Vision
& Values
H.E.A.R.T. was designed to be a safe place for students to learn and experience subjects and situations that they might not while homeschooling. Whether it is singing in a choir, playing on a volleyball team, painting in art, learning a language not spoken at home, or enjoying a messy science lab that would send most moms running for the hills...we're committed to providing those memorable experiences surrounded by loving teachers and good friends (who also provide many wonderful opportunities to grow).
Statement
of Faith
“In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all things love.” - Augustine
H.E.A.R.T. is a non-denominational Christian program regarding our statements of faith as primary doctrine informing and guiding our faith, practice, and teaching. Where doctrinal differences of a secondary nature exist we extend grace to one another, and refer these matters back to the family and their church as the final authority. We accept and welcome any family regardless of race or faith.
We believe:
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The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the Divine and final authority for Christian faith and life.
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In one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
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That Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross, a sacrifice for our sins, according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate.
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That the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and, during this age, to convict men; regenerate the believing sinner; and indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service.
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That man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is, therefore, lost; only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained.
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That the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His Resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit and thus become children of God.
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In the personal and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this “Blessed Hope” has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer.
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In the bodily resurrection of the dead: the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord; the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment.
Leadership
H.E.A.R.T.'s Leadership Team is passionate about providing great experiences in a loving environment for your children. We are parents who understand what it's like to be in the trenches day to day, and we want to encourage you on your homeschooling journey. We're also a team that laughs together, bonds over the challenges of raising kiddos in the world we live in, and shares a commitment to the H.E.A.R.T. community. The H.E.A.R.T. Leadership Team works closely together to set policy and ensure that the mission and vision of H.E.A.R.T. is upheld.
Deb Hayashi
Leadership
Deb Hayashi received her Masters in Arts Degree from Loyola University, Chicago. God has blessed Deb with her husband Brad and four wonderful children. Deb's second career in life has been an adventure of being a CEO, CFO, Executive Chef, Head Maid, Lead Landscaper, and Child Behavior Researcher of Hayashi, Inc. In addition in 2012, Deb felt called to start homeschooling her children. Deb accepted Christ as her Savior in March, 1997 and is continually trying to strive to live a Christ-centered life.
Tracey Wamsley
Leadership
Tracey Wamsley has been married to Jamie since 2002, and they have five children together; Jimmy, Toby, Sammy, Andy, and Charlie. Tracey has a degree in education from Lake Forest College. Prior to having kids, she taught 5th-graders in the Waukegan public school district. From the beginning Jamie and Tracey were surprised by their desire to homeschool (having come from a public school background), but they have loved the adventure of the past 9 years and wouldn’t change a thing. Tracey is passionate about seeing her kids become all God created them to be, and helping each of them to uniquely enter into all God has for them. Tracey and her family worship and minister at The Chapel, a non-denominational Christian church serving the suburbs of Chicago.
Jennifer Burns
Founder, Advisor
I feel honored that God called me to start H.E.A.R.T. in 2004 and continues to allow me to be part of the team that leads the ministry. I am happily married to David Burns and the mother of three boys – Ryan, Bradley, and Nicholas and mother-in-law of Catherine. I have a master’s degree in Marketing from Northwestern University. I believe strongly that my life’s purpose is found in Galatians 6:9-10.
