My degree is in music education with a K-12 teaching credential and piano being my major instrument. I have been teaching for 31 years. I’m excited for this new opportunity to continue being a positive influence in children’s lives. No matter your musical background I love teaching children how to read and write music, singing, folk dancing, piano as well as beginning guitar and violin. I am married and have 3 grown children and 2 grandchildren. When not teaching music I enjoy raising livestock and growing produce for local farmer’s markets here in Kern County.
April Verhoef
I am looking forward to serving your family this year and assisting you in cultivating a desire to learn, grow, as well as provide a Christ centered education for your child. This is my 10th year of teaching. I received my Bachelors, Credential, and Masters degree from Azusa Pacific University. I have taught in a variety of schools, everything from non-public, public, homeschool charter schools, to a homeschool specialty program and I have taught grades TK-12th grades. For fun I enjoy spending time with my wonderful family and friends, serving in my church, cooking, hiking, and hunting trips when I get the chance.
Emily Wingle
I’m so excited to serve our great community as KRC’s health and physical education coach! I grew up in Bakersfield, CA, and played sports throughout my childhood. As I got older I took great interest in fitness and nutrition as it relates to sports performance. I am an AFPA certified youth fitness specialist, and am furthering my education in sports nutrition, personal training, and nutrition and wellness consulting.
In my classes I hope to encourage sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth. I believe in the value of arming kids with practical, lifelong health skills, which cross over subject matter and develop character.
Ryan Buckles
I have been a teacher for over 13 years. I have taught Pr-Kindergarten and Kindergarten. I love hiking, being a part of my church and serving the Lord with my gifts. I have a cute doggie named Cooper who has been such a joy to me. I am passionate about Photography and also run a small business.I can’t wait to see what this up coming school year holds for us.
Mihaela Champion
My desire is to teach students to enjoy the learning process and develop a love for our Country. The story of our Founding Fathers is essential and intriguing! As the History Homeschool Coach, I can not wait to travel through time while encouraging the students to be proud Americans. I am very passionate about music and have led a Praise Team for 8 years. My wife and I are both are educators who share the art of engaging minds to learn!
Jim Robinson
I’m Mrs. Leslie Manning and I’m so excited to begin working with your students at KRC as the new Art teacher!
Just a little about me: I’m a credentialed teacher and obtained my credentials, Bachelor of Arts Degree, and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from CSUB. I have many years of experience teaching Elementary, Junior HIgh/Middle School, and also High School; all in local Christian school settings and in varied subject areas and disciplines throughout my career. Teaching Art, though, has always been my absolute favorite and passion!
In my spare time I enjoy cooking; gardening; learning new things through books, courses, and Bible studies; working with horses in any way; and, of course, producing my own artistic creations.
I so look forward to meeting all of the parents and students at KRC. Thank you for welcoming me into the KRC family!
Leslie Manning
I’m entering my 10th year of teaching and am thrilled to embark on this new chapter serving as one of KRC’s homeschool coaches! I received my Bachelors Degree from San Diego State University, then earned my Credential from the University of La Verne. I have served a variety of roles throughout my educational career, and have experience in both public and private school environments with kids of all ages. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking/baking, and walking my crazy Labrador.
Lisa Apple
Ministry is my priority while coming alongside families and advocating parental rights simultaneously. I am a wife and mother of two incredible children. Youth ministry is something that brings me much joy at my church. I feel passionate about educating the next generation to thrive without all the background noise and unnecessary roadblocks that for profit learning institutions impose. Over the course of my time in the grassroots activism arena, I have learned how much our constitutional and parental God given rights have been infringed upon. It is time to take back control over Our children’s education and give Glory to God while doing it!
Director of Operations – Dusti McDaris
I am the Fundraising Director for Kern Resource Center. My degree is in Business Administration and Accounting. I have a passion for helping non-profits achieve their goals through various events and local programs. Please be on the lookout for how you can participate in upcoming fundraising opportunities for this incredible program to reach their goals for the new campus!
Fundraising director – Holly Kuntz
I’m married with 3 teenage sons. My husband and I both serve in ministry at the same church we attended as children. I am blessed with the opportunity to be a part of KRC’s team and help serve children and their families in an atmosphere that values character, morals, and Christian principles.
ChrIssy pratt
