Kara Papa is an experienced science educator, instructional leader, and curriculum designer with over 22 years in secondary and adult education. She is certified in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (Grades 7–12) and holds an administrative certification in educational leadership. Kara has taught a wide range of learners, from middle and high school students to adults returning to education, and has extensive experience designing both in-person and online science programs.

Her professional background includes serving in instructional leadership roles, mentoring educators, and supporting curriculum development focused on inquiry-based, hands-on science learning. Kara has also worked as an Early College Experience (ECE) instructor, delivering college-level coursework in partnership with UConn.

Kara’s teaching philosophy centers on making science accessible, engaging, and relevant. She emphasizes real-world applications, critical thinking, and building student confidence through experimentation, discussion, and reflection. Her work includes developing science units, assessments, and enrichment opportunities that support diverse learning styles and educational pathways.

In addition to her work in education, Kara is an active community organizer and educational consultant. She brings a flexible, individualized approach to working with homeschool families, tailoring instruction to meet student needs while maintaining strong academic standards. As a co-founder of From Seed to Sky Education LLC, Kara is passionate about guiding learners from curiosity to understanding—connecting scientific concepts to the natural world and everyday experiences.

Dr. Jennifer L. Norman is an educator, curriculum designer, and learning coach with more than twenty years of experience supporting students, families, and teachers across a wide range of learning environments. She holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction and brings a deep understanding of how children learn—academically, socially, and emotionally—at every stage from elementary through high school.

Dr. Norman works with homeschool families to design meaningful, personalized learning plans that meet Connecticut’s homeschool requirements while honoring each child’s interests, strengths, and pace of growth. Her background in English language arts, inquiry-based learning, and social-emotional development allows her to help families build rich portfolios, thoughtful assessments, and engaging projects that reflect real learning—not just worksheets or checklists.

Throughout her career, Dr. Norman has served as a classroom teacher, department head, instructional coach, assistant principal, and district-level teacher leader. She has designed curriculum, mentored educators, and led workshops for families and communities focused on literacy, equity, and student well-being. Her work emphasizes curiosity, reflection, creativity, and skill-building—key habits that support lifelong learners.

Dr. Norman has presented at state and national conferences, published with the Habits of Mind Institute, and participated in international learning exchanges in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and Finland—experiences that strongly inform her belief in child-centered, inquiry-driven education. She is especially passionate about helping families feel confident, supported, and empowered in their homeschooling journey.

At the heart of her work is a simple belief: learning should be purposeful, humane, and joyful. Dr. Norman partners with families to create learning experiences that are developmentally appropriate, academically sound, and deeply connected to the child in front of them.