True North Academy • Teachers
At True North Academy, our teachers are more than educators—they’re mentors, guides, and passionate subject-matter experts who bring real-world experience and a heart for homeschooling to every class. Each instructor is carefully selected for their deep knowledge, dynamic teaching style, and commitment to helping students grow both academically and personally. Whether they’re leading a discussion on classical literature, solving algebraic equations, or guiding entrepreneurial dreams, our teachers are dedicated to cultivating a high-quality, Christ-centered education that equips students for life and learning beyond the classroom.
Advising, Administration, and Enrollment
Lisa Nehring,
Director
Lisa Nehring is the Director of True North Academy and a passionate advocate for homeschooling. Known for her strategic coaching and advising, she expertly guides parents through their homeschool journey.
Lisa introduced the innovative SAMR Method at TNHA, offering a unique, dynamic educational experience. She also leads It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool and Blue Collar Homeschooling, empowering families nationwide.
Tamara Pool
Academic Advising
Tamara Pool serves as an academic advisor and private tutor at True North Academy. With an attentive, supportive approach, she helps students thrive academically. Additionally, Tamara is the editor of “Your Sabbath Invitation” from Biblical Excavations, blending her love for education with a deep appreciation for biblical teachings and spiritual growth.
Jenn Jones
Enrollment Manager
Jenn Jones is the Enrollment Manager at True North Academy, where she helps families find the right-fit classes with clarity and care. Known for her warm, approachable style, Jenn guides both new and returning families through the enrollment process with personalized support.
She brings years of experience working with top homeschool brands through her business, Story Social, where she specialized in marketing, community building, and brand strategy. Jenn’s unique blend of marketing insight and homeschool knowledge makes her a valuable asset to the True North team.
Maggie Blackwell
Admin Assistant
Maggie Blackwell is the Enrollment Admin Assistant and Self-Paced Course Proctor at True North Academy. A homeschooled student herself, Maggie brings firsthand experience and a heart for supporting families in their learning journey.
When she’s not helping students stay on track or assisting with enrollment, she runs a digital printables business and keeps up with her energetic two-year-old—making her a true multitasking pro.
Gina Steffy
DOO & Marketing Director
Gina Steffy is the Director of Operations & Marketing at True North Academy, where she oversees daily systems and leads strategic marketing efforts to grow and serve the TNA community.
She’s also the founder of HomeschoolSocialMedia.com, where she helps homeschool businesses scale with smart marketing, compelling content, and streamlined systems. With a passion for both education and entrepreneurship, Gina brings clarity, creativity, and a can-do spirit to everything she does.
Humanities Department
Beth Purcell
Humanities Department Chair
Beth Purcell is the Humanities Department Chair and teaches various writing and communication courses including World Literature, Composition, and BizTalk at True North Academy. With a degree in English and extensive teaching experience, Beth helps students master writing and speaking skills. She’s also an IEW-certified instructor, known for creating engaging, effective classes that build strong communication foundations.
Anna Knaub
Anna Knaub brings literature to life at True North Academy, teaching British Literature, Dystopian Literature, and Shakespeare. An avid reader and adventurer, she loves gardening, baking, and crafting. Anna’s engaging classes inspire students to dive deep into literary analysis, enhancing their critical thinking and appreciation for great stories.
Angie Ferrell
Angie Ferrell brings extensive experience in education and homeschooling to her classes in American History, Literature, Composition, Psychology, and Adapted History. With a Master’s in Education and a passion for individualized learning, Angie’s classes are engaging, supportive, and tailored to meet diverse student needs.
Bj Pramann
BJ Pramann, a talented self-taught artist, teaches Art at True North Academy. With experience curating Christian art galleries and live event painting, BJ’s classes encourage creativity, self-expression, and artistic growth, helping students explore their artistic potential in an inspiring and supportive environment.
Adam Pruzan
Adam Pruzan teaches Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at True North Academy. His engaging teaching style encourages critical thinking, thoughtful discussion, and active participation. Students consistently praise his Civics classes for their depth, clarity, and impactful learning experience, calling him “a wonderful instructor.”
Betty Allgyer
Betty Allgyer has been passionate about education since childhood and is committed to helping students learn freely, think critically, and pursue meaningful futures. A widow and mother of eight, she has navigated profound loss while faithfully guiding her children into diverse and successful paths, from trades and entrepreneurship to engineering and nursing. Betty has taught in private schools in North and South America, is fluent in Spanish, and has eight years of experience in classical co-ops. Known for her warmth, organization, and compassion, she creates safe, engaging learning environments and finds her greatest joy in watching students grow in confidence and say, “I didn’t know I could do this.”
Jeanette Whittaker
Jeanette Whittaker teaches Foundations of American Liberty and Government with enthusiasm and passion. Drawing from her extensive teaching experience, she cultivates a deep appreciation for American history and foundational reasoning. Jeanette is also a published author, dedicated homeschool mom, and strong advocate for character-based education.
Julia Jinks
Julia Jinks teaches writing at True North Academy, drawing from her extensive experience in communications and media production. With a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Tennessee and background producing news for CBS and writing for HGTV, Julia brings storytelling expertise and real-world skills into her classes.
Natasha Jones
Natasha Jones, known as “The Reluctant Homeschooler,” is a Southern California native who never planned to homeschool—but has spent the past 12+ years doing just that with her seven children. After a life-changing encounter with God and marrying her husband Keith, she embraced homeschooling as God’s calling for her family and now sees it as one of her greatest blessings. With a background in education and college athletics, Natasha brings an eclectic, classically influenced approach to teaching, shaped by real-life experience, including supporting a child with learning challenges.
STEAM Department
Melissa Grande
STEAM Department Chair
Melissa Grande is the STEAM Department Chair and teaches Science at True North Academy. Holding degrees in education and music, she inspires students to explore creative expression and critical thinking. Parents consistently praise Melissa for significantly enhancing their homeschool experience with her impactful teaching style.
Sunshyne Hummel
Sunshyne Hummel, with a background in Geology and Earth Science-Geochemistry, teaches science classes at True North Academy. Her experience as an environmental consultant enriches her instruction, providing students with practical insights. Sunshyne’s classes inspire scientific curiosity and environmental stewardship among students.
Marcelete Ailor
Marcelete Ailor brings over 30 years of teaching experience to her 8th grade math classes. With a Master’s degree in Mathematics and a passion for helping students succeed, she makes math engaging and approachable for middle schoolers. A veteran homeschool mom of seven, Marcelete understands the unique needs of homeschooling families and is committed to building both confidence and competence in her students.
Dr. Kristin Moon
Dr. Kristin Moon is the creator of Kristin Moon Science curriculum, offering exciting courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math Skills for Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology at True North Academy. With extensive expertise and enthusiasm, she makes complex scientific concepts accessible and enjoyable, inspiring students to pursue lifelong learning in science.
Kiersten Shamberger
Meet Coach Shamberger—a creative storyteller and visual narrator who splits her time between capturing life through her lens and exploring the great outdoors. A true film devotee, she studies cinematography at the theater and leaps off the couch whenever the Maple Leafs score. By day she’s a proud family person, while after hours she becomes a Nintendo Switch warrior honing her Mario Kart skills. Armed with a camera, boundless creativity, and a studio-bright smile, Kiersten now channels her passion into teaching audio and video editing for True North Academy.
Language Department
Hannah Nehring,
Foreign Language Department Chair
Hannah Nehring, Foreign Language Department Chair at True North Academy, passionately promotes language learning and cultural awareness. Drawing from her own multilingual journey, Hannah inspires students to see language mastery as a path to freedom and global understanding, creating dynamic, interactive language classes. She also teaches Entrepreneurship.
Anna Owen
Anna Owen teaches Russian 1 and 2 live online from Kentucky, guiding language enthusiasts ages 14-21. Her classes emphasize basic communication skills, foundational reading, and cultural awareness, offering students an exciting and practical introduction to the Russian language and culture, fostering both enthusiasm and confidence.
Arthur Fischer
Rabbi Arthur Fischer teaches Modern Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew, and Biblical Feasts and Festivals from his home in Israel. Bringing authentic cultural insight and a passion for scripture, he creates an engaging online classroom experience where students explore deep biblical connections, language skills, and rich traditions that enhance their faith and understanding.
Kate Hub
Kate Hub fell in love with American Sign Language in college after seeing a church service interpreted. That moment launched her into years of immersion in Deaf culture and language. She went on to start a business serving the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community—interpreting, establishing Deaf ministries, directing ASL dramas, and training church interpreters.
Today, Kate continues to interpret as needed and stays actively involved with her local Deaf community. She’s also a pastor’s wife, mom of three, and enjoys writing, reading, drawing, and dark chocolate.
Monica Gonzalez
Monica Gonzalez teaches Spanish Levels I through IV for high school at True North Academy. Previously a missionary in Reynosa, Mexico, she now teaches from Pachuca Hidalgo, Mexico. Monica’s dynamic classes bring language and culture alive, helping students achieve confidence and fluency in Spanish.
Rachel Margaillan
Rachel Margaillan teaches French classes at True North Academy. Having studied literature and music in France and taught internationally, she designs adaptable and engaging curriculums tailored to her students’ needs. Rachel delights in simplifying French, making language learning approachable, enjoyable, and meaningful for students of all ages.
Rachel Grebe
Rachel Grebe has spent the past 20 years sharing her love of the German language with homeschool students, co-op classes, and adult learners, making her role as a German teacher her favorite “hat” by far. With a B.A. in German, study abroad honors, and four years of living and working in Germany, Rachel brings both academic depth and real-world experience to her teaching. Her fun, focused approach helps students build confidence, fluency, and a genuine appreciation for this rewarding language.
“We are so thankful for your online academy. This year has been an answer to prayer!”
