Welcome to

La Casita Mia

We are a hands-on, skill building, language acquisition organization. Our mission is to build on what is known to provide success in future endeavors.

La Casita Mia

Who are we?

We are a language acquisition consulting group and a skill based, hands-on learning environment. We provide students with the opportunity to learn through doing. Through the hands-on learning, students will prepare for post-secondary opportunities.

We provide weed abatement through the use of goats. Using goats to target unwanted vegetation is an organic, less intrusive means of ridding unwanted plants and vegetation. If there is a need to rid an area of fire fuel, goats can provide a means to do so.

I have been in the education world since 2002. Since then, I have come to learn that there are many ways to learn. For some, the best way to learn is through hands-on, skill-based learning. In language acquisition, the same is true.

My education includes a BA Spanish, BA Secondary Education, MS Bilingual Education, EdS Executive Education Leadership. I also have 36 graduate credits in Spanish Literature.

I have learned that it is important to learn to read the written word and the world around us. We are a not-for-profit organization.

Visit us on Facebook @la.casita.mia.2025

Who am I?

Jim Hillstead

I am a country boy at heart. From the time I was a young boy, we would take family trips to Wyoming to my grandparents' farm that my dad grew up on. We got to spend time on the dairy, camping and fishing, and with family. I grew to love farming and the outdoors. We would return to our home in another state, in a big city. I struggled in school. I was bright enough to do alright in school, I just didn't enjoy being there. In the winter of 1983, my dad asked if I wanted to go live with my grandparents and work for my uncles during the summer. I jumped at the chance. The one stipulation was that I had to do well in school. That would be the first summer of many that I would go work for them. I learned to work, I learned life skills. I was able to learn and understand lessons that I was taught in school.

When I was 19 in 1988, I was able to go live in Veracruz, Mexico. This was another turning point in my life. I lived throughout the State in many different regions. I not only learned Spanish, but I also learned about the people and culture of Mexico. Many people showed me how to care for and work with others. When I returned home in 1990, I went and spent the summer on the farm in Wyoming. I decided I wanted to go to college and become a teacher. I wanted to help others to learn a language and about other cultures.

I knew I wanted to attend Utah State University in Logan, UT. I was able to earn a BA in Spanish in 1996. Then a BA in Secondary Education in 2001. I went on to earn a MA in Bilingual Education in 2017 and an EdS in Executive Education Administration in 2023, both from Boise State University. I also have 36 graduate credits in Spanish Literature.

I started teaching in January of 2002 as an English as a Second Language teacher. I have also taught History and Spanish over the years. In the years I have taught, I have come to learn that- for some students- there needs to be an alternative education style. Traditional education does not fit their needs. I made it through that system, but I believe I would have done better with hands on, out working and doing. While I was at Utah State University, I worked for the Plant Science Department breeding barely. I learned more there than I did in any Science class. I also learned Spanish by living in Mexico and having to speak it.

The philosophy of La Casita Mia comes from my life experience and what I have observed in my time as a teacher. I believe that there is a better way to serve those with whom we work.

Education Professional Development

In order to prepare to work with students, staff and the community, it is essential to receive quality training. La Casita Mia provides data driven information. We provide the information that allows you to better serve the community with which you work.

Professional development is provided in language acquisition, hands on skills building and benefits of CTE in the school.

La Casita Mia provides half day and full day professional development tailored to your needs. The data provided is based on research that is ongoing and current.

La casita mia

Goat Weed Abatement

La Casita Mia provides weed control services through the use of goats. Our goats graze desired areas to rid and control weeds, plants and maintain fire control. The goats are fenced in to desired area to prevent access not targeted areas. Through the use of herders, herding dogs and portable fencing, the goats will rid targe plants.