Meet The Tutors

Alisa DeBorde

I tutor English classes, World History, and Creative Writing. I began tutoring Christian homeschool students because of my passion for inspiring young Christian thinkers to do all things well! Believers can and should glorify God through academics and the arts—we should be at the front of every pursuit! I also believe that all students have God-given gifts, and education should help them discover and explore those gifts. It is my great pleasure and blessing to support the homeschooling families of DA.

Liz Enders

I teach Cricut Crafting and classes for Elementary English and Grammar. Crafting with a Cricut machine can be super intimidating, but once we dive in you will find a whole new level of creativity unlocked, even for the self-proclaimed “non-creative” person. I love seeing the excitement on a friend’s face when they receive something that I’ve created just for them! I can’t wait to teach 7th-12th graders how to use this amazing machine to make so many fun and unique items in this new class. I also love teaching elementary English classes.  My favorite part is hearing my students read aloud their creative writing projects and seeing the different directions their writing prompts can take them! Homeschooling is important to me because it provides the opportunity to choose what our children are learning and being taught—This is a huge privilege! I love that I get to hand-pick curriculum that works best for my children and students, and if something doesn’t seem to be a great fit, that I also can choose to change it completely or adjust it to make it work. Homeschooling brings a freedom not found in a traditional classroom setting. We are so blessed to get to learn alongside our students information we may have never learned before ourselves, or new things about information long ago learned yet forgotten that has suddenly come alive again to us! All of this works best when it’s Christ centered! The days aren’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Amy Kirk

My name is Amy Kirk, and I will be teaching Pre-Algebra, Biology, Anatomy, and Physiology, as well as private piano.  I am a registered nurse with 11 years of experience practicing pediatric nursing. I have a degree in piano performance with over 15 years devoted to teaching piano /music. I tutor at DA because I get to help kids love learning and learn to love God more deeply. Homeschooling is rapidly becoming the premiere choice in education and can produce good outcomes for both parents and children.  I'm proud to assist families in this noble endeavor.

Heather Murias

I teach Algebra and Geometry. I love the kids at DA and I love knowing I may be relieving some moms of some of the work and organization of homeschooling. For me, homeschooling is important because as parents, we should have the right and tools needed to have more control of our children's education.  We should be able to trust they are in an environment closer to what we had when we grew up and, hopefully, even better!

Karen Wood

I teach Spanish, Algebra 2, Finite Math, Art History and Production, 7/8 Math. At DA, I love the collaboration of godly people seeking to find Christ in the academic world. Homeschooling is important because all students don't fit into the 7-3 public school model. We must have the option to educate our children the way they learn best. 

Chera Milford

My name is Chera Milford, this will be my second year teaching at DeBorde tutorial. I love the passion and vision that this tutorial brings to the community. DeBorde allows homeschooling families to have the flexibility of homeschooling with the added assistance they need from tutors. I have homeschooled my own children for 12 years and prefer a more classical approach to teaching and learning. I ask questions that provoke thought and curiosity and we dive into answers and theories together! I believe if individuals have a longing to learn and put forth the effort, they will succeed and do well! 

I have a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and have been a bedside Labor and Delivery nurse for 18 years and an orthopedic surgery center nurse the last year. Before studying nursing, I was a Biology major and Chemistry minor. Little did I know it would all circle around 20 years later as I teach the intricacies of Chemistry to you all! 

Ash Enders

I will be teaching Physical Science, Personal Finance, Government, and Economics. We've been a part of DA for the past three years and appreciate the high level of education our kids are receiving with a Christ-centered focus. The classes I teach are passions of mine and directly align with my career and personal interests. I'm grateful for the opportunity to invest in the students and a career allows me the flexibility to be here!

I believe homeschooling is important because it enables students to learn in their learning style and at a welcome pace is invaluable. Parents are able to incorporate so much in our child's education- from the arts to our faith. Being the primary influence in your child's life in this day and age is crucial. I truly believe homeschooling is an investment that will pay eternal rewards.

Mariva DeBorde

I am a recent graduate of Gordon College. While I was there, I studied English Literature and the Old Testament. I love the Bible classes I'm teaching this fall at DA because they will help more students understand the redeeming power of God throughout the entire Bible! I also love my English classes because they help another generation of students understand proper communication and the value of literature. I am so excited to be a part of this tutorial for many reasons, but the primary one being DA's emphasis on Christ. 

Matthew Murias

I have played guitar and drums for as long as I can remember.  I enjoyed teaching the rhythm class last year and this year I will be teaching guitar.  I hope my love and passion for music and for guitar technique will help inspire some new guitar players at DA!

Amanda Blankenship

I teach Worship Songwriting & Listening, History of Color and Health. I am originally from Ohio. My husband and I have 2 children in DeBorde Academy. I have been a Worship Pastor, Songwriting Mentor, Music Publisher, Recording Artist, Book Editor, Communications Director, Teacher, and Hospital Chaplain. I have a B.A. in Education and a M.A. in Ministry. My varied background is expressed in a holistic and integrative approach to learning. I love teaching and the journey we take together as a class in the learning process. 

Grace Anne Lofton

This year, I will teach theatre at DA. I am excited to tutor at DA because I believe using good literature (classic plays written for the stage) and disciplined acting techniques from some of the greatest modern acting instructors (Stanislavsky, Hagen, etc) can not only help students develop skills in acting, but can also help them better understand themselves, the world around them and the role God has given each one of them in this world. Homeschooling is important to me because it allows me to educate my kids from an unapologetically Christian worldview, engaging them at an early age with concerns for people all over the world and exposing them to wonderful literature and history that help them see God for who He is. Also, I am able to tailor certain work to each child’s needs while enjoying community as a family learning together. 

Katy Smith

I teach the Prayer and Persecution class.

At DA, I have loved watching the community and the events that are planned socially for the kids.  I love the arts and never wanted to teach science so we are super grateful that Mrs. Milford is teaching Chemistry and Mrs. Murias is teaching Anatomy!

I believe it is the parent’s responsibility to train up a child in the way they should go!  I want to spend as much time with my kids as I can before they launch and I want to be the one who is setting the foundation for faith, worldviews and life skills.  

Sarah Paxson

This will be my first year teaching at DeBorde Academy. I will be teaching Elementary Science, MS Science, and  Elementary Arts and Crafts.  I have been teaching in a homeschool tutorial classroom for ten years, the last five of which have been in science. Before I decided to stay home and homeschool my children, I  was a nurse in neurosurgery. I absolutely enjoy teaching and cultivating a love for learning in all of my students. My favorite part about homeschooling is meeting individual children where they are academically and helping them move toward their God-given potential. I look forward to teaching your children and working with you this year!