Inkwood Founder

I am passionate about helping students experience transformational education, learning that shapes both intellect and character. My journey began with a single question in high school, inspired by Jane Austen’s classical education:

"If Jane Austen was educated in the way you described, and accomplished what she did in her life, why aren’t we doing education the same way?"

That question has guided my life’s work, and I’ve spent over 20 years studying and practicing the principles of true education, mentoring students, and creating adventurous learning experiences that cultivate deep thinking, creativity, and moral character.

Educational Leadership

• Co-Founder & K–12 Executive Director — Founded and led a network of high-performing, leadership-centered schools.
• Curriculum Designer — Extensive experience developing curriculum for high school, college (U.S. and international), and educational technology programs.
  
• College Instructor — Developed and teach dynamic entrepreneurship courses that connect real-world experience with classroom learning.
  
• Award-Winning Mentor — Voted Best Mentor by both high school and college students.
• Parent Education Coach — Guided hundreds of families in designing effective, purpose-driven education pathways.
• Creator of Home-Based Education Courses — Developed and offer recorded online courses such as Phases of Education and How to Homeschool in a Week through Alcott Learning.
  
• Education Consultant — Provide consulting for schools and education technology companies.
• Education Speaker — Presented at conferences, on news segments, and in podcasts.

My Educational Philosophy

Early in my teaching career, I observed a truth all too often neglected: our education system squanders potential and diminishes the innate human drive to learn. Hours are lost to busywork, curiosity is stifled by boredom, and students are left without purpose, passion, or meaningful guidance. These challenges showed me that real learning is most effective when it aligns with students’ natural developmental phases, occurs in environments where skilled mentors thrive, and empowers students to take ownership of their learning.

I have repeatedly created such environments with great success, proving that when education aligns with human development and enduring principles, transformation happens. Education that respects natural developmental stages nurtures both the mind and moral character.

True learning combines several key elements:

• Tailored mentorship that guides, models, and inspires

• Classic texts that develop critical thinking and historical perspective

• Challenging projects that challenge students to solve problems and apply solutions in practice

• Field experiences that connect classroom learning with relevant real-world contexts

• Rhetoric and discourse through discussion, writing, and oratory that cultivates reasoning, articulation, collaboration, and mastery in each area

• Aligned with natural phases of development, working with the brain’s natural growth to maximize potential and engage students
  

Mentors and students thrive when they are engaged, supported, and inspired. Students flourish as they work with mentors who bring not only expertise and real-world experience but also moral integrity. I founded Inkwood to carry forward the mentorship and educational excellence I was fortunate to receive, offering small, rigorous courses that inspire students to think critically, lead responsibly, and grow into their fullest potential.