Academics Guidepost Academy Virtual School

After obtaining her undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware, Emma immersed herself in educational studies and research. Joining Teach for America Delaware and enrolling in Relay Graduate School of Education's Master of Teaching program, she completed a two-year journey that equipped her with skills, real-world experiences, and certifications. Following this commitment, Emma began teaching at First State Montessori Academy, obtaining Montessori certification and embracing a philosophy of student independence. Now, Emma joins the Virtual School Team at ATI and looks forward to continuing to hone her skills. Throughout her career, she has undertaken roles in curriculum development, leadership, management, mental health awareness campaigns, and practical life curricula. Emma and her husband, along with their three dogs (Penny, Ruby & Atka) and a profusion of plants, have relocated from Washington, DC to Illinois. They share a love for hiking, reading, strong coffee on snowy mornings, and advocacy work. Her professional journey has affirmed her ability to craft tailored supports for students within established curricula. Her aspiration is to bring a sense of individualism, independence, pride, and leadership to Virtual School at ATI.

Summer Evans is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and Johns Hopkins University. She holds a B.S. degrees in Mathematics and Political Science, and an M.S. in Secondary Education. Summer joins ATI Virtual School with a wealth of teaching experience. She began her career with Teach for America, and has spent the past decade teaching algebra, geometry, and calculus to adolescents in Baltimore and New York City. Beginning in 2016, Summer piloted initiatives using Chromebooks to support math education. This experience has allowed her to adapt to online environment seamlessly. Most importantly, Summer's ability to instantaneously connect with all students is the foundation of her educational approach. By fostering deep relationships, Summer motivates and supports all learners.

Jeremy is a fifth generation teacher who can trace his family's teaching history back to a one-room schoolhouse in rural Kansas in the late 1800s. He earned his Bachelors of Science Education in physics in 2009 from Emporia State University and went on to get a second Bachelors of Science in Geology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2013. He completed his Masters of Science in Educational Leadership in May 2015 along with an additional 18 hours towards an Educational Specialist in Educational Administration from Fort Hays State University. Jeremy brings 9 years of experience teaching secondary science and a great enthusiasm for the Montessori educational philosophy. In his free time he is a keyboard player for three bands that pay tribute to three great Rock n' Roll bands: The Cars, REO Speedwagon and Bon Jovi. Jeremy is married with his first child expected to be born in summer 2021.

Hannah has nearly ten years of experience as an educator. She graduated from the University of North Texas and has taught all levels of elementary school. In her spare time she spends time with her Rhodesian ridgeback, Chief, and takes care of her many house plants. Hannah is passionate about reading and social emotional learning.

Jennifer earned a bachelor's degree in Anthropology with a minor in Education Studies from UCLA in 2010. She returned to UCLA to earn a Master of Education degree through the Teacher Education Program in 2012. Jennifer's journey as an educator first became clear when she worked to support middle-school students in an after school program at her local Boys and Girls Club in 2007. That experience inspired her to further her work uplifting youth in the Greater Los Angeles area, which ultimately led her to becoming a teacher. Jennifer is a life-long learner who finds opportunities to grow as an educator so that she can contribute to transforming lives, elevating education, and creating a more just society. She can typically be found in nature observing local wildlife, at home cuddling with her dogs, or in the kitchen trying out new recipes when not working.

Andrea’s professional life has been varied and non-traditional. She discovered her love for teaching and connecting with students during an independent study course her senior year of high school, prompting her to attend the University of Idaho to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. On track to complete this, life interrupted a bit just before she was to graduate. She became a mother of four and chose to use her education to homeschool for 12 years before transitioning to a position as an 8th grade teacher at a private school. After 8 years, she began subbing at the local public high school and discovered a love of these students which prompted her to return her attention to finally completing her Bachelor's degree in Education. She added two high school endorsements of History and English, and began full-time at the High School, which expanded to include a Personal Choices course in addition to History and English. In every variation, her motivation and pleasure is a result of building relationships and connection with students of all ages, beginning with her family which now includes two new spouses and two grandsons. In her spare time she loves walking her two dogs, visiting her family members across the country, creating personalized gifts, camping and kayaking, and coffee with her husband.

Sharon has been guiding students through the college admissions process for 40 years. Her experiences include serving as Director of College Counseling at Head Royce School; Associate Director of Admissions at Mills College; Consultant for the College Board; Instructor for the UC Berkeley Extension College and Career Certificate Program and other counseling roles. She has read applications for Cal Berkeley and UC Davis, and served on national committee for the National Association of College Admissions Counselors.With all that said, she really considers herself to be a matchmaker. Sharon thinks that there is no bigger thrill than to match a student with the right college.A native of the Bay Area, she is the very proud mom of 2 grown daughters. Her new passion (thanks to the pandemic) is cajun cooking.

Ian is a lifelong thinker, writer, and explorer whose academic interests have taken him across academic disciplines. He receive a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville, but then left the sciences behind to explore an intellectual trajectory into English and Comparative Literature in a master's degree at the University of Chicago... and then he got restless and decided to pursue a second master's degree in Religious Studies at the University of Chicago Divinity School! He delights in the discovery of new knowledge, and he brings that delight to ATI Virtual School as a Liberal Arts and Literature guide. In his free time, Ian enjoys spending time with his family, working on a variety of writing projects, and teaching an occasional college rhetoric course.