co-founder and Executive director,
intermediate learning guide
Lauren Yacht
Lauren Yacht is the co-founder and executive director of Scholé Center for Innovative Education, and focuses on the strategic vision and administration of the program. She is passionate about teaching and learning, and believes that people learn best through experience. Her background is in music education: she taught high school and college band and is currently earning her PhD in music education at the University of South Florida. Previously, she studied intellectual property law and briefly practiced as an attorney in Florida. Her legal studies inspired an interest in the Socratic method and its application to collaborative learning in the arts. In her experience, students are capable of amazing and insightful inquiry, discussion, and problem solving, and tend to become inspired and engaged when they are invited to become involved in their own learning. Lauren is a homeschooling mom to three children ages 8, 5, and 2. Her family loves to travel, hike, go to museums, and search for the best ice cream in town. In her spare time, she loves interior design and DIY projects, reading, and spending time in nature. You can reach her at lauren@scholenova.org.
co-founder and education director,
intermediate learning guide
Sarah Lavezzo
Sarah Lavezzo is the founder and director of Wonder Learning Collective, an educational nonprofit that believes the purpose of education is to equip students to be lifelong learners and compassionate citizens while preparing them to live an enriched, fulfilling life as they create positive change in their community and world. She is also the founder of Ascend Micro School – a K-8 modern one-room schoolhouse in Colorado Springs. Additionally, she has co-authored several curriculums for the United States Institute of Peace and Heartwork. Her graduate degrees are in curriculum & instruction and gifted education & talent development. She is passionate about learner-driven education, global education, and empowering children and families. As the mom of a delightful daughter, she loves to build community with other parents and support them in their journeys. You can reach her at sarah@scholenova.org.
primary learning guide
Jeanna Smith
Jeanna Smith is a military spouse and mother of 4. Two have grown and flown, and she just graduated one after homeschooling him for 10 years. Her youngest, whom she homeschooled since she was 4, will be attending high school at a local Christian school starting this fall! Jeanna attended College of Charleston and the University of South Carolina for her undergraduate and graduate degrees in elementary and early childhood education. She taught in public school, grades 1st- 3rd, for six years, directed a preschool as well as an after school program for at risk students, and is currently an ESL teacher at her church. She has taught in the classroom setting with children as young as 2 years all the way through adulthood. She is passionate about students expressing themselves in learning and allowing the student to explore a variety of methods in the learning process. She is excited about partnering with the families at Scholè Center For Innovative Education! You can reach her at jeanna@scholenova.org.
teaching assistant
Brittany Matejka
Brittany Matejka is a certified K-12 Special Education teacher with 6 years of classroom experience and 4 years of homeschooling adventures. She is committed to guiding and inspiring students, fostering a love for learning, and helping them realize their full potential.
Brittany is a military spouse and mom of two children ages 8 and 9. She is a nature enthusiast that enjoys adventures with her family outdoors and through travel. In her spare time, she is an avid thrifter and frequents local book and coffee shops.
She is excited to embark on this educational adventure, where growth, exploration, a love for learning and community will guide her journey.
