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.
Amanda taught high school mathematics for 7 years in Pennsylvania before moving to Tampa and earning her Ph.D. in Mathematics Education at University of South Florida. She has taught mathematics and education methods courses at Marywood University and University of South Florida. She has experience tutoring mathematics from Kindergarten through college level classes. Currently, Amanda resides with her family in Largo and homeschools her three children.
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.
Arianna Bellitt has been doing theater since the age of 4. Her skills range from improv to lead roles in theater shows. She has been doing improv and taking improv classes since 2020 in a wide range of places. From professional classes with NYU-trained actors to classes at community centers. She is currently part of Triple Threat Performance Studio in St. Pete and has performed at the Strawberry Festival, Raymond James Stadium, and the Gulfport Night Market.
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!
Elizabeth, a St. Petersburg native and upcycling artist grew up public schooled from Kindergarten through 6th grade, then was traditionally homeschooled till High School Graduation (while also taking college courses). Now she Unschools her daughter, Mackenzie (8)! She loves whatever creative outlets she can find as they provide a type of catharsis she is most comfortable with (although, her mother keeps insisting she should be a stand-up comedian).
You can find her running with her husband after their young daughter, finding alternative ways to teach from the norm and rigidity of textbooks, following her daughter's interests like a hound dog, and finding the humor in the messiness that is life! Her favorite thing is to support mental health, chronic/invisible pain advocate, and that moment when someone has an AH-HA! moment that changes how they see themselves and the world around them.
Elizabeth and her daughter are both "neurospicy", Mackenzie is on the Autism Spectrum as is Elizabeth with the extra spice of ADHD thrown in! We are an inclusive family. We meet people where they are and we support their journeys! Can't wait to connect with you and your families!
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, I’m Justine! I teach entrepreneurship and dance. I received my AA degree in Dance HCC, BA in Anthropology from USF, and Master’s Certificate in Nonprofit Management from University of Tampa. I love art, culture, and human diversity. I also have a passion for business and teaching what I have learned. I taught dance for a total of 10 years (on and off),6 of which was running my own small dance studio with my sister. My day job was marketing/advertising sales for about 8 years. I’ve learned so much about business from my small business clients and running my own small business. I love seeing kids get hands-on and build their own businesses!
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.
Lauren Golden is an award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling author, and speaker who has helped tens of thousands of people build businesses and think differently about work, money, and opportunity. As the founder of The Free Mama, her programs supported families around the world in creating flexible, real-life income and confidence through freelancing. Lauren is passionate about helping students take action, build practical skills, and develop confidence that goes far beyond business.
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.
Hello, my name is Logan Haack. I am a dual enrollment student and a composer. I play several instruments, including piano, drums, and bass guitar. My biggest passion is storytelling through music, but I love stories in general. Whether it's gaming, movies, books, or music, stories mean the most to me.
Margaret is a music educator, vocal coach, and performing arts director with more than a decade of experience working with young performers. She graduated from the University of Miami Frost School of Music (Go ’Canes!) with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and spent ten years teaching in Florida public schools, where she taught general music, chorus, show choir, and piano.
Margaret is the Founder and Artistic Director of Triple Threat Performers Studio (T3), a performing arts studio serving young performers through musical theatre, acting, dance, private instruction, and performance opportunities. At T3, she loves helping students become confident, well-rounded performers while creating a community where they can connect with others who love the arts as much as they do.
A performer herself since the age of five, Margaret has spent most of her life in the performing arts both onstage and behind the scenes. She loves bringing that experience into the classroom and giving students opportunities to build their skills, take creative risks, and discover what makes them unique as performers.
Margaret is thrilled to be back at LOL for another season of musical theatre!
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.
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!