Meet Legacy’s Educators
Partnering with you in your homeschooling journey!
Catharine (Cathy) Mannick is a veteran educator with 27 years of experience. She has served as a speech/language specialist, special education teacher, inclusion teacher, and early childhood educator. Cathy holds a BA in Speech Therapy from Douglass College, Rutgers University, and an MA in Communication Sciences and Disorders (Early Childhood) from Montclair State University, with certifications in elementary education (K–8), special education (K–12), and supervision, and is a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Mrs. Mannick brings a gentle leadership to the classroom and loves each child like her own grandchildren.
Leslie Millen is the founder and director of Legacy Homeschool Academy. She is passionate about team building and supporting the local homeschooling community. Over the past 15 years she has been involved in all levels of homeschooling cooperatives, children’s ministry and education, church planting, and business start-up experiences. Leslie earned her B.A. in English from DeSales University in 2009 and absolutely loves being a lifelong learner. Leslie looks back in thanksgiving on the many homeschooling pioneers in the area who have mentored her and her four children and looks forward to building a legacy of support for the next generation of homeschooling families.
Cheryl Nemec holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Cedar Crest College and brings over 20 years of professional experience in the finance, insurance, and service industries, where she has applied strong skills in critical thinking, logic, problem-solving, and organization. With a lasting passion for mathematics, she is a dedicated advocate and consultant for homeschooling families and looks forward to guiding students, including her own two children, in both math and life skills.
Shani Richards is the founder and publisher of Books Here, Books There Publishing, a children’s book author, and the creator of multiple educational programs, courses, and communities supporting writers, publishers, wellness, and purpose-driven work. She holds a Juris Doctorate and a Master’s in Public Policy and has professional experience in regional legislative affairs, nonprofit program development, higher education leadership, and learning and development roles. In addition to publishing acclaimed children’s literature, Shani brings a strong background in education, curriculum creation, and leadership while homeschooling her children and supporting families through her publishing and learning initiatives.
Laura Severn holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and has seven years of professional experience working in both hospital settings and the public school system. During college, she taught nature classes at a Christian girls’ camp, sparking a lasting passion for science education. With a strong interest in helping learners connect scientific knowledge to real-world application, Laura brings practical experience and perspective to teaching science and nurturing curiosity during Legacy’s science labs. She currently works for a local hospital network and homeschools her daughter.
Eileen Snover is an educator with over 18 years of experience specializing in English Language Development for students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. She holds a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from DeSales University and a Bachelor’s degree in English from Moravian University, both earned with honors, and is Pennsylvania certified in English (7–12), Elementary Education (PreK–4), and ESL (K–12), but her favorite title just may be “Nana.” Eileen has taught in public, private, charter, and virtual settings, is trained in multiple reading intervention programs, and brings extensive experience in curriculum design, assessment, and literacy instruction; she now leads her own consulting business and teaches Workplace ESL courses at Lehigh Carbon Community College.
Leslie Surita, a Lehigh Valley native, brings a heart for serving children and a strong background in youth-focused work to Legacy Academy. She has professional experience as a daycare and children’s ministry counselor and previously served as assistant director at Lehigh University’s S.T.A.R. Academy Summer Camp. Passionate about fostering a love of learning, Leslie is excited to explore and grow alongside students while supporting the homeschooling community in the region. She currently homeschools her son and is active in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchild!
Melissa Trommler holds a Bachelor of Social Work and brings professional experience working with vulnerable populations, including internships serving the homeless in Philadelphia and children with mental health diagnoses and their families. Following graduation, she worked as a full-time live-in nanny, gaining early experience in child-centered learning, and later served as a Supports Coordinator for individuals with intellectual disabilities. These roles, combined with hands-on early childhood and homeschooling experience, have shaped her passion for education and supporting children’s growth and development. She currently homeschools her four imaginative and energetic children.
Pam Turner is an educator with over 20 years of experience, including homeschooling her children from pre-K through high school and teaching extensively within homeschool co-ops since 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology from Wilkes University, along with TEFL and TESOL certifications, and has taught a broad range of subjects including Language Arts, Biology, ESL, Personal Finance, History, and Life Skills. Since 2020, Pam has developed curriculum and taught for a Christian online school, specializing in second-language acquisition and academic writing for elementary and middle school students.
Sandy Zarillo is an experienced mathematics educator with decades of service in both public and private high school settings, along with extensive tutoring experience across middle and high school math levels. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola University (MD), a Mathematics teaching certification for grades 8–12, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Montclair State University. Sandy has taught or tutored every math course from sixth grade through pre-calculus and statistics, bringing a deep understanding of both content and instruction to her work as a math educator. Everyone loves “Mrs. Z.” and she originated Legacy’s slogan: “Feelin’ the Love!”
