Kristeen Holtz, co-founder of Village Academy, has been teaching the upper elementary class for nine years. 

She has an Associate in Arts degree in Liberal Arts, and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Journalism and English Literature. Originally from New York State, She worked for several years as a newspaper reporter and editor in Ohio and Massachusetts. Kristeen and her husband have seven children, ages 24-10. Their two homeschoolers attend Village Academy. 

Adele Miller, co-founder of Village Academy, is entering her nineteenth year teaching homeschoolers. She holds a BA in English and completed her teaching certification in grades 6–12, teaching in both public and homeschool settings. Over the course of her career, Adele has also worked as a freelance writer, reporter, private tutor, and positive psychology life coach.

With more than two decades of teaching experience—along with the firsthand perspective of educating her own children—Adele is a strong advocate for differentiated instruction and meeting students exactly where they are. She believes this approach creates the most supportive and successful learning environment for every child. All of Adele’s children are proud homeschool graduates.

Sheramy Keegan-Turcotte holds a Master of Science in Dance Science from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and a BFA from Shenandoah Conservatory. Her career in dance spans more than three decades across performance, teaching, and dance science. She is an adjunct professor in the Dance departments at Dean College and Rhode Island College, where she teaches modern technique, anatomy, and movement analysis. Her research on dancer health and injury prevention has been published in the Medical Problems of Performing Artists and recognized by the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science.

At Village Academy, Sheramy teaches middle and high school science courses, where she enjoys helping students explore scientific ideas through hands-on learning and creative problem solving. She also teaches creative movement in the Tadpoles program and occasionally leads “messy science” explorations for younger elementary students.

Sheramy continues to perform with Dancing Legacy Ensemble and is a certified Pilates instructor who has been teaching Pilates for over 25 years. She believes that both science and the arts are ways of asking questions about how the world, and our bodies, work. When she is not teaching, Sheramy enjoys spending time with her four boys skiing, camping, and exploring new places together.

Jackie Johnson is an artist by education with an Associates in Applied Visual Arts, by career, and by passion. She has worked in an artistic field as both an employee and as a business owner, with skills ranging from graphic design, photography, web design, cake design, murals, custom portraits, and business branding. She continues to be an eager life learner and strives to better her understanding of creation. While Jackie does think degrees and certification can offer proof of education, she is a firm believer in self guidance and that with dedication and discipline most things can be learned. "I will also strive to give my imagination and creativity freely to the world and people around me. In times of hate, war, and political strife I am offering myself to help give humanity a better and brighter future." 

Jennifer Lade has a B.A. in English from Providence College. She worked as a newspaper reporter after college and is now a mother of seven children, ages 17 to 8. For the last 13 years, she has taught homeschooled children, including her own, from preschool to high school at various homeschool classes and co-ops. This is her fifth year teaching at Village Academy. Jen is also involved in community theater, performing onstage in many productions and working with young actors as a director, producer, and summer camp director. A native of Hopedale, Jen now lives with her husband and children in Upton. 

Kelly St.Gelais has an Associates degree from Dean College in Early Childhood Education and is currently pursuing a Bachelors in Forensic Psychology.  She is a stay at home mother of eleven children and is the owner of her own children’s custom clothing business, Jujube Boutique. Kelly is an active member of her parish of Saint Agatha’s as a catechist, leader and volunteers countless hours with the youth ministry. She is the past PTO president for the Millville Elementary school and is passionate about being involved in childhood education. 

Kelly enjoys sharing her creativity, skills and passions with others. In her free time she enjoys reading, sewing, and creating whatever inspires her. 

Danielle is a homeschool mom and holistic wellness practitioner based in Central Massachusetts. She holds a degrees in Human Services and Psychology and is a Yoga Studio owner and Grief Counselor, Certified Yoga Teacher, Meditation & Breathwork teacher, and Sound Therapy Practitioner.

Danielle takes a heart-centered approach, weaving together yoga, mindfulness, and emotional support to help students build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. Her own journey with yoga began in her teens and grew into a passion for helping others navigate stress, life challenges, and personal growth in a grounded and supportive way.

She has experience working with teens and families, and loves creating a space where students feel comfortable, connected, and empowered.

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family and homeschool community, gardening, reading, and being outdoors.

Amanda Lohnes is an educator, artist, and small business owner who loves bringing creativity into everything she does. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and Studio Art from Brandeis University and her M.F.A. in 2D Fine Arts from Massachusetts College of Art & Design. 

A former homeschool parent, Amanda is the proud mom of two teens whose busy schedules continue to keep her on her toes. She’s a member of the Makers Artist Collective and regularly shows her work in group art exhibits around Marlborough. She also runs her own creative business, Leather and Lilacs, where she makes and sells handmade jewelry and art at local fairs and events. This is Amanda’s third year teaching at Village Academy.

Ashley Becker has a Bachelors of Science in Business Management from Wentworth Institute of Technology.  She worked in corporate client services prior to pursuing a Masters of Education from Bridgewater State University focusing on higher education. She worked closely with new students and families at the college level before becoming a stay at home mom in 2018. She now homeschools her two elementary aged kids. 

Adriana Mancuso-Moniz has been homeschooling her two children for the past ten years, creating a learning environment centered on creativity, curiosity, and real-world application. She is the founder of a creative agency where she works as a graphic designer, specializing in logo design, branding, and illustration for a wide range of clients.

At Village Academy, Adriana has served as the event coordinator for the past three years, helping to bring the community together through thoughtfully planned monthly events. She enjoys creating meaningful experiences that support both students and families and believes that learning should feel engaging, inspiring, and connected to the world around us.