co-founder and Executive director,
secondary 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,
secondary 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
Sarah Prettel
Sarah studied both theology and psychology in her undergrad, and then later united the two fields during her postgraduate studies in biblical counseling. She shares her passion for counseling at her local congregation where she is a lay counselor and deacon. Sarah comes to Scholé after working as a guide in a Montessori environment located within a school specializing in learner-driven education. She learned to love the younger primary grades and was blessed to receive training in Positive discipline which greatly enhanced both her classroom management and parenting skills. Previously, Sarah dedicated a decade of her life to homeschooling her four children. Before her children were of school age, she worked in the public school setting and felt called to seek out a more innovative method of education for her own children. Having delved into much of the available curricula during her family’s homeschooling journey, she concluded that, for educational success, children need to learn to love learning.
Sarah has also had opportunities to work in education teaching ESL on online platforms, teaching children’s Sunday school classes, teaching language at local co-ops, and teaching theology to women. She continues to be actively involved in her children’s education while working in ministry alongside her husband who is a Pastor. Sarah is excited to put both her love for psychology and education to good use as a primary teacher for grades K-2 at Scholé. You can reach her at sarahprettel@scholenova.org.
intermediate learning guide
Matt Ahn
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.
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.
