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 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, courses, and memberships 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 memberships. 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 and kindergarten 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 Sarah!

I am a passionate educator and mom with a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Performance and Education. I’m  K-12 certified in theatre and speech and have taught students of all ages in multiple disciplines, including theatre, speech, debate, and journalism. I worked for seven years as a public school teacher, and am currently an instructor of children’s theatre & speech workshops. As an educator, I am dedicated to ensuring all kids have access to educational opportunities that allow for creative expression and I am a champion of inclusive classroom spaces where every learner feels safe and welcome. 

When I am not working with the dream team at Project Based Primary, I love to grow and arrange flowers, attempt to craft, and spend time with my family. 

→ Sarah is the organizational master of PBP. She keeps all the spreadsheets, she organizes all the links and materials, she makes the pretty posts and stories you see on social media, and she gets back to your emails way faster than Mikaela ever did. Without Sarah, well, we don’t even want to think about that…

Hi, I’m Mike!

Head of Marketing and proud PBL 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 education 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.

Hi, I’m Kinsey!

I’m a former elementary school teacher turned curriculum designer with a deep love for education and creativity. I graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in K–8 Education, along with endorsements in ESL and Fine Arts. I spent six years teaching 1st and 2nd grade before shifting into curriculum design, where I’ve been creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences for over four years now.

When I’m not designing lessons, you’ll find me outside on our family farm, riding horses, getting crafty, or playing with my kids. I married my elementary school crush, who spends his days working as a lineman and his evenings and weekends as a rancher. Together, we have a bright and sassy 5-year-old daughter and a sweet, strong 2-year-old son who was born with a congenital heart defect—he has taught us just how precious and beautiful life really is. I’m always striving to be a “fun mom” and love making everyday moments feel special and memorable.

Designing activities for early learners is truly one of my greatest passions. I love finding creative, hands-on ways to make foundational skills come alive for young learners. There's nothing more rewarding than knowing the resources I create can spark curiosity, build confidence, and make learning feel like play. Whether it’s through storytelling, art, or purposeful practice, I’m always inspired by the magic that happens when little minds light up with understanding.

→ Kinsey is the printable perfector! She is always updating printables, making everything current and easy on the eyes, adding word lists, fixing typos, and working on new materials PBP is excited to bring you! She’s a speed-demon and we don’t know how she does it all so fast!