About Us

Get to Know the Board of Directors

Co-president Jenafer Medina

Co-president Gretchen Surface

Secretary Gabby R.

Treasurer

Membership Jessica Montena

Jenafer spent 11 years as a NYS-certified public elementary school teacher, teacher trainer, and curriculum developer working in the public schools. Jenafer also taught for the non-profit organization The Gifted Child Society and worked as an educator in several summer camp programs. She holds a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Education. She left her job in 2006 to stay at home and homeschool her children Michael and Meagan full time. Jenafer combines traditional homeschool philosophy with some unschooling methods.

Jessica is a former high-school English teacher. After teaching 9th, 10th, and 12th grade English in Cortland for five years, she trained in Montessori infant and toddler education. She and her husband currently use a secular, classical approach with their daughter.

Gretchen is a homeschooling mom to 5 children, and has experience homeschooling a child with special needs.

Gabby is a former public- and private-school teacher.

Home Learners Association of CNY is a member-driven organization providing support and opportunities to our homeschooling members. We are a secular group welcoming all members of all faiths, political views, ethnicities, parenting styles, and homeschooling philosophies.

As homeschooling parents ourselves, board members understand how busy parents' lives become when we teach our children at home. We know first-hand the struggles of choosing curriculum, planning lessons, organizing limited spaces, and working with multiple ages. We also devote time to HLACNY so that we can give all of our kids new and interesting experiences. We receive no compensation or benefits from our volunteer positions. We always appreciate when someone sees a need and offers to help out, so please don't hesitate to step up and lend a hand.

Our homeschooling co-op rents classroom and activity space at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Camillus.

Co-president	Jenafer Medina
Co-president	Gretchen Surface
Secretary	Gabby R.
Treasurer
Membership	Jessica Montena