About Us

Hello, I'm Mrs. Kate and I'm the owner of Inspire and Grow and I teach the TK/K class. My husband and I have lived in Merced for almost 20 years and I have a bachelor's degree in Aviation.  After having children, my focus changed to education. I have worked for the Merced City School District as a clinician and substitute teacher for the last 10 years. I have a love for art and creativity. I like to incorporate hands-on learning and STEM as much as possible.

Greetings!

I am Mrs. Beardsley. I have 11 grown children (5 boys and 6 girls) and homeschooled all of them through high school (before there was such a thing as Charter Schools). That adds up to about 36 years! I have a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a love of Math. I love to teach with an emphasis on literature, connecting the history, writing, and science of the time period. I grew up in the Bay Area, but have lived in Merced for 27 years.

Hi, I’m Ms. JJ. I have lived in Merced for over 50 years. I have 2 adult daughters, and 3 grandchildren. I am a retired teacher with 29 years of teaching experience. My years of teaching were spent in 1st grade. I live to teach children of this age as they are very eager to learn. I believe children learn best working in a hands-on group environment.

Hello! My name is Mrs. Lindsay, and I’m thrilled to be part of the Inspire and Grow team! My husband and I have four teenage children and have spent most of our lives in Merced.

I bring over 13 years of experience in education, having worked as an elementary classroom teacher and as a reading and math clinician. I’m also a piano instructor and most recently had the privilege of teaching third grade at an elementary school in Kentucky where we lived for the past year. I love building connections with students and their families, and I enjoy using literature-based and hands-on approaches to learning. It’s truly an honor to work with the homeschool students and families here in Merced!

Hello, I am Mrs. Anne (pronounced Annie). I am married to my favorite person and best friend, Scott, and we have three children who will all be in high school together this year! I have a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in English, as well as a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. I have worked as a Teacher Liaison for the Merced Union High School District, where I supported pregnant and parenting teens. I’ve also substitute taught in both the Merced City School District and Merced Union High School District. I homeschooled my two younger children for five years and loved being their teacher. English Language Arts is my favorite subject, especially reading. I am passionate about instilling a love of learning in children and look forward to all the learning adventures ahead!

Hi, I’m Mrs. Tricia, and I’m so happy to be part of Inspire and Grow as an Arts and Crafts Instructor and Teacher’s Assistant. I’m an illustrator and graphic designer, and for 10 years co-owned a stationery and party décor shop. I’ve also taught preschool, worked as a nanny, and supported public education through the Reno Fire Department as an Education Assistant. My family has lived in Merced for eight years, and we love being part of this community. One of my sons attends Inspire and Grow, and I’m excited to support the creativity and connection this program offers.