Meet our teachers
Cindy Flaherty
Founder
Choir and Drama.
I founded Jubilate Choir and The Obadiah Players Drama Group in 1987. Growing up in a musical family, playing violin and oboe in the Vallejo Youth Symphony, and performing in theater from a young age, the performing arts have always been an important part of who I am. I attended Simpson College as a performing-arts major and enjoyed learning the many facets of communicating through the arts. It has been my delight and blessing to teach hundreds of children over the last 36 years and they have enriched my life immeasurably. As a published author, I enjoy the beauty of the written word and the power of storytelling. I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead as we welcome new students each year into Jubilate Homeschool Academy.
Lydia Pond
Co-Owner
Choir and Drama.
I am a homeschooling mom of three, administrator and co-owner of Jubilate Academy, and one of the directors of Jubilate Choir and Drama. Having the perspective of growing up in Jubilate Choir and Obadiah Players, I know firsthand the importance of this creative journey for homeschool students. I have studied voice and advanced choral music and technique for many years. I also attended regional and all-state honor choir multiple times. Joining Jubilate Performing Arts is fulfilling a life-long dream of using my training and skills to give to other young people the wonderful experience that so enriched my childhood. As we expand our business to include more of the arts and academic enrichment classes, I am deeply invested in making Jubilate Homeschool Academy a place for children to grow in confidence and skills, pursue their interest and dreams, and connect with others as they make life-long friendships. I would like to give a special thanks to my husband for always supporting me in everything I do.
Mandy Keller
Joined Jubilate Homeschool Academy in 2023
~ English ~ Language Arts ~ Creative Writing ~
I have been a homeschool mom for eight years. Teaching has always been a passion of mine, particularly English, creative writing, and literature. I have taught a course on creative writing to homeschool students grades 3-8 this last year, as well as assisting in the choir and drama program at Jubilate Performing Arts for the last three years. I love working with children, getting to know them, and helping them learn to love learning!
Alicia DeRienzo
~ Dance ~
Alicia DeRienzo has been a lifelong dancer and choreographer. She participated in the dance program at California State University, Sacramento, and has since choreographed and performed in a number of musicals. Alicia loves teaching children all forms of dance and always strives to have a positive and encouraging learning environment. She is a homeschooling mom, and has two children performing in Jubilate.
Jessica Ostrander
Joined Jubilate Homeschool Academy in 2023
~ Art ~
I am a seasoned fine artist and storyteller.
I use my knowledge from the entertainment industry to lay a solid foundation in the visual arts, inspire a love for learning, and awaken creativity. In my classes students have ample opportunities to develop their skills as visual communicators through design principles and a variety of image making techniques.
Debra Heiden
Joined Jubilate in 2025
~ Kinder-2nd Grade Social Studies ~
- Debra Heiden is a credentialed Spanish bi-lingual teacher with many years of teaching experience, including serving for five years as a Kindergarten teacher in a Spanish bi-lingual class.
Mrs. Heiden first began learning Spanish in 2nd grade when she was attending a Catholic School taught by nuns from Spain. She became so interested in learning Spanish, that she took private lessons from one of her teachers during the summer before she began high school. During high school, she took four years of Spanish, including a year of “Honors” Spanish. She took a slight detour in college, majoring in Portuguese, after having spent two summers in Portugal. After graduating from college, she taught a Portuguese bi-lingual class for two years, and then a Spanish bi-lingual Kindergarten class for five years.
Debra enjoys teaching very much, especially when she gets the chance to create new learning experiences for her students! It is her personal goal to make learning as successful and enjoyable as possible. All of her classes and tutoring sessions include interactive games and activities designed to make learning both successful and fun for her students.
Sharlee & Kaia King
Joined Jubilate Homeschool Academy in 2024
~ Musical Theater Dance ~
We are excited to be teaching the musical theater dance class this year. We have had previous experience taking this class, as well as performing in multiple amazing shows with Jubilate. Besides our experience performing we've also worked in a capacity as student directors and have taught dance at multiple times to people of various ages.
Lizzi Robertson
~ Choir ~
I am a homeschooling mom of three, and as a product of homeschool myself, I have to say there is no better life! I sang with Mrs. Flaherty way back; she taught me how to sing! Over the years I have sung in many Byzantine and Russian Orthodox church choirs in various parts of the country and have experience singing and chanting many ancient hymns and music. I am a US Navy veteran who grew up here in Placerville and ended up coming home to marry my high school sweetheart. My kids and I have been with Jubilate for the last five years, and I love helping kids learn new and challenging music.
Hannah Conlee
~ Band/Instrument Lessons ~
I graduated from Sac State in 2024 with my Bachelors Degree in Music Education with a focus on Wind Band. I've been heavily involved with music for the majority of my life, starting with piano lessons when I was four. In middle school I joined the band on flute and fell in love with it instantly. From then on I have learned many instruments and performed in a wide variety of groups. I have been teaching private lessons since 2019 on piano, flute, guitar, ukulele and many more. I also had two of my own band programs the last two years of my degree through the Mandarins Music Academy and it is my professional goal to spread the love of music through all facets.
*All Prices will be on easy registration form*
Aubree Mackey
~ Early Learners - Little Musical Me ~
I am thrilled to be able to teach the Early Learners and the Little Musical Me class! After graduating with my Bachelor's in Public Relations I have worked in the business sector, substitute taught at many of the schools in El Dorado county, worked as an Instructional Specialist at El Dorado High school, ran an in-home day care, and taught various homeschooling classes ranging from one-on-one tutoring in various subjects, to a children's choir of about 40 students. I am a wife, mother of four, and a Jubilate alumnus. Of all the things I've done as a professional, my favorite by far has been teaching, especially when I get to incorporate music. Making learning fun is my passion, and captivating little minds through the beauty of story and song is my joy
*All prices will be on registration form.
Mikaela Bagdanov
Mikaela Bagdanov
~ ASL - Early Learns - HS English ~
My start in homeschooling began with my mother teaching my siblings and I around our dining room table. Building off those experiences, I’ve spent over ten years working with students, grades preschool through college. Whether volunteering as a small group mentor or working as a classroom teacher, my passion is to build into students academically and personally, preparing them to thrive in life. I hold a degree in American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation and have worked for over seven years as a professional interpreter and four years as a classroom, sign language, and special education aide in a public school. During that time, I also taught small groups and individuals in ASL. Recently, I have used my bachelor’s degree in English to teach language arts at the high school and college prep levels for homeschool and charter school students. In all my classes, I emphasize practicality, fun, and empathy, drawing from my varied experiences as a former student and current professional to teach real-world skills through a low-pressure and fun-oriented approach.
Amy West
Amy West
~ Elementary Math - Physical Education ~
I have been teaching and working with kids since 2017. I have a passion for teaching and creating safe places where children can grow beyond where they thought possible. I studied Early Childhood Education, which further grew my love for making learning fun and finding new ways to promote engagement. I am an experienced school teacher, coach, choreographer, and art/dance instructor. I have been an artist and dancer all my life, so I love to incorporate creativity into all my lessons.
Sasha
Hola, yo me llamo Sasha. I am Chico Amigos!
I have been a public-school teacher for almost nine years. I have taught third, second and first grade. Seven out of those nine years have been in dual immersion, which means the majority of the subjects were in Spanish.
I also spent about seven years as a Camp Counselor and Camp Director at the YMCA in Sonoma County and the Boys and Girls Club in Marin County!
I am also a wife and mother of three kids, two girls and a boy.
I homeschool my oldest girl and I notice there was a lack of Spanish classes.,
I love being able to provide a learning and fun environment for kids of all ages and can’t wait to meet YOU!!
Sara Schindler
Meet Sara Schindler - your Line Dancing Instructor! Sara Schindler has been passionate about line dancing since 1994 and has spent the last 15 years sharing that passion as an instructor. A former member of a competitive line dancing group, sara brings energy and expertise to every class. She lives in Placerville and regularly teaches at Smith Flat House Bar & Grill, Rotary fundraisers, and private events. For Sara, line dancing is more than just steps - it's about joy, fitness, socializing, and building lifelong friendships. Join Sara for exhilarating line dancing classes that will keep you moving, smiling, and connected!
