We seek to cultivate an abiding love for Christ in our students by encouraging the study of scripture, a vibrant prayer life, and engagement with their local church (John 15:4-5). Teachers hold high expectations for how students relate to their peers and submit to those in authority, showing respect for all.

Teacher support is calibrated to serve students who possess the skills for self-guided, independent learning and demonstrate initiative and resilience in academics. To that end, teachers guide students to make effective and responsible use of every available resource.

Our teachers genuinely care about the success of each student and reach out to them proactively as they progress through the curriculum. Teachers also leverage educational technology and skills to provide dynamic, Christ-honoring instruction differentiated to suit every student’s learning needs. Each teacher curates and maintains an exclusive digital library of supplementary materials, videos, and explanations to supplement curriculum and aid learning.

Enlightium teachers work with their students on an individual level, communicating directly within the curriculum. Gold and Diamond students also receive real-time phone support and one-on-one Zoom video sessions.

Elementary Faculty Co-Chair

Mrs. Chun graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 2018 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Ministry Studies with a focus in TESOL. She is ACSI certified.

Mrs. Chun became a part of Enlightium Academy in 2019 and is thankful for the opportunity to combine her love of teaching and the Word of God. Mrs. Chun’s desire is to build relationships with students and to help them discover the importance of loving God with their heart and mind, loving others, and glorifying God in all they do. Mrs. Chun resides in Washington state with her husband and dog. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, photography, music, and reading.

Mrs. Thomas holds a B.S. in both Elementary Education and Bible from Cairn University. She has also earned a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Morehouse School of Religion. A driven teacher with a passion for Christian Education, Mrs. Thomas has been in the teaching field since 2009. She is ACSI certified.

Mrs. Thomas is a wife and proud mother of two. She loves spending time with her family, singing, and listening to worship music. She is an avid reader, and in her spare time enjoys reading historical fiction.

Ms. Bromley received her Bachelor’s in Special Education and her Master’s in Teaching Elementary Education from Liberty University. She also holds a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificates. Ms. Bromley is ACSI-certified.

Ms. Bromley is dedicated to helping students succeed in their goals and guiding them with Christian values. She enjoys writing and singing Christian songs, having family Bible studies, watching her twin daughters Irish Dance, and teaching her special needs adult son new life skills.

Ms. Fenina received her BS in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. She is state and ACSI certified.

Ms. Fenina has been tutoring since 2015. She has also led arts and crafts through VBS at her church and other summer camps since 2008. Ms. Fenina believes that education with Christian values is a doorway to a flourishing life.

Mrs. Hadas graduated from Liberty University in 2018 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Interdisciplinary Studies. Mrs. Hadas became a part of Enlightium in 2021 and is thankful for the opportunity to work alongside such a wonderful group of dedicated educators who have a passion for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She is passionate about working to help students grow in both their educational development and Christian faith. She is ACSI certified.

Mrs. Hadas resides in her home state of North Carolina alongside her husband and two sons. Mrs. Hadas enjoys spending time with her family working their farm and overseeing the youth ministry at their church.

Mr. Aaron Sylvia graduated with a Masters in Teaching Elementary degree from Western Governors University. Has ACSI Certification, and he holds his undergraduate degree in business from Whitworth University.

Prior to teaching, Mr. Sylvia was highly involved in ministry: having developed teams, trained leaders, and served as part of a team that planted a church in Spokane, WA. He has led a mission trip, been an associate pastor, a youth pastor, and an innovative part of structuring different ministries and teams. He was called into ministry in 2005 which he has been pursuing ever since. In 2018 the Lord put on Mr. Sylvia’s heart to go into teaching.

Mrs. Toy graduated from Messiah College in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She attended Wheaton Graduate School in Illinois and the Evangelical School of Theology in Pennsylvania. She had taught for ten years in Christian schools and also homeschooled her own children. Mrs. Toy is ACSI certified.

Mrs. Toy and her husband have served as inner-city missionaries for many years and now reside in North Carolina.

Bible Faculty Chair

Mrs. Reich earned a bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies with an Interdisciplinary in Ministry to Women from Moody Bible Institute. She is passionate about discipleship and mentorship and has a Certificate of Discipleship from Youth With A Mission - Nicoya, Costa Rica. Mrs. Reich is ACSI certified.

Mrs. Reich was born and raised in Ventura, California. She has always loved the beach and misses it often. She met her husband in Chicago while completing school and was married in 2022. She enjoys traveling, being outdoors, reading, cooking, baking, and spending quality time with those she loves.

Mr. Christopher Bryant earned his B.A in Pastoral Ministry from Cedarville University. He also holds a M.Div in Advanced Biblical Studies and a M.A. in Old Testament Studies. He is a passionate Bible teacher who desires all to learn and grow in the Scriptures. Mr. Bryant is ACSI certified.

Mr. Bryant was born and raised in Oxford, Michigan. Besides the Bible, he loves football, baseball, and disc golf. Also, he is a passionate woodworker. Most of all, he loves serving his local church through Sunday School, Awana, and other events and activities.

Mrs. Lawson acquired her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Aspen University in 2017 and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Theology. She has been tutoring children of all ages since 2011 and has been working as an online teacher since 2016. Mrs. Lawson is ACSI certified.

Mrs. Lawson was born and raised in southern West Virginia. She has been married to her husband since 2012, and they have two beautiful young children. Her family enjoys nature, reading together, and pretending to have lightsaber battles.

Heath Robertson received his Bachelors of Science in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute and his Masters in Biblical and Theological Studies at Western Seminary. Most of his studies were in Old Testament exegesis, completing an honors program at Moody and receiving an award for Old Testament exegesis at Western Seminary. In 2023 he completed his PhD in Divinity at the University of Aberdeen (Scotland), researching in systematic theology. He is ACSI certified.

Heath delights in serving Enlightium families and watching students grow in biblical foundations and the life-transforming power of the gospel. In his free time, he stays active with running. This year he plans to enter a handful of 5k and 10k fun runs.

Mr. Shcherbina is currently a sophomore at Spokane Falls Community College. He will receive his AA degree in Accounting and plans to transfer to a university to receive his BA in Accounting.

Since his formative years, Mr. Shcherbina has played ice hockey and currently plays for the 18U AA North Idaho Knights. His passion for hockey led him to create a YouTube channel with his brother, C & J Sports Kingdom. He dearly loves God, his family, and his German Shepherd.

Mr. Weidemann earned his BA in Religion at William Carey University with minors in Philosophy and Biblical Languages. He also holds MA’s in Biblical Languages and New Testament from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. His passion is to teach Scripture in its historical context and to provide others with helpful tools to engage with the Word of God. He has enjoyed leading both Bible studies and prayer groups for several years now. Being a part of a local church and being active in a Christian community have always been priorities in his heart.

Mr. Weidemann has been married since 2013 to his wife, Megan. He also has two wonderful daughters. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading and getting into God’s word, drinking a lot of coffee, canoeing, and taking trips to New England.

Mr. White is a graduate of the Institute of Biblical Studies at Liberty University and Ligonier School of Theology. He acquired professional certifications through HarvardX and Bar-Ilan University. Before coming to Enlightium, Mr. White had a 20-year career in public education that consisted of working primarily in Elementary Computer, Digital Ethics, and with Special Education students.

Mr. White is involved in Organic/House Church ministry. In his spare time, He is also an avid martial arts practitioner who loves reading, writing poetry, and music.

English Faculty Chair

Mr. Carroll received his Bachelor’s Degree in English Literary Studies from Eastern Washington University in 2019, and he received his Masters of Education in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University in 2023. He holds a teaching certificate through the state of Washington. He also has a TEFL Certificate (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and is ACSI Certified. His favorite areas to teach are writing and literature. He believes that anyone can be a good writer as long as they put in the time and effort into working. One of his goals, as a teacher, is to eliminate writing apprehension; he believes, since writing is such an expressive form of our inner selves, the more we are able to fine tune our abilities, the better we can express our ideas and emotions.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. Mr. Carroll is very passionate about education and never wants to stop learning.

Mrs. Ambler earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English and her Master’s Degree in Education at George Mason University in Virginia. She began her career in Virginia as an elementary teacher in the Fairfax County public school system. She later decided to try something new and started teaching online at Florida Virtual School. Her most cherished teaching position has been homeschooling her own three children from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Mrs. Ambler is ACSI certified.

Mrs. Ambler lives in the Tampa, Florida area and enjoys all the local treasures like the beautiful beaches, parks, and theme parks. The hobby she has always had the most passion and the greatest love for is reading. She hopes to always spread this love of reading to her students.

Ms. Griffing holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Writing from Whitworth University and a Master’s Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from Northern Arizona University. She is ACSI certified.

Ms. Griffing started teaching for Enlightium Academy in 2015, before returning to teach abroad for the 2016-2017 school year. Since returning to Enlightium Academy in 2017, Ms. Griffing has taught a variety of courses and worked to write specialized English courses to meet student needs. She also founded and leads the English Language Learning (ELL) Program. Ms. Griffing particularly loves to teach writing because this is a chance for students to express themselves and learn a skill they will use for the rest of their lives.

Mr. Hamm received his Bachelor’s Degree in English from Barton College in Wilson, NC. Later, he attended East Carolina University, where he received his Master’s Degree in Library Science to further his teaching career, and he spent five years working at the community college level as a tutor and librarian. Mr. Hamm is ACSI certified.

He came to value Christian education thanks to attending a Christian academy, and he believes in helping students succeed like his teachers once helped him. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and video games, reading or watching stories, and playing with his pets.

Mrs. Johnson graduated from Moody Bible Institute Spokane in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages with an Interdisciplinary in Intercultural Studies. She is ACSI certified.

Mrs. Johnson has been a member of the Enlightium team since 2017, teaching both middle and high school English. Her favorite teaching experiences are “light bulb” moments when a student grasps a challenging concept. She has a passion for mentoring and seeing students grow to reach their full potential both in Christ and in their studies. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks with her family, cross-stitching, and baking.

Ms. Lee received her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from California State University Long Beach where she specialized in Medieval Language and Literature. Ms. Lee taught college-level English and literacy for several years in her native Los Angeles before moving to Memphis, Tennessee where she has taught at the middle and high school level. Her favorite teaching moments are when students go from “I can’t” to “I can” and finally to “I did.” Ms. Lee is ACSI certified.

Ms. Lee has one cat who is absolutely spoiled beyond all practical sense and enough craft supplies and yarn to start her own hobby shop.

Mr. Malacki received his Bachelor’s Degree in English and certification in Secondary Education from Robert Morris University. Prior to joining Enlightium, he taught public middle school and high school English. He is ACSI certified.

Mr. Malacki has published a middle-grade novel and a handful of shorter works. When he isn’t teaching or writing, he enjoys reading the classics and spending time with family.

Mrs. Nelson received her Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of North Texas where she also received her State of Texas teaching certificate.

Mrs. Nelson has taught public high school English since 2007. Her favorite teaching moments are the ones where students really engage in the literature. She enjoys helping students navigate complicated tasks and seeing their sense of accomplishment when they achieve their goals.  Mrs. Nelson is ACSI certified.

Mrs. Price received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Mississippi State University and her Master’s Degree focusing on Secondary Education - English. She has been teaching English since 2012 at both the secondary and collegiate level. Mrs. Price currently lives in Mississippi with her husband, Madison, and their two young children: a vivacious three-year-old, Lawson, and an outgoing five-year-old, Marin. Mrs. Price is ACSI-certified.

She is a theater person at heart and enjoys both directing and acting in plays and musicals, though her favorite is performing in musicals. She has been active in theatrical shows for 25 years and has been honored and thrilled to perform numerous titular roles on stage. She enjoys being able to continue using her talents to treat her teaching lessons as a performance and keep the students engaged.

Mrs. Sellars received her Bachelor's degree in Secondary English Education from Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL and later received a Gifted and Talented endorsement from Converse College in Spartanburg, SC. She has spent the last 24 years teaching English in a variety of educational settings, including public and private school, online tutoring, and teaching in a homeschool co-op. In addition to English, she has also taught STEM and drama for the past two years. She believes the pathway to learning is unique for each student and relies on her faith in God to help students reach their best selves. Mrs. Sellars is ACSI-certified.

Mrs. Sellars enjoys her two dogs, camping, swimming, and going to the beach with her family. She also loves leisurely activities on the lake such as paddle-boarding, kayaking, and canoeing.

Mrs. Workman received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 2005 and her Master’s Degree in English Education in 2008 from Pensacola Christian College. Mrs. Workman is ACSI certified.

Mrs. Workman has taught middle school, high school, and college since 2005. Her favorite thing about being a teacher is helping students see literature and writing through the lens of the Bible. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, and playing foursquare with her kids.

Ms. Wright graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in English. She has worked with students in elementary, middle, and high school since 2002. Ms. Wright has an unwavering love for reading and writing that she hopes to pass on to each and every student she encounters.

In her free time, Ms. Wright loves traveling, reading, watching basketball, and spending time with her family.

History Faculty Chair

Mrs. Bean holds a Bachelor’s degree from Liberty University in Elementary Education and Interdisciplinary Studies and an Associates degree from Johnson University in Intercultural Studies. She is a licensed teacher in the state of Virginia and taught in public schools for four years before joining Enlightium. Mrs. Bean is ACSI certified. 

Mrs. Bean lives in Virginia with her husband and daughter. She and her husband are youth leaders at their church and they love working with the teenagers. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family, playing board games, reading books and going outdoors.

Ms. Bromley received her Bachelor’s in Special Education and her Master’s in Teaching Elementary Education from Liberty University. She also holds a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificates. Ms. Bromley is ACSI-certified.

Ms. Bromley is dedicated to helping students succeed in their goals and guiding them with Christian values. She enjoys writing and singing Christian songs, having family Bible studies, watching her twin daughters Irish Dance, and teaching her special needs adult son new life skills.

Mrs. Carraway graduated from Lee College in 2019 with her Degree in Education. She joined Enlightium Academy in 2021 and loves working alongside such an amazing group of educators. Mrs. Carraway is also a family photographer in her home state of Texas, where she resides with her husband and their two children. In her free time when she is not chasing sunsets for the perfect photo, she loves spending time with her family at home.

Mr. Philip Craven holds a B.A. in Political Science and French from Austin College in Sherman, TX, a Master of Ministry from Grace School of Theology, obtained in 2021, and an M.Ed. from Texas State University - San Marcos. His professional journey includes teaching Government and History in public and private schools, and writing published curricula, assessments, and standardized tests in these areas.

Beyond academia, Mr. Craven has a rich background in practicing and instructing Shaolin Kempo Karate, and teaching classes for Texas CHL applicants. Residing in Texas, he manages a small acreage near Oakwood and is an avid reader of history and Christian apologetics. His leisure activities include fishing and hog hunting.

Mrs. Heyer received her B.A. and M.A in History at Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) in Waxahachie, TX and is ACSI certified. Mrs. Heyer has taught History at Navarro College and mentored at SAGU in the subjects of Bible, History, English, Government, and general studies. She was also blessed to be able to write and publish a history book about several extraordinary events directed by God.

Krista Heyer lives in Texas and enjoys learning more about God through His Joy in every situation and from His Word. She and her husband are blessed to have a daughter named Madison and a son named John. Mrs. Heyer’s hobbies include watching movies, reading, playing video games, attending comic con events, playing handbells at church, and learning sign language. She is an avid Star Wars fan.

History Faculty Chair

Mr. Kuldayev received a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Biblical Studies from the University of Fresno Pacific and a Master’s Degree from the University of Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. He is ACSI certified.

Mr. Kuldayev has been teaching Bible and History in private schools since 2011. He began teaching at Enlightium Academy in 2014 and currently teaches AP U.S. History, AP World History, AP Government and Politics, Dual Credit courses, and enjoys seeing students achieve their highest potential.

Mrs. Maas has a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and a Masters Degree in Human Resources Training and Development. She has been teaching Social Studies at the middle and high school level since 2018 with an emphasis in U.S. History and Government. Mrs. Maas is ACSI-certified.

Mrs. Maas lives in Tampa, Florida, and has been married since 1995. She and her husband have three children together; all of which have fled the nest and are attending college at Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!), the University of Florida (Go Gators!), and Florida State University (Go Noles!). Mrs. Maas enjoys participating in women’s Bible studies, traveling, and learning how to play golf.

Ms. Miller received her Bachelor’s Degree in History from Whitworth University in 2018, and earned a MA from Gettysburg College for American History in the Spring of 2023 Ms. Miller has experience peer tutoring across a variety of academic subjects with a primary concentration in history. She is ACSI certified.

Ms. Miller is extremely passionate about history and how God utilizes each individual person in the larger historical picture. Ms. Miller wants to transfer her love and passion for history to the students she instructs, showing them how God has used history to work toward His ultimate plan.

Ms. Miller was born and raised in the beautiful city of Spokane, WA, and has fufilled one of her dreams by moving to the Bitteroot Valley in Western Montana. In her free time, she enjoys listening to podcasts and sermons, horseback riding, reading, and crocheting. She is also an avid sports fan and loves to spend her weekends following various sports teams native to the Pacific Northwest area, in addition to teams from the Univerisy of Montana.

Math Faculty Chair

Mrs. Mittler received her Bachelor’s Degree in K-8 education from Eastern Washington University with a major in Science and a minor in Mathematics. She is state and ACSI certified.

Mrs. Mittler has been teaching since 2005. She taught Math in Carrington College’s radiology program, coached public school Math competitions for 3 years, and taught in various private schools. She has been at Enlightium Academy since 2015. Mrs. Mittler is the math faculty chair and teaches middle school math. She believes that even if a mistake has occurred, a student can learn from it, make better choices, and understand the concept better once the mistake has been fixed. Since not all students learn the same way, she is willing to try new ways to teach a lesson for any student that needs it.

Mrs. Chambliss attended William Carey University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She continued her studies at William Carey University and later earned her Master of Education in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics in August 2015. Mrs. Chambliss is State and ACSI-certified.

Mrs. Chambliss has been teaching since 2013. She has taught various grade levels of Math, from Elementary Mathematics to College Algebra. Before coming to Enlightium Academy, Mrs. Chambliss was the Lead Smart Start Instructor at Pearl River Community College, where she was able to help Adult Education students acquire employability skills and ACT Workkeys Certifications.

Mrs. Chambliss grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Whenever she is not teaching, Mrs. Chambliss enjoys spending time with her family, attending her husband’s football games (he is a coach), and driving over to Gulf Shores for the day to enjoy the beach. 

Mrs. Chappell-Gonzalez is from Alabama and received her Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tuskegee University. She then earned her Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University prior to moving to Texas. After spending years working in the aerospace, oil, and gas industries, she started a small consulting business and became a part-time STEM educator at IFLY indoor skydiving. She was also profoundly inspired by her daughter's kindergarten teacher, who designed and delivered online lessons much like a "kid reality show." This inspiration fueled her desire to become an online K-12 math tutor for at-risk youth in the Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin areas and a middle school substitute teacher. She met many students who were afraid of math. As a result, she has made it her mission to change negative perceptions about math and make it relatable, engaging, and fun. Mrs. Chappell-Gonzalez is ACSI certified.

Mrs. Chappell-Gonzalez is excited about developing the next generation of creative problem-solvers and leaders. She is active in several ministries in her community and serves as a VBS Youth Leader at her church during the summer months. She plays soccer and roller derby as hobbies. She also has a twin brother who lives in Japan as an electrical engineer and hopes to visit him annually. She lives with her husband, daughter, two cats, and a rabbit who surprisingly all get along.

Ms. Culp received her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education from College Misericordia in Dallas, Pennsylvania. She also earned a master’s degree in Education with a Concentration in Online Learning from American Public University System. Ms. Culp has been teaching since 2006, with the majority of those years being in the online environment. She enjoys working with students on an individual basis and helping each student achieve their personal best. Ms. Culp is ACSI and state certified.

Ms. Culp spends most of her free time with family and friends. She believes family is important and takes every opportunity to visit with them. Ms. Culp also enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and crocheting. Originally from Northeast Pennsylvania, Ms. Culp currently resides in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Dr. Howell received his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Chemistry from Huston-Tillotson University. He then earned a Masters in Theological Studies from Vision International University. From there, he earned a Masters Degree in Special Education and a Doctorate in K-12 Leadership from Grand Canyon University, as well as a Masters of Educational Administration from Lamar University. He is currently certified in EC-6th grade generalist as well as 4-8 mathematics.

Dr. Howell spends his free time watching Netflix with his family. He also enjoys working out and traveling to various places.

Mrs. James earned a BS in Mathematics Education from Utah Valley University. She is ACSI certified.

Mrs. James has taught math at the junior high level and enjoys teaching as well as learning. She loves to instill this drive for learning in her students. She loves sports and plays volleyball. Mrs. James enjoys spending time with her husband and her four children.

Mr. Lamoureux earned his B.S. in Mathematics from Washington State University and his M.S. in Mathematics from the University of Connecticut. He is ACSI certified.

Mr. Lamoureux was born in Southern California but has called the Northwest his home since he was ten years old. He taught for the Community Colleges of Spokane for ten years before transitioning to Enlightium. He lives in rural eastern Washington with his wife and six children. The seventh child lives nearby with his granddaughter. Aside from a bunch of children, Mr. Lamoureux has many animals, including goats, chickens, a dog, a cat, and a ferret.

Science Faculty Chair

Mrs. Holloway graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She most recently worked to develop a STEM curriculum for schools throughout the United States. Mrs. Holloway also has experience working with online summer camps to bring STEM education to students in the Southeast United States. Mrs. Holloway is ACSI certified. 

Mrs. Holloway is married to her husband of 20 years, and they have three wonderful children. Their family enjoys working on their farm in Southern Mississippi. All three kids are active in extracurricular activities which keeps the family very busy. Mrs. Holloway also loves to read and sing in her church choir. 

As a young child, Dr. Herzog enjoyed being outside more than anything else. She had a vivid imagination, and there was always an adventure waiting for her to explore. She imagined traveling to distant places, learning about animals and life from around the world, and meeting the people who lived there. After high school, following family tradition, she decided to join the U.S. Navy. Her ten years of active duty gave her an authentic glimpse of scientific investigation. During that time, she also became a mentor and teacher, teaching underwater physics, oceanography, and sonar electronic systems. During her free time, she worked with the Chaplain to organize humanitarian events and outreach for the developing countries that they visited.

Following ten years of honorable service, she decided to take the skills that made her an outstanding sailor and apply them toward a full-time career in science and academia. She graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Ph.D. in Quantitative Biology. Dr. Herzog has taught undergraduate biology classes, including cellular and molecular biology, ecology, genetics, and microbiology.

My favorite bible passage is 1 Samuel 3:10, as God was patient with Samuel, as He is patient with us. All we have to do is listen to understand what He wants us to do. Dr. Herzog believes she has been called to teach science. Every moment spent with a student or a peer, at meetings, or even quick greetings of 'hello' or 'good-bye,' is a moment of fellowship.

In her free time, Dr. Herzog likes spending time with her family and, most of all, her little guy. They enjoy hiking, camping (when it is not so hot!), and traveling. Most important is they share moments of reading the Bible and reflecting on God's message on how to go about their lives every day. These moments continue to make us stronger.

Mr. Lawson is currently pursuing his Bachelor's of Christian Education with an emphasis in Apologetics from the Institute of Creation Research.

Brandon has been married to his wife since 2012 and has two beautiful children. His children, Luke and Leia, were named after Star Wars. Brandon enjoys lightsaber battles with his family, studying apologetics, and trying to find reasonable answers to tough spiritual questions.

Dr. Muniz attended the University of Puerto Rico where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry. She also attended the University of South Carolina where she received further education in Chemistry. Dr. Muniz has vast experience teaching chemistry and physics. Dr. Muniz is ACSI certified.

Dr. Muniz was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She married her college sweetheart, and her three children and grandchildren are the joy of her life. Her family enjoys getting together and playing board games.

Mrs. Stanley attended Arkansas Tech University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Life/Earth Science Secondary Education. She was an academic counselor for the TRIO program, providing services to disadvantaged students in middle and high school for success in higher education for five years in Arkansas. Mrs. Stanley then taught at a public school as a middle science teacher for five more years, where she now resides in Georgia, before coming to Enlightium in 2022. Mrs. Stanley is ACSI certified.

Mrs. Stanley enjoys spending time with her husband and precious son and daughter, as well as all their extended family and friends. They are involved in their church and love serving the Lord through music ministry especially. Hiking, traveling, and movie nights are some of their other favorite activities.

Electives Faculty Chair

Ms. Clark graduated from Southern New Hampshire University in November of 2021, where she earned her BS in Mathematics. During her senior year, she began to tutor local members of her community that needed additional assistance with Mathematics throughout the global pandemic. She has a true passion for assisting children along their educational journey and strives to share her love for mathematics with others. Ms. Clark is ACSI certified.

Ms. Clark grew up in a small town in South Jersey where she still resides. Whenever she is not teaching, Ms. Clark enjoys spending time with loved ones (especially her fur animals) and making time to prioritize fitness in her daily routine. Her favorite ways to move her body include weight training, stretching, and hiking. She also owns a small personal training studio with her significant other in her hometown where they work together to educate others on their overall health and wellness.

Mrs. Dunn graduated from University of Washington in 2010 where she majored in Linguistics and minored in Music. Mrs. Dunn joined Enlightium Academy in 2014, took a couple years off to care for her son, and returned to the team in 2022! She has taught music to children of all ages since 2007, and she is thrilled to see students gain a deeper appreciation of the arts. Mrs. Dunn is ACSI certified.

Mrs. Dunn is from the Seattle area, but lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband and son. In her free time she enjoys exploring nature with her family, being lost in a good mystery novel, and of course making music with friends.

Mr. Olson received a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Geography, with a minor in Economics from Central Washington University. He then completed the Teaching Certification Program at Central Washington, and later received an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology at ITT Technical Institute. He is state certified as a Residency Teacher, with endorsements in Elementary and in Secondary History, Geography, Economics, and Political Science.

Mr. Olson has been teaching in private and public schools and colleges since 1987. Presently, he teaches classes dealing with business, engineering, and technology at Enlightium Academy. He finds that helping students achieve success very rewarding! He possesses both industry and classroom experience in the fields of technology, software development, and robotics. His experience, combined with Enlightium Academy’s curriculum, creates an exciting and engaging experience for students. The challenging pace of innovation keeps courseware relevant and timely. Mr. Olson’s students become comfortable and knowledgeable of these trends and skills with hands-on experiences via a variety of exercises and projects that build a level of mastery and competence - all of which is enjoyable and fun!

Ms. Smith graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 2017 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Biblical Studies. While there, she took every elective possible, because she wanted to learn a little bit of everything about everything. She is enthusiastic about helping students grow in their particular God given-niches and desires as they find a specific trajectory for their futures. Ms. Smith is ACSI-certified

Ms. Smith is from Southern California, but lived in Hawaii on staff at an outdoor Bible College for several years before moving to Spokane. In Ms. Smith's free time, she enjoys playing piano, especially on her church worship team, spending time with her close friends and family, hiking and camping, and enjoying all the beauty that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Mrs. Price received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Mississippi State University and her Master’s Degree focusing on Secondary Education - English. She has been teaching English since 2012 at both the secondary and collegiate level. Mrs. Price currently lives in Mississippi with her husband, Madison, and their two young children: a vivacious three-year-old, Lawson, and an outgoing five-year-old, Marin.

She is a theater person at heart and enjoys both directing and acting in plays and musicals, though her favorite is performing in musicals. She has been active in theatrical shows for 25 years and has been honored and thrilled to perform numerous titular roles on stage. She enjoys being able to continue using her talents to treat her teaching lessons as a performance and keep the students engaged. Mrs. Price is ACSI-certified.

Mrs. Kosoff studied Elementary Education at Whitworth University. She has a Reading Endorsement with minors in French and German. She is state and ACSI certified.

Mrs. Kosoff taught for several years at a local private Christian school prior to joining the Enlightium Academy team in 2017. Mrs. Kosoff also has experience teaching students backpacking and wilderness skills. She volunteered as a backpacking guide for Beyond Malibu in Canada for several summers. Mrs. Kosoff desires to help and know each student as an individual. Her vision for each student is for them to know their value as a child of God created in His image.

Mr. Weidemann earned his BA in Religion at William Carey University with minors in Philosophy and Biblical Languages. He also holds MA’s in Biblical Languages and New Testament from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. His passion is to teach Scripture in its historical context and to provide others with helpful tools to engage with the Word of God. He has enjoyed leading both Bible studies and prayer groups for several years now. Being a part of a local church and being active in a Christian community have always been priorities in his heart.

Mr. Weidemann has been married since 2013 to his wife, Megan. He also has two wonderful daughters. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading and getting into God’s word, drinking a lot of coffee, canoeing, and taking trips to New England.

Mrs. Irina is a native Russian speaker, born and raised in the oldest town in Russia, Velikiy Novgorod. She started her education and career in Law in Russia, and then finished her Master’s degree in Law in the University of Arkansas School of Law in 2009. Mrs. Feofanova is ACSI certified.

While doing her Masters and working as a research assistant and adjunct instructor for the University of Arkansas Summer Law school, Mrs. Feofanova found her mission in organizing Russian-Speaking community events and activities for children. Children from different towns of North-West Arkansas would gather for her play-based Russian classes and big Christmas and Easter events.

Community service, strong dedication to the family, and raising her own trilingual children led Mrs. Feofanova to changing her career path. In 2014 and 2018 she got two advanced professional training degrees in Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language (to Children) from the Lomonosov Moscow State University and in Interactive and Multimedia Technologies for teaching Russian as a foreign language from the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, respectively.

Mrs. Feofanova has taught Russian to students of all ages privately and in small groups for more than ten years. From 2016 to 2019 she taught Russian online via Zoom, while living with her half-Russian/half-Mexican family in Cancun, Mexico.

With great honor, Mrs. Feofanova has accepted the position of Russian teacher and curriculum builder at the Enlightium Academy in 2023.

Mrs. Broussard graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 2009 with a BA in Political Science/Pre-Law, and went on to study Industrial and Organizational Psychology until 2011. In 2021, Mrs. Broussard received her MS degree from Western Governors University in Curriculum and Instruction. She is certified to teach Spanish to grades K-12 and Social Studies to grades 6-12. Mrs. Broussard is ACSI-certified.

Mrs. Broussard has been in the education field. She enjoys singing, traveling, and learning about other languages and cultures along the way. Mrs. Broussard’s passions are her relationship with God, family and her church family.

Teaches AP Calculus

Ms. Culp received her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education from College Misericordia in Dallas, Pennsylvania. She also earned a master’s degree in Education with a Concentration in Online Learning from American Public University System. Ms. Culp has been teaching since 2006, with the majority of those years being in the online environment. She enjoys working with students on an individual basis and helping each student achieve their personal best. Ms. Culp is ACSI and state certified.

Ms. Culp spends most of her free time with family and friends. She believes family is important and takes every opportunity to visit with them. Ms. Culp also enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and crocheting. Originally from Northeast Pennsylvania, Ms. Culp currently resides in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Teaches AP U.S. History, AP World History, and AP U.S. Government & Politics

Mr. Kuldayev received a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Biblical Studies from the University of Fresno Pacific and a Master’s Degree from the University of Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. He is ACSI certified.

Mr. Kuldayev has been teaching Bible and History in private schools since 2011. He began teaching at Enlightium Academy in 2014 and currently teaches AP History, AP World History, AP Government and Politics, Dual Credit courses, and enjoys seeing students achieve their highest potential.

Teaches AP English Language and Composition

Mr. Malacki received his Bachelor’s Degree in English and certification in Secondary Education from Robert Morris University. Prior to joining Enlightium, he taught public middle school and high school English.

Mr. Malacki has published a middle-grade novel and a handful of smaller works. When he isn’t teaching or writing, he enjoys reading the classics, watching sports, and spending time with family.

Teaches AP Chemistry Lab

Dr. Muniz attended the University of Puerto Rico where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry. She also attended the University of South Carolina where she received further education in Chemistry. Dr. Muniz has vast experience teaching chemistry and physics. Dr. Muniz is ACSI certified.

Dr. Muniz was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She married her college sweetheart, and her three children and grandchildren are the joy of her life. Her family enjoys getting together and playing board games.

The Effectiveness of Learning Depends on Who is Teaching

Read more

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Executive Director & Founder

Dr. Yelena V. Solodyankin has more than 30 years of experience in the field of education. She founded an online Christian school in 2003, which is now Enlightium Academy. Since then, she has guided the development of seven brick-and-mortar private schools along the Northwest coast within church communities.

She holds her PhD in Philosophy in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University, Master’s degree in K-12 Guidance & Counseling from Whitworth University, and Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Gonzaga University. She also attended Pedagogical University of Kyrgyzstan and received a Diploma in Christian Studies from International Slavic Christian College. Yelena is ACSI and Washington state-certified.

Throughout her career, she has been devoted to preparing the next generation of leaders by making a difference in their hearts and minds. She has spoken at numerous educational conferences about the need for personalized Christian education and how she applied it to raising her three biological and five adopted children.

Published Work:

eBook and Dissertation

Why Enlightium?

Academics 

Yelena’s Story

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Superintendent

Thomas graduated from Eastern Washington University with a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. He taught Spanish and math for five years in public and private schools before coming to work for Enlightium Academy in 2015. He is ACSI and Mississippi state-certified.

As Enlightium Academy’s superintendent, Mr. Lambert is dedicated to developing a positive school culture that nurtures an atmosphere conducive to learning. He believes that partnering with parents is paramount in ensuring each child continues to grow academically and spiritually.

Mr. Lambert has been married since 2010 and has three wonderful children. He loves outdoor activities like camping and playing disc golf, but he loves spending time with his wife and children most of all. In addition to his time in education, Mr. Lambert has served in various ministerial roles including both worship and pastoral ministry as well as church planting. He currently serves as an elder in his local church.

PUBLISHED WORK:

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CFO & Director of Developments

Alex Jr. graduated from Whitworth University with a B.A. double major in accounting and marketing as a Cum Laude recipient. He is also a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and is currently working on obtaining his CPA certification. He is ACSI certified.

Alex Jr. worked in the education field since 2006 as a high school math teacher and assisted the head of school with administrative duties at a local private Christian school. He joined Enlightium Academy in 2013 and served in varying administrative positions.

Alex Jr. is a lifelong learner and is passionate about helping others reach greater heights in all realms of life. A foundational principle upon which he has built his life is that each individual is made in the image of God, has intrinsic value, and possesses God-given abilities which must be further developed and used for God’s glory in order to steward God’s creation well. 

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Director of Business Operations & Human Resources

Andrey received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a focus in Human Resources and a minor in Business Analytics from Eastern Washington University. Andrey has been with Enlightium since 2013 and is certified by ACSI.

He and his wife are enjoying the blessings and challenges of raising five young children. In his free time, Andrey enjoys learning new things, hiking, running, and riding his unicycle.

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Spiritual Support Director

Heath Robertson received his Bachelors of Science in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute and his Masters in Biblical and Theological Studies at Western Seminary. Most of his studies were in Old Testament exegesis, completing an honors program at Moody and receiving an award for Old Testament exegesis at Western Seminary. In 2023 he completed his PhD in Divinity at the University of Aberdeen (Scotland), researching in systematic theology. He is ACSI certified.

Heath delights in serving Enlightium families and watching students grow in biblical foundations and the life-transforming power of the gospel. In his free time, he stays active with running. This year he plans to enter a handful of 5k and 10k fun runs.

Published Work:

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Head of School

Will Mead holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Seattle Pacific University. Before Enlightium, he worked in a local Christian school and, earlier in his career, as a scientist in a clinical laboratory.

Will joined Enlightium as a science teacher in 2017, then served in administration before entering his current role as Head of School. He believes that a thorough Christian education cultivates ongoing worship through the application of biblical truth in every facet of life.

Will’s foremost duty is obeying Christ as a husband and father to his wife and four children. During his leisure, he enjoys studying theology, philosophy, and history through great books.

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Director of School Counseling and Guidance

Ms. Benedict graduated with a Master’s of Science degree in School Counseling in 2019. During her time there, she became invested in working with high school students on social-emotional issues, particularly anxiety, and post-secondary planning. She began working with Enlightium Academy in 2019. She is state and ACSI-certified.

Ms. Benedict graduated from Western Washington University with a bachelor’s degree majoring in Business Management and minoring in English. While she was in the business world, she began volunteering with the youth program at her church and teaching Junior Achievement classes in local elementary schools. This fostered her passion for encouraging and working with students and led her to attend Eastern Washington University. She believes in fostering nurturing, encouraging relationships with students and parents and loves seeing students grow through cooperation and learning self-advocacy.

In her free time, Ms. Benedict loves taking long walks with Hank, her golden retriever, reading, spending time with her friends and family, writing, baking, and trying new foods and recipes.

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Director of Admissions

Olesia joined Enlightium in 2018 to assist the K-8 counseling team and is now serving as the Director of Admissions. She received her Diploma of Bible Educator at International Christian College in 2003 and her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Music at Gonzaga University in 2006. She worked at a local private Christian school as a K-8th grade instructor and later as an Assistant Administrator. She is ACSI Certified.

Olesia grew up in the church and from an early age developed a love for the Lord while her biological father served as a missionary and her mother supported him by taking care of a growing family. She was privileged to take part in many Christian seminars and workshops, deepening her knowledge of the Lord and Christian education while her adoptive parents pursued their dream of bringing Christian education first to the Slavic people, and later to students from all races across the USA and around the world.

Family is very important to Olesia. With her husband, they are instilling a biblical foundation in their three children as they strive to serve the Lord in the home, at church, and at the workplace.

Published Work:

The terms and privacy policy are reviewed and updated by Enlightium Academy’s administration annually; a notification is provided to currently enrolled families via email in the event of an update to the terms or privacy policy mid-year.

1. Application Terms & Agreements

1.1 Statement of Faith

1.2 Academics

1.3 Attendance Policies

1.4 Withdrawal Policies

1.5 Billing Policies

1.6 Technical Policies   

1.7 Bronze Program

2. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

3. Web Terms of Service

1. Application Terms & Agreements

The terms and privacy policy are reviewed and updated by the Enlightium Academy administration team annually. By re-enrolling or remaining enrolled after the terms or privacy policy is updated, you affirm your agreement to continue to be bound by these terms.

1.1 Statement of Faith

Grades PreK-12: I understand that each subject within Enlightium’s curriculum is Christian-based and agree to have my student fulfill Enlightium’s requirements. 

Grades PreK-12: I understand that Bible is a required course at Enlightium per the accreditation requirements of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). By enrolling our student(s) at Enlightium, we agree to follow the Biblical standards as outlined in the Family Handbook.

1.2 Academics

Grades PreK-12: I understand that it is my responsibility to familiarize myself with the Family Handbook. Please note that the terms “parent” and “guardian” are used interchangeably at Enlightium Academy.

Grades PreK-12: I understand that I will be invited to register with the Enlightium Parents app (an online platform and mobile application for parents/guardians). I agree to check my Enlightium Parents app account at least once a week for school news and updates. 

Grades PreK-12: I understand the importance of my commitment and involvement to ensure success for my student, so I will make sure to create a focused learning environment at home, where my student is able to complete schoolwork without distractions.

Grades 3-12: I agree to oversee my student's progress via my student’s Ignitia account where they access the online curriculum or the Ignitia parent portal (available by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Grades PreK-12: I agree to check the email account that I provided on the enrollment form on a weekly basis for news from Enlightium regarding events, notices, and tuition, and I agree to respond as applicable. 

Grades PreK-12: I understand that Enlightium’s accreditation standards require students to spend an average of 20-40 minutes on each assignment (depending on the grade level and subject) to ensure mastery of the content. Please speak to your student’s counselor if there is a concern regarding the amount of time your student is spending on the curriculum.

Grades 3-12: I understand that concerns may arise when the amount of time taken by my student to complete coursework in Ignitia is insufficient, repeated blank assignments and/or projects are submitted, and/or other evidence of system abuse or lack of effort is discernible. 

Grades 3-12: I understand that Enlightium reserves the right to adjust passing thresholds, adjust assignment attempts, and assign additional examinations and/or assignments to ensure that the student has acquired sufficient mastery to receive credit(s) per assigned course(s).

Grades PreK-12: I understand that standard staff and faculty response times may not necessarily apply to Add-Ons and Premium Electives.

Grades 3-12: I understand that it is my responsibility to ensure safe computer use by my student and that Enlightium Academy may require me to block certain websites and/or use monitoring software to ensure the integrity of my student's activity and to substantiate the credit-worthiness of the completed school work.

Grades PreK-12: I understand that my student is required to complete a minimum amount of work on a weekly basis, as scheduled, with a firm deadline for all work to be submitted by the end of each term unless otherwise approved by Enlightium’s administration. Please note that students are encouraged to align their work time with teacher availability to maximize academic support. However, they can study at any point in the day (including evenings) and on any day of the week (including weekends and holidays), and have until Sunday night to submit that week’s work to be considered on track. The only exceptions are Ignitia Down Days, which typically occur at the end of each quarter when Enlightium’s team works on preparing report cards. You can view Enlightium’s calendar for details.

Grades PreK-12: I understand that the following due dates apply to all students with some exceptions per the principal’s review and approval:

• Grades PreK-8: All work must be finished by the end of the official last day of a given school year.*
• Grades 9-12: All semester work must be completed by the end of the given semester:*
  • Seniors have an early official last day of school, as indicated on the school calendar.
  • All high school students are required to finish all semester coursework by the assigned semester’s deadline in order to receive credits.

*Unless otherwise approved by Enlightium’s principal.

Grades PreK-8: I understand that merely enrolling at Enlightium Academy does not guarantee grade-level promotion. Promotion is based on satisfactory progress and overall course scores. If the coursework is not finished by the assigned term deadline, the student will receive zeros for all incomplete work after the due date. The student will receive an “Incomplete” on their report card in courses with less than 75% completion.

Grades 9-12: I understand that my student’s counselor may reduce my high school student's course load in certain circumstances if my student is significantly behind in courses and/or if there are not enough days left in the current term to finish all assigned work. I also understand that I will not be reimbursed for Enlightium’s courses that might be removed from my student's schedule. Upon notification by my student’s counselor of these changes, I will be able to discuss any concerns and work with my student to meet deadlines.

Grades 3-12: I understand that a teacher may block my student's work in a course until a solution is determined between the teacher, the parent(s), and the student if any of the following situations occur consistently: 

• Persistent technical errors that result in low or failing scores on assignments,
• Failed quizzes/tests,
• Academic dishonesty (cheating) or suspicion thereof, including providing answers to others directly or by posting assignment answers publicly, and/or
• Blank assignment submissions.

Grades 3-12: I understand that if I do not respond to communication from staff and/or faculty regarding a given issue in the timeframe provided, a student’s account access may be suspended until a resolution is reached. 

Grades 3-12: I agree to Enlightium's plagiarism policies. I also understand that plagiarism or cheating on an assessment, including quizzes and tests, will result in a zero grade for the entire assignment. I agree to review the plagiarism policy in the Family Handbook (Section IX. Course Work, Plagiarism) with my student. 

Grades 9-12: I understand that if my student would like to compete in sports at the collegiate level, the Enlightium student’s counselor must be informed via the enrollment form or by email so that NCAA-approved courses will be assigned. I also understand that it is my responsibility to ensure all NCAA requirements are met by my student. I also understand that NCAA courses are not available to students in the Bronze Package.

Grades PreK-12: I understand that Enlightium is an educational institution accredited by the regional and national accrediting organizations Cognia and ACSI; however, it is my responsibility to review and comply with my state’s homeschooling requirements. I also agree to review Enlightium Academy’s resources on online homeschooling in my state. 

Grades 9-12: I understand that students in grade 12 who meet Enlightium Academy’s graduation requirements and comply with their state’s school requirements, in general, are accepted by public and private colleges and universities nationwide. I also understand that some colleges and universities have unique admission requirements, so it is my responsibility to contact colleges/universities that I am considering to determine what additional admission requirements exist, if any.

Grades PreK-12: If enrolling under the Alliance program, I agree to allow Enlightium Academy to share relevant information on a need-to-know basis with my alliance school named on the enrollment form.

Grades PreK-12: I understand that Enlightium may highlight or showcase students with Enlightium’s stakeholders and/or for marketing purposes through internal or external communication, and that typically the student’s first name, last initial, grade level, and state of residence would be used, except in cases where I provide written permission allowing for more personally identifiable information. An example includes a recording of a student spelling bee contest, which may include the winning student’s first name, last initial, grade level, and state of residence. 

Grades PreK-12: I understand that Enlightium Academy's mission is to educate the next generation upon the foundations of biblical truth, and that Enlightium Academy has adopted a guidance policy on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within its academic and operational framework. This policy emphasizes the responsible, ethical, and purposeful use of AI tools to enhance personalized learning, teacher effectiveness, and school management while ensuring these tools align with Enlightium’s Statement of Faith, Biblical Philosophy of Technology, and meet Enlightium’s standards of academic integrity. It encompasses directives for all administration, faculty, staff, and students, detailing appropriate uses, prohibited activities, and special considerations for maintaining academic integrity and ensuring privacy and security. Enlightium remains committed to leveraging AI's potential responsibly, ensuring it serves to increase student and teacher engagement and enrich human creativity, relationships, and reasoning in accordance with our Christian values. Parents are encouraged to read the open letter from the headmaster to Enlightium Academy’s parents regarding artificial intelligence at Enlightium Academy.

1.3 Attendance

Grades PreK-12: I understand Enlightium will track my student’s school progress and send notices to me by email and/or phone. If my student will be missing school for three or more school days, I agree to notify Enlightium via an Absence Form before an expected absence or as soon as possible during an unexpected absence (if the student is in the Online Program or Homeschool Program) or via email to the teacher(s) for the class(es) that the student will be missing (if in the Sapphire Live Program).  

Grades PreK-12: I understand that, as an approved and accredited private online school, Enlightium abides by a truancy policy and as such reserves the right to withdraw a student who has not been active and shows little or no progress in the curriculum for four weeks. I agree to maintain ongoing communication with regard to my student’s progress.

Grades PreK-12: I understand that Enlightium reserves the right to deny enrollment to any student if the administration team believes that the family is unable to support their student’s academic needs sufficiently. If this occurs, any enrollment fee and tuition paid for the school year in question may be refunded. 

1.4 Withdrawal

Grades PreK-12: Enlightium Academy offers a 14-day money-back guarantee from the time of enrollment. During this period, if I find that online school is not for my student, I can contact Enlightium Academy by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to withdraw my student for any reason. Once the withdrawal is processed, Enlightium will cancel any scheduled tuition payments, and I will receive a refund on any tuition paid within the 14-day money-back guarantee period. A request to extend the 14-day money-back guarantee period an additional 14 days may be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I understand that the 14-day money-back guarantee period is only applicable to new students and the standard withdrawal policy will apply if I am re-enrolling my student. I also understand that the enrollment fee paid is refundable only if I withdraw my student within 72 hours of submitting my enrollment form.

Grades PreK-12: I understand that in the event that I choose to withdraw my student from Enlightium Academy for any reason and at any time, I am responsible for filling out the Withdrawal Form. I also understand that when I and/or another school request records from Enlightium Academy, three to five business days may be required for Enlightium’s registrar to prepare and send records to my student’s next school. Note that more time may be required.

Grades PreK-12: I agree to the Withdrawal Policy, which takes effect after the 14-day money-back guarantee period ends. The Withdrawal Policy states that Enlightium Academy charges a flat withdrawal fee based on support level. The fee for Homeschool students (i.e. AOP, BJU, Bronze) is $250, the fee for Online students (i.e. Silver, Silver+, Gold, Diamond) is $500, and the fee for Sapphire Live students varies depending on the withdrawal date*. Any enrollment fee paid will only be applied to this fee if the cancellation is within 14 days of classes being assigned. 14 days after classes are assigned, the fee will be due in addition to any enrollment fee paid as well as tuition owed based on time enrolled or work completed, whichever is greater, not to exceed the full tuition balance for the school year. Students in the Homeschool Program who have purchased books prior to withdrawal will need to handle book returns separately with the applicable textbook supplier.

*Sapphire Live students will be charged a $750 withdrawal fee minus any enrollment fee paid if withdrawing prior to 14 days after classes start, $3,000 if withdrawing between 15 and 30 days of classes starting, and the full-year tuition after 30 days of classes starting. If withdrawing from the Sapphire Live program after 30 days, students may switch to the Online or Homeschool program for the remainder of the school year without any additional fees assessed.

Grades PreK-12: I understand that Enlightium’s report card/transcript will not be released until the withdrawal fee and tuition due are paid; this withdrawal policy applies if the withdrawal is initiated by myself or Enlightium’s administration due to lack of payment, low academic progress, low attendance, and/or failure to comply with Enlightium Academy policies. I also understand that the fee will not apply to a prearranged partial-year enrollment. The partial enrollment must be clearly requested on the enrollment form to be applicable. 

Grades PreK-12: I understand that the withdrawal fee does not apply to Add-Ons, premium electives, or any additional courses, as those are payable in full and due upon enrollment of the course (unless noted otherwise) and are non-refundable 14 days after courses are assigned.

Grades 3-12: I understand that as honors courses, standard courses, and remedial courses are separate courses, there is a $100 course transfer fee to transfer grades from one course to another 14 days after courses are assigned. The cost to transfer between platforms is $200. A course change is anything hosted inside of the student’s current school platform. If the student needs to change educational platforms, then the platform change fee will instead apply. 

Grades PreK-12: Enlightium reserves the right to withdraw a student in the event that a parent or guardian violates the Enlightium Academy Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct.

Grades PreK-12: If a student changes from continuous enrollment to standard enrollment or is withdrawn before the end of the contract, a $250 termination fee and Enlightium’s standard withdrawal policy would follow.

1.5 Billing

Grades PreK-12: I authorize Enlightium Academy to electronically charge my debit card, credit card, or bank account for tuition, as outlined below, and, if necessary, to electronically charge my debit or credit card to correct an erroneous transaction. I also understand that Enlightium may send account delinquent balances to a debt collection agency. 

Grades PreK-12: I understand that the first tuition payment will be made with the card on record as early as three days after the enrollment form is submitted. The amount charged will be based on information provided on the enrollment form, such as the student’s grade and the teacher support package chosen. I also understand that if the final tuition differs from that stated on the enrollment form, the difference will be communicated to my family via email and the remaining payment(s) will be adjusted accordingly.

Grades PreK-12: If I believe that a charge was processed in error, I will contact the Enlightium Academy Accounting Department to void the payment on the same day of the charge or to process a next day refund via ACH rather than submitting any disputes with a credit card agency. I also understand that improper chargeback disputes will result in a $45 charge to my account.

Grades PreK-12: I understand that an initial declined transaction will be reprocessed daily for two additional attempts; after the third attempt, a $5 late fee will be added to the payment. I also understand that I have a total of ten days from the initial scheduled payment date to make a payment or request an arrangement to avoid my student’s account being deactivated. 

Grades PreK-12: I understand that a $25 reactivation fee will be due before my student’s account can be reactivated. I also understand that once deactivated, I have 15 days to pay, make arrangements, or be withdrawn, at which point my student may only be reinstated upon administrative approval; an additional $50 reinstatement fee will be due prior to reinstatement.

Grades PreK-12: I understand that the tuition should be paid by the end of the school year. Under certain circumstances, tuition payments may be scheduled into the summer months. In such cases, I understand my responsibility to make the remaining payments after the school year is over since the tuition is based on the coursework assigned and not on the time frame wherein the curriculum is accessed. I also understand that requesting to extend payments past the end of the school year will result in an additional fee of 20% per payment being scheduled past the school end date (see the official school calendar). 

Grades PreK-12: I understand that Enlightium reserves the right to hold records until the tuition has been paid in full. 

Grades PreK-12: I understand that refunds for overpayment can be issued upon request, but will be left as tuition credit with Enlightium unless otherwise requested. In most cases, a form must be signed before a refund will be issued. This form will depend on the criteria of the refund. If the refund type is different from the original payment method, a $30 refund fee may apply. 

Grades PreK-12: I understand that if I utilize a voucher payment for my student from a third party, then the balance must be paid in a maximum of four quarterly payments and that a fee of up to $150 may be assessed. If there is any state legislation regarding the voucher payment, then that will supersede this policy, and a new policy will be enacted on a case-by-case basis to best reflect the original intentions of this policy. Voucher payments are not refundable directly to parents as required by law and may be subject to alternative withdrawal policies, depending on the state requirements and other factors. 

Grades PreK-12: I understand that discounts do not apply to Add-Ons, premium electives, or any other additional fee. Discounts for tuition or enrollment fees cannot be combined. I also understand that part-time students are not eligible for discounts. Part-time for billing purposes is fewer than two credits taken per semester, or fewer than four credits per year. Promo codes for the enrollment fee are not applicable to returning households.

Grades PreK-12: I understand that Enlightium offers a standard level of support based on my selected teacher support level for a set period of time (typically until the end of the school year or, if applicable, during the summer). I also understand that Enlightium reserves the right to charge fees for additional services beyond the selected support level and for extending the duration of services offered (i.e. early start, summer school). Any additional fees will be typically communicated via email.

PreK-12: I understand that after 14 days of my student’s courses being assigned, there will be a $5 fee for a one-time change of payment date, as well as a $15 fee if I choose to change all remaining payment dates.

PreK-12: I understand that upon receiving my student’s tuition scheduled email, I have 14 days to respond with any questions or adjustments. After this 14-day period, the tuition scheduled email will be in fulfillment of the pricing agreement of these terms. I also understand that if I make any additional purchases or make other changes, future tuition scheduled emails will also be legally binding with the same 14-day period applied.

Grades 3-12: I understand that 14 days after courses are assigned there is a $100 fee for changing my student’s teacher support package, such as from the Silver+ Package to the Silver Package. The tuition difference will be calculated based on the work completed or time enrolled. The fee to switch from the premium Online packages (i.e. Gold, Diamond) will be waived the first time. Also, I understand that if the tuition was prepaid, I can select between a one-time payment for the difference in tuition (including a current prepayment discount, if applicable) or the monthly payment option with no discounts. The fee to switch between support platforms is an additional $100, up to $200 total. 

Grades 9-12: I understand that my student will be assigned the recommended coursework to progress toward graduation and that graduation requirements must be met in order to graduate. I also understand that the standard full-time student tuition is calculated based on grade level. I also understand that if enrolling as a part-time student, the student cost per credit is applicable.

Grade 12: I understand that if my student is a graduating senior there will be a $150 graduation fee. If the prepayment option is chosen, the $150 fee will be added to my tuition. If the monthly payment plan is chosen, the $150 fee will be divided evenly among my monthly payments. If the diploma needs to be mailed outside of the United States, the graduation fee is $200. Any additional documentation may incur an additional charge.

1.6 Technical

Grades 3-12: I understand that a working computer and an internet connection are required for students to access Ignitia, the online curriculum used at Enlightium, and that Enlightium does not provide computers for its students as that is the parent’s responsibility. I understand that students can learn from any device that can access the Internet using a browser such as Chrome or Firefox; however, it is recommended to use only a laptop or desktop computer to submit work such as quizzes and tests.

Grades PreK-2: I understand that I need a working computer and an internet connection to upload graded work to Ignitia and that Enlightium does not provide computers.

Grades PreK-12: All families need to opt into various forms of communication from Enlightium, including email, SMS text, and use of the Enlightium Parents app.

Grades PreK-12: I understand that my student or I may be required to take pictures of hand-written work or drawings for assignments in courses such as math and science. I understand that work can be submitted in Ignitia by:

• Using a scanner and then uploading the file into Ignitia, or
• Using an app like Microsoft Lens or Adobe Scan to scan the assignment into a PDF using your smartphone’s camera

Grades PreK-12: I understand that satellite internet is not recommended as it may cause technical issues with Ignitia. I also understand that Enlightium is not liable for any issues caused by satellite internet.

Grades PreK-12: I understand that my student is expected to adhere to Enlightium’s online student behavioral policies as presented in the Family Handbook. I understand that if my student’s online activities pose a security risk to Enlightium Academy or its students, Enlightium will take immediate action to disable their school accounts, at which time a meeting will be arranged between the student, their parents/guardians, and the administration to discuss potential disciplinary actions to prevent such behavior. I understand that it is my responsibility to inform my student of the potential dangers associated with meeting strangers in online chatrooms, opening unknown file attachments, and accessing websites with questionable content.

1.7 Bronze Program

This section is ONLY applicable to parents of students enrolled in the Bronze Program.

Grades 3-10: I understand that I am required to read, sign, and submit the Enlightium Bronze Parent Agreement Form. This form outlines my responsibilities to ensure the success of my student(s) enrolled in the parent-led Bronze Program.

Grades 3-10: I understand that my responsibilities, as outlined below, are required to remain enrolled in this parent-led program where parents assume the role of a teacher:

• I will instruct my student about the assignments and lessons, review notes with my student prior to them taking a quiz or test, discuss incorrectly marked questions with them, and go over solutions to ascertain my student’s understanding. Enlightium teacher support at the Bronze level is limited only to grading. 
• I will log into the Parent Portal and/or the Student Portal in Ignitia daily to check my student’s academic progress.
• If needed, I will email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details concerning the amount of time that my student spent on schoolwork, etc.
• I understand that primary communication for Bronze support is done via email, with limited phone support and no screensharing available. Therefore, I will monitor my email at least once a week for important messages from Enlightium Academy. 
• I will ensure my student completes the weekly allotment of assignments.
• I understand that if my student falls more than two weeks behind on average between all assigned subjects, then they will be placed on Low Progress Probation and will be required to:
  • Upgrade to a teacher-led package (such as the Silver Package) or,
  • Be withdrawn from Enlightium Academy
• I understand that if my student has a grade below 73% in one or more courses, they will need to show significant improvement; otherwise, they will be required to upgrade to a teacher-led support level or withdraw. Returning students with grades below 73% in any course or incomplete school work are not allowed to enroll in the Bronze program, regardless of which support level they were previously enrolled in.

2. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

This privacy policy has been compiled to inform you on how your and your student’s “Personally Identifiable Information” (PII) is collected and used. Although more detail is provided below, these are some of the areas we feel are important to note:

1. We keep Enlightium families’ information confidential and do not sell any personally identifiable information acquired through their use of the Enlightium website, the submission of forms, and receiving services.
2. Any calls, video conferences, or other virtual communications to or from Enlightium staff and faculty may be monitored and recorded for record-keeping, training, and quality-assurance purposes.
3. Periodically, we send educational and promotional emails. You may unsubscribe from promotional emails at any time via an email request.
4. Enlightium’s website uses cookies.
5. When you visit or log in to our website, cookies and similar technologies may be used by our online data partners or vendors to associate these activities with other personal information they or others have about you, including by association with your email or home address. We (or service providers on our behalf) may then send communications and marketing to these email or home addresses. You may opt out of receiving this advertising by unsubscribing.
6. Using our website or services indicates that you have reviewed, and agree to be bound by, our Privacy Policy.

3. Website Terms of Service

Page last edited on April 11, 2024.

Contacting Us

If there are any questions regarding the above user agreements, you may contact us using the information provided.

Enlightium Academy, LLC
1330 N. Washington Street, Suite 5050
Spokane, Washington 99201
United States
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(509) 319-2288

Enlightium counselors are trained to review and evaluate a wide variety of incoming student documentation: report cards, transcripts, entrance assessment scores, and any additional documentation (health records/academic assessment and evaluation documents). At the high school level, the counselor then collaborates with parents to develop an individualized 4-year plan and provide guidance with a career choice, and assist with college admission. For grades PreK-8, the counselor assigns courses based on the student’s grade level and interests.

Families who prefer to speak with a counselor prior to enrolling with Enlightium Academy may schedule a consultation with an Enlightium Academy counselor. Discounts do not apply to counselor consultations.

Parents who prefer to speak with a counselor prior to enrolling with Enlightium may schedule a consultation with an Enlightium counselor.

Each consultation consists of a 30 to 60-minute session with a qualified Enlightium counselor to discuss your student's unique situation—including evaluating transcripts and other appropriate documentation you provide—to discover how Enlightium can benefit your student, and what enrollment with Enlightium will look like in your circumstances.

Discounts do not apply to counselor consultations.
Have questions about enrolling? Contact us at (866) 488-4818 // option 2.

Enlightium counselors use a grade-specific comprehensive Education, Career, and Life Readiness (ECLR) curriculum via the Naviance platform. ECLR lessons provide a blueprint to prepare middle and high school students for success after graduation and provide students with the necessary tools to persevere toward their long-term goals. 

Students in grade 8 will have the opportunity to explore who they are and how their talents, aptitudes, and interests could lead to their ideal career. It provides lessons on using their strengths, goal setting for success, teamwork, stress management, time management, and more.

Students in high school (grades 9–12) will have the opportunity to continue to enhance their skills in goal setting, time management, stress management, and career planning. Students will explore their post-high school education options, networking, budgeting, financial options including scholarship searches, internships, and the college admissions process.

More than 10 million students rely on Naviance to achieve key readiness milestones and answer critical questions, such as:

• Who Am I?
• What Do I Want to Be?
• How Will I Get There?
• Will I Be Successful?

Enlightium counselors follow the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) model of counseling while guiding students in self-discovery, skill development, career exploration, and college and life planning activities using the Naviance platform.

Naviance accounts for grades 6–7 are provided upon request and grades 8–12 will be provided a Naviance account alongside course assignment.

Enlightium students in grades 9–12 are required to complete ten hours of community service annually to fulfill Enlightium's graduation requirements.

Both the Naviance and x2VOL platforms are provided as part of most tuition packages.

Enlightium counselors provide proactive, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate support to students in grades 9–12. By partnering with parents, Enlightium enables students to become fully engaged in the educational process.

Enlightium high school counselors use the ASCA model of counseling to structure programs geared at equipping students to be active stakeholders in the pursuit of their academic, career, and life goals. They assist with course planning to help students meet credit requirements for graduation and prepare for their beyond high school plans.      

The Enlightium high school counselors keep students informed about upcoming events that are related to career pursuits and college admissions. However, it is important for students and parents to take ownership in filling out college applications, scholarships, financial aid, and to communicate to their counselor if assistance is needed.

In case of emergency when Enlightium counselors are not available, please utilize the following resources: 

RemedyLIVE.com

Students can visit RemedyLive.com when our counselors are not available (such as nights and weekends) or if students want to remain anonymous in their conversation. This organization, while not affiliated with Enlightium, is available for young students who need help.

Soul Medics is also available through chat or text. They provide testimonies and words of encouragement for students experiencing abuse, bullying, depression, and more.

2-1-1 First Call for Help

2-1-1 First Call for Help counselors assess the needs of the caller and offer the most accurate information, provide resources, and make referrals to the agency and program that can best meet their needs. You can dial 2-1-1 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

National Suicide Hotline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a suicide prevention network of over 160 crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline with the number 1-800-273-8255. It is available to anyone considering suicide or who is experiencing emotional distress.

Enlightium counselors provide proactive, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate support to students in grades 9–12. By partnering with parents, Enlightium enables students to become fully engaged in the educational process.

Enlightium high school counselors use the ASCA model of counseling to structure programs geared at equipping students to be active stakeholders in the pursuit of their academic, career, and life goals. They assist with course planning to help students meet credit requirements for graduation and prepare for their beyond high school plans.      

The Enlightium high school counselors keep students informed about upcoming events that are related to career pursuits and college admissions. However, it is important for students and parents to take ownership in filling out college applications, scholarships, financial aid, and to communicate to their counselor if assistance is needed.

In case of emergency when Enlightium counselors are not available, please utilize the following resources: 

RemedyLIVE.com

Students can visit RemedyLive.com when our counselors are not available (such as nights and weekends) or if students want to remain anonymous in their conversation. This organization, while not affiliated with Enlightium, is available for young students who need help.

Soul Medics is also available through chat or text. They provide testimonies and words of encouragement for students experiencing abuse, bullying, depression, and more.

2-1-1 First Call for Help

2-1-1 First Call for Help counselors assess the needs of the caller and offer the most accurate information, provide resources, and make referrals to the agency and program that can best meet their needs. You can dial 2-1-1 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

National Suicide Hotline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a suicide prevention network of over 160 crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline with the number 1-800-273-8255. It is available to anyone considering suicide or who is experiencing emotional distress.

High School Counselor, Student Last Name: B-C
Director of School Counseling and Guidance

Ms. Benedict graduated with a Master’s of Science degree in School Counseling in 2019. During her time there, she became invested in working with high school students on social-emotional issues, particularly anxiety, and post-secondary planning. She began working with Enlightium Academy in 2019. She is state and ACSI-certified.

Ms. Benedict graduated from Western Washington University with a bachelor’s degree majoring in Business Management and minoring in English. While she was in the business world, she began volunteering with the youth program at her church and teaching Junior Achievement classes in local elementary schools. This fostered her passion for encouraging and working with students and led her to attend Eastern Washington University. She believes in fostering nurturing, encouraging relationships with students and parents and loves seeing students grow through cooperation and learning self-advocacy.

In her free time, Ms. Benedict loves taking long walks with Hank, her golden retriever, reading, spending time with her friends and family, writing, baking, and trying new foods and recipes.

Not yet enrolled and would like to speak with a counselor? Schedule a counselor consultation session.

High School Counselor, Student Last Name: D-G

Mrs. Whitaker graduated from Liberty University in 2021 with a Master’s of Education in School Counseling. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in 2017 from Guilford College, majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in African American Studies. Mrs. Whitaker has always been committed to helping and guiding youth toward positive achievement. She started her career as a state licensed School Counselor in elementary and has also worked with high school students as an intern. Mrs. Whitaker is ACSI certified.

Mrs. Whitaker is married with two daughters. She enjoys spending time with family telling stories, laughing, and playing games. She also loves cooking (feeding people) and going on vacation. She is passionate about encouraging students to be their best selves while gaining an education that can be carried through any life journey.

Not yet enrolled and would like to speak with a counselor? Schedule a counselor consultation session.

High School Counselor, Student Last Name: H-K and W

Ms. McCune graduated from Houston Baptist University with a Masters of Arts in Psychology and a Certificate in School Counseling in 1992. She earned a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education in 1987 at Pan American University in Edinburg, Texas. Ms. McCune knew from a young age that working with children was her calling and believes that building relationships is the key to success in education. Ms. McCune is ACSI certified.

Ms. McCune has two adult sons and recently became a grandmother. She and her family love all things outdoors, especially in the mountains of Colorado. She loves to cook and enjoys running a small antique business.

Ms. McCune has 28 years experience as a high school counselor and has loved every minute of it.

Not yet enrolled and would like to speak with a counselor? Schedule a counselor consultation session.

High School Counselor, Student Last Name: A and L-M
College and Career Program Coordinator

Mrs. Vogler graduated from Prairie View A&M University with a Masters in Education degree with an emphasis in school counseling in 1996. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University. She is certified to teach English and Journalism in grades 6-12. Mrs. Vogler is ACSI-certified.

She and her husband have been happily married for over 30 years and have two adult children. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cats, and rabbits. She loves the outdoors, traveling, and crafting for local Texas craft shows.

Mrs. Vogler comes to Enlightium Academy with over 30 years of experience in education, with the majority of her experience being in high school counseling. She is very excited to get to know her students and assist in any way.

Not yet enrolled and would like to speak with a counselor? Schedule a counselor consultation session.

High School Counselor, Student Last Name: N-R
Advanced Placement Coordinator

Mrs. Van Egdom graduated with a Master’s of Education in School Counseling from Whitworth University in 2020. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington; during her undergrad, she worked as an Academic Advisor for the college preparatory program TRIO Upward Bound. It was then when her passion for working with high school students grew. She began her career as a school counselor with Enlightium in 2018. She is both Washington State and ACSI Certified.

Mrs. Van Egdom now resides in Central New York. One of the hobbies she and her husband enjoy is exploring their new settings. The relocation to Central New York also allowed them to become fur-parents when rescuing their dog Rachel, a Shepherd-mix.

Growing up, the value of education was instilled in Mrs. Van Egdom, and she wishes to do the same with her students while also building a trusting relationship and sharing the love of Christ with them.

Not yet enrolled and would like to speak with a counselor? Schedule a counselor consultation session.

High School Counselor, Student Last Name: S-Z (Excluding W)
NCAA Coordinator

Mrs. Wade obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Science in School Counseling degree from Capella University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of LA at Monroe. In an effort to increase her knowledge in mental health services, she also earned a Graduate Certification in Contemporary Mental Health Services from Capella University in 2021. Mrs. Wade is ACSI-certified.

She is happily married to her husband and together they have four children (3 girls including a set of twins and 1 boy). In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to family entertainment centers, parks, and having family movie nights.

Mrs. Wade has always believed that you can never stop learning and one of the most valuable things to have is an education. Her goal is to reach students “where they are” by advocating for them and providing them with applicable and valuable resources to help them along their academic journey.

Not yet enrolled and would like to speak with a counselor? Schedule a counselor consultation session.

High School Counselor Assistant

Mr. Buldenko is currently in pursuit of his Master’s of Education degree for School Counseling at Whitworth Univeristy. He received his Bachelors of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor focus in Psychology from Eastern Washington University in the spring of 2021. After earning his degree, Mr. Buldenko worked in the Social Services and the medical field with students in the foster care system as well as students with autism. Through these professional experiences, Mr. Buldenko has not only been able to learn what it truly means to serve someone else the way God intended for us to do but also to view the world from a completely different perspective. Mr. Buldenko is ACSI-certified.

Mr. Buldenko was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. He enjoys spending this time helping out in various worship groups, as well as cooking for the youth ministry group at Pilgrim Slavic Baptist Church in downtown Spokane. Mr. Buldenko spends most summers helping as a camp counselor and worship night organizer at local teens and youth camps. He is very passionate about music and spent a good portion of his undergrad exploring the world on what he likes to call a “student's paycheck”.

Not yet enrolled and would like to speak with a counselor? Schedule a counselor consultation session.

Grade 8 Counselor

Mrs. Schneider has experience in both school and professional counseling. She began working in the school setting in 2014 and fell in love with helping students to succeed spiritually, academically, and personally. She graduated with her Master’s degree in 2015 from Olivet Nazarene University. She enjoys encouraging others and it brings her joy to see others succeed. Mrs. Schneider enjoys helping students to focus on what really matters in life and looking at the “big picture” goal of ultimately glorifying God in all that we do.

In her free time, Mrs. Schneider enjoys spending time with close friends and family, going to the beach, sitting by a campfire, swimming, visiting nature trails, reading, and playing games.

Not yet enrolled and would like to speak with a counselor? Schedule a counselor consultation session.

Grades 6-7 Counselor
Elementary and Middle School Counseling Team Lead

Mrs. Blackburn graduated from Trinity Western University with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Human Services in 2005. After graduating university, she worked in all facets of youth ministry including as the Youth Center Director at Youth For Christ in Spokane, WA, as her church’s Administrator of Ministries, and at a residential treatment center for struggling teens in Texas. She enjoys working with children of all ages.

Family is very important to Mrs. Blackburn. She enjoys spending time with family, running around with her three kids, and drinking coffee. She has a passion for helping others and serving God in whatever capacity He has called her to.

Not yet enrolled and would like to speak with a counselor? Schedule a counselor consultation session.

Grades 3-5 Counselor

Ms. Docherty joined Enlightium Academy as an Assistant Counselor in 2021. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Childhood and Family Development from American Military University in 2017 and a Masters of Education in School Counseling from Liberty University in 2022.

Ms. Docherty has worked with children and families in the community and church as a volunteer and professionally as a Child Life Specialist in the community and hospital systems. She is ACSI certified.

Ms. Docherty enjoys traveling to new places, trying new foods, photography, being an auntie and spending time with others. She is a veteran who served in the United States Army. The Gospel continually inspires joy in her endeavors–especially as she shares the good news of Jesus and serves others as a school counselor.

Her goals are to help students be successful in their academics and find confidence in who God created them to be.

Not yet enrolled and would like to speak with a counselor? Schedule a counselor consultation session.

Elementary School Counselor

Mrs. Crisp joined Enlightium Academy in 2018. She received a B.A in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, a certificate in Leadership, and a Master of Social Work Degree from Eastern Washington University. She is ACSI certified.

Mrs. Crisp enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys reading, drinking coffee, and exploring nearby cities. She has a passion for helping others and telling people about Jesus.

Middle and Elementary Counselor Assistant

Mrs. Wilson graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Simpson University with the desire to support children and families in all facets of life. Upon graduating from University, she developed her counseling skills as a Domestic Violence Youth Advocate at YWCA Spokane, where she worked with women and children affected by Domestic Violence. She has additional experience in the Enrollment Services sector, both as an Admissions Counselor Assistant and Enrollment Services Representative. Mrs. Wilson is ACSI certified. 

Mrs. Wilson is passionate about Christian education, as her own experience as a student at Christian schools had a significant impact on her faith foundation and personal walk with Christ. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, playing games, going on walks, and enjoying all the coffee shops that Spokane has to offer.

Not yet enrolled and would like to speak with a counselor? Schedule a counselor consultation session.

Bronze Counselor for Grades 3-10

Mrs. Nemes Thompson has a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Business Administration. She has been a teacher since 1999. Mrs. Nemes Thompson is passionate about helping children succeed and believes that every child has a God-given talent. She sees beauty in the different skills and competencies that God gifted every human being. She enjoys building lasting relationships with students while serving families and assisting students in growing in their faith. She is ACSI certified.

Mrs. Nemes Thompson was born in Romania, and she is ethnic Hungarian. She and her husband love Hungarian and Romanian folk music and dancing. She enjoys swimming, walking in nature, and taking pictures of trees, flowers, and the sky. Mrs. Nemes Thompson is passionate about showing her children, Norman and Hanna, the beauty of her country, Romania, and the importance of faith in life.

Not yet enrolled and would like to speak with a counselor? Schedule a counselor consultation session.

Homeschool Coordinator

Mrs. Long earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Communications from East Texas Baptist University, and later added a Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Elementary Education. She is a state certified teacher with over ten years of teaching experience. Prior to joining the Enlightium team, Mrs. Long taught multiple grades from preschool to third grade. She also homeschooled her son and a group of children during the pandemic.

Mrs. Long has been married to her college sweetheart for over twenty years and has three children, one grandchild, and a German Shepherd/Husky mix dog. Originally from Texas, she has lived in the Spokane area since 2017. In her spare time, Mrs. Long enjoys making art and tries to sketch or paint each day. She also enjoys reading, embroidery, jigsaw puzzles cooking, long walks, and watching movies with her family. She spends as much time as she can with her granddaughter Aria. She loves Mexican food, chocolate and coffee

Mrs. Long loves to see children learn and grow both academically and spiritually. She looks forward to helping families meet their educational goals for their child.

Not yet enrolled and would like to speak with a counselor? Schedule a counselor consultation session.

3rd - 8th Grade Homeschool Coordinator

Mrs. Burghart was born and raised in the Spokane area. Raised a small town country girl, she moved to the big city after graduating with a Bachelors in Communications from CWU. A few years later she married her college sweetheart. She has two children (one married and one in college) a cat, and a dog. She began teaching preschool when her children were in elementary school and has been teaching ever since. She received her Masters in Teaching and has private school teaching experience in Kindergarten, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. She spent several years as both a long-term and permanent substitute teacher in a local school district. Mrs. Burghart is ACSI-certified.

In her spare time, Chandra enjoys hiking, walking, quilting, knitting, hand embroidery, reading, and cooking. Her favorite hike was when she and her family climbed Mt. St. Helens. She loves baseball, football, and basketball. You will find her cheering on the Mariners, Seahawks, and the Zags. Family is very important to Chandra, and she spends as much time with them as possible.

Chandra is passionate about teaching kids to be life-long learners and followers of Christ. She loves worshiping the Lord. She looks forward to meeting Enlightium families and helping them meet their academic and spiritual goals.

Not yet enrolled and would like to speak with a counselor? Schedule a counselor consultation session.

Counselor Assistant

Ms. Zelyak earned an Associates in Applied Science in Business Administration with two Certifications in Small Business Management and Marketing. She plans to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and hopes to work as an Academic Counselor in the future. It has always been Ms. Zelyak’s passion to make an impact in the lives of students and work in higher education empowering students to pursue what they love. 

Ms. Zelyak’s nationality is Ukrainian; she was born and raised in Vancouver, Washington. After living twenty years in Vancouver, she decided to relocate with her family to Spokane, Washington.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys reading and has a love for writing/poetry. She especially likes going hiking, traveling, and visiting her close friends and family in Vancouver Washington. She loves sushi, peppermint tea, and ferrero rocher chocolates. 

Ms. Zelyak’s passion is to bring glory to God through her work, and to be a blessing to all those around her.

Not yet enrolled and would like to speak with a counselor? Schedule a counselor consultation session.

Manager of Academic Services

Ms. Lawellin received a Masters in Education specializing in School Counseling from John Brown University in 2021. For her undergraduate education, Ms. Lawellin graduated with a BS in Psychology, minoring in Addiction Studies/Treatment and Cognitive Neuroscience. Before joining Enlightium Academy’s Alliance Program team, and after years of working in Young Life Ministries, she was on the Community Outreach team for a counseling center in Arkansas where she facilitated Social/Emotional Learning workshops for students, teachers, and parents. She also worked as a School-Based Behavioral Specialist for the counseling center. Ms. Lawellin is ACSI-certified.

Ms. Lawellin spends most of her time outside as a self-proclaimed ornithologist, with her cat Bandura (named after her favorite psychologist). She collects antiques and knows every single word of at least eight different Broadway musicals. She has coached volleyball and track for many years, but she enjoys her slower hobbies nowadays. 

Not yet enrolled and would like to speak with a counselor? Schedule a counselor consultation session.

New School Partnership Consultant

Mrs. Towner received a Masters in Education with an emphasis in School Counseling from Heritage University. She graduated from Northwest University with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Pastoral Care. She joined the Enlightium Academy team in 2014 and works as the Alliance Program consultant and counselor. She is state and ACSI-certified.

Prior to joining the Enlightium team, Mrs. Towner worked as a high school counselor in a public school in Central Washington State. She also volunteered as a registered therapeutic riding instructor through the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (now known as PATH International).

Mrs. Towner volunteers at her church as a worship leader for Kidz church, leading and mentoring a team of 8-12-year-old singers and dancers. In her free time, she and her husband enjoy spending time with their two children, and horse, Aspen.

PUBLISHED WORK:

• Discover How Online Courses Can Help Motivate Your Student!
• Does an Online School Diploma Hold the Same Weight as a Traditional High School Diploma?

Not yet enrolled and would like to speak with a counselor? Schedule a counselor consultation session.

School Support Specialist

Shana received a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University. She worked in industrial sales and telecommunications account management before becoming a stay-at-home and homeschooling mom for 14 years. During those years, she was also a member of the leadership team of their homeschool co-op and tutored math as well as SAT/ACT/ISEE/SSAT prep. Prior to joining Enlightium Academy’s Alliance Program team in 2024, Shana was a Client Specialist and tutor for a local tutoring company in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

When Shana is not working, she enjoys spending time with her two daughters, Anna and Lily, and her dog, Ozzy. She also enjoys watching movies, exploring her city, spending time outside, and learning new things, such as programming in Python or finding the best way to cook tofu.