Sharde is an eclectic craft artist that has enjoyed making a variety of handmade objects since 2017. She also has a BA in criminal justice with an emphasis in sociology from Temple University. She is certified as a personal care aide and passionate about advocating for inclusivity, especially in consideration of communities with neurodiversity and intellectual disabilities. Combining her enthusiasm for art, ethics, and problem-solving, Sharde loves working with children and helping them develop a well-rounded understanding of themselves and an open-minded appreciation of the world around them.

Kristy is mom to four bright and inquisitive minds. She holds a BA in Environmental Education from the College of the Environment at Western Washington University. She has nearly 30 years of experience in the fields of wilderness education, outdoor education, experiential education, and environmental education. She has taught at all levels, from pre-K to undergraduate students. She has taught students from many different walks of life in all sorts of settings, from the wilderness of the North Cascades in Washington State to the urban wilds of public school in Washington DC. She enjoys a long list of hobbies and interests, but is most simply characterized by her deep connection to the natural world and endless fascination with human complexity.

Melanie Ells is a homeschool parent of two, with an adult bonus kid. She was a preschool teacher for many years. She loves nature and art, has been a leader in 4-H and La Leche League, and enjoys gardening and cooking. She immigrated from Canada for love, and enjoys traveling throughout the USA and Canada. She enjoys helping out and being a part of the homeschool community.

Ashley is Mom to four kids ages 7-16 and enjoys living and homeschooling in NoVA. She graduated from Butler University with a double major in elementary education and dance performance. She has taught grades K-8 and is passionate about the arts in schools, specifically the use of movement to enforce learning and exploration for children. Ashley loves being outside and having her children in the best classroom of all, the outdoors! She looks forward to continuing to learn alongside the children of NovaScoop!

Meredith Hourihan is a secular, classical homeschooler, music educator, and instructional designer. She's worked with students of all ages and levels, from preschoolers to high schoolers and adults. Meredith understands that each child grows at their own rate, in their own way. She's taught private piano since the late 90s and has coached secondary choirs, amateur musicians, and conservatory students, alike. Beyond her music career, she spent a decade designing and developing curricula for the Federal workforce and has taught at American University and North Carolina State University. As an autistic teacher, Meredith has a passion for inclusivity and working with neurodivergent learners. Meredith holds a Bachelor of Music from Ithaca College, a Master of Arts in English from North Carolina State University, and a Masters Certificate in Instructional Design and Technology from George Mason University.

Rebecca H. McCormick is an independent history education writer and editor in Northern Virginia. She has a BA in History and a minor in Art History from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas and an MA in History of Decorative Arts with a focus on textiles from the George Mason University-Smithsonian Associates joint program in Washington, DC. She worked in nonprofit management for many years and is now excited to focus on education and teaching. Rebecca especially enjoys looking past school subjects to explore topics in a multidisciplinary way.

Cullen is a veteran of the Army, and has spent eighteen years working for the federal government. He has published work in both fiction and non-fiction. He graduated from Virginia Military Institute with a BA in History and earned his Masters in Strategic Intelligence from NIU.

Lori has been homeschooling for 14 years and has graduated 2 of her 4 kids. She has a BS in Biochemistry from Virginia Tech with minors in Biology, Chemistry, and Leadership. As an Army veteran and Air Force spouse she has lived many places in the US and abroad and credits that for her love of people and cultures. Lori likes to spend her time outside of homeschooling as a Scout leader, hospice volunteer, and end-of-life doula.

Diana enjoys all things creative, including art, photography, writing, music, and dance. She offers art, family and brand photography, and creativity coaching at www.dianasherblom.com. Diana believes that the arts are for everyone, and creates learning experiences that are accessible, student-driven, and fun. She brings her love of the natural world into her teaching, helping students learn through curiosity and observation. Diana holds a BA in anthropology/African studies and has spent her career weaving together the arts, ecology, marketing, and storytelling. Along the way, she has designed and led educational experiences for organizations such as Music Together and the National Park Service. In her spare time, she can be found wandering in the woods and on the beach, and spending time with her family.

Angi holds a BAS in Human Services Counseling and Special Education. She has worked as a counselor/life coach for over 20 years, lived overseas in various places and recently returned to Virginia. Angi has four adult children, all of whom attended SCOOP during their homeschooling years. Angi is a lifelong learner, avid reader, knit bomber, laundry procrastinator and board game enthusiast. She completed her 200 Yoga Teacher Training in Azerbaijan in 2019. She is very much looking forward to her return to teaching at Scoop.

Laura is an occupational therapist who has worked in a wide variety of settings with both children and adults. She graduated with her degree in occupational therapy from the Jefferson College of Health Sciences. After working in public schools, with students with a variety of struggles, she decided to homeschool her own 3 children. Laura is passionate about working with youth in a developmentally appropriate way, and finding ways for every child to be engaged and challenged in a way that leads them to feeling successful. She writes the curriculum and blogs at Five Senses Literature Lessons. She loves hands on learning with her classes, scout troop, and her own kids. Beyond that her passions include crochet, reading and avoiding housework.