Amber Robinson

Executive Director and Principal

It is an honor to serve as the Executive Director at Colearn Academy. I have been in education since 2006, and online since 2010, in various roles such as teacher, special education, curriculum development, college professor, and homeschool mom of 5! Knowing that we have the opportunity to support and encourage families wanting to receive a more personalized and student-led education makes me passionate about my role at Colearn.

Deanne Jeffries

Director of Administration and Human Resources

During the pandemic, we became a homeschool family and found the flexibility provided by Colearn Academy to be a perfect fit for us. Since working at Colearn, I have watched the academy grow to a fully accredited charter school that covers the entire State of Arizona. I am proud to be a part of this incredible school that gives parents the control over what is being taught to their children in a manner that best suits their student's individuality.

Courtney Cullen

Elementary & KEA Coordinator

I began teaching elementary as soon as I graduated with my credential in 2006 and fell in love with it. I taught in a classroom for 12 years in K - 3rd grades. I am so happy that I can continue with my passion of elementary education with the unique model of Colearn. I now homeschool my own children and I truly love being able to come alongside other homeschool families and support them by doing what I love!

Stephanie Sansone

Elementary & MOWR Coordinator

My journey in education started in 2006 as a first grade teacher in WA state. I spent five fun filled years as a classroom teacher before becoming a reading interventionist. Shortly after moving to Arizona, the pandemic led me to homeschooling my two kids, where I found a wonderful community of families. I love my role supporting our Colearn elementary students and parents, and feel so lucky to be here!

Sarah Galbreth

Middle ELA/Social Studies

Working at Colearn and helping families cater to their kids' educational needs at home has been a dream job! I started out as a teacher in 2009, took a break to start a family and had no idea it would lead me all to the homeschooling route - not only for my own children, but to dive into a career of helping other families learn from home. It is such an honor to work at Colearn, and it gives me so much joy as we help each family thrive at home.

Keshia Case

High School ELA/Social Studies & World Languages

I love learning and everyday I get to teach is a gift for me. I started working in education as a college teaching assistant. Through this experience, I learned from my professors the importance of mentoring students towards their academic goals. It is my pleasure to serve Colearn students and their families on their educational journey.

Taylor Bennett

Secondary Math & Testing Coordinator

I have been working in education since 2013 as a math teacher for middle and high school. In 2019, I began working online and enjoyed being able to provide a great educational experience to families. As my own children came of school age, I dove into the homeschool world, which led me to Colearn Academy. I am so happy to be a part of our families home education journeys, which offers individualized instruction and support to meet students where they are.

Jada Santoro

Secondary Science & Academic Coach

I have been an informal outdoor educator and science teacher for many years but teaching science online has been the highlight of my career. I am also a certified SEL Facilitator which helps me successfully support my students and those in academic coaching. I am so grateful homeschooling my children led me to teaching for Colearn! 

Priscilla Goma

ESS Director & Teacher

My journey in education in 2004 began with a desire to understand and support diverse learning needs. During my 13 years in the classroom, I gained invaluable experience that I later brought into my work with homeschooling families and early intervention programs. This diverse journey has led me to watch the growth and breakthroughs of my students. I love being a part of the Colearn family and am so fortunate to be working alongside a team that prioritizes student success and well-being.

Leanne Schinella

ESS Secondary Teacher

I've been involved in education since 2001, and my passion for teaching has only grown stronger over the years. My teaching philosophy revolves around fostering a growth mindset and leveraging students' passions to increase their ownership in their education journey. As both a homeschool and public school mom, I understand the unique dynamics of various educational settings and bring a diverse perspective to the classroom. I am thrilled to be part of the dedicated team at Colearn Academy, where we can create an inspiring and innovative learning environment for our students

Amanda Triggs

ESS Elementary Teacher

Hi families! I have been working with children since 2013. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati, I worked in behavior and psychiatry during my time living in Cincinnati, where I'm from, and later transitioned to elementary education and eventually special education when moving here to Phoenix! I have found a deep passion for seeing those light bulbs go off when they understand a concept being taught! I'm a wife and a new mom and love being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. I believe in the power of partnership with parents to support each child's journey, making sure that every student feels confident and successful. I'm excited to join the Colearn team and work together to nurture a love of learning in every child!

Rick Spinell

Academic Advisor & Academic Support

Melissa Cigelske

Reading Interventionist & Dyslexia Specialist

I absolutely love my job as the Reading Interventionist for Colearn. I love teaching dyslexic students how to improve their reading skills and seeing the lightbulbs go on, their confidence grow and most of all when they pick up a book to read for pleasure. I truly have the best job in the world and am blessed to work with an amazing staff at Colearn. They always put students’ needs first.

Katie Van Dam

Math Interventionist

Karen Allender

Intervention Teacher

I really enjoy working with students toward their reading goals! I began working in education in 2015, wearing many hats. I've been a paraprofessional, library clerk and a behavior specialist. I am also a homeschool mom. I appreciate what Colearn Academy provides to our students in order to help them become successful in their educational career!

Andrea Biery

Field Trip Coordinator & Parent Liaison

I am thrilled to join Colearn as the new Field Trip Coordinator and Parent Liaison. Having been a Colearn parent since the spring of 2022, I have personally witnessed the impact Colearn has had on both my sons' education, which they have thoroughly enjoyed. I am honored to be part of this exceptional community and look forward to planning engaging activities for our students, as well as getting to know many more new parents, in addition to the many I already know.