About Hearts and Hands Academy
🌟 Our Philosophy🌟
At Hearts and Hands Academy, we believe that language is connection—and every person deserves access to communication, community, and joy. Our academy offers American Sign Language instruction for all ages in a warm, inclusive environment that celebrates every learner’s journey.
Rooted in family values and the belief that learning should be both meaningful and magical, we honor each student’s unique pace and purpose. Whether you're a homeschooler, a parent, a professional, or a curious soul, our classes are designed to foster confidence, empathy, and lifelong skills.
We are committed to:
• Inclusive education that welcomes all learners, regardless of age or ability
• Family-centered learning that supports homeschooling and strengthens bonds
• Joyful connection through the expressive beauty of sign language
• Community impact by building bridges between hearing, Deaf, and disability communities
Hearts and Hands Academy is more than a classroom—it’s a place where hands speak, hearts listen, and every learner belongs.
👩🏫What We Offer👩🏫
• ASL classes for children, teens, adults, and families
• Homeschool-friendly scheduling and charter voucher support
• Warm, flexible learning rooted in family values
• A welcoming space for all families
- Private Pay options also available
🏡 Why We’re Different🏡
Hearts and Hands Academy was born from a deep love for learning, inclusion, and homegrown connection. Founder Kendra De Luca-Leiker—a homeschooling mom, ASL instructor, and disability advocate—created this space to blend education with heart. Here, every learner is seen, supported, and celebrated.
💛Meet our Founder and Instructor💛
Kendra De Luca-Leiker is the heart behind Hearts and Hands Academy. A homeschooling mom, former special education teacher, and passionate ASL instructor, Kendra brings a wealth of experience and a deep love for inclusive education to every class she teaches.
Her journey began in the classroom, but her mission grew far beyond it. Today, she blends her roles as educator, nonprofit founder, and mother to create learning spaces that are joyful, accessible, and rooted in family values. Through Hearts and Hands Academy, Kendra offers American Sign Language instruction for all ages—empowering learners to connect, communicate, and celebrate each other.
Kendra’s teaching style is warm, flexible, and deeply personal. She understands the unique needs of homeschool families, neurodivergent learners, and those navigating disability—and she designs every class with compassion and creativity.
She’s also building Hearts and Hands Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and adults with disabilities in Central Valley. From assistive technology and sensory-friendly outreach to grant-funded ASL classes and inclusive enrichment programs, Kendra’s vision is clear: no family should feel alone, and every learner deserves to be seen.
At home, she’s a proud wife to a CalFire Captain and mom to Cameron, who she homeschools with joy and intention. Her family’s values of service, imagination, and lifelong learning shine through every part of Hearts and Hands Academy.
🤟 Why ASL?🤟
At Hearts and Hands Academy, we believe that language is more than words—it’s connection, inclusion, and empowerment. American Sign Language (ASL) opens doors for families, educators, and community members to communicate with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, and to build bridges across ability, age, and background.
ASL is a visual, expressive language that celebrates diversity and accessibility. It’s a powerful tool for:
• Connecting families—especially those with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or nonverbal loved ones
• Supporting neurodivergent learners who thrive with visual and kinesthetic communication
• Creating inclusive classrooms and communities where every voice is heard
• Fostering empathy and understanding across cultures and abilities
Whether you're learning ASL to support a child, enrich your homeschool curriculum, or simply explore a beautiful new language, you’re joining a movement of compassion, creativity, and connection.
At Hearts and Hands Academy, we don’t just teach signs—we nurture relationships, celebrate every learner, and build a community where hands speak and hearts listen.
📣 Join the Journey 📣
Whether you're signing up for a class or cheering us on as we grow, we’re so glad you’re here. Let’s build a community where every voice is heard—spoken, signed, or felt with love.