Sharon Almquist
Geography, World History, Rhetoric I & II, Latin I
Sharon Almquist holds a B.A. in Music (Piano), M.A. in Music History, and an M.L.S. (Master of Library Science) from the University at Buffalo, NY. She enjoys interacting with students in the classroom and online as well as the many opportunities for teaching Christ’s word through homeschool—especially since she struggled through all twelve years of public school! She teaches online courses in library and information science and computer-related topics to undergraduate and graduate students at NKU, University of North Texas (where she was Head of the Media Library and Multimedia Development Lab. before moving to KY), UK, and Bluegrass Community College. She taught computer and information literacy to students in grades K-8 at Concordia Lutheran School in Cincinnati, OH, and grades 4-8 at Zion Christian Academy in Florence, KY. She homeschools one of her daughters, while the other attends NKU.
Gabi Chick
Spanish III & IV
Gabi is a native of Northern Kentucky and was happily homeschooled along with her 3 younger siblings. She attended NKU and graduated with a Bachelor's in Theater and a minor in Spanish. Gabi has been studying/speaking Spanish for over 10 years. Her love for Spanish began in high school and she hopes to impart this same passion to her students. Gabi also has a heart for the mission field of Central America and Mexico and has traveled extensively through these areas. She has been married just over a year to her husband, Jonny. In addition to teaching, Gabi also works full-time for her family’s business and sells Mary Kay.
Laura Fazekas
Art
Laura is a wife and mother of five children. She has taught at home for 9 years using the Classical Christian method. She has loved art from an early age and found her early inspiration through Normal Rockwell and Albrecht Durer. Laura graduated from Hillsdale College with a BA in Fine Arts. She has taught in private, public, and charter schools as well as many homeschool co-ops. She has also been commissioned to paint murals, canvases, and portraits. Recently, Laura painted murals for a local pediatric dentist's office and she's currently working on her first abstract commissioned piece, The Colors of the Sea. Striving to glorify God, the ultimate Artist, she looks forward to sharing what she has learned with PEP students.
Ann Fitzgibbons
Algebra II, Pre-Calculus & Conceptual Physics
Ann Fitzgibbons earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Furman University in Greenville, SC. In 2015, she retired from a 30+ year career as an Actuary where she performed financial and risk management. She enjoys volunteering with her church, the Vineyard Christian Church, where she serves as Treasurer and a board member. She also serves on the board for YMCA Camp Ernst. Throughout her career and now in "retirement," Ann has enjoyed tutoring for various non-profit groups. She now looks forward to investing in the PEP students by sharing her love of math.
Bob Hightchew
Old Testament, New Testament, Starting Points, Western Thought I
After graduating high school, Bob served in the United States Marine Corps from 1985-1993. He has served as the Senior Minister of South Fork Christian Church since 1996. Bob has a BS in Ministry and Leadership and a MA in Pastoral Leadership from Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a board member of the Happy Hills Christian Service Camp in Carrollton, KY since 1991 and has been its President since 2000. Bob also teaches as an adjunct professor at Cincinnati Christian University in their College of Adult Learning Program. Bob has been married to his wife Holly for more than 20 years. He and his wife homeschool their three children, using a classical approach.
Karen Hilvert
Geometry
Although her educational background is in banking and accounting, Karen’s true passion is for education and the classical Christian method. She educated her three children at home from grades K-12, and has filled various teaching, coaching, and organizational roles in the Northern Kentucky homeschooling community. In addition to tutoring at PEP, Karen directs a homeschool drama club and is the curriculum coordinator for the Whiz Kids site at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Karen rejoices to continue to be a student in all things: “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12
MaryEllen Lees
Composition and World Literature (Core B), Logic & Intermediate Logic
MaryEllen has homeschooled her children for 11 years. After working through several different types of curriculum, she finally found what she was searching for in the classical model of education. With a love of learning and passion for tutoring, MaryEllen brings both enthusiasm and experience to the PEP classroom. By serving in the classroom, she desires to come alongside parents in raising a generation to love and serve the Lord.
CARLOTTA LIVELY
Ancient History
As a veteran homeschooler and a mother of nine, Carlotta has been an active part of the Northern Kentucky homeschooling community for many years. In addition to various teaching and leadership roles, she also directs a Shakespeare club for homeschooled students. She holds a BA in psychology and an MA in history from Miami University and has taught history at the college level. Carlotta has a passion for history and God’s Word that she loves to bring together and share with her students in the classroom.
Debbie Porter
American History, Life Science, Biology, Spanish I
Debbie Porter has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dietetics with a Minor in Biology from David Lipscomb College where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She homeschooled her three children for 15 years, served on the leadership team at The Learning Tree Co-op for 13 years, and was the director of the homeschool camp at Woodland Lakes Christian Camp for several years. She feels blessed to be married and have 3 grown children and 2 granddaughters who fill the house with love and laughter when they visit. Debbie has a passion for seeing the hand of God in science and history. She has a connection with an orphanage in Guatemala where she developed a desire to become fluent in Spanish. She feels it is a great gift to have an opportunity to speak with the students during their short time at PEP.