we've assembled an amazing team!
It takes a community to build a school, so Microschool Builders has been a collaboration from the start. From the vision, to the plan, to the book, to the LLC, many amazing consultants, educators, and families have been part of the creation of our microschool building enterprise. And we've been fortunate to cultivate our leadership team from within our ranks of successful microschool owners!
introducing...
Mara Linaberger
Founder & President, 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. So she is on a mission to create a global network of 100 microschools in the next 20 years—to harness education toward helping amazing children to develop their highest potentials while making learning fun again!
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. Completing a doctorate in Instructional Technology, she went on to earn a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility in Pennsylvania. Launching Mindful Technology Consultants in 2013, she continues to train teachers at the masters level on the use of digital portfolios as alternative assessments and on bringing mindfulness practices into the classroom.
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 Microschools Specialist
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 Social Media Specialist
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's journey to Microschool Builders was not a decision made overnight. After years of personal reflection, with the support of friends, family, and career coaching, she made the choice to join Microschool Builders in the summer of 2022. The workshop model provided her with the truths behind owning a microschool, without the fluff, and with weekly accountability calls and constant check-ins, Candace found the support and community she needed to begin her lifelong journey as a part of Microschool Builders, considering it one of the best choices she has ever made.
With her deep understanding of the limitations and challenges that many students and teachers face in the traditional education system, Candace is committed to using social media and design to effectively communicate the vision and impact of Microschool Builders. Her qualifications, experiences, and achievements establish her credibility as a persuasive advocate for the mission of Microschool Builders. Candace's unwavering dedication to using social media as a tool for change is evident in her work, as she continues to inspire others to join the movement of transforming education.
Eric Eisenbrey
Our Technology Specialist
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.