Co-Founder & Program Director 

 Herbology Club Instructor

Darleen is a highly experienced professional with over 20 years of operational expertise. Throughout her career, she has coached numerous small business owners on profitability and best practices, helping them achieve their goals and reach new levels of success. In addition to her professional experience, Darleen is also a dedicated homeschooling mom of two boys, and has navigated various educational paths including microschools, enrichment schools, and charter schools for the past 7+ years. Her firsthand experience in homeschooling has given her a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this educational path. Darleen is also passionate about building community and has run two large natural-minded groups, including a nature co-op and a Crunchy Momma group seeking out natural wellness for children. She is committed to connecting with like-minded families and building a supportive network that empowers and uplifts one another.

Community Outreach Director & Pre-K Co-op Leader

Introducing our Community Outreach Director, Kate! 

Kate is a digital strategist with over a decade of ad agency experience, and an extensive background in social media and community engagement. She is focused on cultivating meaningful relationships that foster a vibrant, more connected Lualima community. Kate is a single homeschooling mom of two, with a love of nature learning. Discovering new places and hidden gems is her jam. From the grandeur of national parks to secret spots in Austin, she's always up for an adventure (and on the lookout for tacos!) with her two little explorers in tow. With a deep-rooted passion for empowering children to be lifelong learners, Kate is a key part of our mission to create a unique educational experience. 

Vibin' Virtuosos Club Instructor

Shanan Ashlee Colvin is a homeschooling mama, music educator and small business owner. She holds a degree in Choral Music Education from the University of Texas at Austin and has taught learners of all ages. Shanan strives to create learning experiences that are engaging, exciting and that encompass multiple disciplines. When she isn’t teaching, performing or

running her boys to and from the hockey rink, she enjoys reading, spending time on her business, being outdoors and making music with her siblings.

Find out more about Shanan's Music Subscription Box: www.MusicLibraryBox.com

Vibin' Virtuosos Club Instructor

Deanna Wilson is a lifelong musician and music teacher. She started playing piano at 8 years old and was the bandleader for her family band all through her teenage years. Deanna and her musician husband Andrew have 3 young adult sons and a daughter in high school. They traveled

and performed as a family band for several years before moving to Texas where they currently live in Liberty Hill. They owned and operated Wilson School of Strings in Cedar Park for about 5 years before downsizing to an online format. When she’s not teaching, Deanna plays in a duo with

Andrew, with several other country bands around Texas, and enjoys traveling and spending time with her kids and 4 chiweenie dogs. She loves teaching kids and helping them get excited about all things music.

Mad Scientists & Lively Literaries Clubs Instructor

My name is Leslie Ulmer and I have two little blessings, a son and a daughter. When I'm not tending to my little ones and homeschooling them, I enjoy cooking and reading. We love to watch cooking and baking shows together as a family. We have been a homeschooling family since my first born was school age and we greatly enjoy the flexibility and the "living our learning" aspect of it. I graduated from Claremont McKenna College with a Bachelors degree in Media Studies and Art History. After that, I I went on to get a Master's degree from USC in Communication Management. I look forward to working with your family as a partner in your child's educational journey. 

Craftmanship Club & History Hunters Clubs Instructor

I am a lifelong learner who really enjoys sharing knowledge.  I have a passion for nature and the outdoors.  I love studying history and connecting the lessons of the past to our daily lives.  I'm excited to share what I know with the students of Lualima. 

Chris does everything from Farm Life Education to leather work and woodworking and studied Ancient History and Classical Civilization at the University Of Texas At Austin. 

Math Magicians Instructor

My name Is Ron Noel and I am from Galveston, TX where I was born and raised. Some of my hobbies include reading, being active, cooking, and playing with my Yorkie. I finished my degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Social Studies. Over the past 7 years, I have had the pleasure of teaching History, Math, and English Language Arts in both programs for neuro-divergent and neuro-typical students. I look forward to working with you all as we develop these young geniuses together.

General Studies and Nourishing Cooks Club Instructor

Shelly Heckman has been a substitute teacher for over 7 years, and has a

variety of skillsets. She loves to help children with learning, as she believes

that learning is the key to success.

Before earning her Bachelors Degree in Psychology and her Masters in

Education with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction, she worked as a

social worker for children in foster care; this required that she work with

each child on an individual basis and write reports that ensured that each

child received the care that they deserved.

In addition, she served in the active army for 3 years and in then went on

to serve in the National Guard for 20 years and subsequently retired.

During her service, she was enlisted for 10 years as a tank turret repairer,

and then became a Warrant Officer serving as the Armament Supervisor.

As a Warrant Officer, she was not only a supervisor, but a teacher and

mentor, as well.

Finally, she is the mother of 5 children and grandmother of 6

grandchildren. She has 3 sons, 2 daughters, 5 grandsons, and one

granddaughter. She loves being with her family when she can, but 3 of her

children and all of her grandchildren live in California. She also loves

cooking, but baking is her passion; she has made several cakes for family

and friends special occasions. She also makes a great salsa, or so most

people tell her.