- Family Partnership Correspondence School
- Staff Bios
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Daniel Cooley
Principal
phone: 907-742-3700
I am thrilled to be able to lead Family Partnership Correspondence School. I am a product of education in Alaska, having earned my H.S. Diploma, bachelor's, master's and EDLC all from Alaskan educational institutions. Over the past twenty years, I have worked both in public and private education, both in Alaska and abroad as far away as Indonesia and Kenya, while also having been head of an online private school. I believe that my unique experience in all of these areas has prepared me for the role of Principal of FPCS. As a leader, I believe there are those that aspire to lead and those that choose to follow. Leadership is not about a title, but instead built upon trust that allows me as a leader to gain influence and help guide the mission vision. I hope to earn your trust as leader of FPCS.
My wife is also an educator from Alaska, and we have two sons, one in the United States Marine Corps, and the other heading to college this fall to study Biochemistry. My wife and I are entering the empty nest phase of life and are excited for this next adventure, Alaska Style!
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as leader of FPCS.
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Shelby Theriault
Sponsor Teacher - accepting new families
Cell: 907-764-3984
I love my job as sponsor teacher at Family Partnership Correspondence School! Here's a little about me..... I am a life-long Alaskan. I graduated from UAA with honors and served as Vice President of the Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society. I have been a highly qualified classroom teacher with the ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø School District for 23 years. I have taught almost every elementary school grade. I have also taught classes and was a sponsor teacher for Family Partnership for 4 years, grades K-12 and was delighted to return in 2020. I have run Science Fairs for over 20 years.
As a family, we love the outdoors! We love to camp, fish and hike. We also love baseball! We have a son that is going into 10th grade this year, and he has been dually enrolled, which means that he has had some classes through South High School and some classes through Family Partnership. He plays for South High School's baseball team. He also wrestles for their team. I'm also a horse person. I grew up showing horses and continue my love of equines.
I am passionate about homeschooling and all the opportunities it offers our students. I love helping parents to guide their children's education. I look forward to getting to know you and your family!
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Lucas Soden
Sponsor Teacher - accepting new families
Cell: 907-538-6743
I am originally from Wisconsin and grew up in a close-knit family. In 2009, I came to Alaska to visit friends and felt at home as soon as I stepped off the plane. I've been here ever since. I enjoy camping and skiing with my wife, our two elementary-age kids, and our 12-year-old husky lab, Buddy. I also enjoy trail running and playing the guitar.
I have 15 years of teaching experience at the middle school level and a master's degree in elementary and middle school education. I have worked with a wide range of students throughout my teaching career. I have taught all core subjects at the middle school level but have spent most of my time as a 7th and 8th-grade Language Arts teacher working with students to develop their writing and reading comprehension skills. In addition to teaching Language Arts, I have coached debate, Battle of the Books, Spelling Bee, x-country running, x-country skiing, and wrestling.
This will be my fourth year as a sponsor teacher with Family Partnership Correspondence School. I enjoy working with families to help them make the best educational choices for them and their children.
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Melissa Lipinski
Sponsor Teacher - accepting new families
Cell: 907-744-7716
I was born and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska. My journey led me to ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø, where I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education (K-8). It was during this time that I met my husband. Now, we're blessed with two amazing young adult boys; our youngest is a recent graduate of FPCS, is in college, playing baseball for both his school and the Alaska Baseball League (Go Bucs!) Our oldest is in the process of completing his commercial pilot's license.
We love the outdoors - whether it's fishing, spending time at our cabin, cheering at baseball games, or enjoying aviation adventures. I also enjoy cooking, reading, hiking, and spending quality time with loved one.
Teaching has always been my passion. I began with student teaching in 1st grade and have since taught 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. After focusing on my children's development for 15 years, I returned to teaching math at Wendler Middle School. Now I'm thrilled to be a part of Family Partnership. I understand the importance of finding the right educational path for each child. I am eager to support families in making informed decisions that best suit their children's needs and aspirations.
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Erika Minich
Sponsor Teacher - accepting new families
Cell: 907-538-6748
Hello! Alaska has been home for most of my life. I was raised in the Interior and after enough cold winters, I attended Eastern New Mexico University where I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Education. I have been with ASD for 24 years and have taught most grade levels to some capacity in a variety of settings. Secondary math has been my interest and the area I have taught the most.
When I'm not working, I love spending time outdoors, going on walks and tending to my flowers. I also enjoy practicing yoga, watercolor, and traveling. My family includes two wonderful kids who are now both young adults. We're glad to have them around still and, as family, year-round we like to spend time together at Big Lake.
I'm excited to have the opportunity to help your family navigate the homeschool world. My goal is for you to have a stress-free and successful year. I look forward to working together to make your homeschool vision a reality.
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JaNice West
Sponsor Teacher/ELL Coordinator - accepting new families
Cell: 907-764-8165
As someone who grew up and continues to live in the ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø area, education has always been a priority for me. I obtained a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alaska, ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø, and a master's degree in teaching and learning. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is working with students and their families to develop personalized learning plans that help students reach their full potential. I have personal experience homeschooling my oldest son, Aidan, who graduated from Family Partnership last year, and my daughter Avalee, who will be in first grade this year.Working at Family Partnership has been the highlight of my career so far. I am excited to share my personal experiences with families and support them throughout their homeschooling journey.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, which includes my husband and our four children - Aidan, Avalee, Eleanor, and Donovan. We love to engage in various outdoor activities during our downtime, including going to the park, camping, and enjoying the beautiful Alaskan weather.I am thrilled to be a part of Family Partnership's team and look forward to helping families and students grow and succeed. It’s going to be a great year!
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Noah Zogas
Sponsor Teacher, Enrichment Teacher - accepting new families
Cell: 907-310-5862
I am a life-long Alaskan and a former ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø School District student. I grew up in a log cabin in the woods on the Kenai Peninsula and later moved to ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø for high school. After graduating from East High School, I attended the University of Alaska – Fairbanks and then Claremont McKenna College in California, where I earned a BA in Environment, Economics, and Politics. After college, I returned to Alaska and worked as a flooring installer and an environmental consultant before becoming a teacher. I earned a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education from the University of Alaska – Southeast in 2011 and have been teaching in the ASD ever since. Prior to joining FPCS, I taught high school biology and honors biology at Bartlett High School as well as 7th-grade science and middle school applied technology at Goldenview Middle School. In addition to teaching, I’ve enjoyed coaching middle school cross-country running, basketball, and track and field.
I live in ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø with my family and have a son who is an ASD student. I love so much about living in Alaska, and in my free time I try to be outside as much as possible. I especially love rock climbing, world travel, mountain running, backcountry snowboarding, mountaineering, and hunting/fishing/gathering/growing as much food as I can. On rainier days I enjoy reading, cooking, playing games, and working on my old house.
I’m very thankful I get to work with the amazing and talented staff at FPCS, and I’m excited to support and assist our families’ educational adventures. I look forward to meeting you!
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Sarah Petersen
Sponsor Teacher - accepting new families.
Cell: 907-310-9140
petersen_sarah@asdk12.org
I was born and raised in Montana, but now have called Alaska my home for over 20 years. I have a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Montana State University and a Master's Degree in Educational Technology from the University of Alaska Southeast.
For over twenty years, I have worked as a classroom teacher, Educational Technology Specialist, IT Collaborator, Teacher Expert in STEM Science, adjunct faculty at UAA & UAS, and currently as a sponsor teacher for Family Partnership. I have earned a few recognitions in my time as an educator: I was a finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics, I have served as a board member for ASTE Board (Alaska Society for Technology in Education), and I am an Apple Distinguished Educator.
We are blessed to be able to homeschool our own children (grade 8 and grade 6). I love skiing (Nordic & alpine), backpacking, fishing, gardening and spending time with my precious family! I am excited to team with you and assist in your homeschooling journey!
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Kjirsten Langland
Sponsor Teacher - accepting new families
Cell: 907-538-8761
Alaska is home and I am homegrown! Born and educated in ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø, I graduated from West ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø High School. I attended the University of San Diego and graduated with a degree in Diversified Liberal Arts and my teaching credential. I am "Highly Qualified" to teach K-8th grades and have taught with the ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø School District since 1997.
I am a mom of 3 kids that I adore and we, along with my hubby, love to ski, hike, fly, travel and enjoy all that is Alaska.
I am honored to be a part of the Family Partnership Correspondence School Family. I love working with our FPCS families to help them determine the best ways to educate their children while discovering how fun learning can be. Welcome to FPCS!
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Lynnetta Marcellus
Sponsor Teacher - accepting new families.
Cell: 907-538-6741
I graduated in 1995 with a B.S Ed degree in Secondary Math and History (grades 6-12) from the University of Idaho. In 2015 I finished my Master’s Degree in ED Leadership from the University of Alaska ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø with a K-12 principal certification. My husband is in the military and we have had the opportunity to live in various places, such as Idaho, Germany, Missouri, Alabama, Delta Junction, Wasilla, and now Eagle River. I was blessed to teach in some of those places we traveled to, such as Idaho, Missouri, Delta Junction, Wasilla and now 14 years in ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø at FPCS. I have been teaching for 22 years in various educational institutions, such as the brick-and-mortar classroom, cyber school, private school, charter school, and now a correspondence school. I have taught 7th grade math, 8th grade math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Applied math, Consumer math, Precalculus, Calculus, Geography, US history, Western Civilization, Health, and P.E. I also coached high school volleyball and track. Both of my children were homeschooled at Family Partnership Correspondence School and are now currently attending college at Liberty University.
I believe homeschooling is the best gift we can give our children. I also love helping parents become more confident in their ability to teach their children. I believe parents know their children better than anyone else and, with the partnership of a sponsor teacher, they can become the best teacher to their children. I would love to get a chance to visit with you as you embark on this wonderful journey of homeschooling.
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Andrea Ward
Sponsor Teacher - accepting new families
Cell: 907-538-8735
Born and raised in ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø, I am a proud product of ASD schools. After earning a psychology degree from Northern Arizona University and 7 years in Oregon working with disabled teens and young adults, I realized my true passion for teaching and returned to Alaska to pursue my Elementary Education degree. Following several years of teaching, I took a break to raise my two lovely daughters, who are now college-age. During this period, I had the pleasure of homeschooling my youngest daughter for her final three years of high school, an experience I cherish.
In 2015, I joined Family Partnership as a small group classroom teacher, teaching 2nd and 4th grades. I transitioned to the position of Sponsor Teacher in 2019, where I have found great joy assisting families in their homeschooling journey.
In my free time I love running, biking, gardening, reading, bird watching, and, most of all, spending time with my daughters.
The freedom and choice homeschooling gives families is truly wonderful, and I am thrilled to support you and your family as you embark on this exciting journey. I am confident we can work together to create a customized and fulfilling educational experience that meets the unique needs of your family.
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Ashley Bukowski
Sponsor Teacher - Full - not accepting new families at this time.
Cell: 907-782-6478
I was born and raised in Florida but have always been an Alaskan at heart! I moved to ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø in 2016 and have been loving it here ever since. I have my bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice/Political Science and then went back to school in 2012 to earn my teaching certificate. I have a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction and I am pursuing a second Master's in Educational Leadership. I have taught 8th grade math, Algebra, Geometry, and high school credit recovery. For extracurricular activities, I used to coach middle school volleyball and the archery club.I am a huge advocate for college-ready students, and those who are unsure what they want to do after high school. Alaska has so many options for students who want to enter the workforce or pursue a specialized trade.When I am not working, I enjoy getting outside for hikes, kayaking, four wheeling, boating, camping, fishing, cross country skiing and taking our dogs for a walk. I love the outdoors and believe any bad day can be wiped away with some time in our mountains.I look forward to getting to know you and your students and helping you along your educational journey!
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Chantal Davis
Sponsor Teacher - Full - not accepting new families at this time.
Cell: 907-744-3593
I have been an educator with the ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø School District since 2004. I am originally from Washington state, where I graduated from Cedar Park Christian School. I went on to Central Washington University to pursue bachelor's degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. After graduating in 2004, I moved to Alaska and began teaching. In addition to teaching, I have coached many sports. My favorite sport to coach would have to be volleyball, but I enjoyed my time as a cross-country running, basketball, and track and field coach.
My children are in high school, here in ASD. They are very active and spend their time playing volleyball, football, basketball, softball, baseball, running track, fishing, riding jet skis and four wheelers. I love watching my children participate in the things they love to do. In my free time, I am an avid reader and spend lots of time with our 2 little French Bulldogs.
I am excited to be a part of the Family Partnership family and I look forward to working with you and your family to tailor your homeschooling program to your children's educational needs. This is something I am passionate about. I can't wait!
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Teresa Hintze
Sponsor Teacher, SPED/504 Coordinator - Full not accepting new families at this time
Cell: 907-538-8752
Born in Idaho and raised in ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø, Alaska, I have been working for the ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø School District for many years. For 15 of those years, I worked in the Deaf Education program and taught all subjects at all levels; elementary school, middle school, and high school. During my tenure, I also had the pleasure of assisting my sisters in their homeschooling endeavors, including acting as a sponsor teacher for them at Family Partnership Correspondence School. I have been with FPCS for several years now and have a unique, dual role here at Family Partnership. First, I am a sponsor teacher and second, I am the special education liaison. In my role as the Special Education Liaison, I coordinate meetings and facilitate communication between FPCS families and the Special Education teams at their neighborhood schools. While FPCS is not allowed to offer special education services, as part of the ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø School District, our families are able to access any services at their neighborhood school. In my role as a sponsor teacher, I have the pleasure of working directly with families in supporting parent-directed education. I love this program and I am so excited to be part of the homeschooling community.
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Kristin Jackson
Sponsor Teacher - Full - not accepting new families at this time
Cell: 907-538-8753
I have been with Family Partnership since 2006, and I love the opportunity to partner with families! I graduated from Wheaton College with a B.A. in Elementary Education and have continued my professional development, taking classes through UAA. For five years, I taught second grade at Klatt Elementary. I transferred to Family Partnership to spend more time at home with my children and have the opportunity to work with students in a more individualized setting. As a teacher at FPCS, I have been a sponsor teacher for kindergarten through 12th grade students as well as taught elementary enrichment classes in all subject areas including hands-on science, writing, and math games. My husband and I have four children who have attended Family Partnership, and I have had the privilege of being an integral part of their education. As a family, we enjoy camping, fishing, and exploring Alaska. I grew up in Minnesota, making Alaska my home now with my family for over 20 years. I love spending time with my family, watching my kids' sports events, and venturing outdoors, whether in Alaska or a beautiful, sunny destination. I look forward to another great year sponsoring families here at Family Partnership!
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Aimee Sims
Sponsor Teacher - Full - not accepting new families at this time.
Cell: 538-6742
Homeschooling is amazing. I have four children. Iain (graduated in 2019), Nathaniel (graduated in 2021), Johanna (graduated in 2024), and Stuart (12th grade). Our family has chosen a variety of ways to educate our children. We began with homeschooling, then attended both neighborhood and alternative schools, then went back to homeschooling with Family Partnership Correspondence School.
I love each day, as it is always an adventure teaching my children at home! I love to see that "ah-ha" look in a child's eyes when they have learned or discovered something new and exciting. It is so rewarding as we learn together as a family and discover new and amazing things. I have learned so much as I have assisted families in the past few years.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, a minor in Bible, and a specialization in Political Studies earned from The Master's College in Santa Clarita, California. Since graduation in 1997, I have actively taught in the community and have received extensive training in teaching reading, writing, and spelling using a multisensory reading program called the Slingerland Method. These past twenty years, I have had the opportunity to be a sponsor teacher and small group instructor with Family Partnership. It is my privilege to be working together with you to create the best learning plan for your students. Together we can successfully create a learning environment that provides educational excellence and the opportunity for success in their life endeavors.
I look forward to this new school year and the challenges and opportunities we will experience together on this homeschooling journey.
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Morgan Duclos
Migrant Education
Cell: 907-310-6880
I am Alaska born and bred, going to various ASD schools, and graduating from Dimond High School in 2013. During my time in college, I circumnavigated the globe with the program Semester at Sea in 2015, visiting more than 13 countries and sailing through the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. I graduated from the University of Alaska ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø with a Journalism and Psychology Degree in 2018 and began my career at ASD in their Communications and Community Outreach Department. I served in that role until 2020, when I became a Student Success Coach for the Migrant Education Program (MEP) working in multiple ASD schools. I am new to Family Partnership as of 2023, and I am thrilled to serve the MEP families at our school.
I enjoy keeping busy—adventuring in Alaska, traveling, getting outside as much as possible, reading, writing, baking, and cooking. I truly believe in being a “life-long” learner and have taken numerous classes with Alaska Works Partnership, like Heavy Equipment Operating, Carpentry, Ironworks and Welding, and Plumbing, Pipefitting, and Welding. I met my husband when we were in sixth grade. We don’t have kids yet, but have two dogs who love to adventure with us.
I am looking forward to working with FPCS staff and families to support the challenging academic needs of our unique community!
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Ann-Marie Foust
Early Literacy Specialist and K-3 Reading Group Teacher
(907) 782-6296
I am originally from Missoula, Montana, but have called Alaska home for over 20 years now and cannot imagine living anywhere else! I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in English and a K-8 certificate. I also hold a master's in education degree with a focus on teacher excellence. My passion is teaching and learning!
I have worked in the ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø School District for 19 years, including 16 years on JBER, teaching grades K-6 and STEM. I have spent the most time in the early grades, particularly kindergarten and first grades, but I have loved working with children of all ages in all subject areas. I have a lot of experience with younger students who struggle with reading and writing. I have also worked with all ages of students in enrichment activities like battle of the books, student government and service-learning clubs.
My life plan was always to teach until I had my own children and then switch to homeschool. That did not happen for me, and I feel so blessed to be able to embark on the homeschooling adventure with you through Family Partnership. You are your child’s first teacher, and I am excited to be a part of your family’s team. Please contact me to see how I can work with you to meet your teaching and learning goals!
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Abby Wondzell
Migrant Education
Cell: 907-717-8838
Along with being a lifelong Alaskan, I am also a lifelong hockey player! I grew up at the ice rinks in ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø watching my Dad skate and then I spent most of my time on the ice myself. In addition to continuing to play, I also coach and have had the chance to coach several championship teams at both the State and National levels. I am looking forward to utilizing the knowledge that I have as a coach and applying it towards mentoring, supporting, and encouraging the students and families that I will be working with. I am thrilled to have the chance to be working with students that are homeschooled! Kindergarten through 5th grade, my mother taught my siblings and I at home through the CyberLynx homeschool program. We loved the experience of learning together and getting the chance to grow and experience something new each day. After enrolling in public school, I attended Begich Middle School followed by Bartlett High School where each of my siblings also attended. I graduated from UAA with a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree alongside a minor in Psychology. I have been a full-time substitute teacher with the District where I had the opportunity to work in many different classroom settings at a variety of grade levels. I loved getting to know the students in the classrooms that I substituted for frequently and I look forward to building supportive and empowering relationships with the students that I will be working with in the future!