Our Staff
All the staff and volunteers at Grassroots are available to help kids get what they need. We also have specialties that we particularly like to share. Here are some of our skills and subjects that we are most often “teaching” at school:
Kim Weinrich (CAO)
Director, Middle School Teacher
Subjects: Intermediate and Middle School Math, Social Studies, Creative Writing; Art, Theater
Kim joined Grassroots in 2008 when her children Ethan and Devin were enrolled. She became director in 2016, the same year her youngest child started at Grassroots. Kim graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in child development. She has worked with children in the field of education for over 20 years.
Brandi Johnson
Elementary Teacher/Assistant Director
Subjects: Early Math, Reading and Writing
Brandi came to Grassroots in 2015 with her daughter, Kathryn. Brandi connected with children of all ages and began helping our younger students with reading, writing, and math, as well as anything else they asked her to do. She became assistant director and lead elementary teacher in 2022.
Devin Weinrich
Staff
Subjects: Science, Projects, Games
Devin is a Grassroots alumni and joined our staff in 2020. She is able to relate to students and their perspective, being a former student herself. She also brings skills and talents in science and crafts to offer the children.
Mellissa Buie
Staff
Subjects: Anatomy, Art
Before joining Grassroots, Mellissa was a medical assistant. With that training she offers classes about the human body and all of its systems. She is also an amazing artist and business owner and provides art classes for our students.
Brian Zaniewski
Staff
Subjects: Building and Repair Projects, Computers
Brian is the guy to go to when you need to solve a problem. He helps students fix everything, including computers, bikes, forts… you name it.
Amy Baker
Staff
Subjects: Cooking, Hiking
Amy enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience in health and nutrition with the students at Grassroots. Before joining Grassroots staff, Amy was a homeschool parent and a Nanny.
While our core staff has a reasonably predictable schedule, students, parents, and volunteers lead activities too. Upcoming projects are discussed in our weekly meeting (Council). Announcements and sign-up sheets are posted on the entry bulletin board. A weekly schedule of activities is passed out on Thursdays and the day’s activities are posted on the Entry chalkboard. We ring a bell to announce the beginning of most group activities.