Keynote Speakers
 Chris Stewart |  Teri Ebert |
Speakers
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Chris Stewart
“The Great and Terrible series is a wonderfully written and very thought provoking series. I couldn't put them down and hated having to wait for each new book! HIGHLY recommend them to anyone!”
– David, Utah
"I got to meet Chris Stewart last weekend at a TOFW (Time Out For Women) --he is such a great guy and funny!"
- TOFW Attendee, Alaska
Chris Stewart is a bestselling author who has published more than a
dozen books, has been selected by the Book of the Month Club, and has
released titles in multiple languages in seven countries. He has also
been a guest editorialist for the Detroit News, among other
publications, commenting on matters of military readiness and national
security concerns. He is a world-record-setting Air Force pilot
(fastest nonstop flight around the world) and president and CEO of The
Shipley Group, a nationally recocgnized consulting and training company.
Classes:
Your Mission, Should You Decide to Accept It: Finding & Completing Your Mission in Life - Opening Keynote
The 7 Miracles that Saved America - Why They Matter and Why We Should Have Hope
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Teri Ebert
"The first time I heard Teri explaining the Four Year Plan, I was so excited! It has truly changed our family's lives for the better."
- Joy H." I was pleased with the way [The Four Year Plan] enhanced our homeschool. My children loved the assignments and projects... The flexibility of it to facilitate the learning needs for the different ages of my children simplifies our homeschool. And the thoroughness of the program gives me peace of mind that our children will receive a well-rounded education, enabling them to have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in life."
- Elizabeth T.
" What a great blessing the Four Year Plan has been to our family! It really does include everything your child needs to learn. The hands-on activities are so fun that the big kids get upset if we don't include them." - Kelley A.
Teri
Ebert is a mom in the homeschool trenches! She met her husband, Ken
Ebert, at BYU, and they are the parents of seven powerful Jedis. The
Eberts have been homeschooling for 18 challenging and rewarding years.
Now they have come full circle with grandchildren joining in the
homeschool excitement with the last children at home. Five of the Ebert
children have attended BYU, and Michael was a Hinckley Presidential
Scholar. Teri is the designer of the Four Year Plan and the author of 4 books in the curriculum. She has written 6 support books and authored the LDS Church's statement on homeschooling. Teri also directs as weekly co-op and county-wide homeschool organization. She founded Kindred Learning, a small educational resource company, as a service oriented hooby to support homeschoolers. Teri also teaches local classes and speaks at many homeschool conferences.
Classes:
Daily Homeschool Patterns
High School Roads
Kindred Learning (Vendor Workshop)
Millennium School - Closing Keynote
Prodigal Children
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Jackie Ahrens
"Testimonial Coming"
Jackie retired from the Fairfax County Police Department in 2006.
Shortly thereafter, she was introduced to a program offered by United
First Financial that eliminates interest on mortgages and other
consumer debt and drastically reduces the terms. After a short time
being on their program and seeing the value and NEED of such a program,
she became an agent with them and began teaching families about
mortgages and banking strategies that put them back in control of
their money. Also during that time she started homeschooling her 10
year old son, Kirk, who is now 14 years old and in the eighth grade.
Jackie and her husband John, a Battalion Chief with Fairfax City Fire
Department, also have two grown children. Their oldest son is in West
Jordan, UT and their daughter is in Centreville, VA. Jackie, John and
Kirk currently reside in Manassas, VA.
Class:
How to Send Your Kids to the College of Their Dreams Without Going Broke! (a Mentor Mom© class)
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Jamie Anderson
"When I decided to delve into homeschooling, one of the first things I learned is how much my children need to have mentors to inspire them. Luckily I met Jamie Anderson in that same time frame and her knowledge and willingness to share it has allowed me to look to her as a mentor for my homeschooling efforts"
-Connie Z.
"Jamie has the training and experience to make a difference in people's lives. Her educational background, family values, and personality are ignited by her passion for learning."
-Doug L.
Jamie Anderson, a current resident of VA and mother of four, has
been homeschooling "officially" for six years. During her undergraduate
studies, she felt inspired that at some point in her future, she would
need to teach her children at home. Subsequently, she received her
Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Brigham
Young University- Hawaii. Her homeschooling approach has evolved from
traditional conveyor belt to a mixture of TJEd and classical. Jamie and
her husband, Travis, enjoy their role as the primary educators and
mentors for their children—who range in age from ten to four years. As
a family, they enjoy spending their free time accomplishing running
goals, drawing, studying a good read, and playing outdoors.
Class:
I Know My Child is a Genius! (a Mentor Mom© class)
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Tequitia Andrews
"Tequitia has helped me feel more comfortable and confident in my homeschooling endeavors. She turns the idea of homeschooling into a reality. "
-Nicole M.
"Tequita, has helped me and my family with practical homeschooling advice...during my first year of homeschooling. Her wonderful suggestions, knowledge and support have always been uplifting and encouraging."
-Dawna K.
"I think [Tequitia] is very insightful, and knowledgeable. She is easy to understand and learn from. I can’t wait to hear her speak in person at our next conference!
-Denise W.
Tequitia Andrews and her husband, Londo, are college sweethearts.
They have four beautiful children ages 11, 9, 5, and 2. Tequitia has
been homeschooling her children for six years. She and her husband felt
that homeschooling would give them an opportunity to provide a strong
spiritual, as well as academic, foundation. Tequitia is a graduate of
Virginia State University where she studied Sociology. She is a regular
columnist for Mormon Times and freelances for other publications.
Tequitia and her family reside in Petersburg, Virginia.
Class:
Keep the Homeschool Fire Burning: 8 Fool-proof Remedies to Homeschool Burnout! (a Mentor Mom© class)
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Beth Ashton
"Through Beth's own efforts to learn and grow, she leads and challenges others - including her children, family and friends - to dig deeper for Truth and to let it penetrate and change their lives for the better. She has a wealth of knowledge about faith, family, nutrition, homemaking and homeschooling. Beth will motivate and encourage mothers to enrich their children by developing their OWN talents, and she will make it all seem do-able, even for the most overwhelmed among us!"
--Conference attendee
Beth is acutely aware that life isn’t always what we expect, but
through life’s trials she has come to trust her Creator’s hand in her
life. Although homeschooling was never in her original plan for
motherhood, she has found it instrumental in helping her become who she
came here to be. Learning along with her three children has enriched,
challenged, inspired, and intrigued her, and has fulfilled her life.
Besides her interest in her family and gospel principles, she’s
fascinated with health and wellness, nutrition, the cause of liberty,
the works of C.S. Lewis, camping, interior design and even building
large play structures out of cardboard. She spends the rest of her
time trying to invent new ways to keep her kids from growing up too
fast.
Class:
Integrating the Gospel into Your Homeschool (a Mentor Mom© class)
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Kari Brimhall
"Kari’s classes are great! I need these types of ideas for my home, this was a perfect workshop to attend, very motivational to go home and do it! I really appreciated the concrete examples Kari shared - ideas that I can go home and implement or use as a springboard for my own. Great job!!! Please have her speak again."
-2009 attendee
"This was the exact topic I was worried about and I wasn't sure how to find a fun way to approach it. This is an excellent idea. Thank you! You inspired me!"
-2009 attendee
Kari and VonLogan Brimall have been married for 19 adventurous years
and have four fabulous children (ages 9-16). They have lived all over
the country and in Mexico. It's never a dull moment as they love
exploring new places, serving in the church (he is in their stake
presidency, and she teaches early morning seminary), writing and making
movies with their family and friends.
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Alan Dibb
"Alan is a great speaker and his powerful testimony of the prophets is uplifting and inspirational."
"I laughed and I cried and I went away with a much stronger testimony of the role of the prophets and how God can take an ordinary man and make him extraordinary."
-Sherry V.
Alan Thomas Dibb is a biomedical engineering graduate student at Duke
University studying the properties and strength of the human neck. He
grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah in a family of six and completed his
undergraduate training in mechanical engineering at Brigham Young
University. While his education and training do not provide any
experience to lead a discussion about President Thomas S. Monson, being
named in honor of and growing up around his grandpa does gives him a
personal insight into President Monson's life. Alan and his wife,
Lindsay, met in the Durham 3rd ward and are currently members of the
Durham 4th ward. He loves the outdoors, working in his garage, and
Häagen-Dazs Pineapple Coconut Ice Cream.
Class:
My Grandpa, the Prophet: Learning in the Life of President Monson
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Jessica Diviney
"Jessica Diviney is an extremely well-educated person who exudes enthusiasm for learning and love of discovery for whatever subject matter we discuss together. I have had the privilege of hearing her deliver several addresses and I know I speak for the other members of her audiences when I say that her speaking style is clear and compelling and the content of her speeches both interesting and inspiring."
-Andrea S., Roanoke, VA
Jessica
grew up in northern Virginia
and studied at BYU Provo and Southern Virginia College, where she graduated
with a degree in English. She resides
now in Roanoke, Virginia with her husband and five children,
ages 1-9 (three boys, two girls).
According to her husband, she enjoys anything where she can boss people
around, which is probably why she likes homeschooling. She also likes eating French pastries,
travelling to places that might have great French pastries, summers in Maine, and a good book.
Class:
In Defiance of Dewey: Memorization and Recitation for Today’s Child (a Mentor Mom© class)
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Julie Finlayson
"Julie does a great job teaching. Any class that she would teach would be worth attending. She is organzied and relates the subjects to the levels that the children or adults are at. She goes "above the call" with fun forms and worsheets and ideas! She is cultivating a love of learning for herself and her children."
Julie and her husband, Rick, have been married since 1991 and have five
children, the oldest born in 1996 and the youngest born in the fall of
2008. They have always homeschooled. Julie has enjoyed the
home education experience and the opportunity it provides her to be close
to her children as they all make new discoveries together. She is an
eclectic homeschooler and loves to pull the best parts of everything she finds
and weave them into her own customized educational plan. She enjoys
networking with other homeschoolers and served for three years as an LDSEHE
board member and webmaster. When she's not reading to her kids she can be
found gardening, decorating cakes, or making organizational charts on her
computer.
Class:
Poetry in Motion (a Mentor Mom© class)
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Misty Foxley
"Whenever you hear Misty speak, whether it is giving a talk, presenting a lesson, or just talking one-on-one, you know she's giving from her heart. She has a depth of knowledge about homeschooling (and so much else!) that she freely shares with others, and we are blessed by it."
-2008 Conference Attendee
"This was just what I needed; great ideas for alternate passions to be pursued - not just test items, the world is the limit!! Thanks for opening people's eyes to possibilities. Misty is very engaging and I completely enjoyed her class."
-2009 attendee
Misty has been working tirelessly in one capacity or another in
organizing this conference and setting up its volunteer leadership
staff for the past six years, serving four years as LDSEHE President.
She has a continuing admiration for parents who choose to bring their
children home and devote their time and energy to their development and
education. Misty’s desire is to help support a growing number of LDS
homeschoolers throughout the nation with this conference. She and her
husband, Derek, live in Virginia, have six children and have been
homeschooling for over 18 years. Their oldest son recently returned
from a mission and both he and his sister are students of private
universities. Derek and Misty consider their experiences in
homeschooling as some of the most fulfilling and greatest experiences
of their family life.
Class:
The "Why" of Homeschooling (1/2 day Homeschool Beginner's Seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)
Hold the Course! (a Mentor Mom© class)
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Jennifer Georgia
"Just the information we have been looking for! Thanks for laying out a scary subject in a clean, non threatening way! This really helps! Jennifer is very informative, knowledgeable, and prepared. She gave a good handout with good references. She was articulate, very organized, and taught with the Spirit, and was very encouraging. It felt like she helped a lot of us!"
-2009 attendee
"Jennifer has a way of making everyone feel that homeschooling is something they CAN do, no matter how inadequate they might feel. She is so supportive, helpful, and knowledgeable in answering questions and addressing concerns. She has really been a mentor to me throughout my homeschooling experience."
-Marsha L., VA
Jennifer and her husband Paul have been homeschooling their four
children since birth, and their oldest is now a junior in college. They
have lived in the Washington D.C. area for 16 wonderful years. She
spent 20 years as a critical care nurse, and though she loved it, she
has temporarily put that career aside to focus on more important
things. Over the years she has taught co-op classes in science,
Spanish, history, and writing. She has read just about every
homeschooling book out there, and is currently writing one herself.
She’s a passionate supporter of homeschooling, believing that it will
be the "hope" and "change" that we need in society. In her downtime she
loves to read, sing, garden, travel, and do projects of all types.
Classes:
"Cool Math" – Loving Math with Your Older Child (a Mentor Mom© class)
"Fun Math" – Loving Math with Your Young Child (a Mentor Mom© class)
The "How" of Homeschooling: Motivation, Parenting, and Other Issues (1/2 day Homeschool Beginner's Seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)
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Theresa Handy
"[Theresa] Handy provided lots of information, which I loved coupled with lots of concrete ideas which I'm looking for. We loved all the applicable material, but especially loved her enthusiasm!"
–2009 attendee
Influenced by Reed Benson at BYU, Theresa and her husband David decided
to homeschool even before the first of their four children were born.
Feeling a need for a local LDS support group, they formed the first
statewide LDS homeschooling organization in Oregon and held annual
conferences. They relocated to North Carolina in 2003. The Handy
family's homeschooling adventure continues, with grandparents joining
their household, health struggles, running a family book publishing
business, and much more! LDSEHE is grateful for Theresa’s knowledge,
experience and willingness to serve.
Class:
The "Who" of Homeschooling (1/2 day Homeschool Beginner's Seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)
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Kris Jensen
"Kris is one of those teachers who can make even difficult topics accessible to us all. She is fun and energetic and a joy to listen to."
- Clarissa V.
Four years ago, Kris Jensen received a phone call from Duke Law School
asking her to consider a position with their fundraising team.
Following a hectic trip across country, Kris settled in Durham and
started working at Duke Law. Today, she is the Director of Development
and she helps manage the fundraising team of the law school with
raising $16.5 million in support for faculty and students. Prior to
Duke Law, Kris was the Director of Development at Westminster College
in Salt Lake City. She has also worked for the American Cancer Society
and helped organize Relay for Life events throughout the Salt Lake
valley. She received her bachelor’s degree in public relations from BYU
and is working to complete her master’s degree in organizational
communication from Westminster. She is originally from Elko,
Nevada.Kris is currently serving as the Relief Society president in the
Durham 1st Ward.
Class:
Internet Info: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
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Rebecca Keller
“Rebecca’s books with their creative drawings make science concepts easy to understand. I am learning so much along with my child! I wish I had resources like this when I was a kid.”
“Thanks for creating such a wonderful curriculum for our kids! We've only been at this homeschooling thing for a short time, but my children absolutely LIVE for the day we get to do our science work! “
“I have found the RS4K program very easy to use and you might even find yourself getting excited as you read along. The are so well written, thorough and yet easy to understand. Dr. Keller has done a wonderful job of covering complex material in a way that is accessible to younger
students.”
In 2001, Rebecca W. Keller, Ph.D., began formalizing her teaching materials to equip non-science teachers (usually other home schooling moms) so they would feel comfortable teaching science disciplines to their children.
She didn’t set out to be an author. A former research assistant professor at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, Dr. Keller worked in the molecular biology, chemistry and neuroscience fields. As she homeschooled her three children, this scientific background coupled with her love of the dramatic, and she prepared interesting experiments or “labs” for her children and those of some neighbors. This success in engaging kids in science prompted her to launch the Real Science-4-Kids program.
Today, Real Science-4-Kids, with its easy-to-use teacher-friendly manuals and engaging, kid-friendly text, is used in 50 states as well as Australia, Canada, Japan and Korea. Dr. Keller’s publishing team continues to develop and test products at her Albuquerque headquarters. She introduced Kogs-4-KidsTM, an interdisciplinary curricula program, in Spring 2008.
Classes:
Critical Thinking
Real Science 4 Kids (Vendor Workshop)
Reclaiming Science for God
Stepping Stones Towards High School and College Level Science
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Marsha LaFroth
"Marsha combines her natural humor with real-life experiences to share her journey with homeschooling. Through the good and the bad she has given it her all and turned to the Lord for guidance when this path has seemed foggy. You'll love listening to her share what has worked and what hasn't as you ponder what is right for your family."
- Melinda P., UT
"Marsha has a compassionate nature, is very talented, and has a great testimony of homeschooling."
- Jennifer, VA
Marsha LaFroth considers herself a convert to homeschooling. She used to feel sorry for the poor, homeschooled children who were missing out on all the wonderful opportunities school had to offer. Her feelings began to change when her homeschooling sister and family came for a week-long visit. By the time her sister left, Marsha was wondering if her own kids were the ones missing out! After a lot of study and prayer, she decided to give homeschooling a try, although she was not sure if she would make it a year. It has now been four years, and in that time she has discovered all the wonderful things that homeschooling has to offer and she won’t give it up (even though she is tempted at times). She compares homeschooling to mothering--full of challenges and “rough days” but ultimately, a joy and a privilege and she treasures the experience.
Marsha grew up in Orem, Utah with her 9 brothers and sisters. She went to BYU and served a mission in Washington D.C. where she met her future husband. They have lived in in Northern Virginia for the past 10 years and have 3 children ages 9, 8, and 3. Marsha loves to read and talk, you will usually find her doing one or the other.
Class:
The "Where" of Homeschooling (1/2 day Homeschool Beginner's Seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)
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Luanne Lee
"Testimonial Coming"
Since 1996, Luanne has been assisting and educating individuals and
families in the proper use of Insurance, Mortgage and Retirement
Planning. Her interest in college funding began when she noticed so
many of her clients, parents as well as newly graduated students, were
drowning in student loan and credit card debt. Her passion for helping
families plan for a secure and debt free future, and seeing that
student loan debt was keeping so many from doing that, brought her to the
specialty of college planning and funding. She has undergone extensive
and ongoing study and training. Luanne is a Certified Member of the
Association of College Funding Advisors (ACFA), is a graduate of their
Mastery Program, and has partnered with Professional Education
Services, a national service center, to bring the highest quality
service and support to her clients and their students. Luanne and Jim,
her husband of 34 years and an engineer and Army Reservist, have two
grown children, and two beautiful granddaughters! After many years of
overseas living, Luanne and Jim have made their home in beautiful and
peaceful Broad Run, VA along with their daughter Michelle, one dog, and
three cats.
Class:
How to Send Your Kids to the College of Their Dreams Without Going Broke! (a Mentor Mom© class)
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Benjamin Muhlestein
"After going through a 6 weeks personal mentoring class series, I found myself wanting to sign up for more. I am impressed by how devoted Benjamin is to his mission to build the greatest generation of youth and adult leaders in the history of the world. His curriculum and guidance have unlocked a greater depth in my personal mission and improved my communication abilities. I don’t know what I would have done without his mentoring."
- J. Hansen
Benjamin Muhlestein is a native of Orem, Utah. He graduated from Utah
Valley University with a Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, and is
nearing completion of his Master’s degree at George Wythe University.
Ben is the founder of The Quintilian School of Oratory: Unlocking the
Power of Communication, and has written five practicum books on oratory
that enable individuals to unite oratory with their individual
missions. He has brought The Quintilian School of Oratory to 15 areas
across the nation, has lectured on oratory and communications skills in
California, Utah and Nevada, and is a sought-after speaker at freedom
festivals and youth events throughout Utah. Ben and his wife live in
Southern Nevada and are the parents of five beautiful children.
Class:
How to Teach Like the Great Master Orators
The Quintillian School of Oratory (Vendor Workshop)
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Tina Nokes
"Tina’s class was full of great, useful information. I have never considered this approach to higher level education - Thanks!"
-2009 attendee
"Learned a lot - needed this information very badly. The idea of American Youth Statesman class is great! Thanks for your willingness to share your materials and experience, and for having so many things for us to look at…I thought I can do this! I looked very forward to this one and it was well worth the wait!"
-2009 attendee
Tina Nokes, a mother of four boys, has homeschooled for nine years. She began homeschooling her oldest son shortly after he entered 9th grade. The others came out of the public school system within the next two years and the whole family began to ride the “great white-knuckler” of homeschooling together. Beginning with the only thing she knew, public school at home, Tina knew there must be a better way. So she began researching curriculums, methodologies, and philosophies to find the best fit for her family. Nine years later she feels that she has a handle on it but continues to keep up on the latest trends and practices. The Nokes live in Vienna, Virginia.
Classes:
The “How” of Homeschooling: Choosing the Best Curriculum for Your Family (1/2 day Homeschool Beginner's Seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)
Starting in the Middle: Transitioning from Public School (a Mentor Mom© class)
Melissa Orton
"Melissa was wonderful. Real Meat. She stayed right on topic with notes which I really appreciated."
- 2009 attendee
“Melissa has a great love for learning and teaching. This has helped her gain a wealth of knowledge. She has been and currently is one of my greatest resources during my homeschooling journey. Her thoughts, advice, and ideas continue to uplift and inspire me. Her practical and positive suggestions have definitely helped in our homeschool. She was one of the first persons who really helped guide me in the very beginning of our decision to homeschool. I am always grateful that she is so willing to share the knowledge that she has gained."
-H.J. V., Virginia
Melissa grew up in a small town in Idaho—growing potatoes and moving water lines. She is the oldest of six children, and the only girl. Her parents started homeschooling when she was a junior in high school. By taking home study courses from BYU, she was able to graduate from high school early and begin college. This helped her realize how much time is really wasted in public school, and convinced her that she wanted to homeschool her own children some day! Melissa and Matt have three daughters, ages 12, 9 and 5. They have been homeschooling for eight years.
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Daniel Peterson
"At BYU Dan Peterson was a significant factor in what became for me an intellectually and spiritually rewarding year. Dan combines carefully researched facts, intuition, keen analysis, broad knowledge, and personal conviction to provide amazing perspectives on subjects in a down to earth manner. You will feel you learned something new, want to know more, challenged, stimulated and even entertained. A wonderful teacher!"
-Derek F.
"Taking Daniel Peterson's Islamic Humanities class at BYU was one of the best educational decisions I ever made. Br. Peterson broadened my horizons and gave me a better understanding of Middle Eastern culture and history, which has only become more and more relevant over time. Br. Peterson is a gifted
teacher with a powerful testimony of the Gospel, who really cares about his students." - David H.
A native of southern California, Daniel C. Peterson received a
bachelor’s degree in Greek and philosophy from Brigham Young University
(BYU) and, after several years of study in Jerusalem and Cairo, earned
his Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures from the University of
California at Los Angeles (UCLA).
Dr. Peterson is a professor of
Islamic Studies and Arabic at BYU, where he teaches Arabic language and
literature at all levels, Islamic philosophy, Islamic culture and
civilization, Islamic religion, the Qur’an, the introductory and senior
“capstone” courses for Middle Eastern Studies majors, and various other
occasional, specialized classes. He is the editor of the twice-annual
FARMS Review, the author of several books and numerous articles on
Islamic and Latter-day Saint topics–including a biography entitled
Muhammad: Prophet of God (Eerdmans, 2007)–and has lectured across the
United States, in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and at various
Islamic universities in the Near East and Asia.
He has served as a
member of the board, chairman of the board, associate executive
director, co-director of research, and, currently, director of outreach
for what is now known as BYU’s Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious
Scholarship–which has, among other things, produced a
computer-digitized version of the Dead Sea Scrolls; electronically
recovered damaged documents from the ruins of Herculaneum (Italy),
Petra (Jordan), Bonampak (Mexico), and elsewhere; and, with the Vatican
Apostolic Library in Rome, electronically published editions of ancient
Syriac Christian manuscripts. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of
BYU’s four-part Middle Eastern Texts Initiative, which includes not
only the Islamic Translation Series but three sister series: the
Medical Works of Moses Maimonides, Eastern Christian Texts, and the
Library of the Christian East. These series publish dual-language
editions of classical works of medieval Arabic and Persian philosophy,
Arabic medicine and science, and early Syriac and Christian Arabic
literature. (The volumes are distributed by the University of Chicago
Press.). In 2007, in recognition of his establishment of the Middle
Eastern Texts Initiative, Dr. Peterson was named a Utah Academy Fellow
and declared a lifetime member of the Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts,
and Letters.
Dr. Peterson served in the Switzerland Zürich Mission
(1972-1974), and, for approximately eight years, on the Gospel Doctrine
writing committee for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He currently serves as the bishop of a student singles ward adjacent to
Utah Valley University.
Dr. Peterson is married to the former Deborah Stephens, of Lakewood, Colorado, and they are the parents of three sons.
Classes:
What You Need to Teach Your Children About the Middle East
The Need to Study Ancient Languages
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Kelli Poll
"Kelli Poll has the character and experience to infuse her presentations with moral authority. Her preparation is extensive and her presentation style is natural, polished, impactful, and sprinkled with good humor and understanding of her audience. She can connect because she has been there, and knows how to gently lead her audience to new places of inspiration and understanding."
- Diann Jeppson
"Kelli has great vision and understanding! She is an inspiration to listen to!"
- Nicholeen Peck
"Identifying principles and making connections is Kelli's gift. I have heard Kelli speak on numerous occasions and various topics. Her ideas are profound. Her words are enlightening. She just loves books which is why Kelli has a wealth of knowledge. When she is interested in a topic she reads, reads, applies, and masters it. She is devoted to God and family with that same zeal. Kelli's words and life have deeply influenced my own! "
- K. Davis, UT
Kelli Poll grew up out west in Nevada but moved east to New Jersey with
her family when she was 16. She served as a missionary in the
California, Fresno mission, and in the meantime her family moved back
to Nevada. She has been married to her husband Clint for 21 years,
mother to their five children for 19 years, and homeschooling herself
and her children from the beginning. She has been a mentor to various
groups - moms, love-of-learners, and scholar youth. She is currently
teaching classes for young scholars. She has spoken to many groups
including Mother's Retreats, TJEd Forum, Utah Home Education
Asssociation Conference, Charlotte Mason Convention and Gospel Centered
Curriculum Conference. The Polls currently reside in Layton, Utah.
Classes:
At the Foot of the Giant
Nurturing the Foundation
Parents as Leader-Mentors – the Grand Strategy, or How to Stop a Runaway Horse
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Jay Powell
"Testimonial Coming"
Jay Powell studied piano for 10 years and never learned to like practicing. “A lot of times, it was so much more interesting to use the techniques I was learning to create my own music than to practice the boring, old songs in my lesson books.” In spite of Jay’s ADD-style of learning, he went on to study organ performance at BYU, where he earned a B.A. in Music. Jay has taught piano lessons privately for 13 years, worked as an adjunct piano staff instructor at Hollins University, and given group organ instruction at BYU. He has accompanied events in the Salt Lake Tabernacle and Conference Center. Jay has released 2 albums: “All is Calm” (Christmas) and “Lost No More” (hymn arrangements).
Jay and his wife, Bridget, currently reside in Roanoke, Virginia, where they live with their two boys, Taylor and Zach.
Class:
The Healing Power of Music
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Andrew Pudewa
"The seminar turned out to be a GREAT blessing to all who attended. Mr. Pudewa was certainly worth the trip! He kept us on the edge of our seats both days with his wisdom and wit! I don't think any of us could adequately thank you for the inspiration, information and invitations he so articulately, beautifully and generously showered on us this weekend."
- Conference Attendee
"I did IEW with daughter (18) for 2 years in high school. Her first semester in college (when she was 16 and dual-enrolling), her composition teacher wrote things like "worthy of a grad student or English major" on her papers. I think she was the only student in her class who could outline and write! All thanks to Excellence in Writing."
- Wendy
"It's so effective! It works so, so well. I can't imagine that people would want to teach writing any other way."
- Kim
Andrew Pudewa is the director of the Institute for Excellence in
Writing and a homeschooling father of seven. Presenting throughout
North America, he addresses issues relating to teaching, writing,
thinking, spelling, and music with clarity, insight, practical
experience, and humor. His seminars for parents, students and teachers
have helped transform many a reluctant writer and have equipped
educators with powerful tools to dramatically improve students' skills.
Although
he is a graduate of the Talent Education Institute in Japan and holds a
Certificate of Child Brain Development from The Institutes for the
Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, his best
endorsement is from a young Alaskan boy who called him "the funny man
with the wonderful words." He and his beautiful, heroic wife Robin
currently teach their three youngest children at home in Atascadero,
California.
Classes:
The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing (Writing Seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)
Nurturing Excellent Writers and Speakers The Power of Linguistic Patterns (Writing Seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)
Reaching the Reluctant Writer (Writing Seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)
Rebuilding Your Education Paradigm: Teaching for “Freedomship” (Writing Seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)
Spelling and the Brain (Writing Seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)
Teaching Boys & Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day (Writing Seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)
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Liz Quist
"Elizabeth Quist has a depth of spirituality, knowledge, conviction and wisdom that are rarely seen in combination today. Her gift with words and ability to ask probing questions brings those around her to profound truth. Her grasp on the importance of healthy individual identity, family relationships, and personal sense of mission allow her to speak compellingly and eloquently and brings her listeners to powerful personal insights and increased determination to live with greater light. "
- Erin Reynolds, Author, Dinnertime Revolutions
"You are in for a treat! Liz is fun, full of energy, engaging and has real depth. I worked with her at GWU for a few semesters and missed her dearly when she finally had to leave. Great person and a fun speaker!"
- Andrew Groft, President, George Wythe University
"Liz Quist has a refined ability to love the children of God. She imparts ideas that inspire as she awakens her students to possibilities and responsibilities that weren't realized before, all with a purpose of making truth more attainable and one's personal mission more accessible."
- Jill S.
Liz Quist works for the Corporation for National and Community Service and is President of the Motherhouse Foundation. She earned a Masters in Leadership Education, under the mentorship of Dr. Oliver DeMille, from George Wythe University. Study of Post-Modernism was a major focus in her Masters program. She has mentored dozens of GWU students in their Scholar Phase.
Classes:
Worldviews for Adults
Achieving a Great Scholar Phase as an Adult
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Ariel Rodriguez
"Ariel’s Boy World/Girl World classes are highly entertaining and informative. The youth ask for him year after year."
- 2009 attendee
Ariel Rodriguez received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Family
Science from Brigham Young University. He then attended Utah State
University, where he received his Ph.D. in Family and Human
Development. Ariel has taught classes at BYU and USU as a graduate
student, at Texas State University after graduation, and is currently
an Associate Professor of Family and Child Development at Southern
Virginia University.
Ariel's professional interests include
Fatherhood, Parent Education and Marriage Education. He has been a
member of the LDS Marriage Network and Family Action Council
International. Ariel has conducted research on the influence of father
involvement on marriage and children, fathers' adjustment to divorce,
and family education and ethics. His most recent research examined how
gender is presented in Marriage and Family textbooks. An excellent
speaker, Ariel has made numerous presentations regarding marriage and
family relationships to churches, social service agencies, and parent
groups. He enjoys educating parents and families as much as he enjoys
educating college students.
Ariel and Anne Benson Rodriguez have
been married for 21 years and are the parents of 3 children: Nathanael,
Sariah and Hannah. They have homeschooled their children since day
one. One of Ariel's favorite homeschooling experiences was helping his
wife teach their children the joy of reading. He remembers waking up
one Saturday morning to find the house absolutely quiet—always a cause
for concern when you have three children under the age of eight. He
sprang out of bed and ran frantically through the house, expecting to
find new artwork on the walls or missing children. Happily, he found
all three children sitting under the breakfast nook table, each totally
absorbed in a book! It was then that he discovered an additional joy
of teaching children to love books: extra sleep. That’s right,
Saturday morning dad went back to sleep—lucky guy!
Class:
Coming Soon!
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Kelly Royster
"Kelly is a wonderful, down to earth person who can teach both the young and old about life skills and the gospel. Kelly has a wonderful testimony of the importance of home schooling our children in a gospel centered environment. She has an amazing ability of sharing this testimony through her teaching. My nine year old has memorized her scripture mastery verses as a result of the gospel home school teaching tools Kelly suggested to our family."
-Amanda C. , VA
Kelly is a Virginia native and currently resides in Louisa County with
her supportive husband, Scott, and her four beautiful daughters, ages
3-11. Kelly attended BYU and received a BA in Linguistics and a
Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Certificate. She
interrupted her schooling to serve a mission in the beautiful
Netherlands (Holland). Before becoming a mom, she taught ESL at the
MTC and at Windsor Elementary in Utah, and later at J. Sargeant
Reynolds Community College in Richmond. She is currently a full time
mom/homeschool teacher for her kids; they've been at it now for seven
years. Her educational philosophy is an eclectic mixture of TJEd,
Classical Education and Charlotte Mason. Raising four future mothers
in Zion has helped Kelly realize not only the importance of educating
her children, but of educating them in the Lord's way. Kelly enjoys
gardens, chickens, herbs, reading, music, camping, learning languages
and teaching ballet.
Class:
Raising LDS Scholars (a Mentor Mom© class)
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Angie Smith
"Testimonial Coming"
Angie is a homeschooling mom of five children, ages 16, 15, 11, 7, and 2 and has been homeschooling for 14 years. Although homeschooling is
her favorite ‘hobby,’ she also enjoys reading, writing, outdoor activities, and church work. She currently enjoys teaching at a ‘school’ for homeschoolers in Richmond, VA. She has served in various callings in primary, family history, and Cub Scouts. She spent five years as a Cubmaster and pack committee chair, during which time she helped to organize several wards into joint packs. She also volunteers at Cub Scout day camp each summer and enjoys teaching there, where she camps out with her other kids for the week. She has spent much time training and assisting other Cub Scout leaders and worked with her husband in running and managing a large Cub Scout adventure camp and Boy Scout ranch.
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Lisa Smith
"Lisa is a profound yet humorous speaker who will catch your interest with her wit and wisdom. She will help you see the beauty of spending time with your children."
Lisa has always enjoyed teaching, and she was a teacher before she
began to homeschool. Lisa taught French and Spanish in Fairfax, VA,
and was able to teach freshman through senior grade levels. She found
high school kids surprisingly fun to teach; teaching at home, however,
is a whole different experience. Lisa says, “It's challenging, but
it's great to wake up each day and care so much about what I'm trying
to accomplish.” Lisa has five kids, ages 5, 6, 10, 12, and 14. Three
are boys, though it feels like a lot more. A whole lot more!
Homeschooling was NOT part of her anticipated plan, it just sort of
happened to her. She fell into it through the encouragement of a
friend eight years ago, and found she liked it. She has looked at
homeschooling from every angle to try to come up with the right
approach. Lisa finally realized there is NOT one right approach; even
within one family. She uses a variety of programs, curricula, the
internet, etc. to create the school with which she is the most
comfortable, and best able to function. Besides teaching, Lisa loves
running, reading, writing, extremely amateur photography and
non-academic field trips because they tend to remind her why she loves
being with her kids. She believes that on the whole, the life of a
homeschooling family is a good one, and that's why she keeps on doing
this.
Class:
The "When" of Homeschooling (1/2 day Homeschool Beginner's Seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)
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Rodney Smith
“President Rodney Smith's class on higher education was the most profound 50 minutes of this conference.”
-2007 Conference Attendee
President Smith was appointed President of Southern Virginia
University on June 1, 2004. Before coming to SVU, he served as interim
dean and Herff Chair of Excellence in Law at The University of Memphis.
He also has taught or served as dean at The University of Arkansas at
Little Rock, Capital University, The University of Montana, The
University of San Diego, Widener University and The University of North
Dakota.
President Smith is the father of 8 children and the
grandfather of 16, with one more that he knows of on the way. He has
served three times as a Bishop, has taught Institute for more than 10
years, and also taught early morning Seminary for 7 years.
Class:
The Crisis in Higher Education
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Betty Statnick
"Is fun, knowledgeable and engaging. Listening to her will empower you to face your challenges head on."
Betty Statnick received her B.A. in Biblical Education and later earned
80 additional credit hours in elementary and special education
(including Diagnostic and Remedial Reading and Reading Clinic
experience) from the University of Virginia and College Misericordia.
She was awarded an M.Ed. with an emphasis in Learning Disabilities from
the Marymount University of Virginia. Betty has taught for more than 20
years at elementary through adult levels in both public and private
school settings. Since 1990, she has been working exclusively with
homeschool families as an educational diagnostician, consultant, and
tutor. She became HSLDA’s Special Needs Coordinator in 1995.
Classes:
Questions and Answers with Betty Statnick: Help for Special Needs Parents
Teaching Special Needs: A Passel of Posibilites
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Yvonne Swinson
Testimonial Coming Soon!
Yvonne Swinson is the mother of five children ages 18 months to 11. She chose homeschooling even before her first child was born. Born and raised in the Southeast, she now lives in sunny St. George, Utah. The creator of the popular Real Mom guides, she is excited about the release of her first book on the national market this spring. (Stay tuned for more information... )
Classes:
Homeschooling with a Toddler Underfoot
Homeschooling the Real Mom Way
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Sherry Veach
"Thank you so much Sherry and Marty. I wish it was longer so that I could hear more spiritual experiences. But I have felt the spirit and I know where to go. Thank you. It was wonderful to feel the spirit here! I also appreciate being reminded that I'm not the only one who struggle & strives for this. It was awesome! "
- 2009 attendee
"Sherry is no-nonsense, straight and practical in a beautful way that gets results with the consideration and companionship of the Spirit. Years ago, I worked with Sherry as she completely transformed a struggling group of eighty children from very diverse backgrounds. When I learned that she homeschooled, I was hooked."
-J.H., VA
Sherry Veach is the mother of four children ages 18, 16, 12, and 7.
She and her husband, Jeff, have been homeschooling for seven years and
graduated their first child from homeschool this year. Sherry
graduated from BYU with a B.S. in Clothing and Textiles and was married
the next day in the Salt Lake City temple. The Veach family has lived
in New Jersey, Switzerland and currently lives in North Carolina.
Sherry loves to read, travel, swim and even quilt when she has the time
(which is not very often!).
Class:
Homeschooling from a Place of Peace and Rest (a Mentor Mom© class)
Denise Ward
"Denise shared nice, REAL stories. It was very good to hear such useful information and to feel supported."
- 2009 attendee
"I love Denise and have learned so much from her. Her insights and advice have literally saved my homeschool and my sanity. She is so practical, and 'real,' and she has such a unique way of balancing all of the aspects of her busy life with 12 children. She has inspired me and taught me how to be a better mother and a better homeschooling mom. Anyone who attends a class taught by Denise will come out of there lifted and armed with strategies to really be successful in their homeschool."
-2008 Attendee, SC
Denise and Craig Ward have been married for 27 years, and have 12
children (seven girls and five boys), ages 4-26. They also have two
grandchildren, with more on the way. Denise has been homeschooling 11
years. She started homeschooling when her oldest child reached high
school. One day she had finally had enough of the “rat race” and pulled
all of her children out of public school in the middle of a year. To
date, Denise has four homeschool graduates (attending BYU, BYU-I and
SVU, and one on a mission), and eight still in homeschool. Because of
the ages of her children, Denise is currently teaching pre-school
through the 12th grade. She has also had four babies during her
homeschooling years, and understands how hard it is to teach multiple
grades and handle babies at the same time! Through it all, Denise has
learned that organization is a blessing, not a chore.
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Melyssa Webb
"Melyssa's ability to make Shakespeare interesting is amazing. She has put together plays, and readings, allowing the kids to exercise public speaking, which can be a real challenge when you homeschool. One of the most amazing things that my children have taken away from her classes is their ability to recognize both Shakespeare, and Shakespearean themes in other writings, readings, and even television shows. That showed me that they aren't just sitting like bumps, but are actually digesting her love of Shakespeare and forming their own."
- Christy R.
Melyssa Webb is a homeschooling mom from northern Virginia . She has
homeschooled her children for four years and was even homeschooled as a
youth back in the 1980's when homeschooling wasn’t “cool.” Although
Melyssa worked for the federal government for 12 years, she is also a
professional actor and producer with 35 plus years of stage and
television experience. She enjoys homeschooling not only her own
children, but teaching Medieval and Renaissance Literature to other
homeschooled students as well.
Class:
Fall For Shakespeare! (a Mentor Mom© class)
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Katie Wilson
"Katie knows her stuff. Her classes are filled with information that is sure to inspire."
- 2009 attendee
" Katie’s classes are well thought out and thorough. She gives you practical information you can really use."
- 2009 attendee
"I only wish I could automatically pull from my brain the things that Katie knows and can create at a moment's notice. She is very well spoken, educated, and respected in all realms. I only had to meet and teach Katie’s four your old daughter to know what kind of a mother and educator she REALLY is. I rarely have met a child who loves learning more."
-Julie H., Washington DC
Katie Wilson and her husband, Dave, are the parents of four children,
three boys (ages 15, 13, and 9) and one girl (age 6). They live in
Virginia and have been homeschooling for ten years. After graduating
from BYU with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in English, Katie and
her husband, Dave, returned to the east. She then attended George Mason
University, where she received her Master's Degree in School
Psychology. Although she always knew she would stay home with her
children when they were small, Katie never suspected that she would be
homeschooling them. In fact, throughout her graduate program, she was
firmly committed to making public schools better. However, by the time
her oldest son started first grade, Katie knew that homeschooling was
the path her family was to take. She started attending LDSEHE home
education conferences in 2002 and served as the secretary for three
years. The Wilsons love to take road trips, spend time with family, and
read! Their favorite part of the day is dog-piling on the couch while
Mom reads aloud.
Class:
Introducing Literary Criticism (Or “Book Clubs: the Next Level!”) (a Mentor Mom© class)
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Dana Wood
Wood spoke to a much needed topic on homeschooling with trials; she handled life very well when trials came along. I find Ward’s information is needed so people won't stop homeschooling when trials come along.
- 2009 attendee
"Dana is a teacher "par excellence!" She has honed her skills through years of homeschooling and as a teacher and leader in church callings. I've worked with her children and seen first hand the effects of her excellent teaching abilities. Dana was the instructor for my third time around in taking the Teacher Devlopment course. I learned more from her than the other 2 times combined! As my daughter's YW leader, Dana has delivered many inspiring lessons which have motivated my daughter to greater spiritual hegihts. I would eagerly sign up for any class with Dana as the teacher!
-Linda N., NJ
Dana and her husband, Spencer, have been homeschooling their 10
children since 1987. As a military family, they have lived all over the
country, including nine years in Alaska. Besides homeschooling, Dana
enjoys reading, sewing, gardening, knitting and quilting. Through her
service as LDSEHE Vice President, Dana was primarily responsible for
the extraordinary success of our youth education conference in recent
years. She is also becoming an oft-requested and trusted speaker. She
and her family reside in New Jersey.
Class:
Art Appreciation- Why in the world would I study that?? (a Mentor Mom© class)
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Benjamin Muhlestein is a native of Orem, Utah. He graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, and is nearing completion of his Master’s degree at George Wythe University. Ben is the founder of The Quintilian School of Oratory: Unlocking the Power of Communication, and has written five practicum books on oratory that enable individuals to unite oratory with their individual missions. He has brought The Quintilian School of Oratory to 15 areas across the nation, has lectured on oratory and communications skills in California, Utah and Nevada, and is a sought-after speaker at freedom festivals and youth events throughout Utah. Ben and his wife live in Southern Nevada and are the parents of five beautiful children.