Meet the Team
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Mrs. Melissa Albanes
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Homeschool Grad • Homeschool MomAs a tech co-founder and consultant to some of the world’s leading tech brands, Melissa spent her career building the systems and frameworks that empower people—skills she now channels into creating an organized, enriching, and community-driven learning environment.
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Mrs. Lisa Urquhart, M.Ed
ACADEMIC DIRECTOR & ELEMENTARY TEACHER
Registered Australian TeacherMrs. U has a deep passion for nurturing young minds and brings heart, clarity, and a whole lot of enthusiasm to the classroom! She’s especially passionate about helping students embrace a growth mindset and believes that the power of “yet” is one of life’s most valuable lessons.
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Mrs. Lesley Reese
JUNIOR HIGH LEAD TEACHER
Homeschool Mom • Certified TeacherWith her southern charm, background teaching in SJC schools, and love for finding creative ways to make learning come alive, Mrs. Lesley specializes in educating the whole child through high-interest activities and meaningful experiences that spark curiosity.
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Mrs. Dani Caruso
STEAM TEACHER
Prior Homeschool Mom • Former Private School TeacherMiss Dani believes learning should be loud and messy! As a local artist with a passion for creativity and curiosity, she brings learning to life. Whether students are building bridges or testing theories, Miss Dani is beside them—encouraging the joy of figuring things out.
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Miss Elora Harris
TEACHING ASSISTANT
Homeschool Grad • English MajorMiss Elora brings a thoughtful balance of logic, kindness, and creativity to the co-op. With a musical spirit and a straightforward style, she’s known for jumping in wherever she’s needed and supporting both students and staff with a calm, can-do attitude.
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Mrs. Allison Dempsey, M.Ed
TEACHING ASSISTANT
Certified TeacherMrs. Allison has a knack for mixing encouragement with creativity so students feel confident learning new things. Outdoorsy, full of good vibes, and nearly a decade of classroom experience (including in SJC schools), she helps students discover just how much they can do.
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Mrs. Amanda Baumgardner
ENRICHMENT CLASS TEACHER - ART STUDIO
Miss Amanda brings a kind, steady, and welcoming presence to art. With a bachelor’s degree in sculpture and a minor in drawing, she helps students explore new materials, express their ideas, and build confidence in their creativity.
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Mrs. Charity Rakoncay
ENRICHMENT CLASS TEACHER - ASL
Mrs. Rakoncay is passionate about helping others connect through American Sign Language (ASL)! Charity was born Deaf and is a lifelong ASL user with over five years of teaching experience. She and her Deaf husband use ASL daily with their three hearing children.
Advisory Board
Mr. Gabriel Albanes
Mrs. Amanda Baumgardner
Mrs. Megan Brown
Mrs. Nicole Lewis
Mrs. Emily Lord