Carrie has combined her love of cooking and traveling since her first childhood attempt at recreating European rolls that is remembered by her brothers as “the bullets.”  After graduating from Whitworth College in Spokane, WA and spending a year with Youth for Christ in South Africa, she became the second third-generation pilot in her family before meeting her future husband, also a pilot.  Marriage brought extensive shoe-string budget traveling and the delight of bringing new tastes and cultures and friends into their home.  Raising three kids and home schooling have been added to her passions during the past 15 years.  When not at the library or in the kitchen, Carrie prefers being outdoors: xc skiing, paddle boarding, camping,exploring and gardening. She’s always on the lookout for edible berries and mushrooms in the woods and will definitely stop to pick them!  

 Maranda has over 17 years of teaching and classroom experience within public and residential school settings.  She graduated from Tulsa University with her Deaf Education degree for grades pre-K through 12, specializing in Mathematics.  Maranda stepped out of her teaching role in Anchorage, Alaska to start her homeschooling venture in 2021.  Her family moved to Wisconsin after her husband retired from the Air Force and she has continued to stay home full-time to homeschool their three children.  
     This is Maranda's first year with Faith Christian Home Educators and she is excited for the new adventure!  She loves to find ways to spark an interest in learning for her students and is encouraged when they are asking questions and getting involved.  Maranda is fluent in American Sign Language and often uses it as an incentive in the classroom.  She hopes to share other interests in the class, such as 4-wheeling, camping, and music as well. 

Emily Brewer is a saxophonist and educator based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from St. Norbert College, and a Master of Music/Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. She has performed in various ensembles affiliated with the National Band Director Association, the College Band Directors National Association, the American Saxophone Academy, and the Minnesota Music Educators Association. As an educator, she has taught Woodwind Techniques at the University of Minnesota and currently maintains a studio of private lesson students in the greater Twin Cities area. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris, and her dog, Duke.

Heidi Buschbach majored in music and has been homeschooling her 4 children with Charlotte Mason’s methods since 2009. She loves gardening, music, nature walks, mentoring disadvantaged teens and moms and serving at church. After being inspired by Nancy Kelly, her Charlotte Mason mentor, Heidi started Spread the Feast - a CM community co-op for families in the Twin Cities, MN. This fall they are starting their 14th year. Heidi has stepped away from the co-op to focus more on mentoring, her Charlotte Mason Music business and ministry and is excited to bring Nature Study and Music to the FAITH homeschool community! She has found great joy in learning and growing with children as she has taught Solfa ear training, folk dance, picture and composer study, Shakespeare, Plutarch, science, and much more!

Janet has been working in Deaf Education at the K-12, undergraduate and graduate level for over 15 years in various capacities. Janet is proficient in ASL and is grateful to the Deaf community for continually sharing their expertise and partnership. Janet earned a dual B.A. in Elementary and Deaf Education from Augustana University in South Dakota and an M.A. in Bilingual Deaf Education from Gallaudet University in Washington D.C.

Janet is passionate about being part of people’s growth and fulfilling God’s purposes in their lives. Regardless of what subject she teaches, she values establishing a positive work ethic and developing strong character. She is an encourager, a lifelong learner, and strives to meet the needs of individual learners in fun and creative ways.

While families are a child's first and most important teacher, she is excited to come alongside parents to develop and deepen new skills in students' lives. Janet is married to John, and they have four children they are currently home educating. It is a privilege and opportunity that she is thankful for. When not teaching, Janet can be found reading, outdoors, listening to a podcast, cooking, playing games or on an adventure with her friends and family.

Hola! My name is Ivonne Christensen. I am a native Spanish speaker, born and raised in the coastal city of Acapulco, Mexico. While attending Law School at the Autonomous University of Guerrero I was an English Teacher from K-9th grade. After graduating I worked for a law firm and eventually was a tax auditor for Gerrero State. I met my husband Jason in 2008 and immigrated to the US in 2010. 15 years later I am homeschool mom of 2(Elijah and Arianna), a wife, and a devoted Christian. I love teaching and I am very exciting to be a part of FCHE!

Our family joined FCHE in 2022 and have loved our experience. I am excited to be a part of FCHE as a tutor for a 2nd year teaching Creation Exploration and To Every Nation. My husband, Mark, and I live in South Maplewood with our 3 kids. We have a daughter Makayla (13), and 2 sons Jack (12) and Silas (9). I have been a SAHM since 2014 and a Homeschool mom since 2020. I love reading, BSF, and a clean house (which sometimes happens)! I have a passion for sharing and teaching God's word to all ages! I believe strongly that kids are never too young to read or study scripture. I also believe it's important for Christian adults to come along side children as strong role models in their lives as they grow and navigate life. I look forward to shepherding the children in my class. Thank you!

Chris is a husband, father, teacher and entrepreneur. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Katie, since 2009 and has 4 kids; Lily, Addie, Emmett and Caleb. He attended UW-Stout to get his undergrad degree in Technology Education and later got his MA at Bethel University in Emotional Behavior Disorders. Chris started teaching in 2009 and has taught classes to 7th-12th graders in a wide range of Tech Ed classes including: Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, Robotics, Wood Working, Metals, Small Engines, Autos, Electricity, Graphic Design and Photography. In 2015 he became a teacher trainer over the summer, training teachers with a curriculum company in the area of Computer Science and App development. In 2022 Chris started designing and producing products to sell online mainly in the baby and pet proofing product areas. In 2024 he joined another teacher and teacher trainer to launch Fiddler Crab STEM Lab to create STEM curriculum and services for homeschool families.

Karla's professional career includes studio painting and drawing as well as commissioned murals. She has been an artist and teacher throughout her career, and her work has been traditional and representational. Her teaching includes painting, drawing, fundamentals of art, art history, art appreciatiion, sculpture, and courses in creativity. She bases her teaching in art history both in imagery and materials. Karla has taught all levels and ages of artists from children to seniors, professionals and beginners. She has taught in a variety of settings including public schools, private schools, Universities, community education, professional schools, and museum programs. 

In retirement Karla continues to pursue her love of art through producing artwork and teaching. 

Born, raised and educated in Canada, primarily. Certified in Piano History, Theory and Performance through the Royal Conservatory of Toronto. Vocal training at NCU and with local opera teachers here in Minnesota. Homeschooled my own three grown daughters. Love imparting excellent technique, expression and improvisational skills to students!

Sandi Grotewold has years of experience being with children of all ages. She taught German for ten years in a public high school, then stayed home with her two boys and did several years of nursery volunteering at her church. Most recently, she dabbled in Montessori schools and substitute teaching for a private school. She homeschooled her son in 2020-21 and will be homeschooling again this year, the first time at Faith! She and her husband, Greg, and son, Eli, live in Oakdale. Sandi enjoys walking, biking, reading, traveling, playing games, and photography. She is excited to be with the preschoolers and kindergarteners in their joy of learning!

Calyssa Hall has worked professionally for over 12 years as a theatre producer, director, educator, and public speaker. She was homeschooled from second grade through high school and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. In 2013, she founded the company "Only a Dim Image Dessert Theatre" that performed in Minneapolis. She then converted the company into a non-profit, where she served as Executive Director for The Zephyr Theatre for seven years. In November of 2022, she became Founder and CEO of her own Frosted Glass Productions - a company that focuses on unique and creative ways to tell stories.

Cassidy Hall graduated from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls with degrees in Creative Writing, Music, and Musical Theatre. She has been actively involved with the arts for many years, and is trained in acting, singing, dance, public speaking, drawing, painting, and the various styles of technical and creative writing.  She works as a director and instructor for The Zephyr Theatre, and a director for ACT Theater in the South Saint Paul Tri-District.  She is also a professional photographer and a published writer. She worked as a writing tutor for UW-River Falls in the past, and currently works as a writing and performance mentor for StoryArk, and volunteers as an editor. Cassidy loves working with students, and plans to continue following her passions of teaching and helping students cultivate their own unique voices.

Hey, I’m Jason Harms. I’ve enjoyed singing for as long as I can remember. Since my college days in the early 1990’s, I’ve had a jazz quintet that I sing in and play guitar with and, by God’s grace, we have had the sweet opportunity to play all around the world singing the Gospel and listening to people from other cultures. There is always music, and I love how a melody can connect people where a language barrier may exist. Since 2001 I’ve been directing the Jazz Orchestras at Bethel University. Feel free to visit www.jasonharms.com for a better introduction. My wife and I have homeschooled five kids and we love the opportunities that this mode of education allows for with the attention given to the individual development of each student’s skillset and interests. I hope to foster new musical friendships with your students.

Tracey Hillquist and her husband have been homeschooling her daughter since 2018. Tracey has a bachelors degree in Social Work (BSW). She is passionate about horses. and has been running a small business, Appletop Acres LLC, to teach about horses and offer horse experiences through camps and lessons. Tracey is excited to teach students about horses and share her enthusiasm about learning new things.