Stacey Bickmore
I am the wife of a high school teacher/coach, and a mom to two teenagers, two dogs, and two cats. I adore all animals, crafting, chocolate, and Pugs. I have been an elementary teach for over thirteen years, and have taught all elementary grades in some aspect, except kindergarten. My passion is teaching second and third grade, but I love kids of all ages. I have taught in homeschool programs/schools for the last 6 years, and absolutely love it! My teaching style is eclectic, in that I try to find what works each year by using a variety of methods, resources, and approaches. I love to glean ideas from other teachers, parents, and unashamedly Pinterest, and then add my own creative twist to them. It takes a village! My classroom is usually not a quiet one. We explore, create, play games, and laugh as much as possible. I strive to make my lessons engaging and fun, while incorporating my students’ interests and focusing on meeting the standards. My classroom is also a place where we make mistakes, correct them, and then move on, learning to forgive and accept each other in the process. My goal as an educator and parent is to foster a love for learning and inspire children by guiding, encouraging, and praising them. I believe that, “Children learn more from who you are, than what you teach.”
Email: bickmorestacey@gmail.com
Sherry Torgerson
I am a mother of three active boys, ages 14, 12, and 9. My hobbies have become taking my boys to all their sporting events and supporting them. As a family, we also like spending time at the lake and the beach.
I have a degree in Mathematics with an emphasis in Statistics. I really enjoy teaching math. My favorite moments are being present when students realize they can do it and not be intimidated by math concepts. I love seeing the "light bulb" moment when it all makes sense.
Email: sherrytorg@gmail.com
Liz Schopfer
Hi! My name is Liz Schopfer and I have been teaching Grades 7-12 in the California Public Schools since 2002. I have found that personalized learning and small classes are the most effective method for teaching our young people. Classic curriculum and short story/novel units are essential for our future generations and my focus and expertise has always been on reading and writing. I have a genuine connection with students and truly look forward to sharing my enthusiasm for literature with your children.
Email: schopferliz@gmail.com
Cathleen Whiting
I have lived in the Grass Valley area for 17 years. My husband and I have four children, ages 27 -17, and one grandson. We have enjoyed raising our kids in the beautiful foothills and now we find ourselves cheering them on with their future endeavors.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology and Biology Education with a Multi-Subject teaching credential. I started my teaching career as a full time teacher in middle school. Once I had kids I stopped teaching full time and found several ways to teach part time in the public elementary schools. In grades K-5 I have been a volunteer, substitute teacher, reading teacher as well as a STEM teacher.
I like to inspire learning by using a variety of teaching methods. I teach whole group lessons as well as small groups. Small group instruction helps me to focus on the specific needs of each student. I like to include hands on activities to reinforce concepts or to discover new ideas. I try to make learning meaningful and engaging with activities that relate to their lives. I have found that games and songs are also fun ways to learn new skills and build confidence. I hope to encourage and inspire a love of learning at Liberty Learning Academy.
I'm excited to work with the wonderful families and talented teachers at LLA!
Email: mcwhiting@sbbmail.com
Taraleigh Duffey
I am a lifelong learner and a lover of education! I love to read (children's books are my favorite), run, travel, be outside, play sports and hang with my handsome hubby. I am the mother of 4 awesome kiddos ages 9-14. I have homeschooled multiple grades and taught children of all ages for over 15 years. I have a degree in Family Finance & Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Spanish.
Email: trentandtaraleigh@gmail.com
Colleen Manuola
Hi! I'm Colleen Manuola. I have been involved in the homeschooling community for over 30 years, starting with my own 3 kids and then in the private system and charter schools. I recently retired as a Supervising Teacher and Math Department Head for a local charter school and am now tutoring high school level Math. My specialty is making Algebra 2 and higher levels of Math make sense for my students. I love questions! That's how I can teach what the student needs to learn and not simply give them notes.
Email: colleen.manuola@gmail.com
Lori Murphy
I am a wife and mom of a teenage daughter; together we live with our sweet dog and mischievous cat in South Nevada County. My favorite things include cheering for my daughter at her year-round swim meets, being at home with a good book, and sipping coffee or iced yerba mate.
I consider myself a life-long learner. I have my B.A. degree in Spanish, and my love for the Spanish language and the culture of the people who speak it runs deep. My experience as a foreign-exchange student in Costa Rica as well as getting to serve as an interpreter on missions trips to various Central American countries, engrained in me a passion for language learning for the sake of better connecting with people from various cultures and backgrounds. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with others, in small groups and in one-on-one settings. I have worked with English language learners and Spanish language learners, and really love getting to be a part of their light-bulb moments with skills that will serve them throughout their lives. I look forward to cultivating the joy of learning a second language with the students at Liberty Learning Academy!
Email: lmurphy.ca@gmail.com
Nicole Greene
My name is Nicole Greene. I am a mother of 4 fun and crazy kids. I have been homeschooling for 9 years. I love learning and teaching.
Email: nicoleanngreene2@gmail.com
Mindy Chittock
I live with my husband and 3 children in a small town in Nevada County where my husband manages his family owned businesses. As a family, we love to spend time together traveling, working on our property, or taking off to the mountains to hike or kayak on the lake. I also love long-distance running and other physical activities, reading, gardening, and spending time with our animals.
I have a B.S. degree in Elementary Education with an Emphasis on Early Childhood Education. I taught locally for several years in 1st -6th grades, but most of my time was devoted to teaching 1st grade. I love children and value the opportunity and privilege to teach them.
As a teacher, I strive to create a positive learning environment where we all feel comfortable and safe in the learning process. True learning involves taking risks, asking questions, and making mistakes. I believe in hands-on, engaging activities and lessons that will build a solid foundation and prepare students with the skills to become life-long learners. I find ideas from many resources and tailor it to what my students need individually while meeting the state standards. You will see me use a variety of teaching methods in the classroom. I do whole group lessons, but most of my instruction will be in small groups or with individuals to best meet each student’s needs. I look forward to working with you and your child and sharing in the joy of learning together!
Email: mindy@simplycountry.net
Christine Swisher
I am a mom of 4 kids, (20, 14, 12, 10yrs) and have lived in Lake of the Pines for 3 years. I've had a passion for all things music since I started piano lessons at the age of 5. I've sung in choirs all my life, even traveling to Australia and singing in the Sydney Opera House. I also toured with a choir in northern Spain for almost a month, singing in beautiful and ancient churches. I taught Kindermusik to children 18 months-7 years old for 3 years in my own music studio in Davis. I love working with kids and teaching them how to develop a love of music and the arts from a young age.
Email: eswish@gmail.com