Ken is the founder of Current Education Center, a vision more than a decade in the making. After 24 years teaching science in grades 6–12, he began to question whether school walls were limiting what young people are capable of. He saw that when students actively participate in meaningful work, especially beyond the classroom, their curiosity deepens and their engagement transforms.

That questioning led him toward nature-connected, adventure-based learning, and eventually to self-directed education. Through his connection with Liberated Learners, Ken found the framework to bring his long-held vision to life: a space for teens to take responsibility for their learning, contribute to community, and follow their curiosity with purpose.

Debbie is a former high school school librarian (M.L.S. Syracuse Univ., 1994) whose love of history and literature (B.A. Medieval History, Univ. of Toledo, 1992) inspired her to homeschool her own children so they could explore connections across subjects in their learning. After 20 years of homeschooling and 15 years teaching in co-ops, she loves teaching and creating community among students of all ages. When she’s not driving her teens somewhere, Debbie enjoys reading about far-flung times and places, gardening, and engaging in armchair archaeology.

Tara Martin is a mentor at Current Education Center. She's a mom to two teens, and she's passionate about self-directed education. In her pre-mom days, Tara was involved in academic and public libraries (M.S. Library & Information Science) and youth ministry (M.A. Ministry). Her kids spent time in public school and cyber school before transitioning to homeschooling in 2021. Since then she's encouraged her kids in following their passions and led a weekly meetup for homeschool families. In her free time, Tara enjoys reading fiction, yoga, taking walks, playing guitar, singing, baking, playing games, and crocheting. She loves spending time with people but also enjoys curling up with a cup of tea for a cozy, quiet moment. Tara is excited to be at Current and have the privilege to encourage teens in their self-directed journeys.