Elementary Science, Health, Government, and Consumer Math

Mrs. Jennie Bean is a 13-year homeschool veteran. In 2001, she graduated from East Ridge High School and earned a full scholarship to Chattanooga State where she pursued a degree in Sociology. She was the lead classroom organizer, elementary science teacher, and a High School Biology lab assistant at Creation Explorers Homeschool Coop, Virginia Beach. During her 21 years as a Navy spouse, she served as Ombudsman; a family resource officer and liaison between families and command. Jennie served as our elementary and middle school science substitute here at the academy for the 2022-2023 school year. Whether diving into scripture for herself, sharing with others, or learning about organic gardening; she never stops learning. Her love for her heavenly Creator and complete awe of God's thumbprint all around us, excites her to explore and share how all creation points to His glory. Jennie is excited to share her joy with the young hearts at MHA.

Physical Science

Mrs. Linda Buck received her Masters of Education degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, in Knoxville, TN and her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor degree in Chemistry from Memphis State University in Memphis, Tennessee. She has 30 years of experience in a classroom setting and has taught in various schools throughout the Tennessee Valley. She has taught Algebra 1 at Whitfield High in Tunnel Hill, Georgia. Mrs. Linda Buck has also taught Physical Science and Chemistry at Brainerd High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee as well as Ringgold High School in Ringgold, Georgia. She has also taught Honors Chemistry 1 & II at Columbia Central High School in Columbia, Tennessee. Mrs. Buck is extremely passionate about seeing every child succeed in their own unique gifting and is excited to continue her teaching career at Michaels Homeschool Academy.

Algebra 2, Geometry, & Pre-Calculus

Mr. Tyler Dockery is currently finishing his last year of Secondary Math Education at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. Mr. Dockery has 4 years of experience tutoring math to students in grades 8 through 12. He enjoys engaging as a group facilitator and leading small team tutoring sessions while supporting independent progress. Currently, he is a student counselor for 10th grade boys at a local church in Ooltewah, Tennessee. Mr. Tyler Dockery is very excited to be teaching a subject that is dear to his heart and is serving the homeschooling community at Michaels Homeschool Academy.

American Sign Language (2nd Through 12th Grade)

Mrs. Eimers is a veteran homeschooling mom of 5 beautiful children. She is currently finishing her 11th year of homeschooling. In 2000, Mrs. Bonita Eimers graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She has over 13 years of experience working with the Deaf in various ministries, such as babysitting, volunteering in her church nursery, and teaching Sunday School to deaf adults and children alike. Her hobbies include gardening, baking, and spending time with her family. Mrs. Eimers is a beautiful woman of God with a gentle, patient, and loving character. She believes God has given her the gift of Sign Language and is excited to share this gift with others.

Physical Education, Public Speaking, & Life Skills

Mrs. Goccia is an 11-year veteran homeschooling mom of 2 teenage boys. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Christian Women’s Ministry and an A.A. in Deaf Studies from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a veteran homeschool parent, she values and understands the importance of being a positive role model in the lives of all our children. Mrs. Goccia is so excited to be joining the Michaels Homeschool Academy staff and for the opportunity to work and share her gifts with students and parents. We warmly welcome Mrs. Melanie Goccia to our wonderful team of educators and look forward to working with her for many years.

Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Personal Finance, Economics

Mr. Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Junior High Education with concentrations in Math and Social Studies from University of Maine at Machias in Machias, Maine. He has a Masters in School Leadership from New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire. His experiences include teaching elementary - high school mathematics at various schools in Maine. Mr. Frank has also substituted for the Hamilton County Department of Education and worked as a security guard at McCallie School in Tennessee. His love for math is quite evident in the way he connects with his students. He enjoys encouraging and mentoring his students and seeing them succeed.

Art

As a child, Mrs. Layne was homeschooled and she currently homeschools her two children. As a private art instructor, she entered her own pieces of work and won 1st Place using graphite pencil portrait and colored pencil portraits. She also won 2nd Place in the International Division using colored pencil portraits. Mrs. Layne has a strong creative background and patience to effectively teach her students. She is experienced in digital art, graphite portraits, calligraphy, multiple paint mediums, and much more. As an artist, Mrs. Layne enjoys educating students in a variety of mediums such as acrylics, watercolors, charcoal, pen and ink, and others. She is passionate about inspiring and guiding her students to develop their creativity and technique, as well as encouraging them to discover their own unique style by using a variety of media. With a great personality, positive character, and artistic skills, she will no doubt instill a love for art in her students. Mrs. Mary Layne focuses on teaching her students about the elements and principles of art, contour line studies, principles of design, color theory, composition techniques, and more to help them create their own masterpieces.

Elementary and Middle School History & Geography, High School World History & Geography, & Spanish

Mrs. Mudaliar graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Tennessee Temple University. Her experiences include teaching history to multiple age groups in private and co-op settings. She designed and implemented lesson plans that used various teaching methods, encouraged student participation and enhanced student learning. She studied in Uruguay, South America, as an exchange student. Mrs. Mudaliar has taught and tutored Spanish in her home and at Tennessee Temple University. Her passion is in helping students realize that the desire to learn can open up a world of creativity and wonder. Her goal is to engage students with interactive learning experiences that require teamwork, creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking. Mrs. Mudaliar enjoys encouraging her students to engage in a way that allows them to find joy and purpose in the skill of learning.

Chemistry

Mrs. Russell is a 20-year veteran homeschooling mom with a love for teaching. She majored in Early Elementary Education at Chattanooga State Technical Community College in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mrs. Russell has taught elementary through high school sciences, English, math, history, and Bible at various local co-ops. Her unique style of teaching combines classical with traditional for a fun and exciting learning experience. She enjoys watching students become inspired and discover a true love for learning.

Elementary & Middle School Japanese

Mrs. Skiles graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She has worked for Chattanooga’s School of Fine Arts and has assisted the Chattanooga Library with their music workshops for the benefit of the children in the community. She communicates well with other staff, her students and their parents, organizes group learning events, and is experienced in choosing appropriate repertoire for each student. Mrs. Skiles had the honor of directing the May 2018 Chattanooga Southeast Tennessee Home Education Association graduation choir and participated with the Chattanooga Rotary Club. She is excited to share the gift of music and Japanese with others and hopes to instill such a love for learning to the point that it inspires students to seek out and experience music throughout their whole lives.

Middle School Science, 6th & 7th Grade Mathematics, and Elementary ASL (K5 Through 1st Grade)

Mrs. Bearden graduated with a Bachelor of Science Education in Interdisciplinary Studies with content in English and History and with an Associate of Applied Degree in American Sign Language from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She has 2+ years of experience in AP programs which encourages educators to review these principles with parents and students so they know what to expect in an AP course. She also has 3+ years experience in team organization, 8+ years in Contact Center Environment, and 13+ years in reporting and data management. Mrs. Bearden is a team player and a problem solver. She considers herself to be very efficient and detail-oriented. She is ready and excited to be teaching at Michaels Homeschool Academy.

I.E.W. English, High School U.S. History, & Applied Psychology

Mrs. Stone graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary & Special Education from La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She also earned a Master of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She gained valuable experiences while teaching children with special needs. Her experiences include interning at a special needs school and teaching second grade at a Catholic elementary school in Philadelphia. Since 2013, she has helped her local homeschool community by teaching unit studies and striving to educate and assist new homeschoolers. Her teaching experience allows her to establish clear objectives for all lessons, implement IEPs, administer standardized tests, and develop curricula to encourage individualized mastery. As a homeschool parent, she understands the value of home education. Presently, Mrs. Stone is the only registered instructor in Chattanooga through the Institute for Excellence in Writing.

Assistant Teacher, Applied Psychology

Mrs. Sonya Tieder holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of West Florida and a M.S. from the University of Scranton. She currently has three high schoolers and two middle schoolers that all attend MHA. Mrs. Tieder has a passion to encourage and witness students find their God-given identity and grow into who they were created to be. She enjoys spending time investing in the youth group at her church. When Mrs. Tieder isn’t trying to find new and creative ways to feed her large family, she enjoys listening to music, drinking coffee, and holding meaningful conversations. She is very excited to join the Michaels staff and is eagerly looking forward to a great year.

Drama & English Grammar and Writing/Phonics

Mrs. Kim Tisdale is a veteran homeschool mother of three (graduated) children and has taught in the Chattanooga homeschool community for almost 20 years. She graduated from Central Methodist University in Missouri with a B.A. in Theater and minors in English and Music. Her acting credits include principal roles in Agnes of God, Two by Two, Medea, The Cherry Orchard and Nunsense, among others. Her theater experience in Chattanooga includes over 13 years as customer and backstage costume mistress at Ballet Tennessee and Chattanooga Ballet and held the same position with Scenic City Opera for a season. Over the last 15 years, Mrs. Kim Tisdale has directed over 30 plays and drama events with the Salvation Army, Collegedale's Parks and Recreation department, and other local educational and homeschool organizations. From 2012 - 2017, she coached students in the National Shakespeare Competition to achieve first runner-up and top-three status at the district level, competing with students from more than 15 counties. Throughout her career, Mrs. Tisdale has witnessed how God can change lives through performance experience. She believes that theater is one of God's greatest gifts and is excited to share all aspects of creative theater through the dramatic arts with her young actors and their families.

Elementary Mathematics

Mrs. Paige Towers graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She has taught at Hickory Valley Christian Academy and Boyd Buchanan School for a combination of approximately seven years. Mrs. Towers is energetic and enthusiastic about teaching with hands-on activities, class lesson plans, and individualized support. She is looking forward to encouraging her students through critical thinking and discussion skills using a variety of teaching techniques. She enjoys engaging students through lectures and discussions, and increasing classroom interaction to build an inclusive learning environment. Mrs. Towers has enjoyed traveling overseas to do mission work, but feels that teaching and working with children is her ultimate calling. She has the heart to love and educate her students with such a passion to help them succeed and encourage them in their own unique learning styles.

Typing, Middle School Web Design, Elementary/Middle School Robotics, Elementary/Middle School Knitting/Crocheting

Mrs. Michelle Young majored in music and minored in art at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and was able to combine her love of math and art into a textile project that is based around the Magic Square, her favorite mathematical function. Her first experience in computer programming started in High School where she learned BASIC in math class. In the early 2000's she learned HTML, and became a professional website creator. She has also maintained various sites, including the Chattanooga Writers’ Guild. Later, she began teaching basic computer skills to children and taught for Computer Tots in various Chattanooga schools (including Montessori). She has been teaching both individually, and in a classroom setting for more than ten years. Mrs. Young enjoys combining left and right brain aspects into projects for her students.