Meet your co-op instructors:
Denise Thompson- Language Arts Instructor
I am a homeschooling mom of two teens. Originally from England, I worked as an Emergency Room RN in Florida for many years prior to obtaining my Degree in Education. I am Florida Certified to teach K-12 in various subjects. In addition I am an experienced writer, and have written educational curriculum, short stories and a novel. I have taught art classes, SAT prep classes, biology, social studies, and writing classes through high school level. I love to teach and am excited about coordinating this co-op.
Natalia Stepps- Spanish Instructor
I was born and raised in Spain. I went to Teesside University in Great Britain. My major was computer engineering. I moved to the US in 1994 where I met my husband. We have two beautiful children, Netania, 16, and Dallan, 15. I have homeschooled them from the beginning. I decided to homeschool because I was concerned about the impact that public school would have on my children’s self esteem and individuality.
I have experience working with group of children. I taught a kindergarten class at a homeschooling charter school in CA. So, I feel a have a good understanding of how hard it is to keep a child’s attention. Also, I have learned during my years of homeschooling that textbooks are the least effective way to teach. Bottom line, the child is more important than the curriculum.
Allison Ray – Science Instructor
I am a homeschooling mom of one teen. I have homeschooled my son for 5 years and plan to continue through graduation.
I have a B.S. in Business Administration, M.A. in Education and M.S. in Geology and Paleontology. I have worked in the field doing geological surveys and paleontology digs. When I had my son I worked as a teacher for several years. I currently work as a research scientist. Starting this summer I will be launching a new program to train and develop field scientists. My goal is to get students excited about science.
Barbara O’Neill- Practical Math Instructor
I am a homeschooling mom of two girls. We've been homeschooling for more than five years. I hold a B.S. in Business Administration from Nova University with certificates in Marketing and Management. My profession (for the last 20 years) is Book Keeping and Accounting and I currently work part time at The Weinbaum Yeshiva High School in Boca Raton. I enjoy "dabbling" in Real Estate for investment purposes and possess a license to sell in Florida. On the side, I have taught "vocal instruction" to groups of elementary children, and have sung professionally for over 20 years.
Catherine Vega - Exceptionalities Specialist
I homeschool my 13-year-old son. I have a B.S. in psychology and education, M.S. in varied exceptionalities and post-graduate studies in behavior analysis. I have worked as a teacher, administrator and consultant in both public and private schools for over 20 years. I am certified as a teacher, behavior analyst, and personal trainer. I am currently in private practice as a behavior analyst.
Denise Thompson- Language Arts Instructor
I am a homeschooling mom of two teens. Originally from England, I worked as an Emergency Room RN in Florida for many years prior to obtaining my Degree in Education. I am Florida Certified to teach K-12 in various subjects. In addition I am an experienced writer, and have written educational curriculum, short stories and a novel. I have taught art classes, SAT prep classes, biology, social studies, and writing classes through high school level. I love to teach and am excited about coordinating this co-op.
Natalia Stepps- Spanish Instructor
I was born and raised in Spain. I went to Teesside University in Great Britain. My major was computer engineering. I moved to the US in 1994 where I met my husband. We have two beautiful children, Netania, 16, and Dallan, 15. I have homeschooled them from the beginning. I decided to homeschool because I was concerned about the impact that public school would have on my children’s self esteem and individuality.
I have experience working with group of children. I taught a kindergarten class at a homeschooling charter school in CA. So, I feel a have a good understanding of how hard it is to keep a child’s attention. Also, I have learned during my years of homeschooling that textbooks are the least effective way to teach. Bottom line, the child is more important than the curriculum.
Allison Ray – Science Instructor
I am a homeschooling mom of one teen. I have homeschooled my son for 5 years and plan to continue through graduation.
I have a B.S. in Business Administration, M.A. in Education and M.S. in Geology and Paleontology. I have worked in the field doing geological surveys and paleontology digs. When I had my son I worked as a teacher for several years. I currently work as a research scientist. Starting this summer I will be launching a new program to train and develop field scientists. My goal is to get students excited about science.
Barbara O’Neill- Practical Math Instructor
I am a homeschooling mom of two girls. We've been homeschooling for more than five years. I hold a B.S. in Business Administration from Nova University with certificates in Marketing and Management. My profession (for the last 20 years) is Book Keeping and Accounting and I currently work part time at The Weinbaum Yeshiva High School in Boca Raton. I enjoy "dabbling" in Real Estate for investment purposes and possess a license to sell in Florida. On the side, I have taught "vocal instruction" to groups of elementary children, and have sung professionally for over 20 years.
Catherine Vega - Exceptionalities Specialist
I homeschool my 13-year-old son. I have a B.S. in psychology and education, M.S. in varied exceptionalities and post-graduate studies in behavior analysis. I have worked as a teacher, administrator and consultant in both public and private schools for over 20 years. I am certified as a teacher, behavior analyst, and personal trainer. I am currently in private practice as a behavior analyst.