meet our Teachers
Hello! My name is Kat Wada. I am first and foremost a redeemed sinner saved by grace for God's glory. My husband Marcus and I have been married for 15 years and we have 6 wild but sweet children. Our lives are full but we wouldn't want it any other way. We are so thankful for the ups and downs that have shaped our walk with the Lord.
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We started homeschooling when I was a new believer in California and when my oldest was 5 years old. We were so blessed by wise friends and a community of other homeschoolers, The Lord knew we needed to be poured into in that season and I am forever grateful for those friends. We moved to Arizona in 2020 without the safety net of our mentors. The Lord grew us immensely as a family.
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In 2022, my 5th son, Zion, was diagnosed with Autism and we knew we had to make a change in our lives and especially our homeschool day. I searched for a way to accommodate his special needs into our current co-op and home but it wasn't working. I didn't want to separate our children during their days since we have such a short precious season with them. I wanted to be able to keep them together as much as I could. The Lord provided another mom who has a child with special needs, Rae Chicas, and she organized sensory boxes and music therapy for the soft open. We wanted to have a special needs class that weren't just tolerated, but served, and encouraged to grow and succeed. Lori Castillo, my wonderful co-director and I decided to try out our ideas with the other half of the school Pre-K- 7th grade. It was such a blessing to have all of our kids together learning in one place.
From there the Lord provided Anna Cabrera an amazing believer who has a same heart for our children with special needs. She has had many years of experience from the public school sector to her own business providing therapy. We pray more than anything that our Branches Special Need class will be able to provide an enriching, appropriate, and loving environment that is enabled by our own love for the Lord, who loves and cares for his people.
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Solas Academy also wants to provide families with a strong pre-k-12th grade school. We want our families to be challenged and edified, our moms to grow and be encouraged when days are long. We have a special mom's time portion where we can be equipped so in turn will be able to pour into our children. We continually pray for our current students and future families to come to know the Lord. Leadership continually depends on God to give us wisdom as we make decisions for this Solas Academy. We are not here to take your place as an educator but rather help parents to be more present and excited to homeschool their own families with one day of instruction, electives, and a schedule to follow at home. We have schedules to follow along from home for new families or for families that need a little extra help in different seasons.We pray for a year filled with learning and fun! Check out our calendar and email us to visit or for any questions you may have.
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Meet the teachers
Hello everyone!My name is Lori Castillo, Co-Director for the Solas Academy and most importantly; a blood bought saint through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ by the grace of God. Together my husband Joe Castillo and I have four wonderfully made children by the names of Ricky (8), Rey (7), Olivia aka Boli (3), and Ezra (1.5). We are a homeschooling, chicken raising, family who enjoys growing in the word of God, using our time to learn alongside our friends and make memories with our family. We are members at Mission Bible Church East Valley, where the word is preached verse by verse.I am one of two directors that oversees the organization, logistics, classes, and curriculum here at Solas Academy.
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I can be reached at solasacademy24@gmail.com, ATTN: Lori Castillo, with any questions or concerns.Our vision for Solas Academy is to create a one stop shop for families who look to grow in their knowledge of Christ, take enrichment courses and create an environment where families with special needs children will grow alongside their peers. We are blessed to see Solas Academy expand to cater the needs of all children, and we are even more blessed to be the ones to serve your family.
Meet the teachers
In 2013, after teaching in traditional educational settings for over ten years, I decided to venture into the wonderful world of homeschooling when my first child, Audrey, started school; we’ve never looked back! Now with four school-aged children, we enjoy studying the world around us through travel, although we’re all home-bodies at heart and most prefer learning in the comfort of our own home. My personal love for history and interest in writing has prompted me to enter the classroom again, teaching ancient world history and writing and grammar classes this upcoming school year. I look forward to getting to know each of my students and their families soon!
Meet the teachers
Hi! My name is Sarah Bruce! I was saved by God’s grace in my teen years through a transformational encounter with God’s Word. In short, I thought I was a good person, then I was shocked to find out that according to God’s Law I was a liar, a blasphemer, and a murderer at heart (not a good person)! I then understood the Gospel, Jesus’ death and resurrection in my place, and I immediately wanted to tell everyone about Christ, including those who have never heard! My husband has a similar story, though his life was spent in Australia and my life was in Detroit! We have been married and living in Phoenix since 2020. We have two incredible daughters (so far): Taliah Grace and Moriah Torah. I desired to homeschool ever since I was saved, and that desire has not changed! Ever since high school I have been involved in teaching at various homeschool co-ops and helping students through one-on-one tutoring. I graduated Dec. 2023 with my B.A. in Christian Professional Studies, and I enjoy teaching Hebrew and Apologetics for Solas while mothering, helping my husband as he finishes his final year of seminary, and preparing for missionary work to an unreached people group. Solas has been absolutely incredible! It’s been such a joy and I can’t wait to continue!
