Meet the Teachers
🍏 Anna Marie Old: Coordinator of Whole Child Learning
🍏 Amy Close: Kindergarten-1st Grade
🍏 Angela Zwarcyk: 2nd-3rd Grade
🍏 Elisha Kish: 4th Grade & Enrichment STEAM Cultural Studies
🍏 Dawn González: 5th Grade & Enrichment Entrepreneurship
🍏 Maura Miranda: 6th Grade &Entichment Botany/Nature Studies
🍏 Deborah Stokes: 7th-9th Grade & Enrichment Passion Project Class
🏀 Coach Hov: PE Enrichment Teacher
🎵 Ashley Heintzen: Music Enrichment Teacher
🍎 Krystal Lopes: Teacher Assistant
🍎 Ashley Quintero: Teacher Assistant
🍎 Hannah Bowen: Teacher Assistant
👪 Daniela Hernandez: School and Family Relations
🏡 Kate Young: Community Liaison
💵 Latonia Eldridge: Student Admissions and Tuition
🔧 Corey Hollis: Facilities Supervisor
2nd-3rd Grade Teacher,
Ms. Angela
Ms. Angela is beyond excited to be a teacher at Lighthouse Learning Microschool and Homeschool Hybrid! Her goal is to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment that focuses on your child's strengths and individual needs. Teaching is her true passion, and she is dedicated to the growth and development of each student.
She holds a degree in Elementary Educatio,n which has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to effectively guide young minds. Beyond the classroom, she finds inspiration and cherishes the great outdoors! Nature offers boundless opportunities for learning, exploration, and discovery.
Whether she’s exploring a nature trail, organizing exciting field trips, or incorporating outdoor activities into our lessons, she’s a firm believer in the power of hands-on experiences to enhance learning
Whether she’s exploring a nature trail, organizing exciting field trips, or incorporating outdoor activities into our lessons, she’s a firm believer in the power of hands-on experiences to enhance learning.
As a mother of four wonderful children, Ms. Angela understands the importance of empathy and support in creating a nurturing environment. She draws from her own experiences to ensure that every child feels seen, heard, and valued. She is dedicated to providing a warm and inclusive space where your child will thrive and grow.
As anticipation and excitement fills her heart for this upcoming school year, she firmly believes in fostering a love for learning and strive to create engaging lessons that ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, and inspire creativity in your child.
With her educational background, love for the outdoors, and passion for teaching, she can not wait to start this adventure with them, inspire their minds, and create great memories together!
5th Grade Teacher and Enrichment Entrepreneurship, Ms. González
I'm so very excited to introduce myself as your child's new teacher here at Lighthouse Learning. My name is Dawn Gonzalez, and I am originally from the Catskills of New York, where I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. I’m so excited to be in my fourth year as a primary teacher. Additionally, I've had experience co-teaching in several Pre-K ESE classrooms, in 3rd and 4th grade general education classrooms, and in a 5th grade inclusion room. From 2014 through 2016, I ran my own in-home daycare while homeschooling my children. During that time, I incorporated guided, inquiry-based lessons and activities that were infused with art, music, play, and nature. I loved differentiating instruction for the various ages and abilities, as well as facilitating an environment that fostered an enthusiasm for learning. Throughout this next year, my intention is to create a fun learning environment where your children feel welcomed and excited to learn and grow! I’m looking forward to meeting them and speaking with all of you as we partner to make this an amazing year filled with engagement, enthusiasm, and exploration.
4th Grade Teacher and Enrichment STEAM Cultural Studies, Ms. Kish
Hello family and friends at Lighthouse Learning! Elisha is a creative and caring teacher who has called the classroom her “home away from home” for 20 years. Her lessons incorporate music, movement, and an emphasis on STEAM. She believes reading across the curriculum is essential to build and strengthen the foundations of learning in order to question, analyze, and synthesize information.
Her favorite book is The Giving Tree. In her free time, she loves being outside, in nature. She’s fortunate to have family scattered across this beautiful USA, where she can travel and be a character in her own story of life. Two facts and a fib about her: She’s allergic to bees, she lived in Italy, and she doesn’t like tacos! (Disclaimer: She can eat tacos daily, not only on Taco Tuesdays!)
6th Grade Teacher and Enrichment Botany/Nature Studies
Ms. Miranda
My name is Maura Miranda, and I am excited to be joining the Lighthouse Learning community. I bring with me a diverse teaching background, having worked with students across a wide range of ages—from 3 to 17—in both domestic and international settings. My experience spans traditional classrooms as well as more unconventional learning environments, allowing me to adapt and connect with learners in meaningful, engaging ways.
No matter the setting, I am passionate about creating a classroom environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential. I believe in fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning that lasts well beyond the school day.
7th-9th Grade Teacher,
Ms. Stokes
Born and raised in Hawaii, I arrived in Florida in late 2023. I live in Apopka and enjoy the beautiful nature that the country provides. I have two almost 17-year-old boys, whom I adore. My specialty is behavioral modification, and I have been a special education teacher for 14 years now. God is the most important thing in my life, and guides all of my decisions. I love the ocean and all of the adventures that it holds. I coached soccer in Hawaii for 27 years and led a team to the National Finals in 2016. I truly love teaching, and I truly love children. I believe that they are precious blessings from the Lord, and that it is our duty to raise them in his name. I look forward to this school year and all of the magic that awaits.
Mahalo Nui Loa (Thank you very much)
Teaching Assistant,
Ms. Krystal
I am delighted to be assisting Pre-K/1 grade this year! I am passionate about creating a nurturing and exciting environment where young learners can explore, grow, and build a love of learning.
With a background in early childhood education and a belief that every child is unique, I am dedicated to fostering a supportive classroom where each student thrives. Ms. Krystal.
Teaching Assistant,
Ms. Ashley
Teacher’s Assistant with 2 years of experience working with grade levels K-8. I hold an Associate’s in Teaching Elementary and will obtain a Bachelor's in the summer of 2026.
I am passionate about teaching and always try to find fun, hands-on, and interactive ways for students to learn. As educators, students learn a lot from us, but I have found that we learn a lot from them as well. I am excited to start my journey at Lighthouse Learning Micro-School.
Teaching Assistant,
Ms. Hannah
Hi! I’m currently working toward my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and absolutely love being part of the learning journey with children. I’m especially passionate about creating engaging, supportive spaces where kids can grow and thrive.
Outside the classroom, I’m a huge book lover—fantasy novels are my favorite—and I enjoy sharing that love of reading with students. I’m also a proud reptile parent to a very charming Northern Blue Tongue Skink named Tairn!
Coordinator of Whole Child Learning, Mrs. Old
Originally from England, I grew up immersed in ministry through Youth with a Mission (YWAM) and had the incredible opportunity to travel the world alongside my parents and three sisters. In 1995, our family planted roots in Atlanta, where I later earned my degree in Education from Georgia State University, graduating in 2010.
After college, I spent ten wonderful years teaching in the Virgin Islands—a season of life that shaped me deeply. It was there that I met my husband, Wesley, and we welcomed our son, Bourdain, who is now six. In 2020, God led us back to the States, eventually settling in Orlando. I treasured the years I spent as a stay-at-home mum until Bourdain began school, at which point I returned to the classroom.
For the past three years, I taught Kindergarten and 1st Grade Art at Monarch Learning Academy in College Park. Last year, I had the joy of serving the middle school students at Lighthouse Learning Microschool, which quickly became my home. This year, I am deeply honored and overjoyed to step into the role of Director of Whole Child Learning.
Supporting children in discovering their purpose and potential—emotionally, spiritually, and academically—has always been my passion. I consider it a true calling to partner with families and educators in nurturing the whole child. I am so thankful for the way God has orchestrated each step of this journey, and I look forward to all that lies ahead at Lighthouse Learning Microschool!
P.E. Teacher, Coach Hov
Coach Hov brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our PE program. With a background in physical education and a passion for promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, Coach Hov is committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment for our students to thrive physically and socially.
At Lighthouse Learning Microschool, we recognize the importance of physical education in the holistic development of our students.
Coach Hov will play a key role in designing engaging and fun PE activities that not only promote physical fitness but also instill teamwork, discipline, and a love for an active lifestyle.
Coach Hov believes in making physical education enjoyable and accessible to all students. His approach involves a combination of interactive games, team sports, and individual exercises tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of our diverse student body.
School and Family Relations,
Ms. Daniela
Community Liaison,
Kate Young
Kate Young brings a wealth of experience and a heart for community to her role as Community Liaison at Lighthouse Learning Microschool. With a BA in American Sign Language/English Interpretation and an MS in Interpreting Pedagogy, she spent 17 years working as a professional sign language interpreter before stepping away to focus on raising her children.
Now, as a dedicated parent and passionate supporter of Lighthouse Learning, Kate is excited to serve the school in any way she can to help it thrive. With both of her children enrolled, she and her family deeply value the school’s vibrant culture, nurturing environment, and love of learning.
Kate is a devoted wife and mother, as well as a community-minded professional who values strong relationships, purposeful work, and a supportive learning environment—both at home and at school. She enjoys sewing, playing piano, organizing, learning new things, and helping others wherever she can.
Facilities Supervisor,
Corey Hollis
This is my 2nd year with Lighthouse Learning, managing the facilities and helping to build many memories with the students in building and school improvements!
Over the past 26 years, I’ve successfully managed a long-term partnership (marriage) with my amazing wife—complete with contract renewals, joint ventures, and occasional “negotiations” over thermostat settings. Together, we’ve managed two exceptional young humans. Our daughter, 16, is a competitive dancer logging 20–30 hours of training per week while balancing her high school schedule —basically a full-time job with glitter. Our son, 22, is juggling college at UCF, part-time work, and head coaching duties for a local high school JV basketball team. He’s already out-coaching me, and I’m totally okay with that (mostly).
I’ve had the privilege of coaching youth boys’ baseball and basketball over the years, which taught me more about leadership, patience, and snack management than any job ever could. My coaching record consists of endless high-fives, several life lessons, and countless snacks distributed—plus a few epic wins.
I’ve spent many years in construction and sales, where I learned how to build stuff, sell stuff, and keep calm when both fall apart at once. These experiences have taught me how to work under pressure: from closing deals to making it to dance competitions and basketball games in the same weekend. When I’m not working or cheering from the sidelines, you’ll find me practicing as a self proclaimed multi sport recreational athlete, specifically participating in darts, cornhole, golf, and basketball with strong potential for improvement. Currently I am in a life long battle with a six-string guitar. Progress is slow, but morale remains high, because, you know, the dream lives on!
I’m ready to enroll! Where do I start?
Let’s get you started on the enrollment process so you can secure your spot for next school year!
After you contact Director Makenzie Oliver, we’ll send you our FREE Introductory Packet so you can learn more.