FOUNDERS
Melinda Usallan is a passionate educator with 24 years of experience dedicated to helping students succeed and fostering a love for learning. She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed) in Reading from Barry University and is a licensed educator through the Florida Department of Education. Melinda is certified in Elementary Education (K-6), holds an ESOL endorsement, and is an Orton-Gillingham (IMSE), certified member.
With a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives, Melinda fosters a supportive and welcoming classroom atmosphere where every student can thrive. She is especially dedicated to teaching reading, and her expertise in this field enables her to engage with students at different levels, helping them build strong foundations for continuous growth.
Outside of her professional life, Melinda enjoys time spent with her family. She has been happily married to her husband, Jason, for 25 years, and together they raise two sons, Jake and Logan, and share their home with their dog, Abby. Whether enjoying quiet moments reading, relaxing at the beach, or exploring the beautiful Florida Keys, her faith remains the guiding light in everything she does. It’s the heart of who she is and the foundation that shapes her every day.
Melinda Usallan
M.Ed
Monique Guido
M.Ed
Monique Guido is a dedicated educator with 23 years of experience, deeply committed to making a positive impact on her students’ lives. With a Master of Education (M.Ed) from Florida State University and holds a Professional Educator License from the Florida Department of Education, Monique has honed her expertise through specialized certifications in Varying Exceptionalities K-12, Elementary Education, and endorsements in ESOL and Reading. She is also trained in Orton-Gillingham (IMSE), Learning Without Tears, and Lindamood-Bell’s LiPS and Visualizing and Verbalizing programs.
Beyond her professional qualifications, Monique is passionate about creating an inclusive and nurturing learning environment where all students can thrive. Her commitment to lifelong learning and teaching goes hand-in-hand with her love for helping others succeed, both in and outside the classroom.
When she’s not teaching, Monique treasures time with her family—her husband, Lester, and their curious 10-year-old son, Lucas. Together, they love to explore new places and go mountain biking. Her other hobbies include gardening, cooking, and always learning something new.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand you likely have questions as you explore homeschooling options for your family. Here are some of the most common inquiries we receive at The Rooted Schoolhouse:
1. Financial Assistance
Do you accept Step Up For Students Scholarships? Yes, The Rooted Schoolhouse is proud to be a provider for the Step Up For Students Scholarship program. We believe in making quality homeschooling accessible to as many families as possible.
2. Academics & Learning
Will students be required to complete homework outside of school hours? No, at The Rooted Schoolhouse, we focus on engaging and comprehensive learning experiences within our program hours. We believe this approach allows for a balanced family life outside of our learning environment.
What is the main difference between the Full Time (Path I) and Full Time Hybrid (Path II) programs? [You will need to provide the specific differences here. For example:]
Full Time (Path I): This program offers [Number] days of on-site learning per week, providing a fully immersive learning experience at our Miami Springs location.
Full-Time Hybrid (Path II): This program combines [Number] days of on-site learning with [Number] days of structured learning at home, offering a blend of in-person instruction and flexible home-based learning.
How are students grouped for learning? Students at The Rooted Schoolhouse are thoughtfully grouped into multi-age "Bands." This fosters a collaborative learning environment where students can learn from and mentor one another. Our typical Band groupings are:
Seedlings Band: Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
Saplings Band: 3rd - 5th Grade
Oaks Band: 6th - 8th Grade
3. Practical Information
What are your operating hours? Our learning center is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
Is there a deadline to enroll my child? We offer open enrollment throughout the academic year, allowing families to join our community at any time. However, please be aware that if a particular Band is full, your family will be added to that Band's waitlist. We encourage early inquiry to secure your child's spot.
Where is The Rooted Schoolhouse located? We are conveniently located in the beautiful community of Miami Springs. Our address is: The Rooted Schoolhouse 627 Eldron Drive Miami Springs, Florida 33166
4. Our Community & Values
How involved are families in The Rooted Schoolhouse? Family involvement is not just encouraged; it is a cornerstone of The Rooted Schoolhouse philosophy! We believe that a strong partnership between home and our learning environment is crucial for student success and a thriving community. We offer various opportunities for families to engage, and we value your active participation.