Elementary Mentors

Colette was introduced to the book “A Thomas Jefferson Education” by Oliver DeMille shortly after having her first child and spent 6 years homeschooling her own children while developing an understanding of the Thomas Jefferson Education model.

Her own PreK-12 classical education inspired her to join John Adams Academy, as she deeply values the academy’s mission to develop servant leaders. Cassie’s love for homeschooling, her experience teaching online during the pandemic, and her growing family also motivated her to join the JAA Online program...

Marla loves the John Adams Academy community. She’s been a part of it for the past 11 years and is excited to meet the needs of the Online families and show them how wonderful JAA is!  

Josephine Ashworth has been teaching grades K-2 at John Adams Academy since 2020. She is passionate about fostering a love for learning and servant leadership in young scholars...

Cari Smith’s passion for teaching and love of the classics brought her and her husband to John Adams Academy in 2020 just in time for the opening of the brand new Lincoln campus.

Mrs. Teesdale loves teaching in the John Adams Academy-Online program because of the flexibility for each scholar being able to learn in a way that works best for them.

Ms. Kim has always loved getting to be a part of the growth process - whether it’s in education, character building, or even in fitness - she loves it all! What makes her come alive is mentoring others to reach their goals and potential...

Mrs. Wood loves how JAA brings scholars together online to create community and extend our American Classical Leadership Education model to families near and far.  

Ms. Teays states, “I have always loved the line from one of my favorite plays Hamlet, “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.”

Ms.  Kendra Lamboy currently serves as a Mentor Teacher on the team that is tasked with ensuring the implementation of the Academy’s American Classical Leadership Education® model.

From the moment she could hold a crayon, she naturally gravitated toward Art. Influenced by her educator Father, she always knew that she wanted to combine her love of Art with her love of teaching.

Leslie Miranda discovered a love of music as a child and decided to become a music teacher to share that joy with others.

Julianne joined JAA Online in February 2024. She appreciates the flexibility the online program offers—not only for her personal life but, most importantly, for scholars and families to tailor their education to best suit their unique needs and lifestyles...

Mrs. Armstrong's dedication to education has developed from her desire to lead the next generation in the virtues necessary for effective servant leadership.

Mrs. Bunch began her journey at John Adams Academy in 2019 as the sole 5th-grade teacher at the Lincoln campus portables. Over the next five years, she continued teaching 5th grade for four years and served as a Math Interventionist for one year, working with small groups of scholars from TK through 6th grade to help them achieve proficiency in their respective grade levels...

Heather Leamon came to the John Adams Academy Online program by way of earning a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies K-8, a Master’s in Biology, and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instructional Design from Western Governors University. She is a passionate educator with over 15 years of classroom experience, devoted to classical education principles.

Karalee has been with John Adams Academy for 7 years; she started at the El Dorado Hills campus the first year they opened helping to develop the rich culture there. She switched to the online program after having her first child. She has taught multiple grades and subjects. Seeing the growth each scholar makes throughout the year, is what drives her to teach. She is grateful to be able to guide scholars toward greatness each year.