Meet the Leaders

Vanessa is the founder of Trailblazing Scholars and leads the LaPorte branch, where she’s been guiding and growing the community since January 2024. She launched the very first Trailblazing Scholars co-op with a clear vision, to create the first of it's kind co-op: a secular, nature-centered homeschool community where outdoor exploration and hands-on learning are at the heart of every experience.

Her passion for giving children the freedom to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace shines through everything she does. Vanessa encourages curiosity, creativity, and independence all while fostering a strong sense of belonging among families.

She pioneered Trailblazing Scholars’ student-led classes and high school credit courses, creating meaningful opportunities for teens to teach, lead, and learn together. Committed to building a thriving and connected teen group, Vanessa continues to expand programs that empower students to take ownership of their education and explore their interests deeply.

A creative thinker and dedicated homeschool mom, Vanessa brings warmth, innovation, and a deep love of learning to everything she does.

Get in touch with Vanessa

Katelyn leads the North Liberty branch of Trailblazing Scholars, coordinating classes, supporting families, and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. After attending the original LaPorte branch, she was inspired to bring the same hands-on learning and sense of connection closer to home in the Michiana area.

Community is at the heart of everything Katelyn does. She believes children, learn best when they feel seen, supported, and part of something meaningful. Her leadership focuses on building strong relationships and creating a welcoming space where families can grow together through shared experiences, laughter, and learning.

As a homeschooling mom of two since 2020, Katelyn values the freedom and flexibility that homeschooling provides,  allowing every child to learn at their own pace and follow their curiosity. She designs classes and activities that invite exploration and creativity while encouraging families to work together and build lasting friendships.

A down-to-earth and adventurous soul, Katelyn brings warmth, imagination, and a deep commitment to community into her leadership role.

Get in Touch with Katelyn 

Jamie is a leader with Trailblazing Scholars who brings creativity, literacy, STEM, and hands-on programming to the community. She is passionate about creating experiences where children can explore, discover, and grow alongside their families.

Building on her experience as a preschool teacher, early literacy programmer, and storytime consultant, Jamie creates child-centered programs that weave stories and STEM together through hands-on exploration.

Her passion for literacy and community led her to create Trailblazing Scholars’ Summer Reading Program, encouraging a love of reading while providing opportunities for families to connect.

Jamie believes every child learns differently and thrives when given the freedom to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow at their own pace. Always dreaming up the next learning adventure, Jamie believes childhood should be filled with books, messy science experiments, time outdoors, and the opportunity to wonder.

Get in touch with JAMIE

As one of the leaders with Trailblazing Scholars, Kacie oversees the preschool program and plays an active role in supporting social media, technology, and the many behind-the-scenes details that help the community grow. As a homeschool mom, youth cheer coach, and former teacher, she is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and connection. She believes some of the most meaningful learning happens through hands-on experiences, creativity, and real-world exploration, helping children build confidence, discover their interests, and form lasting friendships.

Kacie values the freedom homeschooling provides, allowing each child to learn in a way that best fits their unique strengths and interests. She enjoys coordinating engaging classes, events, and opportunities that bring learning to life while fostering a strong sense of belonging and connection among families.

Creative, compassionate, and enthusiastic, Kacie brings warmth, organization, and a genuine love for mentoring children into everything she does. She is committed to helping Trailblazing Scholars remain a place where learning is an adventure and every family feels like they belong.

Get in touch with kacie

Samantha is a leader with Trailblazing Scholars, and is also the creator of Trailblazing Explorers, the Monday playgroup designed to give families a place to slow down, connect, and build community through child-led play. She is one of the friendly faces you'll often find helping young learners settle in, make connections, and embrace the joy of learning through play and exploration.

She is a wife, mom to two adventurous boys, daughter, therapist, entrepreneur, and proud Australian Shepherd mom to Gus-Gus.

Her days are often spent balancing family adventures, meaningful conversations, wellness pursuits, and building opportunities for families to gather. Whether she's exploring a new trail, spending time at the beach, listening to an audiobook, or cheering on one of her boys' latest ideas, Samantha believes some of life's best learning happens through curiosity, connection, and shared experiences.

Passionate about creating meaningful community, Samantha has helped shape spaces where children feel free to play, imagine, and explore while parents find genuine friendships and support. She values childhood wonder, outdoor adventures, and giving children the freedom to learn, play, and grow in ways that feel natural and meaningful.

With a heart for connection and a deep appreciation for the homeschool journey, Samantha is excited to help cultivate a warm, welcoming environment where children and parents alike can build lasting friendships, create lifelong memories, and truly feel at home.

Get in touch with samantha