Melinda Soto (Muller) graduated from TCS in 2010. Since graduation she has been busy growing her family and writing books! She is a wife and a mom of six children, a homeschool educator, and the author of several children’s phonics books.* She created them when her four-year-old was ready to learn how to read, and she needed something simple and effective. She is currently working on finishing what she hopes to be a four-part phonics series. Her goal has been to write down every lesson she taught her daughter on her journey to reading at such a young age so that it can be a help and encouragement to other moms and educators!
Let’s hear from Melinda how TCS inspired her to be the homeschool educator and author she is today!
What do you love most about TCS?
What I loved most about TCS was the atmosphere of excellence. The teachers and staff set high expectations but paired them with encouragement, so we were always motivated to give our best. That foundation taught me to pursue excellence in everything I do, whether it’s homeschooling my children or writing books to help other families. I still carry that standard of doing work wholeheartedly and well.
What is one word that best describes the school? Why?
Excellence describes TCS because the teachers didn’t just want to cultivate strong academics. They set a high bar for living. They taught us to do all things well for God’s glory. The teachers set a high standard and then taught us to reach it. They didn’t want anyone left behind. They showed true excellence in how they took care of us. That culture of excellence left a lasting imprint on me and is something I now try to pass on through my own work as a writer and homeschool mom.
Describe one of your favorite memories of TCS.
One of my most unforgettable memories from AP Biology was the day we got to observe a human cadaver. I was filled with a mix of fascination and nervousness walking onto the Rutgers campus. Many things were said, but I remember feeling in shock and awe at the complexity of the human body as well as thankful for the amazing experience to see what we had so carefully studied and knowing that there was still more to learn. The experience was intense, but it gave me a visual for the importance of careful attention, respect for life, and pushing ourselves to learn even when it’s challenging. That day showed me that excellence isn’t just about grades, it’s about curiosity, courage, and learning alongside people who encourage and challenge you, lessons I carry into my teaching and writing today.
From your own experience, why do you believe it was important for you to attend TCS?
Attending TCS was so important because it gave me more than an education—it gave me a foundation of faith, values, and excellence. The teachers challenged and encouraged me, the community supported me, and the experiences I had there shaped the person I am today. That preparation has guided me in everything I do, from teaching my own children to writing books that help other families learn and grow.
How are faith and learning integrated at TCS?
Learning is never void of faith. There is always a worldview in every teaching, as Mr. Barr would tell us. I learned that faith and academics go hand in hand, they are intertwined in everything. You cannot teach without presuppositions. We were taught to evaluate the core of everything and keep God in the center. This is essentially what I intended to do with my books, Intermediate Phonics and Advanced Phonics. I want to teach children to read so that they can learn more about God and His world, so they can understand God’s very words from the Bible.
In what ways did TCS prepare you for college and beyond?
TCS prepared me for college and beyond by teaching me to think critically, put God first in all I do, and press on even when life gets hard. The school’s guidance helped me develop discipline and confidence, giving me the courage to pursue the things I’m skilled at and passionate about.
What do you like best about what you do now?
What I love most about being a stay-at-home mom and homeschool educator is that I get to guide my children’s learning every day and watch them grow in confidence and curiosity. It also inspired me to write my phonics books, creating resources that are simple, practical, and effective for young learners. Being able to turn my teaching experience into a tool that helps other moms and educators is truly rewarding.
What has been the most challenging part?
The most challenging part has been finding time to enjoy everything in the busyness. Between homeschooling, family life, and creating resources like my phonics books, there’s always something to do. I’ve had to learn how to balance my time so I can stay productive while also appreciating the moments and progress along the way.
*Melinda’s book, Intermediate Phonics: A Logical Approach to Reading, is designed to be a flexible supplemental tool—perfect for tutoring, intervention, or extra practice at home. It doesn’t require extra prep and can easily fit alongside existing curriculum. It is designed to be clear and concise, to give extra help to any struggling student so that every child can succeed!
It is meant for the child who has the ability to blend CVC words together and knows basic digraphs (sh, ch, and th). It is designed to bring these children to the next level, so they can understand how letters work together and why they say different sounds when paired with each other.
You can find Melinda on Instagram @SotoArrowsAcademy and her books are on Amazon here. She also has a printable downloadable conversion of each book on her Etsy shop.