultant for international nonprofits and a VELA Community Connector, helping lead the region’s growing movement of education entrepreneurs.
Bill Faulkner is CEO of Talmont Holdings, a private investment firm focused on the energy, agriculture, and banking sectors. He has served on numerous corporate and philanthropic boards, and is currently on the boards of a large community foundation, an alternative asset fund, an agricultural services company, and as a founding board member of St. Augustine School (www.staugustineschoolmn.org), a private catholic liberal arts middle and high school launching Fall 2025 in Minnesota. More broadly, he has 3 decades of experience in technical operations and investment in a variety of sectors serving in different capacities including as board chair, CEO, and CTO. He also served in the US Navy for several years as a nuclear propulsion officer. He received an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and has undergraduate degrees with honors in Physics and Economics from the University Dallas.
Lacey is a proud co-founder and co-owner of PEAK Academy in Richmond, Texas! Her teaching journey started a little later (and a little differently) than most; she began as a Sign Language Interpreter for Lubbock ISD, working with deaf and hard-of-hearing students in grades K–12. Everything changed when she was assigned to interpret full-time in a kindergarten classroom. It was during that year that she felt called to become a teacher! She’s always been passionate about education, but after spending ten years teaching in the public school system, she realized that she couldn’t fix a broken system from the inside. So her teaching mentor and best friend, Taylor Munro, took a leap and built something new: PEAK Academy. It's been an amazing adventure, and she’s so thankful to get to be a small part of such a big movement in education!
What if America rocketed to #1 in global science rankings—not by chasing test scores, but because microschools simply let kids do science? No memorizing. No lectures. Just curiosity, testing, logic, debate—exactly how history’s greatest scientists worked. Michael built QuantumCourses to make that real and they’ve cracked the code: how to run truly hands-on, first-principles science in any microschool, pod, or homeschool— better than elite private schools and well funded public districts. As a former public school teacher with a Ph.D., solar cell manufacturing experience, and Montessori training, Michael has seen what doesn’t work—and built what does. QuantumCourses has now enabled thousands of kids across America to follow their questions, build real theories, and discover for themselves how the world works. Turns out: science is supposed to be fun. And messy. And brilliant.
Matt Frendewey serves as vice president of strategy at yes. every kid., bringing over 20 years of experience across public policy, the private sector, and strategic communications. He previously advised U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and worked with Gov. Jeb Bush at the Foundation for Excellence in Education. A Michigan native, Matt spent eight years at the Michigan Attorney General’s Office and has held roles in gubernatorial and presidential campaigns. He lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife Jenn and their two dogs.
Mercedes Grant is the founder of Path of Life Learning, a thriving microschool in Yorktown, VA. Since opening its doors in 2023, her microschool has offered a fresh and meaningful educational partnership for students and families in the community. Her model honors the wonder of childhood, encourages innovation, and strengthens family connections. Behind the scenes, Mercedes mentors new founders as they launch and grow their own microschools, and she actively advocates for school choice initiatives across Virginia.
Ravi Gupta is the Founder and CEO of The Branch, a nonprofit media company combating polarization and misinformation. He also leads Squadra Health, a longevity medicine and wellness startup, and is a Shorenstein Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School. Previously, he co-founded Arena, which trained over 7,000 political operatives, and founded RePublic Schools, a high-performing charter network in the South. He held key roles in President Obama’s first campaign and administration, serving as an aide to David Axelrod and Susan Rice. Gupta co-hosts Majority 54 and Lost Debate, two podcasts about politics and ideas. A Truman Scholar and Yale Law graduate, he’s been recognized in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” and Crain’s “NYC 40 Under 40.” His debut novel Garbage Town was an Amazon bestseller. His forthcoming nonfiction book, The Invisible List, will be published by Penguin Random House in 2026.
Sarah Harrington founded Solstice Hybrid Academy (SHA). She taught for public school for 10 years and decided to open her own school in 2023. Sarah bought a bus, started the conversion, and in August 2024 SHA opened its doors. Now she takes her students on daily learning adventures in their Skoolie Classroom!
Niki Harris is a self-taught education entrepreneur and the founder of Pasture Raised Kids, a farm-based microschool reimagining what learning can look like in rural Northern California. With no formal education background, she’s built a thriving nonprofit, raised millions through grants, donors, and creative funding streams for a variety of community-driven programs, and continues to help other founders think big about sustainable models that fit their mission. Niki is passionate about empowering education leaders to fund bold, unconventional visions — without compromising their values or burning out in the process.
Madeline Herrera is the Founder and Director of Limestone Community School, a K-8 microschool in Lawrence, Kansas, where she teaches. As an ASU Microschool Fellow and AGILE Network participant, Madeline's approach to education foregrounds project-based learning units designed with current students' needs and identities in mind; connects learners to the wider community through partnerships with professionals; and inspires student-led acts of service, like their affordable housing initiative covered by USA Today. Before founding Limestone, Madeline worked for 9 years in public schools as a classroom teacher and English Language Acquisition Specialist. She is a Founding Coach at edwell, a platform that pairs educator-coaches with teachers to reduce burnout and promote long-term wellbeing. Madeline received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Teaching and a Master's Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from the University of Kansas School of Education. She is honored to be a recipient of a Vela grant, through a gift made to Limestone.
Dr. Jill Hollander is an educator with administrative experience at the school and district level. Jill taught middle school, high school, and college. Her content areas of expertise include: English, History, Film Studies, and Writing. Jill has been a teacher, a principal, a coordinator, a director, and a VP of Education with expertise in: curriculum, instruction, professional development, technology, career-based learning and hybrid learning. She has managed principals and thousands of educators at every level in K-12 districts in Illinois, Ohio, and Texas. Jill is thrilled to be a part of the FerskenED team. She looks forward to helping students gain academic excellence and strengthen their Christian values. She believes in providing all students with a high quality, research-based education, while using cutting-edge instructional strategies and technology. Jill also believes in providing students with real-world skills as they engage with business professionals and highly trained educators throughout their K-12 academic career. Jill holds a doctoral degree in K-12 Educational Leadership. Jill enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 kids, and her dog. Jill loves being a fitness instructor and spending time on the lake with friends and family.
Travis Holleman is the Co-Founder and Program Director of ROOTS Farm & Forest School, bringing hands-on, nature-based education to children and families across Delaware. A certified Master Gardener, homesteader, and mentor, Travis leads ROOTS’ regenerative farming, animal husbandry, and survival skills programs. His work centers on reconnecting kids to the land through meaningful, project-based learning—whether they’re building compost systems, caring for animals, or growing their own food. With deep roots in practical life skills and environmental stewardship, Travis creates spaces where children of all abilities can thrive. Under his guidance, ROOTS has expanded from backyard programs to multiple forest school campuses serving over 800 youth annually. Travis is passionate about empowering the next generation with the confidence, adaptability, and real-world tools they need to build a better future.
Jeffrey Imrich is the CEO and co-founder of Rock by Rock, which helps educators, microschool leaders, and homeschoolers bring project-based and real-world learning to life. In 2025, Rock by Rock collaborated with 85 microschools in various capacities. We offer a library of thoroughly planned, K-5 project-based learning experiences that increase engagement, build science, literacy, and SEL skills, and empower kids to solve real-world problems. Additionally, we provide professional development to support the implementation of project-based models in microschool settings. Projects blend online and offline instruction and are easy to implement even by novice educators. Prior to founding Rock by Rock, Jeff spent 20 years as a leader in education. He began his career as a Teach For America educator in the Atlanta Public Schools and later served as a Fulbright scholar in Taiwan. He worked on staff at Teach For America in NY and on the national team for 9 years, supporting teacher training curriculum in 40 regions for over 10,000 teachers. Most recently, Jeff served as VP of Innovation for the Achievement First Greenfield project, leading the complete redesign and launch of five new charter schools across three states. Rock by Rock was founded in partnership with homeschool families, microschools, and pods to help educators and innovators bring their visions of expanded learning opportunities for students to life.
April Jackson is an award-winning educator, microschool founder, and advocate for culturally relevant education. With over 15 years of experience as a teacher, academic coach, and curriculum designer, she leads PASS Pod, a high-growth learning space in Atlanta for Black youth ages 9–15. April also co-founded Black Microschools ATL, supporting innovative school leaders across Georgia. April’s work centers on equity, excellence, and empowering future leaders through personalized learning and culturally affirming experiences that close achievement gaps and uplift marginalized communities.
Dr J is Argentine-American physician with postgraduate studies in clinical effectiveness and quality improvement of health systems. She has twenty years of international experience implementing public health programs and conducting research at the World Health Organization and other international and non-profit organizations. She has published dozens of scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals as well as five book chapters, and is an adjunct professor at the Department of Global Health of George Washington University. A mother of two, in 2021, she decided to pivot and she founded an Acton Academy in Falls Church, Virginia.
Sarah Kent is a soulful singer with a purpose to empower and inspire those who listen to her work to freely express themselves. While studying at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins, her love for opera blossomed along with her confidence in her craft. Her training allowed her to harness her vocal gift and utilizes that by singing in any opportunity given. She continues to work hard to pursue her dream of singing in Opera houses nationwide and is currently applying to schools to continue her music career and obtain her master’s degree in Vocal performance.
Having spent the last two decades homeschooling her six children, Kym Kent, known as the Homeschool Mythbuster, has emerged as a leading voice encouraging, equipping, and empowering families and fellow educational entrepreneurs within the unconventional learning space. Kym is the Co-Founder and Director of eXtend Homeschool Tutorial, an academic homeschool program in the metropolitan DC area, serving elementary, middle and high school homeschooling families. Additionally, Kym is a 50CAN 2025 National Voices Fellow and serves as an Entrepreneur-In-Residence for the Foundation for Economic Education. She is a sought-after conference speaker, podcast guest, and author specializing in homeschooling through high school into college and career, all the while shattering the many myths surrounding homeschooling and nontraditional learning.
Tony Kinnett is the national correspondent for The Daily Signal and the host of The Tony Kinnett Cast, a nationally syndicated radio, TV show, and podcast reaching over half a million nightly listeners. A former award-winning teacher and administrator, he has committed his career to exposing systemic issues in public education and promoting effective policy solutions. His investigative efforts have prompted federal actions against institutions violating the Civil Rights Act, influenced state legislation protecting parental rights, and sparked national discussions on educational transparency. His work is frequently featured in outlets like National Review, The Daily Caller, The Daily Wire, and RealClear Education. He is also a regular guest on Fox News, Newsmax, and C-SPAN. Previously, Tony founded Chalkboard Review, an innovative education publication that reached hundreds of thousands of readers monthly. As an Education Policy Advisor to the Indiana Legislature, he was instrumental in shaping and supporting legislation like HB 1041, which protects the integrity of women’s sports. He currently advises over 9 states on education policies directly. Earlier in his career, he served as Junior Education Policy Advisor to Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. Tony holds two master’s degrees in education technology and curriculum development from Ball State University. He resides in Greenfield, Indiana, with his wife, daughter, and son.
Blair Lee is the founder of SEA Homeschoolers, a nonprofit community-centered organization with over 150,000 members worldwide, and president of SEA Publishing, which produces innovative, secular curriculum. She is the author of more than 20 courses, including the primary author of the REAL Science Odyssey series. A passionate advocate for learner-centered education, Blair speaks nationally as a keynote presenter, offering practical strategies rooted in cognitive science to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and academic rigor. She is the editor of The SEA Homeschoolers Magazine, with over 35,000 subscribers, and the host of This Is Homeschooling, a video series exploring the diverse experiences of homeschool families. A former college professor turned homeschool advocate, Blair connects with thousands through her active social media presence and brings a deep commitment to research-based, real-world learning in all she creates.
Denise Lever is a national leader in learner-driven education and founder of Baker Creek Academy, a four-microschool campus serving over 11% of the K–8 population in rural Eagar, Arizona. A former wildland firefighter turned education entrepreneur, Denise brings courage, strategy, and a deep commitment to community to her work. She also leads TrailblazED, a growing national network that supports microschool founders through mentorship, leadership development, and ecosystem-building. Her local network includes 10 microschools—one of the strongest rural ecosystems in the state. Denise is passionate about advancing permissionless education and equipping women in education to monetize their contributions and lead with confidence.
Sydney Loper is the founder of Cultivate Studios, a Christ-centered microschool in West Mobile, AL, designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, and real-world skills in children ages 4–18. A former public school educator with a decade of experience, Sydney created Cultivate Studios to offer families a learner-led, project-based alternative to traditional education. Her passion lies in helping children build self-esteem based on their unique gifts rather than grades or standardized tests. With a background in education, communications, and business, she leads Cultivate with the belief that every child deserves an environment where they feel seen, inspired, and empowered to thrive.
Tamara Luce is the Program and Outreach Lead for the Stand Together Edupreneur Resource Center. She oversees the Center’s program operations, platform strategy, and national outreach, ensuring education entrepreneurs in all 50 states and U.S. territories can access its full range of resources. A lifelong advocate for learner-centered education, she brings over twenty years of teaching, mentoring, and coaching experience in public schools and alternative learning environments. At the heart of her philosophy lies a steadfast dedication to parental choice and personalized, empowering education, principles that inform her personal and professional endeavors. With a B.S. in Psychology from Fort Hays State University, Tamara combines academic insight and experience to elevate the Center’s digital engagement. She connects edupreneurs with the Center’s growing resources and expert guidance to safeguard their ventures and cultivate thriving, sustainable learning environments. Based in Wichita, Kansas, Tamara and Steve, her husband of more than 30 years, are parents to four sons—Tucker, Tanner, Taiten, and Trenton—and daughters-in-law Sydney and Hannah. In their free time, they enjoy the activities and people in the thriving community of Wichita, Kansas, and love spending time with their children and grandchildren, Benjamin and Georgia.
Natalie Mack is a veteran homeschool leader, education entrepreneur, and VELA Education Fund Founder with over 23 years of homeschool experience. A retired Navy chaplain’s spouse and mother of five, she homeschooled all her children through high school and successfully launched them to college. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Military Homeschoolers Association (MHA), an international nonprofit serving military-connected homeschoolers worldwide. She also leads Homeschool Natalie Mack LLC, offering consultations, digital workshops, and mentorship for families navigating high school, college prep, military service routes, and NCAA eligibility for student-athletes. Natalie is a graduate of Spelman College and holds an M.Ed. in Community Counseling from The George Washington University. Before homeschooling, she worked as a licensed therapist specializing in drug and alcohol and family therapy. She is the author of “101 Tips for Homeschoolers,” a TEDx speaker with over 35K views, and a nationally recognized voice in education innovation.
Jenny Markus is the founder of Elements Workspace, a learning center in Brooklyn, NY, serving homeschooling families through self-directed and nature-based programs for children ages 3-14. Elements offers mixed-age co-learning, outdoor education, and project-based programming that emphasizes child-led learning while demonstrating how thoughtful operational design can support both educational goals and business sustainability. With extensive experience as a senior education executive in operations, technology implementation, and organizational growth, Jenny transitioned from conventional education to create alternative learning environments that serve families effectively and operate efficiently. As President of Metsada, a non-profit organization, she helps new alternative education centers launch successfully by providing both educational guidance and operational support. As a VELA Community Connector, she connects and empowers purpose-driven alternative educators launching programs in the greater NY area. Jenny believes that sustainable alternative education requires both educational innovation and smart business practices, helping founders build programs that can thrive long-term while staying true to their mission.
Dr. Scott Martin is an hall of fame educator, author, and global thought leader in education transformation with over 30 years of experience. As the founder of Odyssey Leadership Academy, he’s pioneered innovative models for student flourishing and innovative schooling. A sought-after speaker and consultant, Dr. Martin’s work has earned accolades like the Yass Prize for Innovative Education and has been featured in global conferences and media. He partners with schools, nonprofits, and businesses to reimagine education, foster visionary leadership, and create thriving communities.
Edna Martinson is the co-founder of Boddle Learning - a gamified learning platform that helps K-6 teachers deliver engaging and adaptive math practice & assessments using gameplay and AI. Boddle serves over 7 million students with 2 million monthly active users and growing. Edna is also a 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 Recipient in Education. Edna has always been a big believer in the importance of education and a solid foundation at a young age, and this passion to help young kids succeed academically has fueled her passion for the edtech space. Her bold and visionary leadership stems from a strong background in building business relationships, executing on growth hacking strategies, and building strong teams; and she has shared her expertise on various stages, from the Senate to SXSWEDU.
Kerry McDonald works at the intersection of education and enterprise, spotlighting the entrepreneurs who are building creative schooling options across the United States. She is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education, where she leads the Education Entrepreneurship Lab and hosts the LiberatED podcast. She is also the Velinda Jonson Family Education Fellow at State Policy Network, an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute, and a regular contributor at Forbes.com and The 74. Kerry is the bestselling author of Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom (Chicago Review Press, 2019), and the author of the new book, Joyful Learning: How To Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling (Hachette/PublicAffairs, 2025). She has a BA in economics from Bowdoin College and a master’s degree in education policy from Harvard University. A mom of four, she lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
After a childhood spent homeschooled and free to explore, Rachel developed a deep love for learning that naturally led her to pursue a degree in education at age 16. By 20, she began teaching in traditional schools but quickly realized the system's rigid expectations clashed with her belief in joyful, child-led learning. Discovering the forest school philosophy reignited the freedom she experienced as an unschooled homeschooler and opened the door to a more respectful and engaging way to teach. Inspired by her students’ curiosity and growth in outdoor environments, she vowed never to return to indoor classrooms. In 2021, she founded Free Haven Forest School to protect childhood and nurture a lifelong love of learning through nature. She continues to learn from her students and is completing a graduate degree in outdoor education, committed to becoming the best educator and advocate she can be.
Philip Montgomery is the creator of Geni, an application that uses AI to make learning a personalized adventure for every student. As a recent Computer Science graduate from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Philip developed his expertise in educational technology while conducting AI research alongside members of the Inclusive Intelligent Technologies For Education (INVITE) Institute.He founded Geni to solve the problem of student disengagement, creating a platform that personalizes lessons to each child's unique interests and abilities. Inspired by his younger sister, Geni's first user, the app is now used by over 100 homeschool families, dozens of micro-schools, and 20 traditional private schools, demonstrating the power of AI to make education truly personal.
Taylor Moran is the founder of Leaf & Learn and The Natural State School, a nature-based homeschool hybrid program in rural Arkansas. With a background in storytelling and community building, Taylor has grown a loyal audience of over half a million across platforms by sharing her family’s forest-based lifestyle and educational philosophy. She specializes in helping educational entrepreneurs grow with authenticity, using content strategies that balance narrative depth with platform-savvy tactics. Taylor’s work bridges natural living, homeschooling, and entrepreneurship—offering a fresh perspective on how microschools can grow not just programs, but movements.
Dionne Morgan is the Executive Director of Ra Messu-t Academy of Higher Learning. A prior developmental therapist, she brings more than 20 years of educational leadership, child development expertise, and cognitive analysis experience to her role at Ra Messu-t. Based on her diverse experiences with African culture and as a developmental therapist, she quickly realized that children were not getting the curriculum necessary to not only sculpt their scholastic skills, but also holistically develop character and life skills necessary for success in today’s society. Accordingly, in 2014, Dionne and her husband Addison, cofounded Ra Messu-t Academy of Higher Learning.
Taylor Munro is a co-founder and lead teacher at PEAK Academy, a microschool in Richmond, Texas. After spending nearly three decades in public education, as both a teacher and instructional coach, she began to imagine what school can look like when autonomy, creativity, and student agency take center stage. In partnership with her colleague and dear friend Lacey Fickes, PEAK Academy was opened in 2022 blending academics with social-emotional growth, and collaborating with families to support individualized learning. As a microschool founder, Taylor brings a grounded, real-world perspective to the challenges and rewards of building an alternative learning environment from the ground up. Her work is driven by a belief that every child deserves a space where they are known, challenged, and celebrated. She loves being part of the VELA community where she gains knowledge from so many others shaping the future of learner-centered education.
Makenzie Oliver is the founder of Lighthouse Learning Microschool and the creator of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine movement and podcast. After leaving the traditional classroom, she launched her school from her living room during the pandemic and has since grown it to serve over 100 students with a waitlist. Makenzie specializes in personalized learning, entrepreneurial education, and designing sustainable models for microschools. She now coaches teachers and leaders nationwide through her signature program, Microschool Masterminds. Makenzie has helped hundreds of educators launch and grow their own learning environments by offering systems for curriculum planning, marketing, operations, and enrollment. Her work bridges the gap between dreaming and doing—equipping founders to build bold, community-rooted schools. Known for her servant leadership and authentic voice, Makenzie is passionate about restoring joy to education and helping others create schools where children—and educators—can thrive.
Meredith leads VELA Education Fund, where she is determined to serve brave, creative people who are boldly reimagining education in their communities and beyond. Meredith is inspired by everyday entrepreneurs who are willing to let go, listen, and learn from children as they discover their magic spark. Meredith and her husband are raising their family of four children in Wichita, Kansas.
Tomis Parker has over 15 years of experience developing and scaling self-directed education environments. As Co-Founder of the Agile Learning Centers model and network, he organized and led trainings that supported founders to launch dozens of ALCs, and co-authored multiple editions of the ALC Starter Kit. Since 2014, Tomis has stewarded ALC Mosaic in Charlotte, NC, where he’s led admissions and business operations through the school’s growth from 12 to 90 students and multiple campus expansion projects. Drawing from direct experience with documentation challenges at ALC Mosaic, Tomis founded Prism in 2025–a portfolio documentation platform specifically designed for self-directed learning environments. Prism aims to address the critical need to efficiently document, communicate, and validate the value of emergent, self-directed learning. He’s motivated to create tools that give educators and parents the confidence to lean into trust-based pedagogies that provide more children with more autonomy and agency.
Matthew is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Maryland Carey School of Law, and has served the Stand Together community for eight years as an attorney specializing in nonprofit tax law & compliance.
Bill Powell is the Executive Director of HUMA Collaborative, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting innovative education models across the Southeast. With over 30 years in the tech startup and entrepreneurial world, Bill brings a unique lens to education, one rooted in creativity, adaptability, and systems thinking. He’s worn many hats over the years: toy maker, network engineer, art gallery owner, professional hiker, chatbot builder, band manager, marketing agency founder, and Administrative Director of a microschool. Bill specializes in turning chaos into process and ideas into impact.
Amber Scardino is the founder and owner of Figment Creative Labs. She started teaching art and providing process art experiences out of her garage when her boys were very young in 2013. She loved watching the children’s amazement when they did fizzy experiments, their excitement when they tinkered and created “their greatest inventions”, and was constantly inspired by the children’s wonder and exploration when at play. This fueled her to continue her work and want to give those experiences to more children. As Figment has grown, so has the menagerie of animals that are cared for at Figment. Amber believes that caring for the animals teaches the children empathy and responsibility and is a calming welcoming part of the work done at Figment. When she is not at work Amber is home with her family on her mini farm which includes cows, goats, a pig, peacocks, chickens, and two dogs. Amber has a degree in business administration, painting and drawing and art history from LSU, but her passion is providing children with creative experiences that spark exploration, wonder, and play. As a mother of two and coauthor of the book series STEAM Kids, she believes that art should be a stress-free process that promotes self esteem and confidence. She hopes that Figment will inspire creativity in people of all ages, bring families together through art and encourage learning through play.
Korene Senior, founder of M.O.R.E of Baltimore, where M.O.R.E stands for Mentoring Our Rising Entrepreneurs, is passionate about educating youths who have suffered from poverty and a lack of quality education due to systemic racial injustices in the educational system. As a local Baltimorean, she helps families growing up in the same neighborhood where she grew up by teaching and equipping them with the resources they need to become economically empowered and secure. She created an entrepreneurial-based academic program that teaches financial literacy to children as early as seven years old, encouraging them to grow up and effect change in their family and community. Her motivation, ambition, and people skills make her the perfect leader for the education sector. Her impressive professional background includes service in the U.S. Army, founder of several kid-focused businesses, and holding executive positions in senior care and human services. Since opening their doors in 2021 and establishing M.O.R.E as a non-profit organization in 2022, she, her husband, and their growing team have provided numerous young people with hands-on learning and self-empowering experiences.
Michelle Shaw is the director of Eastside Academic Studies (a hybrid school) and the Northeast Independent Preparatory Academy (NIPA) (a homeschool accrediting organization). She has been helping homeschooled students and their parents prepare for college since 2008 and has attended many high school guidance counselor meetings. She received her B.A. in Economics from Harvard College and her J.D. from Harvard Law School. She practiced law for six years before she chose to homeschool her five children. Four of her children have graduated from college and the last one is currently attending college. Michelle is married to Dr. Alan Shaw, a tenured Professor in Computer Science at Kennesaw State University and the pastor of Christ First Community Church in Stone Mountain, GA. Michelle also serves on the boards of the Hugs & Hope Food Pantry and DeKalb Christian Home Educators and is a cofounder of the Georgia Black Home Educators Network.
Kenisha Skaggs, a native of Augusta, Georgia, is the founder and director of Soar Academy Augusta, a project-based K–12 institution serving both general education and students with learning differences such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and completed her teaching certification through Georgia’s TAPP program. Her career in education began with the “No Child Left Behind” initiative, where she provided in-home tutoring to students in underserved communities. Recognizing the limitations of conventional instructional models, she established a home-based homeschool class in 2011 with a focus on individualized, interest-driven learning. This initiative evolved into Soar Academy, now accredited by the Georgia Accreditation Commission and eligible for state scholarship programs. The academy currently serves hundreds of students annually. Under her leadership, Soar Academy has received national recognition, including features in Forbes, The Cato Institute, and The 74, and is a 2022 Yass Prize Finalist and VELA Grant Recipient.
Tarisha Sobrino is a passionate nonprofit founder and creative changemaker reshaping how we learn, travel, and connect. Through Miles4theMinds, she champions exploration as education—empowering families to learn through travel while supporting local economies and sustainability. Her work blends community storytelling with impact-driven adventures, inspiring others to engage as learners, not just tourists. With a background in event design and nonprofit innovation, Tarisha curates transformative experiences that bridge cultures, spark curiosity, and model socially conscious journeys. Whether facilitating interactive sessions or helping families plan meaningful trips, she makes exploration more intentional and accessible. At VELA Con, she shares her love of immersive learning and practical innovation to help fellow founders reconnect with purpose, prevent burnout, and build values-driven ventures.
Angel Sobrino is the Director of Learning at The Hive Interactive Centers and co-founder of Miles4theMinds. When he’s not tutoring online, Angel is either snorkeling with roadschoolers or recording educational content in a garden—blending agriculture science and ecology to connect learners with the real world. He champions innovative team building through travel while curating learner-led scenarios with nontraditional students from across a dozen states and countries. A passionate advocate for neurodivergent and unhoused youth, Angel’s work is driven by a commitment to transforming education and empowering communities. At VelaCon, he will lead an engaging session that hints at secret strategies for overcoming burnout—a unique experience designed exclusively for founders. Confident, approachable, and always at the intersection of adventure and education, Angel invites you to explore new dimensions of leadership and well-being.
Ned Stanley is the Vice President of Communications at 50CAN, where he steers the national network’s storytelling, brand strategy and digital engagement across 10 state campaigns. Drawing on 15 years in policy advocacy, media and education, he translates complex education issues into narratives that move legislators and parents alike. Under Ned’s leadership, 50CAN’s channels doubled their reach, the “New Reality Roundup” newsletter set the conversation for education reformers, and new multimedia campaigns helped to achieve landmark wins on school choice, tutoring, afterschool and CTE. Based in Denver, Ned began his career as an 8th grade English teacher in the Bronx with Teach For America. He holds a B.A. in comparative literature from the American University of Paris and is driven by one goal: making sure every child has access to an excellent, personalized education.
Randan supports VELA as a Regional Connector, helping to grow and enrich the VELA Founder Network in Texas. She is a veteran education policy expert and the founding partner of Steinhauser Strategies, a communications and public affairs firm based in Austin. She brings deep experience navigating the intersection of education, policy, and parent advocacy, and she’s facilitated countless conversations with school founders and policy leaders across the country. In addition to her work with VELA, Randan is a homeschooling mother of five.
Lynn Swanson is a lawyer with the Stand Together Chamber of Commerce, where she is part of a team that provides resources and guidance to help education entrepreneurs navigate the many regulatory challenges that confront entrepreneurs who are opening or operating innovative learning environments. Lynn began her legal career practicing corporate and securities law at a large international law firm and later at an investment bank. As her career evolved Lynn transitioned to serving as in-house/general counsel for smaller businesses. Before joining the Stand Together community, Lynn also worked part-time with the Florida Department of Children and Families, Children’s Legal Services, representing the state in child dependency matters. Mid-career, Lynn lived overseas, primarily in Australia, where she held various roles within the Commonwealth of Australia and the New South Wales governments. She later moved into management consulting and became a certified change management professional. Lynn holds a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and a B.A. from Wellesley College. She is admitted to practice law in Florida and New York.
Cassie Tinsmon was born and raised in Wichita, KS. She has an undergrad degree in Social Work and Masters in Public Health. Since 2008, Cassie has served as a political consultant advising campaigns and committees on campaign finance & operations. In 2023, Cassie took over the company she worked for, becoming President of Katz Compliance, gaining significant insight and experience into running a successful business. She continues to manage a staff of 15, serving over 150 clients. Cassie and her husband Stewart have two children, a daughter (11) and son (4). They started Bee Curious Learning Collective in 2022, receiving a grant from VELA to provide a self-directed, drop-off program for homeschool families. When the opportunity arose to purchase a 1920s school on two acres, Cassie immediately fell in love and saw the potential to build a long-term community. That property is now Lily Lake Homeschool Collective and Play Café.
Sarah Beth Tomes is the founder of Digital Otter, a digital advertising agency specializing in lead acquisition, events, and non-profits. Sarah Beth is a Meta Certified Partner and has been recognized by Meta as one of the top 1% of ad strategists worldwide.
Luba Vangelova is a veteran homeschooling parent and founder of The Hub, a part-time online microschool where homeschooled tweens and teens can connect and grow together. She’s also written about the future of education for media outlets such as The Atlantic and the NPR/PBS MindShift websites, and previously co-founded several in-person homeschool communities. She holds degrees in systems engineering and journalism.
Angie graduated from Moravian College with a double major in English and Spanish and a minor in secondary education. She taught high school English in public school until 2013 when her second daughter was born. It has always been her desire to be at home to raise her kids, so she resigned from teaching. As she noticed her children's natural curiosity and love of learning, she longed for a method of education that considers the whole child in its approach and feeds that curiosity and love of learning. Charlotte Mason's philosophy was the answer to what she was looking for. She found many parents also wanted a developmentally appropriate education and were interested in homeschooling but needed support and community. Out of a desire to meet these needs, she co-founded Providence Hybrid Academy, a hybrid homeschool program that seeks to partner with parents in an encouraging, engaging, and caring educational environment.
Dalena is a visionary, constantly researching and experimenting with innovative learning methods while networking, and collaborating with various microschools and homeschool co-ops. Always willing to try new things, she encourages others to think outside the box and try creative methods of education. As the founder of Wichita Innovative Schools and Educators (WISE), a collaboration of educational entrepreneurs in the Wichita area, she is currently providing her expertise in network building to help VELA build their local communities of grant recipients. Dalena is a busy homeschool mom of six. She manages a co-op serving 35 local homeschoolers and operates a hybrid microschool called AIM High. She is the founder of AIM Educational Collaborative LLC which helps provide assistance and coaching for others who would like to build Autonomous, Innovative, and Missional educational models. To learn more about her work visit: https://www.aimeducationks.com/.
Jasmine Williams is the founder of Creation Acres Montessori, a Christian microschool rooted in meaningful, child-centered education. After homeschooling her four children for seven years, she launched the school to serve more families with a hands-on, student-empowering approach. Jasmine holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Northeastern University and is currently pursuing her AMI 12–18 Montessori certification to deepen her work with adolescents. She brings warmth, authenticity, and joy to the classroom, guiding students to think deeply, grow in faith, and live with purpose.
Dan Wilson is a Managing Director at Mercury in Washington, D.C., where he works as a national media and messaging strategist who has shaped the communications environment for many of the firm’s top clients for the past ten years. He has helped companies and organizations wage complex policy battles and guided them through communications crises that pose reputational and business threats.
Jennifer Wolverton is the founder of MARS (Microcollective for AI, Robotics, and the Sciences), a hybrid microschool model integrating cutting-edge technology with project-based learning. With a background in engineering and a passion for education innovation, she is a leading voice at the intersection of AI and K–12 learning. Jennifer designs curriculum that empowers students to co-write novels with ChatGPT, explore education in virtual reality, and build websites and podcasts to tell the story of U.S. History. Her work has been supported by VELA and Innovate Alabama and is reshaping how families and educators think about personalized, tech-powered learning. At VELACon, she shares practical tools and bold ideas that help educators—and even their Trailblazing students—harness AI to streamline instruction, spark creativity, and prepare for the future.
Alycia Wright, M.Ed., is the visionary Founder of Cultural Roots Homeschool Cooperative in Richmond, VA. With a Master's in Education, Alycia is deeply committed to fostering culturally rich and community-driven learning environments. Her work at Cultural Roots empowers families to embrace a holistic and inclusive approach to education, celebrating diverse histories and traditions. Alycia's passion lies in building supportive networks that nourish both academic growth and cultural identity within the homeschooling community.
An education veteran with more than two decades served as a teacher, curriculum director, principal, and learning designer, Lisa Zapalac is one of the founders of Long-View Micro School in Austin, Texas and heads up daily operations. Long-View educates 2nd–8th grade students and serves as a laboratory for teachers studying mathematics education, while also providing an optimistic example of new possibilities in education. Lisa’s experience includes leading high-quality instruction, managing growth, coaching teachers, and overseeing all aspects of school life. She’s interested in innovation in education, education entrepreneurship, student-centered learning, rigorous curricula, teacher education, and transforming K-8 mathematics. As part of the wider scope of Long-View Learning, Lisa serves as a consultant and regularly works with schools and educators across the world working to raise the quality of their mathematics instruction and ensure high levels of learning for young mathematicians.