Meet our Teachers

Our Teachers:

Paige Anderson - Paige is a 2026 Hometeam graduate that is returning to teach our Beginning Japanese class on Thursday nights. We are so grateful to have our alunmi stay involved and active in our community. Paige says - I am an 18-year-old redheaded girl who loves reading, writing and playing piano.

Wendy Anderson - I am from Milford and have been homeschooling 2 kids almost since the womb! Both of my kids are now graduated and I am returning to teach to keep the amazing community that we have built strong. love being outside on beautiful days with our farm animals, gardening, scrapbooking, and trying out organization skills. I like working out and learning new ways of being healthy, body, mind and soul. I also love doing things like work days in and out of the house-and freezer meal cooking days for those who might be a bit overwhelmed.

Jehne Ballantyne - Hi all! My name is Jehne (pronounced Jenny). I am married to my amazing husband, Alec, and we have 6 beautiful children. I love Jesus with all my heart and aim to show the love of Jesus to everyone I encounter! I have homeschooled my kids for over 4 years and I love it! My husband and I run a kids bounce house play place, and I also volunteer as a pregnancy counselor to help moms choose life for their babies! God has definitely placed a love of children on my heart and it is my honor to use that to serve others in Hometeam!

Sharon Bazzell is a wife, Mom of 4, and co-owner of Augie's Building Services. She has homeschooled for 13+ years and taught various co-op classes. She has a degree in Elementary Education and enjoys continuing to learn along with her kids. She enjoys camping, bike riding, and spending time with friends and family.

Aurora Bendixen, A Homeschool Mom of 2 Girls. I love to learn new life skills, garden, be creative, and host events at my home. I love spending time with my family growing in love together. I am the wife of a chimney sweep. Most of All I seek to share the Love of Jesus that He has shared with me.

Sara Beth Bonjour is a homeschool graduate that is now in the other side home educating her three daughters. She has a degree in Elementary Education with an English major. (This meant writing an abundance of papers in college) She loves anything literature based, and enjoys teaching all ages and stages.

Lisa Brown - Hello! I'm Lisa. I've been a homeschool/Hometeam mom for 7 yrs now. I'm married to Mick (together almost 28 yrs now) and we have 3 amazing kids. We're raising them to love the Lord, know God's word and making memories as they learn to navigate this complicated, beautiful world He created for us. This year I'm teaching S.T.E.A.M. Food Fun and cant wait to explore the many eye-opening observations in our food lab (aka: kitchen) with your kiddos.

Amber Cemer - Amber is the mom of three boys and joined us in 2024. She has been homeschooling for 10+ years. She enjoys crochet, reading, gardening, hiking, nature and being at home with her family and pets. We are excited to have her.

Chelsea Cichon - I’m a mom to two awesome boys. I love to spend time with my family and dogs, garden, and tend to my chickens. I also have a passion for photography. I've been homeschooling for 5 years now and wouldn’t have it any other way. This is my first semester teaching and I’m looking forward to it!

Emily Claus - I'm a former teacher, turned homeschool mom of 5. Our family enjoys good stories, hiking, roadtrips, baseball, and the outdoors. We are thankful for the extra time together that homeschooling provides!

Natalie Claus - Natalie is 15 years old and is looking forward to teaching “Intro to ballet” at Hometeam with her mom. She loves dancing, art, and reading.

Melissa Cleary - Melissa is a mother of two. She has ran a pet shop for the last 20+ years and operates a small farm on her property. Animals are a very large part of her and her girls life. She hopes to share her knowledge and compassion of animals with your children.

Jaclyn Cox - Faithful wife and mama of 3, 2 of which are homeschooling. I’m usually the mom pacing and cheering (loudly) at the baseball fields. We love exploring and are curious about all of Gods creatures, even the creepy crawlers. My kids and husband are VERY artistic and when I learned the simple techniques of dot painting I felt I could contribute to their immense talent lol. Hometeam has been such a big support and ultimately the reason we felt prepared to take on this homeschooling journey. We are so blessed and grateful!

Sean & Kim Donovan (AKA the Donovan Dynamic Duo) - Sean & Kim are parents to 6 children. The eldest 5 have graduated from homeschool. The youngest is 11 years old and last one learning at home. The Donovans have been involved in Faith Hometeam off and on for OVER 15 years. Our oldest child is now 32 and took Hometeam classes. We love the people and the friends along with the opportunities for growth and development of skills for all of the Hometeam families. We are super excited for this year!

Shannon Dove - I have two boys, one that graduated in 2026 and one in high school. Our family has homeschooled for 10 plus years. We have been a part of Hometeam for 10 years and love every moment of it. I am currently working from home, and I enjoy teaching different classes each year. My favorite thing in life is being with my family and friends, traveling and exploring new places and my favorite season is fall. We really enjoy learning through life experiences.

My name is Kimberly Dubuc and I am passionate about learning through play. My 8yrs of preschool teaching allowed me to see the various ways and timeframes in which children learn. Bottom line, kids are not a “one size fits all” when it comes to foundational learning. Having two children with learning “differences”, we became very creative in our household, when traditional methods just weren’t working. By the time my youngest son was in elementary school, we had created a specific set of tools and materials to make learning fun, while leaving a lasting, positive experience for learning new things. I have made it a personal goal to encourage anyone who will listen, that learning shouldn’t be met with resistance and complaining. It should be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved, even if it’s difficult.

Erin Geelhood - I'm a mom to 4 wonderful boys ranging in age from 22 to 2. I never thought I would homeschool my kids, but I had a complete change of heart and now I wouldn't want it any other way. I love learning, reading, art, nature and photography. I hope to pass my love of learning on to my boys and my students.

Julie Greaves - Julie is a boy mom. She has four and a set of triplets. She has been with Hometeam for a few years now and enjoyr teaching our Christmas Workshop class and cardboard engineering class this semester. She loves to co-teach with Erin G.

Tiffany Hancock - Tiffany is a mom of 2 and loves to travel and camp. She has been attending for a long time and taught in various positions. This year she is teaching math games and spelling games.

Jasmine Hardwick is a wife and mom of 6. Born and raised in Detroit, she studied Dance at Oakland University while traveling as an apprentice with Eisenhower Dance Ensemble. She has been homeschooling going on 7 years now.

Diana Higuchi - Di is a mother of two young ladies. She has attended Hometeam for several years and has always been a huge help. Di is a teacher with many years under her belt. She loves to teach the young kids about stories, and manners. She can't wait to have you join her in class this fall.

Sondra Hirzel - Hi! I am a mom to two wonderful children who we have been homeschooling since 2020. I love watching them get excited to learn and grasp new things. We enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, at playgrounds, traveling, and the beach. I enjoy gardening, baking, and caring for our dogs, cats, and chickens at home. We're looking forward to another fun semester at Hometeam!

Lena Haddad - I am a proud mama of 2 little ladies. I have been married for 11 years. I am a registered nurse. I love to garden and I have 10 chickens. We have attended hometeam for a couple years now but this year I will be hanging out in the nursery/toddler area with the little ones.

Larissa Isles - Larissa is a busy mom of five who loves creating fun, hands-on learning experiences that bring history, science, and faith to life. She enjoys encouraging kids to ask questions, explore, create, and discover the world through a biblical perspective. She especially loves making learning feel like an adventure!

Sarah Lee - Sarah loves Jesus first of all, also all things gardening, making things from scratch and spending time with family and friends! She is Mom to Braeden and Maggie, and they are in their third year of homeschooling, and fourth semester of Hometeam! Wife to Dan who is a pastor at a small church in Madison Heights. Sarah was homeschooled through high school and loved it. Looking forward to teaching the tea party and manners class this year for Tuesdays! She has spent many hours having tea parties with her family and friends, and loves making memories around a good cup of tea!

Hi! My name is Rachel Hoban. I enjoy many things but have a deep passion for others and learning more about them through meaningful conversations. I have been a Worship Leader at my church for almost 3 years and have sang and played piano for many years! I love to sing, read, write, and spend time at Disney world with my family. I am thankful for the opportunity to spend time with others in the homeschool community!

Melissa Mabe - Mother of 2 and been homeschooling for the 2nd year this year. She is joining us in teaching this year with our conspiracy theories class. We are excited she is jumping in.

Tim Shaw - Melissa's Husband will be joining us this semester to teach a class on crypto currency.

Nicole Garrison-Mack - I am a Christian wife and mom of two boys, and my faith and family are at the heart of everything I do. I am passionate about creating a loving, encouraging environment where children can learn, grow, and become the people God created them to be.

Tiffany Main - Tiffany Main is the Mom of 2 and loves homeschooling! She is married to her best friend, Justin. Justin is a pilot and Tiffany is passionate about travel. She is active in her church and has been involved with teaching Sunday School and Bible Quizzing for almost 20 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology and Theology. She also loves to read, bike, and enjoy nature.

Jeannie Marriott - Hi, I am Jeannie and I love to read, write, travel and spend time on the water. I love to garden and gather with loved ones. I am mom to 2 kids - MJ and Melia. I was a public school teacher by profession and absolutely love seeing children grow into the people God planned them to be.

Andrea Nelson - I am married to my best friend, Carlisle. We have one amazing daughter, Valerie. Valerie enjoys riding her horse, Johnny Cash, and playing the cello. I have my associates degree in early childhood with my CDA and Bachelors Degree in Teaching with a elementary emphasis, and minor in art. We have a small farm with chickens, cats, and a big dog, named Rusty. In our spare time we enjoy playing games, bike riding, taking walks, all things nature related, arts and crafts.

Caroline Peterson was a public school teacher in Michigan, Iowa, and Texas before starting to homeschool in 2019. She loves going on adventures with her family, baking, and learning about health.

Matt Peterson graduated from MSU before traveling around the country for various roles in the food industry. He lives in Clarkston with his family and is an avid foodie and nature enthusiast.

Kristina Phelps - I am a mom of 3 girls and have homeschooled for several years now. We were blessed to find Hometeam and have loved the knowledge we’ve gained, the friends we’ve made and the community. I enjoy teaching kids the life skills they will need along with the academic skills they’re learning to help them thrive as adults. One of my greatest joys is helping kids find confidence in the kitchen!

Jasmine Pokley - Hi! I am married to Tyler, mom to 3 kids and have been homeschooling for 5 years. We live on a homestead and love connecting with God outdoors. We love to travel and camp frequently. Outside of learning together as a family, you’ll find me reading, gardening, baking or hiking.

Carolyn Robertson - Hi! My name is Carolyn Robertson. I am married to my wonderful husband, Bill. We have one little boy, our six-year old son Griffin. I have loved homeschooling him for two years now, going into our third year. I was also homeschooled from 2nd through 12th grade! I love God, gardening, painting, and baking. I am thankful to be a part of the wonderful community Hometeam has!

Michelle Ryder is entering her 2nd year of homeschooling. Super excited to join the Hometeam community! Wife to Caleb, mom of two girls, and 3 cat fur-babies. Certified in vocational education allied health sciences. Currently working part-time as a dental hygienist in White Lake. Passionate about fostering love of learning. Enjoys providing vibrant lessons that appeal to various learning styles. Hobbies: Volunteering, teaching youth group at my local church, backpacking, running, exercise, biking, exploring nature, bible studies.

Jon Samuelsen lives in Keego Harbor with their 2 amazing children and their 4 adorable cats. Jon is our resident LEGO master for our Tuesday group and he is one of the most involved Homeschooling dads ever. He has taught 3 classes before and takes it all in stride.

Deb Saul - She is Grandma Saul to those at Hometeam. She has volunteered for several years now to help us with anything our coordinator can think of. She will be teaching several classes this year from both campuses. She was a Kindergarten teacher and Sunday School Teacher for many years. She also has been a reading tutor in the past.

Bob Saul Jr. - Our security detail guy and teaching our Cursive classes this fall.

Levi Saul - Levi is the youngest of the Saul family and graduated in 2025. He is currently at OCC for Pre-Engineering and works part time at Gehring L.P. in Farmington Hills as a "Senior Intern" in the Process Development Department Honing Engine Blocks. He attended four years at OSTC-NE in Machining, Welding & Mechatronics. He was homeschooled his entire life.

Lora Saul - Hometeam Coordinator. I have graduated all of my four children that have graduated and have three married in 2020 and 2022. My life revolves around my kids, my husband, many family projects and Hometeam. I love my hometeam families and strive to help in anyway I can.

Bob Saul - Our woodworking, backyard ballistics teacher and husband to coordinator Lora Saul. He isn't teaching this semester, but you will see him around the building as he usually attends to make sure the security detail is taken care of.

Jenn Shuffle has been part of Hometeam since January 2020. She and her 5 kids enjoy nature walks, playing games and pizza and movie nights. She's been writing for as long as she can remember and has had articles and poems published! She believes that if you can write well, you can think well, and if you can't write you can't think well. And even with ChatGPT, the next generation needs to know how to write clearly.

Henry Shuffle - Henry Shuffle is a hometeam dad of 5 kids and husband to Jenn. He tries to play chess and other games any chance he gets

Pamela Simchak - I married my best friend fifteen years ago and we have one son-Jake. This will be our third year of homeschooling and we’ve never looked back. This is also our third year at Faith Hometeam. I enjoy teaching something different each year. I love to see the children engaging their imaginations.

Nicole Simer - I am the wife of Patrick and mom to 3 children - Lucian, Loralei and Rosalynn. We have been homemschooling since 2023-2024. I have a bachelors in Fine Arts majoring in Illustration/Visual Storytelling. I graduated with honors from the College of Creative Studies. I worked 4 years in the library as an Assistant. I obviously love art and books. I use art as therapy and use my creativity when working with children in school settings, volunteer work and in my everyday life with my own children. I worked as a skilled artisan and restorian. I inspire and encourage my children with their creativity and they incorporate it into everything they do. Lucian designs and works artistically on the computer digitally and computer coding/programming. Lorelei is skilled at painting and drawing. I am looking foward to working with the babies and toddlers this semester at hometeam.

Nicole Vargo - I am a mom of two girls, who I've been homeschooling for 6 years. I enjoy reading, vegetable gardening, crafting, nature and being at home with my family and two cats. We recently joined Hometeam and are looking forward to making new friends!

Ashton Wagner- Ashton graduated in 2023 and has been a Hometeam lifer. She graduated and quickly obtained her Cosmetology license in June of 2023 after three years of training at OSTC-NE campus. She is excited to teach this semester She works from her home salon. Michael and her married in September of 2025

Michael Wagner - He has a bachelors degree in computer science from Pensacola Christian College. You will see him around the halls and cleaning up after we are finished for the evening.

Gabrielle & Jonathan Wagner - Jonathan has taught several classes for us and loves teaching the kids boy's basketball and gym.

Gabrielle is a life long hometeam member. Gabrielle (Saul) is Lora and Bob's oldest daughter. She graduated in 2020, and is a insurance adjuster and stay at home wife.

Nicole Walters - My husband and I have been homeschooling for 15ish years, graduating one child while continuing to homeschool my two younger children. I enjoy learning alongside my children and have a special interest in history, nature, art, and reading. I also love spending time with my family and friends and look forward to creating fun, engaging learning experiences for students in our homeschool co-op.

Michael Walters - My wife, Nicole, and I have homeschooled for many years. I have a finance degree from Oakland University, 24 years of experience in the financial industry, 10 of which as a bank manager. I enjoy teaching young adults and teens the basic tools of personal finance so that they are set up for success in their life long term. As a Christian I have learned that the book of Proverbs has quite a bit to say about money and how best to manage it, therefore the foundation of my teaching comes from Biblical principles.

Our Teachers:

We Would Love to Have You Visit Soon!