
Meet Your Mentors
At Young Scholars Academy, our teachers are mentors who nurture, inspire, and lead strength-based classes that help gifted and 2e students feel understood, challenged, and joyful in their learning.
What Sets “Team YSA” Apart?
**hint… it’s our mentors**
With our exceptional mentors, your child receives the individualized attention, understanding, and guidance they deserve. Experience the difference at Young Scholars Academy and witness your child's remarkable journey of growth and achievement. Here are Five ways our mentors are different than the others.
1
Extensive Expertise
Our mentors are experts x2! They’re content experts and experts in neurodivergent/2e/gifted education.
2
Individualized Approach
Our mentors are differentiation gurus who tailor their instruction to accommodate diverse strengths, interests, and challenges.
3
Compassionate Connection
Our mentors foster an empathetic environment and create a sense of trust and safety for students to thrive.
4
Strengths-Based Focus
Our mentors celebrate the strengths of each learner and empower them to develop confidence, resilience, and a positive self-image around strengths.
5
Holistic Support
Our mentors consider the holistic well-being of each student and provide guidance to support overall growth and success.
6
“Yes, And?” Approach
Our mentors foster authentic learning by affirming students with a “yes, and?” approach to challenge them to take their learning higher!
Meet Your Mentors
Mr. Salch
MENTOR
Mr. Salch is a retired tech executive and experienced teacher who has successfully taught over 10,000 students across several platforms, schools, and approaches. Mr. Salch has perfected the art of online teaching with hands-on activities in an exciting and inviting environment.
Check out Mr. Salch Robotics NEW ROBOT! All Levels , Video Game Creators Unity Beginners Courses
Ms. Jackson
MENTOR
Ms. Jackson has been teaching theatre for 26 years and was also a children's performer for ten of those years. She owns a theatre program and puts on a show after every 20 hours of instruction (almost 60 shows in six years!). Ms. Jackson teaches children ages 3-20.
Check out Ms. Jackson Theatre: Putting On a Play , Early Creative Writing + Storytelling, Creative Writing, Essay Writing, Friendship Social Club Courses
Amy Bechtol
MENTOR
Amy loves getting to work with her students, who often share a neurology similar to her own, connecting them to curriculum in a way that is meaningful, novel, and fun. Utilizing a strength-based model, Amy seeks to engage learners by allowing them to connect their best, most authentic selves to the material.
Check out Amy’s Art Club, Guns, Germs, and Steel, Kerbal Space, Digital Art, Technical Drawing, Young Scholars Fellowship, Weapons of Mass Communication, Courses
Miss Anna
MENTOR
Miss Anna is an experienced youth mentor and educator of 10+ years who leads each class with humor, kindness, and an upbeat attitude while sending out positive vibes….. to encourage her students to do the same!
Miss Anna fosters a true love for play-based learning and enjoys helping kids create meaningful friendships at YSA by creating fun and engaging activities that help kiddos truly feel seen, heard, and valued in her warm and welcoming virtual classroom.
Check out Miss Anna’s Social & Life Skills For Bright Kids, Girls Club Courses
Megan Hardy
MENTOR
Megan Hardy is a Professional DM and Mother to neurodivergent kids. She loves role playing games, science fiction, comics and just about anything geeky. She is an expert at building D&D campaigns around individual needs and has taught over 4000 students!
Check out Megan’s DND , DND Campaign Creator Courses
Nelson Dean
MENTOR
Nelson Dean has been an educator for the last twenty years, working with students of all ages and backgrounds teaching music, history, art history, and English. He has been a STAR teacher award recipient and teacher of the year semi-finalist.
Check out Nelson’s Tools of War, WWII All Theatres Courses
Mr. Z
MENTOR
Mr. Z is a highly experienced and actively certified educator with a Master of Science: Curriculum and Instruction VI degree and multiple active teaching certifications including School Library Media Technology Specialist (PreK-12th grade), English Language Arts (multiple certifications across multiple grade ranges), and more.
Check out Mr. Z’s Math 4 Life: Coolest Math Class Ever, Python Programming, Cryptography & Hacking, 3D Printing, Linux Club, Blender: Creating 3D Animations, AI Fundamentals, Game Theory, Stats, & More, Courses
Nicole P
MENTOR
Nicole P, M. Ed is an educator, proud parent, mom, serial entrepreneur, artist, case worker, and author with degrees in education, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and more! Nicole believes in bringing students together through story
and games.
Check out Nicole’s History Detectives, Level Up: Internet Safety & Gaming Courses
Ms. Wish
MENTOR
Ms. Wish is a homeschooling mom, lifelong gamer, and former private school teacher who teaches social gaming clubs where kids develop important social skills while playing their favorite online games, all while keeping the environment safe and age-appropriate. As Maria Montessori said, “Play is the work of the child,” and Ms. Wish embraces the digital world where so much play happens.
Check out Miss Wish’s Among Us Social Class, Roblox In Server Gameplay & Social Skills Courses
Mr. Tidman
MENTOR
Mr. Tidman is a father to active, Neurodivergent boys. He believes that neurodivergent students have the highest level of intelligence, yet they are under-served in almost every classroom. His main takeaway as a teacher is that we are all passionate and excited about learning. We are all born with a growth mindset, especially Neurodivergent learners.
Check out Mr. Mark’s Science Explorers Continuum Course
Katie Barnwell
MENTOR
Katie has also been teaching in a variety of settings for over 5 years, from virtual school, to one-on-one music lessons. As a former 2e student, and lifelong learner, she understands the complexity in all people, and the importance of not forcing anyone into a box. Her teaching style is one of adaptability and innovation, allowing each student's unique strengths to flourish.
Check out Katie’s Film Scholars Club, GSA/LGBTQ+, Songwriting for Beginners Courses
Miss Alex
MENTOR
Miss Alex has been a STEAM and art educator for 8 years, as well as a homeschool parent, teacher, and advisor for nearly a decade. She applies an eclectic approach to teaching, seeing herself as more of a facilitator and fellow life-long learner than lecturer.
Check out Miss Alex’s STEAM Lab, Mythical Creatures Drawing Lab Courses
Jennifer Hughes
MENTOR
Professor Jennifer Hughes is a retired criminal, international and family court attorney. She has taught both in person and online middle and high school for over fifteen years and was the History Department Chair at a non-traditional charter school. She also was an Associate Criminal Justice Professor and has over thirty years of experience.
Check out Coach Hughe’s Mock Trial, Speech & Debate Courses
Malikai Bass
MENTOR
Malikai Bass is a twice exceptional (profoundly gifted/ autistic adhder with dyspraxia/dysgraphia) life-long learner who has been teaching twice-exceptional students virtually for the past four years. He has worked with over a thousand students in classrooms that center, celebrate, and affirm neurodiversity.
Check out Malikai’s Chess: Applied Exec Function, Rubik's Cubing, Young Scholars Fellowship Courses
Miriam Patrick
MENTOR
Miriam has been teaching Latin for 14 years and ESOL for three years. She has a Bachelor's in Latin and a Master's in Latin and in Special Education. Miriam also has varying levels of proficiency in a few languages: English, Latin, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, American Sign Language, and Arabic. To say that language is a passion, is probably an understatement.
Check out Ms. Patrick’s Latin Novice, Mythology, Ancient Technology, Latin Novice, Spanish Novella, Spanish Novice Courses
Sean Troy
MENTOR
Sean can’t believe how much fun he’s been having teaching YSA kids from around the world about our beautiful planet and the amazing wonders that stretch to each and every corner of our world! One of Sean's passions is Dungeons and Dragons adventures and he loves having students join us as they build confidence and grow together.
Check out Sean’s AP Human Geography, DND , Fan Fiction, Wonders of the World Courses
Miss L
MENTOR
Miss L's classroom is a safe, welcoming space where students can be themselves, learn at their own pace, and feel truly supported. She is known for being patient, kind, flexible, and clear in her teaching. Whether your child needs extra encouragement or just someone who “gets” them, Miss L. here to help them shine.
Check out Miss L’s Minecraft All Editions, Minecraft Bedrock Survive & Thrive In Server, Among Us Social Class, Roblox In Server Gameplay & Social Skills, Roblox Dandy’s World Courses
Meet Your Admin Team
Mr. Sam
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Mr. Sam, MEd, is a growth-minded, two-time Fulbright Scholar, TEDx speaker, and Director of Young Scholars Academy! Mr. Sam is a neurodivergent educator who has ADHD. As an ADHD learner, he has committed his life to empower young people to learn to develop their superpowers and lead meaningful and fulfilling lives through strength-based education.
Ann Rickard
ASSISTANT TO HEAD OF SCHOOL
Ann is a homeschooling mom who worked for 11 years as an Instructional Aide for the Resource Specialist Program at Evans Elementary School in Garden Grove, CA. Her diverse background in education, team management and outside of the box thinking make her an integral part of Team YSA.
What Our Parents Say…
Find Your Child’s Dream Courses For 2025–2026
-
🧒 Ages: Juniors & Seniors
⏱️ Duration: 35 weeks | 55 min.
🎓 Mentor: Hushbeck -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 32 weeks | 75 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Jake -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 32 weeks | 75 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Sean -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 32 weeks | 75 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Jake -
🧒 Ages: 13 -18
⏱️ Duration: 16 weeks | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Jackson -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 weeks | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Jake -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Amy & Mr. Malikai
📘 AP, Fellowship & College Readiness
➗ Math & Logic
-
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Z -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. L -
🧒 Ages: 9-12 | 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 & 36 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Z -
🧒 Ages: 8-12
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Jenny -
🧒 Ages: 8-12
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Jenny
🗣️ Communication & Life Skills
-
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Katie -
🧒 Ages: 9-12
⏱️ Duration: 10 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Nicole -
🧒 Ages: 5 - 8
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Anna -
🧒 Ages: 9-16
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Coach Hughes
🎮 Gaming, Coding & Esports
-
🧒 Ages: 9-12 | 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 weeks | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. L -
🧒 Ages: 9-12 | 11-15
⏱️ Duration: 16 weeks | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Malikai -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 weeks | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Jake -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 weeks | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Z -
🧒 Ages: 5-12
⏱️ Duration: varies | 50 min. -
🧒 Ages: 10-15 | 11-16
⏱️ Duration: varies | 50 min. -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 weeks | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. L -
🧒 Ages: 7-11 | 12-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 weeks | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. L -
🧒 Ages: 9-15
⏱️ Duration: 16 weeks | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Salch
🎨 Arts, Music & Literature
-
🧒 Ages: 9-12
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Amy -
🧒 Ages: 9-12 | 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Jackson -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Katie -
🧒 Ages: 5-9
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 45 min.
🎓 Mentor: Miss Alex -
🧒 Ages: 10-15 | 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Katie -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Amy
-
🧒 Ages: 9-12 | 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 36 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Z -
🧒 Ages: 9-12 | 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Z -
🧒 Ages: 9-12 | 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Z -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Z -
🧒 Ages: 9-12
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Z -
🧒 Ages: 9-15
⏱️ Duration: 38 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Salch -
🧒 Ages: 5-8 | 9-12 | 11-15
⏱️ Duration: sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Malikai -
🧒 Ages: 5-9
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Alex -
🧒 Ages: 7-11
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Alex -
🧒 Ages: 9-12
⏱️ Duration: 38 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Mark -
🧒 Ages: 9-12 | 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Z
🤖 STEM, Robotics & Engineering
🌟 Social Clubs
-
FREE WITH ENROLLMENT IN 2 OR MORE CLASSES
🧒 Ages: 5-7 | 8-11
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 25 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Jackson🧒 Ages: 11-13 | 14-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 40 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Jackson -
🧒 Ages: 8-11
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Anna
-
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Amy -
🧒 Ages: 9-12
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Nicole -
🧒 Ages: 9-12
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Patrick -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Coach Hughes -
🧒 Ages: 9-12
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Patrick -
🧒 Ages: 9-12 | 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Jake -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Jake -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Jake -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Patrick -
🧒 Ages: 9-12
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Patrick -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 50 min.
🎓 Mentor: Ms. Amy -
🧒 Ages: 6-9
⏱️ Duration: varied
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Sean -
🧒 Ages: 13-18
⏱️ Duration: 16 sessions | 30 min.
🎓 Mentor: Mr. Nelson
🏛️ History, Language & Social Studies

Join The Revolution
Input your email and join us as we revolutionize learning! Together, we pave the way for a future generation of confident, compassionate change-makers, ready to tackle the challenges of our world with courage, empathy, and determination.