'Trust the Parents!'

Family Expo 2009
Guest Speakers

CHRISTINA ABEYTA

Christina is a homeschooling mother of two girls, ages 9 and 13. She teaches Hatha and Kundalini Yoga classes around the South Bay.

She grew up dancing and loves all varieties of dance. She has no experience with Bhangra dance, but knew this was something she had to try!

CHRIS ASHLEY

Chris Ashley has 4 kids, ages 9 to 19. For the last 4 years, she has been homeschooling her youngest son, who is autistic. She is one of CHN's local contacts for Special Needs. Chris also is a TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) Mentor to families with autism and has been assisting the autism community since 2003.

LISA BARRY

Lisa Cortez Barry is a mother of three homeschoolers in Southern California who enjoys music, history, and South Bay Homeschool Network Parkdays. She volunteers for CHN as an elist moderator.

JONAS BASOM

Jonas Basom is a national consultant presenter and teacher trainer for theatre arts and literacy. Winner of the Bravo Award for Outstanding Arts Educator of California, he is the creator of The Drama Game File, a curriculum program in arts and literacy for use with students of all ages. This comprehensive program has been adopted by all of New York City and by schools and universities nationwide. Jonas is the founder of Drama Education Network, providing online resources for educators at www.DramaEd.net. He has an M/A degree and multiple subject teaching credential from Pepperdine University and has taught drama to students from preschool through adult. He currently trains elementary teachers how to use drama as a teaching tool as an adjunct professor at Cal State University Los Angeles and as a theatre specialist and coach in Los Angeles Unified School District.

WES BEACH

Wes Beach worked in public schools for 32 years, teaching several subjects and directing alternative programs. He wised up in 1993, left his position in a public high school, and now directs his own private high school for kids who don't want or need a traditional high school experience. After spending no time in middle or high school, his son earned a BA and a PhD in computer engineering. His students, after designing their own paths for their teen years, go on to succeed in a wide variety of endeavors. He has served on the board of the HomeSchool Association of California (HSC), is presently the Teen Adviser for both HSC and the Gifted Homeschoolers Forum, and is a consultant, mentor, and speaker.

RHONDA M. BRAND

An advocate of finding and sharing wellness through mind, heart, body and soul, Rhonda has the chance to practice this daily as a homeschooling mother of three children. Every day is a learning day both for herself and her children.

Rhonda holds a B.A. with a major in German, and double minors in Fine Arts and Business Administration. She enjoys helping others through coaching and mentoring in the areas of Positive Parenting, Living with Anxiety, Intercultural Marriages and Families, and of course, Homeschooling. Rhonda also speaks and writes on these topics regularly. She is advisor to a children’s publication that is run by girls, for girls. She also facilitates monthly writing workshops for children. Each new speaking engagement and coaching session rejuvenates Rhonda by meeting with new families that uphold the values of raising their children in the best way possible – through unconditional love, patience, and gentleness. Rhonda can be reached at free2beuandme@gmail.com

SHANON BROOKS

Dr. Shanon Brooks is the President of Face to Face With Greatness Seminars, Inc., a partner (with his son) in a video company called, Watch Us Now, LLC, a co-founder of the Center for Social Leadership and sits on the Board of George Wythe University. A native of Seattle, Washington, Doctor Brooks is an author and a lecturer and has held teaching and administrative positions in a number of schools and businesses for over twenty years.

He holds three earned degrees; a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, a Master's degree in Education and a Ph.D. in Constitutional Law. He has traveled extensively both at home and abroad and has a background with the U.S. Naval Submarine Fleet.

Shanon, his wife Julia, and their six children run a mini-farm in Monticello, Utah.

WILLIAM DIAZ-BROWN

William Diaz-Brown teaches elementary school and history at community colleges in Southern California. He is the father of three homeschooled children.

BOBBI BRUNOEHLER

Bobbi has successfully managed her family’s finances as an at-home homeschooling mom on a blue collar worker's salary for almost 17 years. Her family is proud to announce they have no debt! She says “I know to the penny what is in my checking account and every cent is allocated for some future use.”

BARBARA CARLSON

Barbara Carlson is a homeschooling mom whose kids are now grown and in college. She is a former CHN Trustee and also served as CHN's editor for many years. She remains active on homeschooling elists, sharing her wisdom, including information about getting financial aid for college.

Barbara is now also a full-time college student (with financial aid) working on a degree in Technical Theatre.

PHAEDRA CHEYDLEUR

Hailing originally from Britain and trained at Tring Arts Educational School in Hertsfordshire, UK, Phaedra has studied various textile and art forms over the past 20 years. She has traveled the batik history trail in Indonesia and mastered techniques in Malaysia and Indonesia with local masters of the traditional batik art form. Further studies in pottery, sculpting and painting over time led in recent years to the ancient art of felt-making through a Waldorf inspired method. Her more contemporary work was featured in a recent Lost and Found, art show at 10 Women Gallery, Venice and the SAA Squared fiber art show at Avenue 50 in Highland Park, CA. Phaedra will also teach felting at the Taos Wool festival this year in October. Examples of Phaedra's work can be seen here: phaedra-phoenix.blogspot.com and at her online shop: Phoenix420.etsy.com

TOM CLARK

Tom Clark is a life-long teacher of mathematics and science with more than 30 years of classroom and tutoring experience at all levels, from elementary through adult. He is convinced that everyone has the ability to understand mathematics, and he enjoys helping homeschooling parents become more effective instructors. During the last thirteen years, he has focused on the development of multimedia programs that challenge traditional methods of instruction. Seven years ago, he founded VideoText Interactive, a company that specializes in bringing the textbook to life through technology. This will be Tom's second year speaking at the Expo; his brother Steve spoke at Expo 2007. www.videotext.com

KATHLEEN DESMARAIS

Seven years ago, Kathleen Desmarais began making a difference in home education by starting Classical Home Education, a homeschool provider company. Seeing a great need for quality secular materials in the homeschool arena, Kathleen redirected her energies to publishing science and history courses without agendas. She began Pandia Press in 2004 with the creation of R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey and History Odyssey. As a homeschool publisher, writer, and speaker, Kathleen strives to make a classical education mainstream and accessible to everyone who wants a well-balanced, rigorous education.

In an attempt to completely overwhelm herself and justify an out-of-control coffee and chocolate habit, Kathleen also homeschools her four children who span from toddler to high school. She is the co-owner of three other businesses and corporations and is the director of a private umbrella school in Florida. Moreover, Kathleen’s whole family is busy building their dream house completely by themselves with sustainable materials. Visit Pandia Press’s web site and blog for information about Kathleen’s products. She also likes to show off her crazy, wonderful family on her home building blog.

JESSE DOTSON

Jesse Dotson is 19 years old, and is in his second year at Santa Monica College. Jesse's first experience in a traditional school setting was entering college. He is enjoying his college experience very much and has observed with interest the contrast between himself, his homeschooled friends, and his friends who entered college directly from high school, having followed a more conventional educational path.

Jesse's great passion in life since he was about 12 has been skateboarding. He opened a skate shop which he ran successfully for several years. He continues to skate for a local shop and has broadened his interests to include politics (He was very active in the recent presidential election) and observation of the human condition.

LAURA DOTSON

Laura Dotson is a marriage and family therapist with over 30 years of experience supporting parents in building respectful, trusting, open, and loving relationships with their children. Laura has been the psychological consultant for Manhattan Beach Nursery School for many years and offers parenting workshops to a number of groups. Laura has had a long career as a homeschooler and parent educator, and has four adult children and two grandchildren.

MARIA EGBERT

Maria Egbert has 4 sons ranging in age from 19 to 12. She has been homeschooling for 10 years. She and her family enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and lots of field trips. She uses a leadership based philosophy known as A Thomas Jefferson Education and mentors two math and science groups known as Eureka! Club.

MELODY ELDER

Melody Elder M.A. is the mother of an adult daughter. She is a teacher and parent educator with over 30 years experience working with children in nursery school, elementary school, and home-school settings. Her experience as a parent educator includes parenting classes for the South Bay Adult School, and the Center for Positive Parenting. Melody maintains a private coaching practice in the South Bay where she facilitates parenting support groups as well as 1:1 coaching (www.awakenedheartparenting.com). She holds a Master’s Degree in Education and in Spiritual Psychology and is a credentialed teacher in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education.

DANA EPPELE

Dana L. Eppele is an "eclectically classical" homeschooling mom from Southern California. Her 2 girls have always been taught at "home", focusing on theme unit curriculums that constantly involve lots of travel and adventures. Alaskan glaciers, the Mexican Riviera, Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon, as well as simple day trips down the 405 freeway have all served to broaden horizons and lay the ground work for this "never at home" homeschooling mom and family.

TUPELO FOCACCI

Tupelo Fogacci is a homeschooled, homeschooling mom of one. Yes, you read that right, she was homeschooled as a kid! Her love of art started early, but she did not really pursue it until she was the mom of a daughter who lives for art. Tupelo has been a co-leader of a diverse co-op for 4 years, and has planned many art related field trips for the San Diego homeschool community. She has a BA in Liberal Studies for Education, and worked for the San Diego County Library and as a tutor before becoming a fulltime homeschool mom. She and her family love finding interesting things at thrift stores and garage sales, and she is always on the lookout for a fabulous deal on anything that could be used for homeschooling!

CAROLYN and MARTIN FORTE

Martin and Carolyn Forte were homeschooling pioneers! They successfully homeschooled their two adult daughters, and have counseled countless families in homeschooling over the years. They are the owners of Excellence in Education Resource Center and EIE Academy, a private PSP in Monrovia.
www.excellenceineducation.com

CORIN BARSILY GOODWIN

Corin Barsily Goodwin, Director of Gifted Homeschoolers Forum, homeschools her two highly gifted, twice-exceptional children. Before having children, she worked in public policy and spent several years in library and archival positions. She previously served as HSC's Gifted/Special Needs Advisor. www.giftedhomeschoolers.org

RON GOULD

Ron Gould is a multi-specialist creative director, project leader, mentoring manager, writer, and seeker of connections and integration. He has been creating marketing messages across all media for many years. With his new suite of Whole Head companies, Ron is leading his virtual agency, consulting with other companies on growth and integration, and sharing his knowledge of balanced creative thinking through seminars and classes. Helping others uncover the infinite possibilities of creativity is Ron's passion. Having a great time doing this by not taking it all too seriously is his goal. www.wholeinmyhead.com

DR. STEPHEN GUFFANTI

Stephen Guffanti, M.D., brings a unique background and tremendous insight to his talks—he is a medical doctor, teacher, tutor, author, and homeschooler! He is also dyslexic and is a kinesthetic learner, and so he has both personal and professional experience that has helped him create educational plans that meet the needs of all children.
www.rocketphonics.com

SHIRLEY and ALLAN HANSEN

Shirley and Allan Hansen have been dancing most of their lives and have performed in Texas and California, respectively. They often travel to Europe to learn more dances and improve upon their skills; both have received the "Big Silver" diploma in Scandinavian dancing. Currently, they are active members in Balkan and Scandinavian dance groups. Other than dancing, they enjoy spending family time with their delightful six-year old son, Peter, and their one-year old dog, Chandler. The Hansen's also enjoy karate, music, swimming, computers and reading.

TERI HELMS

Teri Helms is the mother of five boys, ranging in age from twenty down to seven. All of her children have been home educated since birth. She has had many opportunities to be mentored in countless social settings by pioneers within the homeschooling movement.
Dr. Raymond Moore had a profound influence on Teri when she was fortunate enough in three different settings to be taught by him and his wife, Dorothy. She has always chosen to use classical literature as the basis for educating her children. Six years ago, she was introduced to TJEd by a mentor through the first edition of "A Thomas Jefferson Education", by Oliver DeMille. Since then, she has read and reread TJED materials and is currently implementing them in her home. (Mostly on herself!)

For seventeen years Teri used her leadership skills to train women within a direct sales business that she built to a very successful level. She LOVES to make people laugh and think simultaneously and will use word pictures, analogies and personal anecdotes to bring this about. Teri is anxious to share with you why she firmly believes that leadership education is the Rolls Royce of all models for educating people, and cherishes the opportunity to encourage you that if SHE can home educate, SO CAN YOU!

DEBRA JONES

Debra Jones has been and continues to be a tireless advocate for homeschooling. She homeschooled both of her children until her son was diagnosed with extensive learning disabilities.

Upon advice of her educational psychologist, she enrolled her son in her local school district to receive special education and related services. For nearly two years, her district denied her son special education, claiming prior homeschooling was the reason her son was not learning. Her son is the student referred to in Student v. Adelanto Elementary School District. The lengthy legal battle resulted in a favorable decision acknowledging that her son’s learning issues were not related to prior home education, and that he in fact had learning disabilities. Significant compensatory education was awarded to her son.

Though not an attorney, Debra Jones is quite familiar with special education law. She heartily supports homeschooling and stands for the proposition that parents can provide superior education to their children.

KIM KAUTZER

Kim Kautzer, veteran homeschooler and author, loves to help parents feel more confident about teaching writing. She believes that when you combine blank paper, reluctant child, and insecure parent, you create a recipe that’s doomed to fail. With a heart to inspire and equip apprehensive parents, Kim encourages homeschoolers that teaching writing is much more objective than they think, and that with the right tools at their fingertips they can lead and motivate their struggling writers. WriteShop, her unique and successful writing program, has been honored as one of Cathy Duffy’s 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum.

Kim and her husband Jim began homeschooling in 1988. All three of their children are homeschool graduates. The Kautzers enjoy a passel of grandkids and their sometimes-empty nest in Southern California.

Visit this speaker in the Vendor Hall!

DIANE FLYNN KEITH

Diane Flynn Keith is the Editor of Homefires.com, a website devoted to helping parents kindle a love of learning in their children so they will have extraordinary lives. Since 1992 she has coached thousands of homeschool parents through her websites, writing, speaking engagements, discussion lists, and the popular ClickSchooling e-newsletter with free daily, web-based curriculum ideas.

Diane is well-known for her innovative book, Carschooling with educational car games families can enjoy whether they are running a 5-minute errand or taking a 500-mile road trip.

Diane is also the Founder of UniversalPreschool.com offering free resources, activities and information to support parents who help their little ones learn at home.

Visit this speaker in the Vendor Hall

REBECCA W. KELLER

Dr. R.W. Keller has been a homeschool mom for 13 years and is the author of Real Science-4-Kids. Dr. Keller wrote Real Science-4-Kids for her own children and has since started a publishing company, Gravitas Publications Inc., in order to provide this curriculum to others. Dr. Keller is married to Dr. David Keller who provides the cover artwork for the Real Science-4-Kids science series. They live in New Mexico with their three children, two dogs, three cats, and two frogs.

BLAIR LEE

Blair Lee is the writer of RSO Chemistry. She graduated from the University of California at San Diego with degrees in both chemistry and biology. After graduating, she worked as a community college professor, teaching classes in both chemistry and biology. Blair now lives in the Eastern Sierras with her husband, son, three dogs, three cats, two horses, two llamas, and a tarantula. She spends her time homeschooling her son, writing, skiing, and hiking.

CRAIG LESH

Craig Lesh has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Cal Poly, Pomona and a Master of Arts Degree in Archaeology and Heritage from the University of Leicester, UK. He worked for the Boy Scouts for 20 years. His has done archaeology field work in California, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and England.

As founder of Heritage Education Programs he has conducted programs for school classrooms, teacher training, home school associations and scout troops. He is a member of the Education Committee for the Archaeology Institute of America.

AMY J LYEN

Amy J Lyen has about 20 years of professional teaching experience in addition to homeschooling for 7 years and teaching in homeschool co-ops. One of her more exciting jobs has been to teach homeschooling families on-board cruise ships for Homeschool on the Seas. She has also written for the CHN Newsletter and served as a trustee. As a homeschool mom, Amy approaches teaching as a facilitator. Her philosophy on what to teach and how to best present the information has been eclectic, ranging from unschooling to more formal instruction, depending on the subject matter. In any unit study, she emphasizes related art, language, math, science, and history. With a desire to use what the world has to offer, travel has definitely been utilized by the Lyen family. Some favorite places have been Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, the pan handle of Alaska, and the National Parks of: Yellowstone, Lewis and Clark, Crater Lake, Zion, Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, and Yosemite.

JODI MALONE

Jodi Malone is a professional musician living in Valencia, CA. She is a published author and arranger with Alfred Publishing Co., and is in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY with her top selling "Batter Up!" band arrangement. Jodi is a professional trumpet player and has found a new love with her Luna Neo Guitar as she learns to shread with her new "axe". She is also an avid gamer and loves to play Guitar Hero and Rock Band whenever she gets the chance.

Jodi has had many articles published in music magazines, her recent appearance in "Making Music Magazine" June 2008 issue featured her on music video games called "A Legend in the Living Room".

Jodi started a new guitar program in Jan 2009 called "From Gamer to Guitar" at the local Boys & Girls Club in Newhall, CA. The overwhelming success of the first class of 22 students is blossoming into an entire music program and adding new instrument classes as the summer approaches.

Jodi says -"I am a passionate advocate of music and the arts and am enjoying the new batch of excited musicians I have the pleasure of teaching every week!"
www.themusicalmom.org

HEATHER MARTINSON

The first homeschool event Heather attended was over 20 years ago, when she was pregnant with her first child. Since then, Heather has enjoyed being involved in the homeschool community in many ways. She is the webmaster for OChomeschooling.com, she has served on the board for CHN, and organizes homeschool days at Disneyland. The project she is most passionate about is Celebration Education, a part-time brain friendly "school." Heather thoroughly loves homeschooling and is an advocate for many learning styles.

GRANT MATHIS

Actor, Developer, Producer, Coach
Social Improvisation technique was developed by Grant Mathis and proven over seven years with young professional actors seeking greater dance, life experience and stage presence. Grant is a working screen actor and stage performer, and skilled at preparing children and teens for the same.
As an actor, Grant has appeared on a litany of Network Television acronyms, including ER, JAG, VIP, ATF and others. He has also appeared in numerous feature films, and with expertise in dance and stunts, prominently in the underground hit Being John Malkovich. You can see Grant in network national commercials with IBM, Revlon, Taco Bell, Heineken Beer, etc. Grant also develops and produces workshops and independent feature films.

Grant has developed “Effortless Acting” for new actor quick starting, especially with children, where fun and immediate results are important motivators. He has over seven years experience teaching children with involved parents, teens, adults and other talent (models, singers and athletes, etc.) for effortless performing.

Professionals links: IMDb credits, Acting info & demo and
www.EffortlessActing.com

ANNA MAVROMATI

Anna Mavromati was unschooled, and just graduated California State University, Long Beach with a journalism major and a creative writing minor. She has written for various student publications as well as professional South Bay newspapers The Daily Breeze and The Easy Reader--and one of her most prominent clips from the latter was a big, two-part cover story about homeschooling.

Anna lives in Redondo Beach where she spends most of her time reading, writing, and trying to figure out what to do with her life post-graduation.

LOREN MAVROMATI

Loren Mavromati is a long time unschooler with children spanning from second grade to college. She is active in the South Bay Homeschool Network, and volunteers for CHN in many capacities, including serving as a CHN trustee and past president, as well as local contact and media representative. She is the coordinator of this year's Expo!

BECKY MAXWELL

Becky Maxwell is a long time homeschooler of four grown children. She has been a CHN volunteer for many years, and has served as a local contact, treasurer, seminar speaker, and camping coordinator. She is currently serving as a CHN trustee, and is CHN's president for 2009-2010. In addition to crafts and gardening, she enjoys helping beginning homeschoolers.

DOROTHY MCCANDLISS

Dorothy is a homeschool mom and a credentialed math teacher. Her sessions at the Expo are pieces of an 8 hour seminar she presents titled "Coaching Parents to Teach Math." Dorothy enjoys sharing her education and experience as an elementary school math teacher with homeschoolers.

JENNIFER MONTGOMERY

Jennifer is an instructor at EL Camino Community College and presents seminars on diversity and child development. She has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Child and Family Studies from California State University, Long Beach. Her expertise is in diversity, multicultural and anti-bias curriculum.

Jennifer works with parents and educators around the state. Her passion is learning about diversity on a budget, books from around the world, and embracing our differences!

JULIA MORGAN

IRENE MUSIOL

Irene has a BS in Engineering Science and an MS in Mechanical Engineering. She worked as a Navy flight test engineer, systems engineer, and project manager for 15 years. She have always been interested in cooking, however her interest in nutrition began after getting Hodgkin's Disease at 19 years old and later developing chronic fatigue. She is a member and local chapter leader of the Weston A. Price Foundation. She is also currently a stay-at-home and home-schooling mom.

KIM NANCARROW

Kim Nancarrow homeschools her three children. She is a photographer, and the owner of Nancarrow Photography. www.nancarrowphotography.com

SUSAN NOWICKE

Susan Nowicke is a busy homeschooling mom of 5 children ranging in age from 10 to 17 years. She’s also a herpetoculturist, a community volunteer, an animal rescuer, and the owner of a successful organic food company www.Reptigreens.com that caters to pets. Susan’s children are learning by living and are not limited by the confines of a traditional school based education.

NICOLE ORTON

Nicole learned to knit over 15 years ago, while living in the countryside of Asti, Italy as an exchange student. It turned out to be the greatest gift that she brought home. Over the years her love of knitting has evolved into a love of fibers in general. Today, amongst the cherry orchards of Leona Valley, California, Nicole works with only the best quality fibers to achieve one of a kind handspun yarns and handpainted rovings.

Nicole has been a homeschooling mom to her two children for 8 years.

You can visit Nicole's on-line store at FreckleFaceFibers.etsy.com

MARK OSTERINK

Mark Osterink has a degree in Speech Communication from California Polytechnic University. He is a passionate advocate for children’s art and has been working in the area of visual art for over 16 years. Mark was instrumental in defining and developing the “Atelier” homeschool art product line, which is used by thousands of homeschoolers throughout the United States.

MAIA PERU

Maia Peru is a veteran homeschooler and mother of four children ranging in age from 8-19 with the two oldest now attending college. She considers herself a diehard unschooler.

COLLETTE PERRY

Collette Perry has been involved with crafts since she was a small child. A homeschooling mom of three sons, she teaches knitting and crocheting to anyone who wants to learn! She spins and dyes yarn, and sells her crafts at her online business.
www.epicurus.etsy.com

CASSIE PLIENIS

Cassie Plienis has a major in Elementary Education and minors in Speech, Theater, and Psychology. She taught both elementary and special needs children in western North Dakota. She is newly married and lives in Linton, North Dakota. Cassie and her husband enjoy traveling all over the United States. She is on various church committees and teaches Sunday School. She enjoys scrapbooking, spending time with family and friends, and walking with her dog, Sadie.

JOANNE POYOUROW

Joanne Poyourow is the co-founder of the Environmental Change-Makers community group in the Westchester area of Los Angeles. A homeschooling mother of two, her activism on environmental issues began when she learned what scientists forecast for her own children’s lifetimes.

Her novel, Legacy: A Story of Hope, examines the next 30 years – our children’s growing-up years – and details What We Can Do in that time period to craft a better world for our kids. Her newest book, Environmental Change-Making: How to Cultivate Lasting Change in Your Local Community, tells how she and her Change-Making group have been making a very real and positive impact in their Los Angeles neighborhood. www.EnviroChangeMakers.org

PROFESSOR IRIS PRISM
aka Talitha Sherman

Professor Iris Prism Teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hufflepuff graduate
Prof Prism is passionate about colors, flowers, and light, because, of course, those are the most important things in the world! Students agree that she is their favorite teacher!

IRENE PRITSKER

Irene Pritsker is a proud and active home schooling mom of two boys. She is the founder of GO GETTERS, an organization committed to helping parents inspire their children to fulfill their purpose in life through taking on the opportunities and challenges that will bring them ultimate success! She has taught children in school settings and has given talks on various topics including: parenting for the first time, teens and self-confidence, personal management and goal setting, becoming the best you can be, and achieving success.

GARY REES

Gary Rees grew up in England and studied geography in college in California. He taught community college for 22 years, has led adventure trips around the world, and currently works for Map Link as their national sales rep. He'll be sharing his lifelong enthusiasm about geography as he returns to the Expo for more exciting stories of his travels around this planet.
http://www.maplink.com/

DAVID RENGERZ

Mister Rengerz is an educator, former home-schooler, and author of the award-winning middle grade fantasy, Ring Dragonz!

He will be presenting a session in the
Family Village.

Visit this speaker in the Vendor Hall

JERRY SALCIDO

Jerry is a homeschool father who became involved with CHN’s legal committee during last year’s challenge to homeschooling in California. His law firm, Baker and McKenzie represented CHN in the case and worked closely with other California and national homeschool groups. He continues to volunteer his time for CHN members by participating in the legal committee and offering his advice on legal and legislative matters.

JONATHAN SCOTT

Jonathan is a professional speaker, educator, and recovering drug addict who is working to enlighten people on the subject of substance abuse. Jonathan focuses on comprehensive drug facts, the sociopolitical environment surrounding drugs (legal and illegal), the chemistry of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and their effects on the body.

DAVID J SEVERI and ANN MARIE SEVERI

David and Ann Severi are both experienced teachers with Master's degrees who have been homeschooling three girls for eleven years. Their oldest started college part-time at fifteen and is now full-time at age sixteen. They traveled for a full year in an RV logging almost 30,000 miles throughout the U. S. and Canada. They took the children with them to teach English in Taiwan for a summer. They have privately counseled and advised hundreds of homeschooling families. They are popular conference speakers, and lead many field trips throughout Southern California. Ann has twenty years of experience as a special education teacher, and David has been a stay-at-home dad for fifteen years. Visit the family website at www.AdventureSchooling.com

EFRAIN SEVILLA

Efrain Sevilla is a stay-at-home dad of two children. He and his family energetically pursue an unschooling lifestyle together, playing, learning, and laughing on a daily basis. He firmly believes that all dads can find their own unique way to be hands-on and actively involved in their children’s homeschooling journey, regardless of profession, education or economics. He and his family make their home in the South Bay where he also pursues his personal passion of learning and teaching jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts.

TALITHA SHERMAN

Talitha Sherman has discovered that there really is fun in homeschooling her four children, ages two to twelve. She is a self confessed sci-fi fan, and acknowledges that this puts her into a strange and wonderful category. Her other discoveries include mastering the skills of a belly dancer, a childbirth educator, doula, sock monkey artist, and breastfeeding educator. Slightly insane, always humorous, she is sure to entertain. You may also find Talitha leading sessions at the Expo as her alter ego, Professor Iris Prism.

EMILY AND NICOLE SOWERS

Join Emily and Nicole for origami in our Home Arts sessions!

TAMMY TAKAHASHI

Tammy Takahashi is the author of Deschooling Gently: A Step by Step Guide to Fearless Homeschooling. Tammy writes extensively about homeschooling and educational choice, both on the internet and in print magazines. She is a volunteer for both CHN and HSC. You can find out more about her at her educational blog: Just Enough, and Nothing More.

BILL TAYLOR

Bill Taylor has presented many sessions for kids at the Expo, and he's always willing to come up with a fun idea for kids! Bill is a microbiologist, and he and his wife, Karen, have been married 40 years. They have always shared homeschooling and parenting responsibilities, and they are the proud parents of two very supportive grown children.

KAREN TAYLOR

Karen Taylor has been actively involved in the homeschooling community since 1995. While homeschooling her son, she also participated statewide in writing and speaking out about homeschooling, and helping thousands of new homeschoolers at conferences, online, and in her local community. Although not an attorney, she was CHN's legal chair for 10 years, and was part of the 5 group team (CHEA CHN, FPM HSC, and HSDLA) that successfully fought the 2008 legal challenge that received national attention. She has served CHN in many capacities, including as Trustee and President, and in 2003, she launched the CHN Family Expo, and coordinated the first six Expos. She retired from this very busy job in 2008. Her homeschooled son is now in college, and her passion for helping homeschoolers continues in her role as the new director/owner of Cedar Life Academy, a Private School Satellite Program (PSP) that was founded 20 years ago by Becky Maxwell.

THE LEARNING COLLECTIVE

Shawna Ginocchio, Kris Whyte, Jen Duffie, and Janet Mitchell are founding members of a not-for-profit homeschool cooperative in Claremont for K thru 12th grades called, The Learning Collective (TLC). TLC meets one day a week from September to June and is an inclusive, parent-lead, homeschool enrichment program for children ages 5 to 17 years of age. The types of classes that TLC parents have taught include; Science, Karate, Needlework, American Girl, Cooking, Introduction to Music, Harlem Renaissance, Horse Lover's Club, Public Speaking, Spanish, Physical Activities, Recycled Art, Music and Dance, Geography, Kids Biz, Hula, Emergent Literacy, Brain Games, Drama, Adventure Club and a Teen Program.

KELLY TOWNSEND

Kelly spent her life as the friend and relative of numerous alcoholics and drug addicts. Kelly focuses on the emotional repercussions of addiction and its effects on the family and friends, the educational process and communication (empathetic listening and productive speaking). She is especially interested in high-risk children with ADHD, dyslexia and other learning disabilities.

ANGELA WARD

Angela Ward has immersed herself in Shakespeare's works with great energy, and this has carried on all around in her life. She has performed in New York and London. She currently teaches Shakespeare at her local private high school and has produced the Shakespeare plays, A Comedy of Errors and Macbeth, with homeschool students ages 9 - 17.

JIM WEISS

Jim Weiss is an extraordinary award winning storyteller, and his stories and workshops will be enjoyed by children and adults alike. He has won over 75 national awards, and will be traveling from his home in Virginia to spend the weekend with Expo attendees. With a focus on classical literature, history, and science, Jim has created more than 35 recordings on CD and audiotape and won the hearts (and ears) of listeners throughout the country. This will be his fourth year at the Expo! www.greathall.com

VICKI WHITING

Vicki Whiting is president, editor and founder of Kid Scoop, a weekly newspaper feature geared to children ages 7 to 12 that appears in over 350 newspapers with a combined circulation of more than 7.5 million. She also publishes a monthly newspaper for children and a website that offers teachers, parents and kids a wealth of educational resources.

DINAH WILLIAMS

Dinah Williams is a homeschooling mom of two kids (14 and "almost" 11). She has been involved in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts for many years utilizing Scouting materials as curriculum.

In addition to being a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader, Dinah is an emeritus trustee, and she coordinates the Expo storage unit.

PIA WILLIAMS

Pia is one of CHN's newly elected Trustees and is serving as secretary. Pia's volunteer responsibilities at the Expo include coordinating our Family Village activities. Look for lots of fun and exciting stuff to do out there this year!

MARC and MELISSA ZAWROTNY

Marc and Melissa Zawrotny have been a team for more than 15 years, most of that time as a successful parenting and homeschooling team. They live in Moorpark, Ventura County, with their two vivacious and energetic children. Melissa serves as CHN's legal and legislative chair, and is a new trustee.