About me and my philosophy:
With over 30 years of experience working with children throughout my career in Education, I now help families live a life without school. I have helped thousands of families make their transition to homeschooling through my work as president and founder of Marin Homeschoolers (501c7); as a Regional Representative for the Alternative Education Resource Organization (AERO); through volunteer service at California Homeschool Network (CHN); and as a former member of the Board of Directors for HomeSchool Association of California (HSC). In 2013, I founded the Bay Area Homeschool Fair (now Ten Toad) in an effort to continue to bring free information and resources to all who are curious.
After receiving my B.A. in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Special Education, I left the teaching profession because I felt like a square peg that no longer fit into the system's round hole. In the classroom, I endeavored to be a mentor and guide to help my students learn through their own inquiry rather than the typical drill & practice curricula-driven model of school. Now as a homeschooling mom of two boys, I bear witness to their deep desire to learn without the arbitrary construct of schooling. Most parents remember a joyful time of discovery when their little ones started to walk, talk, and ask questions...but at some point, learning became a chore. Their excitement and enthusiasm to learn have all but disappeared. I believe children are natural born learners. They seek out information all around them from the moment they are born and continue to do so if they are not hampered by our teaching agenda. They are curious about how the world works and are capable of learning everything they need to know through life's experiences. As parents and home educators, we have the opportunity to allow our children to pursue their passions and learn through meaningful experiences rather than sitting in a classroom enduring lessons that 'teach to the test.' Our kids can spend hours immersed in what truly motivates them without worrying about homework assignments and test scores. When children are afforded the opportunity to learn without coercion or force, many of the struggles between parent and child are no longer in play, and the relationship is strengthened. And when families connect through joyful learning experiences, they discover a whole new way of being with each other—their interactions become more peaceful, relaxed, and authentic. |
If you are considering homeschooling, or are currently homeschooling with a school-at-home approach, my goal is to help you discover the joys of living life without school by providing resources and guidance during the transition from traditional school models to unschooling.
"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." ~ John Dewey
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