About CALM
More than academics. A community where homeschool families can learn, grow, and belong.
Our Story
The CALM Academy grew from a simple belief: homeschool families shouldn’t have to choose between flexibility and community.
CALM was created as a place where children can learn in small groups, build meaningful friendships, explore enriching experiences, and be supported for who they are — all while preserving the freedom and flexibility that make homeschooling so special.
What began as a way to bring families together has grown into a true community. Here, children are known, encouraged, and given room to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. And just as importantly, parents find connection, support, and a place where their family can belong.
At CALM, we believe education is about more than academics. It’s about raising confident, curious, kind children — and creating a community that helps families thrive along the way.
Our Educators
Our educators do so much more than teach - they create, they nurture, they inspire. Each one comes with a unique skill set that brings so much value to our members. They cater to the individual academic, social, and emotional needs of each child. Their main focus is to ensure the children feel safe, loved and heard. Once the children feel empowered by those three main goals, a lifelong love of learning can begin.
Ms. Dana
Pre-K 3 & 4 year olds
Hi my name is Ms. Dana. I have been at CALM Academy for 2 yrs as the 1st grade assistant last yr. and this yr. as the PreK teacher. I am married 20yrs & a mom to 3 of my greatest blessings my wonderful children, Joey (19) Adriana (16) & Julianne (11). I am also a dog mom to one crazy 90lb pup, Max. I love watching my kids play baseball & softball on the weekends and love sitting in our yard around a fire with my family when we are all home together. Family is truly what life is all about! Working at CALM has been wonderful & so fulfilling. I am honored to be a child's first teacher, loving them, and helping them grow.
Ms. Tricia
Level K ("Kindergarten")
Hi my name is Tricia! I'm a proud wife and mother of two beautiful children—Teresa, 13, and Dylan, 9. We also have a lovable Labradoodle named Franky. I love kickboxing and walking for exercise, and I have a passion for all things fashion.
Ms. Shay
Levels 1 & 2 (1st & 2nd "grades")
My name is Carolyn Shay. I have been teaching for 20 years: 16 years in a traditional school setting and in my 4th year here at the The CALM Academy. I live in Staten Island, New York with my two cats Lilly and Molly. I am a die-hard Mets fan, an avid reader, and coffee lover. But my biggest passion is working with children to help them reach their full potential. Along with my teaching degree, I am also a certified life coach for kids.
Ms. Nicole
Level 3 (3rd Grade)
Hi! I have a degree in psychology and am a certified K-5 teacher. I started teaching kindergarten before my eldest child was born and then took time off to raise my family. My husband and I have four children - Adriana (17), Avery (16), Luca (10) and Ellie (7). After some years being home with my children, I decided to enter back into education with private tutoring, and really fell in love with teaching again. Wanting to homeschool my own children, I discovered CALM, which was everything I hoped for and it just felt right for us. In 2023 I joined the CALM staff and became the 3rd grade educator. CALM has been a blessing to our family in so many ways and I'm thrilled to be truly educating students and doing what I love.
Ms. Lisa
Level 4 & 5 (4th & 5th grade)
Hello! My name is Lisa Liebes. I was a teacher for 12 years before taking some time off to stay at home with my kids. Last year I taught Mindful Movement at CALM and I’m excited to now be a part of The CALM Academy full time, teaching 4th and 5th grade!
When I’m not at CALM I like to spend time with my family, our crazy puppy Paisley and our 10 chickens. I love all things involving nature, plants and sunshine, the beach included! Most days you can find me outside on a walk or doing yoga. My favorite subjects to teach are reading and writing!
I’m looking forward to a year full of learning, laughing and problem solving together!
Ms. Sottosanti
Levels 6, 7 & 8 (Middle School)
Hi, my name is Stephanie Sottosanti.
I’m excited to be part of CALM and begin this new chapter! I live in Freehold with my wonderful husband, Mike, and our two children, Mila, who is 12, and Michael, who is 9. We also have a 5-year-old Maltese Poodle named Chloe who is a special part of our family. I have a bachelor’s degree in Education and Psychology and am certified in Special Education for grades K–12. I have always loved teaching, but I decided to put my career aside for a while to focus on raising my children. Now that I’m ready to return to the teaching field, I’m so excited to begin this journey with The CALM Academy and look forward to a wonderful year ahead!
Ms. Sonia
Educator's Assistant
Hi, my name is Ms. Sonia. I am a wife and a mom to Dylan (23), Rylee (20), and Brandon (18). Some of the things I love are spending time with my family, country music, the beach, and we are Disney obsessed. I have been lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom to raise my children all these years. For the past 3 years The CALM Academy has given me purpose by being around kids again and helping them grow and learn.
Ms. Michelle
Educator's Assistant
Hi there! My name is Michelle, and I joined the Pre-K class at The CALM Academy since 2025-2026 academic year. I’ve been married to my husband, John, for almost 20 years, and together we are blessed with two amazing sons, Dante (17) and Marco (13). We also have a crazy rescue pup named Luna who loves to bark at EVERYTHING!
When I’m not at the soccer field or basketball court cheering on my boys, I love spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy traveling - although not as often as I’d like. For many years, I’ve been fortunate to stay home and raise my children, staying involved in all of their school and sports activities. Now that they’re older, more independent, and responsible, I’m excited to return to work and do something I enjoy. I’m so grateful for this opportunity to be a part of the The CALM family, and I look forward to getting to know you and your family and watching your children grow, learn and shine!
Mr. Kyle
Art Education
My name is Kyle Dupuis. I am excited to join CALM Academy for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. I have been drawing and painting professionally for 6 years. Starting after college, I worked as a substitute and full time art teacher both in schools and at studios. Kids will learn how to work with pencil, paint, clay, and more! I look forward to helping your children express themselves and bring home tons of projects.
Ms. Diane
Educator's Assistant
Hi there! I’m Ms. Diane, and I’m thrilled to join the CALM Academy staff. My husband, Jay, and I have two wonderful children, Briella, who’s 9, and Travis, who’s 7. As a family, we’re passionate about sports, amusement parks, the beach, and any outdoor activities we can enjoy. After Travis started kindergarten, I decided to return to the workforce as a paraprofessional in a public preschool. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of CALM Academy, where I can contribute to a warm, supportive, and collaborative learning environment.
Ms. Teresa
I founded The CALM Academy in 2021, out of a lifelong love for working with children and a desire to create a place where learning feels uplifting, personal, and joyful.
I’m a mom of two young men—one getting ready to start college and the other currently in business school—and those experiences have shaped the way I support families on their own educational journeys. My husband and I also have two sweet female goldendoodles who bring love and laughter into our home.
At The CALM Academy, my mission is to offer a supportive, loving and nurturing environment where children can grow with confidence and curiosity. I’m grateful to walk alongside like-minded families as we help their children learn, flourish, and truly shine.
Ms. Sara
Hi my name is Sara and I love all things mindfulness, movement, healthy minds, and healthy hearts. My love language is being a part of a community that lifts you up and holds you when times are tough.