Jayne Besjak
Jayne is co-founder of Mosaic Freeschool and homeschooling mom to three wonderful children. She and her husband Chuck decided to explore homeschooling as a transition vehicle when their family relocated from the Midwest to New Jersey in 2008. What began as a temporary and pragmatic choice has evolved into a highly rewarding and welcomed lifestyle of personal freedom and enthusiastic, engaged learning.
Prior to diving into the world of alternative education, Jayne worked for 13 years as an Environmental Research Scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, and lectured in the School of Continuing Studies at Northwestern University. She holds an M.S. in Geoscience from Oregon State University where she worked with the EPA's Global Climate Research Program and has completed PhD coursework in the Department of Geographical Sciences at the University of Maryland.
From 2011 to 2012 Jayne served as the president of a large homeschooling cooperative in New Jersey, where she continues to be actively involved as an instructor. She is passionate about fostering a life-long love of learning in her own children, and is dedicated to the development of learning communities and academic enrichment opportunities for homeschooling families.
Prior to diving into the world of alternative education, Jayne worked for 13 years as an Environmental Research Scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, and lectured in the School of Continuing Studies at Northwestern University. She holds an M.S. in Geoscience from Oregon State University where she worked with the EPA's Global Climate Research Program and has completed PhD coursework in the Department of Geographical Sciences at the University of Maryland.
From 2011 to 2012 Jayne served as the president of a large homeschooling cooperative in New Jersey, where she continues to be actively involved as an instructor. She is passionate about fostering a life-long love of learning in her own children, and is dedicated to the development of learning communities and academic enrichment opportunities for homeschooling families.
Angela Harris
Angela is co-founder of Mosaic Freeschool and a homeschooling mom to two never-been-to school kids.
Born in Southern California and raised on the East Coast, Angela had a bit of an unconventional education, but did not consider homeschooling seriously until her first child was born. Believing that young children learn best from those that love them most, Angela and her husband John chose homeschooling for their two boys.
Her education background is a B.A. in Speech, with an emphasis in Theater Arts from Northwestern State University. She worked for many years in the financial services industry for firms such as Lehman Brothers and Charles Schwab before becoming a stay-at-home mom in 2000. In the spring of 2013, she relocated with her family to Texas and offered the first Mosaic Texas class in September of the same year.
She is dedicated to the advancement of alternative education choices, creating the web-site Raising Autodidacts in 2011 to further explore the idea of fostering the self-taught individual. She has been a regular contributor to the on-line magazine Education Revolution and The Homeschool Post. In June of 2013, she started an instructional writing service called Gathering Ink. Angela was also a staff teacher for Brave Writer, LLC from 2015-2017.
Born in Southern California and raised on the East Coast, Angela had a bit of an unconventional education, but did not consider homeschooling seriously until her first child was born. Believing that young children learn best from those that love them most, Angela and her husband John chose homeschooling for their two boys.
Her education background is a B.A. in Speech, with an emphasis in Theater Arts from Northwestern State University. She worked for many years in the financial services industry for firms such as Lehman Brothers and Charles Schwab before becoming a stay-at-home mom in 2000. In the spring of 2013, she relocated with her family to Texas and offered the first Mosaic Texas class in September of the same year.
She is dedicated to the advancement of alternative education choices, creating the web-site Raising Autodidacts in 2011 to further explore the idea of fostering the self-taught individual. She has been a regular contributor to the on-line magazine Education Revolution and The Homeschool Post. In June of 2013, she started an instructional writing service called Gathering Ink. Angela was also a staff teacher for Brave Writer, LLC from 2015-2017.
Susan Kuney
Susan began homeschooling her two children in early elementary, desiring a more relaxed and intentional rhythm to their days where they could spend more time in nature, read rich and diverse literature, and follow their interests. After sending her children to Mosaic for years, she is thrilled to teach at this cherished institution where her children have found so much joy, connection and engaged learning!
Susan has lived in the New York City metropolitan area for over 20 years. Her career before having children began in Investment Research at Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs. She completed her Masters at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs in Economic Development.
Following the birth of her second child she has taken on her most rewarding path yet - becoming basically a full time volunteer! Her positions have married her skills in research and business with her desire to help all people reach their highest potential. Over the years, Susan has written strategic plans, served on a Board of Trustees, tutored at an inner city school, taught social justice and world religions for 10 years, and has generally followed her heart to causes and initiatives that she believes in and where there were opportunities for her to contribute.
She enjoys reading, design, traveling with her family and finding any excuse to be outdoors!
Susan has lived in the New York City metropolitan area for over 20 years. Her career before having children began in Investment Research at Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs. She completed her Masters at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs in Economic Development.
Following the birth of her second child she has taken on her most rewarding path yet - becoming basically a full time volunteer! Her positions have married her skills in research and business with her desire to help all people reach their highest potential. Over the years, Susan has written strategic plans, served on a Board of Trustees, tutored at an inner city school, taught social justice and world religions for 10 years, and has generally followed her heart to causes and initiatives that she believes in and where there were opportunities for her to contribute.
She enjoys reading, design, traveling with her family and finding any excuse to be outdoors!
Heather Marvell
Heather is a mom of three girls, two of whom she educates at home, while the third has significant special needs and is primarily educated at school. Heather’s children all have a love of workbooks, despite sporadic parental efforts to unschool.
Heather is also a lawyer by trade, and currently has a small solo practice focusing on special education disputes, insurance and reinsurance research and drafting, and wills. Before homeschooling, she worked in private practice at a large law firm in New York City, then as a in-house counsel for a reinsurer.
She received her bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in French Studies from New York University, and a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School.
She lives with her family in South Orange, where she volunteers on her public library’s Board of Trustees
Heather is also a lawyer by trade, and currently has a small solo practice focusing on special education disputes, insurance and reinsurance research and drafting, and wills. Before homeschooling, she worked in private practice at a large law firm in New York City, then as a in-house counsel for a reinsurer.
She received her bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in French Studies from New York University, and a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School.
She lives with her family in South Orange, where she volunteers on her public library’s Board of Trustees
Cristen Pantano
Cristen received her Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Vermont in 2005. While she loved the lab environment, her true passion has always been teaching. Cristen began homeschooling her own children in 2011, and that same year began teaching biology to local homeschooling middle-schoolers and loved the experience. Since then, she has developed hands on, child centered, science curriculum for the nonprofit Curiosity Hacked while teaching middle school and high school biology online.
A few years ago her good friend was teaching Big History to a group of local homeschoolers, and since then, Cristen has been waiting for the right time and place to teach this dynamic course. She is excited to have the opportunity to teach this course at Mosaic. Cristen is passionate about science education, science literacy and making sure that each of her students comes out of her classes with a deeper understanding of the world around them, and their connection to that world.
When not teaching, Cristen can be found driving her kids around and feeding the family chicks, bunnies, and sheep.
A few years ago her good friend was teaching Big History to a group of local homeschoolers, and since then, Cristen has been waiting for the right time and place to teach this dynamic course. She is excited to have the opportunity to teach this course at Mosaic. Cristen is passionate about science education, science literacy and making sure that each of her students comes out of her classes with a deeper understanding of the world around them, and their connection to that world.
When not teaching, Cristen can be found driving her kids around and feeding the family chicks, bunnies, and sheep.
Jenifer Pascal
A lifetime New Jersey resident, Jenifer is a mom to four diverse learners who have collectively experienced public, private and home schooling. She began home schooling to meet the individual educational needs of her children and has continued for over a decade because she’s found it fosters a love of learning as well as enhances family relationships.
She experienced small group learning first hand when she transferred from a large, impersonal university to a more intimate school, The College of New Jersey, to complete her degree in Business Administration. She assisted her husband in the opening of his restaurant where she worked until the birth of her second child.
During her homeschooling career she has taught a variety of classes from public speaking to math club and has been active in a home school cooperative for the past nine years. Among her many volunteer activities, her favorite is being an Odyssey of the Mind coach.
A perfect day involves good food, old friends and the great outdoors.
She experienced small group learning first hand when she transferred from a large, impersonal university to a more intimate school, The College of New Jersey, to complete her degree in Business Administration. She assisted her husband in the opening of his restaurant where she worked until the birth of her second child.
During her homeschooling career she has taught a variety of classes from public speaking to math club and has been active in a home school cooperative for the past nine years. Among her many volunteer activities, her favorite is being an Odyssey of the Mind coach.
A perfect day involves good food, old friends and the great outdoors.
Lisa Young
Lisa is the founder and owner of Artfully Young Art Studio in Warren, NJ and has been specializing in teaching art to adults and children for over ten years. She is a member of the New Jersey Pastel and Watercolor Societies and her art work is held in private collections in North America and Europe. Lisa is a regular exhibitor at Art Fairs and exhibitions across the Tri-State area.
Past Facilitators
Odette Coronel
Odette is a New Jersey native and homeschooling mom to three very different, yet equally awesome children. The desire to nurture each of her children’s unique gifts and talents, while recognizing endless learning opportunities in everyday life, is what prompted Odette to delve into the exciting world of homeschooling.
At Montclair State University, she studied Early Childhood Education with a Major in Linguistics and has worked as a substitute teacher as well as a teacher’s aide in the local public schools. In addition to homeschooling, Odette and her husband, Noel, own a 24-hour towing business and an auto body business, which they started a few years after graduating high school. The family businesses have presented their homeschooled children with a wealth of lessons and life skills.
In her free time, Odette loves to sing and read historical biographies and cherishes the time she spends with her family while boating, bike riding, swimming, and traveling.
At Montclair State University, she studied Early Childhood Education with a Major in Linguistics and has worked as a substitute teacher as well as a teacher’s aide in the local public schools. In addition to homeschooling, Odette and her husband, Noel, own a 24-hour towing business and an auto body business, which they started a few years after graduating high school. The family businesses have presented their homeschooled children with a wealth of lessons and life skills.
In her free time, Odette loves to sing and read historical biographies and cherishes the time she spends with her family while boating, bike riding, swimming, and traveling.
Elizabeth Drew
Having taught for twenty-one years in four different countries and having worked with both private and charter schools serving wealthy and struggling communities, Elizabeth brings a vast understanding of how to differentiate curriculum so that all students show progress in a given lesson.
Elizabeth did her undergraduate work at Mount Holyoke College, where she majored in Computer Science with a focus on educational technology. After serving in the Peace Corps in South Africa, Elizabeth completed her Masters in Education at Harvard. Currently, Elizabeth teaches in homeschool networks, where she engages children of mixed abilities in real world math experiences. She utilizes a teaching model she learned while teaching maths at Cramlington Learning Village in the United Kingdom. This model connects student learning to real life, empowers students to take responsibility for their learning and engages students while challenging them to apply their learning.
This summer, she is starting a summer camp in Geneva, Switzerland, which she plans on running locally next summer. The camp utilizes outdoor education to prepare students for SATs, as well as cooking camps, where students run cafés and restaurants while applying their math skills.
Elizabeth did her undergraduate work at Mount Holyoke College, where she majored in Computer Science with a focus on educational technology. After serving in the Peace Corps in South Africa, Elizabeth completed her Masters in Education at Harvard. Currently, Elizabeth teaches in homeschool networks, where she engages children of mixed abilities in real world math experiences. She utilizes a teaching model she learned while teaching maths at Cramlington Learning Village in the United Kingdom. This model connects student learning to real life, empowers students to take responsibility for their learning and engages students while challenging them to apply their learning.
This summer, she is starting a summer camp in Geneva, Switzerland, which she plans on running locally next summer. The camp utilizes outdoor education to prepare students for SATs, as well as cooking camps, where students run cafés and restaurants while applying their math skills.
Ed Insel
Ed, a New Jersey native, graduated from South Plainfield High School as valedictorian, attended MIT, and received a BS in Materials Science & Engineering. His specialization in semiconductor electronics took him to California’s Silicon Valley. As an engineer and manager he developed solid-state lasers and light-emitting diodes for medical and imaging industries. He completed his MBA at University of Phoenix and began directing work on the highly complex machines used to manufacture microprocessors and ultra-high-density memory chips. For several years he traveled extensively in Asia, Japan, Europe, and the Middle East supporting global operations, customers, and information technology systems.
When his daughter was born in 2000, he came back to New Jersey to be near family. Ed enrolled at Lehigh University and earned his M.Ed. He holds teaching credentials in PA and NJ, and taught high school physics for four years.
Ed has left public teaching but retains his passion for helping others understand complex subjects and how they apply to the real world. He and his wife have homeschooled their daughter since 2007 and Ed privately tutors students from the homeschool and public communities. “Fundamental mastery of science and its language -- mathematics, is essential to the future success and happiness of our children. Without it, they cannot hope to make the best choices for themselves and their world.”
When his daughter was born in 2000, he came back to New Jersey to be near family. Ed enrolled at Lehigh University and earned his M.Ed. He holds teaching credentials in PA and NJ, and taught high school physics for four years.
Ed has left public teaching but retains his passion for helping others understand complex subjects and how they apply to the real world. He and his wife have homeschooled their daughter since 2007 and Ed privately tutors students from the homeschool and public communities. “Fundamental mastery of science and its language -- mathematics, is essential to the future success and happiness of our children. Without it, they cannot hope to make the best choices for themselves and their world.”
Kim Rodgers
Kim moved to New Jersey from Northern California, where she lived most of her life.
Her love for teaching children began while working at a camp in the redwoods during the summers with children of all ages while attending the University of California, Davis, where she received a B.A. in Psychology with an emphasis on Human Development.
She received her teaching credential from Sonoma State University and began teaching 4th & 5th grades, with an emphasis on math. Eventually, the majority of her teaching would be 2nd grade. Kim and her husband Chad began homeschooling soon after moving to New Jersey due to their desire to provide their children with an education rich in creativity and literature. Kim enjoys running, reading, and spending time in nature.
Her love for teaching children began while working at a camp in the redwoods during the summers with children of all ages while attending the University of California, Davis, where she received a B.A. in Psychology with an emphasis on Human Development.
She received her teaching credential from Sonoma State University and began teaching 4th & 5th grades, with an emphasis on math. Eventually, the majority of her teaching would be 2nd grade. Kim and her husband Chad began homeschooling soon after moving to New Jersey due to their desire to provide their children with an education rich in creativity and literature. Kim enjoys running, reading, and spending time in nature.
Susan Santoro Martz
Susan and her husband, Greg, have been homeschooling their son, Denver, since he came into the world 15 years ago. Secretly, she believes their homeschooling is more for herself than her son!
Susan is a Jersey-girl, born and raised. She sang and danced her way through her youth and is a scholarship graduate of The North Carolina School of The Arts. She went on to fulfill her dreams of performing on Broadway in: CATS, A Chorus Line, Evita, and Joseph’s Technicolor Dreamcoat, along with performing in countless shows throughout the country. When Susan was in her late-twenties she met her husband in a stage production in Los Angeles. The two decided to move back to New Jersey, marry, and start a family.
Susan’s desire to stay connected to the arts and personal self-expression while living a domestic life has been made manifest through multiple, eclectic venues such as teaching Yoga, Health & Wellness, and owning and running a Christmas Caroling Company with her husband on both coasts during the holiday season.
For over 20 years, Susan has had the pleasure of sharing her experiences with kids, by teaching them acting, dancing and singing at camps, colleges, studios and theatres throughout the community. She believes the arts are the key to opening up the door of self-expression and feeling the world around us. Only then can we come into our truest form of self.
Susan is a Jersey-girl, born and raised. She sang and danced her way through her youth and is a scholarship graduate of The North Carolina School of The Arts. She went on to fulfill her dreams of performing on Broadway in: CATS, A Chorus Line, Evita, and Joseph’s Technicolor Dreamcoat, along with performing in countless shows throughout the country. When Susan was in her late-twenties she met her husband in a stage production in Los Angeles. The two decided to move back to New Jersey, marry, and start a family.
Susan’s desire to stay connected to the arts and personal self-expression while living a domestic life has been made manifest through multiple, eclectic venues such as teaching Yoga, Health & Wellness, and owning and running a Christmas Caroling Company with her husband on both coasts during the holiday season.
For over 20 years, Susan has had the pleasure of sharing her experiences with kids, by teaching them acting, dancing and singing at camps, colleges, studios and theatres throughout the community. She believes the arts are the key to opening up the door of self-expression and feeling the world around us. Only then can we come into our truest form of self.
Caroline Schlafly
Caroline, who was homeschooled K-12 in New Jersey, graduated from Princeton University with a BSE in Mechanical Engineering (2013). Since then, she has taught homeschool classes and tutored about 100 students in calculus, biology, physics, writing, and test prep.
She embraces active learning, encouraging students to solve problems on their own first rather than passively listening to the solution. She also encourages big-picture discussions of math and science with her students, focusing on how the various pieces fit together.
Although not a homeschool mother yet, Caroline plans to homeschool all her future children. In her free time, she codes up websites in CSS/PHP/JavaScript, spends time with her pet chickens, plays Minecraft, tinkers with Arduino, and writes sci-fi novels.
She embraces active learning, encouraging students to solve problems on their own first rather than passively listening to the solution. She also encourages big-picture discussions of math and science with her students, focusing on how the various pieces fit together.
Although not a homeschool mother yet, Caroline plans to homeschool all her future children. In her free time, she codes up websites in CSS/PHP/JavaScript, spends time with her pet chickens, plays Minecraft, tinkers with Arduino, and writes sci-fi novels.
Leigh Ann Yoder
Leigh Ann, a New Jersey native, along with her husband Rick, chose homeshooling for their children as a way to strengthen their family relationships and values as well as to nurture a love of life-learning.
She graduated with a BS in Computational Science and went on to work for a large pharmaceutical company as a Statistical Programmer. After several years, Leigh Ann left the corporate world to help manage her family’s garden center. Since her first son was born she has dedicated herself to motherhood with a sprinkling of part-time jobs.
Seven years ago, Leigh Ann discovered her true passion. Her love of computers and applied mathematics led her to develop and teach numerous S.T.E.M. courses including: Engineering, Physical Science, Robotics, Game Maker, Online Computer Programming in Python, Simple Machines, Oceanography, Biomes, Space Science, Chemistry and more. Her goal is to expose students to a large variety of disciplines using a hands-on approach while engaging them in thoughtful discussions. By teaching and exploring the scientific world around them, she hopes to spark a passion in each of her students. She is pleased to share that one of her very first students just graduated high school and has been accepted into a college engineering program.
Most of her free time is dedicated to developing her classes and driving her four boys to their events. Her favorite pastimes include reading, walking, skiing, cooking, traveling, and most importantly, date night with her husband.
She graduated with a BS in Computational Science and went on to work for a large pharmaceutical company as a Statistical Programmer. After several years, Leigh Ann left the corporate world to help manage her family’s garden center. Since her first son was born she has dedicated herself to motherhood with a sprinkling of part-time jobs.
Seven years ago, Leigh Ann discovered her true passion. Her love of computers and applied mathematics led her to develop and teach numerous S.T.E.M. courses including: Engineering, Physical Science, Robotics, Game Maker, Online Computer Programming in Python, Simple Machines, Oceanography, Biomes, Space Science, Chemistry and more. Her goal is to expose students to a large variety of disciplines using a hands-on approach while engaging them in thoughtful discussions. By teaching and exploring the scientific world around them, she hopes to spark a passion in each of her students. She is pleased to share that one of her very first students just graduated high school and has been accepted into a college engineering program.
Most of her free time is dedicated to developing her classes and driving her four boys to their events. Her favorite pastimes include reading, walking, skiing, cooking, traveling, and most importantly, date night with her husband.
Sally Zeiner
Sally spent her childhood playing school; each and every time she wanted to be the teacher.
From her first job as a summer camp counselor, she has remained always in the field of education. She homeschools her children because she loves learning together as a family. She seeks to create an environment in which children will love learning and discover their own passions and gifts, pursuing them with joy and confidence.
A former preschool teacher, she is trained in the Montessori method and studied educational philosophy at Teachers College Columbia University in New York City. Appreciating the variety of learning styles and ways of knowing, she works to facilitate the connection of each child to the world of knowledge and experience. Her own passions include hiking, soccer, reading and writing, and curriculum.
From her first job as a summer camp counselor, she has remained always in the field of education. She homeschools her children because she loves learning together as a family. She seeks to create an environment in which children will love learning and discover their own passions and gifts, pursuing them with joy and confidence.
A former preschool teacher, she is trained in the Montessori method and studied educational philosophy at Teachers College Columbia University in New York City. Appreciating the variety of learning styles and ways of knowing, she works to facilitate the connection of each child to the world of knowledge and experience. Her own passions include hiking, soccer, reading and writing, and curriculum.
If you are interested in becoming a Mosaic Freeschool Class Facilitator, please email us at jayne@mosaicfreeschool.com with any class ideas or proposals and a brief description of your background and/or experience in homeschooling or education.
