Misty Muhlestein | Director/ Learning Coach, Barn Days
Misty directed a five-acre educational ranch in California, where she led workshops, camps, and enrichment programs for over 100 students and adults weekly. She has mentored more than 40 live-in volunteers and international exchange students, creating a strong foundation for community-based learning.
Misty holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and is a Master Board Certified Health Coach specializing in families and pregnancies. She also has certifications in applied agroecology and communication. As the author of Barnyard Miracles: True Tales from the Barnyard, an eight-book children’s series, Misty brings her passion for education, agriculture, and storytelling into the heart of Little Light Log Cabin’s mission.
Her journey as a homeschooling mother to nine, foster and adoptive parent, continues to shape the programs offered at Little Light Log Cabin and support a growing homeschool community.
Michael Muhlestein | Director
Michael is a supportive husband, devoted father to nine children, and the builder and fixer of just about everything at Little Light. From the very beginning, he has been instrumental in turning the vision of Little Light Log Cabin into a reality.
Michael built our original three-room schoolhouse, as well as the 13-room schoolhouse we have today. His creativity, problem-solving skills, and willingness to tackle just about any project have shaped so much of the space where our students learn, explore, and grow.
His vision extends far beyond the schoolhouse itself. Michael helped develop our organic farm, training and working alongside volunteers to establish a thriving food forest that would eventually become a living part of the school. His love of agriculture, design, and the outdoors has helped create a place where children don’t simply learn about nature from a book—they experience it firsthand.
As a child and youth, Michael loved Scouts, where he developed an appreciation for the outdoors, building, and working with his hands. Today, he enjoys hiking, reading, softball, basketball, art, agriculture, architecture, and design. He also cares for our livestock, gardens, buildings, and grounds and takes great pride in helping keep the property beautiful, functional, and safe for our students.
Outside of Little Light, Michael works as a Project Engineer for Mint Construction, bringing his professional experience in construction and project management to many of the projects and ideas that come to life around the school.
Michael is deeply devoted to his faith and family and is a disciple of Jesus Christ. He has supported this journey from the very beginning, working tirelessly behind the scenes to help transform a vision into a place where children can learn, create, explore, and grow.
Little Light simply would not be what it is today without him.
Tori Butler | Academic Director/ Learning Coach 6th/7th Grades
Tori has a deep passion for learning—and an even deeper passion for sharing it. Whether she’s the one being taught or the one teaching, she dives in wholeheartedly. Her journey began in college, where she interned and taught EASL, helping foreign students grasp English grammar. She later became a Paraeducator at an elementary school, working closely with children who struggled in reading and math. Over the years, her love for education has taken many forms: homeschooling her three daughters, running a massage therapy business while educating clients, and teaching piano on the side.
No matter the setting, Tori naturally gravitates toward teaching and inspiring others to love learning as much as she does. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active, exploring new experiences with her family, baking, reading, and supporting her daughters as they pursue their dreams. Above all, she cherishes being a mentor and witnessing the spark of understanding light up a child’s face when a new concept finally clicks.
Julie Davis | Learning Coach 5th Grade Tues/Thurs
Julie has always had a deep passion for learning and being curious about the world we live in and a desire to share and cultivate that in others, especially children. She has a rich background in education, having taught 13 years of elementary education in the public schools. Much of that time was spent teaching English language learners in various grade levels. She has experience in teaching core subjects of language arts, math, science and history as well as skills and a love especially for music, art, and exercise/playing sports. Along with time spent in the classroom Julie spent many years traveling with youth ambassador groups overseas as well as doing youth summer camps at universities across the country. She also taught English in Romania for 18 months while serving a church mission there. Julie loves spending time with her husband and six children as well as being outdoors, reading, playing sports, music, traveling, and caring for animals.
Crystal Wells | Campus/PE Coordinator Mon/Weds afternoon, 2nd Grade Aide
Crystal is a devoted mother of three, a former foster parent for eight years, and a passionate early educator. Though she is new to homeschooling education, she brings a heart full of dedication, compassion, and a deep love and passion for helping children succeed and is especially committed to guiding them toward confidence and independence.
Crystal finds true joy in watching the spark in a child’s eyes when they accomplish something on their own. Her approach blends creativity, play, and patience to create a warm, supportive space where every child feels valued, inspired, and empowered to grow.
In her spare time, she loves cheering on her two daughters at their softball games and supporting her son as he learns how to play baseball. She also cherishes quality time with her husband and values the strong family bond they share.
Sage Bassett | Operations Director, Learning Coach 4th Grade
I’m so excited to be working with little light log cabin this year! I grew up in Eagle Mountain, Utah. I had the opportunity to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Melbourne, Australia, where I learned so much about people, teaching, and connection with God and others.
I’ve always loved spending time with my siblings, and being able to inspire them to be the best version of themselves. I also love being creative and using my imagination to bring new ideas to life. My goal is to help students feel supported, loved, inspired, and excited to learn every day.
Claire Singleton | Learning Coach 3rd Grade & Barn Days Learning Coach
I’m excited to be working with the Little Light Log Cabin family. I’m originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, but my family decided to take a leap of faith and move to Eagle Mountain, Utah. Over the past three years, we’ve loved exploring the mountains, experiencing the cultural changes, and meeting new friends.
Last year, I had the opportunity to serve in the Saratoga Springs Utah Mission as a service missionary. Little Light was one of my first service sites, and I fell in love with it immediately. I’ve always found joy in teaching, working with children, and staying curious. Before my mission, I attended BYU–Idaho and majored in elementary education. There, I learned the importance of loving and understanding each student as a child of God and helping them reach their goals.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy hiking, hanging out with friends, and going on spontaneous adventures. I look forward to creating a fun, loving, and uplifting environment at Little Light Log Cabin!
Chantel Brodowski |Learning Coach, Kindergarten, Events Coordinator
I am excited to be a part of Little Light Academy. I truly love working with young children and believe that every child is unique and learns in their own way. Some children learn best by doing, some by asking questions, some by creating, and some simply need the freedom to explore and discover things for themselves. I love finding those little sparks that make each child excited to learn.
I have been homeschooling my own children, which has given me an even greater appreciation for hands-on learning, curiosity, and seeing the world through a child’s eyes. I especially love being outside and believe nature is one of the best classrooms there is!
When I’m not teaching or homeschooling, I love spending time with my family, exercising, and being outdoors.
I’m excited to bring my love of children, nature, creativity, and learning into the classroom and to help each child feel excited, confident, and celebrated for who they are.
Jessica Jeppson | Learning Coach 8th-12th Grades Mon/Weds, ASL Leaning Coach & Garden Coordinator
Jessica is a passionate homeschool educator from Eagle Mountain, with over nine years of experience teaching her four children, ages 9 to 16. As a full-time mom, she encourages her kids to be well-rounded, respectful, and helpful, guided by old-fashioned values. Alongside her role as a devoted wife, she balances vibrant lessons with nurturing her family and cherishing her relationship with my husband. With fun in her veins, she makes learning exciting, engaging, and joyful across all subjects, sparking curiosity in every student. Her love for the mountains and nature’s beauty inspires her creative approach, crafting dynamic experiences that ignite a love for learning. She is thrilled to meet her new students and create an inviting environment where discovery thrives, helping each child embrace knowledge with enthusiasm.
Jackie Anderson | Learning Coach Preschool
Cristina Hansen | Learning Coach 8th-12th Grades Tues/Thurs
Christina is excited to be a part of Little Light this year! She brings experience from homeschooling her own three kids and a love of learning. She’s worked with kids in various educational settings from co-ops to Sunday School.
Christina and her family have called Saratoga Springs home for the past 8 years. Before that, as a Air Force family, they lived many places but called Maryland home for 12 years. She is the mother to three awesome kids ages 15-21 and wife to her best friend Jared. They’re biggest adventure has been opening Children’s Art Classes in 2024 and love providing a place kids can develop their talents and love of art.
Christina loves to be outside when the weather is nice, reading good books, and going on adventures-most recently to Japan with her family!
Natalie Johnson | Learning Coach 2nd Grade
Natalie was born and grew up in Sandy, Utah. She served a full-time mission in Atlanta, Georgia, and received an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science. She has been married for 27 years and has five beautiful, amazing kids. Her oldest is 23, and her youngest is 10. She was a stay-at-home mom until two years ago when she decided to go back to work and fulfill her dreams of working in education. Her hobbies include quilting, sewing, crocheting, baking, canning, and reading. She loves spending time with her family, dad jokes and puns, sitting down with a good book, and visiting extended family in Wyoming. She is so excited for this upcoming year!
Leifi Ames | Learning Coach Art, 1st Grade Tues/Thurs
Leifi is honored to join Little Light Log Cabin and looks forward to nurturing your children’s love of learning and curiosity for knowledge. She has homeschooled her three children for the past seven years and is deeply passionate about education and lifelong learning.Leifi is an accomplished artist who has studied under David Jamison and is currently training at the Jeff Hein Atelier for Fine Art. In January 2025, Plein Air Magazine recognized her as one of the top 20 artists. Her artwork has been exhibited at the Springville Art Museum and The Alma Gallery. She studied creative writing at Orange Coast College and attended Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Pasadena.Leifi has lived and traveled internationally. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, creating art, cooking, studying scripture, exploring nature, and exercising.
Brittany Garrett | Learning Coach 3rd Grade Mon/Weds, 3rd Grade Aide Tues/Thurs
Brittany is so excited to join the Little Light Log Cabin family. She has a Bachelor’s degree of Science in Nursing and worked as a Pediatric ICU nurse for 19 years, when special needs adoptions brought her home. Through life and the adventures that it brings; Brittany and her husband found themselves in the fostering and adoption world where she learned the importance that there is not a “one size fits all in education”. She has been homeschooling for over 12 years and has a passion and love of making learning fun and enjoyable no matter what your learning abilities are. She’s graduated two boys, who served missions for their church and are now grown up and experiencing all the wonders that life has to offer. With three children at home Brittany spends her time homeschooling, driving kiddos to all their activities, serving others and striving to bring hope and joy to those around her.
Jane Huynh | Learning Coach 3rd Grade Tues/Thurs & Barn Days Learning Coach
Jane brings more than two decades of experience working with students with learning differences and a devotion for helping every child discover their God-given abilities and love of learning. As she embraces the Charlotte Mason philosophy at Little Light Academy, she looks forward to creating an atmosphere where children are inspired to wonder, explore, think deeply, and take ownership of their learning.
With a background in Studio Art and Special Education, Jane believes education is about more than filling a child’s mind—it is about lighting a fire. She encourages students to give their best effort, develop personal responsibility, and discover the strategies that help them flourish. Her classroom is a place of encouragement, purpose, and joyful discovery, where each child is invited to grow into the unique person they were created to be.
Jane holds a B.A. in Studio Art from Nazareth College of Rochester and a teaching certificate in K–12 Mild/Moderate Special Education from Brigham Young University. Outside the classroom, she enjoys time with her family, gardening, learning about healthful living, and playing the harp.
Brittany Manning | 1st Grade Aide Tues/Thurs & Barn Days Aide
Hi, I’m Brittany! I quickly started falling in love with little light and wanted to be involved. I have been homeschooling for 2 years and every year has been an adventure. I am originally from Idaho and have lived in UT for 15 years. I have three children with wildly different personalities (which makes schooling very interesting). With the background in social work I have interest in helping families and a foundational part of our family is children.
When I have time I enjoy travel, my dog, friends, partying with my kids, yoga, weight lifting, walks, free style kitchen dancing, and making parodies.
We have some great plans at Little Light and I am excited about this school year. I can’t wait to help teach your children and keep them as precious as I would keep my own.
Vanessa Baranowsky | Learning Coach 1st Grade Mon/Weds, 6th-8th Aide Tues/Thurs
Hi! I’m Vanessa, a wife and mom of three who loves learning right alongside my children. Reading, writing, and learning new things are a few of my greatest joys in life. In watching my own children struggle through learning and systems that did not serve them well, I developed a desire to help children experience the same love for learning I have, especially my own.
Discovering the Charlotte Mason philosophy has invigorated my passion for education. It has shown me a beautiful picture of learning that honors the way God created children—with curious minds, unique gifts, and a natural desire to know Him and the world He made. I believe children learn best when they are loved, encouraged, challenged, and allowed the opportunity to wonder, explore, and grow. One of the greatest things I’ve discovered is that literacy and knowledge don’t just educate children—they help them believe in themselves in ways I never realized.
My goal is for every student to know that they are capable, valued, and wonderfully made by God. I hope to help each child develop a lifelong love of learning while growing in confidence, wisdom, and character. It is a privilege to work with your littles and I am so excited for the school year to begin!
Eimy Garcia | Learning Coach 5th Grade Mon/Weds
4th Grade Aide Tues/Thurs, Spanish & Barn Days Learning Coach
I am so excited to be working with Little Light Log Cabin this year! I have always enjoyed working with children and watching them learn, grow, and discover the world around them. I have experience working in the public school system, specifically with children with special needs. This experience has taught me the importance of patience, understanding, flexibility, and meeting each child where they are. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and making memories together. I also enjoy learning new things and being creative, whether that means trying something new, coming up with activities, or finding new ways to connect with children. I believe every child has something special to offer, and I love being able to encourage their individual interests and strengths.
My goal this year is to create a positive, loving, and encouraging environment where each child feels valued, supported, and excited to learn. I hope to build strong relationships with the children and families at Little Light Log Cabin while continuing to grow as a learning coach. I am looking forward to a wonderful year filled with learning, creativity, fun, and lots of meaningful memories!
Julie Hatch | 6th-7th Grade/Barn Days Aide
I am so excited to be joining the Little Log Cabin team this year. I grew up in Sandy, Utah andI graduated from Salt Lake Community College with my associates degree.
My husband and I decided to move to Eagle Mountain a few years after we got married and have now been here for 15 years. I’ve been a stay and home mom raising our 3 boys, ages 10-17. I never imagined I’d join the world of homeschooling, but as my oldest approached school age we found ourselves trying it out andI have now been homeschooling them for 12 years. Homeschooling has been such a blessing for our family. I absolutely love learning with my kids and being able to find classes and activities to cater to what interests them. We also love going on field trips together.
I love playing games, reading books, and cooking. We also love animals – we currently have 2 cats, a leopard gecko, and a Florida King snake. As a family we love taking trips together and doing family movie nights with theater style popcorn.
Lena Clark | 5th & 6th Grade Aide Mon/Weds & Barn Days Aide
Hi! I’m Lena: daughter of God, wife, mother of two adorable children (ages 9 and 7) and excited to be an aide here at Little Light Academy. I’m from Provo, and my husband and I moved to Eagle Mountain in 2018. I grew up wanting to be a teacher, and I’ve volunteered/worked in various educational settings over the years. I have a bachelor’s in educational studies from Western Governors University. Years ago, I had plans to become a special education teacher, but with two little ones, the timing didn’t work out. Now, I’m getting back to my dream of working with children. Jesus is my light. My family is my world. I love chocolate, crocheting, reading, theater, and movies.
