Instructors

Creative Stem and Arts

Welcome to Creative STEM & Arts, where learning is always an adventure! We are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators and creators through fun, interactive STEAM enrichment classes. Our programs cover a wide range of subjects, including technology, engineering, and the arts, and are designed to spark your child's curiosity and unleash their creativity. Our team of experienced instructors brings over 30 years of combined experience in classroom, after school, education, enrichment, and recreational youth programs, in addition to expertise in the fields of technology including game design, digital arts, website development, and more. This diversity of skills and experiences allows us to deliver fun and engaging programs while providing valuable educational content. Our instructors' vast experience has helped them to create a one-of-a-kind curriculum in unique and engaging programs designed to capture the imagination of students of all ages. Our inclusive and accessible curriculum is tailored to each student's individual needs and interests, as we believe that every student when given the opportunity has the can achieve success. Through our programs, students will engage in a variety of hands-on projects and activities that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while also allowing students to develop their creativity and self-expression. By the end of our programs, students will have developed a strong foundation in the subject matter and create a portfolio of completed projects that showcase their skills and creativity. Creative STEM and Arts is the ideal program for students who want to explore their interests in STEM and arts and develop valuable skills that will prepare them for success in the future.

Christine Anderson

Chris Anderson is a veteran homeschool mom of five and grandma to seven. She has been happily married to her husband Steve for 38 years now. She has many years of experience teaching children of all ages together in one setting.

As a tactile learner, she has always been one who thrives when creating and using her own hands. In high school Chris began taking ceramics classes and found it helped her to focus and slow down. She  continued in college and found glassblowing to be another creative outlet that brought her much joy.

Homeschooling took a front seat to her  Art and she found that teaching became a way of using her gifts in another way. Chris believes we are all creative because we are made in God’s image. Finding ways to express this will ultimately give us purpose and confidence in whatever we do. She believe that all children are naturally creative, and working with their hands and actively problem solving helps them grow and feel successful. Art is one avenue to accomplish this and helps give them balance.

There is structure in Art just as there is structure in Music, Math and English. Chris aims to teach the basics for learning the art of ceramics so that her students will have confidence that whatever idea they want to create, they can achieve it. Learning the basics allows creativity to flow freely without restraint. Chris is so excited to be part of Legacy and is looking forward to “playing” with clay and creating masterpieces together with your kids.

Kamilia Arakelian

I am super excited to partner with fellow families on the homeschooling journey, bringing a rich blend of artistic and cultural heritage to my teaching. Born and raised in Damascus, Syria—a city steeped in history and known for its vibrant arts scene—I developed a deep appreciation for culture and creativity from an early age. I pursued my passion by earning a degree in fine arts, which led to a diverse career as a freelance artist, children's art instructor, cartoon colorist, and graphic designer.

Eighteen years ago, I moved to Chicago, and nine years later, my family and I relocated to San Diego. For the past 20 years, I have been happily married to my husband, Berj. We have two boys, currently in 8th and 7th grades, whom we have homeschooled since the beginning. Our homeschooling experience has been filled with fun and a lot of adventures, from traveling and camping to fishing and hunting. My favorite subjects to teach my boys are science and history, which I bring to life by integrating art into the learning process.

Seven years ago, I launched my own business, Sassy Craftz, where I bring art to corporate and private events. I love teaching individuals how art can bring people together and show them the power of collaboration in creating something beautiful through my art workshops.

My approach to education is hands-on and creative, reflecting my belief that learning should be an engaging and enriching experience for children. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and love for learning with the homeschooling community.

Shauna Artman

Hi Families! My name is Shauna Artman. I am a local Carlsbad resident for the last 32 years, happy wife for the last 21 years and a mom with a heart full of gratitude for the last 17 years. After a life-changing health experience at the age of 34 while 8 weeks pregnant, I was guided and made the commitment to dedicate myself to holistic health on all levels. I am a true believer in food as medicine.

*This course can be applied continually as a year long program because of our emphasis on seasonal fruits,vegetables and recipes!

Christina Barber

Hola. My name is Christina.  I was born and raised in Los Angeles, but have been living in North San Diego County for 16 years now.

I have been in the teaching profession for a long time. I received a bachelor’s degree in Child Development in 1992 at CSU Fullerton and then went on to obtain a bilingual (Spanish) teaching credential the following year. I spent 11 years teaching in public school system.  I was a bilingual elementary educator in classrooms in the Southern California area before deciding to stay home and homeschool my son Kanin. While homeschooling, I started my private teaching business called ‘Fun with Spanish.’ For 12 years now, I worked with different homeschool groups/co-ops throughout North County San Diego.

My passion for the Spanish language began in high school with my first class. Studying and using the language for all these years has enriched my life in so many ways.  And it will for your children as well!

The overall objectives of my Spanish program is developing listening and speaking proficiency as well as learning the locations and cultural traditions of various Spanish-speaking countries.

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, cooking, reading, gardening, serving in the youth ministry at my church, exercising, taking leisurely walks on the beach and watching sunsets.

I look forward to having a wonderful school year getting to know my students and helping them to love the Spanish language!

Keris Binder

Hi! I'm Keris, long time child educator with a passion for child-led learning! In my classroom, you’ll find students engaged in super interesting, thematic based units filled with opportunities for hands-on learning. You’ll see children having thoughtful discussions, asking critical questions, and working in pairs and small groups to create and problem solve. And, most importantly, in my classroom, you’ll see a room full of children who feel connected, important and valued; a room of children who feel seen, heard and loved by their teacher. Because that space is where great learning happens. ?? On a personal note, I live in La Costa with my husband, three kids and our rescue pup. ?? I’ve been homeschooling my kids since 2020 and loving the freedom, flexibility, and community that homeschool life has brought us!

Jenny Bowman

Mrs. Jenny has a background in Textile Arts and Sociology with a special interest in Cultural Studies. Researching cultures and countries history in cloth and folklore/dance has brought her a better understanding of the variety the world has to enrich our childrens learning process. She loves to incorporate art and music into her teachings  and Nature Journaling.  Mrs. Jenny has had a love of learning in nature since she was in school herself. Just out of high school she joined a wilderness survival group and loved living in the desserts and Mountains of Arizona for 3 months. Since having her two girls she has cultivated a wide arrange of experience teaching Steam, Art history and Modern art, Life skills, Tinkering and building, and nature classes to all ages. I pride myself in child-led  Reggio/Forrest school based learning environments. Teaching alongside her daughters has been one of her biggest joys as a mom. “I love to get my hands dirty and create right along side them, letting them make mistakes right next to me, to be able to learn from mistakes while inventing the next great…” 

Kidokinetics Brady Boyd

Kidokinetics empowers kids to play confident by providing a fun introduction to sports. Each class has what we call the F.U.N. Factor – meaning it’s Fundamental, Understandable, & Noncompetitive.  SportsPlay is a fun introduction to sports designed to help kids get moving and build confidence! Every week features a warm up, an introduction to a new sport or activity, free play, cool down, and an age-appropriate anatomy and physiology lesson. Your child will get to experience a variety of sports – many of which they may have tried before like basketball, soccer, baseball, etc, and some that they haven't, like field hockey, rugby, and lacrosse. Our approach is to break sports down into simple practice-techniques that they can do even at home. Every child will have their own set of equipment, which eliminates any sitting-and-waiting, compared to other sport programs.    

Denise Buskirk

Denise Buskirk was born and raised in California. She has lived in San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area and has spent most of her time living in South Orange County. She graduated from Chapman University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Her passion however is teaching. She homeschooled her own children in their younger years, was administrator of the Grace Classical Academy homeschool ISP, and also taught 3rd and 4th grade at Grace Classical Academy as well as a 6th/7th grade Language Arts class at Grace Classical Academy. She also spent a year teaching at Heart Christian Academy. She has spent the last 10 years teaching at various learning centers such as Independent Learning Academy, Homeschool Campus, and more. She engages her students in the learning process by using the students’ five senses through Socratic discussion, movement, games, and chants so that the student is not just reading from a text but experiencing and applying what they are learning.
 

Addie Campbell

Growing up in Southern California, Addie Campbell was homeschooled alongside her 5 siblings, experiencing first-hand the joy and freedom found in classical learning. Her love for the Lord flows into every aspect of her life, especially the private tutoring and music lessons she offers to families around North County. Addie has taught every subject, from writing and phonics to algebra and chemistry, instilling in kids of all ages a love for truth and an appreciation of beauty. Her teaching philosophy involves both practicality AND fun, which she believes to be the best combination to inspire lifelong learners. In her spare time, she enjoys playing beach volleyball, leading worship, and political campaigning. Addie is truly honored to serve at The Legacy Alliance investing in her biggest passion of all—children, and kingdom-building for generations to come.

Jennifer Caporale

I am Jennifer Caporale, and I'm a local homeschooling mom of two, and wife of 15 years to my awesome husband David. My family and I have been on our homeschooling journey for nearly 5 years.  I am most passionate about bringing beauty and creativity to learning. I enjoy partnering with other homeschooling families to build relationships and community, while providing rich educational opportunities for our children. Homeschooling has been a blessing for our family. This lifestyle has fit seamlessly into our family rhythm,  providing opportunities to travel (Road School!) and connect through shared daily experiences. 

My background includes a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with and emphasis in marriage and family therapy from Azusa Pacific University. Throughout my education and career I have had the opportunity to work with children of all ages and abilities in a therapeutic and/or educational setting. Some of these experiences include, teaching, providing advocacy for foster youth in juvenile court and supervising their volunteer youth mentors, and providing therapy for at risk youth. I'm always up for a hike, or a camping trip! I love gardening and raising chickens (I've been known as The Chicken Mom to many). I can often be found gathering families together for a tie-dye day, outdoor movie night, or community celebrations! Most of all, I love Jesus! 

Jamie Covell

Math Instructor
I graduated from University of California San Diego with a BA in Music and got my California Teaching Credential through their program two years later. My master’s degree was in Curriculum and Instruction from California State University Bakersfield followed by a supplement to my credential in Mathematics. I have roughly forty years teaching experience in both public and private schools. I retired from Tri-City Christian Schools, Vista, California in May 2024, after 21 years teaching Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Business Math. My husband and I celebrated our 50th anniversary last year with an evening spent with 50 friends and family at a dinner hosted by our 3 now adult children.

Angela DeLegge

Angela was married to her husband, Lou, for over 30 years before he went to be with the Lord. They were blessed with 14 DeLegge children (and 3 extras who call her mom) and have over a dozen beautiful grandchildren and growing. Angela has unschooled, over-schooled, co-oped, charter schooled and every other way you could homeschool her ever children through the years, who now range in ages from 11 years old up into their 30's. She was the Director of the Carlsbad Independent Learning Academy and within one year, with the efforts of her amazing team, developed and grew a program with less than 50 students to flourishing over 320. The following year, Thrive Learning Center was birthed and it was Angela’s great joy and privilege to serve alongside these teachers and families, overseeing the campus bustling with over 400 students and serving on the Board of Directors. 

The rest of her time is spent sharing home cooked meals with her family and friends in a full house overflowing with lots of children, laughter and worship. The DeLegges have had many adventures as a family ranging from traveling overseas, helping rebuild homes for earthquake victims in Kobe, Japan, exploring over 45 US states with her family and serving in children's ministries for as long as she can remember. Through all that this life has thrown their way, Angela walks each day knowing that life is a precious gift. She is so blessed to have the opportunity to be building a homeschool enrichment program alongside Jess, for homeschooling families and for her own legacy, her children and her precious grandchildren through Legacy Homeschool Alliance.

Jessie DiNatale

My name is Jessie, and I am absolutely thrilled to be stepping into the role as a sign language vendor at The Legacy!  I am a California transplant going on 11 years, here from Wisconsin. I am a mommy of one spicy little darling five year old daughter, Harper and we live in beautiful Fallbrook, CA.  Before moving to California, I finished my undergrad degree in Business Management at Edgewood College in Madison, WI in 2011, and have a long list of varied experience in the Hospitality Industry but I always felt that I wanted to change direction and pursue something near and dear to me- American Sign Language Studies.  

After moving to California, I was blessed to find a program that offered just that, and began attending Palomar College for their Sign Language/English Interpreter Training Program. I graduated from Palomar in 2017, with my dear friend and last year's sign language instructor, Mrs. Risko.  My passion for all things ASL-related runs deep, being that both of my parents, and some of my extended family are Deaf, identifying me as what the Deaf Community calls a 'CODA’.  I love to travel, near and far and spend time outside adventuring around checking out new fun kid-friendly places with my daughter.  I am excited to join the other outstanding individuals who teach at Legacy, and eager to bring a personal understanding of Deaf culture, the love of sign language, and an inclusive and fun learning environment to your young learners!

Jennifer Emerson

Hi there, A little about myself I’m Born and raised in Southern California, I’m a proud wife, mom, and dedicated homeschool teacher. My days are filled with the joy of nurturing my daughters’ education while also creating a fun and enriching childhood for them and other children in our community. 

When I’m not teaching, you can find me volunteering with local sports organizations, cheering at my kids' games, or enjoying quality time at the beach. I have a passion for sewing and love to spend time walking local trails or exploring amusement parks with my family. 

I believe in the importance of community and strive to give back while ensuring that my daughters have strong educational foundations and memorable experiences. 

[email protected]

Tamara Gomez

My name is Tamara, I am the proud mother of two wonderful boys and a San Diego native from Cardiff. I received my Pilates training from Balanced Body, and am a certified Personal Trainer specializing in Corrective Exercise.

I am passionate about using movement to uplift, and foster a sense of community, which is the foundation of every class I conduct. 

Additionally, I'm a community connector. Since 2020, I have organized and hosted numerous events for mothers. I am eager to bring joy and camaraderie to my fellow moms at Legacy! 

https://trainwithtam.com/ 

Greg Lane Gymnastics

Hi there, I am coach Greg, hoping to meet all of the Legacy families. First of all, and most importantly, I'm extremely happy to have the opportunity to help equip and empower your children to grow into their God-given calling. There's not much that is better than being just a small part of the smiles on all the children's faces. I feel overly blessed to serve at Legacy among the caring and loving staff... Gymnastics has been a large part of preparing me for who I have become today. I started this amazing sport a little before the ripe old age of three. I've been told that letting me do gymnastics literally saved everyone in my family and anyone in my path. I was (infinity times two) hyperactive!!! Gymnastics was my outlet to control all that crazy energy always exploding out of me. Competing at the highest level of men's gymnastics was very rewarding. Coaching gymnastics now for over a half a century has been fun and challenging, more than anyone could ever imagine. Let's lay a great foundation through the most fun sport ever! Big-air kiteboarding is my favorite hobby. Most important thing about me is, I'm bananas for JESUS!!!

Jessica Harbour

It is an absolute joy to introduce myself!  My name is Jessica Harbour and I am a lover of all things creative.  I live in Oceanside with my amazing husband of 20 years and three incredible children.  This will be my 13th year homeschooling my children.  Walking through life with my family has been my greatest passion. 

I’ve also had the privilege of working, in the education field, for the past 25 years from an outdoor science school, Sylvan Learning Center, Kumon, private tutoring, being a homeschool teacher to working as a special ed aide this last year at Coastal Academy.  I truly believe in building meaningful relationships through education and meeting students where they are as individuals.   

In this journey of education, I have followed my children’s love for theater.  I jumped into leading set design and building for the past 7 years, as a volunteer.  This is where I discovered I could use the gifts I’ve been given in a powerful way.  Through design, creativity, collaboration with my team, hard work, and searching beyond the script … I learned that I can do impossible things!  I am eager to light the way for your child to spread their wings in acting, improv and scenic design.

Ashley Hardy

My name is Ashley Hardy, my husband and I have  four amazing kids and live in San Marcos. I homeschool our three youngest children, and alongside that, I have been a family and newborn photographer for the past 9 years. We keep busy with DIY projects around the house, serving in our church youth organization, attending our kids soccer, flag football, basketball and waterpolo games during the year. When we have downtime we enjoy puzzles, games, walks and paddle boarding in the summer as a family. 

Photography has been a passion of mine for many years—I love capturing special moments, genuine emotions, and the little details that tell a story. I’m excited to share my love for photography with your children this year and to help them learn not just the technical side of taking pictures, but also how to see and capture beauty in everyday life through the lens of a camera.

Michael Hedman

Mike & Tricia Hedman, owners and chief coaches at Excelsior Chess are married with two children and two grandsons.

Prior to launching Excelsior Chess, Mike served in the US Navy followed by service as a flight officer in the airline industry and later worked in finance and accounting in the business world. In the early 2000’s Mike began teaching at a school for gifted children with learning disabilities where he ran the school’s experiential education program, which included sail training, scuba diving, backpacking and chess. Discovering that he had a real love for teaching chess to young players, Mike launched Excelsior Chess 15 years ago. Tricia has had a successful career in literary publicity, and for the past 20 years has owned and operated her own literary publicity business, Ollie Media. While most of her time is now occupied with coaching and managing the family chess business, she still serves clients in her publicity business.

Norm Helsel

Looking for a teacher who brings heart, experience, and genuine joy to the homeschooling journey? Meet Norm—a devoted husband since 1983, proud father of four, and enthusiastic grandfather to ten energetic grandkids. After raising their own children in the public school system, Norm and his wife, Karyn, experienced the frustration many parents feel—especially while navigating the system with a special needs child. Watching their grandchildren thrive through homeschooling reignited their passion and inspired them to pour their time, energy, and love into helping other families succeed on this incredible path.

Norm has dreamed for decades of teaching kids in a way that draws out their full, God-given potential—and now, that dream is a reality. His heart for children has been evident for years through his decades of ministry, where he’s served everyone from toddlers to teens. Whether counseling foster kids at Camp Alandale or mentoring those overcoming addiction through his church, Norm brings compassion, wisdom, and a contagious enthusiasm for life and learning to every child he meets.

His teaching style is warm, engaging, and rooted in purpose that can have real life application—your kids won’t just learn, they’ll grow. Outside the classroom, Norm and Karyn embrace a rich, hands-on life at their San Marcos home Echo Ranch, where they garden, care for horses, run small businesses, and enjoy camping and fishing with their growing family. With roots in San Diego’s North County dating back to 1849, they are deeply committed to their community. If you’re seeking a teacher who combines real-life experience, deep faith, and a joyful, engaging approach to homeschooling—Norm’s class is where your child belongs!

Alicia Irvin

Math runs the world and surrounds us. I love math and I want your kids to love math too! I have a Bachelors in Government International Relations and a Masters in Language and Literacy. Additionally, I am a part time research assistant for CSU, Sacramento's Center for College and Career Readiness where we are studying the outcomes of students who take a specific mathematics course. I love homeschooling my two daughters and have a love for teaching and learning. Math can be hard and I want your child to know that they can do hard things! In addition to covering the material in the Saxon textbooks, I will endeavor to make math fun, exciting and a class that they look forward to every week. 

Mrs. Monica Itamura

My name is Monica Itamura and I am so excited to partner with you in your homeschool journey. I am looking forward to offering courses in English, Literature, History, Government, Debate and Basketball. A little bit about me…

Growing up I was a reader. Big time. At family events, myself and my twin sister would be in a comfy chair somewhere reading. I would hide books in the bathroom and sneak away during chores to read until I heard voices in the house start to wonder where I was. I LOVE reading! My husband once said that he preferred an actual sunset to a description of one in a book. I explained to him that for me a well written passage or captivating story line in my favorite books WAS the sunset! My never ending pursuit will be to find ways to pass on that love of reading to my students.

When I went to college at University of California, Davis, I was accepted as pre-med in Physiology. With my love of basketball and sports, I thought I wanted to be a physical therapist. I quickly realized after a couple quarters that I didn’t love calculus, chemistry and all the requirements for physiology as a major enough to continue.

It took a year or so of exploring different courses to discover that I really enjoyed history, specifically 1910-present US History. I took a very diverse selection of classes and ended up with a BA in US History 1910-present with a secondary emphasis of European History for the same time period and a minor in African and African American Studies. Some of my favorite classes were in History, Sociology, Political Science and Law. 

I also have a very long love and history with the sport of basketball. I love basketball! It was my favorite sport. I made the 7th grade team as a 6th grader with a broken arm. I made the varsity team as a sophomore. I was a referee for a number of years and I coached basketball for over 15 years. I’ve coached rec leagues, AAU teams and high school teams - from 3rd/4th grade teams to high school. For the last 13 years since my son was born, I’ve been on a break from coaching travel AAU and high school teams and am so excited to get back into the sport here at Legacy!

I am married to my husband Matt, have two step daughters (Ann Marie & Claire), one son (Nikko), a black lab (Hunter), a Siberian cat (Fluffy) and some fish. I was born in Southern California, lived in the Santa Barbara area until age 5, moved to Montana for a couple years until 2nd grade and then ended up with truly growing up in the Apple Hill/Placerville area between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. I graduated from University of California, Davis. Worked for over 15 years in corporate America for companies like Oracle, Gap Inc and SunGard. Had my son when we lived in Chico, CA. Started a small business when my son was under 1 year old. I ran my seasonal kid’s consignment sale, Sweet Repeats, in Chico for 10 years until the back to back blows of the Paradise Camp Fire (100’s of my families lost their homes and left the area) and then Covid became too much to overcome. I ran that business from Chico, then during a move to Arkansas for 2 years and finally from San Diego - traveling every six months to go run the big event. My husband’s job in sales has moved us around the country, finally planting us in San Diego County since 2015 - living out in the San Pasqual Valley near the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

One of my passions has always been working with and hanging out with kids. Between being an art docent and regular volunteer at my son’s former public school and coaching various teams, it always comes back to the kids. Our older ones, especially, have a lot to say, are observing the world around them and have a lot of opinions. I love building connections with them as they grow into being more active participants in society and having their voices heard.

I am filled with gratitude that God has led me to this amazing role as a partner with you in teaching your kids!

The LEAGUE Jed Stumpf

The LEAGUE of Amazing Programmers is a San Diego-based nonprofit organization that teaches coding to kids and teens in 4th-12th grade.   We take students through 8 levels of mastery – from beginner all the way to being a job-ready, certified programmer!   

Link to more detailed course description:

https://python-apprentice.jointheleague.org/about.html

Karah Kessler

Hello Legacy Families! My name is Karah Kessler. I was born and raised in Cherry Hill, NJ. After I graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Psychology, I had the privilege of working as a therapist in an organization in Philadelphia that provided one on one and group therapy to children and youth who were navigating through trauma, instability, emotional and or behavior challenges. This was one of the most rewarding times in my life.

I moved to San Diego County over 20 years ago and have been with my husband for 16 years. We have two amazing daughters. I am a stay-at-home/homeschooling/working mom as I am also the Administrator for my husband’s electrical company.

For the last (5) years, I have been a homeschool educator with a passion for guiding children in their early learning years. I blend traditional, Montessori, and other tactile methods to support each child’s natural curiosity, abilities, and strengths. My background in Psychology helps me create a calm, safe, and nurturing environment to support the whole child-academically, socially, and emotionally. I believe in making learning meaningful, playful, and personal whether we are exploring early math, developing reading skills, or discovering the world around us. I practice a very child-led with gentle guidance education style as each child’s journey is unique and all their own.

I am honored and excited to work with families on their learning journey and be a part of the Legacy Community that values connection, creativity, and growth.

Ryan LaCoste

Hello, I’m Ryan and I have been teaching music in San Diego for over 22 years! I absolutely love watching students grow in their knowledge of music and their ability to play an instrument or sing! I have guided many brand new music students as they set out on their journey to learn a new instrument. I have also helped seasoned instrumentalists in pursuing more complex repertoire and advanced techniques. Classes will include instruction in theory and instrumental techniques suitable for a wide range of students from beginning to advanced learners. I look forward to working with your students and helping them reach their musical goals!!!

Andrew Luria

Broadcasting class is taught by Andrew Luria, a news anchor with more than 20 years experience in TV news. He has been a part of more than 14,000 newscasts and has won ten Emmy Awards. He is also a father of three kids (13, 11 & 8), a children's book author and has led his broadcasting class to multiple awards as well as selections in major international film festivals.

Missy Marso

My name is Alexandria Marso, but I go by “Missy”. I’m originally from Philadelphia where the arts were part of my life from a young age. My mother had a Ballet studio and then I went to college for dance. I trained with the Miami city ballet before discovering that Musical theatre was my passion. Where I set my sights on NYC. From there I landed jobs such as dance captain and featured dancer on major cruise lines, casino shows, corporate and tv gigs, as well as a European tour of West Side Story. After meeting my husband I settled down out here where I continued to teach dance and most recently theatre. Choreographing shows such as Annie kids and Aristocats kids. My passion runs deep and I hope to instill that love with your children!!

Michael Masso

My name is Michael Masso—Sensei Michael to the students. I’ve been training in martial arts for just over 20 years and have spent half of that time teaching. Like many kids from my generation, I got into martial arts because I grew up on Avatar: The Last Airbender, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Dragon Ball Z (if you know, you know).

I hold a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Karate and have trained in styles like Judo, Kickboxing, and Baguazhang. I earned my B.A. in Media Communication from Point Loma Nazarene University and went on to work in the media industry as a fight choreographer and stuntman. That experience naturally led me to make teaching a central part of my life—both as a martial arts instructor and a film educator.
Whether I was holding a sword or a camera, I’ve always loved teaching kids how to wield it with purpose and confidence. For me, the true honor lies in helping young people grow stronger, more confident, and more compassionate—on and off the mat. I’m excited to get started and be part of their journey.

Dr. Kent McCorkle

Dr. Kent McCorkle is an award-winning professor of chemistry with twenty years of experience in science education.  Originally from Indiana, he attended Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology for his B.S. in Chemistry before moving to Alabama to pursue his doctorate at Auburn University.  While at Auburn, he got involved with Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, a college ministry that changed his life.  After earning his Ph.D. in Chemistry, he spent ten years doing college ministry with Chi Alpha before the Lord led him back to academia to use his degree.  He's taught at numerous universities and community colleges, and is currently a tenured professor of chemistry at MiraCosta College in Oceanside.  His wife, Kim, is originally from South Korea but grew up in the Sacramento area, where she and Kent met.  They have two children, Connor and Chloe, who attend Legacy Alliance.

Matthew McDonough

Matthew McDonough grew up just south of Boston and had been in athletics his entire life, competing as a varsity wrestler, football and basketball player on both school and travel/select teams. His passion for fitness began with weightlifting, which led him to pursue training and strength development as a lifelong discipline.

After serving four years in the United States Marine Corps as a BCP Representative (Body Composition Program), where he coached and mentored Marines in physical fitness, Matthew transitioned in civilian life and began training clients. He is currently studying holistic nutrition at the university level and has worked as a professional personal trainer and diet coach for over ten years, speciallizing in holistic living and functional bodybuilding.

Matthew's teaching approach emphasizes strength, conditioning and long tern health, focusing both on physical and mental well being. His unique training style combines hybrid methods of fitness with a holistic nutritional philosophy, helping students build strength, confidence and discipline.

Jennifer Merritt

Jennifer Merritt brings over 20 years of professional experience in the culinary and catering industry to the classroom. Throughout her career, she has successfully planned and served events for groups as large as 2,500 guests, earning a reputation for excellence in both organization and flavor.

In addition to her catering expertise, Jennifer played a key role in developing a school lunch program that delivered hot, nutritious meals to students in private and charter schools throughout the Temecula, California area. Her dedication to creating healthy, delicious food options reflects her belief that good nutrition is essential to learning and overall well-being.

As a mother and grandmother, Jennifer has always cherished sharing her love of cooking with her family. Over the past year, she has extended that passion to the classroom through the CHOP program, where she discovered a deep enthusiasm for teaching children the art of preparing wholesome meals. Jennifer is excited to inspire students from kindergarten through twelfth grade to build confidence in the kitchen, make healthy food choices, and develop lifelong culinary skills.

Jessica Moller

I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to teach your children.  I was born and raised in San Diego and lived here most of my entire life (I spent 2.5 years living abroad in Switzerland).  I graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and emphasis in Child Behavior. This is my sixth-year homeschooling, and I am a wife and mom of two, Campbell - 12 and Madelyn - 10.

I spent 7 years working at SeaWorld, 5 of those working in the Education Department focused on teaching kids and adults about marine life.   During my time there, I worked closely with the animal care and training staff, educated large groups of adults and children at various animal exhibits throughout the park, provided behind the scenes in-depth tours, and taught classroom dissection lessons.  This wide variety of activities has provided me with in-depth knowledge of the care and rescue/ rehabilitation of marine animals. I am passionate about marine life and am so excited to open the eyes and hearts of your kids to ensure they have a better understanding and knowledge of marine life through this amazing program.

Melissa O'Connor

Gina Oleston

Hey parents I'm excited to introduce myself to you all. My name is Gina Oleston, I love the Lord, I'm a wife and a mom of two amazing 8 year olds that have opened my eyes and my heart to homeschooling. I have a passion for learning and education. I firmly belive that God created our children with their own unique gifts and talents and it is our repsonsibility to discover their individual learning style to better serve God's plan for thier lives. If your kids are anything like mine they absorb so much more information when they are moving, using their hands and having fun. I look forward to seeing how God is going to use me to shape your children's learning. 

Courtney Oquist

Born and raised in Southern California, Courtney Oquist is an artist, art teacher and mother of two creative kids. Her early love for art and art making lead her to formally study drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics and photography in college, receiving both a BFA and MFA in Fine Art. Since then, she has taught a range of art classes to students of all ages for over 15 years, and finds great joy in guiding student artists to discover their unique voice and develop their personal art language. Aside from art, Courtney enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, playing guitar, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Legacy Parent Participation

Christina Reaber

Hi! I am Christina Reaber.  I am thrilled to be joining this homeschool community.  I graduated from California State University, San Marcos with a multiple subject teaching credential in 2005.  Throughout my teaching career I have enjoyed teaching all ages and levels from kindergarten to middle school!  When I am not in a classroom, I am in the pool teaching swim lessons. 

I currently live in San Marcos with my husband, son (9) and daughter (7).  We enjoying lots of trips to the beach and pool, traveling, fishing, golfing and spending time with our extended family. 

Ruth Rittermann

About Miss Ruth - In a world where AI is writing essays, apps are replacing conversations, and kids are overstimulated yet underprepared… character  matters. And that’s where I come in.

I’m Ruth —second of nine siblings, raised and homeschooled with a front-row seat to the beauty (and challenge) of growing up in a values-driven home. I’ve spent the past 20+ years working with kids of all ages—through church ministries, camps, and character-building challenge courses designed to stretch their mind and heart more than their muscles. 

My aim has never been to just "teach content," but to help young people become someone in the process. Frankly, I function more like an older sister and facilitator than a formal teacher. This approach has taught me that being in a position of authority is the least important factor for building trust. They need eye-contact, to be heard without interruption, to be respected for their perspective and current state, and to be believed in. 

Kids are not only capable of deep wisdom, creative problem solving, and courageous leadership; but theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, learning from one another is mutual. If we train them in environments that cultivate responsibility, emotional intelligence, and meaningful communication, they blossom naturally! The most glorious and challenging part of growth is that sometimes, it's raw. I wasn't a proficient reader until well into my 4th grade year. I struggled with long division even though I flew through my times tables. I was outperformed in every metric by my older sister and wrestled with gut wrenching insecurity and comparison as a result. But at every step, I needed encouragement, gentle reminders of the truth, and to learn by example how to speak to myself about myself. Our self-image is earned. Learning from wonderful books over 25 years has transformed me and I'm so excited to partner with families who have high hopes yet live in the trenches. Thank you for allowing me to join you!

Jake Rowley

I am a professional soccer coach who specializes in soccer, specific to athletic development for all ages. I work daily with kids from 5-18 in individual, small group and team settings. I run my own business, while acting as a 'College Director' at 'City SC San Marcos' and I am the 'Head Girls Varsity' coach at 'La Costa Canyon'.

I am of British descent and orginally moved to the US in 2015, part time before gaining permenant residency in 2018. Since 2018, me and my family (Amy, my wife and three boys; John-Frank, Alfie and Archie) have lived in the North County Area, where I have coached thousands of kids and adults from a youth soccer enviroment to a collegiate level.

I love coaching soccer and sharing my knowledge and expertise with those students who are looking to find a sport that provides them with countless hours of endless, fun opportunities. Where they can learn lessons that can help build foundational life skills around health and wellbeing. My sessions are age specific and tailored around each childs age and stage of development to encourage physical, cognitive and social development whilst players will improve and refine soccer skills in a fun and challenging environment.

Selah Smith

Selah Smith was born and raised in the beautiful Carlsbad, where she grew up a pastor’s daughter and the oldest of five siblings in a tight-knit, homeschooling family. Selah's homeschool years shaped her into who she is today, and she is thankful for the sacrifices her mom made to provide an excellent homeschool education for her. Selah is a pastor’s wife, and has been married to her husband Griffin for 3 years. They share a deep love for God and commitment to ministry and pouring into the next generation. Selah's creative side led her to pursue studies in marketing and graphic design at California Baptist University, where she studied marketing and graphic design. She has been teaching at a private Christian school for the past 2 years and is involved in coaching cross country and track and field. She has always been heavily involved in youth ministry and loves developing young women in the Lord! Outside of work, you can find Selah at the beach or eating her favorite tacos from The Taco Stand!

Iliana Soltani

I’m Iliana Soltani and I’m excited to share my passion for economics and personal finance with your students.

Born and raised in Imperial Valley, I moved to San Diego in 1994 to attend college and have called it home ever since. With decades of experience across corporate accounting, real estate, and financial education, I bring a practical, well-rounded perspective to teaching, aiming to give students skills they can apply in real life.

Beyond teaching, I’m dedicated to self-development, finance, and community service. I also enjoy reading and writing, which inspire my approach to education and personal growth. I look forward to making a meaningful impact in both the classroom and the community.

Snapology STEAM Lab

At Snapology we believe that children are meant to learn through play. When children are engaged in interactive, hands-on learning activities, their creativity flourishes and they show an increased interest in school. We've adapted our award-winning LEGO® Themed Robotics Classes, Camps & Birthday Parties to offer solutions for our San Diego North County communities.

Snapology is the premier partner for STEAM programs, offering year-round programs in schools, community facilities, local businesses and homes. Kids have so much fun in our programs that they don’t even realize they’re learning!

Whether you are learning in-school, virtually, through traditional homeschool, or a hybrid model, Snapology has options for you. We are offering a robust schedule of online classes, private classes for homeschools and learning pods and traditional classes when regulations allow.

Shh, don't tell them it's educational!

Gilmore Speaks Teacher

I am a seasoned public speaking Coach specializing in growing students confidence through interactive techniques while making public speaking an empowering experience. I have been teaching public speaking for 8 years to students across San Diego, San Jose, and Dallas.

I was 10 years old when I completed my first public speaking class. I became fascinated that basic communication was the biggest fear in our country. Once I started competing on a national level, I was a finalist at regional and national tournaments including advancing to the Team Policy Debate final round two years in a row at the National Invitation Tournament of Champions.

Paul Tyrrell

My name is Paul Tyrrell and it is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to work together with you in the study of History, Government, Civics, and Geography.  They, as well as an emphasis on Honor, Ethics and Courage are vitally connected.

I was born and raised in Los Angeles County and have lived in Southern California my entire life, excepting college and military service. Growing up, my passions were sports and reading.  It was early grade teachers (and a wonderful grandmother) that sparked a lifelong love of books and I am forever grateful to them for this gift.  If I can pass even a small amount of that to your child, I will view that as a tremendous success.  

I played football, baseball, and swam through high school and was on the speech and debate team as well.  I was blessed by having a few teachers that brought history and social studies in general to life in a manner that made me excited to go to their classes.  I have been happily obsessed with History, especially U.S. History ever since.

After high school, I served in both the United States Marine Corps and U.S. Army. I graduated from The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) with a degree in Political Science where I attended on an ROTC Academic Scholarship. I interned as a Legislative Aide for a U.S. Congressman and loved the behind the scenes view of Government. I have coached youth sports for years and am currently in my 16th year as a San Diego High School Football Official and Softball Umpire. Since I left the military, I have worked for years in mortgage banking and finance.

My wife, Debby and I have two adult children and two young grandchildren.  We have lived in Carlsbad since 2001. Travel is a family passion and we have been to 15 countries and 39 states.  

The academic subjects listed above, especially history, are viewed, unfortunately, as dry, boring, and “of no use to anyone in their future.”  Nothing could be more wrong, but the student must be inspired to see how it truly does apply to them and how decisions and events from the past have a daily impact on all of our lives.  

I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with you in your educational journey and future success.

Sherry White

Hello families! My name is Sherry and I’m elated to be your childs new kinder teacher! I am a native New Yorker and moved to Vista 3 years ago! I myself am a mom of 5 and have taught littles 10 years ago. I’m looking forward to interacting with your child, and providing a warm, joyful, safe space where I’m confident they will love to learn! Kids are my heart and I feel so blessed and honored to have the opportunity to get to know you and your family!

[email protected]

Krisha Wolter

Krisha Wolter is stay at home mom, raising the next generation, who has been guiding her four children through the different stages of education for the past 15 years. She graduated from California State University, with a degree in Nutrition and Food Science. She considers it an honor being surrounded by great teachers her whole life, her mom, aunt and uncle, were all teachers for over 35 years. Through the years, she was an eager helper in the classrooms and loved spending hours helping to prep lessons on the weekends for the following school week, with her family. She studied nutrition and food science with a genuine desire to help people and demonstrated a work ethic of excellence in her field, leading her to the honor of the top sales representative in Southern California.

She currently has her youngest of four, a 6 year old enrolled at Legacy and has loved volunteering in our 2/3rd grade classes all year. The Wolter's are a tight knit family, even coaching together with their older children, little league sports and can be seen regularly on the weekends managing, coaching and cheering others on from the sidelines.

Homeschooling her children has ignited a new passion in her to participate in enriching the homeschool experience and community. She is very organized and wants to re-introduce some old school classics to strengthen reading, writing and arithmetic. We are expecting her to bring structure and a little old school with a passion and some fun to train up our children. She is excited to be the 2nd-3rd grade teacher for the 2024-2025 school year, and looks forward to helping you and your student on your homeschool journey.