Lori Walker
Lori Walker is passionate about the idea that learning is a natural process, and is an inherently fun process. It feels good to learn, so why are so many students bored and disengaged? Lori is the founder and Executive Director of Village Home, where learners have fun learning! Village Home is a learning community that is built on choice and autonomy for learners. Learners are all unique, with unique interests and learning styles. The Village Home model allows learners to pursue their interests as an individual while also participating in a family-friendly, community learning environment. Prior to founding Village Home in 2002, Lori was the Director of Training and Curriculum at Learning Forum, based in California, where she designed academic and life skills curriculum, trained teachers, and facilitated programs for teens. She also served as a facilitator herself at programs in the United States and abroad. Lori has over 12 years of experience teaching and training adults and children in a variety of subjects, from psychology to accounting for REITs. Lori is an engaging instructor who presents material in a way that is accessible and entertaining. She earned BA degrees, graduating summa cum laude with distinction and honors, from SMU in Business Management and Psychology, with an emphasis in child development. Lori’s two daughters provided the initial inspiration for Village Home, and her job as mom is the best job she will ever have. She lives in Beaverton with her daughters, husband, and assortment of four-legged animals.
Whitney Johnson
In addition to being an avid coffee lover, maker of things, and haver-of-fun, Whitney is a performer, writer, director, teaching artist, and improviser. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theater/Opera and her Master of Science in Communication from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Whitney has been teaching in one capacity or another for fifteen years, including working with local Portland organizations the Young People's Theatre Project, Sunnyside Environmental School, and Trackers Earth. Whitney wears many hats, having served as an Instructor, the Drama Program Director and a Choices Mentor at Village Home for the past ten years and she's loved every minute of it! She recently decided to add another hat to her collection in accepting the position of Associate Director for the Portland Campus starting this fall! In her spare time, Whitney enjoys performing with her all female improv troupe, Broad Selection, and is an ensemble member with Brainwaves Improv - the longest running improv troupe in Portland. When not on stage, Whitney enjoys playing the role of Mama to her delightful daughter, Lila.
- KBOO