Why We Built The The Lighthouse Academy
The Lighthouse Academy was born from both professional insight and personal experience. We saw the gaps left by mainstream education—especially for children who don’t quite fit the conventional mold. Brilliant, capable learners were being misunderstood, overlooked, or left behind. And we knew something had to change.
So, we came together to build something different. Not a school—but a sanctuary.
A space where homeschooling families could find support, structure, and connection.
A place where children could grow academically, emotionally, and socially—without ever having to compromise who they are.
The Lighthouse Academy exists to enrich the homeschool journey. We offer gentle guidance, hands-on life skills, and meaningful peer connection—all within a nurturing environment that honours each child’s unique learning path.
We believe learning should feel like coming home.
We believe every child deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated.
We built The Lighthouse Academy so they could find their way—and realise they were never lost to begin with.
With love and light,
Lauren & Tracy-Lee
Co-Founders of The Lighthouse Academy
The Hearts Behind The Lighthouse Academy
Every light you’ll meet below—each guide, nurturer, and anchor—plays a part in what makes this place feel like home.
But before Lighthouse Academy became what it is today, it started with a question: What if learning felt safe, personal, and truly seen?
Here’s how it all began—with two moms, a shared vision, and a whole lot of heart.
Tracy-Lee Eckstein
Co-Founder & Lead Lighthouse Keeper
I’m Tracy-Lee, a proud mother of four incredible neurodivergent children and a passionate advocate for learners who don’t fit the traditional mold. My own journey through homeschooling—driven by necessity—showed me just how deeply the system can fail to support diverse thinkers.
As the “house mom” at The Lighthouse Academy, I support daily operations and offer emotional grounding for both children and parents. I believe every child deserves to feel valued, understood, and capable of thriving. My mission is to help them see that different is not less—and to walk alongside families as we build brighter, more inclusive futures.
As the “house mom” at The Lighthouse Academy, I support daily operations and offer emotional grounding for both children and parents. I believe every child deserves to feel valued, understood, and capable of thriving. My mission is to help them see that different is not less—and to walk alongside families as we build brighter, more inclusive futures.
Lauren Dace
Co-Founder & Lighthouse Dreamer
I’m Lauren, a registered Educational Psychologist and co-founder of The Lighthouse Academy. With over a decade of experience in education and mental health, I specialise in supporting neurodiverse learners and those who don’t quite fit into traditional systems. My journey through motherhood and neurodiversity, along with a deep desire to create meaningful change, led me to co-found the Academy—a nurturing, authentic alternative to conventional schooling. I’m also the founder of The Routinologist, where I help individuals design intentional rhythms and rituals to support mental wellbeing and soulful living.
Lindy Henderson
The Nest Nurturer
I’m Lindy, a mom of three—two of whom are neurodiverse—and a passionate teacher with a heart for learners who think differently. My own parenting journey has shaped my deep commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces where every child feels seen and empowered.
There’s nothing more meaningful to me than watching a child grow in confidence and realise their potential. When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me reading or baking—my favourite ways to recharge and find joy.
There’s nothing more meaningful to me than watching a child grow in confidence and realise their potential. When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me reading or baking—my favourite ways to recharge and find joy.
Sarah Silber
Compass Room Guide & Developmental Journey Consultant
Hi, I’m Sarah – an educational psychologist with a deep love for understanding how children learn and experience the world. Before qualifying, I spent years teaching in remedial and special education, and I still carry that classroom magic with me.
As a proudly neurodivergent professional, I’m passionate about supporting children who don’t fit neatly into boxes. At The Lighthouse Academy, I offer psychoeducational assessments, help place learners in the right support spaces, guide interventions, and advocate for accommodations where needed.
I also facilitate our teen group (ages 13+), blending clinical insight with creativity, curiosity, and care. My work is grounded in a simple belief: every child deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
As a proudly neurodivergent professional, I’m passionate about supporting children who don’t fit neatly into boxes. At The Lighthouse Academy, I offer psychoeducational assessments, help place learners in the right support spaces, guide interventions, and advocate for accommodations where needed.
I also facilitate our teen group (ages 13+), blending clinical insight with creativity, curiosity, and care. My work is grounded in a simple belief: every child deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are.