Meet Our Team
A note from the founders…
Over the last 10 years, we have had the chance to speak at homeschooling conferences across the U.S. and rub virtual elbows with parents via our online platform, Intoxicated On Life. During this decade of ministry, we’ve connected with tens of thousands of homeschooling parents that have a burden for providing home-based education for their children, and they often don’t feel equipped to give higher-level secondary education to their children—specifically in the sciences.
But what if there were options for homeschoolers that allowed them to receive high quality education, independent of their parents? What if parents realized it was no longer their job to “know everything” (as the expert), but to connect their students with expert mentors who could inspire them on their own journey?
That’s where we come in.
We were born to teach. We both have a background in education, and we believe in homeschooling. More importantly, we believe in passing on the legacy of our Christian faith to our children—but not because we’re keeping our kids locked away in a “Christian bubble.” Instead, we invite lively discussion on current events, modern scientific discoveries, and engagement with the vibrant world God has created.
Journey Homeschool Academy is thrilled to lead homeschool students through a practical exploration of God’s world. We invite students to engage with Creation—and the written Word He has given us—to develop the skills they need as they cross the threshold of adulthood.
Luke has as BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies and an MA in Religion from Reformed Theological Seminary—and has always had a passion for connecting theology to all academic disciples of life. After serving as a college campus minister and working for Covenant Eyes, he and Trisha began working full-time creating homeschooling curricula and resources for Christian families. Luke has taught numerous classes at local homeschool co-ops including: astronomy, logic, speech, and debate classes.
Trisha has a BS in Biology and an MA in Counseling —and has always loved exploring how science and faith interact. Looking for a creative and educational outlet as a full-time mom, she and Luke began the blog Intoxicated on Life, which has since become a resource for hundreds of thousands of readers around the world. Trisha has taught science and psychology courses at local homeschool co-ops, a private high school, and at a local college.
Curriculum Advisors
Our amazing curriculum advisors help us develop the great lessons and educational activities we provide for families. Their expertise is an invaluable resource to our organization.
Ryan Westcott has as a BA in Physics/Secondary Ed., and another in Applied Physics. He is fueled by his desire to understand and share the way God’s creation works. Ryan taught physics for 11 years in a public school and for 8 years at a homeschool academy. He currently works as a data analyst for an electric utility, but never lost his love for teaching, especially teaching physics from a God-centered perspective. He shares his love of learning with his wife as they homeschool their two children.
Bekah Kohlmeier has a BA in Secondary Education and Chemistry, with a minor in Theology. She has been teaching both of these subjects (along with many others) in Lutheran high schools for 7 years. Science, theology, and helping people have always been her three passions, so she couldn’t turn down the opportunity to work with this team!
Bekah Kohlmeier has a BA in Secondary Education and Chemistry, with a minor in Theology. She has been teaching both of these subjects (along with many others) in Lutheran high schools for 7 years. Science, Theology, and helping people have always been her three passions, so she couldn’t turn down the opportunity to work with this team!
Onalee Sturgeon graduated from the University of Michigan in 2001 with Honors, a major in science, minor in math, a teaching certificate—and a burning passion to teach children. Since then, Onalee has taught as a virtual public school teacher, brick and mortar school teacher, private tutor for grades K-college, and has homeschooled her own children for nine years. The last four years, she has spent her time working as an 8th grade earth science teacher in a virtual school, and enjoys the ability to help students learn in a setting that helps them find success in their educational journey.
Customer Care Team
Our fantastic customer care team is working constantly to help answer all of our student and parent questions — both before and after joining the Journey Homeschool family! You’ll be impressed with their personalized care and attention.
Mary Bush is a former elementary teacher, educational content creator, and a curriculum proofreader, but she has also worked in customer service in some form or fashion for the last decade (or two). She is happy to have the opportunity to work from home while she and her husband homeschool their daughter.
Mary Bush is a former elementary teacher, educational content creator, and a curriculum proofreader, but she has also worked in customer service in some form or fashion for the last decade (or two). She is happy to have the opportunity to work from home while she and her husband homeschool their daughter.
Shanna Noel is a former high school Spanish teacher. After Shanna’s youngest son was born, she and her husband decided to have her stay home to be more present with their children. Her family transitioned to homeschooling in 2020 and they are loving the freedom that homeschooling gives them. She now teaches Spanish at the local co-op and enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and volunteering on the curriculum team at her church. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and two sons.
Jessica Howard is a recent high school graduate with a General Associate’s degree from Lansing Community College. As a former homeschooler, she has a passion for helping others navigate their homeschooling journey. When she’s not helping out with customer service or doing a variety of other office tasks for Journey, she assists in homeschooling her two younger siblings and reading and baking in her spare time.
Rachel Wideman is a Registered Nurse and second-generation homeschooler dedicated to helping families adapt their homeschooling experience to fit their family culture. She homeschools her three children, loves traveling and hiking with her family, and is an avid reader.
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We also have several individuals on our tech team who are constantly working to help make sure everything runs smoothly—or troubleshooting for us when something runs awry! We couldn’t make all of this happen without their skills.
