Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Mrs. Alpert is delighted to join the Aspire family as a music teacher (Choral & Instrumental)!  She has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Vocal Performance with a minor in Harp from the University of Arkansas and two Master’s of Music degrees from the Conservatory for Music in Maastricht, the Netherlands.  She is currently Assistant Director for Tulsa Youth Opera (a choir).  She maintains a private studio for voice, piano, & harp students. When she isn’t teaching, she is spending time with her husband of almost 25 years, Daniel or visiting with her two adult daughters (who were homeschooled!!).  She also loves books, cats (of course!), scrapbooking, sci-fi, Catan, soccer, & volleyball. She is so grateful to the Lord to be with homeschooling families and hopes to inspire her students to worship the Lord through music.

Elizabeth Alpert

Hi, I am Kai Anderson a home schooling mom of three kids ages 4, 8, and 10. I grew up in Oregon and Colorado until I moved to Kauai, Hawaii in eighth grade. I spent a year in Germany as an exchange student when I was 16. During my senior year of high school God sent me my wonderful husband who shared Jesus with me. I chose history as my major in college because no matter how much I read about history there is still something new to learn. The more I study history the more I see God's involvement shaping the world to His glory. I love teaching history because I get to tell great stories about real people. I hope I get the share some of these stories with your student. Teaching with Aspire is great fun and I enjoy the flexibility to let each family make the class whatever their student needs. 

Kai Anderson

Eileen Bader was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and moved to Tulsa in August 1989 to pursue her MIS degree at The University of Tulsa. Years later with a husband and 2 children, she realized the Lord was calling her to homeschool. This started a passion for learning and teaching that she never knew existed. In the last seven years, Eileen has taught various classes for ages from preschool to high school in two different homeschool co-ops. Her favorite subjects are math, science, and American history. She loves creating relationships with students as they learn new things, stretch outside their comfort zone, and build confidence. Eileen just completed her 11th and final year homeschooling, and she is ready for the next adventure.

Eileen Bader

My name is Amy Beller. I have been with Aspire for 5 years and have taught at Aspire Academy for one. My husband is the senior pastor at a church in Wagoner and we have three children. I taught kindergarten for almost 10 years before I resigned to stay home and homeschool my children. I love teaching and look forward to the upcoming year at Aspire Academy.

Amy Beller

Mrs. Penny Burt has a B.A. in Fine Art from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma.  She has taught art to homeschool students for many years in the Tulsa Metro area. Penny has a passion for developing future visual artists for God’s Kingdom.

Penny Burt

Sheldon Clark has been teaching in the Tulsa/Owasso area for 14 years. He began playing guitar at age 8 and has been playing with local bands, solo at weddings and special occasions, and for the last 12 years with an acoustic duo playing one to three shows a week. Sheldon also gives private lessons at home and in Owasso with Foyil Music Studio. He has been teaching group lessons for Heartland and The Group homeschool co-ops for the last 6 years. At the beginning of 2019 he also began work at The School of Rock were he is the lead show director. Sheldon Clark sheldonclark2001@yahoo.com (918)260-3244

Sheldon Clark

My husband (Brent) and I have been married for 27 years, and we have 4 girls – all of whom were homeschooled from kindergarten through 12th grade. With our last child graduating in 2020, we’ve spent the past 20 years on this homeschooling journey! I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis in early childhood from John Brown University in 1994. Over the past 26 years, I have had a variety of opportunities to teach a wide range of ages and subjects from 2-year-olds through 12th grade as a preschool teacher, a Classical Conversations Foundations and Essentials tutor, and Challenge director, and a volunteer in several homeschooling co-ops. I also served as the Children’s Ministry Director of Fellowship Bible Church for 2 years where I was responsible for ministering to children ages infant through 6th grade. Last year I had the wonderful privilege of teaching Kindergarten and a Fun Latin class for elementary students at Aspire Academy. This year I am looking forward to teaching Kindergarten once again along with a couple of Latin classes and IEW writing classes. It is difficult for me to pick a favorite age or even a favorite subject; I have a passion to help create in students a love of learning – no matter what their age or what subject we’re studying.

Julie Cox

Hello everyone! My name is Maryann Cook.  I am originally from New York and met my husband while he was in the Navy. We are 26 yrs married and have 2 children. My daughter is 20 yrs old, home school graduate, and my son is 17 yrs old who both have been homeschooled since they were 5 years old.  I loved having the ability to teach my children what they needed to know and have fun with it. It was amazing to learn again with my children.  It’s been an awesome journey!  Besides being a wife, mom and teacher, I also enjoy baking, gardening, painting/drawing, watching hockey and enjoy many other activities.

Maryann Cook

Nicole Crandell has been homeschooling for 3 years. This will be her second year teaching at Aspire Elective, and her first year teaching at Aspire Academy. Before that she taught for a year at the Journey co-op in Bixby. Many students know her by the nickname Mrs. Doodle! She is a science and technology enthusiast, dabbles in all forms of crafts, and loves teaching elementary classes.

Nicole Crandell

My name is Brittney Crumb.  Born and raised in Tulsa, I have been here all but the 2 years I lived in Stillwater as a student/newlywed. I went to college but never settled on a degree. Since being a student wasn't a career option, I stopped after 105 hours of mainly math and science courses. The plan was always to return once I knew what I wanted to do when I grew up, but the Lord still hasn't led me down that path yet. I have worked at 3 different elementary schools as a paraprofessional. I also worked as a CNA and a nurse tech but after kiddo #2 made his appearance in 2010 I have stayed at home. I am a wife to Michael and mom to 7 kids. 

Life is perfectly chaotic. We chose to start homeschooling in 2013 when my oldest was starting 3rd grade.  Aspire has been a new adventure we started in 2019 and we all love it!

Brittney Crumb

I’ve spent over 20 years in photography. My experience includes traditional film shooting and processing in a darkroom; digital photography using a wide array of cameras, lights, and editing tools; and training others, from beginners to professionals. I’ve had the opportunity to express my passion for photography in professional studio settings, on commercial film sets, and as a freelance photographer. I’ve also had extensive experience in digital editing tools such as Adobe Photoshop where I’m a Certified Expert, and also newer online and mobile-based tools. Though the technologies and methods of image capture and editing will continue to change, the fundamentals of great photography will always be in the subject, lighting, and composition. I live in Broken Arrow with my husband of 17 years, our two daughters, all of whom have served as models and photo assistants through the years.

Melissa Davis

We are so excited to have Mr. Duncan join the Aspire Academy!  He has many years of experience in teaching and is excited to make Physics come alive for your students!

Alan Duncan

Born in San Diego, CA to a then-Navy family, raised in the Oklahoma City area.  Married to my wife Barbara for almost 43 years, 2 adult children (a daughter Christy and a son Jason), with 3 step-granddaughters and for now, a foster child being cared for by our daughter and who calls me Grandpa.  My mother still lives in the same house I grew up in.

Studied at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK.   Earned a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology (EET).

I worked for 38 years in the oil and gas industry, first for Phillips Petroleum as a field service tech in Chromatographs, then in Research & Development as an RF Electronics Technician.  Eventually earned the title RF Electronics Engineer, a job that involved design and redesign of radio systems used in the search for oil.   As the OPSEIS product line evolved and was sold to Sercel (a French/European company), I moved with the product and spent 4 years in Houston and 1 year in France working on a special project.  Travel was often, too many places around the US and the world, including Canada, Mexico, France, and China, often to refineries and manufacturing plants, or field locations where our radio products were being used.  When that system was eventually shelved and family duties called, I found myself back in Oklahoma where I worked at ABB as a Senior Engineering Tech until my retirement in 2015.

I started teaching as a side interest in 1985, teaching Electronics to adults at the local vo-tech through their evening classes program.  I continued that until 1995 when the school ended the program due to changes in their education programs.  In 2014, they restarted their Adult Electronics program and I once again began teaching.   With my retirement from the Engineering world, I really wanted to continue imparting my knowledge to a new generation and hopefully spark some interest in the Technical Sciences, where a great future can be had for those willing to follow that path.  When the opportunity came along to teach through Aspire, I gladly accepted.  I look forward to hopefully inspiring all who come through my classroom.

Mike Eaton

Samantha Floyd is a ninth-year homeschooling mom to four girls: Natalie (13), Brooklynn (11), Rylan (9) and Lauren (5). Samantha met her husband through the Baptist Collegiate Ministries at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. They have been happily married for sixteen years. She enjoys reading, music, baking, road trips, coaching, and watching her daughters play their favorite sports. Samantha and her family are active members of Riverview Baptist Church in Bixby, where she also serves as campus director for our south co-operative campus. This will be her family’s third year at Aspire and her second year serving as director of Member Support. She looks forward to welcoming new members of Aspire into our tribe and working diligently to support the physical and spiritual needs of our ever-growing Aspire community.

Samantha Floyd

Hello, my name is Jessica Girouard, and I am so excited to be a part of Aspire Academy! I have been dancing since the age of 9, and have been trained in many styles of dance, including Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip-Hop and Tap. I have danced and choreographed for many different performances such as concerts, fashion shows and church conferences. From 2017-2018, I joined Ingredients Dance Company based in Dallas, Texas where I travelled and performed across the nation with Dance Revolution. After my season ended with the company, I returned to Tulsa to continue my education and my love of teaching dance. Though I teach both beginning dancers and advanced ones, my goal for all my students is for them to leave class feeling encouraged, having a deeper appreciation for the art and discipline of dance.

Jessica Girouard

My name is Candra Graves.  I have been married for 20 years now, and we decided to start homeschooling seven years ago.  I have three wonderful kids who keep me on my toes.  I was a medical assistant for 10 years before my last child was born and am currently enrolled at TCC to become a veterinary technician.  In short, I love animals, which makes zoology the perfect subject for me to teach!  This will be our third year with Aspire and we all love it!

Candra Graves

Ruthetta Henderson has taught elementary grades in private schools across the Tulsa Metro Area for over 20 years. She has also spent 7 years as a Reading Specialist for Tulsa Public Schools.  She retired in 2014, but then returned to teaching and joined Aspire Academy in 2018.  She is a favorite teacher of our elementary students and parents!

Ruthetta was married for 40 years when she lost her precious husband, Dwight, 6 years ago.  She spends her free time traveling with friends and visiting her son, daughter-in-law, and 2 sweet grandkids!

Ruthetta Henderson

This will be my first year teaching at Aspire but we have homeschooled for 9 years (off and on).  I will be teaching a self defense class for junior high and high school girls. As a young adult I worked with girls / women in crisis.  Following that experience, I became interested in self defense. Fast forward several years, I became involved in karate with ABKA and earned my 2nd degree black belt. For the last few years I have also become involved with Krav Maga and have earned my full instructor certification.

Lori Herbel

Upbeat and highly capable Elementary Educator devoted to promoting student learning and maximizing students potential. Experienced in directing classroom environments and strengthening student love for learning through positive and innovative approaches.

Alex has a history of teaching plans for 3 children from Preschool-3rd Grade.

He has experience with various educational curricula while incorporating the Word of God.

Alex Hughes

Charly Hudson has been married to Zack for 15 years and has 5 children - Andrew, 12; Karah, 8; Philip, 6; Rebekah, 3; and Nathan, 5 months. She achieved a Bachelor of Science in Medical/Molecular Biology (Pre-med) in 2006 at Rogers State University in Claremore, OK. She had her first child in March of 2007, and started teaching Middle School General Science, High School Biology, and Anatomy and Physiology in August of 2007 at a homeschool co-op in Fort Worth, TX. This allowed her to stay home with her son, and the Lord used this role to eventually lead her on the homeschooling journey with her own children. She continued to teach all levels of science at the same co-op, and eventually played a leadership role in the Math and Science Department, which she did until her family moved back to Oklahoma in September of 2018. She has a passion for teaching the subject she loves and is excited about being a part of the Aspire community.

Charly Hudson

Breanna worked in the public school system for 7 years, all but one of those being in Broken Arrow Public Schools. She is certified to teach elementary education as well as dually certified in special education. She received her Bachelors Degree from Northeastern State University. Breanna is married to Danny. She has two sons, Jackson and Sam and two stepdaughters, Macy and Shelby. For the past two years, she has been a stay at home mom, but actively volunteers at her kids' school and teaches Kindergarten Sunday School. In her free time, she likes to read, cook, spend time with her husband and kids and be involved in her church. 

Breanna James

My name is Kelli Lambert. I have been married to my husband, Todd, for 16 years and we have three children. They are 13, 12, and 11 years old. I graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with an Elementary Education degree. I taught 1st grade for two years in Kansas and then went on to teach 1st grade and ESL in Texas. Then 12 years ago my family moved overseas. During our time there I began homeschooling my children and teaching a variety of students. We have transitioned back to Oklahoma this year and are finishing up our 8th year of homeschool. My kids and I are looking forward to being apart of the Aspire community.

Kelli Lambert

Jeanette Lord is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma, with a BA in Oral Communications. She homeschooled her step-daughter through the high school years and her youngest for all school years. Her family moved from Oklahoma City to Broken Arrow in 2014. She has previously led homeschool elementary and junior high co-op classes in art, geography, novel writing, and government, along with high school classes in ancient history, American history, American literature and Christian literature. Jeanette also taught AWANA counsel time for 5 years. GA’s for 3 years, and has led numerous ladies Bible studies. Along with teaching, her hobbies include sewing, scrapbooking, hiking and spending time with family and friends. Her newest addition to her family, a smooth collie/greyhound/lab male dog, gets her outside for walks and playing ball.

Jeanette Lord

Jessica Miller is excited to be rejoining the Aspire team this coming year. Jessica has three years teaching experience in the Christian private school environment. She obtained her Bachelors in Russian History from the University of Tulsa, and is certified in secondary education by ACSI International.  Outside of teaching Jessica is a 14 year tenured realtor with Waterstone Realty, LLC where she enjoys educating clients on the intricacies of real estate.

Jessica Miller 

Jennifer Miser graduated from Lindenwood University in 2005 with a degree in Fine Arts. She has worked as a studio photographer, graphic designer, textbook editor, freelance writer for magazine publication, and a librarian for a Montessori Academy in St Louis, Missouri. Since moving to Oklahoma, Jennifer owns and operates a commercial cut flower farm and will be returning as an Aspire Academic Tutor for the 2019- 2020 season teaching Nature Illustration, Exploring Great Artists, Principles of Drawing, Fonts and Graphic Design, Psychology, Poetry, Photography and Interior Design. Because of her commitment to the education of her own nine children (ages 1-12), Jennifer has extensive experience with multiple homeschool curricula and is excited to teach returning students as well as students that are new to the Aspire program sharing her love for art, writing and the human mind.

Jennifer Miser

Waiting on Desc

Lea Nance

Roger Nimmo taught High School Science for 21 years. He taught AP Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, Earth Science, General Science, and Anatomy/Physiology.

He has a passion for this topic and has spent about 4,000 hours studying the evidence for and against the Theory of Evolution. Mr. Nimmo believes everyone who takes this class will increase their faith in God and His Word. The knowledge they gain will keep them from the unbelief they might pick up from the secular education they receive from the world.

Roger Nimmo

Sheri has been married for 26 years and has 5 sons, 3 daughters, and 2 daughters-in-love. Sheri has volunteered in Children's Ministry for over 30 years, taught preschool for 8 years total between Small World Learning Center and First Baptist Church. Currently, Sheri is on staff at First Jenks United Methodist as the Children's Minister and is attending Oklahoma Wesleyan University pursuing a degree in Ministry & Leadership, specializing in Families and Children.

Sheri Osborne

My name is Diane Saghi. I was born and raised in Broken Arrow. I graduated from Oklahoma State University with a teaching degree in secondary English and taught high school English for 6 years in the public school system, but I chose to stay home when my oldest child was born. I have been married for 8 years to Jason, and we have 2 biological children: Xander, age 4 and Sadie, age 6; however, our family is often changing since we are also foster parents. In my spare time you will find me singing with the worship team at church, and during the summers our family enjoys camping and boating.

Diane Saghi

My name is Pam Searcy. I am originally from Wisconsin, but 22 years ago, I met a handsome Okie in uniform that convinced me to follow him wherever the Army sent him. We’ve been married for 20 years now and have four pretty amazing children. I have been homeschooling for 11 years and, this year, we will be graduating our first child. We moved to Broken Arrow five years ago and Aspire was one of the first homeschooling groups we reached out to. I am incredibly thankful to have found this amazing community that has helped my children transition to their final move ‘home’. I am an avid reader and a huge math nerd. Though my degree is in Early Childhood Education and Development, I have found as I have gotten older that I really love teaching the older kids. This year at Aspire I will be teaching some of the Jr. High Math classes, Geometry, and several Literature classes. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your children.

Pam Searcy

Hello, Aspire families!  My name is Amy Shipman.  I am excited to be joining Aspire Academy as a tutor this year!

A bit about me:  I have been married for almost 22 years to the most wonderful (and patient) man.  We have one daughter (21 years old) and two sons (14 & 10 years old).  We will soon be welcoming a new son-in-law.  Additionally, we are a foster family.  We have 2 dogs, 1 turtle, 5 chickens, and 3 ducks.  

I am a licensed Paramedic and Registered Nurse who spent 13 years in prehospital, emergency room medicine, and EMS education before deciding to stay home full time to homeschool our two youngest children.  Our children’s school journey has incorporated every “type” of school available (public, private, university-model, and homeschool).  We passionately believe that each child is different, and each year is a new year.  And even though my first attempt at homeschooling was a disaster, I tried again and have found such joy in this educational journey!

I LOVE life-sciences, anything medical and English-grammar!  I also have a significant LIKE for coffee dates, hot tea, journaling, chocolate, baking, and all things organizing.  I have danced and taught dance most of my life, so I am naturally expressive and dramatic.  I am a recovering Type-A, Enneagram 8 who truly wishes I could love well and still stay organized and clean ALL of the time while constantly pursuing justice, always.  However, I have decided that the greatest of these is LOVE, and so I concede and try to make each day fun in some way.  

My hope for teaching is to help students love learning.  This is the first step to creating a life-long learner.  We can learn character traits like diligence, hard work, and perseverance while still being creative and curious.  I can not wait to get to know all of our Academy families this year!  It’s going to be a great year!

Amy Shipman

I am a homeschool mom of 3, Trystan (15), Cameron (8), and Sydney (3). My husband, Jeff, and I have been married for 14 years and attend Life Church in Broken Arrow.  We are both from Broken Arrow and graduated from NSU BA.  Before staying home, I was a high school math teacher and I specialized in Special education.  God called me home to be with my daughter and we decided to homeschool almost 2 years ago!  I love teaching math and am currently a private math tutor.  I am excited to tutor this year at Aspire Academy!

Jackie Simms

Karen Cuellar

Academy Director

Amy Gamble

Little Roots Lead

Brandi Bissett

Elementary Lead

Katie Johnson

Language Arts & History Lead

Ashley Conner

Math & Science Lead

Brittany Baker

Elective Lead

Amy Neffendorf

Willows Lead