Our Christian online Teachers
Meet the Christian online teachers and staff at Thrive Online Academy, where personalized K–12 education begins with knowing your child. Explore our faculty’s qualifications, subject expertise, and teaching experience, including support for students with learning differences.
Hannah Thomas
Hannah Thomas
Principal
Hannah earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Bible Theology from Emmaus Bible College and completed her Master’s in Educational Leadership at Pensacola Christian College. Hannah holds an ACSI license as an Elementary Teacher and Principal. Hannah has taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Uganda and has provided both in-person and online tutoring to students across the United States. She has experience supporting students with learning differences, including dyslexia, ADD, and autism.
As the founder of Family Focused Tutors and Thrive Online Academy, Hannah is passionate about helping children develop a love for learning and reach their full potential. In her role, she supports both tutors and families, ensuring each student receives personalized, meaningful instruction through a Christian worldview.
McKenzie Borst
McKenzie Borst
Assistant Principal
McKenzie Borst is a licensed Indiana teacher who earned her degree in Education with a minor in Psychology from Taylor University. She spent five years teaching in person before transitioning to online tutoring with Family Focused Tutors, where she also supports families and tutors in an administrative role. McKenzie has experience working with students on IEPs and 504 plans and is trained in Phonics First, an Orton-Gillingham–based curriculum. She is committed to fostering curiosity through faith-based education.
Laura Boudmer
Laura Boudmer
Elementary Teacher
Laura grew up in Massachusetts and attended Word of Life Bible Institute before earning her degree in Elementary Education K-6 from Clarks Summit University. She also holds ACSI certification in K-8 and a Preschool/Kindergarten credential for private schools. Laura has experience teaching in private, public, and Christian school settings, as well as providing one-on-one tutoring and online ESL instruction.
Laura trusted Christ at a young age and has enjoyed serving children and families through various church ministries, including AWANA, VBS, Sunday School, and children’s ministry. She has also participated in several mission trips and has a passion for helping students grow academically and personally.
Laura is excited to be part of the Family Focused Tutors team and looks forward to partnering with students and families. She enjoys creating engaging lessons, using visual aids, and fostering a positive learning environment. Outside of teaching, Laura enjoys supporting her husband in his pastoral role, cooking and baking for her four sons, visiting family, and crocheting.
Tricia Seabolt
Tricia Seabolt
Elementary Teacher
Tricia earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Wellness, Rehabilitation, and Activity Therapy from Eastern Michigan University and an associate degree in the field of Occupational Therapy from Macomb Community College. She is TESOL certified and owns a virtual ESL business serving students in Asia. Since 2018, she has taught nearly 50,000 virtual ESL classes.
Tricia's traditionally published children's book, starring a protagonist with Down syndrome, was inspired by her volunteer work tutoring within the Down syndrome community. Tricia has also served in children's ministry, mentored at-risk youth, and teaches free Bible lessons to children in China.
Tricia's background in occupational therapy influences her student-centered approach, and she values making learning fun while building lasting relationships with her students. In fact, many of her ESL families have been with her since 2018.
When she’s not teaching or writing, Tricia can be found rescuing animals, eating pickles, or hanging out with her four (yes, four!) sons.
Caitlin Callahan
Caitlin Callahan
Elementary School Teacher
Caitlin Callahan was homeschooled from kindergarten through twelfth grade. In 2025, Caitlin earned her B.A. in Writing from Point Loma Nazarene University. During her college years, she worked as a proofreader/copyeditor for a local APWU newsletter, interned for a Christian publishing company (Calla Press Publishing), and wrote as a student contributor for Fastweb. Today, she teaches at a private art studio, working with students ages five and up. She also works as a yearbook advisor and will begin teaching British Literature this fall.
As a teacher, Caitlin’s desire is to instill biblical worldviews and foster the love of learning. She hopes to give back to the homeschool community and encourage students to create good work for God's glory.
Angela Nicole Williams
Angela Nicole Williams
Elementary Teacher | Middle School Teacher
Nicholas Payne
Nicholas Payne
Elementary School Teacher | Middle School Teacher
Nicholas graduated in 2012 from Alpena Community College with Associates degrees in Business Management and Accounting. In 2017, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Calvary University as well as his Missouri State teaching certification.
After graduating, Nicholas moved to Jordan to teach at a small Christian school. From there, he relocated to South Africa, where he continued expanding his experience working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds. He found through this experience that he loves teaching English and the Bible, because the Bible is the truth that can really change student’s hearts and minds.
Currently, Nicholas works for Teach Beyond leading the Sparrow Project, a teacher-training program for educators in under-resourced schools.
Outside of tutoring, Nicholas loves drinking coffee with his wife Deann and taking walks in the morning with his three young children.
Lynn Hullett
Lynn Hullett
Elementary Teacher | Middle School Teacher
Tabitha Johnson
Tabitha Johnson
Elementary School Teacher | Middle School Teacher
Tabitha Johnson is a dedicated educator and student advocate with over 10 years of experience tutoring learners of all ages and literacy levels, including English Language Learners and GED students. She graduated from Florida State University and is passionate about helping students develop the skills, confidence, and independence they need to succeed.
With a background as a Case Manager and Social Service Advocate for the Florida Department of Children and Families, Tabitha brings a personalized, student-centered approach to education. She has experience using assessments to identify individual needs, establish achievable goals, and develop structured plans that support student growth.
Tabitha has completed training in FERPA, HIPAA, digital health, and financial literacy. She has also been trained by the American Psychological Association as a Digital Health Navigator, equipping her with knowledge of accessibility tools and resources that can support diverse learning needs and curriculum development.
Through her experience in education and social services, Tabitha is committed to creating a supportive learning environment where every student is encouraged to grow academically, build confidence, and reach their full potential.
Ja’Naya Bromley
Ja’Naya Bromley
Elementary Teacher | Middle School Teacher
Debbie Brotzge
Debbie Brotzge
Elementary School Teacher | Middle School Teacher
Debbie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Central Washington University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics. She has experience teaching in public and private schools, homeschooling her daughter for ten years, leading a homeschool co-op, and supporting new homeschool families as an education consultant. Debbie is passionate about fostering a love of learning and helping students recognize that all truth is God’s truth.
Originally from Washington, Debbie has lived in eight states over the years. Outside of teaching, she enjoys strong coffee, quiet walks, classic films, outdoor adventures, and reading mystery novels. Her greatest treasure is her relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Wayne Anderson
Wayne Anderson
Elementary Teacher | Middle School Teacher | Special Education Teacher
Jay’Den-Alexis Bromley
Jay’Den-Alexis Bromley
Elementary Teacher | Middle School Teacher | Special Education Teacher
Megan Holm
Megan Holm
Elementary School Teacher | Middle School Teacher
Megan graduated from Augsburg College with a degree in Elementary & Pre-Primary Education. She has spent 8 years as a Pre-K teacher in Minnesota, and 3 years as an English and 4th-grade teacher overseas. It is her joy to work with younger elementary students and their families, seeing them grow together through interactive, high-quality education.
Megan has experience working with children from a wide variety of backgrounds, including children with special needs and children/young adults learning English as a second or third language. She is currently helping to develop curriculum and train teachers overseas. She loves teaching in hands-on, creative ways, and looks forward to exploring your student’s unique and beautiful gifts!
Cecilia Acuna
Cecilia Acuna
Elementary Teacher | Middle School Teacher
Cecilia Acuna is a passionate educator with over 10 years of teaching experience and more than five years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant. She graduated from New Mexico State University with a bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders and brings a wealth of experience in personalized instruction, language development, and student support.
Cecilia homeschooled her sons for eight years, gaining firsthand experience with a variety of homeschool curricula and learning approaches. She understands the unique challenges homeschooling families may face and enjoys helping parents navigate their homeschool journeys. She has also worked as a tutor with Classical Conversations and taught acting classes within a homeschool community.
Cecilia previously taught Speech and Drama at Immanuel Christian School, where she wrote theatre scripts and helped students develop their interpersonal skills, confidence, and public speaking abilities. She currently serves as an ESL instructor with the Christian Women's Job Corps in El Paso, Texas, where she tailors lessons to students' individual learning styles and creates fun, interactive learning experiences.
As a Christian educator, Cecilia is passionate about encouraging students in both their academic growth and their relationship with Jesus Christ. She strives to create a supportive learning environment where students feel encouraged to persevere through challenges and recognize their God-given potential. Through prayer, encouragement, and individualized instruction, Cecilia seeks to help each student grow in confidence, character, and a love of learning.
Outside of teaching, Cecilia enjoys creative writing, hiking in the mountains with her husband and sons, practicing conversational Spanish with friends, and relaxing with a good book and her pug.
Additional experience: ESL instruction, communication skills, and support for students with communication disorders, including language development, articulation, fluency, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Faith Simpson
Faith Simpson
Elementary Teacher | Middle School Teacher
Faith Simpson is a passionate educator who enjoys helping students grow in confidence, strengthen their academic skills, and develop a love of learning. She graduated from Cedarville University with a bachelor's degree in Secondary English Education, specializing in English Language Arts for grades 7–12.
After graduating, Faith taught eighth-grade literature and sixth-grade grammar, while also coaching a variety of sports and extracurricular activities. She has additional experience tutoring and teaching core subjects to students in grades K–3, seventh grade, tenth grade, and college-level writing. She also enjoys working one-on-one with students of various ages who need extra academic support.
Faith believes in viewing each student as a whole person and values adapting lessons to fit their individual strengths, needs, and learning styles. She is especially passionate about encouraging close reading, fostering a love of literature, and helping students develop strong verbal and written communication skills. However, she also enjoys supporting students across a variety of subjects and helping them become more capable and confident learners.
Outside of teaching, Faith enjoys playing soccer and volleyball, surfing, reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She looks forward to partnering with families and being part of each student's learning journey!
Laura Sharpe
Laura Sharpe
Elementary Teacher | Special Education Teacher
Laura Sharpe graduated from Samford University with a degree in Early Childhood/Elementary/Special Education. She taught in the U.S. for two years before moving to West Africa, where she homeschooled her three children and led a center for children with special needs. Laura is passionate about helping students reach their full learning potential.
Lisa Miller
Lisa Miller
Elementary Teacher | Special Education Teacher
Lisa holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a minor in reading and brings 15 years of teaching experience to her work with students. She is certified in elementary education, reading, life science, and special education.
Education has always been an important part of Lisa's life. She homeschooled her own children and now enjoys helping her daughter homeschool her grandchildren.
When she's not teaching, Lisa enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. She is committed to creating a positive, encouraging learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, taking academic risks, and celebrating their progress.
Sandra Sawczak
Sandra Sawczak
Elementary Teacher | Middle School Teacher | Special Education Teacher
Mari Trommler
Mari Trommeler
Elementary Teacher | Middle School Teacher| Special Education Teacher
First and foremost, Mari seeks to honor the Lord in all she does. She is passionate about bringing God and His Word into every lesson, believing that the purpose of knowledge is to personally know Jesus Christ. Mari holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Master’s in Education from Arizona State University. She has served as a college
writing tutor, mentored elementary-aged English Language Learners, and served as a substitute teacher for a variety of grade levels from K-12.
Yet the life experience which has best prepared Mari as a tutor is homeschooling her own children—now in middle school—through various curriculums and daily challenges. As every parent knows, each child has unique strengths, struggles, and learning styles, and Mari believes that the best way to foster learning is by asking questions and teaching students to do the same. Mistakes are life’s greatest tutors, and it would be her joy to work alongside learners at all levels of ability, with the aim of transforming trials into victories. Through it all, we must remember: it is in Christ’s strength alone that we are able to do all things (Philippians 4:13).
When she’s not homeschooling, Mari enjoys hanging out with her husband and kids, serving as a children’s Sunday School teacher at her church, and turning new recipes into science experiments.
Carey Ragsdale
Carey Ragsdale
Elementary Teacher | Middle School Teacher | Special Education Teacher
Tammy Lashlee
Tammy Lashlee
Middle School | High School Teacher
Jacob Miller
Jacob Miller
Middle School | High School Teacher
Jacob is a dedicated educator who is passionate about helping students build confidence, strengthen their academic skills, and achieve success. He graduated from Central Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in Middle Level Mathematics and Middle Level Science Teaching.
Jacob has experience as a substitute teacher, including long-term assignments teaching high school mathematics and Virtual ALE classes in the Kelso School District. He also worked part-time at Kelso Virtual Academy, where he provided individualized support to students in an online learning environment. His experience includes tutoring students in various subjects, coaching them toward academic success, and communicating effectively with students and parents.
Jacob excels at building meaningful connections with students, meeting them where they are academically, and helping them grow. He believes in encouraging students and providing the guidance they need to reach their full potential.
Outside of teaching, Jacob works alongside his wife, Victoria, as a house parent with Imago Dei Ministry Homes, a Christian housing program for unmarried pregnant women. Together, they disciple young women and support them in various aspects of their lives. Jacob is passionate about teaching, mentoring, and guiding young people in their faith, and he looks forward to continuing that mission through tutoring.
Newton DeLeon
Newton DeLeon
Middle School | High School Teacher
Newton DeLeon is an experienced educator with over 26 years of experience teaching and tutoring students in public, private, college-preparatory, and Montessori school settings. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from Loyola Marymount University. He also holds a California Clear Teaching Credential.
Throughout his career, Newton has taught students from elementary school through advanced high school coursework in science and mathematics. His teaching experience includes Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics, Oceanography, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Algebra II, Geometry, and AP-level courses. He enjoys using real-world examples, hands-on activities, and thoughtful questions to make challenging concepts easier to understand and apply.
Newton believes every student is uniquely created by God and has gifts worth recognizing and developing. His faith in Jesus Christ shapes his patient and compassionate approach to teaching. He strives to create a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, learning from mistakes, and growing in both confidence and character. He views education as an opportunity to serve God by helping young people develop wisdom, perseverance, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Originally from Hawaii, Newton has a special appreciation for marine biology, oceanography, and the natural world. Outside of teaching, he enjoys spending time with his family and his two chocolate Labradors, Duke and Charlie. Newton is excited to work with Family Focused Tutors and partner with families to help students grow academically through a personalized, Christ-centered approach to learning.
Jeremy Monroe
Jeremy Monroe
Middle School | High School Teacher
Jeremy Monroe is a dedicated educator who is passionate about Christian education and helping students grow academically and spiritually. He currently teaches middle and high school at a Christian school in Indiana, where he teaches a variety of subjects, including science, mathematics, geography, health, and Bible. He also has experience teaching elementary keyboarding and working with students across multiple grade levels.
Jeremy earned his bachelor's degree in Mathematics with a focus in Secondary Education from Western Governors University in 2015. He began his teaching career in public education, spending three years teaching high school mathematics, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. After exploring other professional opportunities, he was excited to return to the classroom at the Christian high school he once attended. He is now continuing his fourth year there during the 2026–2027 school year.
Jeremy holds a current Indiana state teaching license and is committed to continuing his professional development as an educator. His experience teaching a wide range of subjects allows him to adapt to students' individual needs and make learning engaging and accessible.
As a Christian educator, Jeremy values the opportunity to integrate faith into learning and encourage students in their academic journeys. He is passionate about helping students build a strong foundation in mathematics and science while developing the confidence and skills they need to succeed.
Elisabeth Jebaraj
Elisabeth Jebaraj
Middle School| High School Teacher
Elisabeth graduated in 2019 with a triple major in computer science, math, and statistics. She worked in children’s ministry for several years on the mission field, which included summer programs for underprivileged children. She also worked with children with developmental, physical, behavioral, and emotional needs. Elisabeth enjoys helping to homeschool her younger siblings, writing and crafting. Additionally, she recently wrote an ebook on stewarding the single years well. Her desire to minister to missionary families and MKs led her to begin pursuing her master’s degree in Biblical counseling at Faith Bible Seminary in 2022.
Javier Taylor
Javier Taylor
Middle School | High School Teacher
Javier Taylor was born in Fayetteville, AR, and is a graduate of Farmington High School. He received an Associate of Applied Science in Electronics Systems Technology degree in 1995 from the Community College of the Air Force and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Biblical Studies from Bethany Bible College in 1998 while serving in the United States Air Force. Two years later, he received a B.A. in Mathematics from Thomas A. Edison State University in preparation to teach secondary mathematics in Richardson, TX.
Javier later worked as a technical writer and curriculum developer for the Air Force before serving as head of the mathematics department at Canyon Creek Christian Academy in Richardson, TX.
Javier and his wife Crystal moved back to Arkansas in the Summer of 2004 to pursue teaching opportunities in the River Valley, where he later completed an M.A. in Teaching from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 2006. Javier worked at Pottsville High School as a secondary math teacher and then served as a state mathematics specialist first at Arkansas Tech University, and then at the Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative in Branch, AR. From 2010 to 2016, Javier studied Mathematics Education at The University of Central Arkansas and In 2018 Javier earned a Ph.D. in Christian Education from Bethany Seminary. Javier serves as an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, AR. In 2022 Javier earned a Master of Science in Applied Statistics from Michigan Technical University.
Nancy Kacir
Nancy Kacir
Middle School Teacher | High School Teacher
Hello! My name is Nancy Kacir. I am an experienced home educator with over 20 years of experience. My children were homeschooled through high school, and all of them were accepted into the universities of their choice. They are now successful adults, some of whom are married and are either currently homeschooling or planning to homeschool their own children.For over 10 years, I served as a tutor and administrator for a classical Christian organization. In that role, I was responsible for tutoring literature and composition, English grammar, science, history, high school mathematics, debate, Latin, and more. I am also a native Spanish-speaker.I love the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word, and I strive to incorporate a biblical worldview into my tutoring, for God is the Creator of all subjects. I believe we should always seek to discover and cultivate goodness, beauty, and virtue in all that we teach.
Michaela Abbott
Michaela Abbott
Middle School | High School Teacher
Michaela graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a B.A. in Chemistry and a minor in Mathematics. Since graduation, I have taught science and math at a Christian school, as well as tutored students in those areas. She is currently serving with my husband in full-time ministry working with the youth in my church.
Megan Hoffman
Megan Hoffman
Middle School | High School Teacher
Megan majored in Biology as well as minored in English at Pensacola Christian College. She has a variety of experiences in education and is currently teaching at Landmark Christian School. Megan enjoys working with students and helping them understand problems and master even the most complex concepts. She is so blessed and excited for the opportunity to work with your child.
Bryan McDonald
Bryan McDonald
Middle School| High School Teacher
Bryan McDonald earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Columbus State University and his Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Pensacola Christian College. He has worked in Christian education since 2010. He served six years as a full-time teacher and seven years as a school administrator at Grace Christian School in Columbus, Georgia. For the past two years, he has served as a pastor in rural Illinois while teaching and tutoring part-time at a local Christian school.
Over the last fifteen years, Bryan has taught a wide range of subjects from 6th through 12th grade. He enjoys helping students discover how learning connects to both life and faith. He is purposeful to bring patience, structure, and encouragement into every session, and he looks forward to helping your child grow academically!
Bryan and his wife, Danielle, homeschool their seven children, ages 5 to 13, and they stay joyfully busy balancing ministry, family, and education. He is deeply passionate about both Christ and education, believing that every lesson is an opportunity to help young people grow in wisdom and character. Outside the classroom, Bryan enjoys working with technology and reading biographies of U.S. presidents and books on historical events.
Tim Yahr
Tim Yahr
Middle School | High School Teacher
Tim is passionate about helping students understand mathematics and reach their academic goals. As a former public high school teacher, [Name] taught students across a wide range of abilities, from AP Statistics to Algebra I students with learning disabilities. She believes every student deserves respect, care, and the opportunity to succeed.
Education played an important role in [Name]’s own journey. After joining the U.S. Navy, she was able to pursue a college education and became the first person in her immediate family to graduate from college. This experience strengthened her desire to help students recognize their potential and achieve their goals.
Now teaching and tutoring online, [Name] enjoys making mathematics engaging and approachable while helping students build confidence and develop a deeper understanding of challenging concepts.
Nicole Rojas
Nicole Rojas
Middle School Teacher | High School Teacher
Nicole graduated from Hyles-Anderson College with a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education. She taught high school math for seven years, where she developed a passion for helping students understand and master even the most challenging math concepts.
Nicole enjoys working with students in 4th through 8th grade in all academic subjects. She is committed to building confidence, encouraging growth, and helping each student reach their full potential through personalized instruction. Nicole looks forward to partnering with your family and helping your student succeed both academically and personally.
Finding the Right Teacher for Your Child
How does Thrive choose a teacher for my child?
During enrollment, our administrative team meets with each family and carefully selects a teacher who can support your child’s academic progress and spiritual growth. Placement depends on teacher availability and your student’s needs.
Can I request a specific teacher?
Yes. Families are welcome to request a specific teacher. Explore our team’s bios to learn about each teacher’s experience, personality, and approach to Christian education. Placement depends on availability and your child’s needs.
How do teachers support my child’s individual learning needs?
Our teachers take time to understand each student’s strengths, challenges, and the way God designed them to learn. They work closely with families to create a supportive learning environment at home so every child feels seen, encouraged, and equipped.
How often are parent-teacher conferences held?
Parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year. These meetings provide time to discuss progress, celebrate achievements, and set goals for the months ahead. Families and teachers can reflect, pray together if they choose, and identify next steps to help each student succeed.
Are you interested in joining our team? Click here to learn more and submit an application!
At Thrive Online Academy, we believe meaningful learning grows out of strong relationships. Our teachers take the time to truly know each student, including their strengths, their challenges, and the way God designed them to learn. We work closely with families to create a supportive learning environment at home and to ensure every child feels seen, encouraged, and equipped.
As you explore our team’s bios, you will get a clear sense of each teacher’s experience, personality, and approach to Christian education. Families are welcome to request a specific teacher, although placement depends on availability and the needs of the student. During the enrollment process, our admin team meets with each family and carefully selects the teacher who can best support the child’s academic progress and spiritual growth.
Parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year to discuss progress, celebrate achievements, and set goals for the months ahead. These meetings give families and teachers a dedicated time to reflect, pray together if they choose, and work toward the next steps that will help each student succeed.