The Strike School Faculty
Academic excellence at Strike School is driven by our Learning Coaches: certified educators who combine rigorous academic standards with dedicated personal mentorship. We provide the professional guidance necessary to turn student potential into demonstrated mastery.
Ms. Allison
Email: lisaa@strikeschool.org
Learning Coach 3rd - 12th
Ms. Allison is a dedicated educator, student advocate, and lifelong learner whose background includes serving as a school counselor, teacher, and administrator. She brings decades of experience supporting student growth, both in traditional and virtual learning environments. She is especially passionate about helping each learner build confidence, stay motivated, and take ownership of their learning journey. Dr. Allison also has extensive experience with Python, AI, coding platforms, Google Classroom, Canva, and OBS, which she uses to motivate learners. She brings warmth, energy, and wholehearted dedication to every role, always striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
She is a lifelong learner at heart, and her passion is helping students and colleagues find success in school and beyond the classroom. There is nothing she would rather do than positively impact the life of another person. A friend once told her, “Never grow weary doing good for others.”
Along with Strike School, she works part-time as Program Director of STEMgirls, a nonprofit initiative of STEAMpark that engages girls in grades 3–8 through innovative, real-world STEM and coding experiences. Her work centers on developing creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills through engaging, project-based learning. Dr. Allison currently resides in Lexington, South Carolina, with her husband and son. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and caring for her pets.
Education:
- Doctor of Education
- Master of Education in School Counseling
- Bachelor of Arts in Education
- National Board Certification
Mrs. Clark
Learning Coach K - 9th
Email: elysec@strikeschool.org
Elyse has a passion for personalized learning, helping ALL students surpass their goals and has over a decade of experience as an educator. During this time, she has served students of all levels and others who possess unique exceptionalities. Elyse believes that every child will be successful if they are supported in the right way. As a result, she strives to be innovative and personalize her support to best meet the needs of each child and family. She has experience designing and modifying curriculum to meet the needs of all learning styles and ability levels.
Elyse believes learning should be fun and has also developed many project-based learning projects/hands-on activities. Students must make connections between what they are learning and their everyday life and she prides herself on making this possible for those she supports. She is passionate about helping others find a love for learning and believes that this starts with developing relationships with each child and their family. Once the child knows that he/she is safe, respected, and supported, the possibilities are limitless.
Elyse has a husband and four children at home. When she is not teaching, she is spending her time making memories with them. Her children have helped her see education from many new angles and have opened her eyes to many new and exciting ways to get others interested in learning or attempting tasks that appear difficult at first.
Education:
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
- Endorsements in Reading, ESOL, and Gifted Education
Mrs. Courduff
Learning Coach 6th - 8th
Email: jenniferc@strikeschool.org
Jennifer is a passionate teacher, learner, and mentor. She loves partnering with families and believes that strong relationship and collaboration is the key to student success.
She has multiple degrees in education including a PhD in Education Technology. She loves learning theory and believes that learning can and should take place in many environments using strategies that tap into student interests and strengths.
On a side note – she raises dairy goats 🙂
Education:
- PhD in Education Technology
- Master of Education in Educational Administration
- Master of Education in Educational Technology
- Bachelor of Arts in Music Education
Ms. Gomez
Email: elizabethg@strikeschool.org
Learning Coach K - 8th
Elizabeth has over six years of experience in teaching academic English to students in grades K–12, as well as co-teaching core content subjects such as mathematics, history, and science. With a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and a Master of Science in Reading, she excels at deepening students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills. Furthermore, her experience in co-teaching different subject areas has strengthened her expertise in differentiating content instruction for students at varying instructional levels.
Education:
- Master of Science in Reading
- Bachelor of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Miss Amanda
Learning Coach K - 12th
Email: amandah@strikeschool.org
Amanda is an experienced educator with nearly two decades of success in teaching, tutoring, and supporting students from early childhood through high school. She has taught in both traditional and online school settings, bringing flexibility and creativity to her instructional approach. Amanda specializes in individualized instruction, special education, and helping students build confidence and academic independence. She is known for her strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication. Her favorite part of teaching is helping students reach that “lightbulb moment” when things finally click and learning comes to life. She is passionate about creating inclusive, supportive environments where students can thrive through personalized learning strategies.
Outside of her work in education, Amanda lives on a lively farm with horses, pigs, donkeys, dogs, and cats. She loves unwinding with a good book while enjoying the fresh air of nature.
Education:
- Master of Education in Education Technology and Instructional Design
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Special Education
Ms. Helton
Learning Coach K - 12th
Email: emilyh@strikeschool.org
Emily is an experienced educator, with 8 years in the public school system and an additional 5 years in informal STEM education. She began teaching in elementary special education before moving to a middle school/high school position at a small, rural school in Illinois. There, she transitioned to teaching 8th-12th grade science. After moving to West Virginia, she taught middle school science for three years. Emily holds a PhD in Educational Theory and Practice from West Virginia University.
Education:
- PhD in Education Theory and Practice
- Master of Education in Professional Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Special Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology
Mr. LeBlanc
Learning Coach 6th - 12th
Email: johnl@strikeschool.org
John LeBlanc is a dedicated educator with over two decades of experience in both business leadership and classroom instruction. At Strike School, he brings his passion for real-world, applied learning to a fully virtual environment, helping students engage in personalized, project-based education that emphasizes relevance, rigor, and results.
John holds a Master’s degree in Education and is licensed to teach Social Studies, Business Education, and multiple other subjects across several states. His diverse background includes upper management roles in the business world, as well as middle and high school teaching experience in history, economics, science, math, and English. He has also served as Director of Student Services, where he supported special education programs and championed student-centered approaches to learning.
Known for integrating innovative instructional strategies and fostering a strong sense of community in online settings, John is deeply committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. His work at Strike School reflects his belief that personalized, interest-led learning empowers students to thrive both academically and personally.
Education:
- Master of Education
- Bachelor of Secondary Education
Ms. Lenz
Learning Coach 3rd - 12th
Email: kellyl@strikeschool.org
Ms. Lenz brings seven years of experience in education, with a background as a special education teacher and a passion for supporting all learners. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in behavior intervention and transition services, as well as an Education Specialist degree with credentials in both principalship and special education leadership. As a high school learning coach, Ms. Lenz is dedicated to building strong relationships with students and families and helping learning make sense for every individual. Her teaching mission is to provide students with equitable opportunities for learning and long-term success. Originally from Illinois, Ms. Lenz currently lives in Taiwan and is grateful for the opportunity to teach and connect with students remotely. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, trying new foods, watching sports, and baking.
Education:
- Master of Education in Special Education
- Bachelor of Science in Special Education
- Learning Behavior Specialist 2 Certification
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certification
Mrs. Spadt
Email: kristas@strikeschool.org
Learning Coach 6th - 12th
Krista has been an educator in many different areas over the course of her career. She has taught chemistry, biology, and science & technology in both the middle and high school classrooms. Krista, as president and founder of Simple Gifts Project, has the pleasure of working with hundreds of youth each year as they spread kindness to others by packing and delivering care bags to local pediatric patients. Her favorite part of all her teaching experiences is the opportunity to connect with students and see them reach their goals and highest potential. Krista believes one of the greatest gifts of being an educator is to witness the progress, the smiles, and the confidence grow as students help themselves, and others, through the learning process.
When not in the classroom, Krista enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.
Education:
- Master of Education in Secondary Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology
Miss Leah
Learning Coach K - 8th
Email: leahv@strikeschool.org
Leah is a dedicated and passionate educator who discovered her calling for education at an early age. With over 14 years of homeschooling experience and the majority of her career spent as a Homeschooling Consultant, she deeply values the freedom homeschooling provides to personally tailor each child’s education to their passions and unique story. Leah’s focus is on fostering deep connections, academic growth, and empowerment with every student and family she works alongside. Her ultimate mission as an educator is to create individualized learning plans that spark her students’ natural curiosities, setting them on a path of fulfilling and motivating learning journeys.
When not teaching, Leah finds joy in long-distance running, experimenting with new recipes, and creating cherished memories with her family.
Education:
- Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction
- Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Mrs. Woods
Learning Coach K - 8th
Email: brittanyw@strikeschool.org
Brittany is a committed educator who loves getting to know her students and cultivating strong relationships. She started on her path to education 12 years ago in City Year, where she fostered tremendous growth with her students. Brittany went on to teach several grades as a classroom teacher, and eventually honed her craft as a reading specialist. Brittany also has a passion for special education, and spent 5 years helping her students set and exceed their personal learning goals. Brittany believes that ALL students are capable of learning, and is fulfilled by helping them achieve their potential. In her spare time, Brittany loves reading historical fiction, spending time with loved ones, traveling, and watching football (E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!).
Education:
- Master of Science in Education in Reading/Writing/Literacy
- Bachelor of Arts in History
Ms. Young
Learning Coach 6th - 12th
Email: dianettay@strikeschool.org
Dianetta is a passionate educator who loves connecting and building positive relationships with students of all ages. Dianetta began her teaching career as a high school physical science, biology, and chemistry teacher. After many successful years as a classroom teacher, Dianetta began her journey as an elementary and middle school administrator, serving as a principal for eight years.
Dianetta loves spending time with family and friends, serving others, and visiting one of her favorite cities – New Orleans!
Education:
- Master of Education in Educational Leadership
- Bachelor of Science in Biology and General Science
- + 30 Certification in Science Education
School Administration & Office Staff
Mrs. Hockensmith (Mrs. H.)
Principal // Director of Enrollment
Email: shahla@strikeschool.org
Your Child, Your Choice: The Heart Behind Strike School
I know exactly what it feels like to sit at your kitchen table, looking at your children and wondering if the school system truly “sees” them.
In 1999, I was a mother of four “littles.” My oldest two were in public school, and despite the efforts of wonderful teachers, I realized the system was too big and too rigid to honor my children’s individual needs or our family values. I made a choice that changed our lives: I brought them home. I decided then that my children’s education would be MY choice, not a pre-packaged assignment.
The Problem I Set Out to Solve
That personal decision grew into a twenty-year professional mission. I spent 13 years as a Registrar at a public alternative school, where I saw firsthand the “invisible wall” that stands between families and the education they want.
I saw how mountains of paperwork, clunky systems, and “red tape” exhausted parents and distracted teachers. I realized that for a school to truly serve a child, it had to get the “business of school” out of the way of the joy of learning.
Why “Streamlining” Matters to Your Family
This is why I co-founded Strike School and its sister initiative, Strike Streamlining. While “streamlining” sounds like a business term, for a Strike School parent, it means something much deeper:
We remove the friction: Our team uses advanced Google-certified systems to handle the administrative “noise” that bogs down traditional schools.
More time for your child: Because our systems are efficient and lean, our educators aren’t buried in paperwork. They are available to focus on your student.
A seamless partnership: We’ve designed our processes to be simple for you. We believe that choosing an alternative path shouldn’t feel like a second job for a parent.
A Recognized Path to Excellence
My dedication to fixing these systems led to my being honored as a “Friend of WALA” (Washington Association for Learning Alternatives) and to taking me to the national stage as a conference speaker. But whether I am presenting to school districts or leading our team, my “North Star” is always the same: The Parent.
Our Promise to You
At Strike School, we don’t just offer an alternative; we offer a partnership. We’ve used every bit of our expertise to build a school that is organized, efficient, and, most importantly, deeply personal.
I’ve been where you are. I’ve made that choice for my four children, and I’ve spent my career making sure you can make that same choice for yours. At Strike School, your family values are honored, your child’s needs are prioritized, and the system finally works for you.
Ms. Lenz
Assistant Principal Intern
Email: kellyl@strikeschool.org
Ms. Lenz is currently in her second year as a Learning Coach at Strike School. She is now pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Northwest Nazarene University in Idaho. Part of her studies include internships in both Principal and Director of Special Education positions. Ms. Lenz will serve as our Assistant Principal Intern for the 2025-26 school year. In this role, she will assist our administrators in managing schoolwide systems, support teachers in providing high-quality instruction, and continue building relationships with students and families to ensure their needs are met.
Education:
- Master of Education in Special Education
- Bachelor of Science in Special Education
- Learning Behavior Specialist 2 Certification
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certification
Miss Jordan
School Office Assistant II
Email: jordanh@strikeschool.org
Jordan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in Music Education. She has five years experience in the classroom, teaching choir and elementary music. She has always had a passion for education and learning, and loves to be a part of a young learner’s journey. Jordan is excited to be an administrative team member at Strike School and continue to support educators and students.
Miss Kayla
School Office Assistant II
Email: kaylar@strikeschool.org
Kayla holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education. She worked as a middle school language arts and reading teacher for the majority of her career before pivoting from working in education. Beyond the classroom, she has served in multiple customer service roles, and also as a program coordinator and talent development specialist. She enjoys using her customer service, administrative, and education experiences to serve Strike School!
Miss Bethany
School Office Assistant II
Email: bethanyk@strikeschool.org
Bethany has always enjoyed being in the education field. She’s volunteered consistently in home study programs for the last 15 years. Bethany has demonstrated her strong customer service skills by building a 5-star rated service business company with her husband. After selling the said business, Bethany and her husband have worked as consultants for the largest board game company in India to help families spend more time together. Bethany has enjoyed working in claim resolution role which further sharpened her administrative and problem-solving skills. She is excited to be part of the support staff at Strike School.
Strike School Business Office & Support Staff
Jay Hockensmith
Founder // Head of School // Director of Operations
Email: jayh@strikeschool.org
About the Founder: Jay K. Hockensmith
Jay K. Hockensmith is a visionary entrepreneur, world-record-holding athlete, and the driving force behind the Strike family of organizations. With a career spanning over four decades, Jay’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of personalized guidance, and the belief that every individual, and every business, has a unique path to excellence.
A Foundation of Community and Early Challenges
Jay’s educational journey began in Portland’s “Friendly House” community center. Supported by a mother deeply committed to his growth, he initially thrived in a K-8 environment where teachers and parents were closely connected through community, scouting, bowling, and 4H. In this nurturing atmosphere, Jay excelled, maintaining a near-perfect grade point average.
However, the transition to high school brought unforeseen hardships. Facing a rigid system that failed to address personal safety and individual learning needs, Jay felt like a “square peg being forced into a round hole.” This period of being misunderstood by the administration led to a loss of focus and a “hard lifestyle” in his youth. These early scars eventually became the catalyst for his mission to transform education for future generations.
The Turning Point & Athletic Excellence
At age 23, Jay reached a pivotal “fork in the road.” Choosing to utilize his inherent talents for a successful life, he pivoted toward business and extreme high-performance sports. Jay’s unwavering determination allowed him to become highly successful in achieving world-record accomplishments in sled dog racing. Notable feats include leading a World Record Alaskan Malamute Long Distance Team in 1993 and placing 3rd in the “Race to the Sky”—a 500-mile, crossing of the Continental Divide 7 times in 4 days, considered the most difficult and challenging long-distance race in the world.
A Distinguished Professional Legacy
Jay’s professional career is marked by a unique ability to turn inefficiencies into profit centers. His leadership and founder experience includes:
GE Capital & Pitney Bowes Credit Corp: As a Manager of Remarketing Operations and Management Officer, Jay oversaw nationwide centers, portfolios, contracts, fraud, and legal team advisor, streamlined IT processes, internal procedures, and growth while generating millions in direct and ancillary annual net revenue.
REMCO (1999–2016): As CEO and Founder, Jay led this service company in providing commercial equipment appraisals, asset recovery, and consulting to major banks and finance companies nationwide.
Sterling Financial Group LLC (2002–2012): Following the dissolution of GE Capital’s Colonial Pacific Leasing, Jay’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Sterling Financial Group. He built a high-performing team from former colleagues, creating a successful lease/finance underwriting and brokerage company that thrived in the marketplace.
The Birth of Strike: A Mission-Driven Future
Jay wanted a change; to make a difference where children have a chance to learn in a way that meets their individual needs. The inspiration for Strike School came from a deeply personal place. In 2019, after learning about personalized and interest-based learning models and attending and later supporting the Washington Association for Learning Alternatives (WALA) conference, Jay realized that the “broken system” of his youth didn’t have to be the standard. He found that private education could offer so much more.
Driven by a desire to provide students with the individualized support he lacked, Jay founded Strike School. This mission-driven approach extends to his business ventures:
Strike Services: Providing elite business solutions with a focus on efficiency and support.
Strike Streamlining: (Strike Services Company) A Google Certified team that evaluates workflows to increase communication, efficiency, and collaboration.
Strike HOPE: A 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to serving the underserved K-12 community.
Leading with Heart and Integrity
Today, Jay operates under a simple but powerful mantra: “Committed to excellence, integrity, credibility, and accountability.” Whether he is helping a corporation optimize its digital workflow or leading Strike School as Head of School/Director of Operations, Jay’s goal remains the same: to use his experiences to lead and serve in a way that provides the highest level of personalized support for each student, positively impacting students’ lives forever.
Shahla Hockensmith
Founder // School Business Administrator
Email: shahla@strikeschool.org
Your Child, Your Choice: The Heart Behind Strike School
I know exactly what it feels like to sit at your kitchen table, looking at your children and wondering if the school system truly “sees” them.
In 1999, I was a mother of four “littles.” My oldest two were in public school, and despite the efforts of wonderful teachers, I realized the system was too big and too rigid to honor my children’s individual needs or our family values. I made a choice that changed our lives: I brought them home. I decided then that my children’s education would be MY choice, not a pre-packaged assignment.
The Problem I Set Out to Solve
That personal decision grew into a twenty-year professional mission. I spent 13 years as a Registrar at a public alternative school, where I saw firsthand the “invisible wall” that stands between families and the education they want.
I saw how mountains of paperwork, clunky systems, and “red tape” exhausted parents and distracted teachers. I realized that for a school to truly serve a child, it had to get the “business of school” out of the way of the joy of learning.
Why “Streamlining” Matters to Your Family
This is why I co-founded Strike School and its sister initiative, Strike Streamlining. While “streamlining” sounds like a business term, for a Strike School parent, it means something much deeper:
-
We remove the friction: Our team uses advanced Google-certified systems to handle the administrative “noise” that bogs down traditional schools.
-
More time for your child: Because our systems are efficient and lean, our educators aren’t buried in paperwork. They are available to focus on your student.
-
A seamless partnership: We’ve designed our processes to be simple for you. We believe that choosing an alternative path shouldn’t feel like a second job for a parent.
A Recognized Path to Excellence
My dedication to fixing these systems led to my being honored as a “Friend of WALA” (Washington Association for Learning Alternatives) and to taking me to the national stage as a conference speaker. But whether I am presenting to school districts or leading our team, my “North Star” is always the same: The Parent.
Our Promise to You
At Strike School, we don’t just offer an alternative; we offer a partnership. We’ve used every bit of our expertise to build a school that is organized, efficient, and, most importantly, deeply personal.
I’ve been where you are. I’ve made that choice for my four children, and I’ve spent my career making sure you can make that same choice for yours. At Strike School, your family values are honored, your child’s needs are prioritized, and the system finally works for you.
India Lott
Marketing Specialist
Email: indial@strikeschool.org
India holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Entrepreneurship and has been an integral part of the Strike School marketing team. She manages the social media, newsletters, blogs, and more and works diligently to spread our message to current families and attract new ones to the Strike School community. As the Marketing Specialist for Strike School, she ensures that families understand the unique benefits of attending Strike School. In her free time, India enjoys playing the bass clarinet and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Rachel Warndahl
Project Specialist
Email: rachelw@strikeschool.org
Rachel works mostly behind the scenes here at Strike School. She enjoys finding opportunities to make tasks easier and processes more efficient! She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management with a focus in Human Resources, and is passionate about using this knowledge to help our team operate as smoothly as possible!