Emily founded Zoe Learning House in 2024 after years of prayer, grateful to serve families with a new educational option 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, taking walks with her husband and two boys, music, and traveling both near and far. 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

Madison is an educator, photographer, and mother of three who is passionate about nurturing a love of learning in young children. She has taught in kindergarten, first grade, enrichment and preschool programs, and children’s ministry.

As both a teacher and parent, Madison believes every child learns best when they feel safe, known, and valued. She fosters a classroom where curiosity thrives and students grow in confidence, building a strong foundation and a lifelong love of learning.

When she is not teaching, Madison enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, exploring New Orleans, traveling, and capturing special moments through photography. She feels honored to partner with families and is excited to be part of the Zoe Learning House community.

Madison Reyes

Kindergarten Lead Teacher (Monday-Thursday)

Ms. Emma recently joined the Louisiana community after moving from Michigan, bringing with her a passion for education, a love of learning, and a commitment to helping every child grow and succeed. She graduated from Western Michigan University in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.

Throughout her teaching internships, she gained hands-on experience creating engaging lessons, implementing effective teaching strategies, assessing student progress, and building positive classroom communities. One of the highlights of her educational journey was the opportunity to student teach in New Zealand for six weeks, where she gained valuable international teaching experience and a broader perspective on education.

Above all, she is passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive environment where children feel encouraged to explore, ask questions, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning!

Emma Hackel

Kindergarten Co-Teacher (Monday-Thursday), Spark Enrichment Teacher, Beginner's Improv (Friday)

Ashley Alexis is an educator, broad-scope ministry leader, experienced homeschooling parent, and proud mother of three daughters. Holding an MBA and currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry, Ashley has taught across a wide array of subject matter, bringing her versatility and creativity to Zoe Learning House. She is honored to partner with families to nurture students spiritually, academically, and holistically - honoring the image of God found in each individual child and parent.

Ashley Alexis

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

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 working with 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.

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

Auburn is a passionate educator with nearly a decade of experience working with children in classrooms, enrichment programs, and international settings. Coming from a family of scientists and educators, she developed an early appreciation for both learning and discovery. She earned her degree in Marketing from Louisiana State University and has taught children of all ages, including serving as an au pair in Germany and as a lead early childhood teacher. Most recently, Auburn served as the Nutrition Director at Redeemer's School in Jackson, MS, serving K4 through 8th grade students. Auburn believes that every child learns best when they feel known, encouraged, and challenged to grow. She loves a good book, enjoys solving and and supporting students in math problems, and is dedicated to creating a classroom environment where confidence and a love of learning can flourish.

When she’s not teaching, Auburn loves traveling, painting, working with ceramics, and finding any excuse to spend time with children. She is honored to partner with families in helping students grow both academically and personally.

Auburn Hamme

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

Katie is excited to officially join the community at Zoe Learning House as a co-teacher, 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

3rd-5th Grade Co-Teacher (Monday-Thursday)

Ginna is a Marine Corps spouse that has lived in Florida, California, Hawaii, Virginia, and now, New Orleans. As a homeschool mom of three, she is passionate about shaping children's confidence, natural curiosity, and love of learning. Ginna holds a bachelor's degree in Managerial Finance from the University of Mississippi, but her academic passions have always been English and Literature.

As an avid reader and lover of nature, she has been practicing the Charlotte Mason method in her homeschool the past several years. This philosophy is built on respecting each child as an image-bearer of God, educating the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. She loves learning alongside her kids through life experiences, rich books, and getting outside as much as possible. She has exposed her own young children to fine arts, music appreciation, science, and history alongside core academics. She is excited to bring this experience and love of learning to the students at Zoe Learning House!

Ginna Dosev

3rd-5th Grade Co-Teacher (Tuesday & 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 dramatic arts! 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 at Spark Enrichment (Fridays)

Ms. Kathryn brings a wealth of experience to our team as an educator, literacy specialist, and homeschooling mom of five. She has a background in classical and mastery-based education, holds a Master’s in Education, is an Orton-Gillingham Associate, and has a CELTA in teaching English as a foreign language. Kathryn specializes in early literacy, executive functioning & dyslexia support, and helps students build confidence through hands-on learning.

Having spent over ten years worldschooling her children in several countries, Kathryn brings that curiosity-led, global perspective to the classroom.

As she will soon lead the GROW Together class at Spark Enrichment, Kathryn loves nature-based education and also holds a culinary arts degree, so cooking is one of her passions too! Above all, she creates calm, joyful spaces where children feel safe to ask questions, take risks, and grow a lifelong love of learning.

It’s a joy to have her on our team!

Kathryn Healy, M.Ed.

STEM Lab and upcoming GROW Together Teacher at Spark Enrichment (Fridays)

Ella Simmons is a writer and artist who has dedicated her life to sharing the wonder of story. She has over ten years of experience teaching the creative process to all ages: kindergarten to the collegiate level. She earned her degrees—a BFA in Creative Writing and a BA in Film Production—at Belhaven University and is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing from LSU New Orleans. When she's not absorbed by a good book, writing a new story, or being captivated by the creations of others, she's traveling, exploring nature, connecting with loved ones, or brainstorming her next project.

Ella could not be more thankful for the blessing that is showing young minds the joy of the arts, and guiding them through an exploration of where our imaginations can take us. She believes that every child and adult alike can benefit from utilizing the creative gifts and skills we have been given.

Ella Simmons

Creative Arts Teacher at Spark Enrichment (Fridays)

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

Phone (text or call):

Email:

504-517-2321

info@zoelearninghouse.com