About Me

 

I am the mother of two homeschool graduates! My husband and I have been married for 27 years. I am a former public school music teacher with a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision; I had always envisioned a career devoted to public schools.

BUT, life is not as I had imagined - it is SO much better.

Our journey out of public school and into homeschooling taught me a lot about how children learn, the goals for my children, and what the true purpose of education is.

The 2022-2023 school year was our last official year of homeschooling. My youngest is now a freshman in college, and my oldest is a college graduate. She works at a school for special needs children; we are so proud of her!

Our family has grown together through this journey, and I love to encourage and support families along their journey. I can see what worked in our homeschool and what I could have improved. It’s also fun to hear that from your adult children! Whatever the case, it’s all used for good and helps your children become well-rounded, competent, caring adults.

The years of home education have taught me that children flourish with good books, plenty of time to explore, consistency, discipline, and ample time for FUN. My heart is to encourage and equip homeschool families to make the most of this amazing journey we are on together—whether by choice or by force!

While I have been a speaker at several homeschool conferences, a presenter for LEGO Education, and a guest on numerous podcasts, my greatest joy is working with families and children through Homegrown Learners and also the LIVE! program at SQUILT Music.

Over the years, Homegrown Learners has blossomed into something more than we could have ever imagined! Learn more about the Homegrown Learners family of businesses here.

What Will You Find at Homegrown Learners?

  • Download my free eBook - You CAN Homeschool: Encouragement for the Journey.

  • Encouragement -- lots and lots of it -- it's kind of my thing!

  • LEGO Ideas - TONS of free printables, reviews of LEGO® Education products, and frequent giveaways!

  • Classical Conversations - we are not what you would call a “CC Family”, but I have blogged extensively about our journey in (and out of) different levels of CC.

  • Curriculum Information - everything from elementary to high school - we’ve homeschooled at every level!

  • BOOKS! - I am an avid reader and love to share reviews of books I’ve read - both for myself and for children.

  • Operation Christmas Child - I traveled to Ecuador in 2013 to deliver shoeboxes! This ministry is near and dear to my heart! 


Music Appreciation

In my previous life, I was an elementary music specialist in public schools and a private piano teacher, and I loved my work. I have written a complete music appreciation curriculum for children and also teach live, online music appreciation lessons.


Financial Education

With his background in nonprofit credit counseling, passion for financial education, and helping homeschooling families (and ANYONE who wants assistance!) succeed, Hal became a certified You Need a Budget (YNAB) coach and began Your Profit Pro in 2023, where he coaches people on the fundamentals of personal finance and budgeting, optimizes small business processes, or keeps your books!

Questions? Contact us using the form below.