Mrs. Trayla Carter attended the University of Northern Iowa where she earned her Bachelor of Arts. She has led a classical homeschool coop for four years and has experience working with students with a variety of learning challenges.  Mrs. Carter has worked as a training and development specialist at John Deere, as well as a training firm in Des Moines, both experiences having been beneficial for her and in homeschooling her own family. She was instrumental in the early stages of starting TRCA, participating in visits to other schools and communicating the vision for TRCA. Mrs. Carter gets excited about many things including thrift shopping, tennis, hikes and bike rides, history, coffee, and traveling. She and her husband, Nate, have been blessed with three children who are unique, kind, and silly.

Mrs. Nancy Schroeder earned both a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in elementary counseling from the University of Nebraska – Kearney. Mrs. Schroeder has over twenty-five years of teaching experience in both public and private Iowa schools, and she has also worked with homeschool families as their coordinating/supervising teacher. In her various roles she has trained and mentored new teachers, so she helps both students and fellow teachers work toward their highest potential. Beyond mere instruction, she believes her goals are to instill a love of learning and a love for Jesus in her students. Mrs. Schroeder brings to TRCA her reputation for a calm and orderly classroom, a strong affection for students, and the ability to motivate students to succeed.

Mrs. Melissa Tucker has her bachelor’s degree in chemistry and her master’s degree in practical ministries with an emphasis in counseling. Her experience includes home educating all six of her children from kindergarten through 12th grade, teaching IEW classes and tutoring. Mrs. Tucker and her husband, Gary, live in Winterset and have been on the leadership board with MASCHE, their local Christian homeschool support group, for thirteen years. She enjoys coming alongside other moms to assist them in their journey of educating and discipling their children. She is excited about joining the teaching staff of TRCA in guiding children in joyful excellence and supporting parents in the Christian formation of their children. In her free time she enjoys playing games with her family, reading historical fiction, and scrapbooking photos.