Welcome to Lightkeeper Academy

John and Jill live in Manhattan, IL with their two daughters. Jill has a passion for educating children. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resouces Management from Lewis University, and a Master's in Elementary Education from Saint Xavier University. John is a United States Military Academy Graduate who went on to serve six proud years as an infantryman. As a family, they love to spend time together having movie nights, playing board games, walking their dogs, and getting ready for the next season of sports! John and Jill were motivated to create Lightkeeper Academy after struggling to find a solution for their family's educational needs. In Lightkeeper Academy, they strive to create an environment that is child-focused while also emphasizing and embracing the importance of parental involvement. 

Tom and Michelle Bulow live in Mokena, IL with their 4 children, along with their service dog- in training, Milile. Michelle is a former Special Education teacher and spent her time teaching at Lincoln- Way East prior to having children. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Illinois State University, and her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. Tom is a Michigan State Alumni and is a local business owner and hospitality enthusiast. Michelle and Tom are deeply involved in the Autism community as their oldest son was diagnosed at the age of two. Tom serves as an ambassador for TACA, The Autism Community in Action. Michelle is a TACA mentor for families navigating life on the spectrum. As a family, they enjoy traveling, and spending summers in Michigan.

Cheryl lives in Blue Island, IL with her husband Kanon and their two sons. She graduated from University of Illinois-Chicago with both a bachelors and master's degree in accounting. She is a CPA and has spent over 20 years in various accounting positions in both the public and private sector. In 2020, she decided to put her career on hold, and made her focus raising her boys and assisting her husband in running their family business. As a result, Cheryl has the flexibility to manage the finances at Lightkeeper Academy, as well as assist where needed in the building throughout the week. When Cheryl is not working, she loves gardening, cooking, yoga, watching her boys play sports, and spending time at the beach in Michigan with her family. 

Ashley lives in New Lenox, IL with her husband Scott, and two children. She loves teaching and has been passionate about working with kids for as long as she can remember. Ashley graduated from Valparaiso University with a degree in elementary education and an endorsement in reading instruction. She has spent multiple years teaching in public school and private school environments in Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. Ashley helps with the children’s ministry at church and enjoys singing on the worship team.  She loves coming up with creative ways to teach new concepts and helping students become excited about learning. In her free time, she loves to travel, sing, and spend family time playing board games and eating out! 

Joy lives in Mokena, IL with her husband Danny, and their two daughters. She has always been passionate about working with children through teaching and volunteer work. She graduated from Governor's State University with an Elementary Education Degree and a minor in English. She has taught in both public school and homeschool learning environments, teaching various grade levels for over a decade. When Joy is not teaching, she loves traveling, kayaking, and walking her dog, Panda. Joy can't wait to work with all the children at Lightkeeper Academy as they learn and grow through hands-on projects and creative activities. She hopes to instill a love for learning in all of her students. 

Lisa lives in Hobart, IN. She was born and raised in Alsip, IL before living in Peoria, Chicago, and Frankfort. She spent the last fifteen years in Oklahoma, seven of which were spent homeschooling her own three children through the grades 1st - 10th. Lisa has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Elementary Education and French from Bradley University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science from the University of Central Oklahoma. Before homeschooling, she spent time volunteering in public schools as well as substitute teaching. When Lisa is not teaching, she enjoys reading, cross-stitching, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying the outdoors.  

Tse (pronounced Tes) lives in Oak Lawn, IL with her husband Steve, and dog Rhino. She has wanted to be a teacher since the age of 3, loves teaching and is passionate about helping students feel confident in whatever they set out to do by fostering deep relationships with them. Tse graduated from the university of Technology in Jamaica with a Bachelor in Education Major in Computer Science and minor in Business. Since migrating to the US, she has received her middle school math endorsement from University of Chicago. She has over 20 years experience teaching middle and high school students. She is currently serves as an administrative assistant at her church and loves God deeply. In her free time, she loves to be outside in nature, walking or hiking, spend time catching up with friends and family, volunteering and sitting in the backyard around a fire with her hubby and their dog listening to good music. 

Jamie lives in Mokena, IL with her husband Anthony, and their son. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in elementary education and an endorsement in reading. Jamie has taught in a public school, homeschool co-op, and forest school. She loves working with children and building meaningful connections with them. She strives to create a classroom where every child feels valued, capable, and successful. When Jamie is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, meeting friends at a local coffee shop, going to the beach, and walking her dog, Ruby.