Daniel Cooley

Principal

phone: 907-742-3700

cooley_daniel@asdk12.org

I am thrilled to be able to lead Family Partnership Correspondence School. I am a product of education in Alaska, having earned my H.S. Diploma, bachelor's, master's and EDLC all from Alaskan educational institutions. Over the past twenty years, I have worked both in public and private education, both in Alaska and abroad as far away as Indonesia and Kenya, while also having been head of an online private school. I believe that my unique experience in all of these areas has prepared me for the role of Principal of FPCS. As a leader, I believe there are those that aspire to lead and those that choose to follow. Leadership is not about a title, but instead built upon trust that allows me as a leader to gain influence and help guide the mission vision. I hope to earn your trust as leader of FPCS. 

My wife is also an educator from Alaska, and we have two sons, one in the United States Marine Corps, and the other heading to college this fall to study Biochemistry. My wife and I are entering the empty nest phase of life and are excited for this next adventure, Alaska Style!

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as leader of FPCS.

Noah Zogas  

Sponsor Teacher

Cell: 907-310-5862

zogas_noah@asdk12.org

I am a life-long Alaskan and a former Anchorage School District student. I grew up in a log cabin in the woods on the Kenai Peninsula and later moved to Anchorage for high school. After graduating from East High School, I attended the University of Alaska – Fairbanks and then Claremont McKenna College in California, where I earned a BA in Environment, Economics, and Politics. After college, I returned to Alaska and worked as a flooring installer and an environmental consultant before becoming a teacher. I earned a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education from the University of Alaska – Southeast in 2011 and have been teaching in the ASD ever since. Prior to joining FPCS, I taught high school biology and honors biology at Bartlett High School as well as  7^th-grade science and middle school applied technology at Goldenview Middle School. In addition to teaching, I’ve enjoyed coaching middle school cross-country running, basketball, and track and field. 

I live in Anchorage with my family and have a son who is an ASD student. I love so much about living in Alaska, and in my free time I try to be outside as much as possible. I especially love rock climbing, world travel, mountain running, backcountry snowboarding, mountaineering, and hunting/fishing/gathering/growing as much food as I can. On rainier days I enjoy reading, cooking, playing games, and working on my old house. 

I’m very thankful I get to work with the amazing and talented staff at FPCS, and I’m excited to support and assist our families’ educational adventures. I look forward to meeting you! 

JaNice West   

Sponsor Teacher/ELL Coordinator 

Cell: 907-764-8165

west_janice@asdk12.org

Lucas Soden 

Sponsor Teacher 

Cell: 907-538-6743

soden_lucas@asdk12.org

I am originally from Wisconsin and grew up in a close-knit family. In 2009, I came to Alaska to visit friends and felt at home as soon as I stepped off the plane. I've been here ever since. I enjoy camping and skiing with my wife, our two elementary-age kids, and our 12-year-old husky lab, Buddy. I also enjoy trail running and playing the guitar.

I have 15 years of teaching experience at the middle school level and a master's degree in elementary and middle school education. I have worked with a wide range of students throughout my teaching career. I have taught all core subjects at the middle school level but have spent most of my time as a 7th and 8th-grade Language Arts teacher working with students to develop their writing and reading comprehension skills. In addition to teaching Language Arts, I have coached debate, Battle of the Books, Spelling Bee, x-country running, x-country skiing, and wrestling.

This will be my fourth year as a sponsor teacher with Family Partnership Correspondence School. I enjoy working with families to help them make the best educational choices for them and their children.

Shelby Theriault 

Sponsor Teacher

Cell: 907-764-3984

theriault_shelby@asdk12.org

I love my job as sponsor teacher at Family Partnership Correspondence School! Here's a little about me..... I am a life-long Alaskan. I graduated from UAA with honors and served as Vice President of the Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society. I have been a highly qualified classroom teacher with the Anchorage School District for 23 years, mostly as a classroom teacher.  I have taught Kindergarten through 4th grade and 6th grade for a several years.

When our son was born, I transferred to Family Partnership and taught classes (K-12) out of my house for four years, so that I could spend more time with my child. I taught many classes, including Hands-On Science, 6 Traits of Writing, and Alaska Studies. I have also run Science Fairs for over 20 years. I was delighted to return to Family Partnership in 2020!

As a family, we love the outdoors! We love to camp, fish and hike. We also love baseball! Our son is now a senior at South High School, and he was previously dually enrolled, which means that he has had some classes through South High School and some classes through Family Partnership. He participates in varsity wrestling and baseball and has been recognized as a UA Scholar and Alaska Performance Scholarship recipient for academic achievement. We are so very proud of him!

I am passionate about homeschooling and all the opportunities it offers our students. I love helping parents to guide their own children's education. I look forward to getting to know you and your family!

Melissa Lipinski

Sponsor Teacher 

Cell: 907-744-7716

lipinski_melissa@asdk12.org

I was born and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska. My journey led me to Anchorage, where I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education (K-8). It was during this time that I met my husband. Now, we're blessed with two amazing young adult boys; our youngest is a recent graduate of FPCS, is in college, playing baseball for both his school and the Alaska Baseball League (Go Bucs!) Our oldest is in the process of completing his commercial pilot's license.

We love the outdoors - whether it's fishing, spending time at our cabin, cheering at baseball games, or enjoying aviation adventures. I also enjoy cooking, reading, hiking, and spending quality time with loved one.

Teaching has always been my passion. I began with student teaching in 1st grade and have since taught 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. After focusing on my children's development for 15 years, I returned to teaching math at Wendler Middle School. Now I'm thrilled to be a part of Family Partnership. I understand the importance of finding the right educational path for each child. I am eager to support families in making informed decisions that best suit their children's needs and aspirations.

Andrea Ward  

Sponsor Teacher 

Cell: 907-538-8735

ward_andrea@asdk12.org

Born and raised in Anchorage, I am a proud product of ASD schools. After earning a psychology degree from Northern Arizona University and 7 years in Oregon working with disabled teens and young adults, I realized my true passion for teaching and returned to Alaska to pursue my Elementary Education degree. Following several years of teaching, I took a break to raise my two lovely daughters, who are now college-age. During this period, I had the pleasure of homeschooling my youngest daughter for her final three years of high school, an experience I cherish. 

In 2015, I joined Family Partnership as a small group classroom teacher, teaching 2^nd and 4^th grades. I transitioned to the position of Sponsor Teacher in 2019, where I have found great joy assisting families in their homeschooling journey.  

In my free time I love running, biking, gardening, reading, bird watching, and, most of all, spending time with my daughters. 

The freedom and choice homeschooling gives families is truly wonderful, and I am thrilled to support you and your family as you embark on this exciting journey. I am confident we can work together to create a customized and fulfilling educational experience that meets the unique needs of your family.  

Kjirsten Langland 

Sponsor Teacher 

Cell: 907-538-8761

langland_kjirsten@asdk12.org

Alaska is home and I am homegrown! Born and educated in Anchorage, I graduated from West Anchorage High School. I attended the University of San Diego and graduated with a degree in Diversified Liberal Arts and my teaching credential. I am "Highly Qualified" to teach K-8th grades and have taught with the Anchorage School District since 1997. 

I am a mom of 3 kids that I adore and we, along with my hubby, love to ski, hike, fly, travel and enjoy all that is Alaska.

I am honored to be a part of the Family Partnership Correspondence School Family. I love working with our FPCS families to help them determine the best ways to educate their children while discovering how fun learning can be. Welcome to FPCS!

Chantal Davis 

Sponsor Teacher

Cell: 907-744-3593

davis_chantal@asdk12.org

I have been an educator with the Anchorage School District since 2004. I am originally from Washington state, where I graduated from Cedar Park Christian School. I went on to Central Washington University to pursue bachelor's degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. After graduating in 2004, I moved to Alaska and began teaching. In addition to teaching, I have coached many sports. My favorite sport to coach would have to be volleyball, but I enjoyed my time as a cross-country running, basketball, and track and field coach.

My son is in high school here in ASD. He is very active and spends his time playing football, running track, fishing, riding jet skis and four-wheelers. My daughter just graduated from FPCS and is off to college this fall. I love watching my children participate in the things they love to do. In my free time, I am an avid reader and spend lots of time with our 2 little French Bulldogs.

I am excited to be a part of the Family Partnership family, and I look forward to working with you and your family to tailor your homeschooling program to your children's educational needs. This is something I am passionate about. I can't wait! 

Ashley Bukowski 

Sponsor Teacher

Cell: 907-782-6478

bukowski_ashley@asdk12.org

Lynnetta Marcellus  

Sponsor Teacher

Cell: 907-538-6741

marcellus_lynnetta@asdk12.org

I graduated in 1995 with a B.S Ed degree in Secondary Math and History (grades 6-12) from the University of Idaho. In 2015 I finished my Master’s Degree in ED Leadership from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a K-12 principal certification. My husband is in the military and we have had the opportunity to live in various places, such as Idaho, Germany, Missouri, Alabama, Delta Junction, Wasilla, and now Eagle River. I was blessed to teach in some of those places we traveled to, such as Idaho, Missouri, Delta Junction, Wasilla and now 14 years in Anchorage at FPCS. I have been teaching for 22 years in various educational institutions, such as the brick-and-mortar classroom, cyber school, private school, charter school, and now a correspondence school. I have taught 7th grade math, 8th grade math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Applied math, Consumer math, Precalculus, Calculus, Geography, US history, Western Civilization, Health, and P.E. I also coached high school volleyball and track. Both of my children were homeschooled at Family Partnership Correspondence School and are now currently attending college at Liberty University.

I believe homeschooling is the best gift we can give our children. I also love helping parents become more confident in their ability to teach their children. I believe parents know their children better than anyone else and, with the partnership of a sponsor teacher, they can become the best teacher to their children. I would love to get a chance to visit with you as you embark on this wonderful journey of homeschooling.

Teresa Hintze  

Sponsor Teacher, SPED/504 Coordinator - Full not accepting new families for the 25/26 school year.

Cell: 907-538-8752

hintze_teresa@asdk12.org

Born in Idaho and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, I have been working for the Anchorage School District for many years. For 15 of those years, I worked in the Deaf Education program and taught all subjects at all levels; elementary school, middle school, and high school. During my tenure, I also had the pleasure of assisting my sisters in their homeschooling endeavors, including acting as a sponsor teacher for them at Family Partnership Correspondence School. I have been with FPCS for several years now and have a unique, dual role here at Family Partnership. First, I am a sponsor teacher and second, I am the special education liaison. In my role as the Special Education Liaison, I coordinate meetings and facilitate communication between FPCS families and the Special Education teams at their neighborhood schools. While FPCS is not allowed to offer special education services, as part of the Anchorage School District, our families are able to access any services at their neighborhood school. In my role as a sponsor teacher, I have the pleasure of working directly with families in supporting parent-directed education. I love this program and I am so excited to be part of the homeschooling community. 

Kristin Jackson  

Sponsor Teacher - Full not accepting new families for the 25/26 school year.

Cell: 907-538-8753

jackson_kristin@asdk12.org

I have been with Family Partnership since 2006, and I love the opportunity to partner with families! I graduated from Wheaton College with a B.A. in Elementary Education and have continued my professional development, taking classes through UAA. For five years, I taught second grade at Klatt Elementary. I transferred to Family Partnership to spend more time at home with my children and have the opportunity to work with students in a more individualized setting. As a teacher at FPCS, I have been a sponsor teacher for kindergarten through 12th grade students as well as taught elementary enrichment classes in all subject areas including hands-on science, writing, and math games. My husband and I have four children who have attended Family Partnership, and I have had the privilege of being an integral part of their education. As a family, we enjoy camping, fishing, and exploring Alaska. I grew up in Minnesota, making Alaska my home now with my family for over 20 years. I love spending time with my family, watching my kids' sports events, and venturing outdoors, whether in Alaska or a beautiful, sunny destination. I look forward to another great year sponsoring families here at Family Partnership! 

Karin Owens

Sponsor Teacher, Community Outreach - Full not accepting new families for the 25/26 school year.

Cell: 907-310-9354

owens_karin@asdk12.org

I am a homeschooling mother and teacher. I first came to Family Partnership as a parent many years ago, and I loved the program so much that I joined as a sponsor teacher in 2022. I graduated from the University of Notre Dame and received my teaching degree from Indiana University. I have taught in both public and private schools. My most unusual job was as a K-12 principal/teacher at a one-room schoolhouse on the Alaska Canadian Border. However, my favorite teaching job has been homeschooling my own children.

I am a mother of seven, and my children range in age from seven to twenty-seven. My husband served more than twenty years with the Alaska Air National Guard, and my family adapted to multiple deployments. I am actively involved in my church, and I have volunteered with the American Heritage Girls program for many years.

I love the flexibility that homeschooling offers to families, allowing them to teach their values, to tailor the education to children's strengths and needs, and to study and learn in harmony with the family's schedule. I would be honored to work with your family and help you attain your educational goals.

Sarah Petersen 

Sponsor Teacher - Full not accepting new families for the 25-26 school year.

Cell: 907-310-9140

petersen_sarah@asdk12.org

I was born and raised in Montana, but now have called Alaska my home for over 20 years. I have a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Montana State University and a Master's Degree in Educational Technology from the University of Alaska Southeast.

For over twenty years, I have worked as a classroom teacher, Educational Technology Specialist, IT Collaborator, Teacher Expert in STEM Science, adjunct faculty at UAA & UAS, and currently as a sponsor teacher for Family Partnership. I have earned a few recognitions in my time as an educator: I was a finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics, I have served as a board member for ASTE Board (Alaska Society for Technology in Education), and I am an Apple Distinguished Educator. 

We are blessed to be able to homeschool our own children (grade 8 and grade 6). I love skiing (Nordic & alpine), backpacking, fishing, gardening and spending time with my precious family! I am excited to team with you and assist in your homeschooling journey!

Aimee Sims  

Sponsor Teacher - Full not accepting new families for the 25-26 school year.

Cell: 538-6742

sims_aimee@asdk12.org

Homeschooling is amazing. I have four children. Iain (graduated in 2019), Nathaniel (graduated in 2021), Johanna (graduated in 2024), and Stuart (12th grade). Our family has chosen a variety of ways to educate our children. We began with homeschooling, then attended both neighborhood and alternative schools, then went back to homeschooling with Family Partnership Correspondence School.

I love each day, as it is always an adventure teaching my children at home! I love to see that "ah-ha" look in a child's eyes when they have learned or discovered something new and exciting. It is so rewarding as we learn together as a family and discover new and amazing things. I have learned so much as I have assisted families in the past few years.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, a minor in Bible, and a specialization in Political Studies earned from The Master's College in Santa Clarita, California. Since graduation in 1997, I have actively taught in the community and have received extensive training in teaching reading, writing, and spelling using a multisensory reading program called the Slingerland Method. These past twenty years, I have had the opportunity to be a sponsor teacher and small group instructor with Family Partnership. It is my privilege to be working together with you to create the best learning plan for your students. Together we can successfully create a learning environment that provides educational excellence and the opportunity for success in their life endeavors. 

I look forward to this new school year and the challenges and opportunities we will experience together on this homeschooling journey.

Ann-Marie Foust 

Early Literacy Specialist and K-3 Reading Group Teacher

Cell: 907-782-6296

foust_ann-marie@asdk12.org