S.A.F.E. – Home Schooling

S.A.F.E. – Sculley Academy Friends of Educators – wisdom, resources, assistance prayer . . . for those teaching children at home. S.A.F.E. was formed by Karen in July 2018 for women in the Atlanta area who are teaching children at home. For several years, we met on a monthly basis for a relational evening of inspiration, encouragement, conversation, resources, and prayer for each one’s home schooling journey. We discussed questions, concerns, plans, dreams. We are not currently meeting in person, but I am continuing to offer these things through this website and my YouTube channel.

Karen is a third-generation teacher who began her home schooling journey with Sculley Academy in 1996, focusing on teaching her six children, the biggest joys and blessings of her life. She home schooled each of them from age 4 until high school graduation. One son received his M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech (B.S. from Le Tourneau University) and works for high-tech companies around the world. Another son is pursuing his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech (M.S. from GA Tech, B.S. from Le Tourneau University) and works as a Graduate Research Assistant and a co-pilot for crowd-sourced design projects. Another son received his B.S. in Philosophy from Toccoa Falls College, a Paralegal Certificate from the University of Georgia, worked for several years at a national tire distributor, and is now studying for his Masters in Theology at Asbury Seminary. One daughter has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Georgia Tech, served as a campus minister at the GA Tech campus ministry CCF, served as a camp counselor for adolescents in Florida, and is now studying for her Masters of Divinity at Emmanuel Christian Seminary. Another daughter is weighing various options for the next part of her journey. Another daughter works as a Restaurant Server. Karen also taught two other middle school students full time at Sculley Academy for three and one years respectively. She taught 60 students at Sculley Academy Math Club (2002-2008) and has been on staff as a teacher or accompanist at several home school co-ops, including Eastside Academic Studies (2015-2019), Creative Hearts (2013-2018), and Master’s Academy (1997-2007).

Karen earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Queensland (Australia) (as did her husband!), studied piano to the highest level under the Australian Music Examinations Board, and completed two years of training in spiritual direction. She and her husband / best friend / constant supporter Paul recently celebrated 36 years of marriage. They serve together on the Pastoral Care Team at their home church, Liberty Vineyard, where she leads Bible studies / children’s programs / Vineyard Institute classes, designs and maintains the website, plays on the worship team and for children’s choir, and helps people find places of connection and service. Karen enjoys teaching all kinds of topics to every age and stage in a wide variety of settings, including churches, clubs, camps, conferences, seminaries, and schools. She lived in Australia from age 7 to 25, and her family lived as missionaries in Russia for almost 2 years right before their oldest child went off to college.

She is passionate about helping young people find God`s direction for their life and teaching them how to think with discernment in order to impact our culture for Christ. One of the ways she has done that is through her monthly movie night. More than anything, she desires to glorify God with her life as she equips, encourages, and empowers others to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and love God with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength.