K-8th Teachers - Heartland Christian Homeschool Center

Noreen Ottalagano - Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Experience: Noreen has been teaching pre-school for over 25 years. She taught at Faith Chapel's Preschool before coming to Heartland. She is a pastor's wife and the mother of three. Noreen also helps home school her granddaughter.
Principal's comment: "Noreen's genuine smile and happy demeanor are the best! She is sweet, loving, patient, and positive. She works lovingly with her students on very creative projects and nothing ever upsets her."
Personal comment: "It's such a privilege to partner with the parents in training up their children in the ways of the Lord."

Sharon Mason - Kindergarten-1st Grade Teacher
Experience: BA from Southern California Seminary; Teaching Kindergarten through 2nd grade since 1979; specializes in phonics, music, and Bible; home schooled her own children for eight years.
Interests: Swimming, Raging Waters Theme Park, backyard camping, violin, reading, gardening.
Personal comment: "It is vital that children learn to read well, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a sense of personal responsibility. And it's important to me that children know the love of God."
Principal's comment: "Sharon is well-organized, disciplined and consistent, which gives security to her students; they can count on her to be steadfast regardless of what's going on. At the same time she enables children to be individuals, giving them the freedom to find their own identities. Her classroom is always filled with music and all her students learn to read."

Laurie Wortman-2nd-3rd Grade Teacher
Wortman

Experience: Involved in education for 26 years; teacher's aide for two years; teacher for six years; sign language teacher, interpreter for 16 years; camp counselor; pre-school teacher, Sunday school director, pre-school workshop speaker; home schooled her own children for six years.
Interests: Writing curriculum, crafts, camping, helping special needs children.
Principal's comment: "Laurie has a unique knack for inspiring everyone she touches - connecting with students and parents alike, she is highly influential. Laurie is a natural. Imaginative and fun-loving, Laurie finds wonder in all. She expresses her creativity in the hands-on lessons which capture the attention of all ages."
Personal comment: "I love reaching the heart and character of people; helping them discover their full potential is my passion. Making learning fun, applicable and exciting makes me love being involved in education."

Melanie Deyling - 3rd-4th Grade Teacher
Experience:Teacher's aide for five years; teacher for eight years; pastor's wife and youth ministries; home schooled her own children for 13 years.
Interests: Traveling, fine arts, family.
Principal's comment: "Did someone say, "Children learn when there is no stress?" Melanie's room is the epitome of learning in the comfort of your own living room. Her natural, creative design talents enhance the pleasantry of learning; she makes the process so normal that students are unaware of how consistently on track they are with their academic goals."
Personal comment: "Watching the strugglers' faces when they finally 'get it' makes all the work worthwhile. I enjoy the daily writing assignments and Bible time, provoking thinking and discussion. Most of all, I love creating a homey atmosphere; my students are like a family."

Joy Bell - 5th-6th Grade Teacher
Experience: Teacher's aide for two years; teacher for six years; camp counselor; Sunday School teacher; Women's Ministries Board Member at Faith Chapel; home schooled her own children for 15 years.
Interests: Crafts, shopping, jet skis, movies, family, beach camp, back stage crew for play productions.
Principal's comment: "Joy is the very essence of her name. With enthusiasm, consistent discipline and humor, life tasks such as writing are faced and conquered in her classroom with laughter. "Fearless Factor" is one of the many games that are regulars in her class."
Personal comment: "I am a free spirit and I love life . . . however, I know tomorrow will come and I must prepare for it. I want to make a connection with each student and let them know I really care. I want to impart to the students a deep love for God and a daily appreciation for life."

Susan Rowe - 6th-7th Grade Teacher
Experience: Teacher's aide for five years; teacher for seven years; 20 years in the Missionettes Program at church; home schooled her own children for five years.
Interests: Scrap-booking, reading, making jewelry, knitting, old movies.
Principal's comment: "Susan loves finding news ways for her students to assimilate the academic basics. She whisks her students into an enchanted realm of learning. Like a proud mother, she rejoices over her students' every accomplishment."
Personal comment: "I have a way of making students feel comfortable and happy in the classroom. It's important to me that they have a safe environment for learning. And I love using thematic teaching to bring history alive."

Allegra LaPrath - 7th-8th Grade Teacher
Experience: Teacher for eight years; youth leader for 26 years; volunteer clown for hospitals and gang neighborhoods for four years; home schooled her own children for 11 years.
Interests: Gardening and landscaping.
Principal's comment: "Soft spoken and sweet, Allegra commands the junior high classes with a quiet authority. She holds to a solid line of expectations, knowing the ability of each student. Allegra is determined to produce well-rounded students equipped for the destiny she believes is theirs. Field trips, games, encouragement, and new frontiers are all part of learning in this classroom."
Personal comment: "I believe junior highers have a lot to say and I respect their voice. I love their questions and working together to discover the answers. I especially enjoy exposing them to classical literature and creating a love of words."