Betsy has a Masters of Arts degree in Teaching and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater Performance with a French minor. After performing professionally as a member of the Actors Equity Union and SAG-AFTRA, Betsy taught high school French & Spanish for nine years in Township High School District 211. Betsy has been involved in leading & educating groups of children since her high school years as a camp counselor and certified fitness instructor, and later as a choreographer/dance instructor during college. She enjoyed choreographing student musical theater productions for 15 years while teaching public school and afterward. A language and culture enthusiast, Betsy has studied American Sign Language, Deaf Culture, & Sign Language Interpreting extensively. Betsy resigned from teaching high school to stay home with her children and has been homeschooling her three kids for the past 9 years. She started Harmony Center for Homeschoolers to help families like hers more easily access rich educational options and engagement in a consistent community that values mutual respect and kindness. Betsy loves dogs, creating art, writing (she's been published in Cricket and Highlights magazines!), making music, camping, and game nights. She absolutely adores being a part of the Harmony family.

With a B.S. in Secondary Mathematics Education, Samantha brings a strong foundation in teaching and a enthusiasm for student-centered learning. Her experience spans early childhood education, including curriculum development, as well as work with teen populations in both academic and mentorship settings. She is committed to meeting students where they are, fostering inclusive, supportive environments that honor diverse learning needs and strengths. Now starting her 5th year homeschooling her two children, Samantha is so happy to be part of the Pathfinders community!

Spanish is my first language! I am a first generation Mexican-American. I grew up where Spanish was only spoken in my home, and I learned English from other family members and then eventually at school and with friends. I spoke mostly Spanish to my parents until I was in early elementary. When I decided to become a teacher, I decided that I wanted to use my native language to help other families, knowing how difficult it was for my parents to help us acclimate to the school environment. We were one of the very few Mexican families that was in our school district at the time. (At least that we were aware of) I majored in Early Childhood Education, with a minor in Special Education and have my bilingual license, which led me to teach Early Childhood Bilingual preschool classes in a variety of districts, helping families transition their youngest children into the American School system.

Laura McLuckie-Khandan, an experienced artist-teacher and creative writer who has been teaching since 1991. Laura has shown her personal and collaborative artwork in the U.S. and around the world—and is inspired to help young people connect to their innate creativity.

I am a self-taught nature enthusiast with years of independent study focused on the natural world and the human relationship with the Earth. I recently became a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. In this role, I lead groups into natural settings and guide them through embodied, sensory-based experiences that foster deeper connection with the environment. When my family began homeschooling, we joined several nature-based co-ops, and I quickly stepped into teaching roles—leading classes such as dance in nature, mindfulness in nature, and seasonal nature studies. I also created and hosted a homeschool playgroup from my home for a season, providing young children with opportunities for nature exploration and creative play. In addition, I’ve guided kids on forest therapy walks and taught a class called Cultivating Nature Connections during a mini-spring session at Harmony. These experiences have given me a strong foundation in leading children in nature-based learning and helping them build meaningful relationships with the natural world. Spending time in the natural world is part of my daily rhythm, and that connection deeply informs my approach to guiding and teaching. As a parent, mentor, and guide, I follow a self-led learning philosophy—trusting that each person is capable of discovering what they truly love to learn when supported with gentle guidance rather than rigid rules or arbitrary benchmarks. At Harmony, I recognize the importance of learning goals and am committed to ensuring they are meaningful and aligned with each child's path. My mission is to invite children into the outdoors to play, engage, and learn, while helping them develop a deep appreciation for nature. I bring a conscientious, compassionate presence to my role as a facilitator and strive to create a supportive, curiosity-driven environment for all learners. I've been a homeschool parent for nearly 5 years and the president of the Ela Area Public Library Board of Trustees :)

Jasmine is a 21-year-old yoga enthusiast and psychology major at the University of Illinois with several years of yoga experience dating back to high school. Based in Chicago, she currently works at a yoga studio, where she continues to deepen her practice and connect with the wider yoga community. In addition to yoga, Jasmine has a strong background in dance and has been an active member of her university’s dance team since her freshman year. As Social Chair for an RSO called Undergraduate Psychology Association at University of Illinois, Jasmine was responsible for organizing more than 500 members. She also worked in a Child Development Lab as a Developmental Assessor for children aged 3-5 years. She is passionate about promoting physical activity and mindfulness in children by creating supportive and inclusive environments.

Dani is thrilled to be a part of the Harmony Leadership Team! She holds a BA in History and Social Sciences, with a minor in Secondary Education from North Central College. Dani spent 7 years teaching in northern Illinois at both the middle and high school levels after which she taught English Language Arts courses to 4th through 6th graders through an online education company. Although her background is in public education, her family has chosen to homeschool their children for the past 5 years. As a Pathfinder Pod Leader, Dani enjoys combining the best parts of homeschooling with the benefits of a group setting. Of her approach to teaching, Dani says, "I believe that through collaboration, students form connections that lead to more authentic learning experiences. I focus on being open-minded and curious so I can create a space where students exceed their imagined limits and thrive through their participation in the learning community." When not teaching, Dani enjoys spending time with her family, reading, playing board games, doing agility with her two dogs, and exercising outdoors.

Andrew grew up here in the NW suburbs and began his own musical journey at age 9 when he began taking guitar lessons–an experience that opened the door to a lifelong passion for music. From playing in his first rock band in elementary school to serving as high school choir president, to attending Elmhurst University where he played bass in the jazz band and sang in the vocal jazz ensemble Late Night Blues, to ultimately continuing a decades-long career as a professional singer, lead guitarist, and band leader, music has truly been a driving force in Andrew’s life. Although beginning in Music Business, Andrew graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdepartmental Communications and Marketing. Having studied voice, guitar, bass, and piano, Andrew’s musical background is well-rounded. His professional career has taken him all over the United States where he has performed at thousands of events and shared the stage with national touring acts like Billy Joel, Rick Springfield, Adam Lambert, The Outfield, Train, Blue Oyster Cult, Firehouse, Warrant and many others. He has also had the opportunity to sing for national radio and television commercials for brands such as McDonald’s, Sears, and Kelloggs. Andrew’s approach to teaching kids as a music instructor is rooted in making music fun, inspiring, and confidence-building. He strives to create a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel free to explore, create, and express themselves through music. As a guitar instructor who started as a student of music at a very young age, Andrew has a keen appreciation for how crucial it is to have teachers who are patient, encouraging, and genuinely dedicated to helping kids grow, and this guides him in every interaction with students. When not performing or working in the studio, Andrew enjoys spending time with family, collecting and selling instruments, providing live sound reinforcement, and discovering new music. Andrew offers private electric and acoustic guitar and electric bass lessons at Harmony, in addition to music courses.

Linda holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Northern Illinois University. After teaching kindergarten and primary grades for seven years, she left teaching to raise her two (now grown) children. During her kids’ elementary years, you could find her volunteering for school parties, helping with extracurricular events at their school in addition to managing the bookkeeping and scheduling in her husband’s dental practice. When her kids entered jr. high, Linda returned to the workforce as a substitute teacher in grades K-6, Music Education, and Special Education for District 15. Linda loves spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren, who attend Harmony! When not at Harmony or spending time caring for friends and family, you can find Linda cooking her family’s favorite Italian foods or baking up delicious treats. Linda loves animals and enjoys caring for her 18-year-old Yorkipoo and 12-year-old Chihuahua.

Hossein Khandan is an award-winning filmmaker and photographer with over 46 years of experience. Hossein has worked on creative projects around the world and is dedicated to helping young people learn to tell powerful stories through film and photography.

Kim comes to us with a background in Deaf Education and a degree from Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. Kim has been homeschooling her three boys for 8 years. After beginning her Harmony journey as a Harmony parent, this year Kim will happily be stepping into the role of assistant in the Pathfinders Novas program.

Alissa Gold holds a Bachelors of Music with a vocal emphasis from Millikin University and a Masters degree in Speech, Language and Learning from Northwestern University. She has worked in various capacities from fundraising for WFMT/WTTW to working as a speech-language pathologist in the schools and in private practice. She has three children and has been homeschooling for 2.5 years while working (very) part-time as a speech-language pathologist. She loves working with kids as well as all things music and is excited to share that love with the wonderful Harmony kiddos!

Andrea has years of experience working in extracurricular programs for elementary-aged students in a public school setting, including teaching art and art appreciation and providing before- and after-school care. Andrea's approach toward education fosters autonomy, freedom of expression, and playful rigor. With emphasis on understanding other cultures through discussion & expansion activities to develop inclusiveness and curiosity. As a homeschooling family-the library, endless art supplies, and nature are our favorite tools. Andrea has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design, which speaks to her love of art, creativity, and expression. Psychology and child development were subjects studied in her beginning college endeavors. As a family, the Chatroops like to hike and bike together, walk their dogs, grow and expand our garden, and explore year round the native planted slough across the street from their home which they have been volunteering to restore with their community for 10 years.

Bio coming soon...

Sandy has an Illinois Professional Educator License with bilingual and ESL endorsements. As a Chicago Public School teacher at a Dual Language school she was able to teach kids in 1st, 2nd, and 5th grade. Sandy's love for learning, nature, and children has helped her in her roles as a public school teacher as well as a homeschooling mom. Sandy feels so grateful that she has been able to homeschool her 9 year old boys throughout their academic journey. She loves learning about and exploring new places, hearing new ideas, and meeting new people.

Julie Miller Romeo is the creator and director of the Fairy Tale Trials. As Director of Public Affairs for the Circuit Court of Cook County (1986-97), she developed the Fairy Tale Trials and then produced a professional touring children's theater ensemble to bring comprehensive law-related education to the Chicago Public Schools. With the support of a federal grant, she adapted the material to meet the needs of at-risk adolescents, produced an award-winning educational film, and created a course for middle-school students at Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development. After moving to New Jersey to start a family of her own, she founded and directed New Life Montessori Midland Park, NJ from 2003-07. Since then, she has home schooled her two daughters while teaching classes to students (ages 8-17) in a wide array of settings: home school, public school, at-risk after-school, & gifted and talented. She has developed workshops, educational theater productions, and summer intensives based on the Fairy Tale Trials, as well as classes focusing on writing, rhetorical skills, public speaking and debate. Julie has a B.A. in English Literature from Smith College and an M.A. in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University. Learn more about the Fairy Tale Trials program at https://www.fairytaletrials.com/

Katherine is a Harmony parent with a professional background in Early Intervention Speech & Language Pathology. As the Choice Academy On-site Coordinator, Katherine will likely be the friendly face that greets you and helps you get settled & find your way on Friday mornings!