Instructors
Mrs. Tami Armstrong
My name is Tami M. Armstrong and I graduated from Asbury College with a B.S. in Social Studies Education with a Middle School Endorsement in English and Social Studies. I have been an educator for the past 8 years in Private Christian Schools before my husband, Bryan and I prayerfully considered homeschooling our daughter, Theta for the 2022-2023 school year.
I am enthusiastically looking forward to teaching classes through CHESS. I strive to be a positive light of Christ’s love to my future students. My goal this year at CHESS is for my students to enjoy the material taught and their ability to grow in knowledge of the subject through dedication and hard work on their part as well as my own.
Bryan and I have been married for 12 years and we have one daughter, Theta who is 9 years old. We have a Yellow Lab named Floyd who is 2 years old. My family enjoys being outside and discovering God’s creation.
Mrs. Christine Bauder
Hey Guys, I'm Christine :) I graduated from Gettysburg Masters Commission with my credentials in pastoral studies. My Passion in life is teaching kids/teens about the Lord. I'm also a big lover of the creative arts. I have 2 kids. My Husband Joe is a farmer but I'm still learning how to be a farmer. We have 3 Dogs, Lots of cats that need adopted lol, chickens and pigs. I was Homeschooled myself and am super excited to be able to do the same for my kids. CHESS is an amazing co-op to be a part of and I can't wait to be a part of your kids learning adventures.
Mrs. Julia Beiler
Hi! My name is Julia Beiler. I graduated from Millersville University with a B.S. in Secondary English Education (7th-12th) and an additional certification to teach math, science, and social studies to students in grades 4-8. I was an assistant in Autism Support classrooms and I taught 7th grade English at Linglestown Middle School in Central Dauphin School District before becoming a mama. Now I stay at home with my son, Isaiah, and tutor students part time. I look forward to teaching at CHESS.
Mrs. Amanda Book
Hello! My name is Amanda Book, and I am excited to be teaching at CHESS this year. I am a mother of four and have always enjoyed working with children and helping them to discover new things in fun and engaging ways.
I believe every child learns differently, and I am passionate about creating a classroom environment where students feel welcomed, valued, and excited to explore together. My goal is to make my classroom come alive through stories, activities, and hands-on learning that encourages curiosity and a love of learning.
I look forward to a wonderful year of learning, growing and exploring together.
Mrs. Stacie Cole
Hi! My name is Stacie Cole, and I am a Homeschool Mom and a Speech Language Pathologist. I graduated from Clarion and Bloomsburg Universities and have a M.S. in Speech Language Pathology/Communication Sciences and Disorders. I have worked in a school district with all ages, in long term care, and rehabilitation settings.
I live in Manheim with my husband Rodney, our 2 sons Gabriel and Elias, our dog Scooter, our turtle Mr. T, and Chameleon the fish. Both of my boys attended preschool but have been homeschooled since kindergarten. We began attending CHESS in 2023 and have found it to be a blessing. I am excited to be a part of the amazing teaching staff at CHESS!
Mr. Scott Eelman
Detective Scott Eelman started his career as an EMT/Firefighter and later graduated to the certification of paramedic. In 1995 he joined the East Lampeter Township Police Department as a patrol officer. In 2000, he was assigned to the detective division where he would spend the next 24 years. During that time, Detective Eelman investigated and gained convictions in case involving homicide, attempted homicied, robbery, rape, arson, fraud, computer crimes and others. He also attended numerious training sessions in investigations and crime scene investigations. Detective Eelman instructed numerous classes in forensic investigation for a private consulting company and then for a local community college for over 10 years.
In 2001, Detective Eelman joined the newly formed Lancaster County Forensic Unit and was quickly promoted to team leader. In 2003, he was promoted to Forensic Unit Coordinator as the head of the unit. He would spend the next 15 years as the coordinator organizing crime scene responses, managing purchasing and budgeting, managing personnel and organizing training for the 20+ members of the unit. During that time he responded to dozens of homicide and suspicious death scenes throughout the county and became recognized in Commonwealth Courtas an expert in fingerprint identification, crime scene reconstruction and analysis, evidence processing, and bloodstain pattern analysis. He resigned that position in 2018 but remained a team leader.
In 2023, Detective Eelman obtained a Part 107 drone pilot certification. In 2024, after his retirement, he obtained a private investigator license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Detective Eelman retired from the East Lampeter Township Police Department in 2024 and lives at home with his wife of 30+ years and their three dogs.
Mrs. Rachel Gehman
Mrs. Rachel Gehman is a published non-fiction and fiction author (Pen Name: Rachel D. Lyne) and an inspirational speaker for women, youth, and writers. Mrs. Gehman also edits homeschool curriculum (Living Lights Curriculum) and contributes to Nuggets of Wisdom (downloadable homeschool resources). After nearly two decades in administrative ministry roles, Rachel enjoys homeschooling her two children. She holds degrees in Business and Biblical Studies with a Biblical counseling concentration. With her years of experience and education in working with children, she’s delighted to serve the families of CHESS.
Mrs. Emily Griffith
Emily Griffith is married to Ryan and we are the blessed parents to 6 kids (ages 10 months to 14 years). I was homeschooled from K-12th grade, then earned my BSN and MSN from Liberty University. I currently work as a labor & delivery nurse and also teach for Messiah University. I actually attended CHESS myself in middle school!
When not working or homeschooling, we love playing outside, swimming, splashing in the creek and going on all sorts of adventures. Our family lives on 5 acres in Mechancisburg (along with our English Mastiff, Bristol, and a bunch of chickens and cats) and are all bravely crossing the river to attend CHESS.
Mrs. Julie Hedgepeth
y name is Juile Hedgepeth. I live in Elizabethtown with my husband, Steve, and three kids. I also have a stepdaughter who is a full time college student, soon to graduate and get married! We have one cat "Kitty", and 6 chickens. I currently am home full time with my 3 little ones and have been enjoying navigating our kindergarten year at CHESS. In my pre-mom life I worked as a paramedic before attending nursing school. I then worked for several years as an RN in a local hospital. I have always enjoyed science, and I am excited to start teaching the botany class. I think we will have fun and look forward to meeting you all.
Miss Kaylin Lauger
I have my B.S. in Elementary Education (K-4), and have been working in the children's departments at church since before I aged out of them. My favorite subjects to learn and teach are history, reading, and elementary math. I have many years experience working with children with disabilities by volunteering with Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association and Susquehanna Service Dogs. Outside of teaching I enjoy gardening, reading, knitting, and being with animals. I hope to spark a love of history in the students I teach this year.
Mrs. Heather Lindsey
Creating is in my genes, from little up, art has been my passion. I ti s a joy to bring this creativity to others. I am a sef taught artist, with a goal to inspire others to find and explore their passions.
I graduated from Bermudian Springs HS and received a business certificate from Elizabethtown College. I have also received several certificates through Christian Leaders Institute and finishing a 28 credited course in Women's ministry.
I am co-founder and President of 4Christ Thru Christ Women's Ministry.
My art business has been established since 2014, and I provide private art lessons to public school, homeschool and charter school students. I also offer Healing Thru Art Session, art camps and a variety of art classes.
Over all, my greatest joy is being a wife, grandmother of 2 and mother of 3, of which were Homeschooled their entire school, 2 graduating honors with Susquehanna Valley Diploma Program. I taught art and literature while in a co-op during their elementary and MS grades.
Mrs. Krista Long
My name is Krista Long and my husband, Clint and I live in Hershey, PA with our 3 beautiful children; Evalina, Cade, and Crew. I went to school for nursing and worked in a local hospital system after college, but ultimately decided to make the switch to consulting in order to be home with my family. Now, I am a business owner, stay-at-home mom and cheerleading/ gymnastics coach. My husband and I always had it on our hearts to homeschool, but I wasn't sure if I would be able to juggle it all. The pandemic is what ultimately made us "pull the ripcord" and start homeschooling. Our only regret has been not starting homeschooling sooner. My hobbies include watching my children in their lengthy list of sports, going to the gym and traveling. My favorite subject was always English and I'm grateful to God and CHESS for the new and exciting opportunity to teach!
Mrs. Brooke Maxey
Hi, I’m Brooke! I graduated from West Chester University with a B.S. inNutrition and Dietetics. I was a Dietary Counselor for adults and teens for 2 years
before moving into corporate food quality. Although I have a deep love of food and nutrition, my real passion is all things art, specifically stained glass. My grandfather was a stained glass hobbyist for many years and about 2 years ago he passed down this beautiful medium of art to me. He taught me everything I know, and I have been in love with it since! When I’m not in my studio playing with glass, I love to read, be outside in nature (especially at the beach or anywhere near the water) and spend time with my wonderful husband, Mark, and
our 2 cats, Lolly and Gizmo.
Mrs. Carrie McDowell
Pr. Carrie McDowell is, first and foremost, a disciple of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She serves as co-pastor of Glad Tidings Assembly of God alongside her husband, Pr. Shawn. She received her license to preach in 2013. Pr. Carrie holds a master’s degree in theological studies from Evangel University and a bachelor's degree in ministerial leadership from Ascent College, as well as other degrees. She homeschooled her five children for 19 years. She has sixteen grandchildren. In addition to homeschooling, Pr. Carrie has taught and tutored students of various ages, tutored adults seeking to obtain their GED, served as a professor at two ministry schools, and taught 4-H leadership curriculum to adults at the state leadership conference and to students in her district. She is passionate about helping others to succeed and is excited to share her love of learning with the students at CHESS.
Mrs. Megan Mullen
Hello, I am a homeschooling mom of 5, although 4 of our children have graduated. I have a degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies and have run a few programs for homeschoolers in the past, such as Homeschool Soccer, and a few years ago I began and help facilitate a field trip group. I taught gym classes at a previous co-op and am excited to do so again. For the past 18 years I have been teaching gentle wellness yoga classes that focus on health based stretching.
Miss Esther Myers
Esther Myers is currently attending HACC to get her secondary education degree and will finish up at Millersville. She values critical thinking, positive environments, and engaging activities to promote young learners! I am excited to teach at CHESS.
Mrs. Michele Myers
Michele Myers is the wife of Ken, a blessed stay-at-home Mom and a Grandma. She started her homeschooling adventure over 20 years ago with her oldest of nine children. She has taught classes at previous coops in addition to CHESS. She especially enjoys the elementary ages where hands on activities bring students learning to life.
Freedom Outfitters
Freedom Outfitters, (FKA) Kinsey’s Outdoors has been a family-owned business in the archery industry since 1952. With the business starting out as an Arrow manufacturing business, the company began to evolve and enter the distribution side of the business in 1957. From 1952-1999 retail and distribution were facilitated under the same roof. In 1999 the Kinsey family separated the distribution side and retail, creating the four seasons store Kinsey's Outdoors. From the beginning Kinsey's Outdoors has always been committed to growing the sport of archery, hunting, and people's passion for the outdoors.
Mrs. Hope Painter
I am a momma to four, which is my biggest role currently and my absolute favorite. I have been a homeschool mom for four years, and have a variety of experiences in education before that. I have my associates degree is in Early Childhood Education, but the past six years I have spent working with teens as a mentor and tutor and enjoy that age group immensely. When I am not homeschooling or working, our family loves to be outdoors together. The cabin along Pine Creek is my favorite place to be! Our family loves to ride bike, kayak, hike, and explore! I believe deeply in the value CHESS has brought to our family, and look forward to teaching and contributing to that!
Mrs. Rebecca Rodriguez
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.” — Plutarch
Learning is a lifelong adventure. I love to learn, teach, and share my excitement for the subjects I enjoy with others.
I hold a B.S. in Mathematics from Liberty University, acquired a great love for chemistry and multiple STEM subjects along the way, and am hoping to get my PhD and teach at the collegiate level in the future. In my free time, I enjoy running, the outdoors, and all things creative. I am currently working on a sci-fi novel when I’m not fully occupied by being a wife and toddler mom.
I grew up in the homeschooling world and I am eager to participate in it once more. I am looking forward to teaching this year at CHESS and finding whatever helps each student thrive.
Delia Smith
Delia Smith is a junior Olympic archer, medalist for USA Archery's JOAD program and S3DA Archery. She also is a certified level one coach through USA Archery.
Mrs. Cindy Telenko
Cindy Telenko, I have over 20 years of Art Education experience at all levels. I have my BFA in Communication Design from Kutztown University and my Art Teaching Certification (K-12) from Millersville University. I have been married for over 30 years and have four children, ages 30, 26, 19, and 17. I enjoy time with my family and my two adorable grandsons. I also have over 30 years of coaching field hockey as well. I love my two dogs, Cooper (beagle) and Ripken (basset hound). I reside in Elizabethtown and also am the Owner and Creative Director of Twister Easel, etc.
Mrs. Sarah Thomas
Sarah Thomas has a bachelor’s in theology from Life Christian University. She received credentials from the Assemblies of God at the age of nineteen, having completed all educational and testing requirements. She currently leads the children’s ministry at Glad Tidings Assembly of God. She has been married since 2022 and is a mom of two young kids whom she plans to homeschool. She was homeschooled from kindergarten through twelfth grade. She has worked in numerous capacities with children having been a preschool teacher, nanny, youth pastor, and tutor at various times and is excited for this opportunity to teach the next generation.
Mrs. Julia Walsh
As a homeschool student I loved exploring the great outdoors on a rural northern Pennsylvania farm. A lot of hands-on science related to exploring nature, animals, and food harvest and preservation created a deep love of learning for me. When it was time to explore further education I was very excited about the theatre, but some health struggles had put my education on hold. I decided instead to attend trade school for a certificate in Massage Therapy, I've been self employed for 17 years helping teach clients how to care well for their bodies thru chronic pain, injury prevention and recovery. I love that it allows me to have a flexible schedule so I can homeschool my own kiddos too!
One of the best things about being homeschooled for me was becoming a lifelong learner! I love to consume and share information, I love to be outdoors, I love animals of all kinds but am very partial to dogs and horses!
Our family lives in Elizabethtown, we have a 4 year old bernedoodle named "Ruthie" who has been trained by me as a therapy dog, and a stray cat that she adopted named "Pineapple". There are often extra kids, extra dogs and some kind of project happening at the Walsh home!
I have taught classes and workshops for years, and am looking forward to engaging with CHESS students on a weekly basis!
Mrs. Chris Wincovitch
Christine Wincovitch grew up in the Poconos and attended Penn State and Millersville University and graduated with a degree in English with a French minor. Together with her husbanad Joe they homeschooled 3 children from Kindergarten thorugh High School who are currently attending Messiah University. She loves history, art, French, and literature. She also loves their dogs and biking.