Emily founded Zoe Learning House in 2024 after years of prayer, creating a new educational option for families in New Orleans. She has 17 years of experience teaching across public, international, and museum settings. A certified educator with a master's in Educational Leadership from Teachers College Columbia University, Teacher of the Year finalist, and former K-12 homeschooler herself, Emily considers it a true honor to partner with families in this Christ-centered program that honors each child's uniqueness. When not directing the program, she enjoys coffee, Kind bars, family time, singing, and traveling. At Zoe Learning House, academic growth doesn't come at the expense of wonder and joy, but is propelled by it!

Emily Barnitz, M.Ed.

Founder and Director

Mallory is an Academic Co-Teacher on Tuesdays and Thursdays for upper elementary, leading small groups in both literacy and math as well as nature study and nutrition activities. Mallory, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and founder of NOLA’s Gardening Dietitian consulting, is passionate about nutrition education. She served at the Edible Schoolyard as educator, site gardener, and more for almost a decade, growing thousands of plants for acres of school gardens and their surrounding communities. She also serves as a Louisiana Master Gardener, creating and maintaining butterfly gardens and leading wildflower walks. She is so excited to return to our teaching team for the upcoming year!

Mallory Naquin, RDN, LDN

Co-Teacher, 3rd - 5th Grade (Tuesdays & Thursdays)

Mrs. Latroya is our Lead Kindergarten Teacher at Zoe Learning House, leading our literacy and math small groups for this age with a strong background in phonics-based literacy instruction and a deep care for seeing and supporting the growth of each individual child. As a dedicated homeschool mom and Christian, experienced as a reading tutor and Sunday school teacher, Latroya is committed to our mission of nurturing each child's growth while sharing the love of Christ. With extensive management experience, she brings skills in team-building and creating positive learning environments. Her warm and welcoming presence, paired with her years as a coach, greatly benefits our students and helps us foster community and joy in learning.

Latroya Paul

Lead Teacher, Kindergarten (Monday-Thursday)

Kathryn Healy is an educator, literacy specialist, and homeschool mother of five with a background in classical and mastery-based education. She holds a Master’s degree in Education, is an Orton-Gillingham Associate, and holds a CELTA in teaching English as a foreign language. Kathryn has worked with students in a variety of settings including homeschooling, worldschooling, tutoring, online instruction, and individualized literacy intervention. Kathryn specializes in early childhood literacy, executive functioning support, and helping students build confidence through hands-on, engaging learning experiences.

Having spent over a decade worldschooling her own children across multiple countries, Kathryn brings a global perspective and deep appreciation for curiosity-led learning into the classroom. She is passionate about creating calm, joyful learning environments where children feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and develop a lifelong love of learning. It's a joy to have her join our team this year!

Kathryn Healy, M.Ed.

Lead Teacher, 1st and 2nd Grade (Monday-Thursday)

Michelle Brown has worked in education for 10 years, spanning K-12 through college, including her role as a sociology adjunct instructor at the University of South Alabama. A mother of three, Michelle believes that education and emotional growth can be cultivated both at home and in the classroom. She brings extensive experience teaching upper elementary math and a love for literature to her practice. Michelle strives to create a place of belonging, built on integrity, within her classroom community. Outside of school, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and going on adventures with her daughter, as well as spending time with friends and building community through food. She looks forward to partnering with families as their children discover and discuss the world around them in our Christ-centered environment. We are thrilled to welcome her to our team this year!

Michelle Brown

Lead Teacher, 3rd - 5th Grade (Monday-Thursday)

Jessica Arbour is our GROW Together teacher at Spark Enrichment (Gardening, Renewing, Observing, Wondering). She is a dedicated homeschool mom of four and an active leader of the Gretna Homeschoolers co-op, where she coordinates field trips and community activities. Jessica is a certified Nature-Based Teacher from The Association for Nature-Based Education, and is also a part of Louisiana's Farm to School Seeds to Success Teacher Training Program. Originally from Chicago where she was involved with youth ministry, Jessica has always loved music, dance, and drama! When not teaching or leading community activities, she loves foraging for wild berries when in season with family and friends

Jessica Arbour

GROW Together Nature-Based Teacher (Fridays)

Mrs. Cheryl has over three decades of elementary education experience, with a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from UNO and Reading Specialist certification. She will be co-teaching our lower elementary students this year. Her teaching background includes a career with Jefferson Parish Public Schools, as well as serving as school librarian and teacher at St. George's Episcopal School. As a NOMA docent since 2013, she brings a unique ability to integrate visual arts with academic learning that compliments our creative, holistic approach. Cheryl is excited to return to our Christ-centered community where she can blend her love for literature and the arts while nurturing each child's wonder and creativity.

Cheryl Kain, M.Ed.

Co-Teacher, 1st and 2nd Grade (Tuesdays & Thursdays)

Katie is excited to officially join the community at Zoe Learning House as a co-teacher/floater, bringing a heart-centered, whole-child approach to learning. With a background in supporting both children and families, she is passionate about creating safe, nurturing environments where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to grow. Her teaching style blends structure with creativity, encouraging curiosity, emotional awareness, and hands-on exploration. As both an educator and a mother of a student at Zoe Learning House, she understands the importance of connection and meeting each child where they are. She is honored to support students on their learning journey and to collaborate with families and fellow educators to create a meaningful experience for every child.

Katie Fernino

Co-Teacher & Floater (Monday-Thursday)

Libba is supporting Zoe Learning House administratively and in special events this year, as a new mother to her son, Reed, born in spring 2026. Libba brings her passion for education and child development to our team, with experience as a first grade teacher at Crestwood School where she specialized in the Charlotte Mason approach to holistic learning. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Human Services from Troy University, she has cultivated learning environments where students thrive through hands-on activities and meaningful peer connections. Libba excels at managing diverse learning needs in intimate classroom settings, integrating Christian foundations, and maintaining consistent parent communication. Her background as a soccer coach reinforces her skills in motivational leadership and team building. Libba enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending time with her husband Luke and their friends and family. She is thrilled to join our community and share her student-focused, grace-filled approach to education!

Libba Whittemore

Administrative Support & Special Events

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs!

Phone (text or call):

Email:

504-517-2321

info@zoelearninghouse.com