About Us

Inspiring Education and Creativity for Every Learner

Who We Are

Ceiba Connections is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to one simple but powerful idea: every learner, in every setting, deserves the freedom and support to thrive.
Founded in 1963 as Cedar Springs Foundation and later Hewitt Research Foundation, we have spent more than six decades standing alongside homeschooling families, alternative educators, and learners who didn’t fit the mold; offering resources, programs, and community rooted in academic excellence, curiosity, and human connection. In January 2026, we adopted the name Ceiba Connections to better reflect the full breadth of our work and the community we serve.

Our Mission

Ceiba Connections inspires and cultivates learning by providing educational resources, programs, and opportunities so young minds can thrive.

Our Vision

We envision a world where every learner, in every setting, has the freedom and support to thrive through creativity, curiosity, and connection.

Our Programs

A woman helping a young girl with a writing task at a wooden table, enhancing their learning experience.
Hewitt Learning
Close-up of student answering a test in a classroom environment.
PASS Testing
US National Innovator Challenge & Independent Innovator Challenge
A mother helps her young son with drawing at a table in a cozy living room setting.
Sideview Press
An elegantly wrapped book with a gold and white twisted ribbon, perfect for gifting.
EduGift
Close-up of hands holding a stack of colorful books in natural light.
Curriculum Navigator

Our Values

Accessibility

We remove barriers so every learner, family, and educator can benefit from our resources.

Innovative

We design creative solutions that meet the evolving needs of education.

Curiosity

We nurture exploration and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

Child performing hands-on science experiment with colorful liquids in classroom setting.

Human Connection

We strengthen relationships among learners, families, educators, and communities.

Academic Excellence

We hold our programs to the highest standards of rigor and quality.

Our Staff

Jack Lewis

President
Dr. Lewis brings over 38 years of non-profit leadership and a PhD in Educational Leadership from Gonzaga University to his role as President of Ceiba Connections. He spent over 20 years in higher education leadership and has personal experience with homeschooling, having homeschooled some of his own children and grandchildren alongside his wife Cheryl. The Lewises have four grown children, eleven grandchildren, and enjoy life together in a four-generational home.

Kristin Lehman

Executive Director
Kristin Lehman is a lifelong eclectic learner with over 13 years in higher education, teaching at Eastern Washington University and Whitworth University, where she wrote a textbook and developed curriculum across multiple programs. She also taught coding, astronomy, and mathematical artistry to elementary students through Spokane Public Schools’ homeschool Parent Partnership Program. Kristin holds an advanced degree in Mathematics from EWU and previously served as Director for Invent Washington before joining Ceiba Connections. She and her husband have four children, most of whom have been homeschooled or in alternative education settings.

Michael Gaunt

Editor / Coaching Services Associate
Michael Gaunt grew up in North Carolina and has lived across the US and abroad. He met his wife while studying medieval history at the University of York in England. Since returning to the States in 1998, he has worked as a teacher/counselor at Ceiba Connections, helping revamp class offerings to better serve the homeschooling community. He also assisted in the development of the Lightning Lit program. Michael is proudest of his twins and the high achievements of his students, both at Ceiba Connections and beyond.

Andrew Lewis

Director of Strategic Operations
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Jane Tucker

Educational Services Associate
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Our Board

Anne Haugaard

Anne was raised on Hewitt Learning curriculum in the Pacific Northwest and homeschooled alongside her brother through high school. She worked at Ceiba Connections during her high school and college summers and holds a BA in Environmental Studies from Hawai’i Pacific University and a JD from the University of Oregon. She currently practices family law in Portland, Oregon, and loves outdoor adventures including camping, hiking, kayaking, and snowshoeing.

Jaclyn Parrott

Jacki is an Assistant Professor, Collection Management Librarian, and Religious Studies Subject Liaison at EWU Libraries, with years of professional librarianship experience. She holds an MDiv from Moody Theological Seminary, an MLISc from the University of Hawai’i, and a BA in Communication Studies from Eastern Washington University, and was homeschooled for the first six years of her education. Outside of work, she enjoys her Springerdoodle Fyodor, the outdoors, travel, music, motorcycling, and time with friends and family.

Christal Gamble

Christal is a homeschool educator and parent to Cash, a Gifted Learner, and shares their journey on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and beyond at @Mamasweetbaby. She is a passionate advocate for Learning at Home and regularly shares free resources, curriculum reviews, and support tailored to Gifted and Diverse learners.

Anna Huebner

Anna is an accomplished early childhood educator with extensive experience in planning and delivering high-quality care to children. She is passionate about collaborating with teachers, principals, and school staff to create optimal learning environments. Anna is committed to recognizing the unique learning styles of each student and promoting effective educational practices to meet lesson objectives.

Elisabeth Silver

Elisabeth is an educational leader with a 30-year career serving in teaching and educational administrative roles. She has taught in both traditional and alternative learning environments. Elisabeth has always been (and will always be) a champion of individualized education for students.

Our Partners

Innovation World

VELA

Drexel Fund

Join Us

Whether you’re a family exploring your options, a donor looking to invest in the next generation, or a partner with a shared vision — there’s a place for you here. Explore our programs, reach out with questions, or support the work that’s been changing lives for over sixty years.
We’re glad you found us.

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