About
Rooted in Purpose. Growing in Light.
Vision
A world where young people are grounded in truth, inspired by wonder, and prepared to lead with integrity and resilience.
Little Light Academy exists to equip students with the tools to grow academically, spiritually, and practically through personalized and purposeful education.
We believe that each child is uniquely created by God and that true education nurtures the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. We honor Christian values in all we do, seeking to cultivate wisdom, kindness, and service through every lesson and relationship. We do not require adherence to any one denomination but do affirm the Bible as foundational truth and invite all families who value Christ-centered learning to grow with us in love and learning.
Little Light Academy began as a dream rooted in homesteading and homeschooling. After moving to a neglected ranch in 2016, our founders Michael and Misty Muhlestein, began teaching her eight children and hosting workshops for others. What started as backyard lessons grew into a thriving, hands-on microschool where students learn through meaningful experiences in nature, art, STEM, and faith. After relocating to Utah in 2021, Michael and Misty relaunched the program with a 1.3-acre homestead, a one room schoolhouse in the barn, and a growing 4,800 sq. ft. schoolhouse. Early successes include a waitlist of students, community partnerships, and a growing team of passionate Learning Coaches.
Why Little Light Academy?
We offer something rare: a Christ-centered, experience-rich education where children learn through hands-on experiences, nature, animals, projects, and stories. We value the whole child—heart, hands, and mind—and build strong community connections while encouraging curiosity and character.
50+
students enrolled across K–12 programs and summer camps
4,800 sq. ft.
schoolhouse under construction to expand program offerings
Serving
homeschoolers and alternative
learners locally
Leadership
Misty Muhlestein
Founder & Director
Previously, Misty directed a five-acre educational ranch in California, where she led workshops, camps, and enrichment programs for over 100 students and adults weekly. She has mentored more than 40 live-in volunteers and international exchange students, creating a strong foundation for community-based learning. Misty holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and is a Master Board Certified Health Coach specializing in families and pregnancies. She also has certifications in applied agroecology and communication. As the author of Barnyard Miracles: True Tales from the Barnyard, an eight-book children’s series, Misty brings her passion for education, agriculture, and storytelling into the heart of Little Light Log Cabin’s mission. Her journey as a homeschooling mother of eight, foster and adoptive parent, continues to shape the programs offered at Little Light Log Cabin and support a growing homeschool community.
Learning Coaches
Tori Butler
Tori has a deep passion for learning—and an even deeper passion for sharing it. Whether she’s the one being taught or the one teaching, she dives in wholeheartedly. Her journey began in college, where she interned and taught EASL, helping foreign students grasp English grammar. She later became a Paraeducator at an elementary school, working closely with children who struggled in reading and math. Over the years, her love for education has taken many forms: homeschooling her three daughters, running a massage therapy business while educating clients, and teaching piano on the side. No matter the setting, Tori naturally gravitates toward teaching and inspiring others to love learning as much as she does. In her spare time, she enjoys staying active, exploring new experiences with her family, baking, reading, and supporting her daughters as they pursue their dreams. Above all, she cherishes being a mentor and witnessing the spark of understanding light up a child’s face when a new concept finally clicks.
Misty Muhlestein
Misty is the Founder and Director of Little Light Log Cabin. Previously, Misty directed a five-acre educational ranch in California, where she led workshops, camps, and enrichment programs for over 100 students and adults weekly. She has mentored more than 40 live-in volunteers and international exchange students, creating a strong foundation for community-based learning. Misty holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and is a Master Board Certified Health Coach specializing in families and pregnancies. She also has certifications in applied agroecology and communication. As the author of Barnyard Miracles: True Tales from the Barnyard, an eight-book children’s series, Misty brings her passion for education, agriculture, and storytelling into the heart of Little Light Log Cabin’s mission. Her journey as a homeschooling mother of eight, foster and adoptive parent, continues to shape the programs offered at Little Light Log Cabin and support a growing homeschool community.
Kangie Dawber
Kangie is passionate about sparking curiosity and making education an exciting adventure. With years of experience homeschooling her own children and living abroad, she brings a global perspective to her teaching style, helping children connect with the world around them in meaningful ways. By blending hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, and a curiosity-driven approach, she creates a learning environment where kids feel inspired to ask questions and explore the world around them. With her nurturing and supportive approach, Kangie creates an environment where curiosity thrives. She believes that when children are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and follow their interests, learning is no longer considered a task—it becomes an exciting journey. Kangie loves expansion and is always on the lookout for the next adventure! Exploring with her own kids is her greatest joy and she believes that some of the best learning happens naturally. She brings this into the learning experience by integrating outdoor adventures and real-world experiences.
Julie Davis
Julie has always had a deep passion for learning and being curious about the world we live in and a desire to share and cultivate that in others, especially children. She has a rich background in education, having taught 13 years of elementary education in the public schools. Much of that time was spent teaching English language learners in various grade levels. She has experience in teaching core subjects of language arts, math, science and history as well as skills and a love especially for music, art, and exercise/playing sports. Along with time spent in the classroom Julie spent many years traveling with youth ambassador groups overseas as well as doing youth summer camps at universities across the country. She also taught English in Romania for 18 months while serving a church mission there. Julie loves spending time with her husband and six children as well as being outdoors, reading, playing sports, music, traveling, and caring for animals.
Crystal Wells
Crystal is a devoted mother of three, a former foster parent for eight years, and a passionate early educator. Though she is new to homeschooling education, she brings a heart full of dedication, compassion, and a deep love and passion for helping children succeed and is especially committed to guiding them toward confidence and independence. Crystal finds true joy in watching the spark in a child’s eyes when they accomplish something on their own. Her approach blends creativity, play, and patience to create a warm, supportive space where every child feels valued, inspired, and empowered to grow. In her spare time, she loves cheering on her two daughters at their softball games and supporting her son as he learns how to play baseball. She also cherishes quality time with her husband and values the strong family bond they share.
Ariel Blomquist
Ariel studied Early Childhood Education at UVU and has 6+ years of education experience. Ariel lives with her family in Eagle mountain. She is the mom of two active little boys who keep her on her toes. She has homeschooled her boys for the past two years. Ariel loves all things crafty and creative. She is passionate about learning through hands-on experiences.