Tutors & Staff

Gretchen Karl

Principal, Educational Therapist

Math & Reading

Gretchen is a homeschool mom of five exceptional children, most of which have at least one learning difference including ADHD, Autism, High Intelligence, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalulia. She holds a BS in Elementary Education from Towson University, and has taught in both PG and Anne Arundel counties. She has worked as a classroom teacher, and a mentor teacher for new teachers, but her favorite position was working as a Math Resource Teacher. This provided her the opportunity to help children who struggled in Math classes, like she had as a kid, so they could learn the material while also building their confidence. Gretchen's teaching style stems from her two favorite quotes; "All good things are wild and free," and "If I can't learn how you teach, then teach how I learn." She joined LWG in the fall of 2023 while looking for the best homeschool placement for two of her children that have Dyslexia. She began teaching there for only a few classes and is now a full convert!

Katie Shook

Assistant Principal

Hi, I’m Katie. I am blessed to be a wife to Ronnie and a mom to a spunky, creative little boy whose joyful personality brings constant joy and energy to our family. We began homeschooling in 2022, the same year the Lord led us to LWG. Seeing firsthand how deeply LWG supports families and students inspired me to step into a role where I could serve others in a meaningful way.

Although you might not find me in the classroom, my work is focused on supporting the people who are. I spend much of my time behind the scenes helping systems run smoothly so tutors, students, and families can focus on learning and growth. Whether that means organizing resources, managing details, problem-solving, or improving processes, my goal is always to remove obstacles and provide support wherever it is needed.

I am motivated by service, collaboration, and the belief that thoughtful organization creates space for strong relationships and thriving community. If you stop by the office, you’ll likely find me working on ways—big or small—to better serve our families and strengthen the day-to-day experience at LWG.

CLAIRE COHEE

Curiosity Club

Hi! I’m Claire! I’m a wife to Dennis and a mom of three awesome kids. We’re an active, sports-loving crew—my husband and I actually met playing soccer together, so you could say teamwork has been part of our story from the very beginning! As a lifelong Anne Arundel County resident, I love being part of this community. I spent many years working in the AACO School Age Child Care program, where I discovered just how much I enjoy encouraging, guiding, and having fun with kids. There’s nothing better than helping students grow in confidence and curiosity.

When I’m not at school, you’ll likely find our family enjoying Gods creation—hiking, biking, exploring nature, spending time with family and friends or building something new together. If you need something organized, a pillow-fort built, a thrifting partner, a teammate, someone to eat tacos with or just a listening ear- I’m your girl! I’m excited to join the Learning with Grace tutor team this year, as I’ve absolutely loved getting to know this community over the past few years since my kids began attending. Can’t wait to see where our fun and creative educational journeys will lead us!

Erin De Leon

Reading & Language Arts

Hi, I’m Erin! I am a southern transplant, moving to Maryland from Georgia in 2016 and have been married to my wonderful husband, Jim, since 2018. We are members of Faith Community Church.

I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, and my teaching experience includes teaching 3rd and 4th grades in a private Christian school, teaching English as a second language in China, as well as private tutoring.

When I’m not at LWG, you may find me working as a school secretary for AACPS, walking my dog (Dolley), volunteering for Wellspring Life Ministry, cooking and baking, or adventuring to new towns with coffee shops and antique stores.

I have been an avid reader from the time I was young. There are few things I enjoy more than getting lost in the pages of a good book! It is a joy to share that love of literature with my students. As an educator, one of my favorite quotations about reading is “Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty. It should be offered as a gift.” —Kate DiCamillo

Jessica Mills

History, Language Arts, Reading, Discovery Lab, Think Tank

Hello! I’m Jessica Mills, a devoted wife and proud mother of two spirited boys who attend LWG. For the past five years, I have been on an incredible journey of homeschooling, fueled by a deep commitment to meeting the unique learning needs of my children. My Philosophy is simple: I firmly believe that children learn best through hands-on experiences and by engaging with the world around them. By intertwining daily life and play with our lessons, I strive to create an interactive learning environment that ignites curiosity and fosters a love for knowledge. In my free time I love to read, plan National Park trips with my husband and kids, and love on our rescue pets 2 cats, 1 dog and our newest addition, a bearded dragon.

Greg Platt

Math and Science

I am a husband of nearly 38 years and father of 3 grown children. I am a retired Army Officer and recently retired from Federal Service after a combined 37 years of service. I’ve always been inquisitive and from an early age loved taking things apart and putting them back together. This natural inquisitiveness led me to study Chemical Engineering during my undergraduate work and later Systems Management at the graduate level. I truly enjoyed taking part in my children’s activities as they were growing up whether it was school work, sports, music or other events. Through teaching your children at Learning with Grace, it is my hope that service to your family will be a source of encouragement and a catalyst for your child’s growth.

SHAWN RICHARDSON

I was born in Washington DC. I have been married to my wife Terrica Richardson for 24 years and we have 8 wonderful children. I am CPR/AED Pediatric Certified.

I enjoy teaching adults & children how to live healthier lifestyles. I have taught Physical Education for the last 5 years. I was a Den Leader for Pack 1657 Cub

Scouts for 7 years. I have assisted & coached elementary/middle school soccer with Mt. Oak sports ministry. My philosophy, “I do not perceive physical

education as an organized recess”. My responsibility as a physical education teacher is, in my opinion, among one of the most important subjects in the school. I firmly believe all my students are very special and possess a wide variety of talent and skills. It is my mission to expose my students to a wide variety of activities, as to encourage him/her, to discover and enhance these skills. As a physical education tutor, I will present these activities in a positive and professional manner, as to maximize the self-esteem and the self-confidence of

our students. As a result of physical education, our students will learn that physical fitness is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, not only now, but for the rest of their lives. Throughout the school year, I will treat our students with the utmost respect and courtesy. As a result I expect to be treated in the same manner. WhileI hold high expectations for our students, I do not expect each student to be the best, but I do expect them to do their best.

“In each and every one of us, there

is something very special.

We have all been gifted with the ability to

make a positive difference.”

Ginger Schollenberger

Cognitive Coaching &

Coworking/Speech Team

Ginger retired from homeschooling her three daughters in 2020 after the youngest one graduated from high school. She's been working with homeschooled students with learning challenges since 2015, first as an NILD educational therapist and currently as a Feuerstein-trained cognitive coach. As part of her homeschooling career she was a public speaking coach for The Edge Speech and Debate Club which prepared students to compete in the National Christian Forensics and Communication Association. She and her husband, Scott, are active in their church, love hosting gatherings of all sizes, and enjoy brief periods of being empty nesters.

JULIE STOUT

Math

With an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, she brings both formal training and real-world experience to her teaching. A wife and mother of four, she homeschooled her three boys through middle school and is currently homeschooling her daughter with dyslexia, giving her valuable experience in differentiated instruction and learning support. She has a particular passion for teaching math and enjoys helping students develop confidence and problem-solving skills. Alongside her husband, she leads the children’s ministry at her church, reflecting her heart for nurturing and guiding young learners. Outside of teaching, she enjoys hiking, traveling, playing board games, and completing puzzles, all of which highlight her love of challenge, exploration, and lifelong learning.

RENEE THEVENET-RODBELL

History, Drama, & English

Renee has been married to her husband, Jerry, for 37 years. Their 29 year old daughter, Robin, was homeschooled from 1st grade through high school. Renee holds a BA in English Literature/Secondary Education from the University of Washington and an MEd. in Special Education from the University of Maryland.

She has a varied background that includes teaching Language Arts/Special Ed. to middle schoolers (back when it was called jr. high), one-on-one tutoring in reading and writing, test-taking and study skills training and working as a vision therapist. Renee made the decision to homeschool Robin after being dissatisfied with what her daughter was being taught in public school kindergarten.

For the last 39 years, Renee has also been teaching women how to look and feel more beautiful through skin care and makeup artistry with Mary Kay Cosmetics. For 21 of those years, she served in a leadership capacity, training and mentoring a sales force. Having stepped away from that role in August, Renee was led to LWG when she began searching for a part- time teaching position in a Christian homeschool setting. When she is not at LWG or running her home-based business, Renee sings in a 55+ chorale group, teaches online classes for Wellspring Life Ministry, and provides pampering sessions for residents of Chrysalis House. She also

serves in the Guest Reception and Creative Arts Ministries at Cornerstone Church. Renee is a dog mom of 2 toy poodles and her hobbies include walking, reading, singing and acting. Renee loves teaching and seeks to inspire her students to love learning.

Angie Tritt

Science, Pathfinders History, and Praising with Grace

I'm so excited to be a part of what God has in store for Learning with Grace. I am a stay at home wife and mother of four bright and energetic children. I'm a member of Antioch the Apostolic Church, serving on the hospitality team. We recently have launched Able Ministry at our church, a Christian ministry that focuses on supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. I hope to be used by God in this space, as I have built strong connections with individuals and families who face a multitude of challenges on a day to day basis. I enjoy the outdoors, crafts, and traveling. I have always had a love for education and little ones. It's been a blessing to have a burden for children with differences and an honor to get the opportunity to educate them. During Covid my step son began his journey of learning remotely. I was right beside him and decided after his 3rd grade year that I would homeschool him exclusively. I now homeschool three of our four children. I believe strongly that I am responsible for fostering an atmosphere that creates a love for learning. My classroom will be a safe space to think, feel, learn, connect, and grow. To be able to teach while also sharing God's love feels like a gift from Him.

HOLLY WEBSTER

History & Language Arts

Hi I’m Holly Webster, wife to Matt, who serves as the teaching pastor at Faith Community Church, and mom to three awesome kids. We moved from Kentucky to Maryland recently, and have been enjoying the adventure of getting to know our new home. I’ve been homeschooling for nearly seven years, and it’s truly one of my greatest joys. I love the flexibility it offers and the intentional time it gives me to really know my kids and tailor their learning to how God made them. Homeschooling has allowed us to disciple their hearts as much as their minds, and I’m passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences rooted in faith, curiosity, and connection. In my free time I love to read, hike, and be on the water. I am so excited to be a part of Learning with Grace. My hope is to provide a fun and encouraging place to learn where your child can thrive.

PASTOR MATT WEBSTER

Apologetics

I am blessed to be the husband of Holly and dad to Smith, Hayes, and Eliza. I currently serve as the Teaching Pastor at Faith Community Church in Gambrills, Maryland. Originally from Kentucky, our family relocated to Maryland in June 2024.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Eastern Kentucky University and a master’s degree in Christian Missions from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Before entering full-time ministry, I spent 16 years in retail management, most recently with The Home Depot — an experience that shaped my leadership and love for serving people.

Whether reading a good non-fiction book or enjoying anything sports-related, I value time spent learning and connecting. Above all, my deepest desire is to know the Lord more deeply and to make Him known to those around me. He is the foundation for all true knowledge, and it is a joy to support families as they seek to raise and educate their children in a gracious and Christ-centered environment.

Alejandra Zuniga-Stonesifer

Home Economics, PE Play, Spanish 2, STEAM, Creative Lab

Alejandra is a native Peruvian and mother of two, a girl and a boy. She graduated from St. Augustine University in Peru with a degree in Business Administration. Upon her arrival in the U.S. in 2007 she worked in Early Childhood Development, attaining multiple certifications while working with pre-school and young school age children. She understands what people go through when learning a new language, having arrived in the U.S. with little fluency in English. Alejandra and her husband Reid have homeschooled their two children their entire lives, which revealed to her a love for her language and culture she had previously taken for granted. Her work as a professional educator and experience as a home educator has further stoked a passion for education and the inherent experimentation needed to discover the best possible approach for each unique and individual child. She has also tutored privately as an au pair before starting her own business as a Spanish tutor, as well as leading classes at the co-ops her children have attended.

Learning With Grace