Meet the Staff
Olivia
Founder/ STEAM & Literacy Teacher
Hi, I’m Olivia—founder, director, and lead teacher of Star STEAM Explorers. I hold both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education and am a certified Idaho All Subjects K–8 and ESL K–12 teacher, as well as CPR-trained.
My own education was rooted in traditional classroom learning, but over time I came to see how powerful hands-on, curiosity-driven exploration can be. When I became a parent, I knew I wanted learning to feel active, engaging, and inspiring—for my own children and for others too.
After several years teaching in K–8 classrooms, I began homeschooling my children and felt inspired to create a space where kids could learn through hands-on STEAM and nature-based experiences while building meaningful friendships with the same peers throughout the year. I envisioned a co-op where children could explore, create, experiment, and grow together in a supportive community.
I also wanted Star STEAM Explorers to be a welcoming place for parents—a space to connect, laugh, share stories, and support one another. What started as a small dream has grown into the community we have today.
I believe the best learning happens by doing. In my drop-off enrichment classes, kids move, create, and experiment—sometimes messy, always fun. Along the way, they build confidence, independence, and the skills to problem-solve and collaborate with friends.
When I’m not at the co-op, you’ll usually find me by the water, hiking a new trail, running, or enjoying time with family and friends. I love connecting with other parents and am always happy to chat or answer questions about the co-op.
Rachel
Homestead Living & Culinary Arts Instructor
I bring my love for cooking, baking, science, and math into every lesson I teach. Before becoming a homeschooling mom, I attended culinary school and worked as a professional baker, where I learned to master both the art and science of creating delicious treats.
My passion for the outdoors, gardening, and natural remedies inspires me to help students explore the world around them through hands-on learning. In my classes, I blend seasonal gardening, sustainable cooking, and creative projects to spark curiosity, creativity, and real-world skills—from planting seeds and harvesting herbs to crafting natural remedies and cooking tasty dishes straight from the garden.