Meet the Team
Mindy Petramalo,
Head of School
Hello Magic Valley,
I have a love for learn-driven education and am excited to bring this type of education to the Magic Valley. With 5 children of my own, I can attest to the magic of real, retained learning through discovery and excitement and how this in turn fosters motivation and independence.
​
I have a Bachelor's of Science in Home and Family Living and a minor in business from Brigham Young University. I also have MANY extra credits from classes I just couldn't resist; a couple favorites being genealogy, dance, symphony (cello), sewing, rock climbing and skiing.
​
I'm a serial entrepreneur and consider this one of my favorite hobbies, even though my husband says it's not a "real" hobby. I started my first business at 8 years old and have run 7 businesses over the last 29 years.
​
I love music; singing, playing the piano and cello, and jammin' to the radio. I enjoy dancing; smooth and latin ballroom and country swing. I actually married my latin competition partner. I have a wild side when it comes to snow and water sports. My first love in life was riding horses. It's true you can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl. After living in the city for 17 years, I'm back in the country and lovin' the hard, honest work of farm life. I LOVE traveling. My husband and I joke that is the only thing we have in common. And finally, I love seeing my kids grow and develop. Although not always fun and games, it is so rewarding seeing them work hard, take responsibility, find their passions and starting their own adventures. With horses, chickens, goats, a 50-head rabbitry, not to mention a fixer-upper farm, there's not much time to be bored! I love the time we spend outside working and playing together.
Lisa Taitai,
Ignite Studio
Lead Guide
Hi Twin Falls,
I am a veteran in early education. Prior to joining Acton Academy, I spent 16 years running a home childcare and providing educational experiences for infants, toddlers and early elementary students. I also homeschooled my daughter, Morea, from elementary through high school. I believe rich learning happens when children are exposed to new experiences, challenged with new opportunities, and allowed to be curious and explore through hands-on activities.
​
Entrepreneurship is a deep and active passion of mine. I started my very first business, an at home child care, over 16 years ago, 3 months after giving birth to my only daughter. About 10 years ago, I decided I loved the art of Kettlebell Training. I took my hobby and made it into yet another business. In 2019, I began to think about how I wanted a business that wasn't service based and could hold up on it's own a little more than daycare and personal training. I decided to start a T-shirt business, printing and selling designs that a fellow entrepreneur had designed. I will likely never stop being an entrepreneur and encouraging others to turn their own passions into businesses.
​
I enjoy traveling and being active. When I'm not working, I am in the water -- paddling, swimming or fishing, or working out in my gym. Dusk and dawn are my favorite times of the day.
Jaylene Hajek
Spark Studio
Lead Guide
Hello Magic Valley,
For the past twenty years I have sought the best programs and opportunities to learn and serve those around me.
​
In 2006, I received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from BYU-Idaho. I then shared my passion for learning using a variety of methods including project-based learning in math, language arts, science and social studies.
​
I received a Masters of Education in Reading from NNU in 2013. During this time, I worked with elementary age children as a tutor and younger children ages 18 months- 4 years as a preschool teacher and nursery leader.
​
In 2014-2015 I became a consultant for The Listening Program and enrolled one of my sons at Wasatch Waldorf and Brain Balance. Each of these opportunities taught me that the brain is capable of change and that a natural environment grounds children and encourages learning.
​
After several failed attempts with public and charter schools, I homeschooled my oldest son using a program for special needs kids called The Son-Rise Program®. This program focuses on the parent joining the child in their chosen activities in a fun and loving atmosphere, challenging them with learning opportunities as they demonstrates readiness and creating goals based on information gathered at each play session. This enabled me to become a preschool teacher for Dancing Moose Montessori in 2018. I loved teaching lessons using Montessori materials and methods. The experience and knowledge I gained fueled my desire to serve more children, including in my home.
In 2019 I became a foster mom to two teenage boys and a younger girl. It was one of the most difficult and yet rewarding times of my life. During this time, I received training called Teaching Self Government. This training taught me that as I teach correct principles children can govern and solve problems themselves. A few months later, I discovered I was expecting. My last son was born two weeks before the two younger siblings were adopted.
​
Last year I became a certified presenter for classroom management and student engagement and motivation for the Center for Teacher Effectiveness.
I am excited and honored to be a guide in your child’s journey here at Acton Academy.
Mary Farmer,
Spark Studio Assistant
Hello Acton Academy!
I am so happy to be joining the team here at Acton! I have a passion for art, literature, and especially music! I also love sharing passions with others, especially children, and working with their natural enthusiasm and creativity to help them develop passions of their own.
I have a CNA license from North Idaho College, and I spent three years as a CNA working with developmentally disabled children. I also have teaching and childcare experience, as well as five years of musical experience.
I am a big believer in learning through music, and exploring all the benefits of music on the developing brain. And I am so excited to explore all the opportunities that Acton affords!
I enjoy reading, art and crafting, taking walks, and exploring antique stores with my husband.
Telane Robinson
Office Admin
Hello!
I have always loved learning and trying new things. After completing a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, I continued my education with a certificate in woodworking, and certificate in software development. I also worked as an artisan baker and tax support specialist.
​
I love skiing, swimming, backpacking and hiking. I mostly have only backpacked in the Grand Canyon. The first time I went was when I was 13 and I have gone back over ten times. I also love crocheting, knitting, sewing, baking, and cooking. I am always up for a new food adventure and will try almost any food at least once, and if I like it I will do my best to make it at home.
​
My family and I recently moved to Twin Falls where I am so excited to be apart of a more rural and farm setting. I have three girls and the oldest two are so excited to going to Acton Academy.
Guest Speaker,
Community Professionals
Here at Acton, we believe each person is unique and has individual passions and skills to share with the world. We invite professionals from our community and around the world to speak to our Heroes about their professions and experiences. We feel this inspires, educates and open pathways for the next generation of Heroes to find their callings in life.