Meet The Team
Founder: Karlie Hesler
As a licensed emergency medicine physician assistant, Karlie found herself being led by God the last few years to seek out something different for her kids and their education. She lives on a quiet farm with her husband, Dan, and their three children. Outside of their day jobs in medicine, they grow field crops, garden, hunt, and enjoy family rides on the Ranger around the farm. Karlie knew she wanted a Christ-centered education for her 3 kids and the opportunity to be with her children more than just a few hours in the evenings. She and her husband made the decision to homeschool her kids for a couple of years before God ultimately called her to the creation of Freedom Schoolhouse. With her own children serving as the inspiration behind it all, she will serve as an aide in the classroom once again.
Lead Teacher: Sue Frazee
Sue Frazee is excited to be joining Freedom Schoolhouse as the lead teacher. She graduated Purdue University in 1997 with a degree in education. She taught 5th grade for two years and then 2nd grade for four years in the North Montgomery School Corporation. Sue and her family moved to Fountain County where she left full-time teaching and served as an aide in order to spend more time at home with her family. In 2011, she was hired by Fountain Central. Throughout her time there she has served as an aide, Title 1 teacher, and has spent her last 9 years teaching 3rd grade. Sue brings 20 years of experience to Freedom Schoolhouse and is passionate about educating children. She believes all kids can learn; we just have to find the way to reach each one. Sue and her husband have been married for 29 years and have six amazing children. They also have a wonderful daughter-in-law and future in-laws that will join the family. Sue attends Pleasant Hill Church in Wingate and will be a great asset in teaching the students of Freedom Schoolhouse about Jesus.
Aide: Jessica Haslam
Jessica is a devoted mother, wife and follower of Christ. Having similar motivation as Karlie to provide her children with something different than the traditional school model, Jessica made the sacrifice to stay home with her children and began homeschooling her oldest son a few years ago. She and her husband, Cody, have two sons whom she intends to teach in the schoolhouse. She and her husband have recently built their own house from the ground up. Jessica offers a lot of knowledge and experience in gardening and animal husbandry. She is excited about this coming school year and is committed to giving your child the same dedication and compassion as she would her own.
Aide: Alaina Thomen
My name is Alaina Thomen. I am 35 years old and am originally from Martinsville, IN. I moved to Crawfordsville when I became an Indiana State Trooper. I have been a trooper for 10 years. My husband, Austin and I have been married for almost 7 years. He is also with the state police, however was previously a Montgomery County Sheriff Deputy. We have two boys who are full of energy; John (JET) 5 and Garret 3.
With work it's tricky but we have been homeschooling for a year.
For work, I currently work patrol in the areas of Montgomery, Fountain, Warren, and Benton Counties. I have been a firearms instructor for the State Police for 6 years. When I can, I like to work out or go hiking.
A few things about my boys: they are friendly, loving, and caring among many other great qualities and characteristics. They are the best of friends. They are avenger loving little boys, specifically Captain America and Hulk. Monster trucks, dinosaurs, ninja turtles and anything "boy", they love. They worship Jesus when they play, even when music isn't playing. They recite bible verses and educate me on Jesus' word daily.
I am extremely excited about this alternative way of schooling. I believe my boys will thrive in this learning environment. As Christians, I believe it will align with our families' values and morals.
Assistant Teacher: Mackenzy Newnum
I am excited to introduce myself as Mackenzy Newnum, the Assistant Teacher at Freedom Schoolhouse!
I bring three years of public school teaching experience and a genuine heart for serving students and their families. While I have loved my time in public education, I am excited to step into this next chapter, one I feel God has clearly called me into.
I believe teaching is more than a profession; it is a calling from God to love, guide, and support each child as an individual. My faith, passion for students, and desire to partner with families align beautifully with the mission and values of Freedom Schoolhouse.
My husband and I live in Kingman with our 1.5-year-old son, and we attend church in Rockville, where my faith continues to grow. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy hiking, baking, and spending quality time with my family and loved ones.
I am so grateful to join the Freedom Schoolhouse team and am excited for the care, encouragement, and dedication I will bring to the students!
Assistant Kindergarten Teacher: Josephine Harshbarger
Hello! My name is Josephine Harshbarger and I am thrilled to announce I am taking on the role as the Assistant Kindergarten Teacher at the Freedom Schoolhouse!
I recently graduated from Fountain Central High School where I found my passion for teaching young minds through the Elementary Education Professions Vocational. This year I have had the privilege to be a teacher’s assistant in the 4th and 5th grade, as well as coach the 6th grade volleyball and Jr.High swim and dive teams at Fountain Central.
In my free time I love to sew, bake, spend time with loved ones and participate in all of my queen duties at Miss Fountain County 2025! I also am a member of Sterling Christian Church and teach a 4th and 5th grade girls Sunday School Class, where I love growing their passion for God!
I am beyond grateful for this blessing God has put before me, and can’t wait to start this next school year!
Pre-school Teacher: Tiffany Frazee
Tiffany Frazee is thrilled to be joining Freedom Schoolhouse as the pre school teacher. Tiffany is Fountain County born and raised. She graduated from Fountain Central in 2024 where she attended Fountain Centrals' elementary educational program in the Life skills classroom for 2 years. After high school, Tiffany continued to work in the life skills room and an instructional aide untill May of 2025 where she started at Indiana Full Spectrum Therapies as a registered behavior technician. Tiffany enjoys the summer time by playing fetch and swimming with her dogs. Tiffany and her Husband enjoy going to tractor shows and working on there own small garden tractors and vehicles together. Tiffany is so excited and honered to be given this opportunity to teach children the basics of phonics and numbers. Tiffany attends Pleasant Hill United Church in Wingate with her Husband's family.
Aide: Jaclyn Swaim
Hi! My name is Jaclyn Swaim and I’m excited for this second year at Freedom Schoolhouse. We loved having our daughter attend last year and I’m even more excited to be an aide this year in the PreK room.
I worked as a medical assistant in pediatrics and dermatology prior to being a stay at home mom. I’m an avid reader and iced coffee drinker. I’m pretty much obsessed with home design and DIY. On the weekends, during the season, you can find us at Sugar Mill Campground at our permanent site.
Our family loved the idea of Freedom from the moment we first heard about its creation. It has been awesome to see it all come to life and our daughter flourish this last year. I’m looking forward to being in the classroom and getting to know the kids and families better.