Youth Speakers
Keynote Speakers
 Dr. Andrew Groft of George Wythe College |
 Chad Hymas of Chad Hymas Communication |
Youth Speakers
Youth Panel Members
 Zach Foxley |
 Karen Thomas |
 Kyla Thomas |
 Cecelia Ward |
 Rebecca Watson |
Angela Baker
Angela Baker knows how to speak to the young women--she has young women daughters herself. She knows what you are facing in this world and knows what you are meant to be. She is ready to inspire you to walk past those worldly masks and take up, instead, your divine heritage.
Angela Baker is the mother of seven children, ages 2-18. She and her husband Roger have home schooled their children for 12 years, the last 6 of which have been strongly influenced by the principles of Thomas Jefferson Education. She holds a Masters Degree in education from GWC; and a Bachelor’s in Family Science from BYU. The Bakers live in Utah with an assortment of animals, including goats, chickens and a pig.
Classes
Girls Class - Thursday 3:30 - 4:10 PM
Andrew Behnke
If you’d like to get a good introduction to the global economy of today’s world, and if you would like to find out where it may take you in tomorrow’s world, Andrew is here to present two great classes, tailored especially for the next generation.
Andrew O. Behnke, PhD, is assistant professor of human development and an extension parent specialist at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. He holds master’s and doctoral degrees in family studies from Utah State University and Purdue University. He conducts applied research in many areas, including academic achievement among Latino youth, parent involvement in academics, and family and community partnerships. He is married to his best friend and has three adventuresome boys and one little princess of a daughter.
Classes
Financial Smarts for Winning: Straight Talk on your Financial Future - Thursday 11:20 AM - 12:00 PM
Living in a Spiky World: Do You Have the Skills to Compete Globally? - Thursday 4:20 - 5:00 PM
Michelle Carbee
Ever wondered what it would be like to live with a genius? Read The Great Brain and come ready to participate in a lively discussion!
Michelle and her husband Todd have been homeschooling their two boys, Chase (17) and Bryce (15) since they were born. This year they have added homeschooling their niece, Brooke, age 11, to their routine as she came to live with them in September. Michelle has been active in homeschooling by organizing and running group activities and classes for the past 8+ years.
Classes
Book Discussion: The Great Brain - Friday 10:20 - 11:00 AM
Dr. Julie Earley
Dr. Early is one of those few scholars in her generation who was homeschooled herself. She’s flying here from Utah to speak in the TJEd for Latter-day Saints Youth Seminar to share her ideas with you about how to prepare yourself to be mentored, and how to find the finest mentors.
Dr. Julie Earley holds Masters and Doctorate degrees in Education. Currently, she is a Professor of Liberal Arts and also serves as Dean of Extension Studies at George Wythe College. Dr. Earley has lectured in many different forums, and has spent the last 6 years assisting parents who have chosen to educate their children at home. She has a unique insight in this area as she herself was homeschooled. Dr. Earley is presently publishing a series of books to assist parents in mentoring their children in classical literature. She and her family reside in Utah.
Classes
Preparing to be Mentored - TJEd Youth Wednesday 2:15 - 3:00 PM
Zach Foxley
Being raised as a child in the countries of China, Morocco, and France, Zach
Foxley had had the opportunity to develop a love and appreciation for many
different cultures around the world. Zach has just returned from
serving a mission in Long Beach, California, where he served in both
Spanish and English wards as one of the first assigned bilingual
Elders in his mission. He loves to study music, and studied jazz
guitar for five years. Zach enjoys doing a variety of things in his
life, such as serving in the Church, hiking, camping, and reading.
He is also an Eagle Scout. Zach is enrolled in Lord Fairfax
Community College where he will begin the next phase of his pursuit
of knowledge and learning. People say he's easy to get along with
and friendly, but you'll have to find that out for yourself by COMING
TO HIS CLASS!!!
Classes
Fulfilling Your Mission - TJEd Youth Wednesday 8:50 - 9:35 AM
Dr. Andrew Groft
Dr. Groft will kick off our conference by inspiring you to want to find the “royalty” within yourself. Later, he’ll be speaking to the young men. Be prepared to laugh--Dr. Groft is a popular teacher of college students and youth--but at the same time be inspired to become a better person and a better man. (And watch out for his light saber!)
Andrew Groft was awarded his Doctor of Education Degree from George Wythe College in 2001. Dr. Groft has taught and consulted for the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, Tennessee School for the Deaf and Blind, George Wythe College , Southern Utah University, Iron County Public Schools, and several schools, businesses and governmental forums throughout the Western United States, Europe and Eastern Africa . Dr. Groft formerly served as Caucus Chair to the Family Caucus and Public Relations Liaison at the United Nations in New York and Istanbul. He has served on several business and academic boards. Dr. Groft, his wife Leslie and their five children reside in Utah.
Classes
Keynote: A Renaissance of Kings - Thursday 8:45 - 9:30 AM
Moral Courage for Future Husbands and Fathers - Thursday 3:30 - 4:10 PM
Chad Hymas
Chad Hymas is a speaker you will not want to miss. His own life’s story has been an inspiration to Latter-day Saint youth across the US. He is a devoted husband and father, and works hard to serve and strengthen others as he shares with them how he has faced his challenges, and come off a winner.
On April 3, 2001, Chad's life changed instantaneously when a falling one-ton bale of hay broke his neck leaving him a quadriplegic. Doctors and others said that he would never walk again and would be confined to an electric wheelchair for the rest of his life. But Chad's dreams were NOT paralyzed that day, as he will tell you! His list of achievements include: company president, author, world-class wheelchair athlete (basketball and full-contact rugby!), world-record holding marathoner (500 miles from Salt Lake to Las Vegas), and two-time recipient of the Superior Civilian Award for the state of Utah. Yet, Chad's greatest accomplishment is that he remains a devoted husband to his loving wife, Shondell, and proud father to their two boys and daughter. The Wall Street Journal has described Chad as one of the “10 Most Inspirational People in the World.” His message is amazing and motivating—so get ready to soar! After all, “Who Needs Legs, When You Have Wings!”
Classes
Closing Keynote: Who Needs Legs…When You’ve Got Wings - Friday 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Dr. Glenn Kimber
Ever a popular speaker, year after year, with our youth. Dr. Kimber loves the youth of today, he sees in them the promise of the future and he believes in the great work that you have been called up to accomplish. He’ll do all he can to help you understand your important mission for the Lord.
Glenn J. Kimber was born and raised in the Ogden, Utah area. He and his wife, Julianne Skousen Kimber, currently reside in Utah, and are the parents of eight children (six living), and grand-parents of nineteen. Glenn received a B.S. in Accounting and Business Management from Brigham Young University, a Doctorate of Religious Education from Coral Ridge Baptist University and a Doctorate of Constitutional History from George Wythe College. Brother Kimber travels throughout the U.S. presenting training conferences to those interested in religious private education. He and his wife have founded many private academies, and authored 77 textbooks covering the subjects of History, Science, Math, Language Arts, and Religion from an LDS viewpoint. Currently, Brother Kimber holds the position of President of American Founders Academy, and Vice President of American Founders University, both based in Provo, Utah. A well-known speaker on many topics, one of Brother Kimber’s favorite subjects is testifying of Jesus Christ and the incredible world events that are preceding His Second Coming.
Classes
What Does it Mean to be a Chosen Generation? - Friday 3:10- 3:50 PM
Elizabeth Merrell
Have you ever asked WHY you need to study math? Elizabeth Merrell is passionate about Science and Math and wants to help you understand how meaningful and exciting these two subjects really are!
Between loads of laundry and shifts in the garden Elizabeth Merrell can be found exercising, reading or practicing experimental cooking. In 2007, after a 17-year break from “school,” Elizabeth went back to finish her degree. In 2011, she expects to receive her Master’s in Science and Nutrition (CMP), with a BIS in Chemistry, Nutrition and Zoology and a Master's in Herbology. Passionate about science, Elizabeth created the “Eureka! Studies” program to stimulate interest in the sciences, to meet her children's friends and to find excuses to interact with upcoming scientists. Elizabeth has enjoyed teaching math and science to homeschoolers; homeschooling her own family for ten years, and assisting in the founding of a charter school based on the book "A Well-Trained Mind." She and Kent have three sons followed by three daughters and reside in Bountiful, Utah.
Classes
Finding and Nurturing Your Inner Mathematician - TJEd Youth Wednesday 11:10AM- 11:55PM
Kyle Roberts
Kyle has mentored hundreds of youth in the process of implementing true principles in every day life. He loves youth and you will love him! He comes with great energy and a yearning to teach—while you’re being inspired by Kyle, you’ll be having a great time as well.
Kyle Roberts is a student at George Wythe College and has been involved with the Face to Face with Greatness Seminars. He is the Vice President and Marketing Director of Personal Ponderings L.L.C., a family business he helped build over the last couple of years. Kyle is also the co-founder of the Founder’s Commonwealth School in Payson Utah. He taught there for a year before returning to George Wythe College to finish his undergraduate schooling. For the last four years Kyle has been extensively involved in running simulations for various organizations in Utah. He has mentored hundreds of youth in the process of becoming and implementing true principles in every day life. He enjoys using the gifts and talents he has been given to help others grow. Kyle, his wife Kimberly, and their energetic son live in Utah.
Classes
An Introduction to Thomas Jefferson Education - TJEd Youth Wednesday 8:00-8:50 AM
How Do I Do It? - Friday 8:35 - 9:20 AM
Robin Schneider
Robin Schneider comes all the way from California to teach you how to give better public speeches! Learn how to improve your masterful skills of presentation and persuasion--or at least a simple lesson on “how to keep your knees from knocking” for starters!
Robin grew up in a family that valued both education and science and later earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry. She developed her methods of teaching based on these early experiences, as well as wisdom gained during years of homeschooling her four boys. Her book, Teaching Science Skills at Home (Without Being a Rocket Scientist) was written to show parents how to give their children the best possible science education. She has been a guest on a homeschooling radio show, enjoys emergency preparedness and loves teaching!
Classes
Public Speaking 101 - Thursday 11:20 AM - 12:00 PM
Earl Taylor
Have you ever read The Five Thousand Year Leap, by Cleon Skoussen? Mr. Earl Taylor is well known for his wonderful seminars on the Principles of Freedom and Constitutional Studies. As President of the National Center for Constitutional Studies, he is well suited and respected on the topic of being a statesman, and working to make a positive difference in a nation and in the world.
Earl Taylor, President of the National Center for Constitutional Studies, has taught “The Making of America Constitutional Study Course” to thousands of people throughout the nation, over the past twenty years. The purpose of the NCCS is to teach Americans the exciting message of the Founding Fathers – where they got their great ideas and how they put them all together into a Constitution for the establishment of the first free people in modern times. Mr. Taylor has also served as a coordinator for the Winter Conference for State Legislators, written a special Citizenship study guide for the Boy Scouts, helped structure courses on the U. S. Constitution for college re-certification of public school teachers and established one of the first charter high schools in Arizona. His work is also instrumental in encouraging the celebration of Constitution Week in many cities and schools throughout the nation. Mr. Taylor and his wife, Ruth, are the parents of ten children and reside in Arizona.
Classes
Statesmen in the 21st Century - Friday 11:10 AM- 12:00 PM
Kyla Thomas
Young students teaching young students—that’s what Kyla Thomas is all about! She’s “been there” as a TJEd home school student, and knows what you’re going through. Now she is nearing graduation at GWC and starting to pursue her degree at BYU. Kyla will be lots of fun as well as a model to inspire you in the Liberal Arts.
Kyla Thomas has played the violin for 11 years, and has performed musically since she was 7 in a variety of events. She has a passion for all the arts, and loves beautifying life with them. Kyla is the oldest of six children, and is a senior at George Wythe College. Some of her favorite pastimes are reading, hiking, science, learning languages, spending time with family and friends, and teaching. She is excited for every opportunity to speak to youth about seeing and fulfilling their incredible potential. Kyla lives with her family in Enoch, Utah.
Classes
Wanna Be Smart? Get Creative! - TJEd Youth Wednesday 1:30 - 2:15 PM
Gregory Van Duyse
Those who know Gregory VanDuyse, know of his great gift for taking our divine missions in life to a more committed level. He takes his own talents and inspires others in theirs—to take them to that level of “genius.” He can teach you about Entrepreneurship because that’s what he does. He loves the youth of the church and mentors them whenever he can.
Gregory and his wife Evelyn have been home schooling their five children (10, 8, 7, 2 years old and a new baby!) for the past five years in Montreal, Canada. They have been inspired by the Lord to educate them and consider it a blessing. Gregory is an entrepreneur at heart, and brings a quick businessman’s mind to everything he does. Over the past several years, Gregory has shared his knowledge and experience with the homeschooling community by serving as the LDSEHE Vice President, and now, Chairman of the Board.
Classes
Entrepreneurship - TJEd Youth Wednesday 9:45-10:15AM
Obstacles Could Not Stop Me - Thursday 10:25 - 11:10 AM
Dana Wood
Dana Wood loves the youth—she ought to—she has ten of her own! You’ll be seeing plenty of her once again in this year’s youth education conference and TJEd youth seminar. She works tirelessly and devotedly to directing a conference that reflects what YOU, the youth want.
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 9 years in Alaska. Besides homeschooling, Dana enjoys reading, sewing, gardening, knitting and quilting. As LDSEHE Vice President, Dana is primarily responsible for the extraordinary success of our youth education conference over the past two years. She is also becoming an oft-requested and trusted speaker. She and her family reside in New Jersey.
Classes
TJEd Your Way to (Any) College - TJEd Youth Wednesday 10:15 - 11:00 AM
Book Discussion: The Alliance and The Giver - Friday 10:20 - 11:00 AM
Spencer, Ben, Matt, and Andrew Wood
The Wood boys, as they are usually referred to, have all been homeschooled
using the TJed model. Spencer's mom discovered TJed when Spencer was in high
school and started using the principles with him. Ben, Matt and Andrew (and
their older sister Debbie) have benefited from the trial(s) and errors from
Spencer's experience. Spencer took GWC classes his senior year and attended
one year at BYU_ Salt Lake before deciding his talents branched out in
another direction- sales! He is a diamond consultant for the Shane Company
in Salt Lake City.
Ben plans to attend Southern Virginia University in the fall to study
music. Matthew is a student at BYU-I as a Jazz Performance Major and was
pianist for the BYU-I jazz swing band "Sound Alliance". Andrew is a senior
this year and is deciding between continuing his education at Southern
Virginia or Kettering University.
Classes
TJEd Your Way to (Any) College - TJEd Youth Wednesday 10:15 - 11:00 AM
Dr. David Wright
Science classes are always popular in our conference and this year we’ve found one of the best science teachers in the US! You’ll love his class and his Wednesday evening show! Don’t miss it!
Dr. David Wright has his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics from Brigham Young University, and his PhD in Physics from Virginia Tech. He teaches Physics and Astronomy at Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach, VA, where he has been for 33 years. Popular for making science fun, he has appeared on “Live with Regis and Kathy Lee” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”. He is known as Dr. D in the “NASA Science Files” TV show, and also performs physics shows at Busch Gardens. He and his wife have four grown children. Dr. Wright has served as a bishop, Stake President and Stake Young Men’s President.
Classes
Evening Entertainment: Phun with Physics - Wednesday 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Science and Religion - Thursday 1:30- 2:30 PM
Youth Panel Members
Zach Foxley
Being raised as a child in the countries of China, Morocco, and France, Zach
Foxley had had the opportunity to develop a love and appreciation for many
different cultures around the world. Zach has just returned from
serving a mission in Long Beach, California, where he served in both
Spanish and English wards as one of the first assigned bilingual
Elders in his mission. He loves to study music, and studied jazz
guitar for five years. Zach enjoys doing a variety of things in his
life, such as serving in the Church, hiking, camping, and reading.
He is also an Eagle Scout. Zach is enrolled in Lord Fairfax
Community College where he will begin the next phase of his pursuit
of knowledge and learning. People say he's easy to get along with
and friendly, but you'll have to find that out for yourself by COMING
TO HIS CLASS!!!
Karen Thomas
Karen Thomas was born in Illinois and attended college in New York,
where she met her husband of 30 years and started her life as a military wife. Karen is the mother of 8 children and has homeschooled all of them through high school. She still has two children at home and the three middle ones are attending different colleges. The three oldest have already graduated from college. One child is currently working on his master's degree and the other two have already received their masters degrees.
Cecelia Ward
Cecelia (age 17) is the fifth of twelve children, and currently the oldest kid at home. She loves to draw and write, and is currently writing her second novel. She plays the piano, sings, and has dabbled with the violin. She is her mom's right-hand woman, and teaches creative writing and English to three of her younger siblings in 7th and 8th grades.
Rebecca Watson
Rebecca Watson graduated from high school in Morocco before attending BYU, where she was the only physics major enrolled in children's literature classes. She met her husband, Mike, at BYU and they are the parents of 6 children, including two adopted from Ukraine. The Watsons have lived in Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and the Netherlands. Their children attended both public and private schools before convincing their parents to homeschool them. Their oldest daughter attends BYU Provo and their second daughter will start there this fall. Besides homeschooling, Rebecca writes and reviews children's books and tutors math. She currently lives in northern Virginia.