Your student should learn from a mentor who truly understands the power of transformational learning. Torin is such a mentor. His interest in education grounded in discovery and exploration allows students to thrive throughout their educational journey. He believes that when students have the opportunity to be actively involved in their learning, they leave better informed and more deeply engaged. In his own words, “education is key to a fulfilling life.”

Torin earned his bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and his master’s degree in Linguistics from Brigham Young University. He has spent most of his teaching career teaching English as a second language, which includes a year of teaching university students in China. Torin enjoys running, reading, and exploring new places in his free time.

A relatable mentor can be rare for students, but John has a unique ability to connect with students on a personal level. John recently started studying philosophy and communication at Utah State University after having been homeschooled for many years. As a result, he developed a diverse academic background that will help him guide your students through a year of exciting adventures. When he’s not adventuring, John enjoys reading, experiencing nature, playing games, and discussing philosophy. 

Your student should learn from someone who is a true professional in their field. Chaundra is such a person. With 15 years of experience in the Leadership Education model, Chaundra has applied this model’s principles to the teaching of her eight children and the children of others. Before diving into the life of a home educator, Chaundra studied Communications and Theatrical Arts at Dixie State College. She later studied Communications with an emphasis in Print Journalism at Brigham Young University. She has worked for numerous publications as a writer, editor, layout designer, and photographer.

Chaundra has a deep passion for learning, resulting in many interests and hobbies. She loves reading, sewing, knitting, quilting, spinning, painting, calligraphy, singing, playing the piano, and spending quality time with her children.

Your student deserves to learn from a mentor with extensive experience in their line of work. Jessica is such a mentor. Her passion for the outdoors began at a young age when growing up in Alaska, where she would frequently fish, hike, boat, and climb. Jessica has worked with children and teens at numerous summer camps since 2001, serving as a counselor, program director, and administrative director. She also has experience working on LAU’s student support team. Jessica is passionate about helping students use skills garnered from the great outdoors to grow personally. In her own words, “I love watching my kids try new things, expand their interests, and grow as people. I am excited to encourage more kids to do the same.”

Jessica stays busy homeschooling her children and hobbies, including working on her home farm and taking care of the family dogs, rabbits, chickens, goats and a horse.

Elizabeth loves sharing her passion for the outdoors as a mentor. As she says, “The raw learning and growth that occur in nature are difficult to recreate in other settings.” She has served as a mentor for youth and adults of all ages, and that perspective enables her to inspire those around her.

Elizabeth’s family loves spending time outdoors. Hiking, biking, kayaking, backpacking, camping, and exploring lava tubes are a few of the adventures they enjoyed together this last year!

A mentor’s passion for their subject is crucial to a successful classroom experience, and Sarah’s passion for STEM is the perfect catalyst for transformational learning. She discovered at an early age that sharing her passion for math and engineering brought her true joy. Sarah has been involved in robotics for most of her life and has been a teacher, tutor, and mentor in various educational settings from middle school through college. She has degrees in Math Education, Computer Engineering, and Electrical Engineering from Oklahoma Christian University and Utah State University. She currently lives in Logan, Utah, with her husband and foster children.

Transformational learning can also happen outside of the classroom, and Juliann’s love for the outdoors is the perfect catalyst. She’s currently studying Recreation Administration and Outdoor Adventure Leadership at Utah State University. She regularly takes other college students on multi-day backcountry adventures as part of USU’s outdoor program. Juliann is passionate about getting students of all ages outside and promoting lifelong learning through sports and activities. She believes that adventure is a crucial part of living a meaningful life, and she hopes to help your student find their own love for outdoor adventures.

Physical fitness is a crucial part of a student’s education, and no one is better suited to mentor your student than an experienced professional. Melissa became a Certified Nursing Assistant after getting her degree in English from Weber State University. Since then, she’s worked in the emergency room, cardiac department, and rehabilitation unit at McKay-Dee hospital. She’s also spent time working in elementary and middle school special education. Melissa is an avid sports enthusiast who regularly plays volleyball and coaches competitive soccer. She is passionate about learning and is always ready for a new challenge.

Becky is passionate about working with youth. In her words, “I hope I can help spark learning and discovery in youth and also help them recognize their strengths, gifts, and who they are so they can lead in their lives.” She has worked with students in numerous settings, including camps, after-school programs, co-ops, and 4H.

Becky holds a degree in Recreation Management from Brigham Young University. She loves spending time outdoors, cooking, gardening, and traveling.

Sarah’s enthusiasm for mentoring shines through in her classroom. Her devotion to her students is apparent from the moment you meet her. She worked as an aide at the ILC last year and is looking forward to returning to the classroom! Sarah is currently working towards her bachelor’s degree at Utah Valley University. She loves sports and has coached several of her children’s baseball and soccer teams. Sarah believes that transformational learning can happen when you least expect it, and she hopes to create those opportunities for your student this year.

Nels is CEO and Co-Founder of Williamsburg Learning. He is passionate about helping others learn, grow, and transform themselves, their families, and their communities. Nels is working toward the goal of creating millions of transformational learning experiences in the next ten years.

A native of the Rocky Mountains, Nels grew up in Idaho and Utah and has lived and traveled abroad on five continents. He studied the liberal arts as an undergraduate and received an MBA in Entrepreneurship from the Acton School of Business in Austin, Texas. A father to five energetic children, Nels loves to coach and support them as they grow into young adults and prepare to lead unique lives of meaning. Personally, he is an dedicated father, avid reader, weight lifter, cyclist and yoga instructor. His deepest purpose is to use his talents to help reduce suffering and elevate consciousness.

Email: nels@williamsburglearning.com

Gary’s passion lies in creating reliable and efficient administrative services to simplify and improve your and your student’s Williamsburg experience. Before joining Williamsburg in 2010, Gary worked in software development, project management, and administrative positions for businesses and schools in California and Utah. Today, he oversees the People Operations, Finance, Technology, Registrar, Customer Service, and Communications functions at Williamsburg. Gary is passionate about moral and political philosophy, the liberal arts, and the outdoors. He loves designing systems that support all three in his role at Williamsburg.

Gary completed his undergraduate studies in business and computer science at Utah State University and an M.A. in education from George Wythe University. He lives with his wife, Liesl, and their six children in Cedar City, Utah. Away from work, he enjoys volunteering in his community and spending time with his family—especially if it involves canyoneering, hiking, backpacking, travel, or reading.

Email: gary@williamsburglearning.com

Adam is passionate about building a vibrant and expanding community to support your student in their adventure through online learning. In his words, “I love inspiring parents and students to get a great education and overcome the barriers in their way. My role directly aligns with my life’s mission, so it’s as much a calling as it is a career.” Adam joined Williamsburg in 2010 as a mentor, and has designed and taught much of The Williamsburg Curriculum. He has presented talks on alternative education throughout the U.S. and Canada and loves finding creative ways to expand and enhance the Williamsburg tribe.

Adam holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts from George Wythe University. He lives with his wife, Laura, of thirteen years and their son Emmett in Denver, Colorado. Adam loves wrestling with his son, hiking, reading, discussing, CrossFit, cinema, and making delicious food for family and friends.

Email: adam@williamsburglearning.com

Rob loves to learn and is passionate about helping others become lifelong learners. He is a jack-of-all-trades who enjoys coding, speaks three languages, and owns a publishing company with his wife. His greatest passion, though, is mentoring. He has taught a variety of topics at Williamsburg, including science, math, and leadership. Now, he loves working with Williamsburg curriculum on a larger scale.

Rob studied Chinese and Business Management at Brigham Young University, learning from international businesses throughout Asia, and has also lived in Scotland. His one weakness is red-green colorblindness, so he can easily be bested in a game of Uno. Rob grew up in Las Vegas and now lives in Portland, Oregon. He often travels, mostly in search of Mexican food.

Email: rob@williamsburglearning.com