About Me

Hi! I’m Kristina, a loving wife, a mom of two amazing kids, and an outdoor enthusiast. My family and I call Fallbrook, California, home, while my husband serves in the Marine Corps, stationed at Camp Pendleton.

Spending time in nature brings me so much peace, whether exploring the outdoors with my kids or simply enjoying the fresh air. Education wasn’t always easy for me growing up, but I’ve discovered a deep love of learning over time. Interestingly, teaching was never a path I thought I’d pursue—but I’ve always loved helping and encouraging others. It wasn’t until I became a homeschooling mother that I found my passion for education. That experience ignited my love for learning, and now I’m dedicated to creating engaging, hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity and a lifelong love of knowledge.

When I’m not teaching or planning exciting educational adventures, you’ll likely find me reading, playing with my kids, helping my husband in the garage, or diving into my newest hobby—embroidery!

I believe learning should be an adventure, and I can’t wait to share that journey with you!

Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life - Charlotte Mason

Educator Experience

My journey as an educator began at 15 when I started teaching swim lessons, which later led to becoming a lifeguard instructor. In this role, I trained and certified individuals in lifesaving skills, including CPR, first aid, and oxygen administration, and even worked with local firefighters to enhance their emergency response training.

From there, my path naturally evolved into homeschooling my children, an experience that deepened my passion for education and opened doors to teaching in non-traditional school settings on a larger scale. This journey ignited my desire to further my education, leading me from pre-sports medicine and an Associate of Arts degree to pursuing a Bachelor’s in Educational Studies, which I will complete by August 2025.

Through my studies, I have gained a strong foundation in various teaching methods and strategies, including cooperative learning, project-based learning, differentiated instruction, and student-centered approaches that foster engagement and critical thinking. Beyond my formal education, I am continually exploring new methods, strategies, and philosophies—including Charlotte Mason, Maria Montessori, and Waldorf—and will continue to do so as I grow as an educator. I aim to develop a well-rounded perspective that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and every student's lifelong love of learning.

Teaching Style

I believe education should be an immersive, meaningful experience that connects students to the world around them. My teaching style draws from the philosophies of Charlotte Mason, Montessori, and Waldorf, blending them with modern, research-based methods like cooperative and project-based learning. This combination allows me to create a rich, well-rounded learning environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

I aim to cultivate a warm and engaging atmosphere where students are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and develop a deep love for learning. Nature plays a key role in this process, providing abundant opportunities for hands-on discovery, observation, and reflection. I integrate storytelling, movement, and the arts to make learning not only more engaging but also more meaningful for the whole child, enriching their educational journey.

I believe strong habits and structure form the foundation for lifelong learning. I strive to encourage independence, responsibility, and self-motivation by allowing students to take ownership of their education. By incorporating purposeful materials and real-world experiences, I provide students with the opportunity to develop confidence and mastery at their own pace. Notebooking, narration, and hands-on projects further support them in processing and retaining knowledge in ways that feel personal and meaningful.

To me, education is not just about acquiring facts, but about engaging with living ideas. I prioritize hands-on, experiential learning through activities like science experiments, outdoor exploration, storytelling, and creative expression. Living books, practical life skills, and real-world problem-solving are woven into lessons to help students form meaningful connections across subjects.

By integrating these various philosophies, I provide a holistic, engaging, and developmentally appropriate education that honors each child’s natural love of learning, fosters individuality, and lays the foundation for lifelong curiosity and discovery. As I continue to grow as an educator, I remain committed to refining and expanding my approach to best serve my students, ensuring their educational journey is as dynamic and enriching as possible.

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