~Mentors~
Renae Zentz--Director & Founding Mentor
Renae grew up in a large family in Houston, Texas. She saw her first snowfall at BYU where she completed a BA in Humanities. She began her homeschool journey over twenty years ago. Thrilled to have her children on her own lap learning to read and in her own kitchen learning about life, she has embraced every phase of their education. She loves teaching all ages, from preschool on the living room floor to leadership classes at George Wythe College, where she received an MA in Education. She and her husband, Harold, enjoy family gatherings, trips to anywhere, and adventures in their own backyard. They have six children and five adorable granddaughters. 
Giulia Rogers--Jr. High Mentor
Giulia was born and raised in Italy. She earned a master’s degree in Contemporary History at the University of Siena, studying in both Italy and Spain. She speaks English, Italian, and Spanish fluently, French moderately, and has studied Latin and Ancient Greek. She is passionate about connecting current events with history. She has an insatiable curiosity that compels her to understand events from within various cultural contexts. As a young adult, she moved to the US, spending time in SLC and NYC, where she met her husband, Daniel. They have 6 children, who have been homeschooled, private schooled, and public schooled in different parts of the world. Giulia loves to be with young people and finds herself working with them in community, church, and school environments. She enjoys marathon running, hiking, and building her own health-based business. 
Moana Patterson--EMBER Mentor
Moana grew up on a farm in Idaho where they raised cows, chickens, horses, sheep, & bees. Between the animals, garden, & orchard she always had lots of work to do–all which has helped shape her into the person she is today. After earning her bachelor’s from BYU, she settled in Riverdale with her husband & raised four terrific kids. Being fluent in Spanish has given her the opportunity to teach ESL & bilingual classes as well as teaching 4th grade in Davis & Weber school districts. She also served as adjunct faculty at WSU after receiving her master’s degree in education. She loves school, sports, spending time with her grandkids, & outdoor activities such as hiking, river rafting, horse-back riding, & scuba diving. She loves traveling the world to learn about new places & people! 
Michael Harris--FLARE Mentor
Michael is a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for lifelong learning and a desire to give back to the community by teaching the rising generation. He believes that education should be hands-on and grounded in real-life applications. He brings a wealth of experience to the team. His career has taken him around the world, especially in Europe, where he spent four years in business, volunteer service, education, and travel. As a licensing agent, he has licensed board games in 18 foreign languages. He has taught business-related courses at the University of Phoenix, economics and algebra at a charter school, and coached his own five children in their various educational paths. 
Emily Haralson--Fun Friday
Emily loves learning about our beautiful world and all of the people who live here. Her heart has been awakened as she learns and teaches about nature, classical literature, poetry, and American heroes. She enjoys taking her students outdoors in any weather where they sketch, sing, dance, and share wonderful stories. Emily has taught Waldorf-inspired preschool, and elementary classes in music, movement, and theater. She is a graduate of BYU-I with a B.S. in Health Education and a minor in science and art. She can be found hiking, singing, gardening, and cooking with her husband, David, and their 6 amazing children.
Kerry Smith--FLICKER Mentor
Kerry Smith is a mom of two “only” children, born 10 years apart. Personalizing their education has been top priority for her and husband, Cole. Kerry earned a BA from USU in English with a minor in Spanish. After living in Paraguay for 18 months, she has kept in touch with friends there and maintained her bilingual skills. She has worked as a writer and editor for the former Ensign Magazine, as a substitute teacher, and as a piano teacher. Kerry is an advocate for literacy and is usually reading four books at a time. If you want to strike up a fun conversation with her, ask her to recommend a book or tell her about one of your favorites. It's an instant connection!
Alisa Shaffer--FLICKER Mentor
Alisa & her husband homeschool their two children in Ogden, Utah. They love being outdoors picking fruit on their property & coming up with all sorts of new projects. Alisa's students adore her & she loves challenging them to do their personal best in everything they tackle. 
Chelsea Baker--EMBER Mentor
Chelsea Baker loves kids of all ages and has taught preschool, elementary, and adults. She earned a BA at WSU studying Early Childhood and Psychology. She has worked as a classroom teacher, private tutor, preschool director, and a real estate agent. She and her husband Dave stay busy raising their 3 rambunctious boys. 
Allie Young--FLICKER TA
Allie has enjoyed a diverse and unique education experience that allowed her to work towards academic and career goals at a personalized pace. As a homeschooler, she participated in co-ops, online classes, in-person programs, and performing groups–orchestra and theater are her favorites! She learned Spanish while serving as a missionary and loves to speak it any chance she gets. She loves learning, culture, music, art, crafts, literature, and all things animals! Cheryl Hendricks--Fun Friday Mentor
Cheryl grew up in the beautiful foothills of Salt Lake City. She attended USU where she earned a bachelor's in Animal Science. For fourteen years, she worked as a veterinary technician caring for dogs and cats. Cheryl has spent many years working with children in her local church and as a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader. She enjoys traveling, cooking, biking, and watching movies with her husband, her four kids, and their golden retriever. |
Tyler Wilson--Jr. High Mentor
Tyler loves teaching! He specializes in History and Language Arts. He has taught at Venture Academy and Capstone Academy and is a curriculum writer for The Good and the Beautiful. As a master storyteller, he brings history to life. He has led an award-winning robotics team, a youth chess club, and a guitar class. He and his wife McKell homeschool their three children in Ogden. They spend leisure time walking in the park, camping, and hiking. He can’t resist a good story and has even been known to forget the meal on his plate in his enthusiasm to share a story with his children. 
Harold Zentz--Jr. High Mentor
Harold comes to Family Lyceum after 32 years of teaching junior high German and math in WSD. He bumps into former students all over the world and loves to hear them share their memories of the Berlin wall simulation, Ukrainian Easter eggs, black forest cherry cake, Oktoberfest, and so much more. As a homeschool dad, he has tutored his 6 children through high school math and science. He is a craftsman at heart and loves woodworking, pottery, and creative arts. He spends countless hours in his yard and garden and hopes for more time fishing and playing with the grandkids. 
Celena Shafer--SPARK Mentor
Celena has been a part of Family Lyceum since 2015 when her older boys first enrolled. Her musical talents have brought song and dance to the classroom. She has worked with children and youth in church and community settings for 20 years and especially loves time spent at JAK’S Theatre Company. She knows how to bring kids together, share powerful messages, and leave them hungry for more. She believes that children need plenty of time for exploration and that music and play should be a natural part of learning. Her teaching experience includes vocal performance at the University of Utah (where she received her BS and MM), private voice and piano in her home, and Boy Scouts. Her home is a neighborhood hub and countless youth feel comfortable in her space. She and her husband Brad live in Layton and spend their leisure time with their boys, who are happily involved in sports, band, theater, and robotics. 
Erin Furlong--SPARK Mentor
Erin loves teaching! Some of her most cherished experiences came while teaching children in Taiwan, Uganda, Guatemala, and Fiji. Closer to home, her 1st and 2nd grade classrooms have been a happy place for hundreds of children in Davis school district. After nine years of full-time teaching, she decided to homeschool her 4 children and teach preschool from home. Erin earned a BS in Elementary Education and a MA in Curriculum & Instruction from WSU. She enjoys camping, gardening, singing, and spending time with her husband, Brayden, and their family. 
Rindy Heslop--EMBER Mentor
Rindy Heslop began her professional career in education with the Davis School District & Ascent Academies of Utah as a TA, substitute teacher, & tutor. She has also taught piano lessons & dance. A graduate of Weber State University, she earned her BA in History & Political Science. Prior to working at Family Lyceum, she was the Junior Director & a lead mentor at Liber Academy, where she co-wrote & implemented a mini-scholar project. Rindy is also a professional photographer & veteran homeschool mom who is passionate about helping children develop a love of learning. In her free time, she can be found reading, gardening, knitting, cooking, & spending time with her husband, Jeff, & their four children. 
Heather Harris--EMBER Mentor
Heather Harris grew up as the 8th of 9 kids in a musical family in Provo. Heather studied vocal performance in college in New York where she married Michael and they started their family of four daughters and one son. Homeschooling was a great part of Harris family life for various times and reasons. She has been a homeschool mom, a private tutor, and a classroom teacher. Heather loves outdoor adventures like hiking and canyoneering, and she's expert at finding all kinds of beauty. Cooking, writing poetry, reading, singing, psychology, and family history also bring much joy to living. 
Katie Martin--Jr. High Mentor
Katie, a passionate educator, recently made the move from Texas to the beautiful landscapes of Utah. With a strong background in reading, language arts, and writing, Katie has dedicated her career to inspiring students to develop a love for learning. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education with a focus on middle school studies from Mississippi State University. Katie shares her life with her husband, Kristopher, and their two beloved dogs. She enjoys exploring and hiking the Utah mountains, discovering new ways to incorporate sourdough starter in her baking, and traveling. 
Jessica Martineau--FIREFLY Preschool
Jessica attended George Wythe College beginning at age fifteen, is a certified Birthing Doula, and was a homeschooled student herself. She has a great love of the natural world, cooking delicious and healthy desserts, and for being with young children. Jessica developed her in-home Montessori style preschool and then brought it to Family Lyceum in 2022. She was trained in early childhood and Montessori education by Cathy Matthews, owner of the popular online Montessori resource, The Helpful Garden. Jessica is a homeschooling mother of five children, and has a particular love of teaching and nurturing young children. 
Sarah Haderlie--SPARK TA
Sarah was homeschooled in Southern California alongside her six siblings. At 16, she attended Palomar College, where she earned an associate's in General Studies. She later graduated from BYU-I with a bachelor's in Art. After graduation, Sarah and her husband moved to Utah to be closer to family. An artist at heart, Sarah has a deep appreciation for how art enriches all areas of learning. She teaches art to both children and adults at a local art studio. |
Michelle Nichols--Secretary
Michelle became part of the Family Lyceum community in 2015 when her two youngest sons enrolled. As an experienced homeschool mom of 4, she appreciated the support for herself and the awesome classes for her boys. Her children are now grown, and she has circled back to join the Admin team. She has worked as a business owner, entrepreneur, and office manager with her husband, Sanford. Michelle is a family-focused individual with a love for adventure and relaxation. She is a boating enthusiast, mountain lover, razor rider, and vacation fanatic who is dedicated to promoting lifelong learning and nurturing young minds.
Michelle became part of the Family Lyceum community in 2015 when her two youngest sons enrolled. As an experienced homeschool mom of 4, she appreciated the support for herself and the awesome classes for her boys. Her children are now grown, and she has circled back to join the Admin team. She has worked as a business owner, entrepreneur, and office manager with her husband, Sanford. Michelle is a family-focused individual with a love for adventure and relaxation. She is a boating enthusiast, mountain lover, razor rider, and vacation fanatic who is dedicated to promoting lifelong learning and nurturing young minds.
Emily Eden--Executive Secretary
Emily has experienced Leadership Education firsthand. Homeschooled with this philosophy, she diligently pursued educational goals & personal interests. As the oldest of six children, she also learned management & responsibility at a young age. She loves teaching children & has taught swimming, biology, music & sewing. With a passion for the sciences, she studied Environmental Biology at BYU, worked as a biology TA, & graduated in Family Studies. Emily has a talent for sharing her love of learning with others. She & her husband Braydon spend most of their free time with their five daughters.
Emily has experienced Leadership Education firsthand. Homeschooled with this philosophy, she diligently pursued educational goals & personal interests. As the oldest of six children, she also learned management & responsibility at a young age. She loves teaching children & has taught swimming, biology, music & sewing. With a passion for the sciences, she studied Environmental Biology at BYU, worked as a biology TA, & graduated in Family Studies. Emily has a talent for sharing her love of learning with others. She & her husband Braydon spend most of their free time with their five daughters.