For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. –Ephesians 2:8, 9
Danny and Debe were married on April 22, 1972. They have four grown and married children and eight grandchildren. Their two sons and two daughters graduated from Hope between 1991 and 2006. Danny works full time at Boeing, juggling his free time between family and the school bookkeeping. They began homeschooling during the 1984-85 school year when their oldest children were in 2nd and 5th grade. As a respected leader and speaker in home education for over twenty-five years, Debe loves to share truth and humor through Biblical principles and practical applications she has learned by God’s grace to be a wise wife, a creative parent, and a resourceful and organized home schooler. Debe is the author of The Challenge of Raising Cain and co-authored with Bethany Bennett, Mrs. Mom: Agonized or Organized. Read Danny and Debe's story about the beginning of Hope Christian Academy under "A Hopeful Heart".
Cuqui Younger is currently in her nineteenth year of homeschooling. She and her husband of 26 years, Terry, have watched three of their six daughters graduate from Hope. They've also been blessed to watch those same three daughters graduate again -- one from junior college, one from university, and one from law school. More than degrees obtained or knowledge gained, however, Cuqui treasures her friendships with her girls, and the gifts that God has given her in being able to nurture those relationships through homeschooling. Cuqui has been a board member at Hope for 19 years. She is the newsletter editor and guidance counselor for parents of college bound high school students.
Cookie Plotz is wife to Myron for 26 years, mother of five and grandmother of four. Her oldest two are married and their son-in-law is Myron's business partner in a construction company. They are in their 19th year of homeschooling, run a family construction business and are very active in ministry at their church. Their four oldest are Hope graduates and one of of their daughters is a senior at the University of Riverside with a language studies major. Their youngest son is a senior at Hope. In her 18th year on staff at Hope, she is thankful for the opportunity to be an encouragement to others. Cookie oversees all the student record keeping.
Carol has been married to Kanzo, for 12 years. She has homeschooled their two daughters, Jessica (7th grade) and Sarah (2nd grade) for seven years. Carol has served on the school board for four years in a variety of areas including the institution of the Emergency Operations Plan and coordinating the school yearbook. She spends her time as a family care-giver for her father-in-law while schooling her daughters, the youngest who has special needs.
Laura Biggerstaff and her husband of 19 years, are in their 7th year of co-homeschooling their three children, Michal (12 yrs.), Dylan (9 yrs.) and Rianna (7 yrs.). They began schooling each of them in Kindergarten. Laura has been teaching Adapted Physical Education part time for 16 years and is experienced, both personally and professionally, in Special Education. She served as a Care Group Leader for two years before joining the board in 2007. Laura oversees all IEPs (Individual Education Plan) for Hope families with learning challenged students. She enjoys Bible studies, the beach, sewing, swimming, naturopathy, and spending time with family.
Tami Prince and her husband Kevin have been homeschooling their three children since 2003. Tami and Kevin developed the new Hope Website in 2008. Tami manages all of the online registrations for events and activities. She coordinates the calendar for the many Hope events including activities and independently offered classes that take place on campus. Tami served as a Care Group Leader at Hope for two years before joining the board in 2008
Teresa Short has been happily married to Peter for 15 years. She is in her 8th year of homeschooling. Pete and Teresa have four children; Caleb 12 (7th grade), Noah 10 (5th grade), Jared 8 (2nd grade), and Leah (age 3). Teresa served as Care Group Leader for four years before joining the Board in 2009. She enjoys quiet time with the Lord, a cup of tea with friends, reading historical Christian fiction, Disneyland with her kids, the beach, and time with her family.
Todd and Andrea have been married for 13 fun, wonderful years. They are in their 6th year of homeschooling their three children: Ryan - 10 years old/5th grade, Kaitlin – 8 years old /3rd grade, and Sean – 5 years old/ in Kindergarten. Having been a classroom teacher for ten years, Andrea is passionate about learning new things and teaching. She enjoys family time, playing with her children, church, going on vacation, spending time with girlfriends, going to the beach, Jane Austin books, reading, old movies, and going anywhere and having fun.