Rachel Covert
My name is Rachel Covert. I’ve been with my husband for almost 11 years and we have three amazing children together. I am currently homeschooling my five-year-old and loving it. I have my bachelor’s degree in nursing and have been a post-surgical RN at Barnes-Jewish Hospital for nine years. I am passionate about health, fitness, and the human body. I also love animals, coffee, music, nature, baking, holidays and being with family and friends. Teaching classes at the Leu is a great opportunity to share my skills and knowledge, while also getting involved in the homeschool community. I’m so excited to be here!
Dr. Tracey L. Drennen-Alexander
I am a chiropractor, USAF veteran, wife, & mom of 4. I have homeschooled my youngest (Caleb, 11) for the last 5 years. I have lived & worked in the Freeburg area since being stationed at Scott AFB in 1989. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Human Biology & Doctor of Chiropractic degrees from Logan University in 2001 as well as a second Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies (Business Administration & Nutrition) from SIUE in 2019. I am also a certified yoga teacher. I have been the owner/chiropractor of Freeburg Chiropractic since 2002. I have done numerous talks in school classes, scouts, & other organizations about health, nutrition, & yoga. I enjoy traveling, crafting, & spending time with my family.
Anna Duke
My name is Anna and I am an instructor at the Leu. I have been homeschooled for about 9 years now and love it. My hobbies include painting, fiber arts, and reading fantasy books. I am really into art and love to inspire creativity. This is my first year teaching, and I am excited to do so.
Sally Farrington
Sally Farrington is the Leu’s Art coordinator and one of our art instructors. After studying graphic design and elementary education at the University of Cincinnati, she became a homeschool mom back in 1992 when not many people homeschooled! Now she loves being a part of her grandsons’ home education and teaching art at the Leu.
Sally also works out of her home studio as a watercolor and mixed media artist. Her work is in several area galleries and shops.
Erin O’Dell
My name is Erin O’Dell, and I am the Homeschool Drama Club instructor here at The Leu. I have been a military spouse for nearly 20 years now and a girl mom all the way with 3 daughters. I have been a stay at home mom since my oldest was born and we took on being a homeschool family about 4 years ago. I’m still not really sure what I want to do when I grow up, so for now I’m just rolling with what life throws my way! So far it’s been a fun ride!!
Meg Meister
Hi, I’m Meg! I’m a homeschool mama of four. I have a passion for both teaching and learning, and I love finding creative ways to make education fun. My mission is to create engaging and enjoyable experiences for my kids that mimic some of the excitement of school, while still fostering our unique homeschool environment. I enjoy baking delicious treats, photography, writing, singing, doing puzzles, creating, hiking, cleaning, laughing, and the cozy vibes that fall brings. I’m looking forward to leading more classes, hosting more fun events and getting to know you and your kiddos!
Amanda Mueller
Hello! My name is Amanda Mueller. My family has lived in the Metro East for the last seven years. Our family loves getting out in nature and exploring new places. We have two children Lily age 10 and Caleb age 8 and have been homeschooling for the past four years. Before we began our homeschool journey; I was an elementary school teacher. I graduated from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Homeschooling has been an amazing adventure full of exciting challenges and personal growth.
Holly Pikora
Holly Pikora is a graduate of SIUE with her bachelor’s in studio art. She lives in Bellevillle and is a part of the Gateway East Artist Guild. She is a lover of fantasy and mystery, and recently adopted two kittens!
Jodie Rodriguez
Jodie Rodriguez is a homeschooling mama, former classroom teacher and administrator, and the creator of the website Growing Book by Book. She’s passionate about early literacy, reads thousands of pictures books a year, loves to grow as many varieties of tomatoes as she can squeeze in her garden, and appreciates a great cup of coffee.
Carole Smith
My name is Carole. I was a high school teacher for 36 years with 31 years spent at Mascoutah High School. I was licensed as a learning specialist, science and English teacher. I have my master’s degree in reading programs. I also taught computer skills. Since retirement I’ve been working with students at the Leu and I love it!
Ben Smith
Hey there, I’m Ben Smith! I’m a (15) year old musician, game developer, and an overall computer know-it-all. I love teaching because it allows me to share the knowledge I’ve racked up over the years of learning I’ve achieved.
Christian Tolbert
Christian Tolbert has been an instructor at the Leu for several sessions. He is a graduated homeschool student and has participated in classes at the Leu as well. He enjoys playing DND and chess in his spare time, and is passionate about teaching.
Michaela Wahler
Michaela Wahler is a recently graduated homeschooled student. She takes classes at SWIC and helps with a mix of things here at the Leu. She enjoys music, photography, and archery, and is a certified basic archery instructor for our homeschool archery team.