Our Founders

Laura and Alex Cazier

Laura loves learning, and she loves kids! Trained as a medical doctor with board certification in Emergency Medicine, she currently works part-time as an emergency physician in the pediatric emergency department. After completing 20+ years of schooling and training, she just could not get enough school, so she decided to homeschool her (now 4) children. From that background of homeschooling sprang a desire to create a school that would integrate the best parts of traditional school with the individualized, flexible nature of homeschool. Before medical school, Laura earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and she has a fascination with the field of positive psychology. She finds tremendous joy and satisfaction in her volunteer position as administrator at VLA, and feels honored to be a part of such a special and unique school.

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Alexandra (Alex), now in her second year of college, left traditional school after kindergarten and has not looked back. She has thoroughly enjoyed being able to follow a customized course of study and pursue a variety of passion projects, including helping launch Valley Leadership Academy. Helping to create a school where being kind is rule #1 has been her most meaningful accomplishment (so far!). During her time at VLA, she could be found doing a variety of leadership tasks at school--leading Chinese club, conducting Student Council meetings, mentoring younger students, or helping run carpool. Above all, she still loves helping other kids see how amazing they are and develop their own leadership skills.

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Administrative Team

 

Kristyn Turney, Grades 3-5 Administrative Director 

Before homeschooling her four children, Kristyn earned her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education. She worked as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst, supporting children and adults with autism and behavior disorders. Her work also included training for staff and parents—because she has always believed that learning works best when everyone is on the same team. During her homeschooling years, Kristyn founded and directed a homeschool program in the Priceville area, where she enjoyed equipping and encouraging parents to take the lead in their children’s education. She also serves as a founding member on the board of a local homeschool basketball program, where her children found strong competition and even stronger friendships. At VLA, Kristyn delights in seeing students of all ages learn, grow, and build community. When she’s not teaching, planning, or color-coordinating her spreadsheets, you can find Kristyn on her front porch, coffee in hand, enjoying a good book on a quiet morning.

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​Amber Stifflemire, Grades 6-8 Administrative Director 

Amber is a question asker, intentional listener and a lover of history. She believes that everyone has a story to tell, and wants to be the first in line to hear it! Amber received her Bachelor's degree with honors from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She majored in Social Psychology with a minor in History. Amber started down the path of receiving a Master's degree in History, but found her life being pulled in a different direction. Homeschooling her 3 children (ages 12, 9 and 6) is something she never planned to do, but she has found no greater joy than helping develop her own mini question askers! Amber also has a fierce love of travel (what better way to learn history than to be there in person!) and interior design. Amber loves Valley Leadership Academy and the positive environment that the school offers. She is excited to help develop the next generation of question askers in your children!

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Alice Vosahlik, Grades 9-12 Administrative Director
Alice loves kids of all ages. She has been homeschooling her 3 children for the past 12 years, and has enjoyed teaching other Huntsville homeschooled kids in various capacities during that time. Her passion for books and writing didn’t develop until she was an adult, which gives her a special appreciation for reluctant students. Her degree in Social Work from Auburn University and her experience working with the National Children’s Advocacy Center and in

inpatient psychiatric care have fostered her love of empowering young people and their families. When Alice isn’t at VLA or taking care of her family, she enjoys her work as a certified life coach. Coaching teens, parents, executives, and people with chronic illness is a source of great satisfaction. She loves helping people find their unique power and live out their potential. As a lifelong learner, Alice is right at home with her colleagues and students at Valley Leadership Academy.