Our Team

Meet Katrina, the Founder and Head of Operations at Spark Learning Pals. She's a busy mom of two boys and a passionate educator with over 10 years of experience in the public school system. But Katrina had a dream - to provide homeschool families worldwide with a unique, collaborative, and affordable program. So, she founded Spark Learning Pals to make it a reality.

Katrina's wealth of knowledge in curriculum development, instructional design, and e-learning practices has helped her achieve that dream. She believes in the power of connection and building a strong rapport with every student. With a Bachelor's degree in Inclusive Education from Nazareth College of Rochester and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Special Education, Katrina's approach to education is nothing less than unique, individualized, and inspirational.

Sheree is an energetic homeschool mom and wife, who loves to make learning fun and inspiring.

With 11 years of marriage under her belt and a 7-year-old daughter, Sheree is no stranger to the homeschool world. Prior to joining Spark Learning Pal family, she worked in a preschool setting, special needs care center, and as a substitute teacher; having gained invaluable experience in the process.

On weekends you can find Sheree and her family exploring nature with hiking and biking trips or indulging in their mutual love of cooking, fishing, going to the beach or watching movies together.

Now that she's part of the Spark Learning Pal Team, Sheree looks forward to meeting all of the children and families involved. Ready to grow with them on their individual journey’s into home schooling - building lasting bonds along the way!

Christy has been on a lifelong journey to fulfill her calling as a teacher. With an impressive 22 years in public schooling, and 8 years of homeschooling her own daughters, she brings both experience and passion to the table.

She obtained two Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Tennessee in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, with additional ESL certification. Not only does Christy love teaching children from around the world online, but loves building rapport with them and their families to ensure success.

In her free time, Christy devotes time to spend with her husband and their two fur babies—Snowflake the bunny and Charlee Darling the Cavlier King Charles Spaniel—as well as traveling, watching movies, reading, taking walks, and cross-stitching. As a fun activity during the pandemic she taught many classes for her daughters' friends.

Above all else though Christy is passionate about teaching; it is not only what she does but who she is!

Michaela is an experienced educator and a passionate teacher who has been devoted to inspiring minds for four years.

After graduating from Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina with her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education, she knew that teaching was her dream job ever since she was in 3rd grade! She recently tied the knot in 2021 and was blessed with her first baby in March of 2022. Now she lives happily with her wonderful husband (who is also an educator) and two gorgeous boys in Franklinton, North Carolina.

She loves all things Dr Seuss, Fall season, Christmas holidays and filling her spare time with intriguing puzzles and DIY projects. Michaela currently maintains a home-based teaching schedule so she can be close to her newborn son. When not busy taking care of him or providing powerful online lessons for kids, you'll find Michaela relishing nature hikes or visiting the beach! As part of the Spark Learning Pal Team, she looks forward to working closely with your children and helping bring out their best.

Chelsea is a passionate educator who has dedicated the last nine years of her life to making a positive impact in the educational field.

After studying Early Childhood Education as well as American Sign Language at Keuka College and Post University, she gained invaluable experience working at local daycares and volunteering her time when needed.

When not homeschooling her three boys or helping families like hers, Chelsea loves spending quality time with her husband of 12 years. She believes that every child is unique and that it's important to fully engage in a positive learning environment for maximum growth.

Chelsea looks forward to joining the Spark Learning Pals team and furthering her mission of providing quality education for everyone.

Michele is an experienced and passionate educator, having worked for the past 13 years to bring her innovative teaching skills to classrooms across the country.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (Grades K-6) and an ESOL endorsement under her belt, Michele brings enthusiasm for teaching Math, Science, and Social Studies with a focus on creating interactive and engaging lessons that captivate young learners.

Over the years, she has also gained considerable expertise in virtual learning environments, making her an ideal addition to the Spark Learning Pal Team. Michele is ready to expand your child’s knowledge base in exciting new ways!

Since 2002 Ms. Canda has performed and recorded professionally and has enjoyed teaching voice and piano to children and adults for over 18 years.

Originally from MD,  she received a Bachelor's degree in Music at George Washington University and Master's Degree in Vocal Performance at Catholic University of America in Washington DC.

Ms. Canda enjoys empowering students to develop self-esteem, confidence, and discipline through music as they set goals for themselves. She motivates and embraces each student’s originality as growing musicians and performers while helping them create, progress and have fun!

Gia has two years of experience as a Reading Specialist using the Orton-Gillingham approach.  

Born in Brazil and from a family of Educators, she always loved to learn and believes in the importance of trust between learners and educators. With over eight years of teaching experience and five years of experience working with Special Education, she is passionate about teaching with creativity and patience. 

Miss Gia is a teacher certified by the Orton-Gillingham Academy and is currently pursuing a dual bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. She believes the Orton-Gillingham approach is a fantastic resource for any struggling readers!

Miss Gia is so happy to be a part of Spark Learning Pals and can’t wait to build a meaningful connection with her learners while supporting each family in their homeschool journey.

Dr. Nikki is a vibrant and passionate boy mom with an impressive set of qualifications.

From completing her Bachelor's Degree at University of Nebraska Omaha, to receiving a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Bellevue University, all the way up to achieving her Doctor of Naturopathy Degree from the United States School of Naturopathy - she's learned it all! Not only that, but her career has been packed full of interesting experiences ranging from teaching group fitness classes to providing nutrition coaching services.

Despite her busy schedule with parenting and career commitments, Dr. Nikki still finds time to give back by working as a professor at Midland University where she teaches Sports Nutrition, Health and Wellness, and Assessment of Human Performance. She gets immense joy out of helping student athletes excel in their performance and reach their health goals.

It’s clear that with Dr. Nikki around there’s no limit on what you can achieve when it comes to health and fitness!

Irisa has a Master’s Degree in Education and she’s been teaching virtually and in a brick & mortar school for many years. She is so excited to get to know her students!

Irisa has been a virtual teacher for four years. She likes creating fun and engaging virtual lessons for her students. Before she became a virtual teacher, Irisa worked as a teacher and tutor all over New York City.

Irisa grew up in New York where she studied education at Hunter College. She has a Master of Science in Special Education. Irisa strongly believes that every student can learn. She is committed to supporting young learners on their educational journeys.

Irisa lives in Connecticut with her family, turtle, and dog. When she is not in the classroom, you can find Irisa hiking in the woods or bird watching.

Matt is a seasoned educator who's been teaching the power of mathematics for the past 15 years.

With a degree from both the University of Michigan and the University of Phoenix, this Math Education Master has tutored, instructed, and lectured at all levels - from private tutoring sessions to college courses - and has happily returned to his alma mater as a professor at University of Michigan.

In addition to helping others understand math, Matt is an experienced homeschooler who has been teaching his own daughter since 2018. His family now lives in a new state where they are connecting with local clubs and organisations that support their shared interests; including faith-based groups, Pokemon clubs and other home-schooling related activities.

When it comes to fun, Matt definitely knows how to enjoy himself! Whether it's bike rides or hikes, swimming or playing board games - he loves it all! And when he's not having fun with his family or teaching others online from home, he's active in the community too; frequently volunteering and attending events whenever possible.

A passionate mentor with an unwavering enthusiasm for learning new things every day, Matt can't wait to share his expertise with homeschoolers around the world!