Instructors
Mrs. Sarah Clark
Hi! I'm Sarah Clark and I am an educator and mom of 2 busy boys! While this is our first year of formally homeschooling, I have been an educator for over 12 years! I have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Wingate University and a masters degree in Math Curriculum and Instruction from UNCG. I have taught 2nd grade and 4th grade math and science as well as tutored students in math all the way from Kinder-8th grade. I have taught a handful of preschool and elementary science classes and camps over the past few years and absolutely love working with kids and their natural curiousity about the world and how things work! I also tutor students in math and love seeing kids see themselves as "math people" and increasing their confidence in their own skills! When not teaching or tutoring you can find us outside, going on hikes, mountain biking, or dabbling in different arts/crafts. I am SO excited for our family to be joining Firm Foundations for this 2026 year!
Mrs. Naomie Dixon
Hi, I’m Naomie Dixon, a passionate homeschool mom. I've been homeschooling since my son was in the first grade. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. My teaching philosophy centers on fostering curiosity and critical thinking through hands-on projects in a fun learning environment. Outside of the classroom, I love hiking, sewing, wood working, and any activity that includes my son and our two dogs! My goal is to inspire my students to become lifelong learners who feel empowered and free to explore the world around them.
Natasha Frye
Natasha Frye is a homeschooling mom of four girls. Natasha has a B.S. degree in mathematics and an M.Ed. from UNCG. She obtained her NC teaching license and became a tenured high school math teacher for NC public schools before becoming a stay at home mom. Natasha has taught Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus.
Ms. Michelle Gonzalez
My name is Michelle Gonzalez, and I LOVE science and math—they’re like puzzles, it requires us to think with an open mind and expand our knowledge, and while at it, it help us understand the world! I graduated from High Point University in 2020 with a degree in Biology (with a focus on Health Sciences) and a minor in Mathematics (reaching although way to College Calculus 4. Hint: YES I LOVE AND FIND MATH BEAUTIFULLY CHALLENGING and I love a good challenge).
But I didn’t stop there! I went back to school and earned my Master’s in Nanoscience from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2023.
Nanoscience is super cool because it mixes math, chemistry, biology, physics, ethics, and even more... to solve real-world problems! My research was all about using tiny molecular tools, like CRISPR systems, to potentially create a coding system to store digital information inside DNA—kind of like turning DNA into a super tiny hard drive!
I’m passionate about learning, teaching, and showing how the things we study in school connect to the real world. I believe math is not just numbers—it’s a beautiful, universal language and superpower that helps us explore science, solve problems, and even create new technology!
I have big dreams for the future! I hope to either go to medical school or pursue a PhD so I can keep learning, discovering, and making a difference in the world of science and healthcare.
I love cooking, baking, running, hiking, traveling, and watching movies. Whether it's trying new foods, exploring new places, or enjoying a great film, I love discovering new things—just like in science!
Fun Facts About Me!
My favorite colors are blue and green
I love the ocean!
My favorite fruits are strawberries and mangoes—sweet and delicious!
Lacey Grim
Mom of 4 homeschoolers (one graduate), and co-owner and operator of Schoolhouse Farm & The Schoolhouse Life--Lacey Grim has been a natural health educator for over a decade. On top of her passion for holistic wellness, she minored in the fine arts & literature and has continued to incorporate her passion for herbalism & naturalism, writing, creativity in addition to teaching at the forefront of her business and life. She loves inspiring learners of all ages to be curious, tap into their own innate creativity, look for wonder in nature and to, most of all, keep trying new things.
Lisa Gunter
Hi, my name is Lisa Gunter, and I was born deaf as a result of my mother having German measles. My parents made the decision for me to be placed in oral education programs for most of my childhood. Hence, I can hear well with my sole hearing aid and rely on lipreading. At the age of 16, I learned ASL and became involved with the Deaf community, and then attended an University where I graduated with a degree in Secondary Education in 1988.
I am an ASL Instructor with 17 years of experience as a professional in a wide range of community and educational settings. Also, I have been involved in a full-time ministry as a Deaf missionary alongside with my husband for 35 years both here in the States and in Australia where we had been working since 1998. It was a privilege to work there in Melbourne and to earn degrees in Sign Language Education. Through my work experience, I was able to sharpen my teaching skills and to learn how to assess sign language students with their sign reception and production skills. My responsibilities there were not only to teach and assess, but also to create and administer sign language programs. Currently, I am an ASL instructor at CSDHH in Greensboro where I have been the last two years as well as in my local church in Kernersville.
My interests are Sign Language Linguistics and collecting sign language dictionaries from around the world. It has always been my passion to teach sign language to hearing people, so that they can communicate with Deaf people in the community. I pray that the Lord will allow me to continue to do so for many years to come.
Text: (919) 370-8671 Email: [email protected]
Amber Hazelton
Hello! My name is Amber Hazelton, and I am excited to be joining the Firm Foundations community as a History tutor for middle and high school students this year.
I am a wife and mother of four wonderful children. Two of my children are in college, one proudly serves in the United States Navy, and my youngest is an eleventh-grade student here at Firm Foundations.
Before becoming an educator, I spent 15 years serving in the United States Air Force. After my military career, I earned my degree in Elementary Education and had the privilege of teaching 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th grade students.
Currently, I serve as the Director of Children's Ministry at Gate City Baptist Church, where I have been a member for more than ten years. I have a passion for helping children and families grow in their faith, and I love investing in the lives of young people.
This is my first year serving as a tutor at Firm Foundations, and I am truly excited to be a part of this co-op. I look forward to getting to know each of you and partnering with your families as we explore history through the lens of God's providence and faithfulness. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year together!
Sayonara Herrera Barajas
Today, I am an urban homesteader and homeschool Mom of 2 wonderful young ladies. I love all things creative and can easily go down rabbit holes exploring textile projects or following herbal endeavors. I also have a passion for growing my own culinary and medicinal plants.
Before starting to homeschool my girls, I had a 25+ year career as a textile designer/manager. Among my responsibilities were also marketing and sales of textile products. I hold a BS degree in Textile Design with a concentration in woven and knitted textiles.
In 2016 I attended the Piedmont School of Herbal Studies where I formally studied herbalism for the first time. I have been practicing herbalism for my family and friends since then.
Mrs. Marion James-Holiday
I graduated from UNCPembroke with a double major in Psychology and Communications with a minor in Public Relations. I am a former Miss Lumbee Ambassador, who traveled the country sharing my culture/history, faith in Christ, and my love for unity. Most of my work experience is with youth, breast cancer awareness, mentoring substance abuse clients, and many other things in the fitness world. Since my marriage to Randy Holiday, I have mainly focused on homeschooling and raising my three children. Raine S. Holiday is my eldest daughter, who attends UNC Chapel Hill as a STEM major. My son Jacob M. Holiday is a rising Junior, who keeps me busy with soccer and will be attending GTCC for dual enrolment. My youngest Aerin N. Holiday will be a fourth grader in the fall. I started homeschooling 15 years ago in Rock Hill, S.C. We have lived here in Greesboro for about 9 years. I enjoy hiking, kayaking, board games, and my most favorite is family time.
Mrs. Briana Jessup
Hello, I am Briana Jessup! I am a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and I have also attended Union Bible College for a bachelor's degree in Intercultural Studies. I am currently a stay at home Mom. Before staying at home with my babies, I worked in Orthopedics, Spine, and Dermatology. My husband and I currently work together doing the children's ministry at our church.
I love the Lord with all of my heart and have been a Christian most of my life. Though I grew up in church, I have found Jesus to be real and faithful in my own life! I am so excited to be a tutor at Firm Foundations! I look forward to meeting all of my students and their parents!
Shannon Layne
My name is Shannon Layne and I am so excited to join the Firm Foundations Community as a tutor! I hold an Associates degree and have always had a passion for learning and teaching! I especially enjoy reading, crafting and exploring while teaching about the Bible with my daughter. This will be my first year teaching and I look forward to sharing my love of learning with students while growing alongside them!
Mrs. Victoria Lemp
“If you never did, you should. These things are fun and fun is good.”
-Dr. Suess
Just like the quote above, instilling a love of learning is FUN!
After graduating from Marantha Baptist University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, I taught grades first through third and privately tutored reading and math.
Turning from teacher to homeschool mom was easy for me. Seeing those “light bulb” moments throughout our day was amazing. I have treasured teaching our six children at home and in cooperative settings. This eighteen-year journey has given me the privilege of graduating three of our six children thus far.
I’m looking forward to sharing my love of learning with you.
Sarah Lott
Hi! I am a lifer in the homeschool community. I have three children, ages 12, 14, and 17. I have homeschooled all of my children from kindergarten up and am proud to have my oldest attending college full time at UNCG this year. One down, two to go! I love the homeschool community that we have here in the triad area and am excited to see Firm Foundations grow into a blessing for our community. I am also a Registered Nurse and love my role as an RN and all of the people that I get to meet as I function in that capacity. If I can be helpful to you in any way, please always feel free to give me a call, shoot me text, or send me an e-mail. Homeschooling can be a joy but also a struggle. If I can help you to make your journy more joyful, I would absolutly love to lend a hand.
Mrs. Katherine Newcomb
I am a Jesus-loving massage therapist (by trade) homeschool mom of my eleven year old son, Eli, and five year old daughter, Hope. My husband Billy and I have been on this homeschooling journey since Eli was in kindergarten, and we wouldn't trade the family time together it has afforded us for anything. My homeschool style is interest-led and hands-on, and I am SO excited for the opportunity to take that into the classroom to work your doodle bugs this year!
Hannah Pao
Madame Pao received a BA in French from UNCG as well as her NC K-12 teaching licensure for foreign language. While teaching high school French in Guilford County, she decided to pursue her Master's in French at UCSB during summer break. The advanced degree proved valuable, but the real treasure of the master's program was meeting her husband James. She taught French for a total of five years in Guilford County Schools before their first baby was born. Now she homeschools their five children, ages 6-15. She is delighted to be at Firm Foundations to teach a subject she loves.
Paypal: [email protected]
Venmo: @HannahPao
Zelle: [email protected]
Dr. Jason Pierce
Happy husband to Nancy as well as father of Miranda (7) and Sam (6). I work as a professor of management at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in the Bryan School of Business. Teaching, that is, guiding people to find truths that will set them free and empower them to make the world better for themselves and others, is my life’s passion.
Dr. Nancy Pierce
I'm Nancy, and I'm thrilled to be a part of Firm Foundations of Greensboro! I bring a unique blend of experiences to the table – from my background as a management professor and researcher, to my passion for health that led me to become a Certified Nutrition Coach and group fitness instructor. This year, I'm excited to share my knowledge with high schoolers in Health & Nutrition and guide middle schoolers on a 'Wellness Adventure' in my Empower U class. As a homeschooling mom of two wonderful children, ages 6 and 7, I truly understand the joys and challenges of this journey. We've been homeschooling for four years, and I'm eager to connect with other families and create a supportive learning environment. My goal is to make these classes fun, engaging, and packed with practical skills that students can use to build lifelong healthy habits. Let's make this a fantastic and empowering year together!
Becky Spence
Becky Spence has been teaching since 1998. She has taught in many settings: preschool, public school, private reading tutoring, and now homeschooling. Becky has been creating and sharing educational and Bible resources at www.thisreadingmama.com since 2011. You'll find THOUSANDS of free printables there as well as bundles she has created for her shop.
She has her M.Ed. in Reading and holds certificates in language-based learning differences and Christian apologetics. Becky has been homeschooling for well over a decade and can be found reading books about theology and apologetics, making sourdough bread, or binge-watching “renno shows.”
Elizabeth Welch - Owner & Creative Director, Indigo Art Studio
With a BFA degree from Colorado State University (Go, Rams!) with a concentration in Graphic Design and minor in Art History, I had a rewarding and award-winning career in advertising art, in Colorado, Washington, D.C., and Austin, Texas, working for such clients as National Geographic, Apple, The Smithsonian Institute, National Football League Players Association, and The Pentagon. A move with my family to the Triad area in 2005 opened a new door for me – that of art teacher, and for over 15 years I enjoyed sharing my love of art, and the creative process, with budding artists in Greensboro.
During my tenure as an art teacher, I assisted many of those students with preparing for, and gaining acceptance into, area and national art schools and programs, as well as helping them to successfully secure lucrative scholarships. Programs that my students have gone on to attend include Weaver Academy, North Carolina School of the Arts, SCAD, Clemson University School of Architecture, Arts and Humanities, Virginia Tech School of Architecture and Design, UNC-Greensboro College of Art and Design, Liberty University Studio & Digital Arts Program, NCState University College of Design, Pratt Institute, California Institute of the Arts, Full Sail Academy, Meredith College Studio Art, UNC-Charlotte School of Architecture, USC School of Visual Art and Design, and many more.
Now, as the Owner and Creative Director of Indigo Art Studio in the Brassfield Shopping Center, I have the distinguished opportunity to continue sharing my experience and education with artists of all ages and skill levels in a relaxed, encouraging space where all are welcomed and supported.
Ms. Cydney Williams
Cydney Williams is an American musician who started playing the viola when she was eleven years old. Throughout the years, Cydney performed in many settings around the community such as school orchestras, chamber ensembles, competitions, school district orchestras, regional orchestras, music workshops, summer music camps, clinics, recitals, festivals, churches, and has recently volunteered and has volunteered in performing inside community youth orchestras as an undergraduate. She also volunteered to be an assistant teacher inside of the Cumberland County School District. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Music in the spring semester of 2019, Cydney Williams performed in the Fayetteville Chamber Orchestra. In winter of 2020, Cydney was accepted into the graduate program at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem. She received her Master’s Degree in Viola Performance in the Spring of 2022.
Cydney is a part of SetApart Music Academy offering instruction in Violin/Viola privately and in the Orchestra Introductory Class setting and is excited to be a part of Firm Foundations offering instruction in Violin/Viola Introductory Class setting and an assistant instruction for Mr. Scott Johnson’s General Music Class for grades K-5.