TBD

Mr. Dan Bohyer

Dan Bohyer has devoted more than two decades to pastoral ministry, bringing a wealth of experience and insight to his role as Pastor of Family Ministries at Riverside Community Church. He holds a B.A. in Christian Ministries in Christian Education, along with an M.A. in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary. Currently, Dan has completed coursework toward his doctoral studies in Church Organization and Health, furthering his commitment to fostering vibrant and effective ministry environments. Dan is also on the board of LEAD for Christ and often travels overseas with the organization to train pastors and church leaders in Africa.

In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Dan teaches Systematic Theology, Apologetics, and End Times, equipping others with a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. Outside of ministry, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and their four children—Cassidy, Hayley, Zach, and Matthew. His hobbies include family activities, sports, and watching movies.

Mrs. Adriana Busch

Adrianna comes to GCA with a strong background in teaching and volunteer work. She received her Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Waubonsee Community College in 2011. Her love for teaching and serving others is evident through her decade-long involvement in her church’s Children’s Ministry, where she continues to volunteer as a pre-school class teacher.

In the fall of 2021, Adrianna and her family embarked on their homeschooling journey, which led them to join a local co-op. There, she began teaching Spanish, sharing her skills with both 2nd–5th graders and high school students. 

Outside of teaching, Adrianna enjoys spending time with her husband, James, and their three children: Isabel (13), Annabel (10), and Anthony (6). Their family also includes Ninja, their energetic black lab/shepherd mix. She loves being active, whether running around the neighborhood with Ninja, working out at home, or hiking with her family.

A baking enthusiast, Adrianna enjoys experimenting with new recipes, especially sourdough creations. In her quieter moments, she loves to read, particularly as she journeys through the Bible alongside her church community. Each summer, she volunteers at her church’s annual Sports Camp and enjoys supporting the youth group, including helping with special events like lock-ins.

Mrs. Tara Cruz

Tara Cruz is an inspiring educator and accomplished worship leader with a love for creativity and spiritual growth. She is the proud mother of three children: Grace (20), Charlotte (13), and Isaac (5). With nearly 20 years of experience as a worship leader, including roles at Harvest Bible Chapel and 10 years with Vertical Worship, she holds formal vocal training from Wheaton Conservatory and has enriched her career with professional experience as a face painter.

This will be Tara's second year teaching at GCA, where she combines her artistic and musical expertise to provide private voice instruction, lead the choir, and teach elementary art fundamentals. In addition to her teaching role, she leads worship at various local churches and consults with worship teams.

Outside the classroom, Tara enjoys studying ancient Biblical history and theology, as well as painting abstract art. Her diverse background and enthusiasm make her a valuable asset to the GCA community.

Mr. Dylan Dierking

Dylan Dierking is a passionate guitarist with over 7 years of experience playing and performing in a variety of settings. Whether it's at local gigs, shows, or events, Dylan has honed his skills on stage and in front of audiences. He plays alongside his family in a band where each member contributes with a different instrument, creating a dynamic and collaborative musical experience. Together, they've been performing for the past 3 years, sharing their love for music with others.

Outside of performing, Dylan also serves in his church's elementary-age Sunday school, where he teaches kids about the Bible while making sure they have fun and stay engaged. He is an active member of his youth group, playing guitar and singing as part of the worship team. Music holds a special place in Dylan's heart, and he is deeply passionate about using his gifts to serve others.

Teaching guitar is something Dylan truly loves. It’s a joy for him to share his knowledge and help students develop their musical abilities. He is dedicated to seeing his students grow not only in their technical skills but also in their enjoyment of music. Dylan is excited to guide his students on their musical journey and looks forward to seeing their continued growth.

Mrs. Kristin Dierking

Kristin loves teaching and working with kids of all ages. For over a decade, she has been homeschooling her four children alongside her husband, Ryan, in Elburn, Illinois. She holds a secondary education degree with a concentration in English from Judson University in Elgin. Kristin has extensive teaching experience through homeschool co-ops, where she has led classes in history, American government, writing, and science.

As a teacher, Kristin strives to weave a Christian worldview into every subject, whether it’s history, science, or literature. Outside the classroom, Kristin and her family are active in their church in St. Charles and enjoy life in the Fox Valley area. A talented musician, Kristin plays in a band with her children, performing at private events and local venues. She also enjoys reading, fitness, and teaching exercise classes at a gym in St. Charles.

This year, Kristin is excited to teach history at GCA, helping students explore the subject through the lens of God’s story.

Mrs. Gwyn Downey

Gwyn Downey has been a performer and private music instructor in the Fox Valley and Chicago area since 1985. She began her musical studies at age 7, and she holds a bachelor’s degree in music theory and composition from Ball State University. Her mother was her mentor, which led her to love music. She plays piano at her church, accompanies church choirs and solo instrumentalists. She is a member of the Illinois State Music Teachers Association (ISMTA). She attends monthly meetings which provides musical growth with guest speakers. She also continues her education by taking online courses from The Frances Clark Center for Piano Pedagogy and she attends the biennial Piano Conference (NCKP) in Lisle, Illinois 

Each of her private piano lessons involves an element of learning theory, and each class devotes putting music theory into practice. The traditional piano instruction entails note reading, sightreading, theory and technique. Supplemental pieces are assigned to reinforce what is learned in the lesson. Each lesson is designed according to the student’s abilities, and changes are made once the teacher becomes more familiar with the student’s needs. 

She currently resides in Elgin with her husband where she teaches piano and bassoon out of her home studio. She enjoys playing with her two granddaughters, traveling, gardening and reading.

Mr. Michael Drescher

From stepping onto the mat at age 4 to leading as Director of South Elgin National Karate, Michael Drescher has dedicated his life to martial arts. A 6th Degree Black Belt, competition coach, and tournament director, he blends elite skill with inspiring leadership.

Starting as National Karate’s youngest instructor, Michael’s journey through youth martial arts, competitive sport karate, and Krav Maga has shaped him into a mentor who empowers students to excel. His vision? To build strong, confident martial artists while upholding the discipline, tradition, and energy that make National Karate exceptional.

Coops Driving School

COOP'S Driving School is founded by Erick Cooper, a Certified Illinois Driving Instructor, an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course Instructor (EVOC), and a retired police officer with over 23 years of law enforcement experience.

Our professional team of state certified driving instructors have over 100 years of combined law enforcement experience. We know first-hand the benefits of safe driving practices. This knowledge is shared with our students so they may develop the necessary skills and techniques needed to be confident in any condition or situation.

As parents of teenagers, we understand your concerns as they take to the road. We believe our background will equip your child to be a safe and responsible driver. The How to Drive Curriculum is the official ADTSEA (American Driver & Traffic Safety Education) Curriculum and the curriculum of choice for the delivery of high-quality driver education programs.

Mr. Aidan Isaacs

Aidan Isaacs holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and has been teaching since 2017. With a diverse background in education, he has taught subjects ranging from physical education and life skills to U.S. Constitution studies, history, geography, and psychology. As someone who was homeschooled from kindergarten through 12th grade, Aidan brings a unique perspective to his teaching, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment for his students.

Aidan has experience working with co-ops and private schools, providing instruction that combines academics with real-world application. Currently, he teaches physical education, life skills, and Introduction to Psychology, blending his academic expertise with practical insights.

Outside of teaching, Aidan enjoys playing basketball and softball, going on hikes, and relaxing with video games or a good movie. He appreciates life’s simple pleasures, like a hot cup of tea and a sandwich, and often spends time walking, listening to podcasts, and exploring new topics. Aidan also has a pet bird.

In addition to his professional commitments, Aidan volunteers at Village Bible and New Covenant, supporting men’s basketball and occasionally assisting with a high school girls' basketball team. His love for teaching and community involvement reflects his commitment to fostering growth both inside and outside the classroom.

Mrs. Jane Isaacs

Jane Isaacs brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her teaching role, shaped by a lifelong commitment to education and a diverse background in both formal and homeschool environments.

A graduate of Milligan University with a degree in Education and Mathematics, Jane began her career teaching at a Christian school in Terre Haute, Indiana. She then transitioned to Michiana Christian School in South Bend, Indiana, where she taught elementary students and served as Principal for her last two years there.

After moving to the Chicago area, Jane chose to homeschool her four children—Alec, Aidan, Anson, and Anna—from kindergarten through high school. This experience was enriched by partnering with Waubonsee Community College and participating in a co-op program during their high school years. Her commitment to homeschooling was evident in the success of her children, with two having graduated from college and the others well on their way.

Jane has been an active member of the Tri-Cities Co-op program for the past seven years, where she has taught a wide range of subjects, including science, geography, history, drama, and creative activities. She has also enjoyed leading extracurriculars like student council and creative projects.

Currently, Jane tutors elementary-aged students, with a focus on strengthening their reading and writing skills. Her approach reflects her diverse teaching background, combining structure with creativity to help her students excel.

Outside of teaching, Jane enjoys a variety of interests. She’s an enthusiastic supporter of Chicago sports teams, including the Cubs, Bulls, and Bears. Her hobbies include solving jigsaw puzzles, walking, following weather phenomena like thunderstorms and snowstorms, and engaging in political discussions.

Mrs. Kelly Jaros

Kelly Jaros is a dedicated teacher with a background in nursing and over a decade of experience homeschooling her own children. She holds a degree in the Science of Nursing and spent several years in acute care nursing before transitioning to full-time homeschooling. This shift allowed her to pursue her true calling: guiding and teaching young minds.

Kelly has been homeschooling for over 10 years and has taught in co-op settings for 7 years, specializing in middle school science (Life and Earth Sciences) as well as health classes for both middle and high school students. Her love for education goes beyond the classroom—she is dedicated to making learning engaging, practical, and meaningful.

Outside of teaching, Kelly enjoys reading, cooking, baking, and traveling. She has five children—three of whom are grown and live out of state, and two still at home. She and her husband, Ryan, also share their home with two beloved dogs.

In addition to her role as an educator, Kelly is deeply involved in her local community. She leads a young adult study group and serves in the youth group at Riverside Community Church. Kelly is also passionate about global outreach, volunteering part-time with LEAD for Christ to provide training and support to pastors in rural East Africa.

Kelly’s diverse experiences as a nurse, homeschooler, community leader, and global volunteer give her a unique perspective that enriches her teaching and her life. She is excited to continue inspiring students and equipping them for success both in and outside of the classroom.

Mr. Ryan Jaros

Ryan brings a wealth of real-world experience and a passion for education to his role as an instructor of Lego Engineering and Lego Robotics. With a degree in Professional Flight Technology and 17 years of experience working as an Air Traffic Controller, Ryan's background in aviation and technology gives him a unique perspective on engineering and problem-solving. He is also a certified pilot, further deepening his expertise in the world of aviation.

When he's not teaching, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family—his wife Kelly, their children Logan and Reagan, and their two dogs. A dedicated homeschool parent, Ryan is deeply involved in his children's education and loves fostering their curiosity and creativity.

Outside of work and family, he is an avid roller coaster enthusiast. He also enjoys variety of other interests inclduing traveling, water sports, and playing music. As a bass guitarist, Ryan is an active member of his church worship team.

Ryan's teaching philosophy focuses on hands-on, interactive learning that encourages students to think critically and work collaboratively. He is excited to help students explore the fascinating world of engineering through Lego-based projects that promote creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Mrs. Melissa John

Melissa John is a passionate educator with a deep commitment to fostering a love of learning in her students. She and her husband Dave have been homeschooling their own children—Daniel, Ruby, and Isla—for six years, and she brings that same enthusiasm and dedication to her teaching in the homeschool co-op community.

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and French from Mississippi Christian University and a Master’s in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from the University of Alabama. Her diverse teaching experience spans several settings, including teaching English and French in public high schools, working with English Language Learners (ELL) in Illinois, and teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Yanji, China.

In addition to her public school experience, Melissa has taught writing and literature in homeschool co-ops for the past five years, focusing on middle school and elementary-level writing and English Language Arts (ELA). She enjoys crafting engaging lessons that help students develop critical thinking and communication skills, with a particular emphasis on reading, writing, and literary analysis.

Outside the classroom, Melissa enjoys reading, writing, and traveling. She also finds fulfillment in volunteer work, including her involvement in jail ministry in Kane County and serving in the nursery at New Covenant Bible Church.

When not teaching, Melissa can be found at home with her family and their cat, Mia, or pursuing her many personal interests.

Mrs. Katie Johnson

Katie  is a versatile and experienced educator with a rich background in teaching and a deep commitment to fostering learning in diverse settings. She and her husband Patrick have been married for 25 years and are proud parents to three children: Veronica (23), Vince (21), and Vic (17). Katie holds a Master’s degree in Special Education Teaching from Northeastern University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in science.

Katie began her teaching career in Norridge, IL, where she taught science and math at a Christian school and later served as a special education resource teacher in both Norridge and St. Charles school districts. After stepping away from traditional classrooms to teach her own children, she expanded her expertise by teaching at multiple homeschool co-ops. At CWF in Elgin, she taught for 11 years and served as a board member for seven of those years. Following its closure, Katie helped establish a smaller co-op with fellow moms and later taught at One Room Co-op in Elgin for four years. Since 2019, she has also taught at Heritage Homeschool Workshops.

For the past five years (with the exception of 2020), Katie has been leading homeschool science classes at the Elburn Library, teaching students from first through sixth grades. Her teaching repertoire spans a wide range of subjects, including biology, chemistry, physics, and physical science for preschool through high school students. Additionally, she has taught history, gym, and nature studies, showcasing her adaptability and breadth of knowledge.

When she's not teaching, Katie enjoys reading, cheering on her son’s baseball games, playing games with her family—especially their ongoing attempts to conquer Pandemic since 2020—and spending time with friends. Her extensive experience, love of learning, and enthusiasm for community make her a valued educator and mentor.

Mrs. Jen Keres

Jen Keres is a dedicated homeschool teacher with a passion for helping children thrive. Married to her wonderful husband, Ron, and a mother of four, Jen brings a wealth of experience to her tutoring. She holds a BS degree in Nursing from NIU and previously worked as a Cardiac Nurse at CDH. For the past twelve years, Jen has served as a missionary in Northwest Ontario, Canada, where she created and ran two children’s ministries and helped establish a locally led church in a remote First Nations Community. Her prior experience also includes serving as a Sunday School and Youth Group Leader.

Jen has been homeschooling her own children since 2018 and enjoys understanding their individual learning styles and nurturing their unique gifts. She has experience tutoring homeschool families using the Saxon Math curriculum and will be offering Math Concepts Tutoring. Jen’s goal is to help children build confidence in approaching challenging math concepts through multi-sensory learning opportunities. Her strength lies in elementary math concepts. In her free time, Jen enjoys being outside with her family, baking with her daughter, exercising, and spending time with friends.

Mrs. Dayana Polhill

Dayana Polhill, a native Spanish speaker, brings her cultural and linguistic expertise to teaching Spanish. She holds a BA in Advertising and has a strong background in education, including her experience as bilingual teacher in District D46. She has also enriched her teaching skills through homeschooling her son, Noah, fostering a deep understanding of personalized education.

Outside of the classroom, Dayana enjoys painting, grafting, and volunteering in ministry. She has held leadership roles, participated in outreach programs, and worked extensively with refugee families, experiences that shape her compassionate and inclusive teaching approach.

Dayana lives with her husband, David, and their son, Noah. Her passion for language, culture, and service is at the heart of everything she does.

Mrs. Amanda Schambach

Amanda Schambach is a dedicated homeschooling mom and passionate educator with a heart for nurturing young minds. Alongside her husband, Kirk, and their four children—Judah, Noah, Isaiah, and Leah—Amanda has been homeschooling since 2020, creating a warm and engaging learning environment for her kids while fostering a love for God and discovery of their identity in Christ.

Prior to homeschooling, Amanda taught elementary school, where she developed a strong foundation in education and a deep love for working with children. Her background in teaching, combined with her personal commitment to faith, uniquely shapes her approach to teaching and nurturing students.

In addition to her role as a mother and educator, Amanda serves as the Deacon of Nurture and Growth at Riverside Community Church, where she oversees the Nursery and Children's Ministry, supporting families and children up to 5th grade. She finds great joy in helping children grow in their understanding of God's love and plan for their lives.

Outside of teaching and ministry, Amanda enjoys reading and baking—two hobbies that offer a perfect balance to her busy schedule. Whether she’s reading a good book, baking with her kids, or teaching a lesson, Amanda’s passion for learning and faith shines through in everything she does.

Her mission is to inspire and equip children to love God, embrace their unique gifts, and grow in their understanding of who they are in Christ.

Mrs. Mollie Schambach

Mollie Schambach brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her teaching roles. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Akron. She and her husband B.J. have four children: Sophie, Oliver, Theo, and Hazel. Before transitioning to homeschooling, she worked as a design engineer and project leader at Caterpillar, where she honed her skills in problem-solving and leadership.

With eight years of homeschooling experience and teaching at four co-ops, Mollie has developed a well-rounded approach to education which combines practical knowledge with engaging instruction. She currently teaches high school physics, biology, personal finance, and Career Exploration. She also teachers Engineering and Entrepreneurship, STEM Challenge, and Bible. 

Outside of the classroom, Mollie enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, hiking, bike riding, reading, and spending time with her family. She also serves in her church’s youth group, teaches Sunday school, and participates in mission trips with her family.

Mollie's diverse background and commitment to education equip her to inspire and prepare her students for both academic success and personal growth.

Mrs. Joy Slates

Joy Slates and her husband, Stephen, have been married for 25 years and are blessed with six children ranging in age from three to twenty. For the past 14 years, Joy has been dedicated to home educating her children and has been actively involved in three homeschool communities. During this time, she taught an elementary-aged class for three years, focusing on the education of her younger two children.

Before starting her family, Joy earned a Master’s in Social Work and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She worked for five years, splitting her time between a faith-based nonprofit Refugee Resettlement organization and another faith-based nonprofit as an Individual and Family Therapist. These experiences instilled in her a deep commitment to supporting families and fostering meaningful connections.

Joy enjoys a variety of hobbies, including cooking, baking, reading, listening to podcasts, attending arts and crafts fairs, and thrifting. She finds joy in bringing creativity and inspiration into her daily life, which she shares with her family and homeschooling community.

She is passionate about nurturing a love for learning, encouraging creativity, and walking alongside other families in their homeschooling journeys.

Mrs. Lynn Tabb

Lynn Tabb is a seasoned educator with over three decades of experience in teaching and nurturing students. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and has an extensive background in teaching middle school and high school language arts, including literature and composition, as well as social studies. Her career spans 18 years in high school classrooms and 30 years of homeschooling her six children—Mallory, Kassondra, Adelyn, Gavin, Cameron, and Elayna—from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Currently, Lynn teaches five high school language arts classes along with government and economics and public speaking, where she encourages her students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.  Through her teaching she seeks to create an inspiring and supportive learning environment for all her students.

Outside of the classroom, Lynn enjoys spending time with her husband, Ed, their children, and her beloved grandchildren. She finds joy in hiking, reading, and gardening, which reflect her appreciation for nature, knowledge, and creativity.

Lynn brings her wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm for learning, and commitment to helping students succeed into every aspect of her teaching. She believes in equipping her students with the skills they need to succeed academically and in life, while also fostering their personal growth and love for learning.

Mr. Jared Weddell

Jared is a scientist passionate about discovering the beautiful complexity of God's creation as a way to understand our Creator. Jared holds a PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where his dissertation work was on building computational models in conjunction with laboratory experiments to better understand how tumors develop. Since then, he has over eight years experience working as a pharmacometrician - a scientist that builds mathematical and statistical models to study the behavior of diseases and the effect of treatment options on the disease. Jared has worked in the areas of oncology, neurodegenerative disease, autoimmune disease, and genetic disorders.

Jared and his wife Khris have three children: Ethan (6), Elena (3), and Eren (1). They are finishing their first year of homeschooling Ethan in Kindergarten, and love the benefits homeschooling provides such as giving him a bible based education and the ability to individualize lesson plans to his specific needs. 

Jared enjoys playing music and serves on his church worship team by playing drums and guitar. He also enjoys exercising, philosophy and apologetics, and playing games or baking with his kids. 

Jared is passionate about teaching problem solving and analytical skills so that students don't simply know the answer to a question, but have the tools and skills to derive the process that will lead them to a solution.