Cara Williams is a creative professional with a passion for storytelling, design, and photography. She earned her cosmetology license from Lone Star College in 2016, but soon expanded her skills into web and graphic design, and photography. Cara began her photography journey in 2021 and quickly fell in love with capturing moments through the lens. As an instructor, she enjoys helping students explore their creativity through many different mediums. When she’s not teaching or working on design projects, you can usually find her curled up with a good book or a crochet project and one of her beloved kitties.

Carmen Keeton has been with Home Run Ministries as the Finance Director since 2020. She has an AA in Accounting with 7 years experience with Non Profit Accounting and 10 years of Tax Filing. She has been married for over 15 years and has 3 children. She has been homeschooling since 2021- 2022 and finds it is a great choice for her family. Her family enjoys membership at Faith Family Baptist Church and has sacrificially served our community in many different aspects. Carmen looks forward to many years in service to our Home Run Ministries’ families.

Ms. Astraquillo is a former student of Home Run Ministries and attended from 2015 until her graduation in 2021. After attending the University of Houston and conducting research with her team in atmospheric physics, she discovered her passion for teaching. She has led her research team as the sciences team lead and her own science team, which specializes in Very Low Frequency radio research in the ionosphere. She is delighted to share her experiences with scientific research and teach the next generation and grow their enthusiasm in the world of science with the help of the Lord.

Mrs. Cabrera studied English at East Carolina University and then received her Master's in Education form Towson University. She has instructed in a classroom setting for over 10 years and now is homeschooling her 6th grader. She has tutored all grades for over 15 years and especially enjoys helping those who have had bad experiences in education discover a love of learning. She and her husband have enjoyed going to a non-denominational church and volunteering in hospitality together.

Chelsea Lipstreu earned a degree in Molecular Biology with a minor in Psychology from Grove City College in Pennsylvania. She attended the University of Maryland School of Medicine for 3 semesters before deciding to pursue other paths. She met her husband Kyle at the University of Texas, where she spent time doing research in a Molecular Biology lab. Chelsea and Kyle have been married since 2008 and now have 3 daughters. She is a member of U.S. Masters Swimming, is a group leader at Bible Study Fellowship, and helps to teach 4th and 5th grade Sunday School at church. Chelsea has homeschooled her oldest daughter since 2021 and is excited to bring her love of science to Home Run Ministries!

Mrs. Wheeler has been homeschooling in the greater Kingwood area since 2005 and has been a dedicated member of Home Run Ministries (HRM) for most of those years. Throughout this time, she has served in a variety of volunteer roles, including HEART President, HEART Family Camp Director, HRM Pre-K teacher, AWANA leader, VBS Director, and more. She has also taught at HRM Super Friday and Explorations classes, as well as Classical Conversations. Christina and her husband, Wes, have four daughters: Callie and her husband Sam, Cheyenne and her husband Caleb, Cierra, and Cambrie. Their oldest three daughters were homeschooled from preschool and graduated with HEART. Their youngest is currently enrolled in HRM Elementary Explorations and Super Friday. Having been married for over 25 years, Christina and Wes enjoy cooking and hosting friends and family. In her free time, Christina loves spending time in nature, reading historical fiction, sharing family dinners, and traveling.

Mrs. Pruyn has a BA in Mathematics from Louisiana State University. She has taught high school mathematics in Louisiana and online since 1992 and has homeschooled her own 7 children since 2006. Mrs. Pruyn has served as Director of Super Fridays for the past ten years and she loves supporting and encouraging homeschooling students and parents.

Ms. Franklin is a native Houstonian who earned her B.B.A. in Management Information Systems from the University of Houston before entering the workforce as a software developer. She married Cris in 2004 and transitioned from Software Developer to Full Time Mom in 2007 when their first child, David, was born. David was soon joined by Danielle, Josiah, and Micah—all of whom have been homeschooled throughout their education. When she is not homeschooling, Heather leads the Children's Ministry and serves in various other roles at her church, Emmaus Road Fellowship, where her husband Cris serves as Senior Pastor. She is also passionate about gardening and loves reading, learning, and spending time outdoors enjoying the beauty and wonder of God's creation. Secondary Academy has been a blessing to the Franklin family since David began attending classes in 2021, and Ms. Franklin is excited to be part of sharing that blessing with other homeschooling families as a Secondary Academy instructor.

Jennifer Paolillo studied at the University of Texas at Austin and then transferred to Rutgers University to finish her bachelor’s degree in biology. She earned her Master of Science in Biology at Binghamton University in upstate New York. She homeschooled her children for 15 years and has taught in various homeschool classes and co-ops. Jennifer enjoys the outdoors, talking walks, reading, and playing games with friends and family. She is married to Lance Jones and they have six children together.

Jody Mortensen has a BA in Psychology from California State University Northridge (CSUN). Before completing her studies she served a mission for 18 months in Guatemala, Central America. She's used her studies and Spanish skills in California and Arizona working in Special Education and Developmental Intervention with children from birth to preschool age (0-5) and supporting amazing parents called to raise these miracles. She moved to Texas after meeting and marrying her forever companion, Stuart. Together they have raised 5 children, 3 girls gifted at marriage and 2 more children (another girl then boy) gifted in marriage. She keeps busy with homeschooling, church callings, community service, and volunteering with Scouting America (aka, BSA).

Kamie Spain earned a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an Emphasis in Secondary Math Education from the University of Houston. Over her teaching career, Kamie taught 7th and 8th-grade math students in public school for three years. She was a private tutor for all levels of students (elementary to college) in various subject areas. She met her husband Jon while she was an Intelligence Specialist in the US Navy. They have been married since 2006 and have been homeschooling their children since 2016. Kamie is passionate about teaching students with special needs as well as students who struggle and lack confidence in math. Kamie is a native Texan who loves to travel and explore the great state of Texas. She hopes to inspire a love of learning and encourage her students to be lifelong learners.

Mrs. Griswold holds Bachelors of Science in Education and Mathematics from Houston Baptist University. She taught first grade in public schools, both coordinated as well as taught in her church nursery for over twenty years, has been a VBS teacher and director, an AWANA leader and director, and the sponsor of both CHATA (a home school service organization) and the Epsilon chapter of Eta Sigma Alpha National Home School Honor Society. She home schooled her three children through high school. She became the Academic Dean of Home Run Ministries in the fall of 2015.

Ms. Sargent earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Indiana University with a minor in reading instruction and special education. She taught third grade in Indiana before moving to Texas. She has enjoyed homeschooling her two sons. She is actively involved in her church, teaching there as well. Her passions include family, missions, kids, and fulfilling God’s plan.

Kelly Thomas is a homeschool mom to four amazing kids, a web designer, and the owner of Designed by Kelly, where she has helped over a hundred small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit ministries build strong brands and online presences over the last three years. With more than a decade of experience in communications, Kelly brings creativity, real-world design knowledge, and a passion for storytelling into the classroom. She teaches Web Design, Graphic Design, Art, Worship Choir, and Design Publications—blending her love for visual arts, music, and digital media. Kelly enjoys singing, playing the piano, and serving in her community and church. She believes she was created by God to create and finds great joy in encouraging students to discover and develop their own unique gifts.

Mrs. Hamlin believes that she was led into the teaching profession. She earned her Bachelors of Science In Dietetics from Texas Southern University. After college she decided to serve her country by joining the Texas Army National Guard and served for six years. She continued her education by earning a Masters of Education and Instructional Technology from Liberty University. Mrs. Hamlin has taught science in public school at the elementary and secondary level both online and brick and mortar environments for 7 years. She is married to her wonderful husband William, and they have one daughter, Karla. Mrs. Hamlin is a member of Second Baptist Church-Kingwood where she was reassured and became more confident that homeschooling is right for her daughter. Although she is new to homeschooling, she is enjoying the journey of learning and meeting such a wonderful and helpful community of families.

Mrs. Clowe graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2007, earning her bachelor’s degree in education. She has instructed in both a classroom setting and home-educated her children for twelve years. Mrs. Clowe enjoys teaching in Bible memorization programs. Together, she and her husband, Brian, taught a middle school Sunday school class. They also enjoy their time as church camp counselors in the summers. During their homeschooling journey, Mrs. Clowe has authored published works, including multiple genres of children’s fiction. Most recently, Mrs. Clowe will be published in a Christian anthology in the upcoming year.

Mrs. Solberg earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science from Stephen F. Austin State University. After college she began working for the Women, Infants and Children program serving as a nutritionist and then program director. She left her career to stay home with her 4 children. When they entered public school, she went back to school to obtain her teaching certificate. She worked in the public school setting teaching Reading, English and Language Arts at the secondary level for 4 years before beginning to homeschool her 3 children still at home (the oldest is grown and flown!) They also attend Home Run Ministries. Over the years, she has served in Girls in Action, Awanas, pre-k bible study, middle school girls’ bible study and in the Women’s Ministry. She and her husband, Jeff, have been married for over 25 years and are members of Second Baptist Church.

Ms. Roskin was born and raised in a secular Jewish home in Maryland. She accepted Jesus Christ as Messiah, Lord, and Savior in 2000, and has remained His devoted follower. Ms. Roskin has a passion for God’s Word and a gifting to teach. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English from Salisbury University and her Master’s degree in Divinity from Capital Bible Seminary. Ms. Roskin moved to Texas in 2011 and has consistently taught Bible, English, and Life Skills to Secondary students, adult learners, and special needs youth. In 2020, Ms. Roskin joined The Opened Bible Academy as an instructor, and shortly thereafter joined the administration as the Manager of Academic Affairs. Though she will continue working part-time with OBA, Ms. Roskin is extremely excited to have the opportunity to serve the families of Home Run Ministries. Ms. Roskin moved to the Atascocita area in 2023. She has found a church home at Covenant Baptist Church and a gym home at 9Round kickboxing. In her ‘off’ time, Ms. Roskin enjoys travelling the world, reading Christian Fiction, playing the tambourine, and coloring in Scripture themed adult coloring books.

Melinda Miller earned a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University. She married her college sweetheart, and they settled in Humble shortly after college. She has loved the opportunity and privilege to homeschool her 2 children, Kailey and Carter. Beginning early in high school she pursued teaching and equipping a variety of ages both in a church setting and an academic setting. She has served as a Sunday school teacher, pre-k teacher, elementary and middle school bible study leader, missionary, Awana leader, HEART coordinator and math tutor. Melinda’s favorite all time subject is math. For fun she enjoys the thrill of a good bargain, game nights, puzzles and reading! Melinda and her husband, Chris, are members of Woodridge Baptist Church.

Meredith Garrou graduated from Pensacola Christian College with both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education with a minor in music. It was there in Florida that she met her husband. They have five children. Two of them have graduated with HEART in recent years. She has been teaching piano, homeschooling her children, or teaching in Christian schools for the past 30 years. Most recently, she was principal of Christian Life Center Academy. She looks forward to teaching at Home Run Ministries.

Renee Gobea graduated with her undergraduate degree in mathematics in 2002 and her graduate degree in educational management in 2005 from the University of Houston Clear Lake. She taught and held leadership positions in the public school system over her 15 year career. Renee and her husband Steven have one teenage daughter who has participated in HRM activities since she was in the third grade. During her free time, Renee enjoys weightlifting and volunteering at her church.

Sandra Hurd has lived with her family in Atascocita, since 1995. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Houston in Computer Technology. Shortly after graduating, she was hired by Hewlett Packard. Throughout her 14 year career, Sandra held positions as a Computer Technician, Team leader, and Project Manager. After the birth of her son, Shane, she left her position at Hewlett Packard. Sandra then went on to pursue a Master’s Degree from Hawthorn University (online) in Holistic Nutrition Consulting. This path led her to making lifestyle choices that were not mainstream yet benefitted her family. One of those choices included homeschooling her son, Shane. Against all odds they succeeded. During their homeschool journey, Sandra was invited to join the HRM ministry through Super Friday as, what is now called, the Campus Coordinator. In the Fall of 2024, she was given the opportunity to join HRM’s academic staff. Regardless of where Sandra finds herself on her life path it always lead to roles as a teacher, mentor, guide, and in leadership roles. Sandra also enjoy pursuing her joyful passions which includes reading books and attending online events on spirituality and self love, exercising, shopping at local farmers markets, gardening, taking photos of nature, organizing, having wonderful conversations, and hosting healing circles.

Stacey Dunbar lives in Kingwood and attends Christ The King Lutheran Church. She lives with her husband and her two daughters, ages 3 and 6. She has 7 years of experience teaching elementary reading and writing. Her hobbies include spending time outdoors: walking, running or swimming.

Su Bahler received her degree in education at the University of St. Thomas, and her teaching experience includes Middle School Math, as well as Elementary Math, Science, and Social Studies. As a mom of three boys, she has homeschooled all levels, wrangled shenanigans She particularly enjoys working with teens, and supporting parents whose children have special needs.

Six years ago, Tara Kelly and her husband, along with their three children, made the move from South Africa to Kingwood. With 21 years of marriage behind them, they now share their home with two teenage boys, an 11year-old daughter, a dog, a cat, and a bunny rabbit! As a proud member of Woodridge Baptist Church, Tara reflects on her four years of studying teacher education in South Africa, where she taught both third and sixth grades. Beyond the classroom, she expresses her creativity through photography, specializing in portraits of newborns, families, and children. Additionally, her passion for figure skating led her to become a qualified coach, drawing from her own experience as a skater. In her spare time, Tara indulges in drumming, reading, music, and dog walks. She eagerly anticipates joining the Home Run Ministries Educational Program.

Tommi Lawrence joined the Home Run teaching staff in the fall of 2012 teaching in the Intermediate Explorations program, later called simply Explorations. She taught the popular Kid Nation class as well as having taught other classes for the upper elementary level. In 2015, she expanded into the Academic program teaching both Geography and Economics. She was educated at the University of North Texas and Texas Women’s University, is a certified Montessori Preschool and Elementary Teacher, and is a former missionary in South Africa training youth leaders and teaching adult literacy using the book of Mark as a primer.

Yvette Obregon has been homeschooling her six children for over 20 years. She serves with her husband at Community Transformation in New Caney where he is pastor. Yvette enjoys long walks and worshipping her Savior.

Mrs. Cowan studied at the University of Texas in San Antonio from 1993-1995 and received her nursing license from Schriener College in Kerrville, TX in 1997. After 8 years in Alzheimer's care followed by 4 years in Pediatric triage, she retired from nursing to start a family. She has homeschooled her 14 yr old triplets for the past 7 years. Over the years, she has served in the Children and Youth ministries at church and has taught 3-6 grade science through HRM's Exploration program. She and her husband, Glenn, have been married over 25 years and they are members at Woodridge Baptist Church in Kingwood.