we've assembled an amazing team!
Building a school isn't a solitary endeavor—it's a collective effort. At Microschool Builders, collaboration has been our cornerstone right from the beginning. From shaping the vision to crafting the plan, from authoring insightful books to establishing the LLC, our journey has been illuminated by the contributions of remarkable consultants, educators, and families who share our passion for microschooling.
But the story doesn't end there. We're proud to have nurtured our leadership team from within the ranks of accomplished microschool owners. This is a team that doesn't just envision change—it actively brings it to life.
introducing...
Mara Linaberger
Founder & CEO, Microschool Builders, LLC
Dr. Mara Linaberger believes that each of us has chosen to be here at this moment in time for a specific reason—that we are each on a mission that we chose for ourselves. And that figuring out what we love, what we’re good at, and how we can be of service is the engine we need to fuel a lifetime of joyful learning. Mara also believes that school often slows down or stifles that excitement for students.
Mara is a life-long educator, author, technologist, artist, ballroom dancer, and musician, having spent 25 years in service as a public school educator, teacher trainer, and administrator. After completing a doctorate in Instructional Technology, she went on to earn a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility in Pennsylvania.
Mara is the international two-time best-selling author of HELP! My Child Hates School and The Micro-School Builder’s Handbook. Mara currently lives in Harmony, PA, with her husband Michael while she travels far and wide, directly supporting clients in her global Microschool Builders programs.
Amy marotz
Our Vice President (& Microschools Specialist)
and Founder & Director @ Awakening Spirit School
Amy Marotz, M.Ed is the founder and director of Awakening Spirit Homeschool Collaborative in Stillwater, MN (est. 2017). She has worked with Microschool Builders as a holistic schools coach since 2019, going through the WORKSHOP program as a client herself.
Thanks to the coaching of Dr. Linaberger and the rest of the MSB coaches, her microschool has grown from 3 students in the lower level of her family home to a thriving community of 24 students and their families on a stand-alone 15-acre property.
She loves encouraging, connecting, and coaching new WORKSHOP members to bring their dreams of bespoke schools to fruition, as well as researching and organizing group travel (with her family as well as with the roadschool program she developed) and learning along the way.
Tracy Ziomek
OUR Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
and Founder & Director @ Sloyd & Croft
Tracy Ziomek is the brains behind Sloyd & Croft, an American Slojd School. As a military spouse, Tracy raised her four biological children in places and spaces all across the globe. From schools on bases, to local schools, private schools and homeschool/unschool adventures, her children have developed into caring, clever and one-of-a-kind adults. Tracy build Sloyd & Croft for them, to allow them to inspire and train the next generation of craftspeople.
Her unique setting allows students of all ages to experience deep learning through the building of boats, forging of metal pieces, gardening, stained glass, and more.
Candace Neil
OUR Director of Social Media & Communications
and Founder & Director @ K2 Academy
As the head of social media at Microschool Builders, Candace Neil brings a dynamic blend of skills and passion to her role. With a background in education and expertise in social media platforms and design, Candace is dedicated to creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment where all students can thrive. Her vision comes to life at K2 Academy, where she envisions a school that goes beyond traditional boundaries, providing real-world experiences, hands-on learning, and community connections to help young marginalized learners close the achievement gap.
Candace joined Microschool Builders in the summer of 2022, finding the support and community she needed to begin her journey as an entepreneur, considering it one of the best choices she has ever made.
Eric Eisenbrey
Our Director of Technology
and Founder & Director @ Eyes and Brains STEM Center
Eric Eisenbrey, M.Ed the head of technology for Microschool Builders, is a seasoned educator with a decade of experience in public schools. His firsthand observations of unmet student needs in the traditional public school system inspired him to create something better.
Eric joined Microschool Builders in March of 2022. With the choaching and support of the team at Microschool Builders Eric started the Eyes and Brains STEM Center that offers student-focused learning environments and STEM experiences for students without access to these tools and opportunities.
Eric's crucial role as the lead editor of the Microschool District Newsletter and in charge of updating the Microschool Builders website is driven by his passion, qualifications, and achievements. He is a credible and influential leader in the field of educational technology, actively advancing the mission of Microschool Builders.