About Us
The POD was founded by Melissa in 2026, which was born from a desire to create a more connected, creative, and nature-filled learning environment for children and families.
Melissa is a mother of five boys and currently homeschools her school-aged children, weaving curiosity, exploration, and hands-on learning into everyday life. In 2006 she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami School of Business with a minor in English.
In addition to founding The POD, Melissa is the owner of Melissa Ann Photography, where she has photographed hundreds of families throughout Central Florida. Her background in storytelling, community-building, and creativity helped shape the heart behind The POD…a place where children are encouraged to play, create, explore, and grow through meaningful real-world experiences.
Melissa believes childhood should be filled with wonder, movement, imagination, and connection to nature… values that are woven into every class, gathering, and experience at The POD.
Haley Bouschet spent 5 years working at a local private school. She worked as a Teacher Assistant in various classrooms across different grade levels and elective subjects. She was also a P.E. Coach for the school. Haley is a certified yoga, pilates, and aqua fitness instructor and teaches weekly classes at a local gym in Clermont, FL.
Haley was homeschooled in both Louisiana and Florida from preschool all the way to high school graduation. Being homeschooled allowed Haley to establish closer relationships with her family, travel to different countries and bring her studies with her, and deepen her faith by prioritizing her beliefs through her education.
Haley is very passionate about the art of homeschooling and is planning to teach her children all the way through as well. She is a wife to Ryan Bouschet and a new mamma to her son, Elliott.