Our Team

Krystle Chaisson, Guide with a focus on Creative Arts

I'm a homeschool mom of 4 plus years, and a previous educator with a specialty in Special Education. As a creative, my goal is to introduce students to new and exciting ways to express themselves and let them know that being creative does not just apply to writers, painters and artists. I believe that creativity is for everyone and is an attitude and a way of problem-solving that can apply across many domains from business to biology. I encourage students by creating a compassionate and accepting environment and rewording assignments to boost creative thinking. From baking, gardening, sewing and everything in between, your students will learn to enrich their lives by incorporating different life skills, while being creative, learning autonomy, and having fun.

Lorraine Zajac, Guide with a focus on CAD and 3D Printing

I'm a longtime homeschool mom (10+ years) and STEM enthusiast and educator.

My STEM adventures began 6 years ago facilitating LEGO robotics/ engineering summer camps and after-school programs. The past few years, I have recently transitioned to introducing students to the emerging technology of 3D Printing and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) through summer camps, workshops, and virtual online classes.

I believe all students are innovators, and through my classes and interactions with them, I encourage them to embrace STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) concepts to solve real-world problems.

Join me as I empower your students to use this technology to change the world and their lives through incorporating resilience, problem-solving, creativity, and thinking outside the box.

Carla Garibay, Guide with a focus on Spanish

I am a wife and mom of a 5 year old with a background in computer engineering. I am from Mexico, so I love sharing my culture and learning all about education, homeschooling, emotional intelligence and brain development plus philanthropy. I like to watch kids blossom as each unique individual in a nurturing and loving environment. Since I became a mom I dedicated my first 4 years as a stay at home mom and recently began working as a substitute teacher, as a guide at ILL and back to school working through an Emotional Intelligence workshop. I am still dedicated to my family most of my time, but working with kids has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. My son is the most amazing and challenging teacher I’ve ever met.

I also like to connect with people, nature, hiking, swimming, gym and I love celebrating my roots, my house is 100% Spanish speaking and I try to travel to my country as much as I can.

Devin Koutin, Guide with a focus on Science and Nature

Hi, there! I'm a homeschooling mom with over six years of experience in education. Prior to that, I worked as an educator and curriculum developer in the wireless technology industry.

My passion lies in discovering new ways to ignite a love for learning in my students and connecting that passion to real-world applications. I believe that children learn best when they see how the information applies to their lives and when they understand how it fits into the larger picture. Facilitating group discussions and explorations is one of my favourite things to do, and I find it extremely gratifying to watch each student's unique gifts shine.

As an educator, my approach is to let students lead the educational experience and act as a guide. I believe that hands-on learning with visual and auditory elements is the best way to keep students engaged and excited about learning. So, let's come together and feast on the buffet of learning!

Tamara Button, Founder and Director

An educator for over 20 years, Tamara Button brings a wealth of experience to Innovation Learning Lab. With a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and Studio art, continued studies in Human Development at Cornell University, and continuous training in educational pedagogies, college application processes and child development, Tamara continuously seeks to grow her expertise using modern, evidence-based practices in her methodology. Tamara has supported high school students in securing college admission while working at a non-profit in New York City, built programs for educational success in middle and high school populations with TRiO Upward Bound at Cornell University, and homeschooled her three children for over four years.

With her experience in homeschooling and unschooling, as well as her experiences in cooperative learning communities in many states, Tamara is able to work with learners and their families to customize a true student-directed education. Her educational philosophy is founded upon discovering the joy in life long learning which makes Tamara uniquely qualified to create a learning center for students of all backgrounds.