Meet the Tutors
Home & School Tutoring Pods was founded by two homeschooling, Christian moms, Joanna Meliti and LeAnn Tipton. They have also worked as local homeschool co-op teachers, hybrid co-op teachers, and private tutors over the last several years. We're excited to have added additional tutors for the upcoming school year. All of the tutors are accredited with Bachelor and Masters Degrees of Education, with specializations in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, and Learning Disabilities.
Amy Hollyfield
Lower Elementary Grades Tutor
Mondays & Wednesdays
Grades K-1
About the tutor
Amy Hollyfield earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and later her Master’s degree in Elementary Education from University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She began her teaching career in Sevier County schools, where she taught elementary students from 2010–2016. During her years in the classroom, Amy developed a passion for helping young learners build confidence, curiosity, and a strong academic foundation during their earliest years of education.
After leaving the classroom to become a stay-at-home mom, Amy continued investing in education and her local community through substitute teaching and active involvement in her child’s school PTO. Since 2023, her family has also embraced the homeschooling journey, giving her additional experience supporting individualized learning and helping children thrive in a home education environment.
Amy especially enjoys working with early elementary students in the K–1 age group. She believes early education is about equipping children with the tools and building blocks they need to become successful, independent learners. Amy strives to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment where students feel encouraged to explore, ask questions, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Amy and her family live in Sevier County, Tennessee, where they enjoy spending time together exploring the mountains and lake, playing tourist around town, and relaxing at home as a family.
Amy looks forward to partnering with families through Home & School Tutoring Pods and helping each child grow academically, socially, and confidently throughout their learning journey.
Jamie Smith
Lower Elementary Grades Tutor
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Grades K-1
About the tutor
Jamie graduated Tusculum University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Growth and Learning, K-6. She spent the next eight years in the Hamblen County school system, the last six years of which were spent teaching first grade. In 2022, the Lord called her to homeschool. It has been the best decision for her family, and she is so thankful she trusted in His plan!
Jamie was born and raised in Morristown, TN. She is married to her husband of almost 16 years. They have two children, a daughter, 13, and a son, 8. They live on a farm in Russellville. They are very active in their church, where Jamie serves as the Primary Sunday School Teacher (ages 6-8) and Women’s Group President.
Outside of teaching and church activities, she enjoy just spending time with family and friends. Jamie and her family love going to Dollywood. They buy and resell miscellaneous items for fun. There is never a dull moment with the Smith Family!
She looks forward to this new chapter the Lord has led her to! She is excited to be able to support the homeschooling community by tutoring the age group she loves to teach! She believes every child learns differently and at different paces, so she strives to meet all kids where they are in their learning.
Joanna Meliti
Co-Director & Co-Founder
Middle Elementary Grades Tutor
Monday - Thursday
Grades 2-3
About the tutor
Joanna Meliti graduated college in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and earned a Master of Science in Inclusive Education in 2013. During her 11 years of teaching in the classroom at private schools, she served as a summer camp director, K-3 team leader, school board teacher representative, mentor teacher, and author of a K-12 Language Arts Framework project. She was awarded Student Teacher of the Year/Dean’s Award in Education, Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, and nominated for Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Outstanding Young Educator Award.
In 2019, she decided to be a stay-at-home mom shortly after her daughter was born. When Joanna stepped back into teaching, she was a private homeschool tutor for families and has taught at co-ops for the past five years. Joanna is excited to blend her experience as a classroom teacher and a private homeschool tutor to continue helping families as a co-director of Home & School Tutoring Pods.
Joanna has a passion for working with young learners! She enjoys helping her students’ progress in all areas of their development—social and academic. She strives to create a positive and fun learning environment for her students, so they feel nurtured and supported as they learn and grow.
Outside of teaching, Joanna enjoys spending time with her husband, Brett, and their daughter. Joanna and Brett met at 13 years old and have been married for 19 years. Joanna enjoys reading, camping, baking, spending time with family, and relaxing at the beach.
She looks forward to working together with you as partners in your child’s growth and development!
LeAnn Tipton
Co-Director & Co-Founder
Upper Elementary Grades Tutor
Mondays & Wednesdays
Grades 4-5
About the tutor
With a heart for nurturing young minds and a dedication to fostering a love for learning, LeAnn Tipton embarked on her teaching career in 2001 in southern Alabama. Throughout her teacher training, she was drawn to the constructivist educational method, which empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey and fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. LeAnn received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Troy State University Dothan (2013) and later earned her Master's degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (2017). She taught all subjects and grade levels, K-5, in Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Throughout her tenure as a public school teacher, LeAnn not only excelled in the classroom but also played instrumental roles as a reading curriculum coach, summer school interventionist, mentor teacher, and contributor to state curriculum standards. After almost 12 years of teaching in public schools, she decided to become a stay-at-home mom and began homeschooling her own children in 2015.
LeAnn lives on her family farm in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee, with her husband, Jim, and their two daughters, Amelia and Lili. Aside from farm chores, they stay active with their church, family, and friends. LeAnn is grateful to God for allowing her to continue her own family’s homeschooling journey and leading her to this important educational support role in her community.
LeAnn's focus with Home & School Tutoring Pods is to assist every student in finding success and joy in their homeschooling journey. With so many options and obstacles in education today, it is sometimes difficult for families to navigate all the academic and social aspects without proper support. LeAnn hopes her professional experience and personal encouragement will help bridge those gaps and insure growth and achievement for all learners.
Carrie Thompson
Upper Elementary Grades Tutor
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Grades 4-5
About the tutor
Carrie Thompson received her Bachelor’s degree at Tennessee Tech in Elementary Education in 2005 and a Master’s degree from Trevecca University in English Language Learning in 2010. She spent 18 years teaching in Metro Nashville Public Schools, where she developed a strong foundation in supporting diverse learners and creating engaging, student-centered classrooms.
After relocating to White Pine three years ago, Carrie transitioned to homeschooling her three children—a role she has embraced with enthusiasm and joy. This experience has deepened her appreciation for individualized instruction and the importance of meeting each learner’s unique needs.
Outside of her work in education, Carrie treasures time with her family. She and her husband, Cliff, have been married for 22 years and are raising their three children—Parker (15), Annalee (13), and Adeline (8). Together, they enjoy playing games and working puzzles, reading, kayaking, cooking, and caring for their many dogs, cats, and chickens.
Carrie is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop strong academic skills, and foster a lifelong love of learning. She is excited to be part of the team at Home and School Tutoring Pods.
