Hannah Hicks is the director at Learn Together Lowcountry where she leads the coordination of efforts for this vibrant community. Hannah has business ownership and management experience to equip her in this task but proclaims that homeschooling and home management have been the most fulfilling, if not most challenging management tasks she’s encountered. She and her husband have four children - two in college and two who enjoy LTL and other homeschool activities. In addition to LTL, Hannah organizes local field trips with Lowcountry Field Trips for the homeschool community and offers various IT and event management services to local homeschool and church groups. She believes that there is no greater privilege or mission than to share the truth of Jesus’ love for us in that he died for our sins so that we may have life. This is the purpose of our work here.

hannah@learntogetherlowcountry.org

Sandra Rangel is a homeschool mom of two and both of her children enjoy learning at LTL! She strongly believes in hands-on learning and encouraging students to reach attainable goals! This is exactly why she enjoys the challenge of homeschooling her own children as well as aiding in the LTL ministry with fellow homeschool moms! Being grounded in her faith along with her commitment to teaching helps to align well with the LTL’s priorities for educating students! Over the past 10 years, she has served in extensive leadership roles in a behavioral health hospital and engaged in numerous volunteer opportunities including President of the Georgia Therapeutic Recreation Association, Chair of the Service Excellence Committee, and member of the committee for American Suicide Prevention Awareness for 3 years.

Additionally, Sandra served as an adjunct instructor for Georgia Southern University. She strongly believes in servant leadership and attempts to live out this key work-related value. Through persistence and dedication, she knows the impact that leading by example has on productivity and commitment. This guides her homeschool teaching philosophy, delivery of therapeutic services, and ability to be a positive team member.

Kristi is originally from Danville Kentucky and graduated with a BA in Sociology from the University of Kentucky. She relocated to Bluffton in 2017 when her husband John retired from the Marine Corps. She has been homeschooling her 3 daughters for 10 years. She feels God has blessed their family tremendously with the Learn Together Community and is eager to give back through her roles as Director of Fine Arts and Teen Event Coordinator. Kristi has a passion for the arts and studied voice and vocal production for 7 years. From an early age she has been involved in musical theatre productions, and has performed in choral groups for over 40 years. Kristi was honored to be a soloist in several USO stage productions along the East Coast while her husband was deployed in Iraq. She loves being a part of Learn Together Lowcountry’s Fine Arts Department where it is our mission to help our students use their God given gifts for His Glory.

My name is Heather Kruszka and I’m the Nursery Director at Learn Together Lowcountry. I’m a homeschool mom of three ages 14, 11, and 4. We have been homeschooling for 6 years now. I’ve worked with children my entire life! I’m the oldest sibling of seven sisters. I’ve taken childcare classes beginning in high school.

I’ve volunteered in my church nursery for the past six years. I am currently the Children’s Ministry Director for my church. I’m a tutor for Classical Conversations in Bluffton and I’m raising three kids! I look forward to spending time with your littles and doing all the things babies and toddlers love to do!

Hi! My name is Mia Henke. I am a homeschool momma of 3 and a pediatric RN. My husband and I are Montana natives, but my husband’s career as a Navy dentist has taken us many places. In 2022 we were sent to Beaufort, SC where we have fallen in love with the Lowcountry.

My husband and I both grew up homeschooling and attending different co-ops. We are so grateful to have found the LTL team and that our children get to have the same wonderful experience that we did. After graduating high school, I received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Mary in North Dakota and then began my nursing career as a pediatric RN. I have had a unique experience as a nurse in that I have primarily worked in my patient’s homes. Instead of kiddos being hospitalized 24/7 due to various chronic diseases and chromosomal abnormalities, they got discharged home with me so they could keep being a kid! I went to school with them, the park with them, the doctor with them, etc. All of my previous patients had special needs (or special talents as I like to call them), which has provided me with a lot of experience to bring to the sensory room.

I have always worked around children, but for me it’s not work, It’s an adventure. I’m so grateful for every opportunity God has given me to jump back into the magical world of childhood through my own kids, my patients, and now my students. I am a firm believer that a kid should get to be a KID. Let’s have fun together!

Erin was born and raised in New Jersey where she received her bachelors degree from Kean University. Prior to that, she attended college at Coastal Carolina University. After getting married in Charleston, her and her husband had a longing to live in South Carolina. Last summer, God opened up that door. They followed his lead, his timing and finally moved to the lowcountry. She is now a homeschooling mom of two and enjoys being a part of the LTL family!

Before starting a family, Erin worked as a paraprofessional for a special needs school as well as assisting in a special needs camp. She was also a lead preschool teacher for several years.

She has always had a love for teaching and she believes that helping students meet attainable goals is essential for building their confidence to give them the tools to succeed with schooling as well as with other aspects of their lives.

In her spare time, Erin volunteers for the Friends of Hunting Island Sea Turtle Conservation Program. She has a heart for the ocean and does what she can to spread the word about conservation and protecting our oceans and marine life.

After growing up and working in Ohio, my family moved to the Lowcountry in 2005.  We have been here for a little over eighteen (18) years now and I cannot imagine a better place in which God could have blessed us to live on this Earthly journey.

I was a public school teacher for almost 17 years, fifteen (15) of those working with and teaching the deaf.  We took many trips to Gallaudet University and to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf during my teaching time in Ohio and about half of my students earned college degrees at some level, the highest being a Master’s Degree.  I’m very proud of my former students and all they have accomplished!

When my daughter Eva was born in 2008, I knew immediately that I would homeschool. Eva is entering her 9th year of homeschooling, mostly with Classical Conversations. It has been such a great journey and I often find myself realizing just how quickly this time is moving. This is our 6th year with Learn Together Lowcountry and 100% it is STILL our favorite day of the week!

We are thrilled to be a part of the Learn Together Lowcountry Community!

Gina Denckhoff is a wife, homeschooling mother of four and most importantly a follower of Christ. She was born and raised in Pascagoula, Mississippi and graduated high school from the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science. She attended college at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) before marrying her wonderful husband Robert and supporting him in the Marine Corps. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and then earned her Master of Physical Therapy at East Carolina University. After her husband’s service with the Marines, the family resided in St. Louis, Missouri for a few years before moving to Hilton Head in 2006.

Over the past 10 years, Gina has been actively involved with Classical Conversations (CC) of Hilton Head and Bluffton and is currently the Challenge II Director (10th grade) at the Bluffton Community. She has also enthusiastically served 9 years as a leader with the American Heritage Girls Troop of Hilton Head and enjoys giving her time to children of the community. Besides volunteering to help with various organizations and devoting hours in the car driving her amazing kids to ballet, Trail Life, Boy Scouts, sports, and church events, she also enjoys relaxing with family, traveling, and spending time outside in God’s beautiful creation.

My name is Johnnie Garrett. I just completed my third year of homeschooling and I’m so grateful for LTL. A little about me. I’m originally from Pittsburgh, PA (go Steelers!) and I moved here 17 years ago. I’ve been in church since I was two and I gave my life to the Lord when I was nine years old. At a kid’s camp, they showed us the crucifixion scene from the “The Greatest Story Ever Told.” At that moment, I finally realized the weight of what Jesus had done for me. I began to cry and asked the Lord to save me and I have been following Him ever since. I attended and graduated from a private Christian school. I attended Carlow College and received my degree in Social Work. After graduation, I worked in foster care and adoption for over 10 years. I met my husband, John, in 2008 and we were married in August 2009. We have beautiful, twin boys named Caleb and Isaiah. Isaiah was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old. We have had struggles but he is an amazing little boy and so is his brother. The Lord has blessed us so much! We are so grateful to be apart of this wonderful ministry.

Hi! My name is Eleana Fielding. I am originally from Long Island, New York but have lived in multiple states before residing in South Carolina with my husband, Ross and daughter, Madison. I went to Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island and received a BS in Baking & Pastry Arts. I have been in the food service industry for over 20 years. Once we learned that we would be moving to South Carolina, I was very excited to be closer to family again, and we are happy to call Bluffton home.

After about a year, we had decided to take a new direction in my career once we decided to homeschool. God has blessed our family so many times, as I took the leap of faith to teach both in our cottage school as well as LTL. I am excited to teach and assist Hannah in any way that I can. I feel that God has put me in homeschooling to make a difference in our children’s lives and I can’t wait to help Him with all that He has planned for us now and in years to come.

Ron Gleason is a native of Charlotte, NC. He studied economics and cost accounting at The Citadel, where he was a Distinguished Military Student, a member of the Economic Honor Society, a platoon leader, a member of the wrestling team, and was on the Dean’s List. Following graduation, he reported to

Ft. Knox, Ky where he served as a tank platoon leader, and upon promotion, he became a tank gunnery instructor at the U.S. Army Armor School, where he taught a secret class on the comparison of U.S. and Soviet tanks. He received an honorable discharge and the Army Commendation Medal.

He completed his Masters of Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA (magna cum laude). He was a member of the Phi Alpha Chi academic honor society and a teaching fellow in Systematic Theology. He studied Christian Ethics at the Free University of Amsterdam and the Theologische Hogeschool van de Gereformeerde Kerken in Nederland where he earned a doctorate degree (Drs.) with honors. He was granted a theological assistantship after graduation for further research.

He took a Dutch-speaking congregation in The Hague until 1984. Ron took a call to Toronto, Ontario, Canada for almost ten years. In 1994, he became the founding pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church (P.C.A.) in Yorba Linda, CA. He served there for twenty-two years and the congregation planted three more churches in the area during that time. While in CA, he completed a Ph.D. in Historical and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. His study leaders were Richard B. Gaffin and Sinclair Ferguson. Ron, and his wife, Sally, have six children, one of whom, a four-month-old infant who died in the Netherlands, nineteen grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.

Ron has taught nationally as well as internationally. He has lectured at almost every major theological seminary in the U.S. He has also taught in Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and Holland. His teaching experience ranges from doctoral-level courses to catechetical instruction of young children in the age range of twelve and older. He is a published author and his books are available on Amazon and at the P.C.A.

I am Mia Kruszka and I am a 17 year old business owner of Powder. Powder is a gluten and dairy free dessert business where I sell at ltl as well as custom orders. I am educated through finishing and completing Wilton’s four course classes at ltl. I’m schooling through classical conversations for 9 years and counting. I will be graduating this year. I have been apart of ltl for 5 consecutive years. I look forward to finishing out my senior year leading children closer to Jesus through my God given talent.

Megan Wooldridge is an adaptable homeschool mom with a lifelong passion for learning and exploring the beauty found in nature. I have had the privilege of serving in various teaching capacities that have affirmed my love for guiding young minds in their journey of learning, growth and discovery and look forward to sharing my passion for teaching and my commitment to a Christ-centered education.While my formal education may be limited, my love for God and dedication to nurturing the hearts and minds of children are boundless. I am eager to create a welcoming and supportive learning environment where students can grow academically, spiritually, and emotionally incorporating hands-on activities and read-aloud sessions into our learning activities. I believe in creating a space where children can ask questions, explore their interests, and develop critical thinking skills.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this community of homeschooling families who share a common faith and commitment to providing a Christ-centered education. I am excited to meet and partner with each of you as we nurture and educate our children.

My name is Katie Seitzinger and I have been teaching my kids at home for 5 years. I have a BA in Visual Arts and I love to share my joy of creating!  While my skills are stronger with pencil drawing and three-dimensional forms, I enjoy digging in with my students and trying new things.

I also love finding the beauty that God has made in the world around us and pointing our students to His craftsmanship.

I look forward to meeting parents and students and sharing my love of art with you this year!

Hello! My name is Aaron Bates. I am sixteen and have loved playing sports pretty much since I could walk. I’ve only lived in the lowcounty for about three years; before that I lived in Bangladesh. I love teaching and hope to create a fun learning environment for my students this semester.

Sarah is a loving wife, and mother of 4 great boys. She and her family served for 10 years in Bangladesh as missionaries and are now living here in the Lowcountry. Sarah has a passion for communicating the Good News of Jesus to kids in a way that they understand so that they can begin to grasp His great love for them and its relevance to their lives.

Mathematics Educator and Researcher. I am a doctorate math instructor with over three decades of experience teaching at all levels from elementary to university. I am passionate about helping students learn, understand, and actually enjoy math. I have experience with students from many cultural backgrounds and with a multitude of learning differences. I worked in both public and private schools, junior high, high school and colleges. I created my own innovative ways to reach students and effectively teach them all levels of math. In addition to teaching, I am a passionate researcher. I’ve attended and presented at multiple international mathematics education research conferences.  I’m originally from Poland and have lived in several countries, including Germany, Canada, and now the USA. I have three grown children and 6 grandchildren. Fun fact: my daughter homeschools her four children and they attend LTL. What a blessing this homeschooling community is!

Lauren is a native to Bluffton, SC. She grew up attending the Church of the Cross with her parents and two older sisters here in the lowcountry. She danced ballet with Hilton Head dance theatre since she was four and after graduating from Bluffton high she was on the dance team and studied business at the university of South Carolina, Columbia. After college she traveled for a couple years before returning home where she met her husband Alex. They got married in 2014 and after he finished his enlistment with the United States Marine Corps they moved to his homeland Dallas, Texas. After a few years there, they returned to Bluffton in 2017. Lauren has taught ballet to all ages, is a licensed USCG boat captain, and works with the Sunday school program at church. They have two children, Adelaide-6 and Glenn-2. As a family they enjoy fellowship, boating, and really anything outside related. They put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and know God is in control!

Christy has a background in music and elementary education. She grew up in the Lowcountry, and after completing her education as a music major with primary emphasis in piano and secondary in voice, she taught music in the public school systems in Tennessee and North Carolina before moving back to Bluffton. She is married with six children. Christy has had tons of experience in music in the community including Music Directorship with Bluffton Youth Theatre, Pianist with Grace Coastal Church, and private piano teacher locally. She has continued her love of teaching through the Classical Conversations program as a Foundations tutor for a decade and will be starting her 3rd year as the Challenge 3 (11th grade) Director for CC of Bluffton, which includes a course in music theory. She has served in leadership with LTL since it began and has been teaching music classes and piano lessons for the past two years.

Paul Holst is the robotics instructor at Learn Together Lowcountry where he is focused on engaging young minds in the science and art of creating machines to improve everyday life. Paul trained as an engineer at the United States Naval Academy before serving for 21 years as an officer in the United States Marines Corps. Throughout this time he operated fighter aircraft that became increasingly complex and saw firsthand the impact that technology has in highly advanced machinery. This, along with his son’s interest in combat robotics, spurred his interest in robotics that he is excited to share with the Lowcountry.

Jenni Tadlock is a wife, mom of two boys, and daughter of the King. She moved to Hilton Head from PA with her family (go Eagles!) and has lived here in the lowcountry since 1991 minus the years spent in Columbia, SC for undergrad and grad school. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Chemistry cognate from the University of South Carolina (go Gamecocks!) and a Biblical Ministry Certificate from the master’s program at Columbia International University.

Although she thought international missions was going to be her full-time future, she is beyond grateful for the Lord's redirection. Being a homeschool momma and serving in the women's and children's ministry at her church has been a tremendous blessing and incredible challenge that forces her to lean into Him daily. She is also looking forward to her second year of teaching at LTL and sharing about the love of our Creator with her kiddoes in the classroom. Jenni is always ready to go shark tooth hunting, spend time outside with her boys, or fellowship with others with some coffee in hand, and she loves all things nature (except bugs).

My name is Cristy Burnette, and I am devoted to assisting children in reaching their full potential! For 23 years, I was a teacher of the Deaf, where I had the privilege of working with students with varying hearing loss levels while ensuring their individual needs and accommodations were met at school. I left California, where I grew up, when I felt God wanted me here. Some people don't believe me when I say we had no idea where we were going. I am a living testimony to following your heart because if you listen closely enough, your journey is absolutely being directed! This year I will be shifting my educational passion toward teaching Spanish at LTL and a 4th-grade class at Highlands Latin School. No matter where I am, I have an unwavering commitment to a tailor-made education and self-advocacy, so please approach me with any educational questions you may have!

Hello! My name is Janine Cole. To tell you a little bit about me. I am originally from New Jersey, we moved to Bluffton in 2009. I have worked with children at some compacity since I was 12 years old. My journey with children began with babysitting, which I continued to do through college, in addition to acting as a teacher’s assistant in Preschools. I earned a B.A. in Home Economics with a minor in Human Services from Montclair State University. I earned my teaching degree from Kean University and I taught Kindergarten for 13 years. After our first daughter was born in 2007, I decided to be a stay at home Mom. During this time, I provided childcare in my home. In 2009 we moved to Bluffton and we had our second daughter in 2011. Shortly after, I began teaching Art at May River Montessori, classes in my home and at Lowcountry Montessori School. Last year I went back to school and earned my Esthetics License.

Teaching Art has been a true blessing to me. I love to create a welcoming space for others to have the opportunity to explore and express their creativity through mixed media.

I am beyond excited and blessed to share my passions with your children.

Scott and I have been married for 29 years and have 3 children, 2 grands and a Great Dane dog. This year, is my 8th homeschooling year however, not in a row. Bay, 13 is entering her second year at LTL, is homeschooled and we enjoy expanding our learning with day trips, travel and getting to know other families. My grandchildren are a big part of life as well, being 3 and 9 they join us in most of our activities.

I love being with children and try earnestly to listen and to where the Holy Spirit is leading me in this area. Besides raising our own children, we have fostered 8 infants and I’ve been a public middle school substitute and an assistant teacher in lower school Montessori as well.

Some of my own favorite things to do is study Hangeul, the Korea language, sit on the porch and read or play scrabble online.

My name is Kristin Schlabs. I am the proud momma of three little ones. (Wren 11, Jameson 9, and Eden 6) This is our second year of homeschooling and we are loving it! We couldn’t be happier. My background? I was born on Long Island and my family moved to Hilton Head while I was still young. So I am basically from here. I met my husband in Atlanta while we were working for the same software company. He was a programmer and I was a training specialist for a major billing software system. I spent my time traveling the country conducting training sessions. I was responsible for planning training classes, creating user guides, and trying to keep learning billing software fun. Not as easy as it sounds! Once we started our family, our adventures brought us back to the Lowcountry where we hope to be here to stay!

My name is Lisa Zabak and I am originally from Chesterland, Ohio. I have a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Bowling Green State University. In 2016 my husband and I decided we needed a change of scenery and moved our family to the beautiful town of Bluffton. When we moved here I became a stay at home mom and last year I started homeschooling my oldest daughter, who is now 7. We are continuing on that path this year, along with my youngest who just turned 6. God has blessed me beyond measure on this journey and I look forward to seeing what He has in store for me.

Hi, my name is Kristen Walters. I moved from Michigan to Hilton Head 15 years ago and met my husband here. We have 3 amazing kids. Homeschool has been one of the greatest blessings for me and my family - LTL has been a huge part of our love of homeschool and success!

I love to create! I love learning and adding new skills to my bucket - my favorites are baking, studying and practicing natural medicine, graphic design, photography, and creating custom drapery!

I enjoy accounting, auditing, and almost anything to do with a computer!

My name is Gretchen La Pour. I grew up in Minneapolis, MN. I graduated from Luther College in Decorah, IA with a degree in Social Work and Anthropology. I worked as a nursing home social worker for several years, then moved into healthcare marketing. After my husband David accepted a job teaching golf in Bluffton, I became a stay-at-home mom to our two children, Anna and Zachary.

We love living here and feel blessed to do so. Homeschooling our children has been the most demanding yet rewarding thing I have ever done. That said, there is something about that moment when they finally understand something that makes all the tough days melt away. I love that I get to be there for those moments! Homeschooling also provides me with the ability to present every subject in light of God’s Word, which is a precious privilege that I pray I will never take for granted.

I currently teach all subjects to the sixth graders at Highlands Latin School and am excited to tutor this year at LTL. I am available to tutor all ages and most subjects. I’ll consider just about anything, so please don’t hesitate to ask.

In NYC, Ana studied acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, The Actor’s Institute, The Acting Studio, and under other professional actors who also taught the craft. By studying different techniques she draws from a variety of practical approaches. She combines elements of the Meisner Method, character and script analysis, as well as improvisation to teach actors how to develop skills that help make a compelling performance. Working off each other actors find their voices, rhythms, and emotions. They build imaginative relationships while also making real ones. Ana had the pleasure of creating many original characters and giving them organic life. She has performed in many plays, appeared on television, films, and in videos, and has done a local commercial as well. However, she is most blessed by playing the role of mom to her three incredible kids who have given her the greatest lessons in life. By teaching she hopes to pass on what she has learned about acting and how to make wise and godly choices. Theatre brings people together and you never know who might find their calling in the performing arts!

Ashley Trexler has been sharing her writing professionally for over a decade now. Originally in sales, she transitioned to writing—and growing online businesses—after discovering a passion for the power of storytelling.

Ashley is a former freelance writer and ghostwriter who made a name for herself as a “viral” writer (when that was a thing). She remains dedicated to writing with connection and purpose. Mentored by some of the top online writers and marketers, her work has since been featured worldwide, from The Washington Post to the New Zealand Herald. She continues to help small businesses harness their origin story to expand their customer reach and retention. Currently, she works part-time as a web consultant and copywriter. 

Ashley is an active election worker in Beaufort County. She enjoys homeschooling her daughter, world travel, & promoting allyship on her parenting platform. When home, her greatest pleasures are writing, consulting, meditating, and gardening. 

Bio coming soon!

Bio & photo coming soon!

Photo & bio coming soon