Welcome

Hello, my name is Valerie Rodawold OTR/L and I have a love and passion for sign language after

becoming a mom to a Deaf child. I have experience as both an Occupational Therapist and a Substitute

teacher working within a special needs COOP for two years. I have informally

taken ASL 1 and ASL 2 at my local church, participated on worship and signing team and worked alongside a mentor for 3 years to further my knowledge.

It has been my privilege to both learn and teach ASL.

My name is Carole Galambos, I am a native French speaker. I have lived in IN since 1999. I have always been fascinated by language and culture, that is why I moved to the US where I earned a Master of Science from Purdue.
I have been teaching French to the homeschool community for fourteen years. My teaching style includes combining high and low activities with rhymes, songs, games, crafts, and role plays.  I am licensed by La Jolie Ronde (license # 25168) and excited to offer these classes!

Hello, my name is Mary Randle Watts.  It is my pleasure to come on board the Gather and Grow team this winter!  I will be offering music and drama to our students and I’m looking forward to every moment of it.  I am coming to you with a master’s in fine arts concentrating in acting.  I also bring greetings from The Lion King on Broadway as I was once a cast member playing the role of the adult Nala!  Let’s all prepare to move, make music and travel into the land of make believe.

Hello! I’m Celeste Schreiber, a licensed Indiana teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education. I currently run my own tutoring business and remain deeply passionate about education. I’m thrilled to be part of your child’s learning journey at Gather and Grow. Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors and cherishing moments with friends and family.  

 My name is Kristin Overbey — I’m a home gardener who finds joy in digging, planting, and watching things grow. Outside of my gardening adventures, I’m involved with the Lake County Master Gardeners Association, where I serve on the board, contribute to the educational committee, and assist with the extension helpline, answering gardening questions. I’m passionate about encouraging others to explore gardening and enjoy the rewards of growing their own plants.

Tom Liubakka is a professionally trained artist from Crown Point, IN. Trained at the Professional Institute of Commercial Art in Baltimore, MD., along with private lessons, and classes at the Tribeca Flash Point Academy in Chicago ILL. He is a seasoned artist and painter, working in watercolor, acrylic, pan pastel, colored pencil, and pencil sketching.

My name is Evie Kevish.  I'm a Certified Juice Therapist and holistic mom dedicated to helping individuals feel healthy and confident. Through education and coaching on the power of juice and an active lifestyle, I help people learn how to heal themselves. Life’s too short to not live each moment loud and proud. 

Hello, my name is Paula Thompson.  I have 17 years experience in Technical Fashion Design and Garment Manufacturing with major fashion labels and large retail stores, both in USA and abroad and I'm a fellow homeschool mama.

My name is Ali Buder and I'm excited to be teaching Nature Study this year!  I've been homeschooling for 15 years and have taught a wide range of educational approaches, from Christian Classical to project based farm schooling, to full-time teaching at an outdoor Nature school.  I love the freedom homeschooling offers to adapt to each child's needs and gifts!

Erin is the Executive Director and Founder of Erin's Farm, NFP, a local animal rescue and sanctuary.  Prior to founding the rescue, Erin was a Vet Tech for 25 years and spent 3 years as a special ed student aid in CPS system.  She has run the Natures Creatures Educational Program, which served the Chicago region schools with educational visits for 20 years.  Today she manages her farm and is a felllow homeschool mama! 

 Jennifer Komisarcik is a licensed school counselor.  She is well equipped to address social/behavioral issues, help with academic development, student assessments, conflict mediation and the cultivation of healthy relationships.  She also has a wealth of community resources and references in her toolkit.  

Hi, I'm Mendee Kovalenko! Our family's homeschool journey began in 2023 and we quickly realized a strong community was of  great benefit! My two children, Ethan (13) and Lily (12) have been blessed by lots of different co-ops but at Gather and Grow, I've found a very special group of homeschooling families that are committed to excellence and practical learning. I'm so honored in joining the team this year, lending my 15 years of business administration experience toward this great community!
 

Hi! I'm Brandilyn Chalmers.  I'm a homeschool mama of 13 years.  My passions are God, my family and providing credible options and opportunities in THIS community.  When I'm not doing this, I'm very likely in the garden, making some herbal concoction or mushroom hunting with my hubby. Aside from Program management, I also help instruct the Nature Study class, owning a business in Holistic Health and being passionate in supporting  health with creation. Honored to be a part of this initiative!