We accept students year round, space permitting.
About Us
Our History
The Haven Academy is a spin off from Canton Homeschool Resources. This original program that has come to be known as CHR, started in 2012 in the home of Tammy Cesinger. It grew to move into a building in downtown Canton in 2013 and then again to an 8500 square foot building in 2018. As the desire for our services grew from parents , so did the desire by the students to come to school more often. We had successfully created an atmosphere of space and education that the kids wanted to be at and come to more than they were already coming as homeschool students on a hybrid 2 day schedule. From here, we grew. In 2019, we opened The Haven Academy. We have been accredited as a private school by Georgia Accreditation Commission and Cognia. Whether families are looking for homeschool help, a private school, or a hybrid in between, we have you covered!
In 2022, we bought 5 acres on Union Hill and have been building our new school. It is scheduled to open summer of 2024. It is much larger and will offer students indoor and outdoor spaces for learning.
We chose the name The Haven Academy because we pride ourselves on being a haven. We accept and love students of all faiths and backgrounds. We welcome diversity. We have a very strict anti- bully policy and actively engage in the promotion of kindness and support for one another. Many times students leave the public school system because they do not feel accepted or safe. They may have depression, anxiety, or medical issues. They may have left because they are gifted and find school too easy or because they are in the TV/film industry, traveling sports, or music. We have a huge variety of students in our school and we love that. We can learn and grow from one another. The Haven Academy is the perfect place for learning and growing.
Administration at The Haven Academy
Dr. Tammy Cesinger
Dr. Tammy Cesinger
Dr. Tammy Cesinger
Tammy is the founder of Canton Homeschool Resources which is the parent company of The Haven Academy. She opened the program for her own children using her educational background and desire for a child focused educational program that met the needs of students not met elsewhere in 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology
Tammy is the founder of Canton Homeschool Resources which is the parent company of The Haven Academy. She opened the program for her own children using her educational background and desire for a child focused educational program that met the needs of students not met elsewhere in 2012. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, a Master of Arts degree in Education with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction, and a Doctorate degree in Education Administration. Her doctoral dissertation was on hybrid education. She has experience teaching 6th-12th grade in the public alternative and regular school system in Los Angeles and Riverside counties in California where she received her original teaching certification in k-12 multiple subject, self contained education. Tammy is married to Steve and between the two of them have 5 grown children. Tammy acts as an administrator at the school.
Renee Barrineau
Dr. Tammy Cesinger
Dr. Tammy Cesinger
Renee is an administrator at The Haven Academy. She is mom to two great teen boys and is married to Clay, her college sweetheart. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Middle Grades Education, a Master of Early Childhood Education degree, and an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Her capstone project, when com
Renee is an administrator at The Haven Academy. She is mom to two great teen boys and is married to Clay, her college sweetheart. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Middle Grades Education, a Master of Early Childhood Education degree, and an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Her capstone project, when completing her Educational Specialist degree, was on the effectiveness of hands-on learning in the classroom. Renee has taught in the public school systems of Dekalb, Paulding, and Cobb counties. She is active in the community and formerly served as PTA president for Macedonia Elementary School in Canton. Renee has been at Canton Homeschool Resources and The Haven Academy since 2012.
Leah Smith
Dr. Tammy Cesinger
Leah Smith
Leah is a Georgia native and has lived in the north Georgia area all her life. She has her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and is currently completing her Masters degree in Educational Leadership. She has a passion for making learning hands-on and FUN! Making connections with each student and facilitating active learnin
Leah is a Georgia native and has lived in the north Georgia area all her life. She has her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and is currently completing her Masters degree in Educational Leadership. She has a passion for making learning hands-on and FUN! Making connections with each student and facilitating active learning are two of Leah's super powers! She has been a part of our school family since 2013. She has left the regular classroom for an administrative role starting fall of 2022.
Leah loves music, the outdoors, fishing, all types of animals (even spiders, insects, and snakes), and Marvel and Star Wars movies. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Eugene, and is a mom to three amazingly fun kids
Leah is a teacher that kids never forget. She tells her students, "School is supposed to be fun ~ laughing is expected!"
Leanne Schulman
Tiffiany Holsenbeck
Leanne grew up in Minnesota. She and her husband, Carl, have been married for almost 30 years. She went to school in CA and moved around with her husband's job. Together they have 2 boys, Zach and Devan. Leanne graduated from California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor Degree in Finance. When she has time, she enjoys garden
Leanne grew up in Minnesota. She and her husband, Carl, have been married for almost 30 years. She went to school in CA and moved around with her husband's job. Together they have 2 boys, Zach and Devan. Leanne graduated from California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor Degree in Finance. When she has time, she enjoys gardening, reading, and doing genealogy. She has been with our school since 2018. She works as part of our accounting team collecting tuition and teaches finance related courses to high schoolers. Leanne also helps our teens keep up to date on their work at our school.
Tiffiany Holsenbeck
Tiffiany Holsenbeck
Tiffiany has been a 4th grade teacher at our school since 2018. She will be an administrator full time for the 2022-2023 school year. She has three children who attend our school and she is married to Brett. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master of Science in Education with a focus in Reading and Mathematics, a Reading E
Tiffiany has been a 4th grade teacher at our school since 2018. She will be an administrator full time for the 2022-2023 school year. She has three children who attend our school and she is married to Brett. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master of Science in Education with a focus in Reading and Mathematics, a Reading Endorsement, and is Gifted Certified. She has taught for 13 years in both the traditional school setting and in a virtual charter school. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors, reading, doughnuts and everything pink!
Joyce Estes
Julia Martin
Joyce has a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and is certified in secondary math instruction. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Instructional Technologies. Joyce is married to Ted who is a public school teacher and pastor. They have two boys who attend CHR. She is an amazing math teacher. Joyce has been with CHR since 2014.
Julia Martin
Julia Martin
Julia is a social studies teacher and has been teaching with us since 2019. She has Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Political Science from Albion College in Michigan. She enjoys reading, crafting, and anything outdoors.
Jennifer Mcdaniels
Jennifer has a Bachelor of Science in Education and a minor in Special Education. She was certified in Elementary Education and has many years of educational experience in and out of the classroom. She is teaching 5th grade starting in the fall of 2024.
Dawn Hagle
Abigail Hayman
Dawn has a Bachelors of Science degree in Commercial Recreation. She is Ortan Gillingham trained. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Brian and together they have three children, Madeline , Davis, and Emma. After many years as a second grade teacher at our school, a second grade teacher, she is moving to kindergarten for the 2
Dawn has a Bachelors of Science degree in Commercial Recreation. She is Ortan Gillingham trained. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Brian and together they have three children, Madeline , Davis, and Emma. After many years as a second grade teacher at our school, a second grade teacher, she is moving to kindergarten for the 2025 school year as our current one retires from our school. Dawn loves hanging out with her family, running, and drinking coffee with fellow CHR teacher, Mrs. Christy. Dawn has been with CHR since the Fall of 2017.
Abigail Hayman
Abigail Hayman
Abigail Hayman
Abigail Hayman will be teaching Social Studies and Language Arts for middle and high school this 2025/2026 school year. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a Master’s in Professional Writing from Kennesaw State University! Abigail is passionate about differentiated instruction and is completing an Associate’s deg
Abigail Hayman will be teaching Social Studies and Language Arts for middle and high school this 2025/2026 school year. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a Master’s in Professional Writing from Kennesaw State University! Abigail is passionate about differentiated instruction and is completing an Associate’s degree in Orton-Gillingham. She is a professional writer with a Professional Writing and Journalism background. Abigail attended The Haven Academy as a student when she was in high school. She loves all things Disney!
Lindsey cameron
Abigail Hayman
Abigail Hayman
Lindsey is overjoyed to be joining the Haven Academy family for the 2024-2025 school year as our 4th grade teacher. Lindsey holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education from Kennesaw State University and is Reading Certified. She is Ortan Gillingham trained. She brings with her over 14 years of elementary teaching and instructional c
Lindsey is overjoyed to be joining the Haven Academy family for the 2024-2025 school year as our 4th grade teacher. Lindsey holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education from Kennesaw State University and is Reading Certified. She is Ortan Gillingham trained. She brings with her over 14 years of elementary teaching and instructional coaching experience from other local private schools. Born and raised in Georgia, she is married to her high school sweetheart Bobby of 24 years. Together, they have two children Sawyer June (age 11) and Asher Foxx (age 5).She prides herself on providing a warm and energetic classroom environment; which thrives off of hands on learning. Her favorite subjects are english and science. She adores all things music, reading, photo journaling, Vans sneakers, travel adventures with her family, the beach, turtles, summer, Halloween, and the colors black, white, & green.
Clay Barrineau
Victoria Harris
Clay Barrineau
Clay is our technology consultant. He earned a Bachelors Degrees in Business/Computer Science and Philosophy from Oglethorpe University and a Master's Degree in Decision Science from Georgia State. Married to Renee and a technology specialist at Google, he has been helping our school off-site in the area of technology since 2012. He presently serves on our Leadership Advisory Board as well.
Steve Cesinger
Victoria Harris
Clay Barrineau
Steve is our financial specialist and assists in financial and developmental planning. He is the global co-founder and chief investment officer of Valor Hospitality and has over 35 years experience in private equity, corporate finance, investments, real estate, and hospitality. He received his Bachelor's of Science in Accounting from Cal
Steve is our financial specialist and assists in financial and developmental planning. He is the global co-founder and chief investment officer of Valor Hospitality and has over 35 years experience in private equity, corporate finance, investments, real estate, and hospitality. He received his Bachelor's of Science in Accounting from Cal Poly Pomona and his Master's in Business Administration (MBA) with a triple emphasis in Finance, Marketing, and Management Information Systems from UCLA. Married to Tammy, he has been helping our school in the areas of finance and planning off-site since 2014. He presently sits on the leadership advisory board as well.
Victoria Harris
Victoria Harris
Victoria Harris
Victoria is a Haven Academy graduate and holds a Bachelors Degree in Business . She has been working with us as an assistant teacher since 2020. She is completing her student teaching at our school as well as her Masters Degree in Education. She is our second grade and ASL teacher. She is Ortan Gillingham trained.
Angela Ikert
Coach Matt Rumble
Victoria Harris
Angela has Bachelor of Arts degree in French from Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada. She is married to Stephen. She came to us in 2021 and has been working as a parapro, French teacher, and electives teacher for elementary children since. She is Ortan Gillingham trained.
Coach Matt Rumble
Coach Matt Rumble
Coach Matt Rumble
Matt has been teaching PE and Health for the past 32 years. He retired from Cherokee County School System in 2023. He has a Masters Degree in PE in Health from the University of North Georgia and is Certified in PE/ Health. He is married to his best friend, Angel, of 25 years, who is also a teacher. They love to travel and play games to
Matt has been teaching PE and Health for the past 32 years. He retired from Cherokee County School System in 2023. He has a Masters Degree in PE in Health from the University of North Georgia and is Certified in PE/ Health. He is married to his best friend, Angel, of 25 years, who is also a teacher. They love to travel and play games together. They have three wonderful children and three fantastic grandchildren. Matt’s favorite way to spend his time is hanging around his family, playing sports and laughing together.
Ashley Murdoch
Coach Matt Rumble
Coach Matt Rumble
Ashley is married to her husband Adam and they have two teenage girls plus a very loving Goldendoodle! She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication. She also earned her Certification in Early Childhood Education from Brenau University. Ashley was recently trained in Orton-Gillingham Plus a
Ashley is married to her husband Adam and they have two teenage girls plus a very loving Goldendoodle! She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication. She also earned her Certification in Early Childhood Education from Brenau University. Ashley was recently trained in Orton-Gillingham Plus and is excited to implement these strategies in the classroom to help her students thrive in literacy. Over the years she has taught 2nd grade, 5th grade, preschool music and assisted in Kindergarten/1st grade. She loves working with children of all ages and learning styles. Her passion is to make learning fun by bringing excitement and laughter to the classroom. Ashley loves spending time with family/friends, cheering her daughters on with their sports, the beach, Disney, hiking, family movie nights and going on adventures! Her mission as a teacher is to create a safe/loving space for all students so their confidence, learning, creativity and friendships can grow! Ashley will be teaching 1st grade and can’t wait to meet her new classroom family!!
Tori Jones
Stephani Campbell
Stephani Campbell
Tori teaches middle and high school language arts. She is taking over our Musical Theater program as our teacher of several years retires from the position. Tori graduated from UGA with a Bachelors Degree in English and a certificate in Creative Writing. She has passed the GACE teaching exam. She has experience as a teacher assistant and joined our school as a teacher in 2023.
Stephani Campbell
Stephani Campbell
Stephani Campbell
Stephani joined CHR in 2017 and teaches high school math. She has 3 super fun boys. She enjoys watching her kids play sports, especially soccer and taekwondo. She loves spending time outside and taking family trips. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 2005 with a Bachelor of Special in Education and is certified in second
Stephani joined CHR in 2017 and teaches high school math. She has 3 super fun boys. She enjoys watching her kids play sports, especially soccer and taekwondo. She loves spending time outside and taking family trips. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 2005 with a Bachelor of Special in Education and is certified in secondary math education in grades 6-12. She has taught middle school and high school math and science, online and in brick and mortar schools, for many years.
Abby Bester
Stephani Campbell
Meghan Ambrose
Abby teaches art at our school. She has been working with special FX makeup since 2017 and graduated from Paul Mitchell’s Esthetician Certificate program in 2020 while graduating from The Haven Academy. She then went to NYC to complete MUD Makeup Designory’s Master Makeup Art Certificate Program and graduated from there as well. After mo
Abby teaches art at our school. She has been working with special FX makeup since 2017 and graduated from Paul Mitchell’s Esthetician Certificate program in 2020 while graduating from The Haven Academy. She then went to NYC to complete MUD Makeup Designory’s Master Makeup Art Certificate Program and graduated from there as well. After moving back to Georgia, she started attending Kennesaw State University where she now is studying for a Bachelors Degree in Art with a focus in Sculpture. She worked the front desk for a year at The Haven Academy before NYC and since has done jobs doing makeup for New York Fashion as well as short films and student films. She also does makeup seasonally for Six Flags Fright Fest and local film.
Meghan Ambrose
Meghan Ambrose
Meghan Ambrose
Meghan has a Bachelors of Fine Arts from Atlanta College of Art and has spent the last 25 years in varying roles in the education field. 15 of those years she spent training as a Reading Therapist and working with children from 4yrs-18yrs old with learning differences. While working with children has her heart, she also is a local artist
Meghan has a Bachelors of Fine Arts from Atlanta College of Art and has spent the last 25 years in varying roles in the education field. 15 of those years she spent training as a Reading Therapist and working with children from 4yrs-18yrs old with learning differences. While working with children has her heart, she also is a local artist and spends most of her free time covered in paint, clay or playing with stained glass. Married 18 years with 2 boys, she enjoys time with her family and is always happy to have her feet in the sand at the beach or watching a sunset in the mountains with her guys. She is so excited to join The Haven Academy where her youngest son is a attends. Meghan is an elementary paraprofessional at our school.
Anna Hildago
Meghan Ambrose
Anna Hildago
Anna has been at our school since 2023. She is a high school teacher assistant and student support teacher. She is working on a Bachelor's degree in business at KSU. Anna helps students stay on track and closely monitors grades. She works with students who need extra help and assists in ensuring students are staying on task.
Nate Bester
Meghan Ambrose
Anna Hildago
Nate started working at our school in 2025 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Biology at the University of Hawaii, Manoa in Honolulu. He has passed the GACE science teaching exam in Ga. He is teaching middle and high school science and math classes. He has been around The Haven Academy since its inception, helpin
Nate started working at our school in 2025 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Biology at the University of Hawaii, Manoa in Honolulu. He has passed the GACE science teaching exam in Ga. He is teaching middle and high school science and math classes. He has been around The Haven Academy since its inception, helping on school breaks while in college, and was a student at Haven (CHR) in elementary and middle school.
Jessica Anderson
Jessica Anderson
Jessica Anderson
Jessica teaches third grade at The Haven Academy. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Kennesaw State University and is Reading Certified. She is Orton Gillingham trained. Jessica is married to her high-school sweetheart, Chase. She is a mother, animal lover, and children’s book author. Jessica is passionate about helping every student become a confident reader and lifelong learner.
Casey Miller
Jessica Anderson
Jessica Anderson
Casey Miller joins Haven Academy with a strong background in education, having taught preschool, kindergarten, and middle school since earning her Bachelor's Degree in Middle Grades Education in 2010. She is passionate about fostering a positive, nurturing environment where students feel loved, supported, and excited to learn.
Casey was f
Casey Miller joins Haven Academy with a strong background in education, having taught preschool, kindergarten, and middle school since earning her Bachelor's Degree in Middle Grades Education in 2010. She is passionate about fostering a positive, nurturing environment where students feel loved, supported, and excited to learn.
Casey was first introduced to Haven as a parent and instantly connected with its welcoming, tight-knit community and the genuine care that fills the school. She’s thrilled to now be part of the team and contribute to the environment.
She and her high school sweetheart are married and proud parents to three fun loving children. Outside the classroom, Casey has a soft spot for all kinds of critters—furry, feathered, scaly, shelled, or slimy—and she enjoys staying active,
especially spending time outdoors and wake surfing with her family on the lake.
Casey teaches middle school science and is a student support teacher.
Brandy Kernan
Jessica Anderson
Brandy Kernan
Brandy is thrilled to be joining the The Haven Academy for the 2025–2026 school year as a paraprofessional. She brings with her a nurturing heart, and a love for working with children. Brandy values creating a warm, welcoming environment where all students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow.
She is a Georgia native and is marri
Brandy is thrilled to be joining the The Haven Academy for the 2025–2026 school year as a paraprofessional. She brings with her a nurturing heart, and a love for working with children. Brandy values creating a warm, welcoming environment where all students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow.
She is a Georgia native and is married to her best friend Jake, together they enjoy spending time as a family, going on little adventures, and cheering each other on through all of life’s seasons. She will be joining our school alongside her their 2 children, Tanner (11) and Madison (8).
Abby Smith
Officer Rick
Officer Rick
Abby Smith's bio and picture are coming soon!
Officer Rick
Officer Rick
Officer Rick
My name is Frederick (Rick) Evans. I am pleased to be your school resource officer for The Haven Academy. I look forward to working with the students, administrators, teachers, and parents to forge a great partnership during this upcoming school year and beyond. I am a former US Air Force veteran, and I served the majority of my time
My name is Frederick (Rick) Evans. I am pleased to be your school resource officer for The Haven Academy. I look forward to working with the students, administrators, teachers, and parents to forge a great partnership during this upcoming school year and beyond. I am a former US Air Force veteran, and I served the majority of my time with the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing, US Air Forces in Europe, on a long overseas tour of duty, serving a total of four years active duty and two years reserve duty. After serving in the air force, I began my law enforcement career, and I now have over twenty five years of law enforcement experience. I have served in many positions during my law enforcement career to include patrol, investigations, and supervisory and management positions. I have had the opportunity to serve on tactical units such as SWAT, and have participated in special investigations during my tenure, as well as serving for the district attorney’s office as an investigator. I hold a State of Georgia certification as a school resource officer. In addition to law enforcement service, I also currently serve in the Georgia Guard, and I am assigned to the planning and operations section. I am a graduate of the University of Louisville and the Southern Police Institute. I am honored to be entrusted with serving at The Haven Academy. My goal is to facilitate a safe environment for all students and staff so that students have a great learning environment.
John Cribb
Officer Rick
John Cribb
John is a retired career tech teacher, and for the past 31 years, he has taught Technology Education, engineering, and the Audio Video Technology and Film Pathway. He has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from GA Southern University. John attended Valdosta State University where he obtained M.Ed in Adult and Care
John is a retired career tech teacher, and for the past 31 years, he has taught Technology Education, engineering, and the Audio Video Technology and Film Pathway. He has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from GA Southern University. John attended Valdosta State University where he obtained M.Ed in Adult and Career Education and a Specialist in Instructional Technology. John teaches Foundations of Engineering, Intro to Digital Tech, and Audio-Video Technology and Film I. He is married to Amanda, and they recently celebrated their fifth anniversary.
Final Days to Enroll in Time for A Fall First Day Start!!
Please schedule a call/tour on our website front page as the 1st step. All enrollment steps must be complete by July 25 to attend Meet and Greet sessions! It must be complete by July 30 to guarantee your child to be able to start school on the first day!