Meet Our Teachers

Kara Lofthouse
Director
Teacher of Passport Around the World, Action Civics, Soapbox Project
With 15 years experience in public education, Kara has always been an educational leader, with her Masters in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction, she is driven to create innovative educational opportunities for ALL students. Kara began her home school journey with her own children in 2020. She has credentials in Administration, Social Science and English, with a passion for culturally responsive education and social emotional learning. She has been a state and national board representative for the council of Social Sciences and cannot wait to share her passion at Wild Roots.

Stacy James
Director
Teacher of Number Play, Middle School Mathematics
I have taught in every just about school setting imaginable, including private, public, and homeschooling. Of the 15 years in a classroom, I have taught primarily middle school mathematics as well and science, English, even ballroom dancing. I have two beautiful children, with my amazing husband. I deep love for teaching mathematics because I can remember the struggle as a middle school student and I want all to know that they can do math, it math is for everyone.

Ashley Piouron
Early Elementary Teacher
Coming Soon

Melody Hillis
Early Elementary Exploration Educator
Hello there! My name is Melody Hillis. I grew up in Santa Barbara County with my five brothers and sisters and we spent a lot of time exploring and developing a love for the great outdoors. I now live in Roseville, CA with my Husband and three boys. I love spending quality time with my family, reading new books, camping, being near the ocean and thinking of fun lessons and crafts to help my students learn. I’ve been teaching in a Montessori School setting for the past five years and have also kept up my License as an Esthetician for the last 15 years. I want to provide a safe environment where children can grow at their own pace and enjoy being their authentic self. I’m so excited to be part of the Wild Roots family!

Amy Williams
Literacy, Imagination Station, Readers Theater, Fairytales and Fables
Hello! My name is Amy Williams and I have been an educator in various roles for the last twenty years and love working with the Wild Roots Learning Center team. I’ve previously worked as an elementary school teacher, and I now homeschool my two children as well as run a virtual home tutoring business that specializes in literacy instruction. It is my passion to share the love of learning and help children find wonder and beauty in all subject matter. My hope is to nurture their unique talents, curiosity, and exploration of the world. I’m a native of the Sacramento area and met my husband in high school. I have two wonderful boys and we enjoy camping, visiting local parks, reading, and bike riding together as a family. In my free time, I love attending bible study, reading, gardening, exercising, or spending time with friends andfamily. I’m honored to be a part of your family’s learning journey.

Joan Lopez
Hablar Espanol Teacher
¿Qué tal? My name is Joan Jarman and I’m very excited to be a part of Wild Roots’ Spanish program. I was born in Sacramento and have had the privilege of living in many places, including Venezuela, where I learned to speak Spanish. I have two wonderful daughters. One is a professor and lives with her family in Massachusetts. My other daughter, a musician and photographer, lives in El Dorado Hills with her husband and daughter. The best thing about teaching is watching people grow as they learn new things. I can’t wait to see Wild Roots’ students learn all about the Spanish language and culture. ¡Hasta pronto!
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Noree Williams
Kids Sing Teac
I’m Noree Williams, California born and raised.
I grew up in a home where music was always playing whether by a family member on the piano, singing in the church chancel choir or playing in the bell choir.
I taught music (choral) and directed numerous choirs for 17 years in the South Bay, serving many schools.
Music is an integral part of the learning process we all know. As a music teacher I saw how music brought out even the most shy voices. All of my students learn the importance of singing from the heart.
I was married for 46 years and have three wonderful grown children and three equally wonderful grandchildren all of whom play instruments and sing.
MUSIC AND CHILDREN…it truly is a magical combination, and I count myself blessed to become a part of the Wild Roots community and bring out the voices of our students!
“We don't just sing; we are the song.”

Ashley Black
Music, Art and Language Teacher: Ukulele, Voice Performance, Kids Sing, Guitar, Learn to Speak Mandarin, Color Exploration, and Mistakes Make Happy Art
Coming Soon