About Us
The Lakebridge Homeschool learning model is one that takes a holistic approach to education and enrichment. Lakebridge Homeschool operates as a Learning Pod Program, facilitating an educational and social enrichment experience for families who come together in voluntary association and assist with the primary education of their children.
Providing space for children to be a part of a group setting, in the beauty of nature is an incredible way to enrich their growth and development. The rhythm of our days together, creates a well-rounded and valuable enrichment program experience for a wide age range.
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For the elementary ages, an appropriate and manageable amount of focused time, working with peers in small groups… learning from thoughtful and caring teachers, allows for an educational, yet relaxed setting. Topics, that are meaningful and taught from a grounded and realistic standpoint, plus plenty of RECESS!
We all know children thrive on unstructured time. In our opinion, a lot of children don’t get enough of it, and we are so happy to have a special place to provide opportunities to experience the great outdoors together. To bring children into the woods and share the wonder of what nature has to offer, is extremely rewarding for all involved.
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For those families who are looking for that social time, without class time, our "Lunch and Recess Only" or Fun Friday options are perfect. These are child directed, unstructured play opportunities that lead to wonderful learning moments and unforgettable fun!
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As for the teens…we know and understand the struggle to find social opportunities, as well as the struggle to facilitate outdoor time that is such a benefit to their health and well being. We are so happy to offer the time and space they need to connect with peers. We take a hands off, but intuitively involved approach with our teen hangout. Daily hikes provide a perfect opportunity for bonding and interaction that leads to strong friendships and connection with nature.
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We believe our unique program has something to offer for a wide range of ages and look forward to getting to know your child.
About Teachers
Every teacher/facilitator at Lakebridge Homeschool has a heart for children and a unique approach to their interactions with them. It’s extremely important to us that children feel valued, understood and loved. We are all here to facilitate a love for learning, to help show them the value of being part of a community and instill a love and appreciation for nature.
Gretchen
Director/Founder
I’m an “eclectic” homeschooler, who feels inspired by Rudolf Steiner, Peter Gray, John Holt, and Charlotte Mason. I value alternative education in multi-age social settings. I have taught at or been involved in various enrichment programs for homeschoolers for several years and enjoy bringing that experience into my own program.
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Being in nature is very important to me. I have raised my children in the woods with friends and have witnessed time and again, the wonder of children coming completely alive and connected while exploring outside together.
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Raising and homeschooling my own 3 children is my passion. Having the opportunity to bring more children into the woods and to help them connect with peers, while enjoying the natural wonder of the world around us is one of my greatest joys.
Audrey
Fun Friday ALC Facilitator
As a second generation unschooling Mom, self directed education is my passion. I had a wonderful experience being homeschooled as a child and I love being able to share that same gift with my two daughters as well as my local homeschool community. I believe that children learn best when they are self motivated and that my role as an educator is to serve as a partner in the children's education.
My background is in art education with degrees from Savannah College of Art and Design and Georgia State University and I have worked at many Atlanta area cultural institutions such as the Woodruff Arts Center, Zoo Atlanta, Chastain Art Center and the Chattahoochee Nature Center.
In my spare time I can be found deep diving into my hobbies which include sewing, knitting, reading and cooking.
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Nicole C.
Facilitator/Teen Hike Leader
Nicole has been committed to Lakebridge Homeschool since the beginning. Mother Nature, herself. She’s an amazing hiking companion. The go to plant and creature identifier and more importantly, protector. There is a special way to help children grow a love for wildlife...mostly by caring about it yourself. She advocates for nature in a way that just makes simple sense. Not by guilting anyone for not treating it properly but, by leading by example and being vocal about why we should leave the spiderweb intact. She’s a fire starter, children learn by watching her quiet and thoughtful actions and appreciate her laid back demeanor. Nicole is a homeschool mom to her young son and truly appreciates and understands the philosophy of self-directed education, nature school, multiple age settings, motherhood and how to be an amazing facilitator at Lakebridge!
Nicole G.
Language Arts Teacher
Happily married homeschooling mother of two amazing girls. Our family began our homeschooling journey in 2016 and relocated to North Georgia in 2020. I have been deeply inspired by the works of Pam Laricchia as well as Emma and Eleanor at The Reconnected. My children are my motivation and passion for life. I feel that homeschooling has been one of my greatest opportunities for personal growth and development. Through homeschooling I was able to discover the parent that I wanted to be. I'm so grateful to have this opportunity with my children. In our time homeschooling I have realized that I also enjoy facilitating and connecting with other children aside from mine. Assisting in various programs and volunteering over the years has been deeply fulfilling for me and I am so lucky and honored to be able to continue to do so with Lakebridge Homeschool.
Debbie
Language Arts Teacher
I’m a stay at home mom to 7 children ages 18-8. We homeschooled several years ago where I became associated with this wonderful group of people. Our paths took a different turn and now I have 4 children attending Northwest Classical Academy, a charter school in Cobb County. Two of my older children attend North Cobb High School and my oldest is a recent graduate of North Cobb. I believe all children are unique and deserve a stimulating environment to explore the world around them while growing physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It is my desire to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential. I believe in providing a safe environment where students are invited to share their ideas and take risks. Children are instinctual learners and it is my goal to guide them along a journey of self exploration. Engaging in classical literature, history, science, art and nature are key to a well rounded education. I believe in employing playful methods that engage the senses and teach that learning can be fun. Each child is unique, with endless potential to become life long learners who engage the world with curiosity, character and tenacity. With a stimulating and safe environment, students can thrive to their full potential, creating lives that are happy and full of all that is true, good and beautiful.
Kim
Nature Study Science Teacher
Kim is a mother to 4 daughters. Her parenting goals are simple...to raise good human beings, who have an appreciation for nature and know where their food comes from. Kim runs the Ball Ground Farmer's Market that meets every other weekend. She is a wealth of knowledge. Anyone who strikes up a conversation with Kim will walk away with interesting and valuable information about the world around us. She is a seasoned homesteader, beekeeper, licensed wild mushroom forager, baker and organic gardener. She raises chickens, geese, guineas and honeybees at her homestead and can be found assisting with lambing, kidding and calf delivery on neighboring farms.
Anna
Life Skills Math Teacher
Hello! My name is Mrs. Anna Velilla. I have been teaching for 5 years and have loved every minute of it! I have taught middle school and elementary Spanish, Math, and Health. In my free time, I love hiking, camping, reading a good book, and going to Disney World. My goal is to make learning fun! I love education and want each of my students to see how exciting school can be. I use lots of games and hands on activities in my classes. I love adding movement into my lessons whenever possible. My favorite quote is: “If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.” - A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
Myron
Teen Guide/Facilitator
Myron is a homeschool graduate. He holds a Behavioral technician certificate and works with special needs children, in their homes. He also happens to have 4 younger siblings enrolled in Lakebridge. He helps lead the Teen Hangout and is such a natural at working with children. He is thoughtful, creative, gentle and inspires the kids to get creative. Some of his talents are wire wrapping, woodworking and journaling. He leads by doing. He is always happy to involve kids in his activities and has a keen, observational eye when it comes to guiding kids to get involved. He is an excellent conversationalist and always has interesting information to share.
Alecia
Teen Guide/Facilitator
Alecia is a dedicated homeschool mom and homesteader. She is a mom to 8 and has been involved in the homeschool world for a long time, learning and evolving along the way. She is an inspirational type of mother...who has a heart for following the lead of her children and allowing them to find their way with the support they need to thrive. She can be found in the garden at home and has extensive plant knowledge, including but not limited to herbal remedies, garden planning, sustainable agriculture, organic gardening and more. Alecia has a way with kids that makes them feel comfortable and heard. Her laid back, grounded personality is comforting and enjoyable.
Carisa
Early Learning Pod Guide/ Teaching Assistant
Hi, I'm Carisa. I'm a veteran homeschool mom of 3. My oldest graduated in 2020 and is halfway through an electrical program. I also have a high school senior and a kindergartener this year. Over the past 17 years, I have taught all ages, from preschool to high school at multiple homeschool programs. I have experience teaching various subjects including drama, art, science, robotics, writing, psychology, and history. I currently hold degrees in both education and social psychology. I came into homeschooling from a traditional background and quickly found the need to adjust to the varying needs of my children. I have tried different philosophies and techniques throughout our homeschooling journey, from the classical approach all the way to radically unschooling depending on the needs and the season that child was in. I thoroughly believe that each parent is uniquely gifted to teach their child with resources and support from the community. No one knows your child like you, no one is as invested in your child's success like you. I am so excited to be part of a community centered around helping families educate their children in the way that best meets their needs.
Whitney
Early Learning Pod Guide
I have been homeschooling my children since 2019, after their earlier years in a Waldorf and Montessori school. Embracing the philosophy of being a free-range mom, I prioritize freedom and exploration in their education.
As an artist and yoga enthusiast, I find inspiration in the outdoors, particularly near water. Our days are filled with adventures, epic playdates with other homeschool families, and thrifting excursions. Influenced by the books Wild and Free and Free-Range Kids, I strive to create an environment where my children can play freely and learn through their experiences.
I enjoy standing back and watching my children navigate their world, stepping in as a guide when they need support. It’s a joy to see them develop and nurture their friendships. Our family firmly believes in the value of a childhood spent with family.
Grace
Early Learning Pod Guide
Ms. Grace is a homeschool mommy with a background in Sociology, healing arts therapy, film & TV and movement. She works with kids facilitating imaginative play, movement & gym games, and teaches Spanish on her YouTube channel, through the art of storytelling (channel name is MsGraceSpanishEnglish).
She is a native Spanish speaker, loves children and all of her classes are child-led. She loves watching them explore the world around them, learn and grow. Her favorite place to be is out in nature and holds her heart on her sleeve. Everything fun and beautiful you’ll surely see her there:)
