Thursday through Saturday electives for curious kids.

Hello! I’m Tessa Packard — or Mrs. P, as my middle school students used to call me. I graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Physics. I worked as an associate structural engineer for a little over a year, then taught 6th–8th grade physics and engineering at a charter school until I had my son.

During my years at NAU, I volunteered at Lowell Observatory and served as a guest science teacher for renewable energy projects across Flagstaff, the Phoenix area, and Show Low Junior High. In 2017 I also managed a KidWind competition in Flagstaff, where junior high and high school teams designed wind turbines and competed for a chance to advance to the national KidWind competition.

Other than being an obvious science nerd, I love being outside — running, hiking, reading, and playing make-believe with my kid. I look forward to bringing out the curiosity in every student, because learning is meant to be just that: curiosity.

I’m Lori Graham. I have spent 30 years in the classroom and in administration — in public school, charter schools, and now living the dream of owning my own private school. I get to work for and with parents. That is one of the reasons I started and lead Community Schoolhouse. I believe it takes a village, and I love being part of your team for your child’s educational journey.

Reading is my first love. If a child can’t read, they will struggle in every subject. I have many years of experience teaching children, teens, and adults how to read, and I have taught parents how to teach their own children. Reading opens up the world. I want every child to love to read.

Outside the Schoolhouse, I love spending time with my family and friends and serving in my church and community.

I’m Amber Graham. I like bringing creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning into the classroom. Color theory is something I enjoy, and I like learning new skills right alongside exploring pour painting, canvas art, and other creative projects — as well as plants, regenerative growing, and health and wellness.

I don’t think you have to be an expert to start learning something new. I want students to experiment, ask questions, try things out, and discover what they can create.

I especially love projects where kids learn by doing — with room for creativity, individuality, and a little bit of mess along the way.

I’m Alex Graham. I’ve been teaching for 20 years, and five of those years were spent in PE and weight training — helping students get stronger, build stamina, and feel confident in their bodies. That’s the same focus I bring to sports and sports performance here at Community Schoolhouse.

I’m also contracted through the state to provide employment services and care for young adults with disabilities. In Mesa, I’m piloting a fitness and wellness program for a group of six autistic students, meeting each of them where they are and helping them grow.

Whether we’re on the field or in the weight room, my goal is simple: help kids get fit for the sports they love, stay safe while they train, and leave class feeling stronger than they walked in.

Hi! I’m Sara Figueroa, and I love all things creative!

Having been homeschooled my entire life, I’m naturally curious and have always enjoyed learning new things. When I’m not creating art, I love singing, dancing, tumbling, and spending quality time with my family and friends.

My creative journey began when I taught myself how to draw. Over the years, my artwork has grown from simple childhood sketches into detailed, lifelike portraits. My sister introduced me to the basics of crochet, and I quickly fell in love with practicing, experimenting, and teaching myself new projects — with a little help from YouTube!

I’m always looking for opportunities to learn and grow, and I hope to learn just as much from my students as they learn from me. I believe that with three key ingredients — Practice, Patience, and Persistence — anyone can learn something they’re excited about.

My goal is to create an encouraging environment where students can enjoy the creative process, build confidence, and have fun learning together — without worrying about being perfect.

Jeanie leads Thursday morning gardening from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on September 3, 10, 17, and 24.