Our Team | Zoe Learning House

Meet Our Zoe Teaching Team

Hybrid Academy & Homeschool Enrichment 2025-2026

At Zoe Learning House, our exceptional educators form the heart of our Christ-centered learning community. Each member of our diverse teaching team brings unique talents, specialized expertise, and a shared commitment to nurturing the whole child through joy-filled, holistic education. From nature-based learning and visual arts to Spanish language instruction and theater, our passionate teachers create an environment where academic excellence thrives alongside wonder, creativity, and genuine care for each student's unique gifts. Together, we partner with families to provide a rich educational experience that honors God's handiwork in every child while building strong foundations for lifelong learning and growth.

Emily founded Zoe Learning House drawing from 15+ years teaching in China and New Orleans across public, international, and museum settings. A certified educator with a master's from Teachers College Columbia University, Teacher of the Year finalist, and former K-12 homeschooler herself, Emily established Zoe Learning House after years of praying and dreaming about creating a school focused on holistic education. Emily has also led children's musical theater productions, bringing creativity and performance arts into her educational approach. Emily considers it a true honor to partner with families in this Christ-centered program that honors each child's uniqueness. When not teaching, she enjoys coffee, Kind bars, family time, singing, and traveling. At Zoe Learning House, academic growth doesn't come at the expense of wonder and joy, but is propelled by it!

Emily Barnitz, M.Ed.

Director and Lead Academic Teacher, Theater & Storytelling Lead Teacher, Visual Arts Co-Teacher, 3-Day Staff Member

Mallory is one of our Lead Academic Teachers on Tuesdays and Thursdays, leading small groups in both literacy and math as well as nature study and nutrition activities. Mallory, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and founder of NOLA’s Gardening Dietitian consulting, is passionate about nutrition education. She served at the Edible Schoolyard as educator, site gardener, and more for almost a decade, growing thousands of plants for acres of school gardens and their surrounding communities. She also serves as a Louisiana Master Gardener, creating and maintaining butterfly gardens and leading wildflower walks. She is so excited to return to our teaching team for the upcoming year!

Mallory Naquin, RDN, LDN

Lead Academic Teacher, Tuesdays & Thursdays

Jessica Arbour is our Lead GROW Together teacher on Wednesdays (Gardening, Renewing, Observing, Wondering), she co-teaches Hola Español, and supports in connecting parents with information and events. She is a dedicated homeschool mom of four and an active leader of the Gretna Homeschoolers co-op, where she coordinates field trips and community activities. Jessica is passionate about nature-based learning and is currently completing certification as a Nature-Based Teacher from The Association for Nature-Based Education, and is also a part of Louisiana's Farm to School Seeds to Success Teacher Training Program. Originally from Chicago where she was involved with youth ministry, Jessica has always loved music, dance, and drama! When not teaching or leading community activities, she loves foraging for wild berries when in season with family and friends

Jessica Arbour

GROW Together Lead Teacher, Hola Español! Co-Teacher (Wednesdays), Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Coordinator

Mrs. Cheryl brings over three decades of elementary education experience to our Zoe Learning House community, with a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from UNO and Reading Specialist certification. Her teaching background includes a career with Jefferson Parish Public Schools, as well as serving as school librarian and teacher at St. George's Episcopal School. As a NOMA docent since 2013, she brings a unique ability to integrate visual arts with academic learning that compliments our creative, holistic approach. Cheryl is excited to join our Christ-centered community where she can blend her love for literature, history, and the arts while nurturing each child's wonder and creativity.

Cheryl Kain, M.Ed.

Lead Academic Teacher, Tuesdays & Thursdays

We are thrilled to have Mrs. Latroya join us as an academic co-teacher at Zoe Learning House on Thursdays. She will be supporting our literacy and math small groups, and leading music and movement inspired by cultures around the world during social studies. As a dedicated homeschool mom and Christian, with experience as a reading tutor and Sunday school teacher, Latroya is committed to our mission of nurturing each child's growth while sharing the love of Christ. With extensive management experience, she brings skills in team-building and creating positive learning environments. Her warm and welcoming presence, paired with her years as a coach, will greatly benefit our students and help us foster community and joy in learning.

Latroya Paul

Academic Co-Teacher (Thursdays)

Libba brings her passion for education and child development to our team, with experience as a first grade teacher at Crestwood School where she specialized in the Charlotte Mason approach to holistic learning. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Human Services from Troy University, she has cultivated learning environments where students thrive through hands-on activities and meaningful peer connections. Libba excels at managing diverse learning needs in intimate classroom settings, integrating Christian foundations, and maintaining consistent parent communication. Her background as a soccer coach reinforces her skills in motivational leadership and team building. Libba enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending time with her husband Luke and their friends and family. She is thrilled to join our community and share her student-focused, grace-filled approach to education!

Libba Whittemore

Lead Academic Teacher, Spark Studio: Visual Arts Lead Teacher, Theater & Storytelling Co-Teacher (3-Day Staff Member)

We are honored to have Claudia on our team as the lead teacher for Hola Español!, our hands-on Spanish class that integrates conversational skills and vocabulary through songs, movement, and games that connect language in a joyful setting. She is a bilingual educator, originally from Mexico, now long-time resident in New Orleans, where she and her husband are raising their five children. She is a dedicated homeschool mom who also loves to share the Spanish language with other families, most recently leading Spanish classes with Jefferson Parish Libraries. Ms. Claudia models grace and kindness, and her joyful teaching style sparks interest and encourages students to participate, ask questions, and try new things in a supportive environment.