Meet Our Team
Our vision is to spark curiosity in learning, to enhance sustainability in schools, to build strength in connection, with courage to educate progressively through innovative, human-centered, equitable solutions.
Co Founder, Co Head of School
Sarah Hofstra, MA, Ed
Prior to co-founding Constellation Learning Institute, Sarah created the Hybrid Learning Consortium and served as its Founding Director for eight years, creating a network of independent schools offering online learning. An MA, Ed from Michigan State with an emphasis in technology and learning, along with teaching first and third grades, led her to explore how technology could elevate human-centered pedagogy. She served on the Blended Learning Competencies writing team for iNACOL and continues to connect with organizations identifying impactful learning practices. She speaks at national conferences and symposia, presents and leads workshops at schools around the country. Sarah is inspired by learners of all ages who have the confidence to ask questions and courage to try something they have not before. She looks forward to bluebird sky days, whether in Kansas City or Chapel Hill, NC.
Co Founder, Co Head of School
Chris Mullis, PhD
Christopher Mullis earned a BA from Columbia University in New York and a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Japanese) and PhD in History from the University of Melbourne in Australia. He has taught Music, English, Humanities, and Social Sciences to secondary and tertiary students on three continents. Before co-founding Constellation Learning Institute, he served as the Associate Director of the Hybrid Learning Consortium, where he supported teachers in planning and teaching online courses. Chris is passionate about using technology to connect and empower learners across boundaries of time, space, and culture. He lives in Honolulu, but his heart is in Kansas City.
Executive Director of Academics and Student Experience
Jared Magee
Jared Magee has worked in education for almost twenty years. He started as an instructor at universities and educational initiatives in Arkansas, Arizona, Texas, Kentucky, California, and the Philippines. For the last eleven years, he has been a part of The Winchendon School communities in both Massachusetts and New York City. Most recently, he served as the Dean of Academics for The Winchendon School’s New York City campus. He has been contributor to the Popular Culture Association’s conferences, particularly the wing of the Southwest Popular/American Culture Association, as well as doing work with and/or attending masterclasses with the Science Fiction Foundation, the British Science Fiction Association (contributing to its magazine Vector), and the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality. He has published poetry, short fiction, photographs, and literature reviews, and he continues to write, produce, and build all things Prose, his podcast of short fiction.
Executive Director of Admissions & Outreach
Rebecca Green Garry
Rebecca has spent 13 years in the independent school world, working in Marketing and Communications, and Admissions and Enrollment Management, most recently as Vice President of Admissions. Prior to working in independent schools, Rebecca worked in advertising and marketing both on the agency and client side. Rebecca graduated from the University of Kansas with a BSJ in Strategic Communications and resides in Kansas City where she volunteers for the Kansas City Jewish Federation in her spare time. Rebecca is passionate about helping kids and families find their best fit school and believes compassion, connection and generosity should always be the core focus of Admissions. She delights in watching kids and families flourish on their educational journey wherever it takes them, and loves to cheer students on as they grow and change.
Course Navigators
Course Navigators guide CLI faculty throughout the year, as well as teach for CLI. They support their peer faculty in course development, instructional design, use of tools, implementation of best practices in online pedagogy, and troubleshooting problems.
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Maiyen Sulera Freyre, who has taught for 20 years in high schools and universities in Cuba, Spain, France and the United States, considers working with bright, thoughtful young people from different countries a privilege. Before coming to the United States, she spent three years teaching Spanish in France. She holds a Master's Degree in Education from the Pedagogical University of Havana and two post graduate diplomas in Teaching (French and Spanish).
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Over the past two decades, Courtney has taught, managed, and developed programs for all ages in subject areas including science, visual arts, general and special education, professional development, and more. She has been a classroom teacher at the preschool through middle school levels; an online instructor of graduate-level science courses for teachers; and a museum educator at institutions including Tacoma Art Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, and Wave Hill. Courtney received her BA from Columbia University and her MSEd from Bank Street College of Education. She has earned elementary teacher certification in NY and WA states, and is also a certified educator in lactation and babywearing. Courtney currently lives with her family in the Philadelphia area.
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Rachael is a passionate educator, researcher, and musician currently residing in Pennsylvania. Rachael has been teaching with CLI since its origins and loves collaborating with students and teachers from around the world. Rachael holds a Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music, a Masters of Music from Ithaca College, and is currently working on completing her PhD in Music Education at the Eastman School of Music.
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Cory Park works for the University of Hawaii and is an American Sign Language Lecturer at Honolulu Community College. Earning his master's degree in Instructional Design and Technology through Bellevue University, he is applying that knowledge in his Constellation classes. Cory also is an ASL interpreter, holding Hawaii state credentials, and was the ASL tour guide for the Polynesian Cultural Center. Cory is a CODA (Child Of Deaf Adult). He was raised in a signing environment surrounded by the Deaf community, using ASL and English. Cory studied ASL at Brigham Young University-Hawaii. Working there as an ASL tutor, he understands the learning experience for non-native signers.
Teachers
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Tim Buli, originally from New Jersey, has lived and taught in several different states and countries throughout his career. In addition to education, he also has a background in Space Sciences and worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Tim uses his past experiences to incorporate hands-on activities and engaging real-world applications into the lessons he teaches.
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Dr. Matthew Davison has for the past 13 years been a Latin instructor at Friends' Academy, where he loves teaching students about the ancient world and especially enjoys showing students that Latin, far from a "dead language," is in everyday use as a prominent feature of the English language, as well as Romance languages, such as French and Spanish. Matt, who has 20 years’ experience teaching at the university and secondary school levels, earned his M.A. in Classics from the University of Maryland College Park, and a Ph.D. in Classics (Latin and Greek) from the University of California, Irvine.
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Wyatt Ashby, an enthusiastic high school math educator with five years of experience, is dedicated to nurturing a passion for math in her students. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Denison University and a Master's in Education and Social Change from the University of Miami, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her teaching. Wyatt's teaching approach emphasizes discovery-based learning and collaboration, fostering an interactive environment where students actively engage in problem-solving. Through breakout sessions and hands-on projects, students explore real-world problems collaboratively, enhancing their understanding of mathematical concepts.
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Since graduating from the University of Havana in 2014, Ivette has been passionately teaching foreign languages, with a focus on French and Spanish. Last In 2023 she completed a Master’s degree in Spanish at the University of Ottawa, where she also served as a Teaching Assistant for Spanish courses. Her teaching experience includes positions at the Alliance Française in Havana, Manitoba, and Ottawa, as well as at the Lycée Français de la Havane. Ivette also teaches welcome classes for immigrant children at the Montreal School Service Centre.
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Ever has been a dedicated educator since graduating college in 2015. He has taught in St. Louis, MO, Brooklyn, NY, and currently teaches in Kansas City, MO. Passionate about fostering a love of learning, Ever thrives on working with students who are invested in their education and future. Throughout his career, Ever has taught Special Education, Math, Social Studies, and various electives, bringing a dynamic and well-rounded approach to the classroom. A first-generation American and fluent Spanish speaker, Ever draws on his heritage and personal experiences to connect with students from diverse backgrounds. Ever holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Latin American Studies from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on Special Education from Relay Graduate School of Education.
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Monica Garrett is a printmaking artist and educator who works with museums and art-based community organizations. She has decades of experience in various forms of printmaking. She brings a technical knowledge of the artform to her course, which is built on an understanding of the importance of the arts on education, innovation, and self-expression. Monica is passionate about empowering creative thinkers for future generations.
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Ivy, Lan-Chi, Gauler, originally from Taiwan, is affectionately known as "Ivy" by colleagues and "Ivy Laoshi (老师/teacher)" by her students. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she began her career with five years as an English teacher in Taiwan. Ivy moved to the United States to pursue her master's degree in Education and has since dedicated herself to teaching Mandarin Chinese. She taught at Maumee Valley Country Day School for 15 years before relocating to California to care for her family. Currently, Ivy enriches the learning experience of students at Bowen Academic as a Mandarin Chinese teacher. Ivy holds a Bachelor's degree in Applied English from Taiwan and a Master's degree in Education from the United States. Passionate about education, Ivy embraces an interactive teaching approach that encourages students to believe in their unique abilities and potential to achieve anything they set their minds to.
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Matthew Hanne is an Assistant Professor of Music Education at California State University - Bakersfield, where he teaches courses related to elementary music and voice, and serves as the University Supervisor for intern schools in the local school districts. He previously served as the Director of Fine Arts at The Independent School in Wichita, KS, where in fifteen years he taught 1st-12th graders in Classroom Music, Choir, Music Theory, Introduction to Psychology, and AP Psychology. Concurrently with this position, Matthew served on the faculty of Newman University, where he was an adjunct instructor of Applied Voice, Heritage of Western Music, and Music Theory.
Matthew earned his Kodály Certification from Wichita State University. Matthew recently served as the English Language Translator for "Classical Harmony", a translation from a Hungarian textbook co-authored by Ms. Keresztes.
Matthew is also currently serving as the Secondary Choral Chair for the OAKE National Board, and has previously served as president of the Kodály Music Educators of Kansas, and High School Choir Chair for the South Central Kansas Music Educators Association.
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Ali Kossen is a seasoned mathematics educator with 14 years of experience in both public and private schools. She holds a BA in Mathematics from the University of Kansas and an MS in Education from Emporia State University. Currently residing in Wichita, KS, she teaches at The Independent School. Ali’s favorite part about education is making connections with her students. She enjoys witnessing the pride and confidence they gain when mastering challenging concepts.
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Sarah has served as a librarian, middle School ELA teacher, 10th grade English teacher, and elementary and middle school theater director. Sarah received a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from Drew University and a Masters Degree in Library and Information Science from Long Island University. While completing her coursework, Sarah began working in school libraries. Later she completed a Masters in English from Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English, where she studied at campuses in both Vermont and Oxford, UK. Sarah Lives in Greenwich, NY with her husband and dog.
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Maricel is deeply passionate about languages, culture, and technology, which inspired her academic journey. Maricel earned a degree in Computer Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Havana and later completed a Master’s in Arts, Letters, and Languages at Jean Jaurès University in Toulouse, France.
With a love for travel and nature, Maricel has lived in Cuba, Benin, and France, gaining firsthand experience of diverse cultures. Over a decade of teaching at the International French High School of Havana, Maricel instructed subjects such as Technology, Spanish, History, and Geography, seamlessly integrating technology into pedagogy to create engaging learning experiences. Teaching in multicultural settings allowed Maricel to promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among students.
Since transitioning to online education in 2021, Maricel has embraced the flexibility and opportunities it offers, connecting with students worldwide and thriving in this dynamic teaching environment.
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Nicolas Shump is a native Kansan who studied at Reed College, then went on to earn a B.A .in Comparative Literature and an M.A. in American Studies from the University of Kansas, and graduated in 2021 with an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Nic, who writes a bi-monthly opinion column for Gannett, is a voracious reader and film buff whose wide-ranging interests support his teaching a variety of courses. When he is not teaching, reading or writing, he enjoys watching and studying sports.
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Sorela Schultz believes all students can learn and grow, and she sees her task as supporting and stimulating them as needed. She is a lifelong learner, and an enthusiastic, experienced and dynamic teacher with a Master's Degree In French from the University of Chicago and is National Board Certified in French. Her teaching interests and experience encompass French, ESL, and popular culture. Sorela says of her work, “For me, teaching is a calling, a passion, a joy, an opportunity, and a great responsibility.“
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Kristina Rinard has been a passionate educator for twenty years. Her vast array of experiences include roles as a traditional classroom teacher, building administrator, adjunct professor, student teacher mentor, and online instructor. Kristina enjoys subjects in the humanities arena, with her favorites being geography, history, politics, and composition. Kristina has earned both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in education and her Specialist degree in school leadership. She resides in Kansas City with her husband and four daughters.
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Kristina is a passionate educator who teaches biology, chemistry, and middle school science at Constellation Learning. She deeply values the resilience and creativity of her students, finding joy in the unique challenges and insights they bring to the classroom.
With over 15 years of experience in education, Kristina has held a variety of leadership roles, including Science Department Chair, Health & Wellness Coordinator, Advisor, Grade Team Leader, and educational consultant. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Adolescent Education and a Master’s in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Originally from Rochester, NY, Kristina has spent her entire adult life in New York City. She now enjoys raising her children in the vibrant community of the Upper West Side.
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Rachel graduated with a bachelor's degree from Muhlenberg College. She has expertise in graphic design and visual communications, and manages communications and design for a nonprofit in New York City.
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Lesley Alicia Tye is a writer and instructor of screenwriting and film critical studies at Interlochen Center for the Arts. Previously she worked in Los Angeles in film and television after graduating from University of Southern California with a degree in screenwriting. Lesley also writes and produces original theatre with her nonprofit company, Mashup Rock & Roll Musical.
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Dr. Brian Webster, who holds advanced degrees in mathematics and law, is a high school teacher with seven years of professional experience in education. For the past five years, he has taught computer science at the middle school and high school level. Dr. Webster is passionate about working with students to prepare them for the real challenges they will face upon their exit from academia into the adult world.
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Marvine Stamatakis lived and taught in Greece for 20 years, then returned to the United States when her sons decided to study here. She first started teaching with the collective that is now Constellation Learning Institute while at Interlochen Arts Academy, where she taught for 22 years, and from where she recently retired to spend time with her two young grandsons who live in southern California. She reports she is delighted to teach “the wonderful students who take courses with Constellation Learning.”
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David Hanson is a dedicated educator with extensive teaching experience spanning several decades and seven countries. For 18 years, David taught in Ohio before relocating to Las Vegas with his wife. David holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Marquette University and a Master’s in Pure Mathematics from Purdue University. Certified to teach grades 7–12, David has instructed a wide range of mathematics courses, including middle school math, college-level freshman mathematics, AP Statistics, AB and BC Calculus, and Multivariable Calculus. In addition to teaching, David enjoys exploring local history and cooking.
Helping Schools Thrive
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We support and grow a network of independent schools and faculty who share the belief that coming together creates a stronger learning community. Through Constellation Learning Institute, schools and teachers explore new models of education, utilize shared excellence in teaching and professional learning, and collectively resource to expand passion-based course offerings for their students.
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We have over ten years experience in designing and teaching online and blended learning. We launched our work to provide personalized learning through relational and responsive online courses, as a way to complement campus curriculum. We offer a breadth of courses taught by faculty in our network, each of whom design and teach classes with an emphasis on connecting.
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Students and their curiosities have always been our foundation. While still feeling a deep identity within their campus culture, students benefit in CLI courses from expanding their boundaries through diversified topics and a wider range of community perspectives. We empower students to succeed in digital school and work environments, in order to be innovators themselves, now and in the future.
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As schools face an increasing range of challenges—— from pandemic, to catastrophic weather events, to sustainability challenges—— we have expanded to prepare schools for practical resilience and the ability to pivot in response to unprecedented circumstances. We work closely with each individual CLI partner school to develop programming specifically for their distinct needs. We develop courses on request; we build differentiated learning paths, and we offer a range of flexible scheduling options.
Our Statement of Commitment to Humanity
We believe education should be inclusive of and accessible by everyone, thereby guiding our commitment to creating diverse educational experiences where all feel supported, respected and safe. We strive to create a culture that empowers every student to find their place in the world and inspires each student to work towards developing an equitable and just society.
We engage in continuous work and learning to understand and celebrate differences. We value creating a foundation of welcoming interactions through open, honest and regardful discourse, both for our students in our courses and for our faculty in our professional growth.
To do this well, we value building a team of educators that are representative of the community of learners we serve. We work to foster and embrace the sharing of diverse perspectives and experience. When growing our professional team and network of teaching faculty, Constellation Learning Institute is committed to hiring passionate student-focused educators from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified educators who apply receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, ancestry, disability, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status or any other federal, state or local protected class.
It is important to us that our on-going work and commitment is representative of the shared ideals in our collective of partner schools to support a diverse, equitable and inclusive community.