Niki Parsley - CHoSEN Academic Director: "My name is Niki Parsley, and it is a pleasure to serve as the Academic Director of CHoSEN Homeschool Co-op. I have been blessed to be married to a wonderful man, Tommy, since 1990. We have three lovely children, born in 1992, 1999, and 2001. We attend Calvary Chapel and absolutely love it! I have been homeschooling since the fall of 1999. I have a B.A. Degree in Elementary Education from USF. I taught 3rd and 5th grades at St. Petersburg Christian School, tutored Title 1 students and have taught a variety of homeschool classes over the years. The Lord has really given me a love for homeschooling and homeschooling families. I pray that you will be truly blessed through the fellowship of CHoSEN Co-op.

Jen Parsley - CHoSEN Financial Director: "Hi! My name is Jen Parsley, and I am the Financial Director for CHoSEN Homeschool Co-op. I'm a native central Kentuckian but moved to Florida at age 20 (to be closer to my future husband) and graduated from USF with a B.A. Degree in Business Administration/Accounting. My husband Eddie and I have been married since 1993. We have three precious girls, born in 1994, 1997, and 2000, and I have been homeschooling them since March 2002. I greatly enjoy serving at Calvary Chapel wherever our Lord leads me! When He gave me the opportunity to be involved with the administration of CHoSEN, I could not have imagined how richly blessed I would be! It is my prayer that each of you would be able to gain as much blessing from attending as Niki and I do from directing. Each week brings new excitement, new challenges, and new beginnings for us all."

Jeremy Ackley: "I graduated from Colorado State University in 1997 with a Bachelor's degree in Microbiology. Many of you are more familiar with my wife Mieka. In previous semesters I have taught Military Masters, Football 101, Organic Chemistry, Florida Fauna and Flora and 6th Grade Science. I have subbed for classes at Co-op in the past including High School Biology, Explosive Science, Watercolor Painting, and Spanish. I've also assisted with several other classes over the last few sessions and coached a couple of children's soccer teams through Pinellas Park Youth Soccer Association. I'm very excited to teach again this term! Our children have been home schooled for the last four years and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to teach which has been provided by the gracious leaders at CHoSEN Co-op, the parents, and most importantly, the students who would choose to come to my classes."

Mary Arnold: Mary Arnold has been married to her best friend Scott since 1988 and together they have four handsome boys. They started homeschooling back in 1998 and have never looked back. She finds it to be such an honor to serve her Lord, Jesus Christ and to trust Him as they walk by faith on this very fun and privileged journey! Mary and her family have attended Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg since 1998.

Brenda Baird: I'm excited to have the opportunity to work with your children during this session of Chosen. God has allowed me to share my life with a wonderful man for almost 22 years of marriage. During that time we homeschooled our two children. Wesley is now a sophomore in college and Victoria is a high school junior. Prior to being a full time mom I worked for the City of St. Petersburg as the City Clerk. My personal relationship with Jesus Christ has been the guiding force through all the events in my life and I look forward to challenging my students to fall deeper in love with Jesus.

Mindy Buehring: "Welcome back to school!! My name is Mindy Buehring and it's an honor to join each of you for another great semester of learning! Our family discovered CHoSEN while searching the web for homeschooling opportunities before we even moved to Florida-- summer 2006. What an exceptional community and wealth of creative resources! I consider the past 15+ years homeschooling our three children a tremendous privilege from the Lord. I'm continually overwhelmed by the magnitude of responsibility, and equally energized by God's daily infusion of gracious wisdom for the task! It's a joy to serve your family, as others have served ours. Thanks for investing so much into God's great gift of KIDS!!!"

Wendy Connor "Hello! My name is Wendy, and I've been a Calvary Chapel member since 1998 (on and off, we moved a couple times and then moved back to the area). I'm married (11 years) to a wonderful man, Mark Connor, who is a Deputy Sheriff and volunteers at Calvary for the Security ministry. We have two sweet kids, Benji (10) and Hannah (8). I grew up believing in God and Jesus, but I didn't have any type of relationship with Him until about 10 years ago when we started going to Calvary. Mark & I were trying to have a child, but hadn't had any luck for many months. I gave my life to Christ, and I was baptized by Danny on Easter Sunday 1999. Just three days later, I found out we were going to have our first child! What an AWESOME God we have!!! Since then God has blessed us in SO many ways. Before children, I worked as a Graphic Artist & Desktop Publisher at Kinko's and then at Sir Speedy Printing, and I've done many home based businesses since then (Pampered Chef, Discovery Toys, Usborne Books) so I could stay home with the kids and homeschool, which I absolutely LOVE to do! I think I learn just as much (if not MORE) than they do on this homeschool journey that we're on. I currently work from home with a company called Daddy Dolls, Inc., which produces photo dolls, dog tags, pillows & pillowcases, mainly for children who have a parent on active duty in the service. I love to do crafts and make many types of things. I really enjoy making jewelry, so I'm very excited to be able to share my knowledge with you! I'm looking forward to meeting you!"

Alex Copeland "I am Alexandra Copeland, and I've taught two semesters CHoSEN co-op. I have been home schooled my whole life, and now I am dual enrolled at St. Petersburg College. At school, I am involved in the student government association, and I hope to be involved in a Bible study with the other SGA members. I have personally taken many of CHoSEN co-op's classes. I have two different blackbelts, and I hope to one day teach at my karate school. I am also involved at my church and enjoy working with kids."

Daphney Cordeiro "My name is Daphney Cordeiro & I am a married mother of three, ages ranging from 8 years to 18 months. I have been homeschooling for three years, which is a life's dream for me as I always wanted to be a teacher. I know it was God who placed that passion in my heart from my childhood. I love to read books about Classical Education, Homesteading, the Arts, & Creation. I pray that I am used to encourage & build up each child's family I'm blessed with instructing."

Nikki Davis: "Hi my name is Nikki Davis, and I am married to a wonderful and loving man, Oterio, and we have three beautiful children: Ni'Chelle, Jonathan-Myles, and Jordan-Matthew. I have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of South Florida and an Associate of Science degree in Business Management from St. Petersburg College. For the past few years I have been blessed to be an assistant in the kindergarten classroom. I have been blessed with the privilege of helping both Becky Haley and Cydney Tuten, who both taught me so very much. This year I have honor and privilege of teaching the kindergarten class. I am totally overwhelmed by this opportunity to love and serve my Savior through ministering to the children He sends to this class."

Brenda DeWeese: "I have been married for 23 years to a wonderful man, Bill DeWeese. I have 4 children: Aleigh (20) homeschool alumni 2007, presently at SPC; Joshua (16), dual enrolled at SPC and homeschooled; Samantha (14) homeschooled; and Josiah (9), homeschooled day by day. I have homechooled for 14 years and love it! I love the Lord, and my family attends Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg."

Cindy DiMarco: "Hi! I am Cindy DiMarco. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 10 years and we have two fun boys, CJ (2000) and Colin (2004). Before I was a mom, I taught kindergarten in Pinellas County for 8 years and then had the rich privilege of staying home to be with my children. We began our homeschooling in 2005 and have enjoyed every minute of it. The Lord brought us to CHoSEN and it has enhanced our homeschool experience. It is a thrill to be able to be a part of this precious group of people and to teach such remarkable children!

Camille Godwin: "I am 16 years old and have attended the Academy of Ballet Arts for 8 1/2 years, where I have received training in classical Russian Ballet, Russian folk dance, and acting. I am a member of the St. Petersburg Ballet Company and the St. Petersburg Folk Ensemble. I perform in the Nutcracker and SPIFFS. I have previously taught ballet, Russian folk dance, and creative movement at CHoSEN Co-op. I also enjoy cooking, writing stories, playing sports, and geocaching."

Kristin Godwin: "Hi! My name is Kristin Godwin and I have been blessed with a husband of 21 years and 4 wonderful children, ages 6 to 15. I have been homeschooling for 9 years and am also a registered nurse. I enjoy history, science, and the arts. I have a lifelong love of learning that I hope to pass along to my students."

Keith Lewis: Keith Lewis is an awesome, loving husband of 22 years and Homeschool Dad of 15 years to two sons and one daughter. A natural artist, Keith has been playing guitar for 37 years. He plays all forms: acoustic and electric. Another God-given passion for Keith is photography. He is a professional wedding photographer of 3 years with exceptional natural talent. Keith loves what he does and his passion for both guitar and photography is infectious! Keith has taught at other local co-ops over the last 5 years. Students will love Keith's fun-loving way of teaching!

Nicole Loden: "My name is Nicole Loden. I am a mother of four beautiful children ages 10, 6, 5, and 2. This is my fifth year homeschooling, and I find it very rewarding and challenging. I have an Associate of Arts and Science degree from St. Petersburg College. I am a Registered Nurse and worked for 10 years at All Children's Hospital before deciding to stay home full-time with my children. My husband, Scott, and I have attended Calvary Chapel for 15 years. I have really enjoyed teaching P.E. at co-op and getting to know the children and families. I can't wait to meet your children and help them expend some of their extra energy in my P.E. class!"

The McGory Girls: "Hello my name is Shantaneast McGory. I have been homeschooled for 5 ½ years. I'm very involved with our church youth group. I have a passion for children and am very active with the children's ministry at Calvary Chapel. I have served in childcare and for the past two years, have been a craft leader for VBS, and a camp counselor for the elementary school age summer camp. I'm a recent graduate of the Keepers of The Home ministry at Calvary, and am now serving the ministry by assisting with the 4-6 year old group. For the past three years I have assisted in the First Grade Co-op class with my mom and sisters. I read for the church's Pre-K program and love it! I have a passion for books and enjoy sharing that passion with others."

"Hello my name is Marquela McGory. I'm 14 years old and have been homeschooled for 5 ½ years. I have been a part of CHoSEN Co-op for four years. For the last three years I have assisted my mom in her First Grade class. We have been members of Calvary Chapel for five years. I'm very involved with our youth group and I love the Lord. For the past two years, I have been a crew leader for our church's VBS. I was a junior counselor for the elementary summer camp. This is my first time teaching, but thankfully I will be working with my older sister Shantaneast McGory. I am so happy to be working with her!"

Terry McGory: "Hello, my name is Terry McGory. I have been married for 8 1/2 years to one of the greatest men God created, Patrick McGory. We have 3 wonderful girls, Shantaneast (17), Marquela (14), and Maquila (11). We were called by our Lord and Savior to homeschool three years ago and are going strong. For 5 years my family has been very blessed to be members of Calvary Chapel. We serve in different ministries, one of which is CHoSEN Co-op. After serving as an aide to Donna Palomino in the first grade class for a few semesters, I am thrilled to now teach the class. Titus 2:7 - 'And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.'"

Michelle Nielsen: "My name is Michelle Nielsen, but like to be called Mrs. Michelle by the children :) I have been married for 18 years to Brian and we have been blessed to be the parents of Savannah (8) and Piper (8). I have been homeschooling for three years and am so thankful that I am able to do so. After working in the real estate industry for 13 years God laid it on my heart to homeschool my children and it has been an adventure ever since. I never realized how much I would learn about myself through teaching my children. Thankfully, God did know! My family and I attend Aldersgate Church in Largo where I also work part-time. I am excited about teaching this semester and look forward to meeting you and your children."

Devin O'Connor: "My name is Devin O'Connor and I'm homeschooled. I love photography and teaching children. My experience is largely from co-teaching my younger siblings, instructing a Sunday school class for two years, and tutoring a young girl in reading. I look forward to some seriously exciting, fun-filled days of learning with your children this semester!"

Donna Phillips: "I love to sew and have been doing so since the age of six in one form or another. My hope is to pass the passion of sewing, creating and designing off to another generation so that they can make their imagination flourish! I have a busy household that includes kids of many ages: Jeff, my husband, and various children from 24 to 8 years old! Needless to say, there is not a lot of time for sewing, but I am hoping this course will allow me an excuse to indulge one of my joys and help spark God-given talents in many of CHoSEN's children!"

Korey Provard: "Hello! My name is Korey Provard, and I am so excited to be teaching at our co-op. I gave my life to Christ when I was 16 years old. I am married to a wonderful man. Everyone knows my hubby as one of the bass players for Calvary's Worship team. I am a mother of three children. One is in college and I homeschool my two younger ones. I am also a registered nurse at All Children's Hospital. I find that my job is often a mission field right here in St. Petersburg. Prior to nursing, I was a Pre-K teacher for a few years and then I owned, operated and directed three preschools with my husband. I have been in nursing for 14 years now during which time I was also the Children's Church leader at my church. My hope is to bring the knowledge of my education, my life experiences and my love for our Lord into my class. I consider it an honor to teach your children."

Jacquelyn Sowers: Jaquelyn Sowers is a homeschool alumni of 2009. She has completed Teaching Children Effectively 1 & 2 through Child Evangelism Fellowship. She is an avid Literature connoisseur and History buff! Jaquelyn enjoys making her own cards, playing the piano, and teaching Bible lessons to children.

Rebecca Till: "My name is Rebecca Till. I have known and walked with the Lord for almost 30 years. It is my great desire to disciple others in the Christian faith and to always be ready to give an answer to all who ask the reason for the hope I have within. I met my husband, Brian, at Liberty University where I graduated with a degree in Psychology. We were married in 1996 when I began my teaching career by teaching high school Psychology. Eventually, I completed the necessary courses to begin teaching upper elementary and taught a variety of ages in many settings. Though I am grateful for these experiences, they have served to further fuel my passion for the unique privilege of homeschooling. We have homeschooled my daughter, Jadyn, who was born in 2001, since birth. My husband is the founding pastor of Cross of Life Church in St. Petersburg. I have enjoyed meeting many of you at the check in table and look forward to getting to know your students even more."

Caroline Witsey: "Hello! My name is Caroline Witsey. I have been happily married to my husband, Nigel, for 18 years and we have 3 wonderful children ages 12, 10, and 4. We are originally from England and moved to America back in 1990. We feel truly blessed to be able to live in such a great country. We started our homeschooling journey in 2005 and are excited to embark on our 5th year! We attend Indian Rocks Baptist Church. I love being with children and have been a Sunday School teacher for many years, working with Kindergarten to 5th grade students. I feel truly honored and blessed to be able to serve the Lord and teach at CHoSEN Co-op."

Linda Wooldridge: "Hi! My name is Linda Wooldridge. I've been married to my wonderful, fantastic, amazing husband since the day we both graduated from Virginia Tech in 1979. (We graduated in the morning, moved out of the dorm in the afternoon and got married that evening.) We have 2 beautiful children: DJ (22) a 2005 homeschool grad and 2009 USF grad; and Cindy (15) an amazing artist and cook! I love working with kids and teens: Kids' Camp, VBS, Girl Scouts, and now CHoSEN; it's so much fun! God has greatly blessed me with wonderful opportunities. I look forward to meeting you and your teens! Phil. 1:6."

Wesley Baird: Wes Baird was homeschooled all his life, and is a homeschool graduate of the class of '08. He is currently a sophomore at Clearwater Christian College, pursuing a Pastoral Studies degree. His interests include martial arts, tennis, and chess.

Tom Cooney: Co-founder and Vice President of Tom and Lily the Love Frog; profoundly deaf since nine months old is a motivational speaker, he grips audiences with his ability to reach into their hearts, conveying his triumph over many of life's obstacles in a humorous and compelling way. He has a wealth of stories to share that will inspire young and old to never give up. Tom has introduced sign language to almost 2-million hearing children. Many of them have grown up to become interpreters for the deaf. As an advocate for the deaf community, Tom has shared American Sign Language with Presidents, dignitaries, movie and sport personalities along with many others. To learn more about Tom and Lily the Love Frog, visit www.lilythelovefrog.org.

Angela Dennison: "Hi there, home school mothers and mentors! 'He must become greater, I must become less.' (John 3:30) This is my life verse, and my prayer daily as I teach your children and mine. My husband Jay, who is my best friend, and I have two children, lovely Lillian (13) and excited Elijah (7). We have been attending Calvary Chapel for 12 years. I graduated from SPC and am a St. Petersburg native. When I'm not at home teaching, I am a baker at Rollin' Oats St. Petersburg. I am passionate about many things, but my favorites that will pour out to your children are these: my love for Jesus Christ, and my passion for teaching healthy and whole foods, baking and cooking. I am thankful, and humbled to be used by the Lord, and for the Lord's purpose here at CHoSEN!"

Becky Haley: "I am a mom of four wonderful children. I have an Early Childhood Ed. Degree from USF and have taught in a variety of school settings including the CHoSEN Co-op."

Noelle Hall: "I am Noelle Hall, and my husband Jason and I have been married 9 years. We have a son Jason who is in first grade this year. We have attended Calvary for around 15 years and are so truly blessed to be part of such a wonderful Christian family. I strive daily to do everything as unto the Lord and enjoy teaching children."

Sara LaFave: "My name is Sara LaFave. I have an Associate of Arts degree from St. Petersburg College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education (K-12) from the University of South Florida. I have several years of experience teaching art in the Pinellas County public school system. I also have been involved in teaching art classes for after-school programs and currently give private and group lessons as well."

Danie Marolf: "Hi. My name is Danie Marolf. I am in love with the Lord first, then my husband, and my three sweet children, Jacob, Lauren, and Karina. I have been homeschooling for one year, but I have been teaching for approximately 10 years. I graduated from Houghton College in Upstate New York with a BA in Psychology, and a minor in Voice Performance. I have owned my own businesses for about 15 years now, starting with Real Estate in New York and then, after my children were born, I started a pre-school music program, and have taught piano as well. I also love directing drama productions. I am looking forward to the opportunity to teach your children and see what the Lord has in mind for this semester. It will be good, as He is great and marvelous, and all his works are wonderful, I know that full well!"

Kendra O'Connor: "I have been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ since 1983, married to Sean O'Connor since 1993, and Mom to Devin since 1995, Liam (1996), Noble (2004), and Quinn (2007). My college major was Elementary Education with minors in Special Education and Bible. The way I see it, we're in a race against time, both in raising godly children as the years seem to fly by and in seeking and saving those who are lost. I want to cross the finish line and bring everyone with me that I can!"

Ronda O'Connor: "My name is Ronda, and I am married to the awesome Jim O'Connor, the Children's Pastor here at Calvary Chapel. We have four wonderful children. Our oldest is Derick: he is 24 years old and married to Laina (daughter of Catie Frates), currently living in Naples. Kevin is 17 years old and will be graduating this year. Leslie is 15 years old and is in the Program for Environmental Technologies at Lakewood High School. Bethany, my baby, just turned 9 years old and attends Sanderlin Elementary. While I am not currently homeschooling any of my children, I have home schooled in past years, beginning with Derick. I am currently assisting my husband in his ministry here at the church by working in the office part-time. We love children! I enjoy cooking and cookbooks. (Some people collect shoes; I collect cookbooks!) While I am not a professional, I am looking forward to passing on what I know."

Jennifer Russo: "A musical hello to you all from Jennifer Russo! I have been married to my sweetheart Michael for 10 years and have one adorable son, also named Michael (10 months old). I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education (K-12) from the University of Tampa, and I am a National Board Certified Music Educator. I have taught Elementary Music in Hillsborough County (my mission field) for the past 11 years where my focus has been singing (solo and choral), playing (guitar, ukulele, recorder, xylophone and African Drums) and dancing (Folk Dancing, Square Dancing, and various other forms from many cultures). I am now on leave from that position and looking forward to homeschooling my son and serving the Lord with the talents He has given me. I was very honored and blessed to serve with Sandra Brown as a musical director for the VBS at St. Pete Calvary (Arctic Edge & Avalanche Ranch) and I know that the Lord has created in me such an excitement and desire to show His love to His children and I will use puppetry when necessary! (smile). I absolutely love learning so my passion for teaching is not limited to music. I enjoy teaching science, art, clay animation & clay sculpture, cooking and baking (kid friendly, of course). Since having my son, the Lord has shown me just how absolutely amazing He has created each and every one of us. He has given me such a desire to share His joy, love and humor with His children. I attend Calvary Chapel of Palm Harbor."

Brenda Sain: "I've been homeschooling for 9 years and I consider myself to be classically eclectic. I have a wonderful husband who encourages me to be the best woman that God has created me to be. We spend a lot of time together as a family. Being a mother of 5, I have to be creative when it comes to getting in all our subjects. I'm glad to be teaching at the co-op again during this season of my life, and I look forward to meeting you and your children. I love art, history, and science, and you can find me blogging regularly at http://www.thetiethatbindsus.blogspot.com about our homeschooling journey."

Maggie Seddio: "In 1996 we left chilly Rochester, NY, to move to St Petersburg - gladly trading our boots and woollies for sandals and shorts! We sought out Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg upon our arrival, and quickly made it our second home. Our kids have grown up at Calvary, and so have we! My husband is now an associate pastor there. We have three children: our first two are biological (born 1995 and 1997) and our third just arrived in 2009 as an adoption through the foster care system (he was born in 1999). We have homeschooled since "the beginning" except for a short stint in public school in early elementary. In my free time I love to sew, play piano, write, cook, read with my kids, and study God's Word. I am honored to be a part of the CHoSEN co-op and I look forward to meeting you!"

Kellie Sipos: Kellie is a Mom of 4 daughters ranging from ages 8 to 15 years old. Animals, well that is always the joke! Let's see...currently she owns 14 horses, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 2 birds, 2 rabbits, 1 guinea pig, 2 pot-bellied pigs, 7 chickens and some fish somewhere in there. She is the true animal fanatic! Kellie has homeschooled for 9 years, though currently three of her children attend school and the fourth is being homeschooled this year. Horses and children are her life as she teaches children all year round about the responsibility and safety of horsemanship. Kellie recently received her certification in therapeutic riding and in now certified to work with disabled children on horses as therapy as well. You must like homework to take her classes as she requires some reading and reports. Lapbooks are her favorite way to teach and, although time consuming, these are a great way for students to retain the information taught.

Lynn Sowers: Lynn Sowers is married to a wonderful leader, Pastor Joseph Sowers, and they have 5 blessings: Jaquelyn ('90) Jessica ('93) Jennifer ('95) Sarah ('97) Katheryn ('04). They have had the privilege of always having their children at home and have been homeschooling since '95. Lynn has a great concern for encouraging others on their homeschooling journey and the homeschooling movement in general. She enjoys encouraging children to love learning through "living" literature and hands-on projects!

Noelle Stillman: "I am blessed to be the wife of Adam for the past 14 years and the homeschooling mother of 5 awesome children (and 1 on the way!). Some of my interests are history (particularly ancient and Biblical), languages and culture, literature, missions, nature, and the domestic arts. I have been teaching at CHoSEN co-op for about 5 years and I love passing on my passion for learning to my students. I earned my degree in Occupational Therapy from Florida International University in Miami, and am also a certified birth doula. I also had the privilege of studying German language and literature at Schiller International University in Heidelberg, Germany. And most importantly, I have had the undeserved blessing of knowing and walking with Jesus for 15 years...he is long-suffering, indeed! :)"

Vale Stradley: "I graduated in 1995 from USF with a degree in Speech Communication. I worked at WQYK 99.5 FM radio station for 2 years after college doing promotions and working on-air shifts on the weekends. I met my husband, Damian, there and was reaquainted with the Lord as well during that time. I started working at Great Explorations Children's Museum in late '97. At first, I was assisting in promotions and special event planning, but then became the office manager after 6 months. My husband and I had our first child, Nathan, in 1998; our second child, Joel, in 1999; and our third child, Jordan, in 2004. The Lord had laid it on our hearts to home educate our children, and now we are beginning our sixth year. I also enjoy serving the Lord in the Women of Heart Ministry and Calvary Children's Ministry."

Kendall Sussman: "I studied economics and finance in school and worked in corporate finance in the airline and entertainment industries. I traded in my spreadsheets for crib sheets and my HP 19B calculator for a baby monitor. Now, I have graduated to laundry and toy repair and I love it all. He has blessed me with a daughter, 8 and a son, 6 and we are starting our 5th year of home school."

Brenna Warshowsky: "Hello! My name is Brenna Warshowsky. My husband and I will be celebrating 16 years of marriage this year! We have 3 children ages 14, 8, & 6. We began our homeschooling journey Christmas of 1998. Wow, I can't believe it has been almost 11 years. Every year brings new challenges and change to our homeschool. I have learned so much by teaching my children. I am still learning and will forever be learning. There are so many things that I love and am interested in. Nature, music & singing, chickens, ballet, history, herbs & other cultures to name a few. This life is an adventure! I am looking forward to getting to know your children and share in their love for learning."