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. 

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!
Jaye, Guide with a focus in Sports and Music
I am a former homeschooler and athlete, I have 10 years experience in gymnastics, 20 years in track and field, and 6 years in cheerleading. I love sports and enjoy being athletic, I believe in living a healthy lifestyle and I know that it can be fun. 
Outside of sports, I have a passion for music. I play bass, drums and dabble in guitar and piano, I am also the lead singer and bassist for my punk band. In addition to that, I teach after school music at various inter city schools across Austin. My goal is to show everyone that you can pursue your passions and be happy in your life.

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 and studies in Human Development at Cornell University, 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 six 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.