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Black, Stephanie         sblack@kingsharvestcoop.org      
  • Short Biography

  • Please give a brief description of your Christian walk today. How did you become a Christian? 
  • What is your life Motto? 
  • Favorite scripture 
  • Favorite place to pray? 
  • Briefly state why you desire to teach at KHHC. and give your philosophy of home education: 
  • How many years of teaching experience do you have? Briefly state your teaching style (example: structured, relaxed, etc.):
Brock, Adriana         adriana.brock@tx.rr.com      
  • Short Biography
I was born and raised in Torreón, Coahuila, México. I hold a bachelors degree in accounting from the Institute of Technology and Higher Education of Monterrey (Dec 1994). Upon graduation, I worked as a loan officer for 3 years, got married, moved to Dallas, and then worked for 3 more years as a benefits analyst at an actuarial firm (Watson Wyatt). After that, I decided to be a stay-at-home mom to my 3 children (Benjamin, Samuel, and Sarah). I consider being a full-time mom and a home school teacher my career. I have taught Spanish lessons a number of times before joining KHHC as a Spanish teacher. Among those whom I have taught are a group of home schooled high schoolers, an adult friend of mine and a group of 1st to 3rd graders. I also taught Spanish to my daughter Sarah’s kindergarten class at Kingdom Kids Preschool (Sunnyvale Baptist Church). 
I have taught my children at home for over 10 years.
  • Please give a brief description of your Christian walk today. How did you become a Christian? I am saved by the grace and mercy of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I came to know the Lord and asked him into my heart when I was a child. I grew up attending a local church in my home town and being a part of most church activities (Sunday School, Youth group, Bible studies). Later in my life, I was blessed to find a wonderful godly man who asked me to marry him. I have since joined the church he grew up in. We have been active in the Church body. We have served as children’s Sunday School teachers for several years. In years prior, I helped as the church’s Nursery Coordinator as well. Currently, our family also enjoys the teaching and fellowship with believers at our church home-based bible study group during the week. I love The Lord Jesus, and I believe His Word is the truth. I pray and hope that my children will get to know Him and invite Him to be their Lord as well.
  • What is your life Motto? I do not think that I have a life Motto, but if I had one it would be "Be thankful and quit your bellyaching".
  • Favorite scripture Romans 8:38-39  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
  • Favorite place to pray? My bedroom and my kitchen table.
  • Briefly state why you desire to teach at KHHC. and give your philosophy of home education: Throughout my time teaching at KHHC, I have thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with my students in the classroom. As a native Spanish speaker, I love having the opportunity to teach those who have a desire to learn my native tongue. It is a real pleasure to see my students increase in their knowledge of the culture of Spanish-speaking countries as well. My family and I have also been blessed to have KHHC as a place to meet with likeminded families interested in investing in their children's lives. 
  • How many years of teaching experience do you have? Briefly state your teaching style (example: structured, relaxed, etc.): I have been teaching my own children for over 10 years. I would describe my teaching style as flexible. While having a curriculum and a lesson plan in place I like to remain flexible enough to allow modifications if such changes lead to a better teaching/learning experience.
Brock, Jennifer         docs.jennifbrock@gmail.com      
  • Short Biography
I grew up in the Dallas area. After high school, I went to Richland where I met my husband in my Calculus II class. I went on to the University of Texas at Dallas where I received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Before graduating, I got an internship with a small computer consulting company, ISOGEN International. Upon graduating, I hired on full time as a software engineer. During my time there I consulted with clients, designed software systems, wrote user guides and instruction manuals, and taught training classes. I remained with them until I made the career change to stay-at-home mom. In 2007, just before the birth of our first child, we started attending the church that my husband attended growing up. I served as the Sunday School Coordinator for a few years, using my professional experience to reorganize and streamline the necessary administrative functions that surrounded the Sunday School Program. I retired from the position, but still participate when asked. Also, I have served as a teacher/helper in children’s Sunday School classes. My husband and I recently celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary and have 4 lovely children. We are what I would call accidental homeschoolers. We didn’t set out to homeschool, but we feel this is the direction that the Lord is leading us. We have been homeschooling since our oldest was ready for Kindergarten. 
I started teaching in 2014 with one class and have been hooked ever since! I had no idea how much I would enjoy teaching, but it has been such a blessing!  I also enjoy baking, cooking, reading and sewing. I also enjoy going to my Dad’s farm, where I help him with the bees. Someday I would love to learn to knit and crochet.
  • Please give a brief description of your Christian walk today. How did you become a Christian? I grew up in the church. My Mom would take us to church every week. We also attended extra church activities like Vacation Bible School. It was at Vacation Bible School that I accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. We were having some difficulties at home, but I remember feeling very close to the Lord during those times. Then things got worse as I got into high school and I started to become bitter and angry. At the end of high school/beginning of college, like the prodigal son, I left to live life my own way. And like the prodigal son, I returned after a few years of being more miserable then I could have even imagined. It was at this point in my life that I met my husband and returned to the church. I am very thankful for the Lord’s love, grace, and forgiveness. Today, my family and I attend church regularly and, during the years I am able, I enjoy attending Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).
  • What is your life Motto? I don’t know if I have a life motto, but frequently find myself saying “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” And I think if you’ve done something wrong, you own up to it immediately. Whoever you’re telling might be mad, but it will be much worse the longer you wait. Eventually, they will find out.
  • Favorite scripture Psalm 90:12 has been a favorite lately. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (NIV)
  • Favorite place to pray? In my room, early in the morning, before the kids are up.
  • Briefly state why you desire to teach at KHHC and give your philosophy of home education: At first, I wanted to teach to pay for the classes that I wanted my kids to take there. But after the first year, I was hooked! I love being part of the coop and being involved with the families. And I love sharing my passion for science with the kids! I would say that we have an eclectic approach to homeschooling. I believe that we have a wonderful gift – the ability to meet the educational needs of each child. I try to tweak curriculum and utilize external resources like KHHC to give each of my kids the best education I can give them.
  • How many years of teaching experience do you have? Briefly state your teaching style (example: structured, relaxed, etc.): In my professional capacity, I frequently trained adults for a week at a time. I also taught/helped in Sunday School at church. But my first experience teaching a classroom full of kids was in 2014. I would say that I’m structured, but I’m not rigid. If I need to improvise, I do.​
Boyd, Shannon         boydshouse@yahoo.com      
  • Short Biography
I am a wife, mother of 4, and a proud grandmother! I married my husband in 1990. I live on 15 acres and enjoy the country life. Books are my passion and I love learning right alongside my children each day. My college background is in social work. I am a member of First Baptist Kaufman and enjoy serving there. We have been members of KHHC since 2008, and I have been teaching since 2012. Two of my children are now married adults which have kept life very exciting!  One of my greatest rewards is watching all my children reach their God-given potential. Those light bulb moments with our kids are one of the greatest blessings of homeschooling and teaching!  I am blessed to be a part of that not only with my own children but in the lives of those I am allowed to share the journey of education with.
  • Please give a brief description of your Christian walk today. How did you become a Christian? I began my personal relationship with Jesus Christ as a young child. Upon marrying my husband, who is the son of a Baptist Minister, I began being actively involved in church and have been growing as a Christian and serving ever since. I continue to grow in my Christian walk daily.
  • What is your life Motto? There is nothing Jesus and I can't handle each and every day.
  • Favorite scripture Isaiah 40:31 - But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
  • Favorite place to pray? First thing in the morning, with my coffee and at my kitchen table.
  • Briefly state why you desire to teach at KHHC and give your philosophy of home education: I believe that homeschooling is the best form of education that allows each child to reach their God-given potential. I love being able to come alongside the high calling of parents to homeschool their children by helping to enrich that experience by teaching at KHHC. I believe that we as parents know our children and love them more than anyone else, which is part of the reason that homeschooling is so successful and beneficial. There is nothing better than the one-on-one education model in my opinion, and the additional enrichment offered by KHHC classes combined with it completes a very well-rounded education.
  • How many years of teaching experience do you have? Briefly state your teaching style (example: structured, relaxed, etc.): I have been homeschooling my wide age range of kids since my oldest turned five! That is actually a very long time!  I have been a teacher at KHHC since 2012, and I have served in different teaching positions in my church through the years. I love the Charlotte Mason style of education and tend to be a relaxed homeschooler. I have also taught Sunday School, Mission Friends, Vacation Bible School, and helped teach in an Outdoor Education Coop.

F

Farr, Mylinda         farrfamilytx@gmail.com    

Short Biography
I grew up in the Texas Panhandle but have lived in Jerusalem Israel and several southwestern states. I received my BBA from UT El Paso where I worked as an English tutor for several years. I received my MBA from Texas Tech where I taught Study Skills classes and held the Teaching Assistant position in the Entrepreneurial Department. I was a substitute teacher for the El Paso and Lubbock Independent School districts as well. I worked in healthcare marketing for seven years and later owned my own antique store on lower Greenville in Dallas before my husband and I started our family. I have homeschooled my children since the beginning. Music is a big part of my life; I enjoy playing the piano every day and writing my own praise & worship songs. I have written a piano songbook entitled, “Learn Chords” which I use in my piano classes to teach beginning piano and chord methods. I am currently reworking many old hymns for beginner and intermediate piano levels; these piano songbooks will be published in the next year. Another one of my passions is art; I paint wildflowers and cowboys in a variety of mediums. I recently released a CD of traditional cowboy folk songs with added praise verses, entitled “Cowboy Songs On Heaven’s Trail” and am currently working on some Messianic worship songs. For many years, I taught Sunday School to 4-6 graders, and I continue to find great joy and fulfillment in instructing children. 
  • Please give a brief description of your Christian walk today. How did you become a Christian? My love for the Lord is very real. I am in constant prayer throughout the day, asking Him to use me as His servant and witness. I really believe that I am here on this earth to show His love to people. He continually gives me dreams and ideas. I want to be relevant to the people of this world and have a heart for the broken and the lonely. I love to sing praise songs alone and in large worship groups as well. That is where I gain my strength and release my stress – singing praise songs has helped me plow through many difficult times in life. Sometimes, I do get easily distracted, and I do need to intentionally make time for the Lord. I know that I cannot live without the Lord bearing my burdens. I am so glad that I can lay everything down at His feet. He is my great Comforter. He is my Peace. He is my Joy! Growing up, my parents and grandparents were wheat farmers; however, with the difficult financial times of farming in the 1970s, my father sold his part of the farm and our home. At the age of 45, he felt the Lord leading him to go to Bible School and to study Hebrew and Archeology. So, our family began to travel. I attended 3 different High Schools and spent my Junior year in Jerusalem, which changed my life. I really admired my parent’s love and fervor for the Lord. As a seven year old, I asked them about Jesus after attending an exciting, small church Bible Study where I had seen a group of adults standing in a circle praying out loud. I can still see in my head my parents and me kneeling at the foot of their bed and calling out to the Lord. Afterward I went to my room and sang, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” from a little hymn book. From that night on, I knew in my spirit a warm closeness and comforting feeling that made me know I was complete. I have always felt that I can truly relax with the Lord and give Him my problems. I love knowing that I am wrapped up in my Savior’s loving arms; I still feel like that seven-year-old - that I am a special, a dearly loved child of God. 
  • What is your life Motto? Sing unto the Lord!
  • Favorite scripture My prayer is this from Psalm 5. “Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God. For unto Thee will I pray. My voice shall Thou hear in the morning, O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayer, and unto Thee will I look up.” I learned this scripture song by Chuck Girard growing up, and I still sing many of the songs that I learned as a child. Of course, that is why I feel it is so important to teach children songs, especially songs to sing to the Lord. We were created to praise and sing to Him. I sincerely want His praises in my heart and mouth!
  • Favorite place to pray? While walking outside in nature by myself
  • Briefly state why you desire to teach at KHHC and give your philosophy of home education: Why I desire to teach at KHHC: 
    I want to give children the love for songs and music. I want to share songs such as rounds, Hebrew melodies, spirituals, and folk songs. I know that when children hum these melodies at home that these songs will stay with them all through their lives. Music and songs help with praising the Lord, getting rid of boring times and depression. 
    A while ago in the DeSoto area, I taught an elementary choir/music class with the SALT home school Co-op. It was a true joy to see the children learn the ‘new’ folk and praise songs each week and sing with enthusiasm. They performed at nursing homes which brought big smiles to the residents. The Hebrew songs were greatly requested. 
    The past several years, I have taught piano lessons to home schooled children and have thoroughly loved the experience. Seeing the desire to learn and the passion for playing grow in my students is so satisfying. Many of the students run up to me each week to report what song they were playing or about a song they were writing. Most of the families expressed thankfulness (and weariness) for the hours of piano playing they were now hearing each day. What a great problem to have – your child playing too much! I saw first hand how simple praise songs like “God Is So Good”, “This Is the Day” or “Oh, How I Love Jesus” can be very motivating. Playing the piano while singing is a lot of fun, especially if it is to our Creator, and beginning piano students can accomplish this with left hand chords and a simple right hand melody! 
    Philosophy of Home Education: 
    I want my children to be able to pray aloud throughout the day to the Lord, and home schooling allows my kids to do this. I also want my children to directly learn from their own family members many subjects. My husband and I have leaned towards the ‘better late than early’ philosophy. My husband told me this when our children were young, “You can always teach the cognitive but not the creative – it has to develop.” I agree and have really loved my kids having time to be physical and explore the outdoors. I also have been glad that my children have been relieved of stressful testing and pressures of public school. 
  • How many years of teaching experience do you have? Briefly state your teaching style (example: structured, relaxed, etc.): More than 20 years. Repetition, interactive, fun, and learn on your own. Basically, I have a relaxed style with an emphasis on consistency.

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Garrett, Cindi        garrettsx6@gmail.com      
  • Short Biography
Cindi Garrett earned a B.S. degree in Speech with a focus on Organizational Communication from the University of Texas at Austin. While home schooling her four children for the past 25 years, she strived to develop in them a joy for learning and always enjoyed learning right along with them! She's especially passionate about literature, writing and history and about bringing God's Word into everything she teaches. Her oldest two are now college graduates and her third child is a junior in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University. After teaching at three co-ops in the past, she now loves growing, learning and teaching at the KHHC co-op. This will be her thirteenth year participating in KHHC co-op classes, and her twelfth year teaching at the KHHC co-op. As a telling sign of a true home school mom, Cindi absolutely loves teaching children of all ages and discovering their precious unique qualities while enabling them to develop knowledge, self-confidence and a love for learning! She's happily married to Jeff, a full-time pastor, and recently celebrated her 29th wedding anniversary. Cindi loves the Lord, and in her free time she enjoys studying His Word, reading for pleasure, swimming, walking and hiking, playing board games and spending time with her family. 
  • Please give a brief description of your Christian walk today. How did you become a Christian? I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior in High School through a ministry called Young Life and my faith grew wide and deep, especially during college. God sent me an amazing Bible Study leader during that time, who is still my very best friend to this day. After talking with Diana one day, I had the courage to end a not so great relationship with a young man I had dated for 4 yrs. – this was mid way through my Jr. year and after that my faith took off! I spent a summer in Japan with Campus Crusade for Christ doing relational evangelism with college students and working with local churches. Six months later a unique young man invited me to a BUX party – I wasn’t so sure about him, but wanted to attend this party so I went and soon I was head over heals in love and married Jeff 2 yrs. later. I really saw Jesus in him and he loved me unconditionally like God loved me; he honestly saw me as God saw me even as I shared my not so great past and bad decisions. I truly was swept off my feet and am still living the fairy tale with my Prince Charming – even though it’s been VERY hard at times – God has blessed me with a romantic, creative, amazing, and most importantly godly husband. God has used Jeff to bless me and take me deeper into my love relationship with Himself. I depend on Jesus and the power of His Holy Spirit within me every single day. I listen, follow and obey. I seek God constantly and see Him answer prayer and guide me constantly. Over the years, God has asked me do to some very difficult things (one being the blessing of home schooling my children) and has shown me His strength in amazing ways as I seek Him. I teach a Bible Study in my home weekly for ladies in our church and I'm inspired to live out my faith daily as I lean on Jesus. My faith is still child-like, but over the years I've dealt with deep spiritual questions and God continues to stretch me and deepen my faith. He brings peace and joy and abundant life now and I'm looking forward to everlasting life with Him forever!
  • What is your life Motto? Thank God constantly! Live simply and love extravagantly - with the unconditional love of Christ!
  • Favorite scripture Philippians 4:6-7
  • Favorite place to pray? In my prayer chair at home and at the alter at church - really anywhere!
  • Briefly state why you desire to teach at KHHC and give your philosophy of home education:I've homeschooled my 4 children for the past 25 years and my "baby" is not 18, so I no longer teach them at home. However, I love teaching! We've been involved in the KHHC co-op as a family for the past 13 years and are plugged into and supportive of the vision, teaching philosophy and the KHHC families. The co-op provided excellent support for the classes I was not as prepared to teach at home along with a social outlet. I'm at home at KHHC. My own homeschool philosophy was a biblical worldview in all subjects and a desire to create lifelong learners. I varied my curriculum and classes according to the individual needs of my children stressing living, classic literature and hands on learning. God directed us every step of the way and my children are all either in college or are college graduates and they are indeed lifelong learners with a strong faith in Jesus Christ. I thank God daily for the opportunity to homeschool and for KHHC co-op and its blessing on each of my children and our entire family 
  • How many years of teaching experience do you have? Briefly state your teaching style (example: structured, relaxed, etc.): I've taught in multiple co-ops over the years as I've home schooled my own children, but have been teaching only at KHHC for the past 12 years. My teaching style is positive, interactive and structured. Students know the expectations from the get-go and I create a detailed syllabus with all homework assignments and due dates. I believe in encouraging and motivating students to do their best and hold them to high standards. I do, however, see the parent of each student as the main home educator and I adjust my expectations and deadlines accordingly when the parent desires such for his or her individual student.

H

Harrigan, Sarah         mike_sarah00@yahoo.com       
  • Short Biography
I'm a wife, mother of 3 whom I homeschool, and a homeschool graduate myself! I love Jesus, and always make sure that my approach to teaching comes from a place of giving God glory. I graduated from Pensacola Christian College in 2001 with a Bachelors of Science in Music Education and have given private piano & voice lessons for around 20 years. I also became a photographer as a creative outlet & way to capture my children's lives after they were born. They inspire me. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to pass on these two passions to others.
  • Please give a brief description of your Christian walk today. How did you become a Christian? I feel that as life has it's ebbs & flows, I've grown with each one, closer to the Lord. I'm thankful, even for the hard times- which seems very counterintuitive, but have come to understand so much through both the joys & trials about the Bible, God, and life. I became a Christian as a child, during a neighborhood Bible camp. My parents were extremely influential in my spiritual walk through the way they brought me up. I hope to be the same for my children.
  • What is your life Motto? That's a hard one! I think I would quote the Apostle Paul in saying, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;". I hope that's not too spiritual! If so- I'd say my other "motto" would be to "Don't Worry, Be Happy!".
  • Favorite scripture Revelation 21:4, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
  • Favorite place to pray? Driving in the car!
  • Briefly state why you desire to teach at KHHC and give your philosophy of home education: I love teaching homeschoolers! They're such a unique group of children with their well-rounded approach to relationships, to taking in information -and especially if they are Christians- to the way they allow Christ & the Bible to be part of their education. I have loved teaching at KHHC for the past several years, and would consider it an honor to continue teaching at this amazing co-op! My philosophy of home education is Charlotte Mason & Classical in approach. I love when experiences teach. When finding different ways of looking at the same thing connect dots. When "the lightbulb" moment happens!
  • How many years of teaching experience do you have? Briefly state your teaching style (example: structured, relaxed, etc.): I've taught private lessons for 20+ years. I've taught photography for 2 years. My teaching style is a combination of both structured & relaxed. I have a specific way I put my lessons together to have structure to the lesson/class, but I also allow time in each class to have hands-on experiences. In the experience part, I am more relaxed & encourage students to "give it a try".

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Lopez, Melissa      silo20@att.net     
  • Short Biography
Mrs Lopez has been married to her husband for over 20 years. They have three sons. She went to college at Baylor University and has a Bachelor’s degree in biology. Mrs. Lopez is a certified teacher in Math and Science, and she taught in public schools for 9 years. Mrs. Lopez has been teaching at KHHC for more than 10 years, and she has taught biology, algebra 1 and 2, geometry, independent math studies, pre-calculus, and personal finance. Mrs. Lopez enjoys playing sports with her sons. She is looking forward to the opportunity to empower students to learn and become leaders.
  • Please give a brief description of your Christian walk today. How did you become a Christian? While I grew up in church, I continually grow in my understanding of Christ and His presence in my life. I am learning to trust Him so much more, and my current walk is a reflection of difficult situations where God has walked through them with me.
  • What is your life Motto? Serve first!
  • Favorite scripture Romans 1:16
  • Favorite place to pray? Any place QUIET
  • Briefly state why you desire to teach at KHHC and give your philosophy of home education: I love interacting with students, and the ability to continue to help others is one of the main reasons I love teaching at KHHC. Since we live in a state that so loosely regulates homes school, I strive to educate both students and parents in high school requirements and college readiness. I believe that home school allows students to learn using their own strengths and talents, and as a teacher I strive to give students many ways to learn and show proficiency. The expectations of a college classroom are strenuous, so I strive to prepare my students and my own children to be successful in these situations.
  • How many years of teaching experience do you have? Briefly state your teaching style (example: structured, relaxed, etc.): I have been teaching for over 15 years. I feel that I run a relaxed classroom with high expectations.

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May, Laura        LauraMay.cc@gmail.com      
  • Short Biography
I grew up in Austin where I attended school and eventually met my husband. Throughout my youth I was an active member of St Johns United Methodist Church where I worked in the nursery and was instrumental in building the youth program. In 2007 my husband and I married and moved to the Dallas area to be closer to his family. When our first daughter was born I quit my job to stay at home with her. We joined Christ United Methodist Church in Plano that same year and began to grow in our faith community. In 2010 I graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in Psychology and started my teaching career. I taught for 5 years, specializing in helping children with special needs meet grade level standards. In June of 2015 when my youngest child was born God answered so many prayers and we began our homeschooling journey. We got our oldest child through 3rd grade and our middle daughter through kindergarten and, although challenging, it was the most rewarding year of my life. In October of 2015 God led us to Mesquite where we have been blessed to find an amazing faith family and homeschooling community. We currently attend church at New Covenant United Methodist Church and the girls participate in AWANAS at Lake Ridge Bible Church. In addition to my homeschooling duties I lead my middle daughter's Girl Scout Troop and enjoy living an active life style. Every day I thank God for guiding us to where we are, He has blessed us in so many ways and I am so very grateful that he has given me this life.
  • Please give a brief description of your Christian walk today. How did you become a Christian? I was blessed to be born into a strong Christian household and have continued to grow in faith throughout my adulthood. I give everything to God, worries, joys, fears, concerns and gratitude, there is no part of my life that he has not touched and I am still amazed daily and the wonders and blessings he has brought. As a youth I attended mission trips and summer camps and as an I adult I continue to try to be as active as possible in my faith community. In my own life I have witnessed miracles (including the birth of my three children) which have only served to strengthen my relationship with the LORD. Although my life has not been without strife I know that God has seen me through my trials and will continue to do so because he loves us as his children. I make it a point to start my days with daily devotion and scripture reading and often find this to be to most enjoyable part of my day. Our family attends church weekly and reflect weekly on our goals to make Christ the center of all things. I maintain a biblical worldview and believe that Christ is the one true son of God who was born of the virgin Mary and died for our sins. I believe that the bible is the literal translation of God's word and was given to us to guide our daily lives and I believe that, as Christians, our mission is to love God, love our neighbors and spread God's word so that all may have a chance to know Him. 
  • What is your life Motto? Serve God, serve others
  • Favorite scripture Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
  • Favorite place to pray? Early in the morning in my home office. I love waking up early, getting a cup of coffee and spending as much time as possible praying, reading scripture and daily renewing my faith. 
  • Briefly state why you desire to teach at KHHC and give your philosophy of home education: I have known KHHC for several years even before actually starting homeschooling. We have several friends who are members and teachers at KHHC and they all have nothing but good things to say about the community. Both last year and this year we have considered joining the community but felt our hearts being pulled in other ways. However, recently I have felt called again to teach others and KHHC is an excellent community in which to fulfill that calling. Besides the obvious benefit of surrounding ourselves with strong Christian families I am excited about how well organized and established the co-op is. The classes are universally considered to be top notch and highly educational with rigorous academic content. Teaching is my passion, the decision to leave the career that I loved in order to educate my own children was hard for me in many ways. To me this would be the best of both worlds, my children will be enriched in ways that are not always possible in the home setting and I would be able to continue doing what I love. Our family follows the Classical philosophy of education. We focus on God and spend our days learning about the world he created for us. With God as the center, all of the other subjects are taught in conjunction to one another so that everything makes sense and our children can have a complete understanding of the content as well as the tools to explore and master topics of their choosing. When God created the earth he built a place where everything worked in harmony and everything was dependent upon something else,  this is how we approach our educational philosophy. Additionally, I firmly believe that, in any home education setting, the primary teacher is the parent. With the parent providing the foundation co-ops are a fantastic way for children to experience a variety of teaching styles and learn to work with others in a non family setting.
  • How many years of teaching experience do you have? Briefly state your teaching style (example: structured, relaxed, etc.): I have 6 and a half years of teaching experience including homeschooling for 18 months. My experience in teaching and being a parent has taught me that children thrive in a well ordered, structured environment. In class it is important for children to know what to expect and for there to be no doubt who is in charge. I find that I am a better teacher when lessons are well prepared and classroom rules and procedures are clearly defined and adhered to consistently. That being said, as with any endeavor and especially those involving children, there must be room for flexibility. If plans need to change because the class is enjoying learning about a certain topic and wants to explore it further, then plans change. The best part about teaching children is their enthusiasm to learn new things and their excitement when hard work pays off. When a classroom is orderly and consistent then children feel loved and respected and are therefore able to learn. So, I would say my teaching style is mostly structured with a little bit of spontaneity sprinkled in. 

R

Rose, Karen       krrose@gmail.com  
  • Short Biography
Karen Rose was born and raised in Texas. She has a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Texas A&M University and master's coursework from Texas Women's University in Marriage & Family Therapy. Karen also has ten years experience working in social work settings and almost 10 years experience teaching in a classroom environment. She met her husband, David, in Dallas and they have been blessed with two children, Isabelle and Jacob. Karen has been homeschooling for many years and their family has been attending and volunteering at Cornerstone Rockwall. Karen has taught at KHHC since 2013, and feels blessed by the opportunity to teach at co-op. 
  • Please give a brief description of your Christian walk today. How did you become a Christian? I was raised in Christian home, but we did not attend church regularly as a family. At around the age of 8 years, while attending church in Garland, Texas, I was called by the Lord and made a commitment of faith in Jesus Christ. As an adult, I am in a chronic state of striving for personal growth in Christ...as I am a major work in progress. He is working on my patience and gentleness primarily. I try to always remember to trust in the Lord and look to him for strength and help on a daily basis in my walk as a mother, homeschooler, wife, family member and Christian, in general. 
  • What is your life Motto? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
  • Favorite scripture Mark 12:30-31
  • Favorite place to pray? My bedroom...alone.
  • Briefly state why you desire to teach at KHHC and give your philosophy of home education: I believe that homeschooling should provide a student with a personalized, quality education that is thorough, complete, and Godly. I have chosen to homeschool my children (and others) because I not only want to teach about our world, but because I want to teach about the amazing and incredible nature of the world around us, which the Lord has made. Science and mathematics are just two examples of intricate incredible systems designed by the hand of God in a purposeful and divine fashion. Our children should be educated to know and respect the creator of the people and world around us. I enjoy teaching students and sharing a little bit of the wisdom that the Lord has blessed me with. They are such eager little learners and such joys to know. They bring much happiness to my life and bless me greatly for having known them. Additionally, teaching students other than my own helps me to remember what it’s like to be that age. With my own kids, I sometimes forget and hold them to higher standards than I necessarily should. Also, from teaching in the classroom, I am reminded of my children’s needs as students. In short, teaching at Coop makes me a better homeschool mom. 
  • How many years of teaching experience do you have? Briefly state your teaching style (example: structured, relaxed, etc.): I have more than 10 years of teaching experience. As a homeschool educators, I prefer to rely on quality curriculum to guide me in providing a thorough and complete education to students. In class, I also try to stick to a schedule to cover our material, but, at the same time, I attempt to maintain a fairly casual conversational tone in class to encourage student participation and questions.

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Swaringen, Christy       christy@swaringen.net      
  • Short Biography
Mrs. Swaringen has been working with children in numerous settings for 25+ years. Prior to being a mom, she had a career background as an Executive Assistant and Legal Assistant. Over the past 14 years, she has been a home-based wife and mom, as well as actively serving in her church on staff and in volunteer leadership roles in Children's Ministry. She strongly believes that children are the future, that God has a special purpose for every child and they should be taught by love, encouragement and example. She grew up in the Dallas area and has lived in the surrounding area all her life. 
  • Please give a brief description of your Christian walk today. How did you become a Christian? I grew up in a committed Christian home and accepted Jesus as my Savior officially at the age of 8. Through an amazing women's bible study at the age of 22, I discovered that God was Abba and that the Bible truly applied to me too. A year later, I started BSF and it has been rocking my world off an on ever since. I am active in my church. After 14 years in Children's Ministry, I now serve in our Bookstore and facilitate a Bible journaling group. Additionally, I am a children's leader in Rockwall's Evening Women's BSF group. My relationship with the Lord is the most important thing in my life and I rely on Him for everything.
  • What is your life Motto? Fight back with Joy
  • Favorite scripture Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
  • Favorite place to pray? Green recliner early in the morning or on the back porch.
  • Briefly state why you desire to teach at KHHC and give your philosophy of home education: I have been teaching at KHHC for six years and it is by far one of the most fulfilling I've ever done (outside of being a wife and a mom). I love working with kids and encouraging them to learn and be all they can be in fun and creative ways. My passion is seeing a kid’s face light up when they really “get it.” I am a strong believer in the form of education that is best for a child and his family. For many this means homeschooling for just as many different reasons. In our home, we decided early to homeschool and it has been a great experience for us and suits our home and family life well. It’s not shouted from the rooftops or preached anywhere, it’s just who we are. We have a very relaxed home environment where Ben thrives and does well. We integrate many things into his education from the basics to life skills, values, art, outside activities, etc. Many of these things he would not get in a larger, public school environment. If he picks up something quickly, we move on. If there is a struggle, we take as much time as we need. It allows us the freedom to educate our child to his particular needs in the Christian environment instilling the values we want him to have to prepare him for whatever God has in store for him down the road. I am very grateful that we are in a situation where we can do this and completely understand someone else who is not.
  • How many years of teaching experience do you have? Briefly state your teaching style (example: structured, relaxed, etc.): My teaching style is very relaxed, conversational and hands-on. I like to use visuals and a hands-on approach for kids and believe you really learn from seeing, participating and trying things out for yourself. I teach my classes just as I do at home with my child, integrating many things into our lessons.

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Tutt, Dava        kissfistasl@verizon.net     
  • Short Biography
Dava has graduated from High School with Honor Society and has completed one semester at Eastfield Community College. Dava is deaf and has been part of the Deaf Community for most of her life. As a result she has been extensively exposed to and experienced ASL and Deaf Culture in a way that only a Deaf person can. ASL is her heart language and she lives Deaf Culture daily. She has homeschooled her own children for 16 years and has shared her love and knowledge of ASL and Deaf Culture with them. As a result they are able to communicate and function well in the Deaf World. She has shared that love and knowledge with others substituting for other ASL teachers in the area. Dava has passion to share ASL culture with her students believing that sharing these things opens her students eyes to an understanding of other languages and cultures. What she teaches equips her students with tools for creating opportunities for communication and understanding with other cultures her students will no doubt come into contact with in their daily lives as their contact with the world outside of school life and family life continues to expand. Dava is looking forward to teaching ASL to more students.
  • Please give a brief description of your Christian walk today. How did you become a Christian? My Christian walk with the Lord is up and downs but I know for fact that if I ever walk away from him my life would be in a big mess so I know he have plans for me whether I like it or not. He is my rock that I can lean and hold on to. I came to know the Lord when I was 15 years old when I had a question about what I heard from my pastor’s sermon at church. My mom lead me to the Lord after our lunch meal at home. I have been following the Lord ever since. The Lord has called me to teach kids (deaf and hearing kids) Sunday school at my church for 3 years which I have loved it. I have been on the core group of my deaf church since 2000 and that has been a great blessing for me because the Lord have taught me many things. I feel so blessed to be call God’s child and I do not know what I would do without him. He is amazing God and spiritual father.
  • What is your life Motto? "Let your smile change the world but do not let the world change your smile."  (unknown)
  • Favorite scripture Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
  • Favorite place to pray? In my car or bathroom (quiet place)
  • Briefly state why you desire to teach at KHHC and give your philosophy of home education: I just love to share and express my language to everyone. I enjoy watching my students learn a new sign and use it. Their expressions and excitement is so precious to me. I am looking forward when my students will communicate with me in my language that we both can understand. My philosophy of homeschool is that it works for everyone at their own pace. I encourage many my friends to homeschool because it has proven it works wonderfully accordingly to the student learning ability not forced to learn the teachers (public) way of learning. I back homeschooling 100% because it is amazing results. You can see the love, respect, sharing, and awesome learning experience in the families.
  • How many years of teaching experience do you have? Briefly state your teaching style (example: structured, relaxed, etc.): Over 10 years, between 2 different co-ops. My teaching style is usually structured however if the students are struggling then it is relaxed. I love to finish the whole section for the year of school however I must rather students learning and retaining the ASL than finishing the sections.​

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Waller, Julie     julieawaller@yahoo.com      
  • Short Biography
I was born and raised in Texas. Growing up, I was always involved in art related activities, reading, and dance. I graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Elementary Education and a specialization in Reading Instruction. After college I spent 10 yrs. working with college students through Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) at The University of North Texas, Texas Woman's University, and Southern Methodist University. I've been married 15 yrs. and have 2 daughters. I've been homeschooling my children since kindergarten and have been involved in educating children for the past 30 yrs. My favorite things to do are hanging out with my husband, art projects with my girls, and reading.
  • Please give a brief description of your Christian walk today. How did you become a Christian? I didn't grow up in a Christian family, but had 2 grandmothers who knew the Lord and taught me the Bible. I trusted Christ for the forgiveness of my sin as a kid at church with my grandmother. In college, I started attending church, Bible studies, and started really growing in my walk with the Lord. Today I regularly attend church, read my Bible and pray, and teach my children about the Lord. I also help with the Jr. High ministry at our church, Cornerstone Rockwall.
  • What is your life Motto? The Lord is with me.
  • Favorite scripture Isaiah 41:10
  • Favorite place to pray? on my couch.
  • Briefly state why you desire to teach at KHHC and give your philosophy of home education: I desire to teach at KHHC to be involved in and to serve the local homeschooling community and also to have fellowship with other homeschooling families. I follow a mostly Classical philosophy of education. I work to ensure that I am teaching subject matter from a Christian worldview and perspective. In the elementary grades I use memorization of facts to develop a structure and framework for the students to build upon in the upper grades. I also try to provide a "big picture" view of history and how things fit together and how God was working throughout time and history.
  • How many years of teaching experience do you have? Briefly state your teaching style (example: structured, relaxed, etc.): I have been involved in educating children for 30 years in public, private, church, and homeschool settings. I have a relaxed and laid back personality, but use structure to keep the class on task and to be sure to cover the material. I use short lectures, longer discussions and review of memory work, combined with hands-on activities and projects to reinforce the main ideas.