Our Instructors

Meet Our Team of Instructors

Maggie Bokros

CEO, Visionary
I'm more than just the owner here at Legacy Oaks Academy, I'm a visionary leader and culture creator on a mission to change education in our country. While I thrive on the challenge of building a successful program, my true passion lies in the classroom.
There's no greater reward than witnessing the spark of excitement ignite in students' eyes as they grasp new concepts. For the past 15 years, I've honed my teaching skills firsthand, homeschooling my own six children. This experience has given me a unique perspective on the diverse needs and learning styles of students. I bring a wealth of knowledge and a love for a diverse range of subjects to the table. From crafting captivating language arts courses for middle schoolers to challenging high schoolers with advanced sciences, business classes, and marketing, I cater to a variety of learners. Because education should be more than just memorizing facts, I focus on fostering a love of learning and empowering students to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners. I believe that education should be a journey of exploration, not a monotonous chore, and I'm dedicated to making that reality for all my students.

Chef Ryan Bokros

I graduated with Honors, achieving two degrees at the International School of Culinary Arts - The Art Institute of Houston. Having a love for culinary arts also means loving creativity and having an appreciation for math, sciences, and history. I love to see the joy in a student's face when they "get it" as they learn, whether it is while cooking or learning math or science. As a homeschool dad, combining cooking with almost any other kind of learning has been something I have thoroughly enjoyed. As a very hands-on learner myself, I purpose for my students not to just have fun when learning but also absorb new information in a very kinesthetic way that will be useful in their lives as they grow and help with retention.

Ryan Jasper, M. Div

Director of Learning, Elementary & Middle Schools
I’m a proud husband to an incredible wife, father to three amazing kids, and a native Texan through and through! With over a decade of experience in the restaurant industry, a second-degree black belt in judo, and a deep love for history (my college major!), I bring a unique mix of energy, discipline, and curiosity into everything I do. I'm honored to step into the role of Director of Learning for the Middle School and to teach the history courses within that program. Over the past 12+ years in ministry, I’ve had the privilege of teaching a wide range of learners—from young children to prison inmates—and one thing has always remained true: knowing history matters. I’m passionate about helping students connect with the past in meaningful, exciting ways. I firmly believe that if we don’t understand history, we’re destined to repeat it. My goal is to challenge students to think critically, ask big questions, and discover that history isn’t just something to memorize—it’s a story we’re all part of.

Alison Morrow

I've spent the last twenty-five years utilizing my training in education, my love of the English language, and my skill in helping others to embark on a variety of different professions. I've worked as an elementary teacher, a middle school English teacher, a women's fiction novelist (as Alison Strobel), a children's book author, (as Ali Morrow) a curriculum developer and writer, and most recently as a homeschool coach specializing in helping parents lay a solid foundation for long-term homeschooling success (with GoodSchooling.net). I am excited God has brought me into partnership with Legacy Oaks Academy and can't wait to see what this season has in store!

Erica Payne

I grew up being homeschooled while we moved around the world for my dad's military career. Since then I've been blessed to parent the most amazing five kids who are all grown or nearly-grown. I earned a bachelor's degree in education, but really learned about teaching as I homeschooled for over a dozen years. In addition to teaching my own kids and learning about classical education along the way, I volunteer with a speech and debate team, schedule games for a soccer league, officiate for summer swim league, and personally love reading, writing and art. I hope those experiencing my classes will find expectations clear, the class organized and see that I am passionate both about the subjects and about leading each student out of themselves into a wider perspective on the human experience.

Alyssa Biestek

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in TX and FL. I love to share my knowledge of the mind and psychology with others and feel that understanding our brains is essential to growth! As a therapist, I have primarily worked with children and teens, so I understands how important these years are. My expertise in the mental health field and real life experience as a therapist brings a unique and one of a kind opportunity for students to learn from. Showing up to build genuine relationships with students and families is important to me. Some fun facts about me are, I have lived in 4 different states, I love animals and I being outside. Anytime the weather is nice I enjoy reading a good book on my back patio with my dogs, Ranger and Luke.

Sydnie Bonin

Hello! My name is Sydnie Bonin. I am so excited for the opportunity to be the lead math teacher at Legacy Oaks Academy this year. Here is a little about me! I love Jesus and desire to live a life tethered to Him. I have been married for almost 7 years and have two little boys, a five year old and a three year old. I graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Education in 2019. Some of my favorite hobbies are bike rides with my kids, going to the park, rebounding on our mini trampoline, and I am currently learning how to hand embroider which has been fun! I look forward to building a relationship with each of the kids this year and helping them grow in their confidence and understanding of mathematics.

Janice Wright

I’m a homeschooling mother of five, pastor’s wife, former Public School teacher and Taekwondo instructor..so don’t mess with me! (Kidding!) In my 20 years as an educator, I’m passionate about helping students be well-rounded and well-trained so they can use their knowledge and gifts to contribute to the world! Understanding that every student learns differently, I seek to teach creatively and diversly, as well as find opportunities for students to increase their skills both in and outside of the classroom. I am most passionate about helping students discover and find paths to help them achieve their goals. I want students to see the real world connections in their education every day and challenge them to grow in knowledge, character and not be afraid to do hard things!

Stacey Cox

I’ve spent the past ten years homeschooling my own children and supporting other families in their homeschool journeys. Over the years, I’ve taught a variety of homeschool art classes and have loved helping students discover and develop their creative voices. I studied Liberal Arts, and as a lifelong learner, I’m currently expanding my studies into Art History. When I’m not studying or teaching, I love to read, crochet, create art, play guitar and ukulele, and travel with my wonderful family. As a highly creative and artistic person, I’m passionate about both making art and teaching it—and there’s nothing I enjoy more than watching students explore their creativity and grow in confidence through artistic expression.

Kaila Berry

First off, I’d like to start with how excited and grateful I am for the opportunity to lead a Bible class here at Legacy Oak Academy! My name is Kaila and I am a homeschooling mom of 4 with a BA in criminal justice. Previously I served as the Director of Care, Support, and Recovery at Community Bible Church Bulverde for 8 years, which I absolutely loved. During that time I also led a high school girls mentorship group and became certified in several marriage mentorship programs. Serving others has always been my passion, in recent years I had to take a step back to focus on my first mission, my kids. Recently it seems God has another plan for my family and we are excited to be apart of LOA! My hope for the class is that we can all come to learn that studying the Bible brings peace and joy to our lives and it doesn’t have to be difficult! I look forward to connecting with each student and sharing how loving and truly fascinating our God is with them.

Naomi Breaux

I am Naomi Breaux and I am very excited to have this opportunity to teach 2nd and 3rd grade here at Legacy Oaks Academy. I am a homeschool mother of two boys, a former second grade teacher and P.E. coach. I enjoy teaching children to their own personal needs and strengths. I love watching the joy in them when they realize they've accomplished and learned something new. In my free time, I love watching my boys play their baseball and lacrosse games. I’m that loud cheering mom. LOL. If we have the weekend off from sports, I enjoy traveling with my family, going to our ranch, and definitely love going to the beach. Looking forward to a fabulous year!

Madeline Tharp

Hi, I’m Madeline Tharp, and I’m so excited to be teaching Algebra 2 this year! Math has been a passion of mine since I started high school. I strive to create a classroom where students don’t give up but grow in confidence and even find some fun in the process. A little about me: I love Jesus, and I’ve worked with students in many different settings; from VBS to theater day camps. Teaching and mentoring have always been on my heart. Outside of school, I enjoy singing on the praise team at my church, performing in musical theater, dancing, and reading all kinds of books. I’m looking forward to a great year of learning and helping students grow—not just in math, but in their everyday confidence, too!

Brooklynn Winkworth

Hi! I’m Mrs. Brooklynn Winkworth, and I’ve been in education since 2012. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and have always known that teaching is where my heart belongs. I’ve worked with many different age groups and believe that connection is at the center of learning no matter the age I’m passionate about creating a classroom environment where every student feels seen, supported, and encouraged to grow. I teach with the hope of being a light in each child’s journey—helping them believe in themselves and their potential.Outside of the classroom, I’m married and a proud mom of three amazing kids. We share our home with a fun-loving Goldendoodle and a curious cat. Life is full, busy, and beautiful—and I’m so grateful to be part of Legacy Oaks this year!

Melody Ochterbeck

For as long as I can remember I’ve had such a love for anything to do with the creative arts. Whether it’s through theater, singing, photography, etc, I am passionate about it all! I have been around the creative arts for many years, both performing and teaching. I’ve had the privilege of helping with National Youth Theater shows, been the worship leader+counselor for multiple teen camps, and now, I am so excited to be co-teaching the musical theatre class at Legacy Oaks Academy this fall!

Dr. Julie Hart

Hi! My name is Dr. Julie Hart and I am beyond thrilled to join the Legacy Oaks family this year. I met Maggie this past year and was so inspired by the culture of the school that I decided to step back into the classroom after several years of focus on adult education. Although I have taught several grades over my career, for the past decade or so I have solely focused on teacher education within both higher ed settings and teacher preparation programs. Now instead of talking about teaching in K-12 settings, I will once again be participating. In fact, this will take my journey full circle as I began teaching English in a secondary setting back in 1994. Although much has changed about education since my first foray back in the 90s, the exploration of engaging literary works remains a constant and one that I am eager to embark upon with my students.