Karen Golden

Founder and Director of Creative Learning Place, Storytelling, Recorder, Storyspeak

Karen began telling stories at her dinner table at age three and playing the saxophone at eight. Today her table is the size of the world! Karen teaches the art of storytelling through workshops and residencies at schools, universities, and other educational institutions and she is a published author and recording artist. She is also an international touring artist with the Buenos Aires based company DreamOn Productions and she has performed in China, S. Korea, Hong Kong, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil and Colombia. Karen is an accomplished musician on saxophone, recorder, ocarina, accordion and nose flute and in 2019 she co-founded Klezmer Arts Institute Los Angeles. She was a homeschool mom for 17 years and now she is passionate about helping you to homeschool your kids.

Dr.Sharon Bacharach

Social Skills

Sharon has worked with children in schools, summer camps and hospitals for over 30 years. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as an Early Childhood Educator. Over the past 5 years Sharon has enjoyed teaching adults working with children or who are interested in entering the field of early childhood. She conducts workshops for Head Start teachers, parents, and school faculty. She also teaches in a Masters in Education program in Early Childhood at American Jewish University. Sharon has attended trainings in Council, Social Thinking, Conscious Discipline and Grief Counseling which she brings into her work with children.

Leila Balter

Singing For Unity

Leila has been been singing since before she could speak. She grew up loving music and eventually learned to play the piano. From there, she started writing her own songs and produced her first CD when she was only 12. After releasing her CD, she continued her love of singing and performing by joining the Jewish Women’s Repertory Company. She was in many musicals there including The Secret Garden, The Music Man, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Beauty and the Beast where she starred as Belle. She also did various other live performances including Kristallnacht with Dr. Michelle Green Willner and Doni Silver Simons, various choir performances, and voice acting for an app called Capit. Additionally, she was the conductor’s intern for the Los Angeles Jewish Community Children’s Choir for two years. Leila herself was a homeschooler at CLP, and she is currently a student studying Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. She is continuously inspired by the power of music and the magic of bringing people together through music and can’t wait to share that with you all!

Brian Julian

Chess

Kids to Kings connects two things that were meant to be together: Children and Chess. The company was started by Chess Mentor, Brian Julian who began his Chess career in 2010 working for an after-school program that services under privileged children in the Compton area. He was so inspired that few years later he founded "Kids To Kings" in order to bring the joy of this 2000 year old "game of kings" to children's homes, in a one on one setting. Since then it has grown rapidly servicing homes in every part of town. Brian was home-schooled as a child and has always thought of it as something that makes him unique and special, like a super power! And every super hero should play Chess. The best part of Chess is how it simply and subtly reminds children of important kingly core values such as Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Indomitable Spirit, and Self-Control. Actually the best, best part of the game is how it creates a level playing field for all involved. It breaks down the barriers of class, race, wealth, and status and gives each child an equal opportunity for success. Chess isn't just a game, it is life!

Danielle McElhannon

Podcasting Academy

Danielle McElhannon earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders and spent over a decade working with children as an ABA Therapist, helping students develop communication, social, and life skills.

In the summer of 2022, Danielle and her husband, Keith McElhannon, co-founded Podcademy 4 Kids with a mission to empower young people through digital media. Their program helps students build confidence while learning podcast production, YouTube content creation, storytelling, and streaming skills—preparing them for opportunities in one of today’s fastest-growing industries.Today, Podcademy 4 Kids proudly serves more than 14 schools throughout the Los Angeles area, providing engaging, hands-on media education that inspires creativity, communication, and career readiness for the next generation.

Jeannine Chanin Penn

Art : Dress Up The World

Jeannine Chanin Penn is a Los Angeles–based artist, designer, and creative director whose work explores the intersection of art, fashion, storytelling, and legacy. With a background in fine art and graphic design, Jeannine has led creative work for major entertainment and lifestyle brands. As a practicing artist, Jeannine works across mixed media, collage, painting, digital art, and experimental techniques. Her internationally exhibited artwork often incorporates vintage materials, layered textures, bold color, and fashion-inspired imagery to celebrate creativity, individuality, and the stories we carry with us. Jeannine also has a long-standing connection to children and families through her role as co-creator of The Treehouse Social Club, an innovative Los Angeles play, learn, eat, pamper, and party space for families with young children. She believes art gives students a joyful way to explore ideas, build confidence, experiment with materials, and express who they are.

Daniel Penso

Psychology and Technology and Creative Writing

Daniel has an eclectic set of skills and knowledge in diverse subjects, including psychology, computer science, math, physics, Tai Chi, and creative writing. Daniel received his Bachelor’s Degree in Cognitive Science from UCLA in 2010. He is the owner and operator of a tech support business that services the greater Los Angeles area. Daniel has worked as a camp counselor, private tutor, youth group supervisor, and Tai Chi instructor, and he volunteers some of his time serving children and adults with learning differences. He is passionate about education, mental health, physical fitness, and helping kids and adults learn to be the best versions of themselves that they can be.

Hyla Rachwal

Middle School English

Hyla Rachwal is a former homeschooler and she has been teaching at CLP since 2018. She has a B.A. from Cal State, Long Beach in Women’s Studies with a minor in Spanish. Hyla has a lot of experience teaching and working with children at summer camps, leadership seminars, and pre-schools. She has also worked extensively with students who have diverse abilities. Hyla spent her Junior year studying in Argentina and Spain, which broadened her world view and deepened her knowledge on global issues, geography, and culture. Hyla is passionate about human rights and has dreams to become a human rights attorney. She recognizes the importance of fostering a passion in learning and teaching students how to write and think critically.

Soli Rachwal

Attending grad school in the fall, but the reason CLP was started.

Soli was homeschooled K-12 and attended UCLA, where she earned a B.A. in Gender Studies with a minor in Environmental Systems and Society. She is now a fine artist and illustrator, creating personalized commissions for clientele across the U.S. Thanks to homeschooling, she was able to dedicate countless hours to her artistic pursuits throughout her teen years. She has continued to develop her skills through the Ryman Arts program at Otis College of Art & Design, Santa Monica College, and through her own self-directed learning. As a former CLP student herself, Soli is excited to be working with current CLP students and hopes to inspire the new generation of homeschoolers to pursue their creative passions.

Steve Rachwal

World History, Math, Drawing, and Elementary and Middle SchoolEnglish

Steve Rachwal was a home school dad for 17 years; and an image maker specializing in graphic design, photography, illustration and writing/editing for longer than that. He has created over 30 book designs and over 200 book covers for a wide range of clients, including Random House, Chronicle Books, The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The J. Paul Getty Museum of Art, John Wiley & Sons, etc. etc. He focuses on helping each student discover their own passions and guides them to find creative ways to express themselves. He is currently on the faculty of Middlesex College where he teaches online in the art department. His website is rachwal.com.

Courtney Tell

Jump Rope

Courtney is the CEO/President of MJSLA, Inc. (a.k.a. Melanated Jump Squad), an inner-city non-profit organization that is rooted in preserving culture, gifting wellness, and being a vital part of our community. Their mission is to promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness through double dutch fitness, while fostering team building, self-esteem, and joy in every jump.

MJSLA has performed at a variety of venues, including The Getty Museum, LA 84 Foundation, Apple, PuffCo, Private School Village, IPSY, and the LA Public Library. Double Dutch has introduced Courtney to a world of possibilities and opportunities, and she can't wait to introduce your kids to the same.

Aaron Yedidia

Drum Circle

Aaron Yedidia is a soulful multi-instrumentalist musician, compassionate music therapist, drum circle leader, and experienced music teacher with 25 years of teaching experience. With a background in composing and producing music for TV shows, Aaron brings a dynamic and diverse musical perspective to his drum circles. His drum circles are fun-filled experiences that allow participants to connect with their own spirits at a deeper level while alleviating self-centeredness, isolation, and alienation. Through his music therapy sessions, Aaron addresses the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals, providing an outlet for expression and facilitating personal growth. In particular, Aaron’s work with individuals on the autism spectrum helps improve communication and socialization skills through structured activities and a supportive environment. With a passion for inspiring and being inspired by people of all ages, Aaron’s drum circles and music therapy programs create a space for individuals to explore their creativity, express themselves, and experience the transformative power of music.

Creative Learning Place