Meet the HEAT Team
The People Pouring Into Our Students
Tampa Bay HEAT is blessed with administrators, instructors, coaches, and leaders
who pour their time, knowledge, creativity, and experience into helping students
learn, grow, and thrive.
HEAT Administrators
Teresa Manganello
Founder and Executive Director
Teresa Manganello founded Tampa Bay HEAT in 2010 with a vision of creating opportunities, community, and support for homeschool families. What began as a small homeschool organization has grown into a thriving community offering classes, sports, clubs, field trips, social events, and enrichment opportunities for families throughout the Tampa Bay area.
A former nurse, Teresa has dedicated countless hours to building and leading HEAT while maintaining a heart for serving homeschool families. She successfully homeschooled and graduated her two children, giving her firsthand experience with both the joys and challenges of the homeschool journey.
Teresa’s Christian faith serves as the foundation for her leadership and her passion for encouraging families. She believes in the importance of community, service, and creating opportunities for students and parents to grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
When she isn’t working behind the scenes to support HEAT, Teresa enjoys playing tennis, gardening, and animals. Her passion for homeschooling and helping families connect continues to shape the mission and growth of Tampa Bay HEAT.
Hannah Stevens
Elementary Principal, Administrative Assistant, and Instructor
Hannah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Nova Southeastern University and spent four years teaching in the public school system before joining the homeschool community. Her experience working with students of varying abilities and learning styles helped develop her passion for creating structured, engaging environments where all students can succeed.
As a member of the HEAT Administrative Team, Hannah enjoys supporting students, families, and teachers while helping ensure HEAT remains a safe, organized, and welcoming place for homeschool families. Her Christian faith is central to who she is and guides the way she leads, serves, and teaches.
Whether she’s working behind the scenes or in the classroom, Hannah is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop meaningful friendships, and grow both academically and personally.
[email protected] (HEAT Admin Assist Email) or [email protected] (Instructor Email)
Nicole Cohn
Middle School Principal, Instructor, HEAT Event/Socials Coordinator
Hi, my name is Nicole Cohn, I am a Christian, I have been married for 21 years, I have one daughter, a spoiled dog, and graduated my homeschooler in 2024. Most of my career was spent in the Veterinary, Phlebotomy, and Emergency Medicine field. I love being creative, having fun, and laughing any chance I get. I use my creative side as the Tampa Bay HEAT Event Coordinator, teaching art, home economics, geography, and science classes. I also enjoy leading our HEAT STEAM program. For fun I spend time with my family and friends, go to theme parks, concerts, antique stores, sunset watching, fishing, and love traveling!
Amy Loesch
High School Principal and Instructor
My name is Amy Loesch and I have been teaching several high school level courses since 2019. I graduated in 2009 with a BA in Religious Education and have taken a significant amount of graduate level courses for teaching and secondary English. My philosophy is that each student learns in his or her own way, and that learning should be FUN and relevant.
Jennifer Nelson
Step Up Coordinator
Jennifer is a homeschool mom of three who has been homeschooling for the past seven years. Her family has been part of Tampa Bay HEAT throughout that time, and her two boys are proud members of HEAT’s Competitive Archery Team. Jennifer and her family live on a homestead in Myakka City, where they raise poultry and dairy goats.
Before moving to Florida in 2017, Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and worked as a Proposal Coordinator for USIS. She has served as HEAT’s Step Up Administrator for the past year and a half, where she enjoys helping families understand the benefits of the Step Up Scholarships and how they can support their homeschooling journey.
HEAT Instructors & Coaches
Our instructors and coaches bring a wide range of experience, passion, and skill
to the classroom, gym, field, stage, studio, and beyond.
Angela Adams
Sewing, Entrepreneurship, Home Ec., LEGO Engineering
Angela brings hands-on experience, creativity, and a love of learning to her classes.
She teaches sewing, entrepreneurship, LEGO engineering, STEAM, and other practical,
engaging classes that help students build confidence and real-world skills.
Mishal Ahuja
Chess Instructor
Mishal is a chess coach with experience working with children through chess,
soccer, and flag football. He enjoys helping students grow in strategy,
confidence, and focus through the game of chess.
Pamela Armel
Gymnastics Coach
Pamela has coached gymnastics competitively for more than 20 years and brings
experience, energy, and encouragement to HEAT gymnastics. She works with preschool,
beginner, and intermediate students while helping them build strength, confidence,
and skill.
Hal Granholm
Drama Instructor and Production Director
Mr. Hal has been with HEAT Drama team. since the start. He has seen the growth of the student’s talents and the drama program itself in that time.
Shelley Whisenant
Testing, Portfolio Review, and Homeschool 101 Coordinator
Shelley Whisenant is a wife to one and a mama of five. She has a BA in International Studies, an MA in Cross-Cultural Communication, and a graduate certificate in both Teaching English as a Second Language, and Dyslexia Education. She started her education career in public school, has taught in community college, in homeschool co-ops, and privately as well. Shelley has been homeschooling for 22 years. She has graduated four, and is still homeschooling one more. Shelley is passionate about homeschooling and is looking forward to helping you with encouragement, testing, consultations, and portfolio evaluations of your homeschool student!
Jackie Blatterfein
Elementary Social Studies Instructor
Hi, I’m Jackie! I’m a wife, homeschooling mom of three, and a passionate educator with a Master’s in Elementary and Special Education from Rutgers University. I have experience teaching students of all levels and learning styles, and I love creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences. When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me cheering on the sidelines at my kids’ sporting events, walking my dog, or exploring theme parks with my family.
Jen Holmstrom
Musical Theatre and Performing Arts Direct
Ms Jen specializes in musical theatre and performing arts as a singer, dancer, actor. She has experience as a director, choreographer, and film producer for Hollywood music videos and community stage productions. She has a BA and an Advanced Diploma in Acting & Theatre. At Tampa Bay HEAT, Ms. Jen is the Head of the Theatre Department, Music Director, and the Thespian Honor Society Troupe Leader.
Kelly Mamott
High School Geometry and Algebra Instructor
I graduated from UCF with a BS in Mathematics Education. I have taught high school math in traditional and homeschool group settings. I have been with the HEAT since 2018.
Nicole Golden
Middle School Writing Instructor
Nicole Golden is a certified secondary English educator with a passion for helping students grow as confident readers and writers. She loves creating engaging, thoughtful classroom experiences that strengthen both skills and character. Nicole is married to Bryant, the Lead Pastor of Centerpoint Church, and together they are raising four wonderful kids. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys investing in her family and church community.
Megan Linsmier
Elementary Writing Instructor
Originally from Ohio and with a degree in Elementary Education from Ohio University, I’ve called Florida home for the past 19 years. My first ten years were spent teaching elementary school in Pinellas County. I am a wife to an adventure loving entrepreneur and mother to two spunky girls, two poodles and three cats. (I’m terrible at saying no to furry faces!) I’m a firm believer that we, as parents, are blessed to be our children’s first teachers and that learning happens all day, every day. When we don’t have our noses buried in a good book or are out on an adventure, you can usually find me fiddling in my garden or cooking in the kitchen. I’m excited to be back teaching here at HEAT to support other homeschooling families on this wonderful journey where God has called us.
Heidi Milliner
Middle School History Instructor
I’ve been teaching for almost 10 years now. I enjoy history and how it has shaped our world. I love making learning fun for my students and try to do so whenever possible. I love cooking with my husband and raising my family.
Sheila Jones
Drawing and Cartooning Instructor
Sheila Jones has been teaching art to children for over a decade in various venues, including a private school where she pioneered the elementary – high school art program for 4 years. She has an Associates of Art Degree in Education and is a third generation artist who has lived in the Brandon area for over 30 years. She illustrated her first children’s book, “Here’s the Deal… Moose Aren’t Real” in 2021. She loves to paint and travel to museums around the world with her husband of 26+ years. She also loves to volunteer her time when she can at the Tampa Museum of Art. She has 3 children, two of which graduated from the HEAT and one who has a degree in Graphic Design.
Amy Crosby
Piano and General Music Instructor
Hi! I’m Amy Crosby and I’ve been teaching private piano lessons for over 30 years. I’ve ALWAYS loved music and playing the piano. I attended Belmont University in Nashville, TN to study Piano Pedagogy before transferring to the University of Florida where I earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Elementary Education. My philosophy about piano lessons is that they should be FUN. I strive to keep the atmosphere relaxed and encouraging. Students are rewarded for their personal achievement and encouraged to develop positive practice habits that will lead to a well-rounded music education.
Wendy Liller
Elementary Reading Instructor
Wendy is an elementary reading instructor at the HEAT and a mom to two boys. As a military family, she has lived in many amazing places including North Carolina, Washington State, and Okinawa, Japan. She currently holds a Florida Professional Teaching certificate, and received a Masters in Education degree with a concentration in special education from the University of Washington. She has worked as a classroom teacher, a homeschool teacher/tutor, and a reading therapist, and, combined, has over 20 years experience in these fields. Wendy absolutely loves helping children to read and to develop a passion for stories.
Lauren Foster
Elementary Instructor
Lauren is a seasoned homeschool mom to three children. She holds a master’s in education, has years of experience in published writing, and currently is an independent contractor for the Florida Parent Educators Association developing their monthly unit studies, Musings. She also loves all furry animals and chocolate chip cookies.
Lauren Cliff
Middle School Instructor
Lauren Cliff is a 2nd-year teacher with HEAT, bringing a strong background in humanities, English literature, and U.S. history into everything she teaches. With over 20 years of customer service experience, she leads with patience, empathy, and real-world grit. She’s a proud mom of three, happily married, and in her fourth year of homeschooling her own kids—proof that teaching doesn’t stop when the school day ends.
Kelly Krutz
Elementary Science, Kinder, and Super Spellers Instructor
Hi! I’m Kelly Krutz, and I’m thrilled to be teaching again for my 4th year. I’ve been homeschooling my two boys for seven years and have been part of the Tampa Bay HEAT community for five years. Teaching is something I truly love, and I enjoy creating hands-on, engaging lessons that make learning exciting and memorable.
Lesley Correll
Cosmetology Instructor
My name is Lesley, and I have been in the cosmetology field for nearly 20 years. During those years, I owned a successful salon business working as a skilled hair cutter and color specialist which also allowed me the flexibility to be with my kids and substitute teach in their schools. I also worked several years in an assisted living facility providing hair services for the residents and 2 years as a traveling stylist providing flexible, on location services.
Desiree Windle
Elementary Music, STEAM, and Movement Instructor
My name is Desiree Windle. I have been homeschooling since 2014 and currently homeschool our four children. Our family has been part of HEAT since 2014, with seasons spent serving on short- and long-term missions ranging from six months to a year. My husband is in ministry, and together we love the Lord and serving both locally and abroad. At home, I enjoy baking and cooking (especially sourdough), gardening, and cheering on football. Homeschooling, faith, and community are close to my heart, and I’m grateful to be part of HEAT.
Angel McKim
Teen Wellness Instructor
Hi, I’m Angel McKim. I’m a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kent State University and an MBA from The Ohio State University. After more than 20 years caring for patients in cardiovascular and neuroscience hospital settings, I shifted my focus from treating illness to helping people build wellness—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’m also a Certified Life Coach and ADHD Parent Coach. I’m excited to help students learn simple, science-backed tools that support healthier minds, healthier bodies, and a more fulfilling life. My husband and I are raising two teen boys alongside our dog Karma and two cats. Our family has loved being part of the HEAT community for years..
Lindsay Kirkland
Crochet Instructor
My name is Lindsay and I have been crocheting for the past 26 years! I learned as a child and have loved the hobby ever since. I really enjoy sharing the art of crocheting with others so they can express themselves creatively. I also enjoy baking, gardening, and playing with our pets..
Bryant Golden
Business, Religion, and Leadership Instructor
Bryant Golden is the Lead Pastor of a thriving non-denominational church in Tampa, Florida. After beginning his career in the marketplace, Bryant planted Centerpoint Church, which has grown into a vibrant community and a voice for those skeptical or disconnected from faith.
He holds degrees in Business and Biblical Studies, a Master’s in Biblical and Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary, and is currently completing his Doctor of Ministry dissertation at Carolina University.
Bryant is a seasoned leader who has spoken at the Drive Conference and serves as a consultant with the Irresistible Church Network, helping churches across the country create environments that engage the curious, the cynical, and the unconvinced. Bryant and his wife, Nicole, are raising their four kids in the Tampa area, where he loves investing in the city, the next generation, and the future of the Church..
Sarah Folks
Upper Elementary Literature
Hello! My name is Ms. Sarah, and I am thrilled to be teaching for the HEAT! I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education and English and a Lutheran Christian Teacher’s Diploma, which provides additional credentials for teaching in Christian schools.
Jamie Roger
Highschool Instructor – Home Economics, Art History, Journalism and Sociology
Hi, I’m Jamie Roger! I have been teaching and homeschooling for the past 18 years and am passionate about helping students discover how they learn best while showing them that learning can be both meaningful and enjoyable. I have taught in homeschool co-ops, educated my own children, and currently teach in Hillsborough County public schools.
HEAT has been a major part of our family’s life since the organization began. My husband, Z, and I have been married for 28 years, and all four of our children graduated through HEAT. Along the way, we have participated in and volunteered with countless HEAT activities, including Cross Country, Track, Triathlon, Robotics, Soccer, high school events, and park days. We are now proud grandparents to three wonderful grandchildren.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Educational Psychology from Northwestern State University of Louisiana. In my classes, students can expect engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and a supportive environment where they are encouraged to think critically, communicate confidently, and make meaningful connections to the world around them..
Ash Knutson
Art of Argument and Upcycle with a Twist Teacher, HEAT Field Trip Coordinator
Ashley “Ash” Knutson is a homeschool parent, educator, and military spouse with over 20 years of teaching experience in public schools and homeschool co-ops both in the U.S. and overseas. With backgrounds in education and medical support, she is passionate about creating engaging, hands-on classes that inspire curiosity, confidence, creativity, and a love of learning. Ash has taught a wide range of subjects including debate, geography, history, arts and crafts, and team-building activities, encouraging students to challenge themselves while enjoying the learning journey..
Kevin and Julie Wilson
Choir and Worship Leaders
We are Kevin and Julie Wilson, and we are passionate about helping students discover and develop their God-given gifts through music, worship, and the arts. Married since 1993, we have spent more than 30 years serving together in worship, music, creative arts, and student ministry leadership.
Julie graduated from Evangel University with a degree in Psychology and taught piano lessons for many years. Kevin has taught music at multiple grade levels in a private school and has been a private voice instructor for more than a decade. He also directed an Academy of the Arts for five years. Together, we founded Doorkeeper Ministries and have served churches across the country as worship consultants and conference clinicians. We are also contributing authors in Heartsongs: A Journey of Worship, published by the Global Worship Initiative.
We have directed and coached students of all ages in music and drama, preparing them for district, state, national, and international competitions. Kevin has a strong passion for mentoring young leaders and helping students grow in skill, confidence, and character. He also co-wrote a human video drama that continues to be performed worldwide two decades later, including a version that has received over 38 million views on YouTube.
Homeschooling has been one of our greatest joys. We have homeschooled our children for more than 15 years. Our son recently graduated from Southeastern University with a double major, and our daughter is completing her Associate of Arts degree while finishing high school through homeschooling.
After moving to Florida and finding HEAT, we quickly realized we had lost nothing by choosing the homeschool path. We value the freedom it provides and the opportunities it gives students to grow in both community and personal purpose.
We believe every student has unique gifts and abilities worth developing. Our goal is to create a joyful, encouraging environment where students can grow in excellence, confidence, creativity, leadership, and a heart for worship..
HEAT Board of Directors
The HEAT Board of Directors provides guidance, oversight, and leadership to help keep Tampa Bay HEAT strong, mission-focused, and serving families well. Board members work alongside HEAT leadership to review important decisions, provide accountability, and help ensure thoughtful, balanced decision-making. Their involvement helps promote fairness, consistency, and long-term planning while protecting the mission and future of HEAT for the families it serves.
Nicole Cohn
Ronnie Rivera
Allison Moore