Hi, I’m Mikaela!

Educator, curriculum creator, author, and founder of Project Based Primary®

I’m so glad you are here! I’m a licensed early childhood educator with a degree in elementary education and over a decade of experience in classrooms and homeschooling communities, and I believe that big, meaningful learning is possible even for the littlest of learners. Whether I’m teaching in my  in-home micro school, or designing resources for educators around the world, my goal is always the same: to make learning purposeful, playful, and deeply engaging.

I specialize in project-based learning (PBL), early literacy and math, and hands-on instruction rooted in the science of how children learn best. My curriculum, materials, and printables are designed to support parents, teachers, and homeschool families in creating connected, child-centered experiences across all content areas.

At Project Based Primary®, you’ll find thoughtfully crafted resources, including complete curriculum units, printables, courses and teacher training, and hands on manipulatives. Everything I create is grounded in research, backed by classroom experience, and aligned to educational standards, because I know what it takes to engage learners and empower educators.

I’m also the author of Big Projects for Little Learners, a practical guide to implementing PBL in preschool-2nd grade settings. It’s filled with step-by-step strategies, real-life examples, and ready-to-go unit ideas to help you bring project-based learning to life.

When I am not doing all the teacher-y things, I am doing all the mom things! My family and I love to spend time outside in the sun, going camping, perusing antique shops, and having family movie nights. I also enjoy good snacks, good books, and summertime at the beach!

Hi, I’m Mike!

Head of Marketing and proud PBP parent

I lead marketing here at Project Based Primary, but I came to this work first as a parent.

My background is in design and marketing, where I’ve spent the past decade helping businesses tell their stories and connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. I’ve worked on everything from iPhone apps to brand campaigns, always with a focus on clarity, creativity, and impact.

But everything changed when my oldest son joined Project Based Primary. I watched him go from curious and energetic to confidently reading, writing, and doing math — all before kindergarten. It was incredible. As someone raised by two career educators, I’ve always valued early education, but seeing it work this powerfully for my own child made me want to get involved in a much deeper way.

Now, I get to help tell the story of a program that I truly believe in — one that fosters independence, creativity, and deep learning for kids from day one.

I live in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with my wife of 12 years and our two boys (5 and 3), who have completely turned my world upside down in the best way possible. We spend most of our time near the lake, on our bikes, or wherever we can find some sun. I also teach yoga on the side and ran my first marathon last year.

At the heart of everything I do — as a parent, a creative, and a teammate — is the belief that all children deserve the best educational experience we can offer them.

→ Mike is the behind the scenes master! This website? Mike. Your user experience? Mike. Marketing? Mike. Basically without Mike, this ship would sink.