PATTI HODGE
Patti Hodge has a Bachelor of Science in both Elementary Education and Bible and graduated cum laude from Columbia International University in South Carolina in 1991, as well as from the Spanish Language Institute of Costa Rica in 1993.
For fifteen years, she served as a missionary and teacher with Latin America Mission in Mexico, Honduras and Costa Rica. Patti has worked as a counselor and reading specialist to children-at-risk and has taught Writing, Science and History in public and private schools for a total of twelve years. Furthermore, Patti has “homeschooled” her own children for almost two decades.
Patti’s style of teaching cultivates skills in written communication, note taking, problem solving and deep thinking, as she strives to inspire her students to influence the world. Patti incorporates humor and healthy competition as she learns alongside her students.
Patti’s interests include music, medical research and evangelism.
SUSAN TOLENTINO
Susan has a BA in Elementary Education from Wheaton College, with a minor in communications. After teaching in the public school system for 7 years, Susan became a Family Ministry Pastor at Living Hope in Elk Grove, IL. She recently retired from that position after 27 years in order to focus on her other passions. In addition to Life Christian, Susan is a substitute teacher at Schaumburg Christian School and an educational consultant at Alpha Learning Center in Itasca, Illinois.
Before starting Life Christian Co-School with Patti Hodge, Homeschool University was her teaching home for 9 years. Seeing the growth in her students from September to May is the highlight of each school year.
Assisting with dramas, musicals, and choirs has been a passion of Susan’s over the years. She loves breaking kids out of their comfort zones to do things they never thought they could, like singing a solo or being a lead in a drama. Volunteering at Overshadowed Theater in Medinah is where she can be found on many weekends.
In the summer, Susan enjoys spending time with her family, running camps for kids, and leading trips to Guatemala.
Susan and her husband, Robert, reside in Roselle. They have three daughters, two son-in-laws, and four grandchildren.
ANNA GIBSON
With a passion for helping others develop confidence in their self-expression and creative ability, Anna Gibson is excited about teaching Art to the students of Life Christian Co-School!
With a passion for helping others develop confidence in their self-expression and creative ability, Anna Gibson is excited about teaching Art to the students of Life Christian Co-School!
“Miss Anna” believes that each of us needs a safe place to discover outlets for our unique God-given creativity. Her philosophy of teaching, with children ages 3 to 103, involves giving reassuring words and uplifting humor, in order to provide a comfortable space to express oneself authentically. Her goal is to validate each person’s distinctive imagination, innovation and inventiveness.
Anna is also a “life enrichment manager” in nursing home environments, facilitating artistic activities that encourage self-expression and connection for individuals with cognitive impairments. Her goals are the same with teaching the young and old!
Anna comes to us with many years of experience working with young people in classrooms and in childcare. Because Anna is an alumni of Life Christian Co-School, she is quite accustomed to the homeschool and co-school models. Anna’s hobbies include singing, painting, drawing, exploring nature, taking photos and discovering opportunities to inspire and encourage others!
AMANDA HUGULEY
Amanda Huguley graduated from Judson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, with endorsements in Middle Grades and Special Education.
Being involved in children’s growth, both through teaching experiences and in ministry, Amanda has developed an immense passion for “meeting children where they are at” and helping them succeed. Each student has a special place in her heart!
Amanda is the Director of Children’s Ministry at First Baptist Church in Elgin
and lives in West Dundee with her husband, Sam. Amanda enjoys “doing anything creative,” reading and cooking!
CHANCE HOFFMANN
Chance Hoffmann is a worship leader and teacher with 15 years of experience and is an accomplished songwriter and producer (from his home studio). He teaches multiple subjects including guitar, piano, vocals, physical education, and the Bible and has traveled around the USA for worship and prayer events, as well as performing his original music.
Chance and his wife Mary have five kids. They enjoy recording music and podcasts, gardening, hiking, travel, reading, art, cooking, and many other things. They believe in staying healthy in body and soul (3 John 1:2). Chance repented of his sin and surrendered his heart to Jesus at a young age, and his primary life goal is to bring glory to Messiah through steps of faith and loving obedience. All other dreams and pursuits are garbage compared to knowing Jesus.
Chance was homeschooled growing up and loves the emphasis on family that it provides. He believes in setting up children for meaningful success in life by building a strong biblical foundation. He is honored by the opportunity to pour into the students of Life Christian in the areas of both spiritual devotions and physical disciplines. His passion for health encompasses the whole person, as he aims to honor God with how he daily governs his body and soul, as well as setting an inspiring example to others.
“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8, ESV
CINDY MCGREAL
Life Christian Co-School’s math and science teacher, Cindy McGreal, has been teaching in one form or another her entire life. Most recently, she taught for the Diocese of Rockford as an instructor of math, science and literature. Cindy’s teaching career began in her teen years on their family’s farm, just west of Elgin, where she taught students how to properly care for and saddle up their horses!
Even though science is her favorite subject to teach, Cindy also has a passion for helping students who are struggling in math. Because math was her weakness in high school, she took remedial math in college, where a compassionate professor discovered that Cindy was not taught essential math concepts in fourth grade. Once those gaps were filled, Cindy was able to thrive. Cindy is determined never to allow a student God places within her reach to go through the same struggles!
Cindy graduated cum laude from Judson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and lives in Elgin with her husband of 27 years. Cindy enjoys helping people, fixing broken things and running the sound/video at Trinity Vineyard Church.
Meet Our Advisory Board Members
Matthew Hanlon
Founding Director and Family Therapist at Cedar Tree Counseling in Saint Charles, Illinois
Dr. R. Lewis Hodge
Retired Professor of Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Tennessee
Ericka McClelland
Instructor for The Institute for Excellence in Writing
Sherri Ohler
Director of Emerald Ministries in Geneva, Illinois
Sheri Seigneur Phelps
Former Dean of Students and Director of Enrollment and Business at Home School University in West Chicago, Illinois
Dan Rak
Teaching pastor at Trinity Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Saint Charles, Illinois
Sarah Cavazos Wagner
Founding Director of Home School University in West Chicago 2002 – 2018
Dr. Diane Wawrejko
Adjunct Professor of Cultural Studies at Liberty University
Life Christian Co-School 