Hello! I'm excited to be joining the Arrows Academy staff as the fourth and fifth grade tutor. My husband and I have lived in Grants Pass for nearly nine years, and we've loved being part of this community. We also homeschool our own children, so I know firsthand how meaningful opportunities like Arrows Academy can be for homeschooling families.

As a second-generation homeschooler, I understand both the joys and challenges that come with home education. I have always loved learning, and I enjoy helping children discover that love of learning for themselves. I'm excited to come alongside homeschool families in our community and support them as they nurture curiosity, growth, and a lifelong love of learning in their homes.

Hello! My name is Laurie Claffey. At heart, I have been a nurturer and an educator nearly my whole life. My teaching career began at eight years of age, when I set up school on my front porch and taught my neighborhood playmates what I had learned in 2nd grade. Sixteen years later, after earning my Bachelor of Arts in Education, I spent one year as a substitute teacher in Washington before moving to Alaska to teach 1st and 2nd grade in a Christian school. In recent years, I have worked at a Christian preschool, tutored at a local charter school, and assisted in 2nd and 5th grade classrooms in the Grants Pass school district. I have also privately tutored children of various ages and abilities and am proud to have been co-founder of the Grants Pass Homeschool Co-op. I have also worked with the Big Sisters program, taught Sunday school, mentored single mothers, foster parented, and provided respite for friends with special needs children.​

Educating my four children at home has been a rewarding challenge. Two of my kids were honors students, one of whom was awarded a $40,000 scholarship. My other two children struggled to learn in traditional ways and motivated me to spend many hours researching alternate, effective approaches to their education. All graduated with a home school diploma. I love the homeschooling lifestyle and am eager to come alongside younger parents as they live out their own home school journey.

Hello families! I have lived in Grants Pass for most of my life, settling down here shortly after college and marrying my husband of 19 years. When I am not teaching or burying my nose in a book, I enjoy being outdoors hiking, camping or playing in the water with my children - especially the ocean. 

I have been teaching or helping in education in some capacity for about 20 years. During that time I have been a teacher's aid, substitute teacher, parent helper, tutor, college instructor, home school mom and teacher. I have homeschooled each of my four children for at least part of their education, making this my 9th year of homeschooling.  Two of my children are now adults and two of them attend Arrows. It has truly been the best of both worlds for them and me. 

I am looking forward to teaching at Arrows for the fourth year. It has been such a blessing to be part of such a loving and supportive team of teachers, parents and students.  This is truly a special place to be!

Hello! I grew up in the Rogue Valley, went to college in Seattle, and lived in Southern California and Denver before eventually moving back home. I have been married to my husband Andrew for 13 years and we have 11 year old twin girls. We have been homeschooling with Arrows for six years, and we are so thankful for this community! In my free time I love reading, camping, baking, and traveling with my family. I can’t wait to meet your kindergartener this year! 

Hello! I’m Taylor Mikels. I’ve been married to my husband, Tobin, for 14 years and we have three precious children. I love being barefoot outside, cooking, deep friendship, learning, and Jesus. I’ve homeschooled with Arrows for the last three years and I’m so grateful and excited to be serving as the aftercare aid for kindergarten this year. I truly enjoy children and love helping them build confidence not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. It’s a delight to come alongside them as they explore, ask questions, and grow in knowledge and character. Arrows has such a special place in my heart and I look forward to getting to know each new student and cheering them on this year! 

Dear Friends and Fellow Christian Homeschool Parents Welcome to Arrows! 

We are excited to have your kids join us this year, and I am personally excited to have EACH one of your children, to hopefully grow their love for Physical Education (PE)! 

My love for PE developed at a young age. I competed in Track and field in middle and high school, and loved weight training in high school and beyond. I have always had a deep joy in being physically active. Whether it's hiking, running, swimming, lifting weights/strength training, frisbee, co-ed softball, or just playing catch; I have always enjoyed being active. I've learned that PE has endless possibilities for playing, and health, all by moving our bodies! 

I am wife to my husband Aaron of 13 years and have 4 children together; Lucy, David, Jonathan and Benjamin. I can't wait to see your children grow to enjoy PE. God made us these bodies and He calls them a Temple. Hopefully we can all learn to work them out and cherish them in ways that brings Him, and us, joy! 

Looking forward to this school year!

Hi! My name Kathy Mikels. I feel so blessed to be a part of this wonderful group of ladies and amazing kids at Arrows! I’m the mother of 10 children and 23 grandchildren so it’s no wonder I love working with kids!

My children are all grown, graduated, and well into their careers so I now have the opportunity to impact another generation! I’ve been married to my husband, Ted, for 41 years. We enjoy living out in the country in the Illinois Valley. I’ve been in the homeschool world for 33 years as I have educated many of my children from home. I have a passion for seeing kids flourish academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Character formation and fun are important to me. I’m truly honored to spend time with your children and look forward to seeing all that God has in store for Arrows this year!

Hello Arrows Families! My name is Kendra. My husband and I were born and raised in the Rogue Valley and we are so happy to be raising our two boys here as well. Our family has been a part of Arrows since 2023. I am so excited to join the Arrow staff, and work alongside the wonderful teachers as well as all the amazing kids. 

In my free time I love to work on craft projects, play volleyball, and go camping. 

I've volunteered throughout the years in children's ministry and I'm so thankful to get an opportunity to pour into the students at Arrows. 

I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store this year.

Welcome! I’m Jeanne Van Buskirk, or "Mrs. Jeanne" to the kiddos.

My husband, Mike and I have been married for 33 years and have five adult children and a sweet labrador, Princess Reia. For ten years, we also had the privilege of caretaking for my grandfather, a 22-year Navy veteran who passed away in February 2025 at age 97.

After living in California, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, we returned home to Oregon almost seven years ago. God perfectly aligned my path, leading me to join Arrows as a kindergarten teacher when the Grants Pass location opened four years ago.

Last year, I stepped into the role of Campus Director. Moving into my second year as director, I love everything about Arrows and our mission to support homeschooling families.

Through this ministry, I’ve discovered a colossal love for working with children. I love the Lord, and it is an honor to serve this community. I cannot wait to see your students this fall!