Our Leadership Team

Karee Hatch - Executive Director
director@connectedco-op.com

My highest achievements in life have been becoming a wife and mother. I'm blessed and grateful to have 5 children and to be married to my best friend. I enjoy many things and love acquiring new talents, as of late I'm obsessed with gardening (yes, I talk to my plants), reading, and cooking yummy, delicious food. I'm known to make an out-of-this-world soft pretzel. I love, love, love to laugh. I think life without laughter would be a very somber place. One of my greatest passions and goals is to beautify my home, neighborhood, community, and country with small acts of kindness, compassion, and service. 

 

Jenn Garner - Assistant Executive Director
jenn@connectedco-op.com

Hello, I’m Jenn Garner, and I am thrilled to serve as the Assistant Director this year. While working with ConnectED, I have experienced the remarkable dedication of our leaders, parents, Board members, and had the chance to teach some incredible students. Homeschooling for the last eight years has truly been a wonderful gift for our family. During my spare time, I’m an artist and crafts entrepreneur and love spending time in my pumpkin garden.

 

Crystal Jordan - Board Chair
crystal@connectedco-op.com

Hi, I’m Crystal! I graduated from Weber State with a BIS in Nutrition, Health, and Family. I always love a new endeavor and began homeschooling my two children roughly eight years ago. And while it’s always been amazing, something was missing. That’s when ConnectED came into our lives. Since then, I have found a profound purpose serving in this blossoming community — first as a teacher, then the Assistant Director, and now as the Board Chair. I truly love ConnectED and these incredible young people. 

 

Carrie Widdison - Secretary  
carrie@connectedco-op.com

Hi! I'm a 42-year-old mom to five amazing kids, and I've had the joy of homeschooling them from the very beginning. Homeschooling is more than just an educational choice for us—it's a lifestyle I'm deeply passionate about. When I’m not working or doing motherly duties, you can usually find me quoting The Office, singing along to pop music, or tending to my ever-growing collection of house plants. I love being outside—whether it’s a nature walk or just soaking up some sunshine in the backyard with our two sweet kitties and our chickens.  I’m so happy to be part of this co-op and look forward to connecting with other families on this incredible journey!

 

Terra Collette - Treasurer  
terra@connectedco-op.com

Hi, I’m Terra! I graduated from Brigham Young University in Finance and have spent over 10 years in various financial roles. I love anything to do with numbers, but outside of that I enjoy baking, cake decorating, reading and traveling. I have a baby boy and recently took a break from my career to focus on being a mother. I’m grateful to be a part of ConnectEd as I’ve been interested in homeschooling my kids for a few years and look forward to that opportunity in the future. 

 

Ashley Jacobson - Marketing Board Member
ashley@connectedco-op.com

Hi, I'm Ashley! I was born and raised in sunny Southern California. I moved to Utah in 2008 where I have been ever since. Homeschooling was never on my radar until my oldest was going into kindergarten and we knew this is what we needed to do. We have been homeschooling for 7 years and loved every minute together, but I also know that groups like ConnectED are an invaluable part of the journey and give my kids experiences they can't get anywhere else. I am excited to join the board this year after benefiting from all the hard work of others since the very beginning. Now, a few quick facts about me- I love to read, I'm great at math, traveling is my happy place, and I love trying food from many different cultures. 

 

Laura Castle - Community Service Board Member
laura@connectedco-op.com

Hello! My name is Laura! I am a mom of 3 girls, one of which started at ConnectEd in 2024.  I have a bachelor's in Public Health and a bachelor's in Communication from BYU-Idaho, but haven't spent the last 20 years as a career nanny and working in adolescent mental health. Three years ago, I became a SAHM, and I'm still trying to figure that out. I love cooking, hanging out with my chickens, a good audiobook, and am teaching myself (with a lot of trial and error) food preservation and gardening. Serving others is a huge part of our family, and I am excited to see the co-op come together to serve our community! 

 

Krista Romero - Assistant Board Chair (non-voting)
krista@connectedco-op.com