Sheila Byrd
Founder & Executive Director
Certified Educator • 30+ Years of Experience
Sheila Byrd has devoted more than three decades to helping children grow as students and develop a genuine love of learning. An educator since 1991, Sheila graduated with honors from Seattle Pacific University with a bachelor’s degree and has taught in both private and public education.
Her experience includes five years at a private academy as well as teaching in two 4A public schools in Washington state. Sheila also homeschooled her daughter, an experience that gave her firsthand insight into the value of instruction tailored to the individual child. With a learning plan designed around her daughter’s specific needs, she progressed two grade levels in just nine months.
At the heart of Sheila’s approach is the relationship between teacher and student. She believes children learn best when they feel known, encouraged, and excited to explore new ideas. Her goal is to create an environment where learning is not simply something students are expected to do, but something they can genuinely enjoy.
Sheila’s influence as an educator has extended beyond her own classroom. She has mentored fellow teachers and led district training on effective classroom and behavior-management systems for both primary and secondary educators.
Throughout her career, she has also been recognized as a distinguished educator in each district in which she has taught.
Carsten Byrd
Assistant Director & Educator
Certified Educator • Master's in Education
Carsten Byrd has dedicated his career to elementary education, with a particular interest in early childhood development and the foundational literacy skills that help children become confident, capable learners. He values the relationships built with students and believes that knowing each child as an individual is an important part of helping them succeed.
Carsten holds a master’s certification in education from Northwest University and brings more than a decade of experience teaching in both private and public schools. Throughout his career, he has remained focused on the academic and personal growth of the children he serves, bringing patience, consistency, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning to his work with students.
His approach to teaching reflects a belief that children flourish when they feel supported, understood, and confident enough to take on new challenges. By creating an environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, make discoveries, and develop skills at an appropriate pace, Carsten works to build both strong academic foundations and greater independence as learners.
For Carsten, education extends beyond academic progress alone. He places equal importance on the relationships and sense of community that develop among students, educators, and families, an approach that is central to the close-knit learning environment at Homestead.
