Mission
Apogee’s mission is to equip and shape young citizens into critical thinkers that take the onus of responsibility of all elements of their education.
We want to create:
- An environment filled with laughter and joy.
- An environment conducive to critical thinking.
- An environment that is designed for learning.
- One that is free from politics and propaganda.
- One that is free from bias and tyranny.
- One that is free from any external influence that would negatively affect the individual’s Journey of learning and how to think.
- One that is safe.
- A home away from home where every learner smiles at the thought of coming in, exploring, doing, and being.
Our job is to guide our learners to critically think on their own and have joy in doing it.
What does apogee mean?
Apogee (noun):
The highest point in the development of something; a climax or culmination.
What does the symbol mean?
The arrowhead alludes to the Native Americans unconventional approach to education. That there is an intentional wild approach. Playing isn’t encouraged, it is required. Being outside is paramount.
The dagger represents an acute, sharp approach to all things. Both the dagger and the arrowhead are a throwback to Special Operations Detachment, which are required to be the most proficient and tactically trained within the services. They are unlike all other units in that they are diplomatic warriors.
Our Story
As parents of two young children and now two young adults we believe strongly that this generation is destined for greatness. We believe our role as parents is to inspire and equip our children toward what we call a Hero’s Journey and we need heroes now more than ever.
My story began as a young energetic boy of 5 being kicked out of the first private school I ever attended. There was nothing wrong with me. I just needed purpose and a healthy way to direct all of my extra energy. Now as parents we searched out schools for our own children. Having traveled, lived, and worked all over the world I have seen first hand how education can change an entire country for good. We want our children to be prepared for a meaningful life, with 21st century skills. We share the vision with the founders and believe that learning “to do” and “to be” is more important than learning “to know”.
We are continually encouraged by other families on their own journey asking “what next” and “who will we travel with”. Everything our children could ever dream to accomplish is on the far side of hard work. Our mission is to give them the tools and passion to make those dreams a reality.
We invite you to explore Cedar Park and reach out as you prepare your family to change the world.
Sincerely,
Tim Kennedy
Apogee Cedar Park, Founder
Our Team
Tim Kennedy
Founder
Tim Kennedy has been a life long teacher. As a senior Special Forces NCO with deployments throughout every combat theater and all over the world for the past 20 years He has trained men and women when their lives depend on their ability to apply what they learned. Tim is motivational speaker, TV host, UFC fighter, author, and multiple time entrepreneur. Tim has trained and inspired people all over the world to be the best version of themselves. He has a degree from Columbia College and has dedicated his life to an endless pursuit of being able understand so he can BE and most of all to DO.
Carl Cringle
Chief Operations Officer
After an incredible career serving our country and the private industry, Carl takes on his next endeavor as Chief Operations Officer of TK Operations Consultants, Inc, (TKO) the parent company of Apogee. His role is to be the continuity between Apogee and the executive team, and work with the Program Director. Carl’s mission is to ensure the Apogee Learners and Guides have everything they need to be successful today and in the future.
Carl’s education includes the US Naval Academy (BS), Naval Postgraduate School (Executive MBA) and much more. Carl enjoys surfing, mountain biking, scuba, skydiving, and grappling.
Michelle Myers
Program Director
Michelle’s passion for alternate education began while she was searching for schools for her own children. She loved the concept of Socratic, learner-driven, self-paced education, and knew this was a movement she wanted to be involved in. This led her to help launch and become the lead guide at a micro-school here in Texas. The experience only solidified that this is what Michelle was called to do, and she is thrilled that her journey has led her to Apogee.
Michelle graduated with honors from Concordia University at Austin with a Bachelor’s in Business. In the past, she has worked in accounting, office management, and most recently helped run her husband’s business while homeschooling her children using learner-driven principles. She is excited to combine her business background with her passion for alternate education in her role as Apogee Program Director.
In her spare time, Michelle is always reading and loves to travel with her husband and two children. Being born and raised around Austin, she is a foodie at heart and will always accept a recommendation to a new restaurant!
Lauren Morrison
Head Administrator
Lauren’s professional path started off in the veterinary world, which led to her working for the Texas Animal Health Commission at the State Federal Lab for many years. She then moved on to being a service coordinator in the Plant operations department at a hospital, until eventually ending up substitute teaching. This led her to Apogee as a substitute and admin assistant.
Substitute teaching at public schools really opened her eyes to the need to do so much better for our children, as they deserve the best. She truly believes that Apogee is a part of that solution and will always do her very best to ensure the heroes at this school are getting the best education we can give them.
Lauren was born and raised in Texas and is married with two beautiful children – a 13 year old girl, 6 year old boy, and three crazy dogs! Outside of ACP, she stays busy being involved with her daughter’s many extracurricular activities!
Carolina Martin
Sprout Guide
Carolina grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico and graduated from the University of Guadalajara. She worked for 7 years in the educational role as a bilingual teacher, most of the time in preschool and kindergarten.
She has a true passion for working with our youngest learners, helping each child
progress in all areas of their development: academic, social, language, and motor is a challenge that she feels honored to accept daily.
She and her husband moved to Austin 8 years ago and have a 6-year-old son. They really enjoy getting to know new places and trying all kinds of food.
Cindy Humrich-Heaney
Spark Guide
Cindy studied Child Development with a focus on elementary education at California State University, Fullerton, graduating with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development.
She has always and forever been inspired by our youngest learners and is so thrilled to be teaching her favorite age 6- and 7-year-olds.
When not teaching, she enjoys spending time and creating memories with her husband of almost 30 years, her adult sons (22, Landon and 27, Westley), and her 7-year-old grandson, Robert. Whether it is on the lake or poolside, watching movies, or just enjoying a fabulous meal together, there is no better
place to be than with family.
Mariana Zamora
Elementary Guide
Mariana graduated from Texas State University in 2018 with a degree
in Elementary Bilingual Education. Her passion has always been teaching and after graduating high school, she worked at a Montessori school before moving to Hutto to work for the district as a guest educator for the last 3.5 years.
She’s excited to join the Apogee family because learners are given the opportunity to be curious, to explore, and take risks. Most importantly, learners are given the opportunity to learn through a variety of ways. She wants to be able to help each learner find their passion in life and affirm to them that they can be anything they want.
In her free time, she is very involved in church. She leads worship, helps with the kid’s department and plans community service events that her
church can be a part of. She also loves to spend quality
time with her family and friends.
Alex Hibbs
Assistant Guide
Alex graduated with two Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Forensic Science from the University of Central Oklahoma. Before Apogee, she was a RBT working with children who have autism.
Alex loves being silly and teaching kids through positive reinforcement and wants to make sure every child feels heard & seen. When she’s not at work you can find her at the gym or at jiu jitsu. She is also a registered yoga teacher and an amateur sourdough bread baker.