Meet Our Director, Emily Weddle
Emily's Bio & Picture
Meet Our High School Director, Becca Perry
“A university-style high school cooperative that supports parents in confidently homeschooling those last years of a student’s educational journey.”
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Becca Perry received her B.A. degree in French and Secondary Education from Central College in Pella, IA. She taught French at a private Christian high school and later, a large public school in the Chicago suburbs after graduation. She has been married to Ben, the University Architect at KSU, for 21 years, and they have 6 children whom they have homeschooled since kindergarten. Their oldest child, Josh, will graduate from their homeschool this spring. Their family has been a part of many homeschool co-ops in which Becca has served as parent, teacher, tutor, and director. They’ve included Classical Conversations as well as community-based and academic-based groups. In her spare time, she enjoys coffee, reading, baking bread, brewing kombucha, and digging into God’s word. She’s thankful for the opportunity to serve the Manhattan area with a new high school co-op that will bless and encourage many homeschooling families.
Meet Our Preschool Director, Jami Berggren
“My goal for the little years is to lay a good foundation that can be built upon as students learn and grow.”
Jami received a B.A. degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in early childhood from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. She taught for 5 years, switching from public to a private classical christian school. She spent most of her time as a 1st grade teacher, but did teach preschool at a grant-funded daycare throughout her university years. She has been married to Quinton, an engineer for KSU, for 8 years, and they have 3 children ages 6,5, and 3 years. Jami is excited as they follow the Lord’s leading into their homeschool journey. In her spare time, Jami loves to read aloud with her kids, crochet, and be outdoors (when the weather is 60 degrees or above). She is grateful for the community the Orchard has brought to her and her kids and has allowed her the opportunity to use her “teacher skills” in a “schoolish” setting again.
Meet Our Elementary Director, Lauren Jones
"In the elementary years we focus on attention and memorization. We seek to support students in the grammar stage as they grow as listeners, speakers, readers, and writers."
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Lauren received a B.A. degree in Child Study and Language Development with a Special Education Endorsement from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX. She taught for 5 years in the public school setting. While teaching, Lauren earned a M.S. degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading and Language Arts from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. Lauren has also taught one year in a private, Christian school. Lauren is married to Christopher, and they have two children. Lauren and family are thankful for the ways The Classical Orchard supports their at home learning.
Meet Our Communications Director, Alex Wright
"My goal is to help connect our families and students our ever growing technological world in a safe and educational way."
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Alex received her B.S. in Social Work through Troy University and worked as a Forster Care Social Worker for the state of Alabama until moving to Fort Riley, Kansas in 2020. She is married to John, a helicopter engine mechanic for the U.S. Army. She has one daughter, age 5, and is expecting a second child in 2023. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, exploring Kansas, and serving on her church's technology/ media team. Alex and her family are grateful to be a part of the Orchard community and getting to know new and experienced homeschooling families.
Meet Our Finance Director, Jennifer Altwegg
Jen's Bio & Picture