Who we are

TLC & Idea Bar are founded on the same principle~ student-driven learning guided by empathetic instructors. The teams have been deliberately curated to accommodate the needs of a diverse set of learners. Simply put: In response to the needs of our students,we have created a nugget of organically grown services; self-advocacy and executive functioning are critical life skills incorporated into our lessons. Collectively, we believe that we are here to encourage learners to find their niche through the weaving of core curriculum goals within the sphere of a child’s innate curiousity~ inspiring our learners to attain their goals. TLC recognized the need for more support for the homeschool community, and our sister company, Idea Bar was formed in response to community request. Quality of instruction is tantamount, and we cherish and respect the students and families that we serve.

Two people posing outside in front of colorful artworks and posters, wearing casual clothing and smiling, with one holding a drink. A brick wall and wooden deck are visible.
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    Lenore McHugh

    FOUNDER & LEAD EDUCATOR

    Lenore discovered her passion for teaching while volunteering at church daycare in sixth grade. Her first teaching job was for B.O.C.E.S. New York; she worked primarily with students who had challenges paying attention(which she can relate to~ as she had difficulty paying attention in elementary and middle school). Her teaching perspective is through an empathic lens, and Lenore finds a deep sense of joy in watching her students thrive. Along with teacher certification in the State of Florida and a degree in Early Childhood Education from SUNY Farmingdale, Lenore has a Bachelor of Science in English, Art History, and Interdisciplinary Studies from Florida Atlantic University. As an advocate for children, she believes the Socratic teaching approach is ideal. Meeting a scholar in the space where they learn is critical to their success. With thirty years of teaching experience, she has had the privilege of watching her earliest students graduate college and launch careers in various fields.

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    Sammy Weinaug

    LEAD SCIENCE EDUCATOR

    Sammy started her journey outside studying birds after graduating from Texas A&M University with a BS in Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences in 2012. Fortunately, she realized quickly that birds do not talk back to you & it gets lonely working outside by oneself. This led her to the Collin County Adventure Camp where she got her first taste of teaching & fell in love. Soon after she got her Texas teaching certificate in secondary science (then later her Florida middle sciences & chemistry certifications), got a job teaching chemistry, lit her science table on fire for her students on the first day of school & it was all uphill from there. After 10 years of teaching in the classroom & coaching tennis, she stepped out to work with Wekiva Island, TLC & Idea Bar on their various education programs after having her first, very amazing child. Sammy is loving this new & exciting turn in her education career & cannot wait to see what comes next!

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    Katherine Galicia

    PROGRAM DIRECTOR & ENGLISH EDUCATOR

    Katherine is a passionate, enthusiastic educator who finds joy in helping students develop a deep love and appreciation for learning. She believes in the power of literature and the arts to transform learning. With a B.A. in English Literature from Arizona State University (2019), she empowers students of all ages to discover their potential in English, grammar, literature, and history. Her journey with T.L.C. and Idea Bar began in 2023, where she continues to inspire young minds.

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    Brianna Risner

    ADVANCED MATH EDUCATOR & ARTIST

    Brianna Risner joined the TLC team in 2020, initially working with scholars needing SAT and ACT prep; she also worked with our college-level students with mathematics. Brianna now works with advanced math students from grade six through college level. Specializing in AP and Honors Maths, including Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Precalculus, Calculus I, Calculus II, and Statistics, Brianna is a self-professed “nerd” and an accomplished artist. She connects with our students on many levels and brings a unique sense of humor and passion into her lessons.

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