Never knowing about homeschooling, nor meeting anyone who had done it until I was in my mid-late 20’s, I never thought there was any other way beside the public or private education models. Yet, here I am, a homeschooling mother of 5 incredible blessings.

It is amazing how things change when you hold a precious life in your arms. I remember clearly one spring morning as I was sitting on the steps of our townhome in Northern Virginia when a woman walked by. She stopped and asked if the child I was holding was mine, and then when would I be putting him into childcare. I was quite startled by such an assumption. I could feel in my heart then, that was not my parenting style.

I loved being present for the firsts – first step, first word, first interests . . . and I wanted to be there to watch the wheels begin to turn in his mind as he grew.

When it was time for kindergarten, all the kindergartens were full day, and my son still took naps. I couldn’t see adding to the stress, so I figured I could teach kindergarten. Then it snowballed from there and my family became one of those homeschooling families.

Thankfully, I was able to find an incredible network of other moms and we worked together to learn this beast called homeschooling. I loved being present to see how my kids learned and worked within their styles, as well as growing into my own teaching style. I have been able to teach my own kids and bring other peoples kids along the journey from preschool through high school. I have been a part of a co-op, hosted classes in my home, participated in district homeschool options, online options and have had kids take college classes during their last two years of high school.

With five kids, 2 boys and three girls, I have had to adapt to the uniqueness of each one and have been stretched in numerous ways. I have learned to teach through dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, auditory processing hurdles, concurrent enrollment and a variety of the everyday struggles of growing up.

I never planned this lifestyle, but have seen numerous blessings come from it. I have loved knowing each of my kids and being able to spend my days with them. We have loved the times reading together, making up stories and exploring our world. It has been a blessing for my kids to really know each other and develop friendships within the family. With 12 ½ years between the oldest and the youngest, if the oldest had been away for most of the day, my youngest would have missed those hours and that bond. I am so glad they did not miss out on those years together. Not only have the created family bonds, they have begun to enjoy learning. It has been my delight to see them begin to enjoy this gift.

My oldest graduated 3 years ago and is currently a Marine Reservist and an EMT working toward paramedic. My second is nearing graduation and looking toward the fire department. The girls and I continue the journey of learning from home and enjoy participating in classes with friends.

I have found many styles and curriculums that have worked for me and for our family, but much of that has been through trial and error. We have also found things that do not work for us. I believe each family is unique. The blessing of homeschooling is that the parents have the privilege and the opportunity to capitalize upon the strengths of their family and of their children to create the best possible environment. I love talking about curriculum and homeschooling styles. I enjoy walking beside others to encourage them to pursue the call that is set before them and enjoy their families in the homeschooling journey.

The theme of my homeschooling heart comes from Colossians 2:2–3:

“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

To schedule an appointment with Michele, click here. All appointment times are in Mountain Standard Time.

All services must be paid for at time of booking. We will make reasonable accommodations for emergencies that result in the need to reschedule. We request 24 hour notice for rescheduling requests. Refunds will not be given for missed appointments without 24 hour notice.