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CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT

Alecia Freistedt, a white woman with long brown hair.

Stitching Peace, Spreading Joy

For many crafters, crocheting offers a calming and creative escape—thanks in part to the soothing rhythm of its repetitive motions. Alecia Freistedt, a former student at Jenks Alternative Center, reflects on how crochet changed her life: “Crochet helped me find the peaceful joy I so desperately needed. I was an anxious student dealing with a lot of personal challenges. But after taking an elective craft course at the Alternative Center, I was hooked after just one lesson.”

Today, Alecia shares her passion as a crochet instructor with Jenks Community Education. “I never imagined I’d become a teacher,” she admits. “At first, I was scared. But once I started explaining and demonstrating the techniques, it became incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing to see my students light up with excitement when they catch on. The real joy comes from knowing I’ve helped them discover the same creative outlet that has brought so much meaning to my own life.”

When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Alecia didn’t hesitate: “I’d stop taking everything so seriously. It takes more energy to be angry at myself than to be kind to others. And I’d definitely remind myself to never stop learning.”

View previous staff and customer spotlights.

MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS

Torry Nunnelee, a white woman with long blonde hair.
With a Master of Science degree with an emphasis in Analytical Chemistry and teaching certification in Chemistry, Torry Nunnelee has dedicated the past 25 years to teaching and inspiring students.

"Teaching ACT prep through Jenks Community Education brings me joy in knowing I am helping students prepare for their future. I love hearing the stories about their journeys.

"The most memorable experiences are when students contact me after they take the ACT exam and let me know how much they improved their test scores. It is very rewarding to see the student's success after taking the class."

“Crochet helped me find the peaceful joy I so desperately needed. I was an anxious student dealing with a lot of personal challenges. But after taking an elective craft course at the Alternative Center, I was hooked after just one lesson.”

Today, Alecia shares her passion as a crochet instructor with Jenks Community Education. “I never imagined I’d become a teacher,” she admits. “At first, I was scared. But once I started explaining and demonstrating the techniques, it became incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing to see my students light up with excitement when they catch on. The real joy comes from knowing I’ve helped them discover the same creative outlet that has brought so much meaning to my own life.”

Alecia Friestedt, crochet instructor

Alecia Freistedt, a white woman with long brown hair.
Helena Guzman, a woman with black hair.
Helena Guzman is the creator of “¡Hola!: Teaching Spanish Through Art,” a program born from her creativity, bilingual background, and love for children. While working at a daycare, her artistic classroom designs and Spanish fluency inspired her supervisor to suggest blending both talents. What began as an art project soon grew into a full program that now serves school-age children grades K-4 at through Jenks Community Education and beyond.

Guzman’s bilingual experience taught her that language is more than vocabulary—it’s connection, culture, and joy. In ¡Hola!, students sing, paint, and play in Spanish, allowing the language to come alive through movement and creativity. Each class is tailored to meet the group’s energy and interests, helping children feel seen, confident, and inspired to use Spanish naturally in daily life.

Anita Hardy, a white woman with short blonde hair standing next to Paul Hardy, a white man with white hair and a beard.

Anita & Paul Hardy

Take to the dance floor with Anita and Paul Hardy.

Hands using a sewing machine on a quilt top.

Becky Chapman

Learn to quilt with Becky Chapman.

Charlotte Chalakee, a white woman with curly brown hair and glasses.

Charlotte Chalakee

Children build acting skills with Charlotte Chalakee.

Kim Hoffman, a white woman with short blonde hair.

Kim Hoffman

Paint your pet, partner, or place with Kim Hoffman.

Laura Teal, a white woman with long curled blonde hair.

Laura Teal

Tip-toe into dance with Laura Teal.

Heather Thompson, a white woman with brown hair.

Heather Thompson

Draw, paint, and create with JPS teacher Heather Thompson.

Join our team!

JCE offers a variety of full and part-time positions.

Apply today! With childcare, Drivers Education, coaching, and more, the perfect position may be waiting just for you. Open positions can be found through Jenks Public Schools.

Interested in teaching an enrichment course?

Email Kimberly.Hoffman@jenksps.org or call 918-298-0340 to propose a class or find out more information. Our instructors include community members and JPS certified teachers.