Hannah Hicks serves as the Director of Learn Together Lowcountry, where she oversees and coordinates the many efforts that make this vibrant homeschool community thrive. She holds a degree in Business and brings years of ownership and management experience to her role. However, she often says that homeschooling and managing a home have been the most rewarding—and certainly the most challenging—leadership experiences of her life.

Hannah and her husband are the parents of four children, two of whom are now adults and two who actively participate in Learn Together Lowcountry and other homeschool activities. As both a homeschool parent and community leader, Hannah is passionate about supporting families as they pursue educational freedom, meaningful relationships, and purposeful discipleship.

Above all, Hannah believes there is no greater privilege or calling than sharing the truth of Jesus Christ—that He died for our sins so that we may have eternal life through Him. This conviction is the foundation of her faith, her family, and the mission that guides the work of Learn Together Lowcountry.

Hi, my name is Kristen Walters. I moved from Michigan to Hilton Head in 2007 and started my family here! We have 3 amazing kids, (Fiona, Jonathon, and Violet) and we have been homeschooling since 2020. Homeschooling has been one of the biggest blessings of my life, and I praise God everyday that we are able to stay this course. Fridays at LTL are my kids’ favorite day of the week! I enjoy working behind the scenes at LTL and am thankful that God has used my gifts in the most rewarding way!

I enjoyed working in Accounting, Hospitality, and Special Events. In my free time I work as a seamstress, making custom home decor.. I’m always eager to learn new things and I love to continually add to my bucket of skills!

I was raised in Atlanta and graduated from the public school system, so homeschooling was something I knew very little about growing up. After becoming a mother to three children, my perspective changed. My oldest is autistic, and that played a big role in our decision to homeschool so I could have a more active role in his education and create an environment that supports his needs while giving our family more time together.

Our faith in Christ is the center of our home, and it has guided many of the decisions we’ve made as a family. And it has shaped the way I approach motherhood, homeschooling, and community. Finding LTL Co-op came at the perfect time for our family. I was beginning to feel isolated and frustrated, but this community has provided friendship, encouragement, and support—not just for my children, but for me as well.

Outside of homeschooling, I work as a fitness instructor and personal trainer. I have a passion for helping others grow stronger physically and supporting people in living healthier, more intentional lives. Being able to encourage and walk alongside others in their growth is something I truly love, and I’m grateful for opportunities to do the same within the homeschooling community.

Greetings! I'm Elizabeth – home school mama to twin boys. You will find me each week checking in on classes and helping in the background with our volunteer schedule, staffed by our gifted and generous parents whose work each Friday keeps our program running smoothly.

Before our home schooling journey began, my husband and I managed a youth and family camp for several years in California. I continued my work with children as an AP English and Honors teacher in both Florida and South Carolina before being led to home school our boys. We have just completed our seventh year. This call to home school is a mighty undertaking. It can be soul trying and deeply humbling, and yet, it is also a grace-filled path paved with eternal value. What a privilege it is to point our children in the direction of the King!

Shannon began homeschooling 13 years ago when her eldest daughter started kindergarten. Today, that daughter is continuing her education at Georgia Southern University.

Originally from Fayetteville, GA, just south of Atlanta, Shannon and her husband, Jonny, have been married 27 of the 32 years they’ve been together. For 17 of those years, they lived the military life—stationed in Germany, Arizona, Texas, Georgia, and Florida—before settling in the Savannah area when Jonny retired in 2019. While they love the community (despite the summer heat), they remain ready to go wherever the Lord leads.

Shannon devotes much of her time to volunteering at North Salem Baptist in Port Wentworth, GA. She enjoys baking, especially sourdough bread, which she’s proud to say she has finally mastered. She’s also an adventurer at heart—having completed the Bataan Memorial Death March in White Sands, NM, a grueling 26.2-mile course that reminds her she can do hard things.

Her favorite destination is Ireland, but she also loves treasure hunting at yard sales, browsing antique stores, and visiting Disney whenever she can.

Before her husband’s Army career, Shannon worked in office administration, handling deposits, data entry, and other clerical tasks. Today, she continues to assist with church responsibilities while taking on odd jobs to help others.

Although she has taken college courses, Shannon felt called to pause her own studies to focus on teaching and guiding her daughters through theirs. Known for her willingness to help, she is always ready to lend a hand and make someone’s day a little easier.

I have called the Lowcountry home for the past twenty (20) years & cannot imagine my heart being happier anywhere else. I have a daughter, Eva, who will be a junior this coming year. (Momma’s & Daddy’s don’t blink, because it truly does go by so quickly!!) Before homeschooling my daughter, & joining LTL almost eight (8) years ago, I was a former public school teacher, working with the deaf in Ohio for fifteen (15) years. I taught here in SC for 2 years before having Eva, and then decided to go on the homeschooling journey! 

Because of LTL, as many have heard me say over the years, Friday is my favorite day of the week!! Chances are, if you’ve walked into the church on a Friday and smelled something yummy, it was probably coming from my Passport Class!! Each week, we journey to a different country and can see, as well as smell and taste, some of God’s blessings worldwide. Along with Passport, I have taught ASL, Government, Economics, and Psychology classes over the years. 

I’m excited to see my “old” friends and meet new ones this next year. It will be another amazing adventure!

Greetings,

My name is Chuck Stanicki and I took on the role of Head of Security for Learn Together Lowcountry (LTL) in February 2026. Before joining LTL, I proudly served in the United States Coast Guard for 30 years. During my Coast Guard career I held a variety of positions, including command cadre, search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, recruiting, and training. These experiences provided me with a unique skill set that I am honored to bring to LTL.

Our family has been a part of the LTL community for the past two years, we enjoyed it so much we decided to make the Lowcountry our home in the summer of 2025. I take great pride in serving as Head of Security and my goal is simple: to help keep every child, teacher, staff member, and parent safe while at LTL. I'm grateful to work alongside our security team to help make LTL a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

I've been married to my wife Penny for 18 years, and together we have three sons. Our two youngest are part of the LTL community.

My name is Halee Hindelang, I’m originally from Pampa, Tx, a very small town not many have heard of. I moved to Georgia at a young age and met my husband at the age of 16. We were engaged five months later. God has blessed us with three beautiful children together and after 14 long years as a military spouse, my husband finally got out of the army and we moved to SC to be closer to his parents. Through the years we have been foster parents, we have also been wildlife rehabilitation for deer, squirrels, and raccoons. In my spare time I knit frogs for my Etsy shop and enjoy knitting any time I can. Baking is my second favorite, bread making being my favorite. Homeschooling just became our natural option after our children struggled with deployments, it just fit so much better for us. Since the move here, we weren’t sure we would find a good co op, and now we are so blessed to have found LTL! This year I get the opportunity to teach and I am beyond overjoyed that I will get to play an even bigger part in this amazing ministry. God truly has answered so many prayers for us through LTL!

Hi! My name is Erin Ward. My family moved to Beaufort 3 years ago with the Navy but my husband and I are originally from Michigan. Out of all those places the Navy has taken us, Beaufort is the first place we’ve really felt like home and found the community we hear others talk about having. We have two sons, ages 10 and 5, and only started homeschooling this past year. I wouldn’t change a thing and truly believe it is the best decision for our neurodiverse family.

Hello y'all, my name is Michelle Endrusick, I am a Navy veteran, having served 10 years as a Hospital Corpsman, I was privileged to wear the title Doc and travel the world serving my fellow sailors.

I have devoted  27 years to serving exceptional children, equipping and encouraging students with diverse learning needs in the classroom.

 After raising five children to adulthood, my husband and I believed we had entered our empty-nest years. However, God had a different plan and in 2013, we welcomed our son,Tut, through adoption, into our family. In 2019, we were blessed once again when Tut's sister, Kara, joined the journey. 

In 2020, the Lord called me from the traditional classroom to homeschool my own children. This transition has allowed me to blend nearly three decades of professional experience with the joy of teaching at home.

 I am honored to serve with the LTL team and am grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside homeschooling families while partnering with a community of believers committed to equipping parents, nurturing students, and glorifying Christ through education.

Kristi is originally from Danville Kentucky and graduated with a BA in Sociology from the University of Kentucky. She relocated to Bluffton in 2017 when her husband John retired from the Marine Corps. She has been homeschooling her 3 daughters for 10 years. She feels God has blessed their family tremendously with the Learn Together Community and is eager to give back through her roles as Director of Fine Arts and Teen Event Coordinator. Kristi has a passion for the arts and studied voice and vocal production for 7 years. From an early age she has been involved in musical theatre productions, and has performed in choral groups for over 40 years. Kristi was honored to be a soloist in several USO stage productions along the East Coast while her husband was deployed in Iraq. She loves being a part of Learn Together Lowcountry’s Fine Arts Department where it is our mission to help our students use their God given gifts for His Glory.

Christy has a background in music and elementary education. She grew up in the Lowcountry, and after completing her education as a music major with primary emphasis in piano and secondary in voice, she taught music in the public school systems in Tennessee and North Carolina before moving back to Bluffton. She is married with six children. Christy has had tons of experience in music in the community including Music Directorship with Bluffton Youth Theatre, Pianist with Grace Coastal Church, and private piano teacher locally. She has continued her love of teaching through the Classical Conversations program as a Foundations tutor for a decade and will be starting her 4th year as the Challenge 3 (11th grade) Director for CC of Bluffton, which includes a course in music theory. She has served in leadership with LTL since it began and has been teaching music classes and piano lessons for the past two years.

My name is Heather Kruszka and I’m the Nursery Director at Learn Together Lowcountry. I’m a homeschool mom of three ages 14, 11, and 4. We have been homeschooling for 6 years now. I’ve worked with children my entire life! I’m the oldest sibling of seven sisters. I’ve taken childcare classes beginning in high school.

I’ve volunteered in my church nursery for the past six years. I am currently the Children’s Ministry Director for my church. I’m a tutor for Classical Conversations in Bluffton and I’m raising three kids! I look forward to spending time with your littles and doing all the things babies and toddlers love to do!

Hey! My name is Kali! I’m a Christ follower and SC native, raised in Greenville, where I grew up in the country on family land enjoying the beauty of a close-knit family tree. My sisters and I spent our childhood wandering through the woods and creek and horse pastures, tending our hobby farm, gardening with my grandfather, enjoying endless four-wheeling and softball and pool days, and thriving in the freedom of homeschooling. I went on to study education with a minor in voice at North Greenville University, out of a love for music and a passion for all things students. This has led me to experiences as a math tutor and homeschool teacher for grades K-8th, 3 years as a children’s ministry director, 15 years as a student ministry leader, 5 years as camp ministry staff, and countless years as a childcare provider. Amidst adventuring with my own 4 kids and husband, I can also be found raising cavapoo and husky puppies, coaching soccer and softball, whipping up yummy goodness nonstop, taking in the beauty of the night sky, and chasing salt water moments. I’m grateful for all the avenues of worship I have encountered thus far and cannot wait to bring glory to His name through teaching students at LTL this semester!

Kati White Tatter is a professional artist and designer, currently creating art through her Lowcountry studio, Sara Kate Couture. She is also an exhibiting artist at the Beaufort Art Association. Kati attended the so-called “public Ivy” College of William and Mary and completed her BFA in Illustration at the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where she also studied Creative Writing at Brown University. Kati holds a Master of Letters (MLitt) from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, earning her degree via famed auction house, Christies, in London and receiving accolades for extensive Biblical knowledge.

Kati was an Operations Executive for a luxury stationery company in Manhattan, as well as the Producer of its online style magazine, CeciStyle. After assisting floral legend Holly Heider Chapple’s studio as an in-house designer in the DC Metro area, she spent ten years in the luxury wedding industry as a designer and chief consultant for global luxury organization, The Inner Circle Experience.

Here in the Lowcountry, Kati home educates her two wonderful sons and enjoys the slower pace of living. For fun, Kati bakes custom cookies via her home bakery, Sara Kate Couture Cookie Co., enjoys playing her baby grand and performs in local theatrical productions (Kati used to act professionally — but that’s a different story!).

Hello! My name is Janine Robertello. To tell you a little bit about me. I am originally from New Jersey, we moved to Bluffton in 2009. I have worked with children at some compacity since I was 12 years old. My journey with children began with babysitting, which I continued to do through college, in addition to acting as a teacher’s assistant in Preschools. I earned a B.A. in Home Economics with a minor in Human Services from Montclair State University. I earned my teaching degree from Kean University and I taught Kindergarten for 13 years. After our first daughter was born in 2007, I decided to be a stay at home Mom. During this time, I provided childcare in my home. In 2009 we moved to Bluffton and we had our second daughter in 2011. Shortly after, I began teaching Art at May River Montessori, classes in my home and at Lowcountry Montessori School. Last year I went back to school and earned my Esthetics License.

Teaching Art has been a true blessing to me. I love to create a welcoming space for others to have the opportunity to explore and express their creativity through mixed media.

I am beyond excited and blessed to share my passions with your children.

Grant Ellingson is a musician, worship leader, and teacher who loves helping students discover the joy of making music. He teaches the Worship Band class at Learn Together Lowcountry, as well as private guitar, bass, and piano lessons.
Grant graduated from Belmont University in 2022 with a degree in Commercial Music and currently serves as the Worship Leader at Compassion Christian Church in Bluffton. He enjoys creating a fun, encouraging environment where students can build their skills, gain confidence, and learn to use music as a way to express themselves and serve others.
Outside of teaching and leading worship, Grant loves spending time with his wife, Sierra, and enjoying life here in the Lowcountry.

My name is Jen Faith, and my husband, Jeff, and I have been married for 23 years. We have two children: a son who will be a sophomore at University of Georgia and a 13-year-old daughter. Education has always been an important part of our family life. I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education, and my husband serves as the Coordinator of the alternative school in Effingham County.

Over the years, I have gained experience through teaching in schools for five years, homeschooling for the past fifteen years, leading classes with Classical Conversations, teaching at a local co-op, and providing private tutoring. One of the greatest joys of teaching for me is helping students not only learn but also develop a genuine love for learning and the confidence to discover new things independently.

Our faith in Christ is the foundation of our family and guides my approach to teaching. I strive to help students recognize God’s truth and goodness in the world around them as they grow academically and personally. I feel truly blessed that God led our family to LTL, and I am excited to take on additional teaching roles this year with LTL+ as well as Friday classes

Erica is a wife, mom, reader, traveler, sticker hoarder, and lifelong lover of learning. She holds a Bachelor of Education from Clemson University, a Master of Literacy from Clemson University, and a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina. Go Tigers.

Over the past two decades, including seventeen years as a school teacher, Erica has worked with students in a variety of educational settings and is passionate about creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and critical thinking. She believes students learn best when they are actively exploring, questioning, creating, and collaborating.

Erica works as a travel advisor (officially Bluffton's Best Travel Agent for 2026) and can usually be found with a good book in hand or playing through her earbuds. She loves Disney, cruising, creative projects, and a good story. At home, she enjoys life with her husband, two boys, two rescue cats (Reese Peanut Butter Cup and Catniss Toebean), and one very large Great Dane (Paisley). She serves as a small group leader for teen girls at Lowcountry Community Church and runs a Bluffton-focused socials page to help others fall in love with our beautiful area.

Hey! My name is Vonnah and I have been homeschooling for 11 years. I have 5 kids, Aurora (15), Skyla (13), Dimitri (11), Malachi (9), Juliana (7). I am originally from Massachusetts but have called Bluffton home for 7 years. We now live on a small homestead with a huge garden and chickens.
I went to College at Florida Atlantic University and have two Bachelor Degrees in Chemistry and Psychobiology - Behavioral Neuroscience. So, of course, my favorite subject to teach is Science. I am so excited to be teaching on Thursdays at LTL+. I am passionate about hands-on science and can’t wait to bring experiments, discovery, and excitement to our Science classes! I am also teaching a few fun classes on Fridays, sharing my love for outdoor crafts and a more natural lifestyle.

Hi! My name is Amanda Bruns, and I am originally from Norfolk, VA. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from Liberty University. Our family moved to Bluffton, SC, 2017 for my husband’s work. Soon after, I began working part-time as a children’s ministry assistant and director for a local church while homeschooling and caregiving for my mom.

My husband and I have three teenage daughters (17, 14, and 12) whom I have homeschooled since kindergarten. Homeschooling has been such a blessing and a right fit for our family over the years. Our family is now going on our second year at LTL. We are so thankful to have found LTL and the community here!

Victor Jacob has lived in South Carolina since moving from Louisiana in 2006. He is a father of three boys, whose love for the outdoors comes from his childhood involvement in Scouting, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He’s been giving back to that organization since 2017, first as Cubmaster of Pack 213 and now as Scoutmaster of Troop 222 now that all three of his sons are in scouting. Under his leadership,  Pack 213 cleared the area LTL uses for their outdoor classes, so teaching Survival Skills and Bushcraft in “Camp Akela” has been a special treat. 

A Licensed Massage therapist for 24 years, his First professional Teaching job was with Cross Schools, teaching the Makerspace class for the 2022-23 school year. This will be his third year teaching the Survival Skills Class for LTL and the second year teaching his Bushcraft Basics class. New this year, he will teach “Challenge Accepted” and “Lego Engineering.”

He truly believes that learning how to plan for adventures in the outdoors is a great way to build confidence in young people, and he is looking forward to many years of passing on what he knows to the Learn Together Lowcountry kids. 

Mallorie Dowd is a wife and homeschool mother of four, new to Pooler, Georgia. 

After graduating from Ogeechee Tech, Mallorie obtained both a cosmetology license and a substitute teaching certification. She eventually left her career in hair to focus on her family and began her homeschooling journey. 

Always passionate about photography, she began pursuing training in not only photo and graphic editing but also film and video. 

While the Dowd family was in the process of moving to take care of an ailing family member, she was invited to Learn Together Lowcountry. What should have been a more difficult time, she was blessed with love, fellowship, and community for not only her children, but also a place for herself.

It is her Goal to share the word of God (and the culture and heart of LTL) through various forms of media, shine his light in every moment, and encourage and inspire our youth to do the same. 

Elyse Stromer is a local violinist from Ridgeland, South Carolina. She has been a part of the Beaufort Youth Orchestra for the past eight years and the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra for four years, and she studies with Ms. Ami Rabinowitz and Mrs. Asako Kremer. Currently Elyse is in high school and enjoys being a homeschooler at Classical Conversations. 

She loves playing her violin in her church’s worship team, playing chamber music with her friends, and working on classical and fiddle tunes. Teaching other students has been an amazing experience for her, and she loves getting to share her passion for music with others. 

Starting the violin at two years old, music has always been a major part of Elyse’s life, and she is very excited to help others reach their musical goals, and hopes that her love for music will inspire others to give glory to the amazing Creator who has gifted it to us!

My name is Rebekka Drago, and I’m the mom of three precious girls. This will be our seventh year homeschooling, and it has been such a blessing. We love the freedom that homeschooling brings—freedom to discover individual passions and freedom to spend quality time together as a family.

I graduated from a Christian high school in South Carolina and then received a BA in English from Francis Marion University. (Go, Swamp Foxes!)

Around our homeschool community, I’m known as the “gameschooling mom.” I’m a firm believer that games provide a judgment-free, stress-free environment for introducing and reinforcing educational concepts.

I was homeschooled myself and am in my 14th year of homeschooling. I grew up in Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia. I worked for a couple years for a nonprofit in Oklahoma City before starting college. I married and moved to Tennessee and we moved to Savannah several years ago. 

I love homeschooling and enjoying seeing my kids have the freedom to pursue their dreams! I found LTL a couple years ago because my daughter was looking for a robotics class. My kids love Fridays. And I enjoy the wonderful community of parents. I have worked the past 20 years in various capacities for my husband’s small businesses. 

I enjoy a variety of hobbies. Reading, sewing, cooking, and music are my favorites. I love a good book! I’ve played piano since I was 5. And started playing in Church at 12. I’ve played a variety of different music. From traditional hymns to a large worship band. I even got to play for my sister’s wedding this past summer! I’m excited about working with a group of passionate and like minded people and watching our kids succeed and thrive together.

Matt was born and raised in Tallahassee, FL where tackling cattle for his family's farm, exploring the woods with friends, and jumping into alligator infested waters with cousins was just a normal part of life. He earned a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Flagler University while also serving in the youth ministry at his home church and leading missions teams overseas with International Impact Ministry for several years. Matt moved to the Lowcountry in 2011, got married in 2013, and ventured into his own family run epoxy floor company in 2018. Although Matt runs his business full time, he wanted to serve the Lord in a youth ministry and was so grateful that an opportunity opened up through LTL. Matt also is a football coach for the Bluffton Bulldogs youth traveling football program for 6-8yo boys. Life is busy being a dad of two boys, coach, teacher, and business owner, but he absolutely loves where the Lord has him for this season.

Jenni Tadlock is a wife, mom of two boys, and daughter of the King. She moved to Hilton Head from PA with her family (go Eagles!) and has lived here in the lowcountry since 1991 minus the years spent in Columbia, SC for undergrad and grad school. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Chemistry cognate from the University of South Carolina (go Gamecocks!) and a Biblical Ministry Certificate from the master’s program at Columbia International University.

Although she thought international missions was going to be her full-time future, she is beyond grateful for the Lord's redirection. Being a homeschool momma and serving in the women's and children's ministry at her church has been a tremendous blessing and incredible challenge that forces her to lean into Him daily. She is also looking forward to her fourth year of teaching at LTL and sharing about the love of our Creator with her kiddoes in the classroom. Jenni is always ready to go shark tooth hunting, spend time outside with her boys, or fellowship with others with some coffee in hand, and she loves all things nature (except bugs).

Megan Wooldridge is an adaptable homeschool mom with a lifelong passion for learning and exploring the beauty found in nature. I have had the privilege of serving in various teaching capacities that have affirmed my love for guiding young minds in their journey of learning, growth and discovery and look forward to sharing my passion for teaching and my commitment to a Christ-centered education.While my formal education may be limited, my love for God and dedication to nurturing the hearts and minds of children are boundless. I am eager to create a welcoming and supportive learning environment where students can grow academically, spiritually, and emotionally incorporating hands-on activities and read-aloud sessions into our learning activities. I believe in creating a space where children can ask questions, explore their interests, and develop critical thinking skills.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this community of homeschooling families who share a common faith and commitment to providing a Christ-centered education. I am excited to meet and partner with each of you as we nurture and educate our children.

Hello! My name is Penny, my husband Chuck and I have been homeschooling our two youngest sons for the past six years. This is our third year with LTL and we are so thankful to be part of this community. 

I'm originally from Bishopville, Maryland and served 22 years in the United States Coast Guard. We were stationed in Savannah, GA years ago, and are happy to be back in the Lowcountry. 

I have a background in finance and accounting, but my true passion is traveling and discovering new and exciting places - both near and far. As the Field Trip Coordinator for LTL, I love having the opportunity to find fun, unique, and educational experiences in our local community. I truly believe that some of the best learning happens when our kids can experience things firsthand, and I'm excited to help create opportunities for our LTL families to make memories together.

More info about this wonderful teacher coming soon!

Kaden Blake Kruszka is a local drummer from Newington, Georgia. Kaden has been a student drummer of Learn Together Lowcountry since they started 9 years ago and has enjoyed drumming for the worship band and taking private lessons from past drum instructors for all 9 years. Kaden has already had experience substituting past drum teachers. Now he has graduated and has taken a leadership role of being the new drum teacher. Also leader for the worship band along with Grant Ellingston. 

Kaden loves playing the drums for the new local band Low Tide which includes current and past LTL students. He also has experience leading worship at the Dominican Republic for missions trips he's been going on for 4 years now. Kaden also recently has been playing drums for the Sunday night youth group at Christian Renewal Church, along with his local Georgia church Kaden currently plays the cajon (another acoustic percussion instrument) occasionally for worship. Kaden is excited to teach drums and lead worship at LTL because music has always been his biggest passion and believes experience like this would help him pursue a drumming career.

I’m Kaley Creech, I live in Pooler Ga. I am a Homeschool graduate with FEFC. I am excited to start my next homeschooling chapter with my daughter. We found LTL in 2023 and fell in love with all it had to offer. In May’24 I left my job of 14yrs to homeschool full time. You can now find me baking, creating jewelry for my jewelry business and enjoying the outside world with my family.

I look forward to helping teachers and other staff have the best year. The best is yet to come.

Hi My name is Kelly Marconyak and I was born in Missouri, but being an army brat moved around a bit, but after spending 3 years in Germany, when I was really young, I spent most of my growing up years in Effingham Ga.  After spending 7 years in Maui and finding my husband, we moved back here to Bluffton/Beaufort in 2012.  I have my Masters degree in Communications Disorders and work at Palmetto Speech and Language while my husband and I share the homeschooling duties of our 3 children ages 14, 11 and 7.  I’ve always enjoyed staying physically active with softball and surfing being my main physical sport preferences.  In my spare time I also enjoy the three B’s…Beach, Billiards and Baseball.

Hey! I’m Fiona Walters. I live in Bluffton, SC. This is my 6th year of LTL, and my 7th year of homeschool.

I absolutely love LTL; I have met so many amazing people and made friendships I wouldn’t trade for anything! LTL has become like a second home to me. I’ve helped behind the scenes with events, and I’m so excited that this year I’ll be teaching and running the school store.

Currently, my plan after high school is to race stock cars professionally. My goal is to work my way up to the highest levels of NASCAR. For the longest time, I’ve loved racing, and seeing races in person sealed the deal, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do with my life. 

Maribel Bruns is a high school junior who has been homeschooled since kindergarten. This year, she is taking dual-enrollment classes through Lander University while staying actively involved in her church and community.

Maribel has served in children’s ministry for over five years and is also involved in her church’s youth ministry through the student leadership program. Outside of church and school, she enjoys babysitting and participating in musical theater.

Maribel is excited to teach Bible at LTL this year, and she is looking forward to sharing God’s love and joy with her students!

Hi, my name is Nora Bond. I’ve been homeschooled my whole life and I’ve been attending LTL for 3.5 years.  My favorite thing about LTL is volunteering in the nursery and helping with the little ones.  I love the variety of classes I’ve taken here at LTL, including nursing, babysitting, passports, ASL, art, campus crew and more.

This year, I’m especially excited to add teaching a class to my LTL Fridays.  Helping young kids learn in multi-sensory ways that are both safe and fun are a priority to me. I prefer to learn more hands-on and am happy to teach other eager learners through playful ways. I want to help younger kids learn about this wonderful world God has made.  I also like to help out at the LTL Christmas and summer camps as well as VBS at my church.  You might also find me in the summer alongside my dad as he teaches summer school or with my mom serving at Mercy Mission.

I grew up living in Pennsylvania, the United Arab Emirates, Vermont and now here and I’ve loved to explore so many different places and cultures.  My favorite things are swimming with friends, learning languages, reading and my small group at church.  I live with my mom, dad, older sister and two cats.  I love being able to learn about God and other subjects at the same time with homeschooling.

I was born and have been raised in Bluffton, SC my whole life. After going to private school for many years, my family discovered homeschooling and immediately fell in love with it! I have met so many great people and have created lifelong friendships in the homeschooling community. My plan, currently, going into my senior year is to attend Liberty University after highschool and graduate with a business degree.

When I was 8 years old, I fell in love with the all star cheer world. The crazy looking stunts and the impossible looking tumbling, I knew that this was going to be my sport and a sport that I could grow in. Fast forward now, I have been to 3 different cheer gyms, cheer captain the past 2 years on my level 4 teams, and am an incredible backspot.

Jesus has always been apart of my life and always will be. Even in cheerleading, we would always say a prayer after practice and a prayer before taking the competition mat. As a teenager, I know that there is always room to grow, especially in my faith. I strive everyday to live a life for Christ; a life where He can tell me "Well done, good and faithful servant."~Matthew 25:21

My name is Katie Compher and we have lived in Hilton Head for a little over 9 years now. Homeschooling is a newer experience for our family as we just started this journey last December. We found LTL in the spring and it has been such a blessing and was life changing.

I completed my BSN in December of 2007 from Shepherd University. My primary experience is in NBN, Nicu, postpartum and Labor & delivery. Before and during nursing school I was a CNA/IV tech on a pediatrics floor. Working with children and being able to be part of the childbirth process was an amazing experience. I have put a pause on working in the hospital to help with the family business and enjoy time with our girls. I am excited to teach Nursing 101 this year and inspire the next generation of nurses.

Kris Lien, Director of Programs at Palmetto Chaplains and Coaching, is on-site at Learn Together Low Country every Thursday and Friday.

Kris Lien holds an MA in Spiritual Formation from Kairos University (2025) and is pursuing chaplaincy ordination, and has completed training in grief counseling and life coaching. He has a diverse faith background and is a member of Compassion Christian Church of Bluffton.

Chaplains provide emotional and spiritual support to individuals of any denomination, focusing on listening and care. Doctrinal discussions or evangelism occur only with parental presence.

Kris engages with individuals only when appropriate and always respects their wishes. Conversations with female students occur in the presence of another female adult and in public spaces. All chaplains undergo background checks and adhere to a strict code of conduct.

Confidentiality and Services:

Kris is available to students, staff, and parents, and maintains confidentiality except in cases of potential harm. Services include listening, prayer (upon request), life coaching, and referrals to vetted counseling or pastoral care providers. Financial barriers do not prevent access to support.

Please feel free to learn more about Palmetto Chaplains and Coaching at our website: palmettochaplainsandcoaching.org

Reagan Wyatt was an early high school graduate with honors. She received the National Latin Exam Summa Cum Laude award three years in a row. She trained in ballet for twelve years and was president of Okatie Youth Ballet’s National Honors Society of Dance Arts chapter. Reagan has studied classical piano for fourteen years and was a finalist for the ISCA Rising Stars competition for five years. She currently is employed as a ballet and preschool teacher at Okatie Youth Ballet and is a flight school student pursuing a career as a professional pilot. She attended Learn Together Lowcountry throughout middle school and high school and is very excited to give back to such a wonderful community.

As a mathematician, inventor and ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, Mike takes an abstract, original, analytical approach to studying the Bible. That, combined with his down-to-earth writing style, has made his columns at ailbe.org popular with a wide range of Christians.