Our Story

Our story started through God’s divine plan. Two mamas who were called to homeschool their children and create a beautiful community where our kids, as well as others, could grow and flourish in God’s love.

We both desired a family-centered Christian community for both moms and kids to gain support, encouragement, as well as an engaging educational experience where students of all levels could thrive academically.

Founders


  • Co-Founder and Elementary Teacher

    As a former public-school teacher, our family came to the world of homeschooling strictly through God’s call. When contemplating school options with our firstborn nothing seemed to fit. Homeschool offered our family the freedom, flexibility and fun environment we wanted to provide. We knew homeschooling would provide the individualized and tailored teaching for our children that is unrivaled.

    Before deciding to trust in God’s calling to homeschool, I was a Registered Nurse turned high school Health Science teacher. I have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and an Education Specialist degree. My nursing background was in public health, and I have taught in both brick and mortar and virtual education.

    We live in Piney Flats, TN where we enjoy playing outside, reading books and enjoying the beautiful scenery of God’s creation. I have been blessed with a beautiful marriage to my high school sweetheart and two lovely girls, Emma and Ada.

    I am so excited to get to know you and grow with your family on this beautiful journey!

    “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

    Proverbs 22:6


  • Co-Founder and Elementary Teacher

    Hi! I'm Ashley, married to my husband Tanner, and mama to our six year old, River. We live in the sweet town of Gate City, where my husband grew up.

    The decision to homeschool was a simple one for us. The Lord laid it on my heart while my son was still young. Homeschooling was not an option our family considered until God called us to this path. Bravely, we trusted the call, knowing that in His will there is a wonderful plan for our lives and my son’s education. What a beautiful thing it has been to see God move in our lives and in our hearts when we choose to walk in faith, not fear.

    I love that homeschooling allows us to honor our son's childhood and invest in his passions. It's given us the gift of time, where my son can learn at his own pace with a biblical, Christ-centered worldview. What a blessing it is to help my son learn, grow and flourish within the walls of our own home.

    I love Jesus, sunshine, books, creating and making memories, studying theology, seeing the beauty in something old, butterscotch pie, and pretty hand picked flowers.

    I am passionate about encouraging other mamas on their homeschooling journey and to create a place of belonging and connection for other homeschooling families.

    I'm so glad you're here!

    “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

    Psalms 119:105

Our Teachers


  • K-1st Grade & Science

    Hi Everyone! I'm Savannah and greatly blessed to share life with my husband, Landon, along with my 3 children: Arlo, Nora and JoBeth. We love our time outside at the lake, camping, hiking and relaxing on the back porch swing.

    Although I worked in credit unions for 12 years and dreamed I would retire in that industry, my heart began to yearn for more time with my children. I felt a strong calling to be home supporting my family and to possibly homeschool. In all honesty, the idea of homeschooling was terrifying and intimidating! Encouragement from friends like Ashley and Carly, who were so supportive through our decision process coupled with prayer and many conversations, Landon and I concluded this was the plan for our family!

    Homeschooling is all in what you make of it! What great rewards and blessings you'll receive with discipline to execute the plans, patience through the trying times and excitement of learning with your children! Our children need strong role models to pave the way to be the Godly men and women they should be and you as the parent can so do this with God's guidance. Pray for us as we pray for your families to be raised under God's great love and to know Jesus Christ, our Messiah, who redeems us all!

    In all things I face, this verse comforts me.

    "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31


  • K-1st Grade & Science

    My name is Amber Butler; I have been married to Scott since August 2012 and together we have four precious gifts from the Lord (Psalm 127:3) – Elizabeth, Will, Ben, and Sam. We began homeschooling when our oldest was in first grade. After a year of researching and visiting different co-ops we found our place at Hillside!

    In regards to education, I attended Kingsport city schools, then ETSU where I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in nursing and Spanish Minor. This was followed by my masters of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner degree from King University. I worked full time at East TN Brain and Spine until the birth of our first child, when I transitioned into working part time at Performance Medicine in Kingsport. 

    As for my interests - I love Jesus Christ and studying the Bible. We are active members of Grace Point Fellowship Church. I still work one day a week at Performance Medicine in Kingsport. Being from SC originally, I am an avid Clemson Tigers fan. I enjoy exercising, baking, football, planning, being outside, reading a good proper romance, and spending time with all my family.

    My life verse is found in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.”


  • Preschool

    Hi y’all! I’m Chelsea. I married my high school sweetheart, Hunter and we have 2 little blessings, Easton and Ansley. I love spending all of my time with my family, cheering on the Vols, and having an iced coffee in my hands at all times. We’re either at home, Grace Point, or at a ball field! 

    I went to school for Early Childhood Education and immediately knew that homeschooling was our path for our family. I always felt God’s calling to homeschool our children and trusted in Him! God has guided us along the way and it truly has been a blessing to our family - including finding Hillside!

    Homeschooling has given us opportunities for our children to pursue things they enjoy. As well as having a flexible schedule, being able to slow down and simplify life in general. The time with our children is more precious than anything and raising them with a biblical worldview is our responsibility!

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

  • Art History

    My name is Cassity Potter Jenkins. I'm a mom to Rowan, Ròis and Rhys and wife to my husband Jordan. We have been homeschooling for 3 and a half years and have been with Hillside for 2.

    I grew up in the Tri-Cities with parents who were artists and instilled a love of history and art as well as a love for the Lord. I pursued a BFA at E.T.S.U and have continued to pursued my love of art while being mom!

    I am so excited and blessed to get to share my love of art and history with our student this year and relate how art history ties into the history of our world and our faith.

  • Bible & Christian Studies

    Daniel is married to the love of his life, Lily, and they have four beautiful boys--Niel, Titus, Ryder, and Bear.

    Daniel graduated from Emory & Henry College with a Bachelor's Degree and holds a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Daniel's favorite things to do are spend time with his family, exercising so he can eats all kinds of delicious food, and cheering on the Clemson Tigers.

    Daniel started as the Student Pastor in June of 2019 and now serves as Associate Pastor at GPF.


  • Preschool

    Hi everyone! I'm Megan, wife to Logan, and mama to Remi, Peyton, and Beckham.

    I love Jesus, books, flowers, and the thrill of a good thrift find. You can find me gardening, baking, or working on a hand embroidery project.

    Homeschooling is more than a choice for us; it's a lifestyle. It allows us to spend quality time with our children, tailor their education to their unique interests and needs, and keep God at the center of it all.

    I strive to glorify God in every aspect of my life, guided by faith and a desire to serve, reflecting His compassion and love in all I do.

    “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” 

    Isaiah 41:10

  • IEW Writing

    Jessica has been married to her husband, Matt, for over 18 years and they have 6 children and 2 grandchildren. While homeschooling for the past 15 years, she has loved learning, wrestling through life, and seeing how God works, all alongside her family.

    She has graduated her oldest homeschooled son, has 2 homeschooling in high school, and the 3 youngest are 8,6, and 3 years old attend Hillside.

    In the past, she taught language arts, writing, and grammar in class settings and is very thankful for the opportunity to do so again. Jessica is looking forward to what God has in store this year for her class and all the wonderful families at Hillside.