Amy Almloff (Biology, Health)
Amy lives in Overland Park with her husband and three teenage children. She received her B.S. Education (with science and Russian endorsements) from the University of Kansas in 1998. She began her career in the public schools until God called her to teach her own. Since then, she's had the privilege of teaching many homeschool science classes at various co-ops in the area. She truly loves helping students discover the wonder and the joy of God's amazing world.
Brian Balman (Dual Algebra and Calculus)
Brian (who prefers to be addressed as Mr. B) has been married to Amy for 35 wonderful years and has three amazing sons and one beautiful daughter (all homeschooled and now married) and seven grandkids. He taught mathematics at a local private high school for five years before becoming a full-time mathematics professor at JCCC, teaching Algebra through Calculus for 29 years. He loved coaching baseball for years and remains a huge baseball fan. His hobbies include spending time with grandkids, repairing cars and tractors, raising cattle on the farm, and amateur radio. He enjoys meeting international students and has been on several mission trips. Brian earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Ed Math from Calvary Bible College and a Masters Degree from Fort Hays State University.
Rachel Battese (Physical Education)
Rachel Battese received her B.A. in K-12 Physical Education/Health from Tabor College. She taught in Wichita, KS before staying home to raise her three children. They have been home schooling their children for the last 7 years and attending Southland for the last 5 years.
Terry Collins (Computer application and programming)
Terry has enjoyed working with computers since a computer programming class in 1984. He has repaired most computer brands and sold computers for nearly 30 years. Both children attended Southland, one is studying for her BSN, while the other should graduate with a culinary degree this year. Most of his time is spent at Legacy Homestead (Bakery, Private Dining, Catering) in Paola. He is much less verbose than Mr. Shipley.
Karen Dallimore (Junior High Science, Algebra II, Physics, Pre-Calc)
Karen attended Freed-Hardeman University, and Oklahoma Christian University, where she received her Bachelor of Science Education in Secondary Math, and a minor in Computer Science in 1993. She and her husband Stephen homeschooled their 4 children from 1998 until 2019. Karen enjoys teaching and is happy to have this opportunity to teach math and science at Southland.
Lisa David (Anatomy/Physiology )
Lisa David has a B.S. degree from Pittsburg State University and a Master's in Physical Therapy degree from Wichita State University. She has been married for 24 years and has 3 children. She homeschooled all 3 children from kindergarten through graduation. Two of her children are in college, and one is in high school at JCCC. The oldest child will begin medical school at The University of Kansas this fall. She enjoys outdoor exercise, reading, time with her family, and fun with friends. Her special exercise partner is her dear husband. She's so thankful to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for his gift of life, and the gift of teaching his wondrous creation of the human body.
Tera Fields (American History, World History, Gov, Econ)
Tera has been homeschooling her son, Landen, and daughter, Ashley, since kindergarten. She and her husband, Mike, were married in 1995. They met in Marquette, Michigan where Tera received her Bachelor of Science in Communications from Northern Michigan University. She and her family have been attending Overland Park Community Church since they moved to Kansas in 2013.
Kara Alyson Holdman (ACT prep and College Algebra)
Kara was raised by a brave single mother who taught her the value of humor, hard work, and determination. These skills have been especially useful in homeschooling over the last 18 years. Kara lives with her husband in Lenexa and their four girls have all attended Southland. Kara graduated Cum Laude with an Engineering degree from Kansas State University in 1995 and was employed in a variety of research and Manufacturing Engineering positions after college. After college, Kara embarked on a restless pursuit of creative and technical DIY hobbies to find one that challenged her and stuck: photography. Kara loves to volunteer with her camera and can be found behind the lens many places. One of her favorites is inside the NICU, photographing miracle micro-preemies. In the process of graduating her oldest child, Kara developed a passion for ensuring the brilliant homeschoolers she knows shine their brightest when testing on important college exams. She enjoys encouraging them to take full advantage of every scholarship within their reach.
Heather Jennings (Art-Drawing)
Heather is a wife and homeschooling mother to four boys and one girl. Heather’s family enjoys "togetherness" (mostly!) whether it's watching movies, playing games, doing outdoor activities like 4 square and tennis, or traveling. Heather graduated from KU School of Nursing and worked as a Labor and Delivery nurse until having their third child and starting homeschooling. Since then, she has kept busy with parenting, teaching, co-ops, cake-decorating and anything that satisfies her creative urge! She also loves reading and learning new things. She has always loved art but discovered a talent for sketching in 7th grade. Heather took art throughout high school and has been a student of it ever since. She has taught art in various co-ops. Her specialty is still-lifes in pencil and she has recently been exploring drawing glass, both in pencil and in ink. Heather can't wait to encourage your child and help them develop their gifts as an artist!
Emily Johnson (Algebra 1 and Geometry)
Emily graduated summa cum laude from George Mason University in 2003 with a BS in Computer Science. She worked in the math tutor center while on campus and as a programmer for a non-profit think tank for the Department of Defense until she and her husband, Cody, of 25 years began raising and homeschooling their four kids. She has taught homeschool co-op classes from age kindergarten to high school in the classical tradition and enjoys reading, photography, bird-watching, and learning new things. She and her family worship with the Body at Southpoint Church of Christ.
Abigail Knutson (English 2 and Creative Writing)
Abigail was born in a Minnesota blizzard and has had an affinity for all things snowy ever since. Homeschooled through ninth grade herself, she has homeschooled their five boys with her husband since their oldest was in kindergarten. Southland has been an important part of their homeschool journey, and she is thrilled to teach English and Creative Writing. Graduating from the University of Minnesota with a major in English Literature, she carries a good book with her wherever she goes and writes poetry, creative nonfiction, and children’s books.
Susan Rogers (Dual Composition 1)
Susan has a M.S. Composition degree from Kansas State University. Susan started her teaching career in 1991 and has taught high school English literature and yearbook. Beyond high school, Susan was adjunct professor at both Maple Woods Community College and Johnson County Community College where she taught Composition I and II. Susan is also involved in 4-H, Speech and Debate, and volunteers as an election poll worker.
Bobbie Salzman (Junior High English)
Bobbie has a Masters of Science in Journalism with an emphasis in Integrated Marketing Communications from KU. She is a homeschool mom and has two sons and two daughters. She has been a part of Southland for many years and once served as administrator and remains on the leadership board.
Rebekah Sandnes (Choir)
Rebekah is a Southland Alumna. She has a degree in music with an emphasis in vocal pedagogy. Rebekah also directs Greenleaf’s vocal ensembles and teaches private music lessons. She began playing the piano when she was eight years old and started voice lessons at age fifteen.Composition is her favorite topic for personal study but she thoroughly enjoys all the arts, including musical theatre and opera.
Berenice Suarez (Spanish 1 and 2)
Berenice is a native speaker of Spanish as she was raised in Mexico’s second most populous city, Guadalajara. Berenice is a United States citizen and has lived in Kansas for over twenty years. She is married to her good friend Lou that she met in her church youth group in 1984. Together, they have raised three children. Berenice and her husband homeschooled their children because of medical reasons, but as the children grew older, they decided to continue to homeschool with the intention of raising Godly people. Berenice studied at the Universidad de Guadalajara.
David Shipley (English 1)
David Shipley was born and raised in Lander, Wyoming. He currently serves as Youth Minister for the 151st St Church of Christ in Olathe, KS. David has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences and a Master of Science in Family Services. David began teaching a Book Club course at Southland in 2019. Some of his favorite books are by Terry Brooks, Stephen Ambrose, Ray Bradbury and G.K Chesterton. If you have an interest in classic Christian literature, he recommends the Stirling Bridge book club by Dr. George Grant (https://www.georgegrant.net/SBBC). David's wife Jenny has served Southland as a classroom helper and photographer. They have two children, Nathan and Josie, attending Southland. In addition to their church and photography work, the family enjoys pickleball, fishing, canoe trips, and spending time with their extended family in the KC area. You may also read David & Jenny's blog at mrandmrsshipley.com.
Mike Thomas (Jr. High Algebra)
Mike has 45 years experience teaching math, mainly Algebra, in the public and private school system. He has a Bachelor’s of Science in math from Benedictine and Master's in Education from Baker.
Amy lives in Overland Park with her husband and three teenage children. She received her B.S. Education (with science and Russian endorsements) from the University of Kansas in 1998. She began her career in the public schools until God called her to teach her own. Since then, she's had the privilege of teaching many homeschool science classes at various co-ops in the area. She truly loves helping students discover the wonder and the joy of God's amazing world.
Brian Balman (Dual Algebra and Calculus)
Brian (who prefers to be addressed as Mr. B) has been married to Amy for 35 wonderful years and has three amazing sons and one beautiful daughter (all homeschooled and now married) and seven grandkids. He taught mathematics at a local private high school for five years before becoming a full-time mathematics professor at JCCC, teaching Algebra through Calculus for 29 years. He loved coaching baseball for years and remains a huge baseball fan. His hobbies include spending time with grandkids, repairing cars and tractors, raising cattle on the farm, and amateur radio. He enjoys meeting international students and has been on several mission trips. Brian earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Ed Math from Calvary Bible College and a Masters Degree from Fort Hays State University.
Rachel Battese (Physical Education)
Rachel Battese received her B.A. in K-12 Physical Education/Health from Tabor College. She taught in Wichita, KS before staying home to raise her three children. They have been home schooling their children for the last 7 years and attending Southland for the last 5 years.
Terry Collins (Computer application and programming)
Terry has enjoyed working with computers since a computer programming class in 1984. He has repaired most computer brands and sold computers for nearly 30 years. Both children attended Southland, one is studying for her BSN, while the other should graduate with a culinary degree this year. Most of his time is spent at Legacy Homestead (Bakery, Private Dining, Catering) in Paola. He is much less verbose than Mr. Shipley.
Karen Dallimore (Junior High Science, Algebra II, Physics, Pre-Calc)
Karen attended Freed-Hardeman University, and Oklahoma Christian University, where she received her Bachelor of Science Education in Secondary Math, and a minor in Computer Science in 1993. She and her husband Stephen homeschooled their 4 children from 1998 until 2019. Karen enjoys teaching and is happy to have this opportunity to teach math and science at Southland.
Lisa David (Anatomy/Physiology )
Lisa David has a B.S. degree from Pittsburg State University and a Master's in Physical Therapy degree from Wichita State University. She has been married for 24 years and has 3 children. She homeschooled all 3 children from kindergarten through graduation. Two of her children are in college, and one is in high school at JCCC. The oldest child will begin medical school at The University of Kansas this fall. She enjoys outdoor exercise, reading, time with her family, and fun with friends. Her special exercise partner is her dear husband. She's so thankful to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for his gift of life, and the gift of teaching his wondrous creation of the human body.
Tera Fields (American History, World History, Gov, Econ)
Tera has been homeschooling her son, Landen, and daughter, Ashley, since kindergarten. She and her husband, Mike, were married in 1995. They met in Marquette, Michigan where Tera received her Bachelor of Science in Communications from Northern Michigan University. She and her family have been attending Overland Park Community Church since they moved to Kansas in 2013.
Kara Alyson Holdman (ACT prep and College Algebra)
Kara was raised by a brave single mother who taught her the value of humor, hard work, and determination. These skills have been especially useful in homeschooling over the last 18 years. Kara lives with her husband in Lenexa and their four girls have all attended Southland. Kara graduated Cum Laude with an Engineering degree from Kansas State University in 1995 and was employed in a variety of research and Manufacturing Engineering positions after college. After college, Kara embarked on a restless pursuit of creative and technical DIY hobbies to find one that challenged her and stuck: photography. Kara loves to volunteer with her camera and can be found behind the lens many places. One of her favorites is inside the NICU, photographing miracle micro-preemies. In the process of graduating her oldest child, Kara developed a passion for ensuring the brilliant homeschoolers she knows shine their brightest when testing on important college exams. She enjoys encouraging them to take full advantage of every scholarship within their reach.
Heather Jennings (Art-Drawing)
Heather is a wife and homeschooling mother to four boys and one girl. Heather’s family enjoys "togetherness" (mostly!) whether it's watching movies, playing games, doing outdoor activities like 4 square and tennis, or traveling. Heather graduated from KU School of Nursing and worked as a Labor and Delivery nurse until having their third child and starting homeschooling. Since then, she has kept busy with parenting, teaching, co-ops, cake-decorating and anything that satisfies her creative urge! She also loves reading and learning new things. She has always loved art but discovered a talent for sketching in 7th grade. Heather took art throughout high school and has been a student of it ever since. She has taught art in various co-ops. Her specialty is still-lifes in pencil and she has recently been exploring drawing glass, both in pencil and in ink. Heather can't wait to encourage your child and help them develop their gifts as an artist!
Emily Johnson (Algebra 1 and Geometry)
Emily graduated summa cum laude from George Mason University in 2003 with a BS in Computer Science. She worked in the math tutor center while on campus and as a programmer for a non-profit think tank for the Department of Defense until she and her husband, Cody, of 25 years began raising and homeschooling their four kids. She has taught homeschool co-op classes from age kindergarten to high school in the classical tradition and enjoys reading, photography, bird-watching, and learning new things. She and her family worship with the Body at Southpoint Church of Christ.
Abigail Knutson (English 2 and Creative Writing)
Abigail was born in a Minnesota blizzard and has had an affinity for all things snowy ever since. Homeschooled through ninth grade herself, she has homeschooled their five boys with her husband since their oldest was in kindergarten. Southland has been an important part of their homeschool journey, and she is thrilled to teach English and Creative Writing. Graduating from the University of Minnesota with a major in English Literature, she carries a good book with her wherever she goes and writes poetry, creative nonfiction, and children’s books.
Susan Rogers (Dual Composition 1)
Susan has a M.S. Composition degree from Kansas State University. Susan started her teaching career in 1991 and has taught high school English literature and yearbook. Beyond high school, Susan was adjunct professor at both Maple Woods Community College and Johnson County Community College where she taught Composition I and II. Susan is also involved in 4-H, Speech and Debate, and volunteers as an election poll worker.
Bobbie Salzman (Junior High English)
Bobbie has a Masters of Science in Journalism with an emphasis in Integrated Marketing Communications from KU. She is a homeschool mom and has two sons and two daughters. She has been a part of Southland for many years and once served as administrator and remains on the leadership board.
Rebekah Sandnes (Choir)
Rebekah is a Southland Alumna. She has a degree in music with an emphasis in vocal pedagogy. Rebekah also directs Greenleaf’s vocal ensembles and teaches private music lessons. She began playing the piano when she was eight years old and started voice lessons at age fifteen.Composition is her favorite topic for personal study but she thoroughly enjoys all the arts, including musical theatre and opera.
Berenice Suarez (Spanish 1 and 2)
Berenice is a native speaker of Spanish as she was raised in Mexico’s second most populous city, Guadalajara. Berenice is a United States citizen and has lived in Kansas for over twenty years. She is married to her good friend Lou that she met in her church youth group in 1984. Together, they have raised three children. Berenice and her husband homeschooled their children because of medical reasons, but as the children grew older, they decided to continue to homeschool with the intention of raising Godly people. Berenice studied at the Universidad de Guadalajara.
David Shipley (English 1)
David Shipley was born and raised in Lander, Wyoming. He currently serves as Youth Minister for the 151st St Church of Christ in Olathe, KS. David has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences and a Master of Science in Family Services. David began teaching a Book Club course at Southland in 2019. Some of his favorite books are by Terry Brooks, Stephen Ambrose, Ray Bradbury and G.K Chesterton. If you have an interest in classic Christian literature, he recommends the Stirling Bridge book club by Dr. George Grant (https://www.georgegrant.net/SBBC). David's wife Jenny has served Southland as a classroom helper and photographer. They have two children, Nathan and Josie, attending Southland. In addition to their church and photography work, the family enjoys pickleball, fishing, canoe trips, and spending time with their extended family in the KC area. You may also read David & Jenny's blog at mrandmrsshipley.com.
Mike Thomas (Jr. High Algebra)
Mike has 45 years experience teaching math, mainly Algebra, in the public and private school system. He has a Bachelor’s of Science in math from Benedictine and Master's in Education from Baker.