The conference is now open for registration!
The conference is now closed.
Sessions continue to be available through the All-Access Pass and in our Membership Community.
Has your homeschool rhythm hit a mid-year slump? Coming out of those winter months, many of us are ready to rediscover the spark in our daily learning together.
Join us for the 2025 Strengths & Struggles Summit this March 11-14, where experienced homeschool parents and educators will share:
- Practical ways to refresh your teaching approach without overhauling everything
- Thoughtful strategies to reconnect with your children’s natural curiosity
- Real-world tips for adapting your routines as your family grows and changes
You’ll meet other homeschool parents who understand these mid-year challenges. Together, we’ll explore ideas to bring fresh energy to your homeschool days while staying true to what matters most for your family.
summit intro
Finding yourself caught between your child's emotional needs and academic progress? You're not alone. Maybe you're facing daily math meltdowns, or that curriculum that looked perfect in September just isn't clicking anymore.
Here's the truth: When you're wondering if you can face another day of resistance and tears, it's not a sign you're failing – it's a sign you're ready for support.
The 2025 Strengths & Struggles Summit brings together parents just like you who understand the delicate balance of being both parent and teacher. We'll explore how to:
- Turn daily challenges into connecting points with your child
- Adapt your approach without losing sight of your goals
- Create emotional safety while maintaining academic progress
- Find your confidence again when doubt creeps in
Because thriving in your homeschool journey isn't about doing everything perfectly – it's about creating a space where both you and your child feel supported, understood, and capable of growth.
The encouragement, insight, speakers and resources
help me understand both myself and my children,
how we are wired, and how we can connect more effectively.
Summit Overview
Dates: March 11-14, 2025
Format: 4 days of sessions
Starting Tuesday, March 11 at 12 am Eastern Time each day of the conference, you can access that day’s video presentations. You will be able to view those videos for a full 24 hours. You can watch them in any order and at any time of the day within those 24 hours.
What Sets This Summit Apart?
This isn't just another homeschool conference. It's a carefully curated spring refresh bringing together leading experts in emotional well-being, educational strategies, and family connection. Whether you're feeling burnt out, questioning your curriculum choices, or wondering if you can do this again next year, every session is designed to help you rediscover the joy in your homeschool journey.
After years of doubting every decision and feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to do it all, I finally have clarity and confidence in our unique homeschool path.
Featured SPeakers
Featured Speakers Include:
speakers
featured in
Colleen Kessler
Author of The Homeschool Advantage,
gifted & twice-exceptional specialist,
podcast host, and founder
of Raising Lifelong Learners
mICHELLE bROWNELL
Certified Parenting Coach,
and founder of Homeschool Essentials
Julie Ross
Certified Life Coach,
and founder of A Gentle Feast
Dan Marcone
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC),
and founder of Season’s Counseling
Maureen Spell
Certified Life Coach,
and founder of Mompreneur Lab
Andrea Pitman
Certified Cognitive Coach,
and founder of the Nectar Group
The encouragement, insight, speakers and resources
help me understand both myself and my children,
how we are wired, and how we can connect more effectively.
Katie Trent
Author of Dishing up Devotions,
and founder of Family Faith Building Academy
Lucee Price
Mental Health Counsellor (RMHCI)
Alicia Devore
Certified Gardenary Designer,
and founder of Create My Garden
Barrett Johnson
Creator of Smartphones 101,
and founder of INFO for families
Jen Papasodoro
Occupational Therapist,
and co-founder of OT Parent Coaches
Carrie Carman
Occupational Therapist,
and co-founder of OT Parent Coaches
These offerings seem to come at just the right time for me! As a newbie, you and your team's support and resources have helped me take this leap to homeschooling -- and ultimately helped change my life in the best of ways.
Daily themes & Sessions
Focus On
Parenting
BUILD CONNECTION
with your child in both life and learning.
Nurturing Self-Compassion: Habits of a Mother's Heart
Join me and Julie Ross for an honest conversation about making peace with our emotions and learning to treat ourselves with the same kindness we show our children. We'll explore practical ways to quiet that inner critic, embrace where we are, and create simple daily practices that nurture our wellbeing. Together, we'll discover how showing ourselves compassion not only transforms our own experience but ripples out to create a calmer, more joyful homeschool environment for everyone. "Self-compassion is showing yourself kindness."
Creating Emotional Safety at Home
Explore effective strategies for fostering emotional safety at home with therapist Lucy Price, focusing on the mental health of teens and young adults. This discussion covers therapeutic approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy, the significance of attachment styles, and the importance of emotional validation. Learn practical techniques for emotional regulation, self-care for parents, and the value of community support, all aimed at enhancing family dynamics and nurturing emotional well-being. "Emotions are there to tell us something."
Building Healthy Smartphone Habits
Building healthy smartphone habits doesn't have to damage your relationship with your child. In this insightful conversation, Barrett Johnson shares practical wisdom for navigating the digital landscape while maintaining strong family connections. From setting boundaries that stick to nurturing emotional intelligence, you'll discover real solutions that respect both your parental wisdom and your child's growing independence.
Strengthening Family Connections Through Holiday Learning
Join us for a heartwarming conversation with bestselling author Katie J. Trent as she shares wisdom from her journey as a former school counselor turned homeschool mom. Drawing from her new book "A Merry and Bright Adventure," Katie offers practical ways to strengthen family connections and nurture faith during the holiday season. While this discussion focuses on Advent traditions, the principles she shares about intentional family time and spiritual growth can be applied year-round through her other devotional books.
Focus On
Education
BUILD CONFIDENCE
in the strengths and abilities of both you and your child.
Ready, Set Homeschool
Overwhelmed by homeschooling? Join Michelle Brownell for an essential workshop that cuts through the confusion and provides a clear roadmap for your homeschool journey. From understanding your "why" to navigating state laws and creating a curriculum that truly fits your child, Michelle shares practical wisdom to help you start homeschooling with confidence and purpose.
Create a Vision Board
Join life coach Maureen for an inspiring workshop on creating clarity and purpose in your homeschool journey through the power of vision boarding. Learn how to align your family's values with your educational goals, maintain focus amidst daily challenges, and create a visual roadmap that supports both learning and emotional well-being.
Plan Your Learning Around Your Child's Strengths
Join gifted education expert Colleen Kessler for an enlightening workshop on embracing your child's unique learning style. Through personal stories and practical examples, she shares how to transform your homeschool by focusing on strengths rather than struggles, especially for neurodivergent learners. Discover how to nurture your child's natural curiosity while building confidence and meaningful connections.
Prepare Your Learning Environment
Join veteran homeschool mom Julie Ross, creator of "A Gentle Feast," as she shares wisdom from her 20 years of homeschooling experience. Drawing from Charlotte Mason's philosophy, Julie reveals how to create a nurturing environment that supports both learning and emotional well-being. Discover how your own mindset and self-reflection can transform your homeschool journey into one filled with joy and meaningful connection.
Focus On
Education
HAVE COURAGE
to think outside the box.
Unlocking Your Child's Executive Function: Powerful Strategies for Learning & Growth
What is executive function and why is it crucial for your child's development? We'll explore the foundations of executive function and learn how to identify, assess, and support your child's needs. Whether you're concerned about your child's executive function skills or want to strengthen them, you'll gain a clear understanding of effective strategies and interventions.
Learning in Motion: Capture Your Child's Attention by Engaging the Senses
Join occupational therapists Jen and Carrie for an enlightening discussion about understanding and supporting your child's sensory needs in your homeschool. As OT Parent Coaches, they share practical insights for creating a learning environment that embraces movement and engages the senses, helping your child develop critical thinking skills while honoring their unique processing needs.
Cultivating Life Skills Through Gardening
Looking for a natural way to help your child bloom? Educator and garden expert Alicia as she reveals how gardening can transform learning into an adventure of growth and discovery. Your child's next favorite classroom might just be your backyard! Alicia shares how gardening can cultivate essential life skills in our children, especially those who learn differently.
The Power of Play
When was the last time you truly played with your child? Mental health counselor Dan Marcone reveals why play isn't just fun – it's essential for your child's emotional and mental development. Discover why adding more play to your homeschool day might be the most important 'lesson' you teach! Join mental health expert Dan Marcone as he shares the surprising science behind play and learning. Your permission slip for more joy starts here!
Focus On
Mental Health
FIND CALM
while navigating the struggles of life and learning.
Building Resilience in Your Kids
What if the secret to your child's success isn't about avoiding failures, but learning to bounce back from them? Mental health experts share powerful insights about building resilience - that invisible superpower that helps our children face challenges with confidence. Want to help your child develop the confidence to tackle any challenge? Join us to discover how building resilience can transform both learning and life. Your guide to raising resilient learners starts here!
Building Resilience Through Mindfulness
Feeling overwhelmed? Mental health counselor Dan Marcone shows how simple mindfulness practices can transform stressful moments into opportunities for connection and growth. Learn how being present can make a profound difference in your homeschool day. Discover how mindfulness can bring more peace to your homeschool day! Dan shares practical ways to help your family stay grounded when life feels chaotic. Your path to more peaceful days starts here!
Building Resilience Through a Culture of Gratitude
Can gratitude really change your brain? Mental health counselor Dan Marcone reveals the science behind thankfulness and how it can transform both learning and family relationships. Discover why this simple practice might be the key to building resilience in your home. Dan shares the surprising science of thankfulness and practical ways to bring more joy to your family's journey. Your path to a more grateful heart starts here!
Building a Growth Mindset in Your Child
Can't" vs. "Not yet" - mental health counselor Dan Marcone reveals how these simple words can transform your child's approach to learning. Discover how shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset can reduce anxiety and build confidence in your homeschool journey. Dan shares practical strategies to help your child develop a growth mindset. Your path to confident learning starts here!
Michelle shares is an engaging speaker and shares wisdom in such a gentle and encouraging way. Her professional, well-organized approach has taught me not only to connect more with my children & young adults, but to embrace and celebrate how unique our family and homeschool truly are.
This Summit is Perfect for you If...
- You're in the mid-year slump and need a fresh perspective
- Your curriculum isn't working quite like you hoped
- You're wondering if you have what it takes to finish the year strong
- The daily juggle of teaching and parenting feels overwhelming
- You need reassurance that just because it's hard doesn't mean it's not working
- You're craving community with others who understand these challenges
Remember: You ARE the parent and teacher your child needs. Sometimes we just need a little encouragement and some fresh tools to help us see it clearly again.
You'll Discover...
- How to create an emotionally safe learning environment that supports both academic and personal growth (even when everyone's tired and cranky)
- Practical strategies for building healthy family connections while working through mid-year challenges
- Expert guidance on adjusting your approach when things aren't working
- Ways to transform daily struggles into opportunities for growth
- Simple tweaks to refresh your routine without overhauling everything
- How to reconnect with your "why" when motivation is low
Join us for four days of practical support, genuine encouragement, and real strategies to help you and your children thrive – right where you are, exactly as you are.
I can’t really express the change I feel in me. I can already see a shift in my kids and even more so in myself as I interact with them, responding to the attitudes and such. My heart was breaking at the end of most days. School was bringing out the worst in me and hurting my sweet relationship with my kiddos. I know that God has used the sessions I heard to change my focus, lift a lot of guilt, and see things differently.
