We are parents who feel strongly about family and care deeply about raising independent, critical thinking children. We are passionate about guiding them to be successful, fully launched adults and contributing members of society (when they’re ready).

We grew up disenchanted with public school, and dove into entrepreneurship as teens to occupy our creative minds. We knew we wanted more for our own children, so we sought Montessori education from birth. We have been continuously impressed with the results we see through Montessori and similar learner-driven education. At our house, we live by the Socratic Method of asking a question to answer a question, which leads our children down delightful paths of discovery every day!

​​​​​​​Education & Tech Business Leaders Before we became parents, we were business leaders.

Laney worked with children for many years in the performing arts space and directed summer science camps since the age of 18, after graduating from the pioneer in learner-driven schools, Laurel Springs School in Ojai, CA. She studied Elementary Education at the University of New Mexico and Neuroscience at the esteemed College of William and Mary before opening a large performing arts school in Houston. Laney has extensive experience as a professional dancer and theater director. She is also a board member producer for a non-profit children’s theater company in Minnesota and Director of Digital Media for Lake Travis Music Theatre. Laney loves bringing people together, whether it’s a small community event or a major convention (and everything in between).

Brian began working in biotech research at age 20, studied Biomedical engineering, and is now a managing director for an international medical device company, after completing the exclusive business Master’s training program at Acton School of Business. He was instrumental in helping our family’s performing arts school expand when our students were ready for a larger facility. Brian is also a talented singer, plays various musical instruments, and has even been spotted on stage a few times, (but he doesn’t like admit it). He’s the guy who solves problems and gets things done behind the scenes.

Montessori Trained When our children’s IB school in Houston went virtual in March 2020, Laney sought training as a Montessori Guide with the Prepared Montessorian, sponsored by the internationally known Guidepost Montessori company. She taught our children (along with some friends and family) with Guidepost at Home for five years in partnership with their virtual learning program before we opened Evoke.

Why Open a School?:

As parents and previous homeschoolers, we felt the pain points that so many others have felt since the pandemic—the need for more peers and a real sense of community, flexible scheduling for busy parents, control over the political and social movements targeted at our children, and the desire to be more involved in our children’s lives and learning– To get back to what matters most.