Meet the Team
Freedom Ministries Trustee
Freedom Co-op South Reno Co-Lead
Tristan Smith
Mentoring:
Elementary Language Arts
All Art levels
Praise Dance
I am a wife and mother of 2 beautiful children, Lexi (16) and Tobi (7). I have a degree in Psychology with an Emphasis in Child Development. I have homeschooled for more than 8 years and have experience with teaching in a preschool, dance, acro and art classes. I tutor and teach from my home, as well. I love God and have a passion for education and the healthy growth and development of children in a safe and loving environment.
Freedom Ministries Founding Trustee
Freedom Co-op South Reno Co-Lead
Ashley Painter
Mentoring:
Elementary Math
Elementary Bible
Constitution
I have been raising children for 28 years either as a nanny, foster parent or raising my own 4 children, ages 25, 21, 19 and 9 years old. I spent 6 years in college learning elementary education, Spanish and Criminal Justice. I have homeschooled my own children for more than 10 years and graduated 2 so far. I also aid in the education of others at my home. I have created and run church youth groups for young children for many years. I love Jesus and I believe that each child deserves to be seen the way Christ would see them.
Mentor at Freedom Co-op
Chris Rios
Mentoring:
Self-Defense
To be updated
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Mentor at Freedom Co-op
Sierra Clotworthy
Mentoring:
Spanish 1 and 2
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental and Agricultural Science, with a minor in Spanish at the University of California, Davis. I obtained my Multiple Subject and Single Subject Science teaching credentials from Notre Dame de Namur in Belmont, CA. Most recently in May of 2024 I completed my Masters in STEAM Education from University of Nevada, Reno. I am passionate about education, the sciences and experiencing different cultures. In 2010 I spent a year living in Spain as an au pair and attending Elemadrid, a Spanish language school in Madrid.
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​I am a wife and have two young kids (4 and 1) that keep me on my toes. In my free time I love being outdoors including rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, and camping. I am looking forward to being a part of a God centered safe and nurturing environment for students to thrive.
Mentor at Freedom Co-op
Nancy Jeppson
Mentoring:
STEAM - Challenge Island
Nancy has taught for over 30 years. Her teaching experience ranges from early childhood to adult education. She earned a master's degree in Curriculum and instruction and is certified to teach in Special Education, Regular Education and ESL
Mentor at Freedom Co-op
Julie Barnett
Mentoring:
Theology
I am a mom to four son's, ranging in age from 18 years to 7 months old! I have been homeschooling for the past 6 years, and hold a Bachelors of Science in Psychology: Christian Counseling from Liberty University with a minor in Dobson Centered Marriage and Family Studies. I have worked with children in a pre school and nursery setting, counseling and helping with daily activities in the class room. I have also worked with youth in child care in a church Bible study program.
My goal is to use these skills to serve Christ and to encourage those around me, especially our youth, to do the same. One thing that I especially loved about earning my degree at Liberty was the focus on bringing Christ and Biblical studies into every subject. My hope is that my continual love of learning in variety of subjects, will translate as I teach and share with students. Learning is fun and exciting, and I am looking forward to encouraging and sharing this love of learning with a Christ centered approach.
Mentor at Freedom Co-op
Ean Barnett
Mentoring:
Creative Writing
Argument for Creation
Pre-Algebra
Algebra
I received my Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology at the University of Nevada, Reno from the Honors Program with a minor in Music in 2004 and my Master’s in
Anthropology from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2011. I have long been passionate about Archaeology,
population movements, myths and legends, truth and knowledge and how they all tie into our
world and interlink with Biblical Truth. Through the enjoyment of learning I have spent much time
studying Literature, History, Mathematics, Science, Forensics, Epidemiology, Linguistics,
Bioarchaeology, Botany, Music, World Religions, Holistic Medical practices and Politics.
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I have around a decades worth of direct experience with behavioral interventions and behavioral
modification. I have worked with individuals as young as 2 through adulthood, the past 10 years
as a Developmental Specialist lll, for the State of Nevada.
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​I was also fortunate to work in a Skilled Nursing facility as an Activities Lead, managing daily
activities for the residents and lead Church, Bible Study, Rights Classes, and general activities
to keep the Seniors engaged and active.