Our Educators
Robin Davis
Co-Founder/Program Director
Hello! My name is Robin Davis and I am the program director and lead teacher for our Kindergarten through second grade classroom.
I started teaching in 2000 when schools looked very different than they do today. My kindergarten classroom still had play centers like building, housekeeping, art, and imaginary play. There was balance between learning, achieving daily academic goals, and hands-on experiences. We had long recesses, outdoor picnics, and built relationships between singing silly songs and making up long winding stories. It was a time when students were happy, loved school, and clearly enjoyed their childhood.
As years passed, centers were taken out of elementary classrooms. Testing and data collection became the norm and the pressure on both teachers and students increased. It seemed we all became stressed and anxious; worried about the next benchmark or documenting why it was missed. Hands-on learning experiences were repackaged into artificially scripted programs and missed the mark of what they were designed to do. I tried for several years to balance what I knew worked in the past with the new realities of traditional education, but found myself frustrated and burned out.
I left the school system after my children were born and got back to my educational roots: spending time with my children outside or in the kitchen, reading tons of books, and doing hands-on projects. I saw my children’s love of learning grow and knew that there was a need for this in our community.
When the events of 2020 shut down schools, families began asking me to homeschool their children. An answer that at first was a solid, “no,” became a “yes!” when I couldn’t ignore the harmful policies that had been voted in by the local school board. Three weeks after that vote, Freedom Academy was born.
Since Freedom Academy opened in Fall 2020, we have helped many families find the balance between education and childhood. Our educational experience combined with positive relationships with the families we serve, is resulting in our students growing academically, socially, and emotionally while enjoying the simplicities that childhood offers.
Karen Rhein
Co-teacher - Early Elementary
My name is Karen Rhein and I’m Robin’s mother! I have been in the early childhood classroom as both a teacher and program director for over 35 years. Over the years I have seen traditional education change in many ways. When I started, emphasis was placed on language development, early literacy skills, socialization, and play. As the years went by early childhood classrooms became more academic and pressure filled. Learning to read and write before the age of 5 was now the expectation, not the exception. The requirements of administrators and teachers has steadily increased taking the fun out of learning.
I am enjoying the transition from my role as a preschool director to co-teaching with Robin. We both believe that learning environments full of stories, rich vocabulary, imagination, games, and hands-on experiences benefit all children and I’m excited to be able to continue that within this new role.
Michelle Lewandowski
Lead Teacher - Grades 2 & 3
My name is Michelle Lewandowski and I am the 2nd and 3rd grade tutor at Freedom Academy. I grew up in Florida and graduated from University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.
Before moving back to Florida in 2020, I worked at a classical Christian school in Texas as an academic support teacher. I’ve taught various grade levels throughout my career—even preschool!
Joining Freedom Academy has been an enormous blessing. To partner with parents to meet student needs is what teachers’ dreams are made of! Freedom offers the ideal balance of academic support, social encouragement, and something you’re never too old for—PLAY!
When I’m not at Freedom, I’m a homebody at heart. I love spending time with my teenage daughter. We have 1 stubborn mini Golden doodle named Shelby and 2 Guinea pigs named Jack and Nibbles.
Angela Cook
Lead Teacher - Grades 6-8
My name is Angela Cook. I am a former Brevard Public Schools educator turned homeschool Mom. I have educated my own children at home from the very start of their schooling experience. My two oldest have graduated and the two others closely behind. I enjoy using my experience in the classroom and at the kitchen table as a way to encourage and assist other families in their own successes in homeschooling.
I hold my professional teaching certificate through the state of Florida.
Freedom Academy has been an amazing opportunity for me as an educator as in it provides the best of collective and collaborative learning with the benefits of home education.
LeighAnn Johnson
Co-Teacher
Hi! I’m Leigh Ann.
I’m a Brevard County native, born and raised right here on our beautiful Space Coast. I was homeschooled through my elementary and middle school years, and graduated from Merritt Island High. I’m a cosmetologist by trade, but ‘homeschool mom’ has been my favorite and most fulfilling endeavor yet. I’m a Mom to 4 kids, two being in college, one in high school-dual enrolled in college, and one in upper elementary. I have collectively homeschooled for 6 years and have experience in elementary through high school grades.
I enjoy beach days with my family, hiking in the mountains, and baking sourdough bread when time allows!
I love Jesus with all my heart and love serving Him in a fun way through my job here at Freedom Academy!
It’s a joy to assist Ms. Michelle in the classroom and watch your kids learn and grow!
Holly McDaniel
Lead Teacher - Grades 4 & 5
Hi! My name is Holly McDaniel! My family and I are recent transplants to Florida. I taught for 9 years in elementary education at a private Christian school in California, then left formal education in order to stay home with my babies. I have three children who I have had the privilege of homeschooling for 5 years, and now we are ready to join the Freedom Academy community! My teaching experience includes my years in the classroom, as well as one on one tutoring during my years out of the classroom. I hold a teaching certificate both in California and Texas.
I am so excited to have the opportunity to be back in the classroom, but with the freedom of homeschool curriculum and style. I look forward to getting to create a calm and peaceful learning environment while also getting to know the students and families I will be partnering with!
Jade Zalewski
Administrative Assistant
Hi friends!
I am the non-educator of the team. I'm Jade, another Brevard County native! I grew up in Indian Harbour Beach and graduated from Satellite High. I live in Palm Bay, and am engaged to a city councilman. I have two kids, both enrolled at Freedom Academy.
All of my professional experience has been in project management and administrative roles. I am heavily involved with local politics and love helping people get educated on the political process. My fiance and I also run a local scouting organization, Florida Scouts.
I am very passionate about Freedom Academy and everything we're doing here. I help with all of the administrative tasks behind the scenes. Expect to hear from me sooner or later on any random project, party, or field trip planning.
Amanda Waluda
Co-Teacher
Hi! My name is Amanda Waluda.
I am the wife of a military veteran who proudly served for 21 years and a mom to four incredible kids. I have a background in early childhood education and a decade of experience as a homeschool mom. My oldest is now in college, my second is dual-enrolled at EFSC and will graduate next year, my third, Eliana, is thriving in elementary school at Freedom Academy, and my youngest can’t wait to start kindergarten with Robin next year.
In my free time I love baking, spending time outdoors, and traveling. I love Jesus, my family, and my friends with my whole heart. If we've shared a conversation, you’ve probably heard about my adoration for Italy and coffee, as well! I truly cherish the moments in life that bring joy and connection, and I'm excited to be joining the team of educators at Freedom Academy this upcoming school year.