Instructors
Get To Know Our Teachers
Amanda engages young learners with her hands-on activities, which are rooted in her 20 years of experience as an artist, business owner, and conservationist. As a creative, her courses are guided by curiosity and exploration. Learners have a supportive space to be creative, test ideas, and problem solve. Amanda has an Associate of Science degree and a background in art direction, photography, and virtual co-op teaching.
Andre Jones was born on December 3, 1979 in Clearwater, Florida. He was raised in a musical family and the youngest of four: one brother and two sisters and a proud father of three beautiful girls. Andre attended Pinellas County Schools and was active in athletics throughout. At East Lake High School, Andre was a great talent on the Football team until he graduated in 1998. Andre has 20 years experience working for childcare and now the Founder of The Vision Center, an after school program for youth ages 9-17yrs. As a Recreation Counselor, Coach and Mentor he daily touches the lives of the youth and young adults. The Vision Center is driven towards impacting the lives of youth and young adults through mentoring, education, recreation and spiritual development. Additionally, Andre is involved in the community. He is active in a number of volunteer capacities and is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. He is a DJ as well! DJ Dre rocks the crowd and motivates his audience to have a good time. Andre Jones is a Gospel Recording Artist, Composer and Musician. He, willingly, shares his gifts with others and serves as a keyboardist for a number of choirs/groups. Coach, mentor, teacher, musician and recording artist. I have been doing this for over 20yrs and love making an impact on the kids I serve.
April is a certified Eco Educator through the University of Florida IFAS Extension, and she earned her educator certification from the state of Florida. She is certified to teach from Project Learning Tree curriculum as well as Project Wild and Project Wet. She has also been endorsed as an Eco Educator by Pinellas County 4-H Youth Development, the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Florida Wildflower Foundation. She spent over 10 years teaching high school English in the public school system after receiving Bachelors Degrees in Literature and Philosophy from the University of South Florida and Florida State University. Her experience there included basic English classes to 9th through 12th graders as well as Critical Thinking Skills, Drama, Creative Writing and coaching various academic and sports extra-curriculars. She ran the newspaper journalism class at various high schools in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties and was recruited by two schools to re-build those programs from possible elimination. Her focus in the last 6 years has been on Eco Education. WanderKids, a homeschool club created and facilitated by April and her daughter, has existed for 6 years utilizing these amazing resources and sharing the importance of environmental awareness with our youngest advocates in hopes to truly make a difference.
Hello LOL family! After multiple cross-country moves, I'm excited to put down roots and invest in the homeschooling community that my children and I are loving so much. Though I'm a Coast Guard veteran and have degrees in both Marine Environmental Science and Business, my passions are engaging with the natural world (gardening, beekeeping, snorkeling, etc.) and cultivating human connection through play and teamwork. With six years as a camp counselor and practically lifelong participation in team athletics, I look forward to getting us outside playing, moving, and making memories!
Gracie has been performing her whole life, whether it’s singing, dancing, acting, or cheerleading. She is a choreographer and assistant instructor for the junior troupe at T3 Performance Studios in St. Petersburg, FL. Gracie has experience choreographing cheer, musical theatre and hip hop routines. While she is skilled in many styles of dance, her favorite styles to work on are jazz, hip hop and musical theatre. Her goal as a teacher is to create a fun experience where confidence and skills develop for all of the students she works with.
I grew up in the burbs of Philadelphia and moved to Florida as a photographer in 2015. I have a deep interest in all the different ways of life and especially art! My husband and I have also traveled all over Mexico to visit so many pyramids, ruins and museums that I have lost count! We didn’t stop there and have lived and visited other countries in Central America as well. We also took many cross country trips to visit Native American sites and I just can’t stop wanting to learn. I’m doing my best to accurately represent all cultures so we can expand our knowledge and understanding of these cultures together!
My name is Jacquelyn Vincent. I am a wife and mom of three awesome kiddos! I currently homeschool my three kiddos but also substitute teach part-time as well at the charter school my children used to attend. I have been substitute teaching for five years and am currently a student in the College of Education at St Petersburg College majoring in Special Education K-12. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 16 years but we have been together 21 years. In my spare time I love to read! As a family we spend a lot of time at Disney World and our big fans of anything Disney! I love teaching and am so excited to teach for our little homeschool community!
My name is Jenn and my passion is all things science! Many moons ago, I recieved a bachelor of science with a minor in American Sign Language, from USF. After having my son, I became a stay at home mom, and began my homeschool teaching journey. I initially taught a group of 10 kids, for two and a half years, before they started kindergarten and we joined LOL. I am excited to meet all of you and to share my love of science and learning.
Hi, my name is Kelley Pitcher. I found a love for all things dirt, mud, and clay at a very young age, and have enjoyed being dirty ever since! I went to The Maine College of Art for a short time focusing on ceramics. After that I apprenticed for Wiltjer Pottery in Maine. I have worked with clay off and on for over 15 yrs., holding small workshops for children at a small private school, and selling my own pottery. I love sharing my passion! Playing with clay seems to put a smile on everyone's face!
I have wo children and we have been happily participating at LOL since 2015. My educational background is in psychology, and prior to beginning our homeschool journey I worked in education.
I was born and raised in Italy, where I graduated from Turin University. In 2000, I relocated to the United States and later became a U.S. citizen.
My students range in age from 6 years old to 90 years old. I particularly enjoy teaching young students because I can incorporate play into the learning process, making it fun and engaging as they pick up a new language.
Leslie graduated from Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio with a Bachelors of Music Education with a certification in Pre K- 12. She has served in all types of public and private schools in Pinellas County for over 15 years. She has taught private lessons at the Calvary Baptist Musical Art School, in her home and worked with the Tampa Bay Children's Choir. Leslie was also the music director for multiple theaters including Saint Pete City Theatre, Gulfport Backdoor Theatre and Saint Petersburg Catholic High School. I am a former school board member with over 25 years of performance and teaching experience and I am very excited for the opportunity to work with your children. The LOL community is truly my favorite part of homeschooling.
Margaret has worked in the Florida public school system for the past ten years teaching general music, chorus, show choir and piano. In 2015 she graduated from the University of Miami Frost School of Music (Go 'Canes!) with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. She has an extensive background in the performing arts which she has been cultivating since the age of five! She's thrilled to have recently launched her own business teaching private vocal, piano and acting lessons. Check out her booking website!https://calendly.com/musicwithmargaret. Since 2021 Margaret has been the Music Director at St Pete MAD (Music, Acting and Dance), where she works on seven productions per year and directs the Broadway Bound performance troupe. In her free time she loves to work out, cook and spend time with friends and family.
I am the Assistant Director and a Coach with Jump for Kids, where I work with children to promote fitness, confidence, and healthy habits through movement. I focus on creating a positive and encouraging environment where kids can stay active, have fun, and grow at their own pace.
Max has been working and playing for many years with Heroic Health Group. She is ready to work with youth in the area that have interests in mock combat and D&D. She has been a member of Pinellas County 4-H Youth Development clubs for 13 years and is a graduating senior in the program.
Mykaila Judge is a theatre educator, director, and performer with experience in professional touring companies and entertainment at Walt Disney World. She loves creating fun, welcoming theatre experiences where young performers can build confidence, explore their creativity, and feel proud of who they are on and off the stage.
Rachel is a Florida native and mom of 2. She received her Bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida. Rachel has worked as a tutor and teacher for years covering subjects such as English, writing, SAT/ACT prep, Spanish, science, reading, literary analysis, college admissions essays and more! Other than spending time with her family, she really enjoys theme parks, rollercoasters, reading, and coffee.
Sara Norine is a professional artist and teacher with over 20 years experience. Her supportive studio environment allows each artist to find their own voice while encouraging them to use more advanced processes and techniques. Art is a form of personal expression and practice leads to articulate expression of each human’s own experience and personal style. As a homeschool parent, her commitment to each student is long term. Sara is committed to bringing new techniques and inspiration each semester. www.saranorine.com
Hello LOL!! I am a Theatre educator of 5 years, teaching at several homeschool co-ops and currently assisting at CPPAC in Largo, FL. I'm a professional actress in the Tampa Bay area, as well as Pre-Professional opera singer! I can't wait to work with you all
Hello! My name is Timotey, but my students call me Coach Tim. I have been a chess instructor since 2007. I hold two teaching degrees: I first earned my qualification as an Elementary School Teacher, and later received my Bachelor of Arts in Teaching History. I love both playing and teaching chess! Three of my students have become National Champions and Florida State Champions. I am a US Certified District Chess Coach – Level 2 and a US Certified Local Tournament Director. In addition, I serve as the President of the Saint Petersburg Chess Club and Chess Club Joy. I am also one of the Directors of the Florida Chess Association and the Regional Vice President for West Florida. Currently, I am a full-time chess instructor working with more than 20 students. I teach online chess lessons as well. I truly enjoy working with children of all ages!