Meet the Teachers
Founder,
Makenzie Oliver
I’m originally from Missouri and I’ve been teaching since I was 5 years old. As a matter of fact, my father built a schoolroom in the basement of our house so I could spend hours teaching my imaginary friends!
My high school and college years consisted of preschool teaching.
I obtained my Master’s degree in K-12 Education and Administration Leadership and was awarded Heartland’s Best Teacher in the State of Missouri. I was one of 12 teachers within 5 states to be honored with this title.
After teaching in Missouri for 7 years, my husband and our two daughters moved to Florida.
I taught 3rd and 5th grade for 5 years (Bear Lake and English Estates) and then spent 2 years in leadership as an Instructional Coach at Longwood Elementary, where I was named Teacher of the Year.
My intention for sharing this background is for you to know - I was dedicated to the core while in public school...
…I was invested during that season of life. But eventually, God changed my heart. And together, my husband, Jamel Oliver, and I, began envisioning a school with all our hopes and dreams!
The years spent in public school were precious. But the truth be told, my heart has longed for more. I desire for children to learn authentically, naturally, and without limitations. I realized I could no longer fit inside a box.
God has called Lighthouse Learning to be a vast mission field where learning goes far beyond mandates, assessments, and standardized learning. We are a learning environment where creativity is embraced, moments are filled with laughter and children never want to leave!
Truth be told, Lighthouse Learning is a positive environment where kids have the freedom to be children! When school, home, and community work together, we do an incredible job of preparing children to be lifelong learners, while also having productive and fulfilling lives.
Children feel safe, seen, heard, and cared for when there is a positive partnership between teachers and parents/guardians. With strong lines of communication and anchored relationships, students have increased participation, confidence, and higher levels of achievement!
Chief of Operations,
Jamel Oliver
Jamel Oliver is the Assistant Administrator for Lighthouse Learning!
Before Lighthouse Learning started, Mr. Oliver was helping to prepare all of the details in an effort to make the dream come true!
You’ll find Mr. Oliver on campus each morning and afternoon making sure our school is set up for success.
On many days, you’ll catch him playing football or basketball with our students!
We are so grateful for many ways Jamel has made our school the greatest!
Mr. Oliver also owns Pro-Painting and Renovations.
Teacher,
Angela Zwarycz
Ms. Angela and is beyond excited to be a teacher at Lighthouse Learning Microschool and Homeschool Hybrid! Her goal is to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment that focuses on your child's strengths and individual needs. Teaching is her true passion and she is dedicated to the growth and development of each student.
She holds a degree in Elementary Education which has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to effectively guide young minds. Beyond the classroom, she finds inspiration and cherishes the great outdoors! Nature offers boundless opportunities for learning, exploration, and discovery. Whether she’s exploring a nature trail, organizing exciting field trips, or incorporating outdoor activities into our lessons, she’s a firm believer in the power of hands-on experiences to enhance learning.
As a mother of four wonderful children, Ms. Angela understands the importance of empathy and support in creating a nurturing environment. She draws from her own experiences to ensure that every child feels seen, heard, and valued. She is dedicated to providing a warm and inclusive space where your child will thrive and grow.
As anticipation and excitement fills her heart for this upcoming school year, she firmly believes in fostering a love for learning and strive to create engaging lessons that ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, and inspire creativity in your child. With her educational background, love for the outdoors, and passion for teaching, she can not wait to start this adventure with them, inspire their minds, and create great memories together!
Teacher,
Victoria Mason
Victoria was born and raised in New Jersey. She loves spending time with her family! She’s the youngest of three girls and she adores her nieces and nephews. Growing up, Victoria did competitive gymnastics for 10+ years. She then transitioned to coaching gymnastics, which is where she discovered her love for teaching. She went off to earn her bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education from Rowan University. Her first teaching job was a Basic Skills Teacher where she worked to support students in reading and math. She really enjoyed her time working with elementary age students.
She just recently moved to Florida to continue her career as an elementary school teacher. In her spare time, she is a gymnastics coach and enjoys trying new foods/restaurants, doing her own nails, and attending sporting events.
Teacher,
Stacy Bogert
Stacy Bogert is thrilled to be joining Lighthouse Learning Microschool! She has a true passion for instilling a love of learning and appreciating each child's individuality. She was born and raised right here in Orlando, Florida. After graduating from the University of Central with a degree in Elementary Education, she married her college sweetheart, Ted.
Her teaching career began as a third-grade classroom teacher at Lancaster Elementary in Orange County. She then taught fifth-grade at Waterford Elementary for five years.
After having her amazing three children, she decided to be a stay-at-home mom. She stayed very involved in education by being a volunteer at her children's school for over fifteen years. This has given her the perspective of teacher and parent alike. When her children were all out of the nest she returned to the classroom. She taught upper elementary and middle school at The Crenshaw School.
When not in the classroom she loves spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. She also loves traveling and reading up on the newest trends in fashion.
She is most excited to begin teaching at Lighthouse Learning Microschool.
Teacher,
Elisha Kish
Hello family and friends at Lighthouse Learning! Elisha is a creative and caring teacher who has called the classroom her “home away from home” for 20 years.
Her lessons incorporate music, movement, and an emphasis on STEAM. She believes reading across curriculum is essential to build and strengthen the foundations of learning in order to question, analyze and synthesize information.
Her favorite book is The Giving Tree. In her free time, she loves being outside, in nature. She’s fortunate to have family scattered across this beautiful USA, where she can travel and be a character in her own story of life. Two facts and a fib about her: She’s allergic to bees, she lived in Italy, and she doesn’t like tacos! (Disclaimer: She can eat tacos daily, not only on Taco Tuesday’s!)
Teacher,
Mrs. Prado
Mrs. Prado is excited to be a part of a learning experience for all who attend Lighthouse! She grew up in South Jersey but moved to the Orlando area after high school and has been here ever since. She attended the University of Central Florida, where she received her Master of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Mrs. Prado was a school-based speech-language pathologist (SLP) in Osceola and Seminole Counties. She was honored to be a Teacher of the Year district semi-finalist at SCPS. Mrs. Prado currently works with pediatric clients through a private practice.
Mrs. Prado loves spending time with her two beautiful daughters, her amazing husband, and two crazy cats. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, tackling organizing/cleaning projects, and taking early morning runs.
Teaching Assistant,
Aaliyah Corea
Ms. Corea was originally born in Maryland with an El Salvadoran and Panamanian background. She was raised in Panama for her middle and high school years which gave her a wide understanding of how school is in a different country.
She gained a love of teaching throughout her journey in getting her Associate's degree and that inspired her to pursue a certification in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language).
Aaliyah went back to Panama to intern at a little private school located in Casco Viejo called The Casco School and there she had lots of fun during the summer with her class making fun trips, art projects, science experiments, etc. Aaliyah also helped tutor English for middle schoolers to better prepare them for the next school year.
Upon her return to Florida, she briefly worked with Bethany Christian Services as a Bilingual Teacher Aide and assisted in decorating a classroom, along with assisting in managing a class of different leveled children from different backgrounds.
Aaliyah is currently attending the University of Central pursuing her bachelor’s in Secondary Education.
She’s passionate about teaching, especially subjects like Spanish, ESOL, math, science, and social studies.
She has volunteered with Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando and is now currently an advocate for ORCA (Orlando Rabbit Care & Adoptions), where she has adopted two bunnies of her own from ORCA, Jimmy and Liza!
Her hobbies include drawing, crafting, and cosplaying. She enjoys watching anime and attending conventions.
She’s excited to embark on this educational journey with all of you and create a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Let's make this academic year one filled with growth and memorable experiences!
Teaching Assistant,
Ms. Genesis
Teaching wasn't Ms. Genesis’ initial focus, but her experience at Lighthouse Learning has been transformative, opening her eyes to the joys of education and the profound impact she can have on young minds. The limited class sizes align perfectly with her teaching style, allowing for a more personalized and intimate learning environment. Here, she has the opportunity to connect with her students on a deeper level, understanding their unique strengths and challenges, and forging meaningful bonds.
Guiding her students through complex concepts and witnessing their growth and progress fills her with an indescribable sense of pride and satisfaction. She finds immense joy in celebrating their accomplishments, knowing that she plays a part in their journey of self-discovery and academic success. Her approach to teaching is rooted in empathy, understanding, and patience. She firmly believes that each student is a unique individual, and she takes the time to listen and truly understand their needs and challenges. This compassionate perspective allows her to be sensitive to their emotions and experiences, offering not only academic guidance but also emotional support when needed.
Her empathy extends not only to her students but also to all living beings, including animals and the environment. She finds immense fulfillment in volunteering to help people, animals, and nature, recognizing the interconnectedness of our world and the importance of fostering kindness and compassion in all aspects of life.
In addition to her passion for drawing, she also enjoys exploring all forms of art, broadening her horizons and finding inspiration in various creative expressions. Music has also played a significant role in her life, as she has taken pleasure in playing both the Viola and the piano, immersing herself in the beauty of melodies and harmonies.
As she continues on the path of education and personal growth, she is excited by the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of her students, especially within the nurturing environment of Lighthouse Learning. Her journey has been shaped by a profound love for art, a passion for legal studies, and an unyielding desire to understand the human mind. Empathy, understanding, and a deep appreciation for all forms of life will always remain at the core of her teaching approach, empowering her students to flourish not only academically but also as compassionate and curious individuals. Teaching at Lighthouse Learning has opened new avenues for her, allowing her to create a personalized and supportive learning environment where students can flourish and achieve their full potential. As she continues on this path, she is excited to empower young minds, foster their creativity, and inspire a lifelong thirst for knowledge and learning, not just in the classroom but in every aspect of life!
Teaching Assistant,
Ms. Daniela
Daniela is so excited to be joining Lighthouse Learning as a teaching assistant! She is also in charge of our Extended Day program.
Admin Assistant,
Jennifer Carson
Jen Carson is thrilled to join Lighthouse Learning Microschool and Homeschool Hybrid, bringing joy and passion for learning and children!
Born in Minnesota, but most of her adult life in Georgia and Florida, she graduated from Georgia State University with an Accounting degree after serving in the Air Force.
She has two amazing children (twins) that she spends all her time with. They moved to the Orlando area one year ago and absolutely love it here. Her family passion is sports, animals, water parks and traveling.
Reading Specialist,
Ms. Jane Hudson
Ms. Hudson joins us with an impressive background in education, currently teaching at Seminole State College. She has already made a positive impact on our students this school year and will be joining us every afternoon starting this semester. With a wealth of experience, Ms. Hudson will be leading classes in reading, writing, and social studies.
Jane's dedication to education extends beyond the classroom. As an experienced classroom educational consultant, she has taught students of all levels, from Kindergarten to college, in both public and private schools. Having spent 11 years in K-12 and 12 years as a college professor, Ms. Hudson recognizes the profound impact education has on shaping the next generation of learners.
What sets Ms. Hudson apart is her hands-on approach to learning, engaging students' whole brains and facilitating better information retention. In 2021, she collaborated with Florida families to open a microschool, offering project-based learning for 6th-grade level students. Her Masters in Teaching English and certifications in Reading, World Languages, Instructional Design, and Clinical Educator's Training provide her with a comprehensive perspective on teaching.
Ms. Hudson brings to our classroom a deep passion for helping kids, an integrated approach to learning, and a commitment to strengthening students' unique talents to become world changers. We believe that reading plays a crucial role in building a child's confidence, and Ms. Jane Hudson is here to lead the way in fostering a love for reading among our students.
P.E. Teacher,
Coach Hov
Coach Hov brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our PE program. With a background in physical education and a passion for promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, Coach Hov is committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment for our students to thrive physically and socially.
At Lighthouse Learning Microschool, we recognize the importance of physical education in the holistic development of our students. Coach Hov will play a key role in designing engaging and fun PE activities that not only promote physical fitness but also instill teamwork, discipline, and a love for an active lifestyle.
Coach Hov believes in making physical education enjoyable and accessible to all students. His approach involves a combination of interactive games, team sports, and individual exercises tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of our diverse student body.
Music Teacher,
David Mazza
Mr. Hazza has been playing music since he was 11 years old; it's always been his passion and his meditation.
Since 2016, he’s been teaching guitar to children, as well as people of all ages!
He has 8 years of after-school classroom experience, as well as a decade of private lessons. He’s also a songwriter, singer and performer with his bands, Distant Stations and Soy Division.
His goal is to bring the gift of music to anyone who wants to receive it! It has given his life so much beauty and meaning, he feels called to share it!
Volunteer,
Mrs. Powers
Mrs. Powers is a retired Reading Specialist. She has been with us for 2 years and going on 3! She visits us once a week.
She loves reading and writing with our Lighthouse Learners. It brings her joy to see the students be curious and creative!
Mrs. Powers comes by once a week to give us a helping hand.
Volunteer,
Mrs. Moy
After teaching at public and private schools for over 40 years, Mrs. Moy created a business where children can enjoy crafting, cooking, and learning table manners as extra curricular activities!
She earned her BS from the University of Maryland, and pursued her Masters in Education at the University of Central Florida. She also worked towards a Specialist Degree in Education at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL.
Mrs. Moy has received numerous awards, such as Teacher of the Year at Dr. Phillips Elementary, as well as 1 of 5 candidates nominated for Orange County Teacher of the Year in 2010. She’s also honored to hold a certificate from the National Board of Education!
She’s very excited to be joining us this year at Lighthouse Learning so she can continue focusing on her passion to help children learn!
I’m ready to enroll! Where do I start?
Let’s get you started on the enrollment process so you can secure your spot for next school year!
After you contact Director Makenzie Oliver, we’ll send you our FREE Introductory Packet so you can learn more.