WE ARE A COMMUNITY
Everyone at Journey Academy, from our Guides and leadership, to our parents, and our heroes themselves are dedicated to creating an environment that is:
LEARNER-DRIVEN
We will take ownership of learning through setting our own goals, guiding our learning, practicing a growth mindset and finding His calling in order to change the world.
CURIOSITY-BASED
We seek powerful questions, employ problems from – and places in – the real world to launch projects and nurture innovation through creative problem solving.
COURAGE-FILLED
We seek challenges, address problems and face fears looking to overcome and grow academically, spiritually and relationally.
CHRIST-CENTERED
We follow the ultimate hero Jesus, centering our practices on Him while hospitably making room for others to come and learn with us.
LEARNING AT JOURNEY
Watch some of the videos below to learn more about our unique philosophy to education.
CHERYL STILL
ELEMENTARY STUDIO LEAD GUIDE
Cheryl loves to learn! She sees everything in life as an opportunity to grow and discover new things. Her own education in homeschool, charter school, public high school, and Christ-centered university has increased her passion for individualized learning. Since sixth grade, Cheryl has felt called to education. With a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Bible, Cheryl is passionate about integrating Christ into every area of learning. Outside of school, Cheryl enjoys organizing, decluttering, and being in God’s creation.
MELISSA GRAY
EARLY LEARNER STUDIO LEAD GUIDE
Melissa is passionate about empathetic communication, identifying what makes each individual special and encouraging the unique strengths of every hero. Her own educational background has been non-traditional; Melissa was homeschooled through 8th grade and then attended a small STEM charter school followed by public high school and private Christian college. Despite majoring in Mathematics she loves to use both her right and left brain in all she does. Outside of school she loves trying new artistic mediums and craft projects -- right now she is enjoying watercolors, ceramics and printmaking. Her most significant experience working with young children was through her experience coaching an elementary age FIRST Lego League robotics team. Her favorite ways to spend leisure time are hiking, dog walking and spending time with family (especially her 6 nieces and nephews).
IAN GRELL
INTERMEDIATE STUDIO LEAD GUIDE
Ian has been looking for a school that can champion wonder, inquiry, and design. He’s thrilled to uncork learning with heroes at Journey! Ian is passionate about Design Thinking, and has studied Human-Centered Design mindsets inspired from Stanford. Innovation and Problem-Solving can not only help heroes at Journey seek solutions but also engage with empathy. In addition to project-based learning, Ian enjoys giving the community a taste of the theatrical. Since high school, he has acted in 40 plays and directed 10. He is eager to help heroes gain confidence in creative communication to spread joy, understand their pain, and step into the story of someone else. As C.S. Lewis suggested, Ian believes we become the story we tell ourselves. He is fascinated by the story he has stepped into at Journey and looks forward to guiding heroes into finding their calling. In his free time, Ian likes to travel the country in his Ford Fiesta, compose music and lyrics, sharpen wit with friends around a campfire, or enjoy silence next to his trusty cat, Pushkin.
