Meet The Teachers
Hi! I’m Jada, founder of Trailblazers, a space where homeschool families build deep roots, form real friendships, and dive into learning that’s hands-on, heart-led, and just the right amount of weird. I’ve lived in Flagstaff for nearly two decades and created Trailblazers to be a place where kids can show up as their full selves, connect authentically, and grow into confident, curious changemakers.
In the classroom, I’m known for turning science into an adventure! Whether we’re engineering erosion solutions, designing nature-inspired inventions, or reimagining how communities can protect the planet, my science classes are rooted in fun and driven by impact.
Alongside science, I teach language arts to our youngest learners using a Brave Writer–inspired approach. Trained directly by Brave Writer founder Julie Bogart, I guide students through rich storytelling, joyful writing, and meaningful self-expression helping them find their voices in a supportive, connected space.
My teaching is grounded in a whole-child approach that blends science, storytelling, social-emotional learning, and outdoor education. I am a certified SEL Facilitator and will receive my M.S.Ed. in Transformative Teaching & Learning in December 2025. I’ve been homeschooling my creative, quirky kids since early childhood and know firsthand how powerful it is to grow up in a learning community that values connection, curiosity, and being exactly who you are.
Outside of Trailblazers, I lead forest adventures with Montessori Forest Adventurers and spend as much time as possible in nature dreaming up new ways to help kids feel powerful, purposeful, and wildly themselves.
Jada Santoro | Founder
Science + Language Arts
Sarah brings a deep love of language, creativity, and connection to her work with Trailblazers. She teaches language arts through Brave Writer–inspired book clubs and creative writing classes for our Explorers and Voyagers. Trained directly by Brave Writer founder Julie Bogart, Sarah thoughtfully adapts the program to help students discover the joy of storytelling and find their unique voices in a welcoming and supportive space.
A longtime homeschool parent, Sarah has been homeschooling her middle and high schoolers since day one. She brings firsthand understanding of the homeschool journey and a deep respect for each learner’s individuality. As a certified Mind Wellness Coach and founder of Insight Healing Solutions, Sarah draws on a wide range of integrative wellness tools—like neuro-linguistic programming, somatic practices, and emotional resilience work—to help others feel seen, supported, and empowered. These gifts naturally carry into her classroom, where students are welcomed with care and encouraged to express themselves authentically.
Sarah has lived in Flagstaff for over 30 years and is deeply woven into the fabric of the local arts and service community, with past involvement in Theatrikos, Flagstaff Light Opera Company, Magic Curtain Productions, the American Red Cross, and Friends of Flagstaff’s Future. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her exploring the forest with her kids, reading all the books, or sharing cuttings and herbal magic from her ever-growing plant collection.
Sarah Roscoe | Language Arts
Erika Tsouras is a local artist and art educator with over a decade of experience helping students discover their creative spark. She paints with watercolor on raw wood panels, often incorporating the natural wood grain into her work to reflect the beauty and emotion of the natural world. Erika holds a Master’s Degree in Art Education from Northern Arizona University and has been teaching K–12 art in Flagstaff since 2004. She is also the founder of Meadowlark Art Studio, where she shares her passion for creativity and community through classes, workshops, and original artwork.
At Trailblazers, Erika teaches art to all three age groups with a gentle, nurturing approach that helps students connect to their creativity without fear or comparison. Our youngest Scouts spend extended time with Erika each week, allowing them to dive deeply into imaginative, multi-step projects. Her classes are playful, expressive, and often inspired by nature, literature, or student-led ideas.
Erika believes that art-making is a natural human impulse—that everyone deserves to enjoy the creative process and feel empowered to make their mark. In her classroom, every student is welcomed with warmth, acceptance, and a quiet invitation to express themselves freely.
Erika Tsouras | Art Teacher