co-founder and Executive director
Lauren Yacht
Lauren@scholenova.org
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 and law: she taught high school and college band following a brief stint as an attorney. 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. When she’s not teaching, she loves travel, interior design, gardening, and learning alongside her kids and students!
co-founder and education director,
Sarah Lavezzo
sarah@scholenova.org
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 a K-8 microschool 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.
intermediate (3-5) learning guide
Matt Ahn
matt@scholenova.org
Matt Ahn is a passionate educator who loves to guide his students on their learning journey and help them discover new things. He believes that education should transform us both inside and out. Matt is committed to creating a supportive community where curiosity is encouraged and every student’s voice is heard and valued.
Matt has six years of experience as a veteran and a background in education, including working as a children’s minister and a middle school math teacher. He is dedicated to helping his students develop a growth mindset so that they can become lifelong learners and empathetic global citizens. Whether they are decoding Shakespearean sonnets or unraveling the mysteries of science, Matt is always there to support his students and help them succeed. You can reach him at matt@scholenova.org.
secondary (6-8) learning guide
Rachel Blessing
rachel@scholenova.org
Rachel comes to Scholé with more than 15 years of teaching experience inspiring middle and high school students in Social Studies. She loves helping learners become critical thinkers who are passionate about making a difference in their communities. A strong advocate for project-based learning and Socratic seminars, Rachel is dedicated to building an inclusive and supportive space where all students can succeed. Her involvement in Model UN, National History Day, and youth rowing has also given her the opportunity to travel the world with students, fostering their growth as global citizens.
As a mom to two young children, Rachel is now diving into homeschooling with a Montessori twist! When she’s not teaching, you can find her biking around the city with her kids, checking out museums, parks, and coffee spots.
