Homeschool Connections

Aquinas Writing Advantage

AWA LIVE Instructor

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Ryan Starrett, MA, ThM, MTS

AQUINAS WRITING ADVANTAGE

LIVE and Recorded Course Grader

Ryan Starrett, MA, ThM, MTS

Mr. Ryan Starrett earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in History from the University of Dallas with a Medieval and Renaissance Studies Concentration, a Master’s of Theology from the University of Dallas, a Master’s of History from Adams State University, and a Master’s of Theological Studies from Spring Hill College.

After teaching seven years at a Catholic School in north Texas, he returned home to Mississippi where he has taught at his Catholic alma mater for the past ten years. When he’s not teaching, Mr. Starrett enjoys reading, writing, playing sports, and adventuring with his family.

Ryan Starrett is the author of a dozen history books and one novel. He is currently working with his friend and co-author, Josh Foreman, on another work of history celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Ryan and Josh’s work can be perused at foremanstarrett.com.

Mr. Starrett grades the Middle School 7/8-Series writing courses with Aquinas Writing Advantage.

Meet Mr. Starrett

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Reilly Starrett, BA

AQUINAS WRITING ADVANTAGE

LIVE and Recorded Course Instructor

Reilly Starrett, BA

Mr. Reilly Starrett is a proud graduate of a Catholic K-12 education and holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy and a minor in Anthropology from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. He has extensive experience working with ESL learners in Chinandega, Nicaragua (2008, 2009); Kathmandu, Nepal (2012); and Denver, Colorado (2015). Since 2019, Mr. Starrett has lived in Yokohama and Tokyo, Japan, as an English Conversation and Essay Writing teacher for students of all ages, from preschool through adult. He also helps English as a Second Language (ESL) students improve their proficiency in writing, reading, listening, and speaking. Additionally, Mr. Starrett guides students in preparing for English proficiency tests such as the TOEIC, Eiken, and IELTS. He has also been a teacher with Aquinas Writing Advantage in 2022-2024 and 2026. When not teaching, Mr. Starrett loves reading and spending time with his family. Mr. Starrett teaches as both an Instructor Access and LIVE course instructor for the 10 Series courses.

Learn with Mr. Starrett

Check the current LIVE course catalog to see Mr. Starrett’s course offerings and sign up for his courses.

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Natalie Meyer Schira, BA

AQUINAS WRITING ADVANTAGE

LIVE Course Instructor
Middle School Writing Specialist

Natalie Meyer Schira, BA

Miss Natalie Meyer Schira, BA, proudly serves as a teacher of middle school English and writing. She graduated from Saint Mary’s College Notre Dame in 2012 with a major in English Literature and a minor in secondary education.

Since then, Miss Schira has dedicated herself to Catholic education, joyfully serving nine years teaching English in a Catholic high school in Iowa. Miss Schira has also been featured in publications and with awards and recognition for teaching and inspiration.

With a love of language and teaching, she is committed to cultivating students’ academic and emotional development and using her teaching credentials to collaborate with and support families and students. Miss Schira’s greatest loves include Christ, commas, communication, caffeine, and her beloved Chicago Cubs while living a life grounded in faith, joy, and opportunity.

To quote one of her favorite pieces of wisdom from her mother, “When life gives you hold music, dance.” Here at Aquinas Writing Advantage, Miss Schira is beginning her sixth year as a LIVE course teacher for the 6/7 and 7/8 Series middle school writing courses. She is also the Middle School Writing Support Specialist.

Meet Miss Schira

Learn with Miss Schira

Check the current LIVE catalog to see Miss Schira’s LIVE course offerings and sign up for her courses.

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Myron Manns, MA

AQUINAS WRITING ADVANTAGE

AWA LIVE Course Instructor

Myron Manns, MA

Myron Manns is a writer and educator with roots in journalism and a career that spans public policy, international law, and digital storytelling. He graduated with a bachelor’s in communications, composition, and rhetoric from the University of Michigan-Flint, and began his career covering cultural life, writing for My City Magazine and the Flint Journal. During this time, he worked part-time teaching enhanced writing skills to middle school and high school students enrolled in supplemental education programs.

He has since taught legal English in Paris and has created product marketing materials in English for several French companies. He is driven by a passion for simplifying complex ideas through clear and concise writing.

Mr. Manns teaches the Foundational Middle School Writing courses (6/7 Series) and High School Professional Writing courses.

Meet Mr. Manns

Learn with Mr. Manns

Check the current LIVE catalog to see Mr. Manns’ LIVE course offerings and sign up for her courses.

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Gracie Maimone, BA

AQUINAS WRITING ADVANTAGE

AWA LIVE Course Instructor

Gracie Maimone, BA

Gracie Maimone earned her Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in the Liberal Arts from Thomas More College in Merrimack, New Hampshire. In addition to her excellence in writing and communications focus, she is trained in the liberal arts, humanities, and philosophical and theological disciplines, with her academic career culminating in a thesis focusing on Christ’s parables and examining the importance of storytelling in the work of education.

After receiving her degree, Mrs. Maimone taught philosophy and theology for four years at the Chesterton Academy Schools in Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin, where she was guided by a two-fold mission: 1) to help students comprehend and rejoice in what is true, and 2) to equip students with skills for communicating the truth through clear and eloquent writing.

Mrs. Maimone is thrilled to serve as an instructor for the Aquinas Writing Advantage (AWA) 9 Series LIVE courses and to continue in the formation of students’ minds and hearts within their mastery of writing. And as a homeschooled student herself before completing her education and enjoying her career in teaching, Mrs. Maimone is uniquely qualified to connect with AWA students.

Mrs. Maimone is based in Northeastern Wisconsin, where she lives with her husband and two children. When not teaching or enjoying time with her family, she can be found with a cup of coffee and a book in hand, with her latest batch of sourdough bread in the oven.

Meet Mrs. Maimone

Learn with Mrs. Maimone

Check the current LIVE catalog to see Mrs. Maimone’s LIVE course offerings and sign up for her courses.