A Homeschool Microschool located in Gillette, Wyoming
Homestead Learning
Emily Abernathy
School Guide
My name is Emily Abernathy, and I am the teacher at Homestead Learning, where I have the joy of guiding children through meaningful, personalized learning experiences.
Originally from East Tennessee, I bring two years of experience from the public school system, where I taught English as a Second Language. I hold a bachelor’s degree in linguistics and have a deep appreciation for language, communication, and culturally responsive education.
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With a laid-back, student-centered approach, I believe children thrive when given the freedom to explore, create, and lead their own learning. I am passionate about fostering a free-range learning environment that encourages curiosity, confidence, and the development of each child’s unique strengths and passions. My goal is to create a space where students feel safe to grow, take risks, and truly enjoy learning.
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Outside of the classroom, I am a devoted wife and mother to a very energetic three-year-old son who keeps life joyful and full. My husband and I have been married for nearly five years, and he proudly serves our community as a Campbell County firefighter. We are grateful to call this community home and to be raising our family here.
Misty Bishop
Teacher's Aide
My name is Misty and I am a dedicated and compassionate person bringing many years of experience working with children. I am well known for my patience, kindness, and uplifting spirit, I love creating a positive environment for everyone! I earned my bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University in Texas and greatly enjoyed my time there. I received honor roll as well as multiple scholarships throughout my years in college. I come all the way from Upstate NY and enjoyed getting to experience living in Texas and now Wyoming. I love doing outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hiking, swimming and camping.
Jenna Walker
School Leader
My name is Jenna Walker. I trace my roots back to Jay Em, WY, and am a proud graduate of NCHS in Lusk, WY. After high school, I pursued my Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training at UNLV. After college I dedicated myself, for 14 years, to serving secondary schools in Campbell and Converse County, where I provided care for athletes’ injuries and placed a strong emphasis on injury prevention.
For nine of those years, I had the privilege of teaching Sports Medicine classes to grades 9-12. This role presented a wonderful challenge and offered valuable insights into the educational setting. I was tasked with designing a curriculum for these classes, which underscored the importance of a versatile learning approach. My teaching method focused on developing note-taking skills, engaging in hands-on projects, and mastering practical skills such as ankle taping, spine boarding, and blood pressure measurement. During my tenure at Douglas High School, I was honored to receive the CCSD#1 Teacher Spotlight Recognition Award, a testament to my dedication and contributions to education.
My husband, Jason, and I have firmly rooted ourselves in Campbell County since 2007, and have enjoyed living in Gillette. In September of 2020, we welcomed our miracle baby, Sayge, into the world. With Sayge in our lives, our priorities have shifted, and our focus is now on ensuring that he receives the love, care, and guidance needed to navigate life's journey with confidence and resilience. Our home beliefs model more of a homeschool approach through hands-on learning, exploration, curiosity, and play; and this is where the idea of starting Homestead Learning truly ignited.
Alison Brady
School Leader
Hi! I’m Alison Brady. You might know me from the medical world here in Gillette. I am a Physician Assistant, currently working part time at my virtual telemedicine practice, Thrive Medical. In 2011, I received my Master of Health Sciences degree from the Duke University School of Medicine and then moved back to Wyoming to marry a Gillette native and start my career.
In 2018, my life changed when I gave birth to my first daughter, Juliana. As you can probably relate, my entire world view shifted. Suddenly, her growth and development was my most important job. I developed a passion for early childhood education and for providing opportunities to help her grow to her full potential. I read about Montessori and Charlotte Mason and homeschooling and unschooling and I knew that one day, we would be on an unconventional educational path. An individualized path that prioritizes my childrens’ strengths and weaknesses to prepare them for the unrecognizable world to come. And here we are.
I’m so excited to offer another educational path for this community and to build relationships with all of the families who join our program.
But mostly, I can’t wait to watch my children thrive alongside yours.