Shaun Alexander

Former Professional Football Player, National Football League

Shaun Alexander rose to fame as the ESPN #1 high school football player and later excelled at the University of Alabama, where he graduated with a Marketing Degree. His football career highlights include becoming the 1999 SEC Player of the Year and setting many records at Alabama. Drafted in the first-round by the Seattle Seahawks in 2000, he became a three-time Pro Bowl selection, the team’s all-time leading rusher and rushing touchdowns, and in 2005 became the first Seahawks player named NFL MVP after leading the team to their first Super Bowl appearance. In 2018 the NCAA Freshman Player of the Year Award was renamed to the Shaun Alexander Award named in his honor. He's also an author, advocate, Stand Together ambassador, and founder of the Professional Leadership Program, aiming to guide athletes and leaders. Married to Valerie for 22 years, they reside in Virginia with their 13 children.

Iman Alleyne

Founder & Visionary, Kind Academy

Iman Alleyne, a highly accomplished educator and entrepreneur, is the founder of Kind Academy Microschool Network. Holding a Masters' degree in School Counseling, her diverse teaching background in public, charter, private, and homeschooling programs fueled her passion for a personalized learning approach.

Dan Bank

Partner, Mercury Public Affairs

Dan Bank is a Partner with Mercury, based in New York City. He advises Mercury’s global clientele on issues and crisis management, media strategy, and thought leadership. During his tenure at the firm, he has developed and implemented successful communications and public affairs campaigns for clients across a variety of sectors, including education, consumer retail, technology, defense, healthcare and real estate. Working closely with senior executives, Dan provides counsel on messaging and conducts media and crisis simulation training. He has extensive experience helping clients manage complex reputational challenges. Prior to joining Mercury, he spent more than seven years at FOX News Channel as a producer for The O’Reilly Factor. He was responsible for producing segments for high-profile politicians, celebrities and newsmakers. Dan also worked with guests to improve on-camera presentation and strengthen arguments through disciplined messaging.

Shaina Belton

Director of Community, VELA

Shaina is responsible for building a dynamic ecosystem of partners and entrepreneurs to optimize VELA’s reach and impact. She is inspired by the innovative and divergent ways that the VELA community approaches learning and uses her background as an educator and artist to help facilitate growth and understanding of nontraditional education models. Shaina currently lives in Denver with her husband and daughter.

Chrystal Bernard

Founder, Braveheart Christian Academy

After building a successful CPA practice, Chrystal Bernard, along with her husband Joshua, propelled her entrepreneurial and academic background into committing herself to building innovative, unconventional learning environments where each student’s education experience is personalized, allowing them to develop a love for learning and explore their gifts. As a result, Chrystal has raised the level of instructional practices, equipping students with mastery and life tools while improving educators’ teaching experiences.  Under Chrystal’s leadership, Braveheart Christian Academy received its initial accreditation status from Cognia, NCA CASI, NWAC, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) during the 2023-2024 school year, and successfully incorporated computer technology into the school curriculum.  Chrystal believes that education involves more than a child’s intellectual abilities; it should ultimately inspire students to fulfill God’s purpose in their lives.

Derrell Bradford

President, 50CAN

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

Founder & Administrator, Rogue Christian Academy

It’s through my passion for education, love for people, and God that I chose to help start RCA. Prior to RCA I ran a homeschool co-op for three years that served 150 students. My husband and I have three boys and have been business owners for 15 years. These experiences taught many valuable lessons in leadership and the value of serving our community. Outside the office, you can find me at the coast reading or adventuring outdoors. At home, we love the creativity of remodeling and DIY house projects. It’s an honor to serve the staff and students at RCA.

Amber Brown

Co-Founder & Director, Barefoot University

Amber is a homeschooling mom of four. Her third child ignited her passion for nature and was the inspiration behind starting a forest school. Amber has sales and marketing experience and has served on the board for several nonprofit organizations. She is passionate about Jesus and natural living - both of which fostered her love of nature's beauty and benefits.

Dominque Burgess

Founder and Head of School, Burbrella Learning Academy Inc

Dominque Burgess is a visionary educator and the driving force behind Burbrella Learning Academy Inc, a 501(c)(3) microschool network that is redefining education through its innovative approach. With 15 years of experience in the field of education, Dominique has dedicated her career to transforming the educational landscape by infusing STEAM, nature, project-based learning, and play-based methodologies into non-traditional learning environments.

Yalonda Chandler

Co-Founder, Black Homeschoolers of Birmingham

As the Co-Founder of Black Homeschoolers of Birmingham, Yalonda has played a pivotal role in creating a safe space for Black and Brown children to learn, play, and grow. Over the past five years, the community has flourished, growing from seven families to well over 350 members across central Alabama. Yalonda’s leadership also led to the launch of Black Homeschoolers of Montgomery, which officially began in January 2023. Yalonda is the visionary and founder of the highly successful Positioned for Success Homeschool Summit, an annual event held in Birmingham, Alabama. Additionally, Yalonda is the owner of Legacy Builders Academy, a church/covering school that offers administrative oversight for homeschool families throughout Alabama. Her company’s goal is to reduce overwhelm in families’ lives through home education. Yalonda provides homeschool coaching through private consultations and, in 2023, established Legacy Builders Homeschool Academy, a micro-school serving middle and high school students. She takes pride in creating equitable learning environments and empowering parents to focus on the family by embracing non-traditional learning to nurture emotionally, socially, and intellectually well-adjusted children.

Andrew Clark

President, yes. every kid. foundation.

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 Clem

Director of Digital Content and Engagement, VELA

Ryan leads the strategic planning, development and distribution of content across VELA’s resource platforms. With a background in marketing and copywriting, Ryan understands the power of impactful content and storytelling. She is inspired by the passion of the VELA Founder Network and the refreshing ways in which VELA is reimagining education to serve families and most importantly, children. Ryan lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband, three children and the family cat.

Grant Coates

CEO, The Miles Foundation

Grant Coates has been the CEO and President of The Miles Foundation since 2011. He began his career in finance and operations at Miles Production Company, the predecessor to The Miles Foundation. Over the years, he held various financial roles and served as a strategic advisor during the foundation's formation. Elected to the Board of Directors in 2009, Mr. Coates now oversees regulatory compliance, strategic grant funding, and investment stewardship. He leads the Foundation’s Investment Committee and serves on the boards of several portfolio companies. Mr. Coates earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of North Texas and an MBA from Texas Christian University. He chairs Philanthropy Advocates and serves on the Community Land Trust. Additionally, he is a member of the AEI Enterprise Club and co-founder of the Liberty Leadership Council's Fort Worth chapter. Mr. Coates resides in Fort Worth with his two children, Owen and Isabel.

Caleb Collier

Director, Institute for Self-Directed Learning

Caleb Collier is co-founder of The Forest School, a k-12 self-directed learning environment in Fayetteville, GA, as well as The Institute for Self-Directed Learning, a hub of research and collaboration on learner-driven school design. He earned a PhD in Teaching and Learning at Georgia State University with a research focus in self-directed learning and served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Virginia's Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture.

Desiree Corbin

Founder & Head of School, MindSprout Montessori

For over two decades, Desiree has been committed to shaping young minds through education. With more than 20 years in the field, she has both taught and learned, recognizing that education must be tailored to individual needs because no two students are alike. Desiree advocates for non-traditional learning methods, such as the Montessori approach, which supports self-directed activities, hands-on learning, and collaborative experiences, all designed to cater to each student's unique needs. In 2019, she transitioned from traditional teaching to tutoring and homeschooling preschool and elementary students. By 2021, she founded MindSprout Montessori, a hybrid school. Desiree holds a Masters in Education and is certified in early childhood through 6th grade, gifted and talented education, English as a second language, and has completed extensive Montessori training.

Serena Deutch

Manager of Strategic Initiatives, VELA

Serena oversees key strategic priorities that drive VELA’s innovative vision forward. She works to share stories of education entrepreneurs through events, storytelling, and partnerships, and manages special projects including finding new ways to share resources with the VELA community. Her experience working in the fields of education and entrepreneurship informs her excitement to support founders who are reimagining how education can better serve all types of learners. Serena lives in New Orleans, where she loves listening to live music, baking, and reading.

Thanasi Dilos

Co-Founder, Civics Unplugged & Gotham Labs

Thanasi is 21, and the co-founder of Civics Unplugged – a movement that uses civic education as a vehicle to empower young people to find belonging and purpose.

Michael Donnelly

Vice President, yes. every kid. foundation

Michael Donnelly is Vice President for yes. every kid. foundation leading education transformation initiatives that advance family first learner centered educational freedom. He is an adjunct professor of law and a combat veteran of the first Persian Gulf War. He was previously HSLDA Senior Counsel and Director of Global Outreach and a successful entrepreneur. He is Boston University School of Law Paul J. Liacos Scholar and holds an LLM with merit in Constitutional and Human Rights Law from the London School of Economics. He is a member of six federal and state bars. Mike and his wife Patricia are homeschooling parents of seven children and one grandchild (so far).

Nicole Doyle

Executive Director, DeKalb Christian Home Educators, Inc.

As a school choice and parents’ rights advocate, Nicole champions the "Parent-as-Educator" movement in the Georgia homeschooling community. As Executive Director of DeKalb Christian Home Educators, Inc. (DCHE), she oversees a multigenerational homeschool cooperative that has fostered a community-driven education hub for over 30 years. DCHE is a sanctuary where parental dreams take flight. Here, parents embody program administration, thought-leadership, teaching, and advocacy that activates an ecosystem of parent-led educational choice. Her advocacy extends beyond DCHE, as Nicole collaborates with various organizations such as the Home School Legal Defense Association, Empowered Parents Invested in Change (EPIC) with GeorgiaCAN, and the EdChoice Parent Corps to amplify parental voices in education. During the educational crisis of the pandemic, she co-founded the Georgia Black Home Educators Network to present the Flourish Homeschool Conference to highlight homeschooling as a pathway to educational freedom for Black families.

Robert Enlow

President & CEO, EdChoice

Robert Enlow is the president and CEO of EdChoice. Before the formation of EdChoice in 2016, Robert was an integral part of the Milton and Rose Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice from its launch in 1996. He served as fundraiser, projects coordinator, vice president and executive director prior to being named president and CEO of the Foundation in 2009. Under his leadership, EdChoice has become one of the nation’s most respected and successful advocates for educational choice, working in dozens of states to advance parental freedom in education by disseminating research, undertaking training, sponsoring seminars, conducting advertising campaigns and investing in and organizing community leaders.

Toni Frallicciardi

Founder, Surf Skate Science

Toni Frallicciardi is a dedicated mom of three who has explored diverse educational options, from public and charter schools to private institutions and homeschooling. With a background in ocean engineering and a lifelong connection to surfing and skateboarding, she has embarked on an incredible journey. In 2003, she initiated an international faith-based social skateboarding network that has impacted individuals in over 90 countries. Motivated by her love for action sports, an answer to help her own son overcome learning challenges, and a local school shooting, she founded the Surf Skate Science STEAM education program in South Florida in 2018, starting with just five students. This program has grown exponentially, reaching over 2,500 students each year. Through her work, she aspires to break down barriers and ensure equal opportunities for all. Embracing the lessons taught by skateboarding, she believes in the limitless potential that lies within every individual.

Matt Frendewey

Vice President of Strategy, yes. every kid. foundation.

Matt Frendewey serves as the vice president of strategy at yes. every kid., a national education organization dedicated to unlocking every child's potential. With over two decades of experience in public policy, including senior advisory roles with the U.S. Department of Education and eight years at the Michigan Department of Attorney General, Frendewey brings expertise in developing high-profile strategies for clients in both the public and private sectors. An avid runner and lifelong Detroit Tigers fan, Frendewey and his wife currently reside outside Detroit, Michigan.

Tiffany Green

Founder & CEO, Uprooted Academy

Meet Tiffany Green, a licensed psychotherapist and expert college counselor. She is the visionary behind Uprooted Academy™, a pioneering tech-nonprofit dedicated to empowering under-resourced students to confidently shape their futures. Operating as a virtual community center akin to the Boys and Girls Club, it stands as the first of its kind. Through its AI-powered platform, Uprooted Academy has successfully connected over 10,000 students to colleges, careers, mentors, and their dreams, offering immersive programming and resources that guide them every step of the way.

Lauren Grevel

Director of Programs, VELA

Lauren leads the implementation and management of VELA’s investment programs. She’s a fan of lifelong learning, engagement, and being genuinely thrilled about learning. She is excited to use her background in philanthropy to drive programming and opportunities designed to support programs and founders that give learners and families agency over their education. Lauren lives in West Michigan and embraces spending time outdoors in all four seasons.

Niki Harris

Founding Director, Pasture Raised Kids

Niki Harris is the founder of Pasture Raised Kids, a nonprofit farm-based learning center located in the mountains of rural Northern California. Alongside her husband and their four kids, she started their flagship microschool program, Farm School, in 2018. Niki has constructed a thriving model for innovative rural education, drawing from her expertise in securing creative funding and forging strategic partnerships. In addition to reimagining rural education, Niki loves art and music, bike rides with her kids, gardening, and reading.

Jill Haskins

Ecosystem Builder, Indiana Microschool Network

Jill is a dedicated ecosystem builder in Indiana's innovative educational landscape. She has collaborated with nearly 40 microschool leaders, providing guidance and support to those launching or expanding their educational ventures across the state. Jill's passion for personalized education and her extensive experience in microschool development make her a valuable asset to the educational community in Indiana and beyond.

Terry Henry II

Founder & Program Officer, AdviseCCR

Terry Henry is the founder & program officer for AdviseCCR; providing free career counseling, youth apprenticeship, and dual-enrollment services. Mr. Henry's school experience includes all levels of post-high school training including roles with two & four year colleges, trade/apprenticeship, military/ROTC, district leadership, classroom instruction, and comprehensive career counseling. Mr. Henry has earned credentials at multiple levels: CTE certificate, BS and MS (Education), and is completing his doctoral studies (Education Leadership) to positively contribute to his field. Mr. Henry's dissertation research is a qualitative study supporting the creation of sustainable success mentoring models for growth identified (2.0 to 2.9 GPA) Black male high school graduates. Mr. Henry is a licensed educator with ASU Prep Digital and teaches with the University of Michigan SMASH program. His experience includes leadership roles with KIPP Forward Memphis, TCAT Memphis, Minneapolis Public Schools, Indiana State University, and MSD of Wayne Township Schools (Indianapolis).

Madeline Herrera

Director, Limestone Community School

Madeline Herrera is the Co-Founder and Director of Limestone Community School, a K-6 microschool in Lawrence, Kansas, where she teaches. 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 nine 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.

Ashley Ho

Director of Product Strategy, VELA

Ashley leads the implementation of product development, helping VELA to achieve its reach and impact objectives. She is motivated by the VELA community and their relentless dedication to improving unconventional learning opportunities for children in their lives. Ashley calls upon her background in business strategy and as an entrepreneur to optimize VELA’s efforts. She lives in Wichita with her two sons and two puppies.

Jeff Imrich

CEO & Co-Founder, Rock by Rock

Jeffrey Imrich is the CEO and Co-Founder of Rock by Rock which helps daring educators, microschool leaders, and homeschoolers bring project-based and real-world learning to life. Rock by Rock offers a library of fully planned, K-5 project-based learning experiences that increase engagement, build science, literacy and SEL skills, and empower kids to solve real-world problems. Projects blend online and offline instruction and are easy to implement even by novice educators. Prior to founding Rock by Rock, Jeff was a leader in education for 20 years. He started as a Teach For America educator in Atlanta Public Schools and a Fulbright scholar in Taiwan. He worked on staff at Teach For America in NY and on the national team for 9 years. Most recently, Jeff was VP of Innovation for the Achievement First Greenfield project, leading the complete redesign and launch of 5 new charter schools in 3 states.

Nasiyah Isra-Ul

Executive Director, Canary Academy Online Inc.

Nasiyah Isra-Ul is the founder and Executive Director of Canary Academy Online Inc., a research fellow at the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, and a current 2024 50CAN National Voices Fellow. As a homeschool graduate, Nasiyah is deeply passionate about all-things unconventional education and edupreneurship. She is highly involved in community advocacy, research, and providing mentorship to other homeschooled youth. Additionally, Nasiyah serves as an advisor for a number of organizations, a business coach and edupreneurship consultant for ED-You Consulting, and the co-director of the National Edupreneur Institute. When she is not working or studying, Nasiyah enjoys spending her time reading books ranging from historical fiction to the latest research in education alternatives, leveling up her skillset in multicultural cooking techniques, and spending quality time with her family. 

Derek Johnson

Senior Vice President, Stand Together

Derek Johnson is executive director of Stand Together Trust, Stand Together Foundation and Senior Vice President of Stand Together, where he is responsible for the development of each organization’s strategy. He has served in leadership positions in the Stand Together community for more than a decade, including at the Charles Koch Foundation and Charles Koch Institute. Previously, Derek was a research fellow at the Institute for Political Economy at Utah State University. He chairs the boards of the VELA Education Fund and the Center for Growth and Opportunity at Utah State University. Derek also serves on the boards of yes. every kid. and the Abundance Institute. 

Lindsay Kelly

Director of Brand & Communications, VELA

Lindsay leads brand and communications at VELA and is passionate about elevating the stories and storytellers that bring an organization to life and spark new conversations and connections. She has spent most of her career designing communications, marketing, and public relations strategies for education non-profits and K-12 schools and is deeply inspired by the VELA founders who are redefining where, when, and how learning takes place. Lindsay is based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but escapes to the Atlantic Ocean with her two daughters whenever she can.

Kym Kent

Co-Founder & Director, eXtend Homeschool Tutorial

A twenty year veteran homeschooling mom of six, Kym Kent is the Co-Founder and Director of eXtend Homeschool Tutorial, an academic homeschool tutorial which meets on two campuses in Bowie, Maryland, serving students in grades one through high school. Kym's passion for homeschooling and non-traditional educational environments has enabled her to mentor and coach countless students and families, speak at local and national educational events, and serve as a voice of empowerment for families and educational entrepreneurs across the country.

Peter Laipson

Senior Fellow, Mastery Transcript Consortium

Peter Laipson is a longtime educational leader in both K-12 and higher ed and the former Chief Academic Officer of a competency-based graduate school of education. A Senior Fellow at Mastery Transcript Consortium, he recently led a pilot program for 25 VELA founders to introduce them to MTC's tools.

Blair Lee

President, SEA Homeschoolers Organization

Blair Lee, MS, is the founder of the SEA Homeschoolers Community, a thriving network of approximately 150,000 members that ranks among the largest homeschooling groups globally. An advocate for innovative educational methods, Blair promotes approaches that prioritize optimal learning experiences over traditional metrics. Her mission is to empower homeschoolers, encouraging them to tailor education that is academically enriched and personalized for their students' needs.  In line with this, Blair helped establish the SEA Homeschoolers Organization, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a supportive community and providing resources and guidance for homeschooling families. As a grassroots advocacy group, SEA Homeschoolers Organization is committed to promoting accessible, high-quality home education that respects the individuality and potential of each student. Through these endeavors, SEA Homeschoolers Organization is working to make a significant impact in the alternative education space, driving forward a movement that values depth, customization, and the holistic development of learners.

Sumay Lu

CEO, WEquil App

Sumay Lu, CEO of WEquil App, is a multifaceted entrepreneur, writer, and developer with deep insights into the future of education. Her platform connects a vast global network of teachers, families, learning communities and educational services. Formerly the CEO of WEquil School, she has contributed extensively, publishing a vast array of projects ranging from interviews, music compositions, and essays on emerging technologies to literary works and educational content. Recognized as a pioneer in leveraging technology for personalized learning in the digital age, Sumay has been a prominent voice in forums like Scripps News, GoGuardian, Stand-Together Trust, and Falls Church News-Press. Her expertise was sought twice as a guest lecturer at Iowa State University. A Black Belt from Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do, Sumay's passions extend to cooking, learning Chinese, creating educational YouTube content, and connecting with her global educational community. She resides in Falls Church, Virginia with her family.

Katherine Mangu-Ward

Editor in Chief, Reason

Katherine Mangu-Ward is editor in chief of Reason, the magazine of "free minds and free markets." A few of her more memorable cover stories include a defense of plastic bags, an argument for why you almost certainly shouldn’t vote, and a welcome to our new robot overlords. She started as Reason intern in 2000, and has worked at The Weekly Standard and The New York Times. She gave a TED Talk about what capitalism gets right and what governments get wrong. She is a Future Tense Fellow at New America and serves on the board of directors of Students for Liberty.

Noah Mayers

Founder, Brooklyn Apple Academy

Noah is the founder and lead teacher of Brooklyn Apple Academy, a homeschool resource/community center in NYC. He loves scheduling exciting field trips, playing in his marching band, and long walks on the beach.

Kerry McDonald

Senior Fellow, Foundation for Economic Education

Kerry McDonald works closely with the VELA team to spotlight and support education entrepreneurs who are building innovative K-12 learning models and expanding education options for families. She is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education and host of 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 Forbes contributor. Kerry is the author of the bestselling book, Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom. She has a B.A. in economics from Bowdoin College and a Master’s degree in education policy from Harvard University. Kerry lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with her husband and four children, who have always been unconventionally educated.

Coi Morefield

Founder & President, The Lab School of Memphis

Coi Morefield, an award-winning school founder, learning designer, and mother of four, has dedicated her career to student-centered learning environments emphasizing equity and future-focused outcomes. Beginning in public schools, she honed her expertise in educational theory and pedagogy. Motivated to expand her impact, Coi pursued an MBA in Leadership & Change Management, transitioning into the private sector where she excelled in business development and organizational learning design. In 2020, Coi founded The Black Inquiry Project™, introducing an inquiry-based  ELA curriculum centered on amplifying Black voices. In 2021, Coi founded The Lab School of Memphis to provide customized learning pathways and community-based learning experiences. Ever the supporter of meaningful, lifelong learning, Coi offers comprehensive training for microschools and innovative educators through the Educator Expand™ e-learning platform. Coi embodies the spirit of transformational education, her life's work serving as a powerful reflection of the impact of combining passion and innovation to drive progress.

Addison Morgan

President & Co-Founder, Ra Messu-t Academy

Addison Morgan III is Co-Founder and President of Ra Messu-t Academy of Higher Learning L3c. Addison has a degree in MIS and a Masters of Science in Holistic Nutrition. Outside of his work at Ra Messu-t, he is an Executive, Life and Parent Coach. He has clients at multiple Fortune 100 companies.

Emily Niehaus

Founder & Head of School, Heron School

Emily is the founder of Heron School. She grew up in Ohio with a passion for recreation, learning, and finding creative outlets to keep her busy. She holds a Master’s Degree in Applied Sociology from Clemson University. Emily moved to Moab, Utah in 2002 with an open heart to be of service in her life. She is the founder of Community Rebuilds (a nonprofit building affordable housing in Moab with participating homeowners utilizing a student education program), she is the former Mayor of Moab, and she is currently the Head of School at Heron School

Amber Okolo-Ebube

Founder, Leading Little Arrows

Amber Okolo-Ebube, a Texas native, champions inclusive communities and out-of-system education. With a decade of experience and a family of seven, she excels in creating supportive environments. Founder of Leading Little Arrows, a nationally recognized initiative, Amber has been featured in Forbes and The 74 Million. As a Quarterfinalist for the Yass Prize and recipient of the VELA Next Step grant, her work garners acclaim. Today, she serves as a speaker, facilitator, and advocate for families, particularly those with unique educational needs. Based in North Texas, Amber inspires and empowers communities, sharing insights at conferences across the nation. Her commitment to empowering families and advancing alternative education resonates locally and nationally.

Makenzie Oliver

Founder, Lighthouse Learning Microschool and Microschool Masterminds "Teacher Let Your Light Shine"

Makenzie Oliver, founder of Lighthouse Learning Microschool and Homeschool Hybrid in 2020, pioneers an innovative approach blending homeschooling flexibility with an alternative school structure. As host of the "Teacher, Let Your Light Shine" podcast, she inspires educators worldwide to embrace innovative teaching methods. Makenzie is also a respected consultant, guiding educators and entrepreneurs in developing microschool models through her Microschool Masterminds program: Launch and Scale Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid by Maximizing Your Time, Optimizing Your Finances, and Mastering Your Marketing! With a passion for empowering both students and educators, she champions creativity, collaboration, and academic excellence. Makenzie's work reflects her unwavering belief in the transformative power of education, shaping the future one microschool at a time.

Elan Page

Founder, Homeschool Our Way

Elan Page is the Founder of Homeschool Our Way, an organization dedicated to equipping families of color with the resources and support needed to start homeschooling successfully. The Page family’s homeschool journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they were so enamored by the many benefits of home education that they quickly returned to homeschooling full-time in 2023. Inspired by curiosity from other moms about balancing working full-time with homeschooling and ensuring her children’s academic success, Elan launched Homeschool Our Way to help guide other families on finding the homeschool path that works best for them. Elan is host of the weekly podcast "Homeschool Our Way" and creator of the Homeschool Launch Blueprint, an online course designed to help families establish a solid homeschool foundation and gain confidence and clarity about their path forward. Elan and her husband live in Dallas, Texas with their two elementary-aged daughters.

Meredith Olson

President, VELA

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.

Adam Peshek

Senior Director, Stand Together Trust

Adam Peshek is Senior Director at Stand Together Trust, a national philanthropy focused on transforming education through bottom-up solutions. In this role, Adam oversees the organization's grantmaking portfolio, strategy, and thought leadership and outreach activities.

Luke Ragland

Senior Vice President, Grants Program, Daniels Fund

Luke Ragland is the Senior Vice President-Grants at the Daniels Fund, one of the largest private foundations in the Rocky Mountain west. He oversees all aspects of the Grants Program, including eight grant funding areas across the Daniels Fund’s four-state region. Prior to joining the Daniels Fund, Luke was President & CEO of Ready Colorado, a statewide education advocacy organization focused on expanding school choice. Previously, he served as Vice President of Policy at Colorado Succeeds, a coalition of business leaders focused on improving the state’s education system. Luke practiced complex commercial litigation at a law firm in Denver immediately after law school. Luke is a fourth-generation Coloradan who grew up working for his family’s logging company in rural southwestern Colorado. He currently lives in Denver with his wife and two daughters.

Shiren Rattigan

Founder of Colossal Academy

Shiren Rattigan is the pioneering founder of Colossal Academy, a network of microschools emphasizing relevant, future-forward education. As owner and principal Educational Curator of Colossal Academy, Rattigan is a UC Berkeley Extensions Educator and Harvard Emerging Model presenter. Her work has been recognized in Forbes, Sun Sentinel, LiberatED, and ReimaginED. A VELA and YASS Stop Award Quarterfinalist, her 12 years in adolescent education have solidified her role not only as a teacher but also as a passionate advocate for young voices. Beyond education, Shiren is a dedicated wife and mother to three exceptional daughters.

Todd Rose

Co-Founder & CEO, Populace

Todd is co-founder and CEO of Populace, a think tank committed to ensuring that all people have the opportunity to pursue fulfilling lives in a thriving society. Prior, he was a faculty member at Harvard University where he founded the Laboratory for the Science of Individuality and directed the Mind, Brain, and Education program. Todd is the author of three bestselling books, The End of Average, Dark Horse, and Collective Illusions.

Beth Seling

Chief of Operations, VELA

Beth leads operations for VELA, ensuring that its bold vision for the future of education is translated into action through its team, investments, and programming. After 20 years in the education reform and school choice space, Beth is passionate about enabling an alternative education market where parents and community members can implement education solutions that work best for them. Beth lives outside of Chicago with her husband and three kids, where she enjoys running, cooking, and Saints football — WHODAT!

Korene Senior

Founder & Executive Director, M.O.R.E of Baltimore

Korene Senior, founder of M.O.R.E of Baltimore (Mentoring Our Rising Entrepreneurs), is passionate about educating youth who have suffered from poverty and lack of quality education due to systemic racial injustices in the educational system. As a local Baltimorean, she helps families in the same neighborhood where she grew up by equipping them with resources they need to become economically empowered. She created an entrepreneurial-based academic program that teaches financial literacy to children starting at age seven, encouraging them to grow up and effect change in their family and community. Her background includes service in the U.S. Army, founder of several kid-focused businesses, and leadership positions in senior care and human services. Since opening the doors in 2021 and establishing M.O.R.E as a non-profit in 2022, she, her husband, and their team have provided numerous young people with hands-on learning and self-empowering experiences.

Justin Shell

COO, WEquil App

After more than a decade as a marine engineer and yacht designer, Justin Shell found his true calling in education. Dissatisfied with traditional schooling, he launched MySchool in 2018 to help parents explore diverse, local educational options including microschools and homeschooling resources. Realizing that educators were struggling to communicate what they were building, and that parents were struggling to understand these unconventional programs, MySchool began producing videos to showcase the work of microschool educators nationwide. Through short video narratives, MySchool aims to inform families of alternative educational options while inspiring a new wave of microschool founders to provide personalized learning opportunities for all children.

Tobin Slaven

Co-Founder, Acton Academy Fort Lauderdale

Tobin is the Head of School for the Middle School & LaunchPad Studios at Acton Academy Fort Lauderdale. Tobin's own Hero's Journey started in education, with an M.Ed in Student Development (trained to be a teacher and school administrator). He was also an award-winning high school and collegiate basketball coach, university instructor, and admissions officer. For the last 20 years Tobin has operated in the business world, as a consultant and entrepreneur specializing in helping expert-based businesses create and launch "Offers That Sell Themselves." He co-authored the book “Experts Never Chase,” and is the host of several business-focused podcasts, including FamilyFriendlyFortLauderdale.com, LiftedWithAI.com, and K12ReimaginED.com

Jessica Slayback

Director, REALM

Jessica Slayback, a pioneer in non-traditional education, believes that we have the urgent responsibility to reinvent how we educate children. After graduating from The University of Chicago, summa cum laude, Slayback taught 4th grade with Teach for America while obtaining her Master’s in Education. Over her 20+ years of experience in public, charter, and independent schools, Jessica has founded, developed, and led programs within schools in Chicago, NYC, Newark, NJ, and Los Angeles. Witnessing sparks of greatness when children are honored for who they are and presented with opportunities to shine led her to co-found REALM in 2010. This thriving center combines a unique approach to education. It offers creative and diverse educational experiences, igniting students’ minds with a passion for learning while allowing students to guide and shape their educational journey. She relentlessly strives to innovate education to promote the growth of aware, empathetic, joyful, creative, purpose-driven humans.

Kelly Smith

Founder & CEO, Prenda

Kelly Smith has been obsessed with learning things and building things since childhood - from a neighborhood baseball card business to a rap album to high energy laser physics. After a master’s degree in nuclear fusion (MIT), Kelly did engineering and marketing roles at various technology companies and sold a small software business in the clean energy space. He started an afterschool code club at the local public library, helping kids learn computer programming, and he became so excited about the power of self-learning that he started a microschool around his kitchen table. He is the founder and CEO of Prenda (prenda.com), an education company that helps people start their own microschools. Kelly lives in Mesa, Arizona with his wife and four children.

Manisha Snoyer

CEO & Co-Founder, Modulo

Manisha Snoyer is a thought leader in the growing modular learning movement and the co-founder of Modulo, a curated educational marketplace designed to help parents customize children’s education using a mix of in-person and online resources. With over 20 years of experience in K12 education, she has taught over 2,000 children in three countries. Prior to starting Modulo, she founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools which trailblazed a path for the growing microschool movement we see today. Her other initiatives include launching virtual learning programs during the pandemic, building a free math tutoring platform for underserved youth, and creating SchoolClosures, leading a network of 80 partners and 300 volunteers assisting families through the crisis. She received the VELA bridge grant to expand access to homeschooling to families across the United States through Modulo's in-depth guides on modular learning.

Angel Sobrino

Founder & Director of Learning, The Hive Interactive Center

Angel Sobrino is the Founder and Director of Learning at The Hive Interactive Center™ and a dedicated homeschool father to three sons. With a Master's in Leadership and a Bachelor's in Psychology & Global Health, he has been transforming the future of home education since 2016. Angel is passionate about teaching all abilities and fostering a love for learning. As co-founder of the nonprofit, Miles4theMinds, his commitment extends beyond education to environmental stewardship, actively engaging in saving reefs, exploring oceans, planting trees, and preserving forests. Angel's work is distinguished by his innovative approach and humble dedication to both education and the planet.

Ned Stanley

Vice President of Communications, 50CAN

Ned Stanley is the Vice President of Communications at 50CAN, where he works on national communication strategy and supporting state advocates in storytelling. Along with 50CAN President Derrell Bradford, Ned co-leads 50CAN's National Voices fellowship.

Danielle Stella

Partner Success, Omella

Danielle Stella received her MBA from Colorado State University in 2016 and has since gone on to support many non profit and education based institutions in the world of online philanthropy. She has served several technology companies by growing out partner success services around platforms that allow organizations to engage with their communities online. Danielle has a passion for finding solutions in the digital space and has joined Omella in 2024 to expand their partnerships by offering support for schools to streamline their digital approach and organize revenue streams all on one platform.

Dr. Natalie Summerville

Founder, The Grand Magnolia School

Dr. Natalie N. Summerville founded The Grand Magnolia School after over 25 years as an educator to create a new kind of school experience. She attended Spelman College, earning her Undergraduate degree, Old Dominion University earning her Master’s, and George Mason University is where she earned her Doctorate of Education. She is proud of her public school service and appreciates the power it had in helping her to develop the curriculum for The Grand Magnolia School using her Doctorate to build a strong foundation for learning and growing. Dr. Summerville is a native of Washington, DC and is proud of her family roots in the daily pursuit of excellence and achievement. She has four children and enjoys the time with them and their children. Though her work with The Grand Magnolia School is the hardest that Dr. Summerville feels she has ever worked, she feels it is the most rewarding.

Lynn Swanson

Legal Policy Counsel, yes. every kid. foundation.

Lynn is legal policy counsel at yes. every kid. foundation. and has a wide range of experience from both the public and private sector. Previously, Lynn’s legal career was primarily focused on small business law. In addition, she worked for the Florida Department of Children and Families, Children’s Legal Services unit representing the interests of the state in dependency cases. Lynn holds a juris doctor from the University of Michigan Law School and a B.A. from Wellesley College. She is a member of the Florida and New York state bars.

Karen Testa

Managing Director, Mercury Public Affairs

Karen Testa is a veteran media and messaging strategist who worked for more than 25 years as a reporter, editor, and national manager with The Associated Press. Her experience as a journalist now informs her current role as an advisor to education systems and nonprofits. She served for seven years as the head of The AP’s operations for the Eastern U.S., overseeing the news report, hiring and staff development in 10 states and a regional publishing center based in Philadelphia. Karen twice served as the AP’s news editor in Boston, where education related coverage was a priority. She also worked as a reporter and newsroom manager in Albany, N.Y., Miami, Springfield, Mo., and West Palm Beach, Fla. Karen began her journalism career at The Post-Standard of Syracuse, NY, and served several years as an adjunct professor of journalism at Boston University. She is a graduate of Syracuse University.

James Tooley

President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Buckingham

Professor James Tooley, PhD, is President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Buckingham. He was previously an academic at the Universities of Oxford, Manchester and Newcastle. His groundbreaking research on low-cost private education has won numerous awards, including gold prize in the first International Finance Corporation/Financial Times Private Sector Development Competition and a Templeton Prize for Free Market Solutions to Poverty. His book based on this research, The Beautiful Tree: A personal journey into how the world’s poorest are educating themselves", (Penguin), was a best-seller in India and won the Sir Antony Fisher Memorial Prize. Tooley’s work has featured in documentaries on American PBS television and the BBC. He has been described in the pages of Philanthropy magazine as “a 21st century Indiana Jones” traveling to “the remotest regions on Earth researching something that many regard as mythical: private, parent-funded schools serving the Third World poor.”

Luba Vangelova

Founder, The Hub

Luba Vangelova is a veteran homeschooling parent and founder of The Hub, a unique online learning community that unbundles and recreates the cohort experience for tweens and teens, in an interdisciplinary, interest-led, and highly interactive format. She has also written many popular articles about the future of learning for media outlets such as The Atlantic and the NPR/PBS MindShift websites, and co-founded and managed several pioneering in-person learning communities. She holds degrees in systems engineering and journalism.

Daniela Vasan

Partner, Wildflower Schools

Daniela leads the growth and development efforts in Minnesota as well as new geographies across the country. She started her career as an elementary teacher in Atlanta, Georgia with Teach For America. At that time she earned her master’s degree in Math Education from Georgia State University. She was inspired to open a school in an effort to address the challenges she experienced in a larger district. She pursued this idea and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota as a Charter School Partners fellow. Through the fellowship she founded Hiawatha Academies’ second elementary school, Hiawatha Leadership Academy-Northrop. As the founding principal, she helped grow the K-4 program. Daniela currently serves as a board member for Social Venture Partners Minnesota and volunteers with a number of organizations such as Underdog Rescue, The Loppet Foundation, and Breakthrough Twin Cities.

Angie Wakeman

Executive Director, Providence Hybrid Academy

Angie Wakeman lives in the Lehigh Valley of PA. After teaching high school English for 8 years, Angie resigned to stay home and raise her three daughters. 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 PHA, a hybrid homeschool program that seeks to partner with parents in an encouraging, engaging, and caring educational environment.

Dalena Wallace

President, AIM Educational Collaborative

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/.

Eric Wearne

Director, National Hybrid Schools

Eric Wearne is the Director of the National Hybrid Schools Project at Kennesaw State University. He is the author of Defining Hybrid Home Schools in America: Little Platoons (Lexington Books, 2020). Eric’s research has been published by the Journal of School Choice, the Peabody Journal of Education, and Home School Researcher, among others. His policy-focused writing has been published in The Hill, Law & Liberty, City Journal and several more. He is the editor of New Pathways in Teacher Preparation and Certification: Perspectives on Alternative Teacher Education Methods (Routledge, 2023), a book on unconventional teacher preparation programs. Eric began his career as a high school English and Debate teacher, and has taught in conventional K12 public and hybrid school settings.

Jeana Wilson

Founder & CEO, TwiddleU Inc.

Jeana Wilson is the founder of TwiddleU, a learning academy centered on providing academic support for Autistic children and neurodiverse learners who need therapeutic support systems. Jeana is also working on building the Social Stories Network. The goal of the project is to utilize Web3 to create social stories in a fun, interactive, virtual environment and to assist nonverbal Autistic learners with overcoming information processing challenges through hands-on guided interactions. It also provides a platform that can be systematically and fully controlled by parents and educators. Jeana is a member of several DAOs including the VELA DAO. It is Jeana’s goal to continue to help learners and families of neurodiverse children by creating platforms and learning environments that allow each child to receive the education, guidance and support needed for a successful future.

Felicia Wright

Founder, The Learning Outpost

Felicia Wright is an accomplished educator and entrepreneur who has significantly impacted education. After six years of dedicated service in the Army, she pursued her passion for teaching, earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Felicia excelled as a teacher across various grade levels, positively influencing countless students. In 2022, Felicia founded The Learning Outpost, an innovative microschooling center. Her groundbreaking approach earned her the Education Award and Minority-Owned Business Award from NAWBO. She is a respected figure in the homeschooling community, providing invaluable support and guidance to families. Felicia cherishes time with her family, enjoys travel, and loves meeting new people. Currently, she focuses on expanding The Learning Outpost online and amplifying the voices of other microschool leaders. Felicia's expertise has led to several opportunities to speak on education innovation, most notably at the Hybrid Schools Conference for Kennesaw State University. Felicia's passion, expertise, and commitment continue to make a profound difference in students' lives, as she shapes the future of education with personalized and high-quality learning experiences.

Alycia Wright

Founder, Cultural Roots Homeschool Cooperative

Alycia Wright, M.Ed is the founder of Cultural Roots Homeschool Cooperative in Richmond, Va. Cultural Roots provides a liberated and culturally centered educational space for BIPOC families.

Alexandra Wright

Former Student, Cultural Roots Homeschool Cooperative

Alexandra Wright, from Richmond, VA, exemplifies the spirit of educational innovation and academic excellence. A recent graduate of Mary Baldwin University, Alexandra's unique educational journey includes experiences in Montessori education, homeschooling, and an extraordinary leap into full-time college education at just 15 years old. Alexandra's passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is reflected in their impressive internships with industry giants such as Apple, 4H/META, and Johns Hopkins University. This fall, they will embark on the next phase of their academic career, beginning a PhD program in Biomedical Engineering at Duke University. In addition to their academic pursuits, Alexandra is also the owner and founder of Cool Kids Science RVA, which delivers STEM programs and products to inspire and educate youth in their community. Outside of their professional and academic endeavors, Alexandra enjoys roller skating, spending time in nature, attending festivals, and curling up with a good book. Their diverse interests and experiences make them a dynamic speaker, offering a wealth of insights into the benefits and opportunities of homeschooling and non-traditional educational paths.

Priscilla Yuill

Founder & Program Director, Casa Ranch Montessori

My name is Priscilla Yuill and I am the Founder and Program Director of Casa Ranch Montessori Homeschool Co-op, and mom of three sweet boys. I have been a passionate Montessorian for more than 10 years and a hands-on dedicated mother to my two young sons. I obtained my Early Childhood (3-6) American Montessori Society (AMS) credential in 2011 and my Elementary (6-12) Montessori credential in 2013 from England. Throughout this time, I have gained experience working in several South Florida Montessori schools and two schools in London. After becoming a mother, I was determined to fully embrace the Montessori philosophy in my home from positive parenting to creating the ideal environment where my children can be independent and thrive within their surrounding. Through my travels, I gained a good sense for quality education and was inspired to create an authentic nature-based Montessori environment for children. In 2019, I went back to school and graduated with a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Barry University in Miami, where I researched ways in which I could enrich the Montessori curriculum and discovered my life’s purpose; to develop my own program in the hopes inspiring change and true learning. Throughout the pandemic, I began homeschooling my boys, ran a summer camp, and today, a wonderful co-op with the help of like-minded families and talented, passionate educators. Since then, Casa Ranch has organically attracted families who wish to enrich & become a part of their children’s educational journey. Our team of certified educators and supportive parents have certainly contributed to the essence of our magical program, as it has nurtured children’s spirit and fostered each individual's talents and curiosities.