ALLIED GARDENS TEACHERS
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HEC VENDOR: ARCHOFACTS
Miss Macie
Miss Macie is a talented artist who relocated to San Diego three years ago, originally hailing from Sacramento. Her passion for art, which blossomed in her hometown, led her to Southern California to pursue her creative aspirations. With a strong belief in the power of combining education and art, she is dedicated to fostering creativity in all her students. Outside of teaching art and assisting in the classroom, Miss Macie enjoys painting and spending time outdoors. She also has a fondness for sudoku, cats, and indulging in delicious snacks. She is looking forward to another amazing school year!
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Melissa Allen was inspired to be an archaeologist when she was 8 years old after watching movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Mummy, and Tomb Raider. She grew up to become an archaeologist in San Diego and started her business 'Archofacts' so she could teach children about a fun and adventurous career. She teaches classes in archaeology, history, social studies, and anthropology by using real life archaeological methods and hands on activities. Melissa balances her professional life with homeschooling her four children, cherishing the opportunity to create lasting memories with her family.
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CHARTERS ACCEPTED: Element, Elite, Sage Oak, Compass, Granite Mountain, Suncoast, SoCal Scholars, Freedom, PCA, MVA, CPA, Excel, Springs, Best, Gorman, Epic, Taylion
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EMAIL: Archofacts@gmail.com
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo: @Melissahareallen
Paypal:Melissahareallen@gmail.com
Zelle: archofacts@gmail.com
Checks written out to Melissa Allen, Cash / Charter Funds

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HEC VENDOR: BLACKMORE LEARNING ACADEMY
Cassia Knighton
Cassia Knighton is an excellent educator with a passion for supporting students of all learning styles. With a background in commercial interior design, she chose to step away from her career to focus on raising her two children, now 13 and 11. As her children grew, she found joy in education, beginning as a noon duty substitute with the Lakeside Union School District before transitioning into a Special Education Instructional Assistant role. For the past four years, Cassia has worked closely with students, gaining valuable experience in adapting instruction to meet diverse learning needs. Over the last eight months, she has had the privilege of serving as a substitute at HEC, further deepening her commitment to fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment. Cassia is excited to be a part of your child's educational journey and looks forward to inspiring confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning in every student she teaches.
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Elizabeth Blackmore is a passionate educator with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Idaho State University, specializing in exceptional needs. With 16 years as a homeschool teacher and mother of six, she has extensive experience in literacy, ESL, and teaching math, science, and writing across diverse settings, including homeschool co-ops, inclusive preschool, K-3 public schools, and Idaho State University’s Natural History Museum and Partnership School. Now in her sixth year at HEC, Elizabeth inspires students through hands-on, play-based learning, believing every child can achieve greatness. She’s excited to partner with families to support each child’s educational journey.
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CHARTERS: Pacific Coast Academy, CPA, MVA, Elite, Sage Oak, Compass, Freedom Academy (LFCS), Excel Academy, SoCal Scholars, Suncoast, Best, Epic, Granite Mountain, Springs, Taylion, Sparrow
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Pending: Scale & Gorman
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EMAIL: blackmoreclasses@gmail.com
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo: @Mrs-Blackmore (pay with Friends & Family Only)
Cash


HEC VENDOR: 5 ELEMENTS
Mario Mayorga
Sifu Mario Mayorga, owner of 5 Elements Martial Arts & Wellness Center, began his martial arts journey in 1993, training in Taekwondo, Northern Shaolin, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Aikido, Tai Chi, Escrima, and Chi Gong. He earned his black belt in Kung Fu in 1999 and specializes in Northern Shaolin Kung Fu and Tai Chi, with extensive experience teaching children across San Diego County.
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In 2005, Mario earned an Associate of Science degree from Grossmont College and began studies at San Diego State University. Inspired by healers, he studied at the International Professional School of Bodywork, becoming a certified Massage Therapist in 2010, specializing in Thai Medical Massage and Sensory Re-patterning. That year, he co-founded 5 Elements with Keith Jacobson, blending martial arts, Tai Chi, Chi Gong, Yoga, and massage therapy. In 2012, he became a certified Holistic Health Practitioner and completed teacher training at IPSB in 2014.
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Mario continues to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Filipino Martial Arts, and ICE Urban Combat Martial Arts. Outside the studio, he enjoys soccer, basketball, yoga, gymnastics, ballroom dancing, hiking, and cycling, enriching his holistic approach to wellness.
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CHARTERS: Mission Vista Academy, Pacific Coast Academy, Freedom Academy, Sage Oak, Element Education, Elite Academy, Excel Academy
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EMAIL: 5elementssandiego@gmail.com
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo: @Mario-Mayorga-4, Paypal: 5elementssandiego@gmail.com
Cash / Check


HEC VENDOR: BRIGHT STAR LEARNERS
Mikala Aragon
Mikala Aragon has been part of Home School Enrichment Centers for 3 years and has fallen in love with how excited and passionate each teacher, parent and stundent is about learning. She has searved as a teacher for over seven years and across all grade levels. Mikala graduated from the University of Arizona Global Campus with a degree in History, however she is an expert in elementary math and middle and high school sciences. She has earned many academic awards and recieved recognition for outstanding work in the Lakeside Union School Dirstict. She is passionate about learning through exploration. Her mission is to inspire her students to enjoy the process of learning and develop thier skills as critical thinkers. Mikala is a advocate for students of all learning types and creates a classroom environment where both success and failure are celebrated as exciting parts of growth and learning. Mikala has had many years of working with students who are neurodivergent and does her best to make exceptional students feel at home within the classroom. Beyond the classroom, Miss Aragon is an avid baker, traveler, and explorer of sea life. She spends much of her free time exploring and trying new things.
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CHARTERS: PCA, Freedom, Cabrillo, Mission Vista, Elite, Sage Oak, Excel, Element, SoCal Scholars, Suncoast
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EMAIL: mikalaaragon@gmail.com
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo:@Mikala-Aragon
Paypal:@mikalaaragon
Cash, Check


HEC VENDOR: DESERT COAST LEARNING LLC
Jessica Velazquez
Jessica Velazquez, a San Diego State University graduate with a Multimedia degree, is a dedicated educator with extensive experience in art education. As Program Director at Art with Larisse for over a decade, she specializes in pastels, watercolors, and oil painting, fostering creativity in children. Passionate about inspiring young minds, Jessica encourages students to explore and develop their unique artistic voices.
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Mary Longbottom is the founder of Desert Coast Learning LLC. She is a San Diego State University graduate with a Liberal Arts degree in Science,and has 15 years of experience teaching homeschool families. Starting at Art with Larisse, she taught drawing, pastels, watercolor, and oil painting, later joining Dehesa (now Element) to teach Art, Spanish, Science, Math, and History. Mary also provides private tutoring across various school settings. Passionate about integrating art into education, she makes learning engaging and inspires young learners with creative, hands-on approaches.
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CHARTERS: Element, Excel, Elite, Sage Oak, Compass, Granite Mountain, Suncoast Academy, Best, Springs, SoCal Scholars, Freedom, Pacific Coast Academy, Mission Vista Academy, Cabrillo Point Academy, Tayliom, Sparrow, Gorman, Epic
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EMAIL: Desertcoastlearning@gmail.com
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo: Desertcoastlearning
PayPal: Desertcoastlearning


HEC VENDOR
Sara Musick
Sara makes Spanish learning FUN! She has over 9 years of experience teaching this language. She has a Bachelor and a Master of Arts Degree in Spanish. Sara is passionate about Spanish and is excited to share her love of the language with students of all ages! Her students love her class so much that at the end of it, they have said, "Can we have another hour with you?" or "I wish I could take your class every day of the week".
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CHARTERS: Pacific Coast Academy, Excel, SoCal Scholars and Freedom
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EMAIL: saramcorral@gmail.com
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo: @Sara-Corral-1
Zelle: 619-677-0210


HEC VENDOR
DeAnna Munoz
DeAnna has been molding young minds, creatively at HEC for 4 years. She is a professional seamstress by trade, with a degree in Fashion Design. She has also taught mixed media art classes to children for 4 years as well. She is a wife and a mother of 3, ages 11, 9, and 6. She absolutely loves what she does, which is offer a creative space for children to explore and discover through sewing, mixed media arts. Having a quality creative outlet for children (and adults alike) is crucial in this tech driven world. Creativity is a muscle and the more we use it the better we get at it. Spreading joy through the arts is something she will be doing for the rest of her life.
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CHARTERS: Pacific Coast Academy, Freedom Academy, Suncoast Prep Academy, SoCal Scholars, Excel
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EMAIL: dcmunoz12@gmail.com
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo: @deannamunozclasses
Paypal: @deannamunozartclasses


HEC VENDOR
Connie Gatlin
Connie Gatlin has been in education for over 35 years. She has taught students from Pre-School Montessori through Algebra 2. She believes that not all students learn in the same manner and adjusts her style to incorporate all students. She is patient with students and wants all students to be successful!
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CHARTERS: PCA, CPA, SoCal Scholars, Freedom, Excel
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EMAIL: cgatlin2011@gmail.com
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo: @Connie-Gatlin-2


HEC VENDOR
Christian Chapman
Christian Chapman is a mechanical engineer and a United States Navy Veteran. Christian earned his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University and his Master's Degree in Architecturral Systems Engineering from UC San Diego. He has worked in the private sector for defense companies for the past decade and is ready to make math, science, and engineering fun and tangible for students of all ages. He and his wife homeschool their three children. In his free time, Christian enjoys outdoor activities with his family, inlcuding coaching little league, beach trips, and hiking.
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CHARTERS: PCA, Freedom, SoCal Scholars and open to others upon request
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EMAIL: christian.j.chapman@gmail.com
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PAYMENTS: Venmo: @Christian-J-Chapman
Paypal: @ChristianJChapman
Zelle: 760-464-2011
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HEC VENDOR : IncludEducation
Sydney
Ms Sydney has a passion for helping children build their confidence and discover their strengths. She believes STEM is the perfect way to do that. Children learn best when they're having fun and instructors teach better when they love what they teach.
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Instructors for includEDucation programs are subject to change in order to meet the needs of the campus, students, and the company. We strive to have a consistent instructor, but circumstances may necessitate a change in our instructor's schedules.
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CHARTERS: PCA, Freedom, MVA, CPA, Sage Oak, Compass, Southcoast Prep, Excel, Elite, iLEAD, Blueridge, Granite Mountain, Gorman, Springs, Scale, Epic, Sky Mountain, Heartwoord, SoCal Scholars Academy, Best Academy, Julian, and more.
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EMAIL: socal@includEDucation.com
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo @includEDucation
Email about other options if needed


HEC VENDOR
Julia Hinke
Julia Amonette-Hinke, a seasoned art educator in San Diego, leverages over a decade of experience in fine art, sculpture, and language arts. Her teaching approach is grounded in solid training from local colleges in studio arts and language arts. With a focus on skill development, Julia adeptly guides students in ceramic clay, painting, and drawing. Empowering creativity, she encourages students to push their artistic boundaries and express their unique perspectives. Julia's classroom environment is known for fostering experimentation and growth. Through her guidance, students hone their craft and discover their creative voices. Her commitment to nurturing artistic exploration underscores her teaching philosophy.
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CHARTERS: PCA, MVA, CPA, ELITE, Excel, LFCS, SoCal Scholars, Suncoast, Dimensions, Granite Mt., Freedom
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EMAIL: juliaamonette@gmail.com
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo:@Julia-Amonette-Hinke
Zelle & Paypal: juliaamonette@gmail.com
Check


HEC VENDOR
Karin Leonard
Karin Leonard is a homeschooling mom and a classically trained pianist. For over 30 years, she has taught beginner to advanced level music to people from ages 5 to 95. At age 14, she sang at Carnegie Hall. At age 16, she was hired as a church pianist, began assembling praise bands, conducting choirs and directing musicals. After graduating, she worked for the college tutoring department teaching piano, music theory, math and English and performed as a featured soloist in the college Jazz Ensemble. In 1997, she was hired as a church music director. Karin loves to be creative with music and arts and crafts. She enjoys composing music, crocheting, painting, sewing, and relaxing with her family and their pugs. Karin feels blessed to have shared her love and knowledge of music, math, crochet, and writing with hundreds of people over the years.
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CHARTERS: Pacific Coast Academy, Mission Vista Academy, Cabrillo Point Academy, Dehesa/Dimensions Academy, Springs: Empire, Harbor, Pacific, Freedom Academy, Elite Academy, Sage Oak, Excel, SunCoast Prep, SoCal Scholars Academy
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EMAIL: learntoplay@cox.net AND karinleonard@cox.net
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo: @Karin-Leonard-2
PayPal: karinleonard@cox.net (Pay with Friends & Family or add 5% fee)
Zelle: karinleonard@cox.ne


HEC VENDOR: MUSIC SPEAKS
Dylan Marks
Music Speaks Studio wants to help make lifelong music lovers who believe that music is meant to be shared. Our mission at Music Speaks Studio is to cultivate a dynamic community where aspiring musicians thrive in small group settings. By fostering collaborative learning environments, we nurture individual growth, ignite artistic innovation, and celebrate the joy of music-making. Through personalized instruction and interactive experiences, we empower students to explore their passions, develop their skills, and forge lifelong connections with fellow musicians. Together, we harmonize the journey of musical discovery, inspiring each other to reach new heights of creativity, expression, and excellence.
-- Mr. Dylan is a professional drummer who has been honored as one of San Diego’s top 10 drummers and just returned from a European tour with his band! Dylan’s talent and passion for music are topped only by his skill in making tough concepts make sense for his students. You can catch him gigging around Southern CA regularly and working in and out of the recording studio with crazy amazing bands.
In his free time, you’re most likely to find him working on new drum fills or guitar riffs while binging Law & Order.
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CHARTERS: PCA, MVA; Element/Dimensions; Springs Charter; Elite; Freedom (Literacy First); Sage Oak; SDRC; SoCal Scholars, Excel
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EMAIL: Ruthie@MusicSpeaksStudio.com
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PAYMENTS:
VenMo: @MusicSpeaksStudio
PayPal: @MusicSpeaksStudio
Zelle: Ruthie@MusicSpeaksStudio.com


HEC VENDOR: PACIFIC HILLS CHESS
Ron Rezendes
"Coach Ron" founded Pacific Hills Chess Academy in 2012. He was President of the San Diego Chess Club for 16 years and President of the Southern California Chess Federation for 3 years. He helped organize two US Chess Championships held in San Diego in 2004 and 2006. He has been teaching thousands of students over the last 30+ years, including his time with Mountain Lake Chess Camp run by International Master Larry Evans.
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CHARTERS: PCA, Freedom, SoCal Scholars Academy, Excel Academy
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EMAIL: rrezendes@gmail.com
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PAYMENTS:
Paypal via website / Paypal: coachron
Cash / Check


HEC VENDOR: PLAYWELL TEKNOLOGIES
Alex Nastase
Play-Well TEKnologies has been dedicated to teaching kids through hands-on activities with LEGO for over 20 years. Our instructors are fully trained and excited about teaching STEM to your students.
Alex brings his passion for all things STEM to Play-Well, making him a cornerstone of our team. With a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from the University of Portland, Alex excels in teaching everything from basic engineering concepts to advanced robotics. His expertise and enthusiasm inspire students to dive into the world of STEM with confidence and curiosity.
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CHARTERS: Granite Mountain Academy, Visions, iLead, River Springs, Sage Oak, Compass, Sky Mountain, Suncoast Prep, River Oaks, Pacific Coast Academy, SoCal Scholars, Cabrillo Point Academy, LFCS Freedom Academy, Mission Vista Academy, Excel Academy
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EMAIL: faith@play-well.org
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo: @Timothy-Bowen-49
Credit Card


HEC VENDOR
Regine Swim
She is a French native. She has been teaching this language for over 30 years in the San Diego area in private schools. She also has been tutoring students from Pre-K - 12th as well as adults. She loves her language and wants to share it as well as the rich French culture. Her goal is for people to be able to speak the basic during their trip to France and other French speaking destinations.
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CHARTERS: Pacific Coast Academy, Elite, Freedom, So Cal, Element, Sage Oak, Excel
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EMAIL: regineswim@gmail.com
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo @Regine Swim
Zelle @ regineswim@gmail.com
Paypal @regine frenchie


HEC VENDOR: KIDOKINETICS
Brady Boyd
My name is Brady Boyd, owner of Kidokinetics San Diego. With a background as a former college athlete at PLNU and as a father of two girls (4 and 7 year olds), I understand the importance of physical activity and fitness and teaching these concepts to kids. I enjoy passing on my love for sports and physical activity to kids and helping them to PLAY CONFIDENT! Our certified coaches bring their own unique skills and experience, but we are all united by a love for inspiring kids to be active and confident. We believe in the power of play to not only improve physical fitness but to also help children develop critical life skills like teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Our coaches are passionate about creating an environment where kids can have fun, be challenged, and grow, all while fostering a positive attitude toward sports and physical activity.
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CHARTERS ACCEPTED: CPA, PCA, Elite, Excel, MVA, Julian, Suncoast, and SoCal Scholars
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EMAIL: sandiego@kidokinetics.com
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PAYMENTS: Checks made out to “Kidokinetics San Diego”
Venmo: @KidoSD
PayPal: paypal.me/BradyCBoyd
Zelle: sandiego@kidokinetics.com


HEC VENDOR: PLAYGROUND PLAYERS
Jenn Harris
Playground Players was started by Laura Beuno. She has been teaching throughout San Diego County since 2003. She has a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Missouri and has performed with the San Diego Opera for 20 years. Laura has a passion for teaching young budding actors and singers and loves using their creative energy to build a production from the ground up! Playground Players Productions was founded in 2016 and Edudance Classrooms in Motion was founded in 2003. Over these past 21 years, Laura has taught thousands of students the art of ballroom dance, theater, and vocal performance.
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Jenn Harris is a dance educator and choreographer. She began her training in San Diego and has traveled throughout the US pursuing an education and career in performing arts. Her stage experience includes dance, theatre, fashion, and trade shows. In addition to being a mom, Jenn has been teaching full time for over 20 years. She received her teaching certification in the disciplines of Tap and Jazz through the accredited Dance Masters of America Teacher Training School in Buffalo, NY, and has a Module One & Two certification through Acrobatic Arts, a professional curriculum for Acrobatic Dance. Jenn Harris is thrilled to be a new instructor with Playground Players Productions and is looking forward to working with the students at Homeschool Enrichment Centers.
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CHARTERS: PCA, MVA, CPA, Freedom, Excel, Sage Oak, Elite Academy, Suncoast Academy, Dimensions Academy, Granite Mountain, Sparrow Academy
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EMAIL: sdplaygroundplayers@gmail.com
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo: laura-bueno-2
PayPal: playgroundplayersproductions@hotmail.com
Zelle: sdplaygroundplayers@gmail.com


HEC VENDOR: PLAYGROUND PLAYERS
Julianne Riddle
Playground Players was started by Laura Beuno. She has been teaching throughout San Diego County since 2003. She has a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Missouri and has performed with the San Diego Opera for 20 years. Laura has a passion for teaching young budding actors and singers and loves using their creative energy to build a production from the ground up! Playground Players Productions was founded in 2016 and Edudance Classrooms in Motion was founded in 2003. Over these past 21 years, Laura has taught thousands of students the art of ballroom dance, theater, and vocal performance.
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Julianne Riddle is a San Diego based teacher, director and performer. Credits include, Alumnus/Bachelor of Arts in Directing (Utah Valley University), Instructor with Nose2Nose at Qatar Academy (Doha, Qatar) and Camp Humphreys, (South Korea,) La Boheme Assistant Director (Noodra Center for the Arts) and Director of both Alice by Heart and Hadestown at SDMT Academy. Julianne joined Playground Players Productions in 2022 where she also instructs for EduDance and Islander Youth Theatre. You can catch Julianne performing in the BMX Blast Summer 25 at Seaworld San Diego!
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CHARTERS: PCA, MVA, CPA, Freedom, Excel, Sage Oak, Elite Academy, Suncoast Academy, Dimensions Academy, Granite Mountain, Sparrow Academy
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EMAIL: sdplaygroundplayers@gmail.com
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo: laura-bueno-2
PayPal: playgroundplayersproductions@hotmail.com
Zelle: sdplaygroundplayers@gmail.com


HEC VENDOR: PLAYGROUND PLAYERS
Sara Dailey
Playground Players was started by Laura Beuno. She has been teaching throughout San Diego County since 2003. She has a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Missouri and has performed with the San Diego Opera for 20 years. Laura has a passion for teaching young budding actors and singers and loves using their creative energy to build a production from the ground up! Playground Players Productions was founded in 2016 and Edudance Classrooms in Motion was founded in 2003. Over these past 21 years, Laura has taught thousands of students the art of ballroom dance, theater, and vocal performance.
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CHARTERS: PCA, MVA, CPA, Freedom, Excel, Sage Oak, Elite Academy, Suncoast Academy, Dimensions Academy, Granite Mountain, Sparrow Academy
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EMAIL: sdplaygroundplayers@gmail.com
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo: laura-bueno-2
PayPal: playgroundplayersproductions@hotmail.com
Zelle: sdplaygroundplayers@gmail.com


HEC VENDOR
Shad Oakes
Shad Oakes is a father of 7!. His wife Hanna homeschools their four youngest children. Shad worked in youth ministry for 17 years, 9 of which he was a full time Youth Pastor. He played volleyball for 6 years and coached for another 6. Shad owns his own handyman business that focuses on being detailed and doing quality work for his customers, he has worked in plumbing, remodeled several homes and he recently worked as a foreman for a local family owned construction company. In his personal life he loves spending time with his family, doing projects on their four acres, going on adventures in nature, and serving at church with 4th and 5th grade students. This is his second year teaching at Homeschool Enrichment Centers.
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CHARTERS: PCA, SoCal Scholars, Suncoast, Excel, Elite, Freedom
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EMAIL: shadoakes@gmail.com
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo- @ShadOakes


HEC VENDOR: KIDS GARDENING CENTER
Nzingha Newton (Ms. Zinga)
Nzingha Newton, a dedicated homeschool educator and San Diego State University Business Management alum, brings over 10 years of experience teaching children and families about self-sufficiency, healthy living, and financial literacy. With a diverse background in nutrition, gardening, real estate, homesteading, culinary arts, and music, she blends practical skills with academics.
After working as a neo-soul/R&B music manager and Program Director at Jenny Craig, Nzingha earned her Real Estate License, which she has held for 11 years. Her passion for sustainability led her to grow edible gardens, a practice she now teaches through her Kids Gardening Center, founded a decade ago. Living on an avocado farm in Temecula, she and her four children (ages 8-17) build community gardens at local churches and centers, fostering connections to the land. Married for nearly 19 years, Nzingha inspires the next generation to develop essential life skills through hands-on, creative learning.
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CHARTERS: Suncoast Preparatory Academy; MVA Mission Vista Academy; CPA Cabrillo Point Academy; PCA Pacific Coast Academy; SoCal Scholars, Freedom Academy, Excel, Elite, Granite Mountain Charter School, Springs Charter School, Sky Mountain, Blue Ridge, Compass, Ilead, Sage Oak, Taylion Homeschool Program, Best, Gorman
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EMAIL: Kidsgardeningcenter@gmail.com
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PAYMENTS:
Venmo: Nzingha Newton @KidsGardeningCenter
Zelle: Nzingha Newton 951-776-6971
Check, Cash
