Get to know the incredible team who makes Freedom Academy a place where students thrive. Each member of our team brings expertise, heart, and a shared commitment to our mission, ensuring your child receives individualized,
faith-driven education.

Leadership Team

Ashley Meyer – Founder & CEO

Ashley is the visionary founder of Freedom Academy, driven by a deep conviction that education should do more than move students through a system—it should help them discover who they are and what they are called to do.

Ashley is also a practicing attorney, bringing a strong foundation in critical thinking, leadership, and advocacy into her work. With a background in both law and entrepreneurship, she founded Freedom Academy in 2022 to reimagine what school could be—faith-driven, individualized, and rooted in real growth. What began as a vision has quickly grown into a thriving community of families, students, and educators who believe in developing the whole child.

Ashley is passionate about helping students build strong academic foundations while also growing in confidence, character, and purpose. Her leadership is focused on creating an environment where students are known, families feel supported, and the model continues to expand to serve more communities.

She and her husband, Eric, have been married nearly two decades and are raising their three children—Brian, Easton, and Brooklyn—who are a constant reminder of why this work matters so deeply. Ashley loves time with her family, building meaningful community, and continuing to pursue what God has placed on her heart.

Her faith in Christ is the foundation of everything she leads, and she is committed to building a school where students are equipped not just for academics, but for life.

Briana Smith – Director of Operations & Principal

Briana brings over 15 years of educational experience to Freedom Academy. She holds a B.A. in Child Development and multiple teaching credentials in California and Idaho, with specialized training in multi-sensory reading instruction, including Orton-Gillingham. Her background includes elementary teaching, special education, and creating individualized education plans, all driven by her passion for helping children discover their God-given potential.

Faith and family are central to Briana’s life. She and her husband have been married for 16 years and are parents to two children, Hudson and Paige, along with their sweet pup, Cooper. They moved to Idaho three years ago, trusting God’s purpose in every step. When she’s not at school, Briana enjoys cheering on her kids at sporting events, hiking, camping, and exploring Idaho’s natural beauty—especially near water.

Her heart for Christ is the foundation of her leadership. Briana believes every child is a precious gift from God, uniquely created with purpose, and she counts it a joy to serve and guide them as they grow academically and spiritually.

Danny Stegner – Director of Safety & Security

Danny brings a strong background in leadership, safety, and service to Freedom Academy. As a retired police officer, he served in specialized roles including SWAT sniper and gang detective, with extensive experience in crisis response and public safety. His career reflects a deep commitment to protecting others with courage, wisdom, and integrity.

At Freedom Academy, Danny oversees campus safety and helps create a secure, peaceful environment where students, families, and staff can thrive. His presence brings both professionalism and calm assurance to the school community.

Danny and his wife have been married for 21 years and are raising their four children—Noah, Natalie, Scarlett, and Sawyer. As a family, they enjoy traveling, especially to Hawaii and Disneyland, and spending quality time together. Danny also has a passion for missions work, particularly in Thailand, and enjoys building homes and working with his hands.

His faith in Christ and heart to serve others are evident in both his work and his life, making him a trusted and valued part of the Freedom Academy community.

Administrative Team

Jennifer Flame – School Coordinator

Jennifer is the friendly and organized heart of Freedom Academy’s front office. With a natural gift for hospitality and administration, she ensures that families, staff, and students feel welcomed and supported every day. Married for 25 years and a proud mom of three adult children, Jennifer brings her deep family values and strong faith into every aspect of her work.

She is passionate about creating an environment where students thrive, parents feel connected, and teachers are equipped to succeed. Jennifer’s warmth and dedication reflect her desire to serve others with excellence and grace.

Jamie Hobbs – Social Media Coordinator

Jamie brings creativity, connection, and a deep love for the Freedom Academy community to her role as Social Media Coordinator. She is passionate about sharing the heart and story of the school, capturing the moments that reflect all God is doing in and through the lives of students and families.

With a background as a high school teacher and counselor, along with experience in direct sales, Jamie developed a strong passion for communication, relationship-building, and using social media as a tool for meaningful connection. She has a natural ability to highlight the everyday moments that make Freedom Academy so special.

Jamie is married and a proud mom to two beautiful daughters who attend Freedom Academy, giving her a unique perspective as both a team member and a parent within the community.

When she’s not working, Jamie enjoys working out, thrift and antique shopping, and sharing simple, clean lifestyle swaps for moms. Her heart for people, creativity, and love for Jesus shine through in everything she does.

Teaching Guides

Laura Morrison – Guide, Preschool–Kindergarten

Laura brings energy, creativity, and experience to our youngest learners. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education, is Montessori certified, and is also a Positive Discipline trainer. With her unique background, Laura creates hands-on, engaging lessons that nurture each child’s love for learning and character development.

Laura has been married to her husband, Ian—a helicopter pilot—for many years, and they are parents to four kids: Matthew, Aidyn, Daniel, and Luke. She loves rafting, camping, CrossFit, volleyball, and enjoying Idaho’s sunshine. Laura’s passion for education and heart for Jesus make her a guiding light for the little ones at Freedom Academy.

Maria Vazorka – Guide, Kindergarten–1st

Maria brings a strong foundation in early childhood education and a passion for individualized learning. She holds degrees in Special Education and Elementary Education and spent 10 years teaching in a Montessori setting. With a background in trauma-informed practices, Maria is committed to providing a safe, supportive environment where students can thrive.

Born and raised in Idaho, Maria enjoys camping, hiking, swimming, and attending country concerts. Married for two years, she and her husband are praying for children in God’s timing. They share their home with an Aussie dog and a cat. Maria also serves in her church preschool ministry and loves time with family and friends. Her faith and dedication to helping children grow academically and spiritually are at the heart of her teaching.

Kristin Hazelton – Guide, 1st–2nd

Kristin is a seasoned educator with 14 years of teaching experience in both public school and homeschool settings. She is a credentialed K–6 teacher and trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach, specializing in literacy development. Her passion is to help students build confidence and develop a love for learning while creating a classroom where every child feels seen and valued.

Kristin and her husband of 17 years have four children and have served in ministry for over 15 years through Young Life, pointing teens to Christ. When she’s not teaching, Kristin enjoys camping, hiking, and spending time outdoors with her family. Her heart for Jesus and dedication to individualized instruction make her classroom a welcoming and inspiring place.

Joy Spencer – Guide, 2nd–3rd

Joy has a rich background in education, homeschooling her three children for 13 years and guiding students through differentiated instruction. Recently trained in IMSE reading strategies, she brings expertise and creativity to her classroom. Married for 23 years, Joy is now a proud grandmother and loves watching students grow academically and spiritually.

Originally from California, Joy has lived in Idaho for nearly a decade. She is passionate about sports—especially baseball (Go Braves!)—and enjoys crafting and exploring the outdoors. Her joy-filled personality and love for Jesus create a vibrant classroom environment.

Lindsey Stegner – Guide, Micro Studio 4th

Lindsey brings a deep love for children and a wealth of real-life educational experience to Freedom Academy. After homeschooling her children for 12 years and serving as a children’s ministry director, she has developed a strong ability to meet students where they are—both academically and emotionally. Her heart is to support each child as an individual, helping them grow in confidence, character, and learning.

Lindsey and her husband have been married for 21 years and are parents to four children—Noah, Natalie, Scarlett, and Sawyer. Their family has a strong heart for fostering and adoption, and they value creating a home centered on faith, love, and connection. Lindsey enjoys traveling to Hawaii and Disneyland, reading, spending time outdoors, and making meaningful memories with her family.

Her love for Jesus and passion for nurturing children make her a steady and encouraging presence within the Freedom Academy community.

Jillian Molina – Guide, 4th-5th

Jillian combines strong academic credentials with a heart for Christian education. She earned her B.S. from Cal Poly SLO and completed her teaching credential and Master’s in Education at UC Davis. Over the past 10 years, Jillian has taught multiple grades and subjects and tutored in both reading and math. Her goal is to inspire a love for learning while pointing students toward Christ.

Jillian and her husband, Andy, have three children—Hazel, Nora, and Ezra—and love outdoor adventures, baking (especially sourdough), and time spent in community. After moving from Northern California to Idaho in 2020, Jillian is thrilled to call Eagle home and to be part of Freedom Academy’s mission.

Loren Demere – Guide, Micro Studio 5th–6th

Loren has extensive experience in education and leadership. She holds a B.S. in Organizational Leadership and an A.A. in Early Childhood Education. Her background includes preschool teaching, elementary teaching, homeschooling, and college admissions counseling. Loren also has 25 years of experience teaching swim lessons and remains passionate about helping children grow in confidence both in and out of the classroom.

Married for 13 years and mom to four daughters, Loren loves fitness, clean living, and cooking healthy meals for her family. She also has a deep love for Jesus, worship, and prayer. Her combination of educational expertise and personal warmth makes her a treasured part of our team.

Kevin Curtis – Math Guide, Junior High

Kevin brings more than two decades of experience in education and ministry. He holds a B.A. in Christian Education, a minor in Biblical Studies, and a Master’s in Education. Kevin has served on Young Life staff, taught in Christian schools, and worked in youth discipleship. He is passionate about helping students grow in both knowledge and faith.

Kevin and his wife, Pam, have been married for 20 years and have two children. He enjoys fishing, snowboarding, skateboarding, weight training, and anything that involves the outdoors. Kevin’s combination of academic excellence, spiritual leadership, and relational teaching style make him a cornerstone of our upper school program.

Michelle Wonders - PBL Guide, Junior High

Michelle Wonders brings a deep passion for hands-on, meaningful learning and a lifetime rooted in education to Freedom Academy’s junior high program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education along with a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and has been serving students and families in education since 2008.

Michelle began her career teaching at a private Christian school in Northern California, and later spent several years homeschooling her own children—giving her a unique, well-rounded perspective on how children truly learn and thrive. She went on to lead project-based learning programs for elementary and middle school students, where she discovered her greatest strength: creating engaging, real-world learning experiences that bring out each student’s creativity, curiosity, and confidence.

She is especially passionate about project-based and hands-on learning, helping students move beyond memorization into true understanding and mastery. Michelle has a gift for recognizing each child’s God-given strengths and creating an environment where those gifts come to life—where students experience the “spark” of learning and take ownership of their growth.

Outside the classroom, Michelle has been married for 18 years and is a devoted mom of three. She loves exploring Idaho, spending time outdoors, gardening, cooking, and being actively involved in her children’s lives and activities. Her life reflects the same values she brings into the classroom: faith, creativity, connection, and a deep belief in the potential of every child.

Becky Butlin – High School Coordinator & Guide

Becky brings a strong academic and mentoring background to Freedom Academy. She holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and spent 19 years in industry before transitioning to education. Becky is passionate about helping students succeed, especially in math and science, and is skilled in providing support for learning differences and accommodations.

Becky and her husband have two teenagers and have been part of the Freedom community for years. In her free time, she enjoys pickleball, scrapbooking, country line dancing, and outdoor activities. Her faith in Christ and commitment to excellence make her a vital resource for students and families.

Emily Wegener – High School ELA Guide

Emily holds a Master’s in Teaching, a B.A. in Psychology, and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Her professional background includes roles in teaching, ministry, event planning, and writing. A lifelong learner and follower of Jesus, Emily is passionate about supporting students in developing both academic skills and faith.

Married for 16 years and mom to two children, Emily relocated from California to Idaho in obedience to God’s calling. She loves holistic health, reading, and exploring Idaho’s outdoors with her family—and their beloved puppy, Trooper.

Megan McKibbin – Reading Interventionist

Megan is a native Idahoan who brings years of experience helping students develop strong literacy skills. She holds a degree from Boise State and an endorsement in Literacy and has worked in reading intervention roles, conducting assessments and designing individualized plans for students.

Married to her high school sweetheart, Chad, Megan is a proud mom of three—Audrey, Cohen, and Avery. She enjoys boating, skiing, hiking, and hosting gatherings, as well as reading and home decorating. Megan is passionate about creating a positive, faith-filled environment where students can grow in confidence and ability.

Support Staff (Aides)

Callie Spencer – Aide, Preschool–Kindergarten

Callie brings enthusiasm and creativity to her first year as an aide at Freedom Academy. Engaged to be married this fall, she loves music, traveling for concerts, crafting, and outdoor adventures—especially near the water. Callie’s heart for young learners and her deep love for Jesus make her an incredible support for our early childhood classrooms.

Natalie Stegner – Aide, Kindergarten–1st

Natalie brings energy, warmth, and a heart for serving others to her role at Freedom Academy. She is a certified medical assistant and has several years of experience working with children in daycare and preschool settings, as well as leading youth within her church. She has a natural ability to connect with students and create an environment where they feel seen, supported, and encouraged.

Natalie enjoys traveling, hiking, fitness, reading, and spending time in the sunshine. She values staying active and living a balanced, joyful life both in and out of the classroom.

Her love for Jesus and passion for working with young children make her a joyful and impactful part of the Freedom Academy team.