Join us for an exciting episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations featuring Rowena Scherer, Founder and CEO of eat2explore, an award-winning experiential cooking kit company designed to bring cultural education alive through food. Drawing inspiration from her Malaysian roots, love for travel, and professional culinary training, Rowena shares how food can be a powerful tool for teaching children about culture, geography, and history. Discover how your family can explore global cuisines while fostering cultural understanding and creating memorable learning experiences in the kitchen. Tune i ..read more

In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Stephanie Buckwalter welcomes Emily Assell, a nurse educator, homeschooling mom, and bestselling author of the Generation Claimed board book series. Emily has a heart for equipping parents with biblical tools to help children through emotional struggles. As someone who deeply believes in the power of scripture, she shares how speaking God’s Word over a child can bring comfort, healing, and strength during difficult times.   Join us as Emily discusses practical ways to guide children through emotional pain using faith-based encou ..read more

Join host Peggy Ployhar for an enlightening conversation with Sonia Story, M.S., creator of the Brain and Sensory Foundations program. Sonia shares how innate rhythmic movements, primitive reflex integration, and postural reflexes can help children build strong foundations for learning and thriving. With years of experience teaching these evidence-based techniques, Sonia explains how they support sensory processing, improve focus, and foster better coordination. Whether you're navigating sensory challenges, ADHD, or seeking strategies to help your child succeed, this episode is packed with pra ..read more

In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Annie Yorty welcomes Joy Burns, a retired homeschooling mother and garden educator at the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University. With her combined expertise in education, communication, and nature programming, Joy is passionate about helping families embrace nature’s classroom as a powerful learning environment. Join us as Joy shares practical ways to incorporate outdoor learning into homeschooling, from hands-on garden activities to fostering curiosity through nature exploration. Whether you're looking for simple ways to get ..read more

In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Dawn Jackson dives into the critical topic of learning dispositions and modalities with Educational Therapist and Learning-Success™ Coach Mariaemma Willis. Discover how understanding your child’s unique approach to learning can help you avoid common teaching pitfalls and create a more effective and enjoyable homeschool experience.   Mariaemma shares practical strategies to tailor your teaching to fit your child’s strengths and preferences, empowering parents to foster confidence and success in their learners.   To connect w ..read more

In this episode, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by Jonas Koblin, award-winning education innovator and founder of the Sprouts YouTube channel. Jonas shares insights from his book, The Unschooler’s Educational Dictionary, a must-read guide for parents exploring alternative education models. Discover practical tips and inspiring ideas to navigate homeschooling and beyond, as we dive into approaches like Montessori, Waldorf, Unschooling, and more. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or looking to expand your educational horizons, this episode is packed with valuable guidance for reimagining your ch ..read more

Join host Peggy Ployhar on Empowering Homeschool Conversations as she welcomes Dr. Jan Bedell, a master NeuroDevelopmentalist, experienced educator, and Board Chair of SPED Homeschool. Dr. Jan’s journey began as a homeschooling mom seeking solutions for her struggling learner, leading her to discover the Neuro-Developmental Approach, which optimizes brain function for better learning. With decades of experience helping children, teens, and adults strengthen cognitive abilities without labels or medication, she has developed transformative brain-training tools and curriculums that make life and ..read more

In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar welcomes Anne Laure Jackson, a seasoned Occupational Therapist with over 30 years of experience and a dedicated Sensory Health Coach. Anne Laure shares her passion for equipping families with the tools and knowledge to understand, assess, and manage sensory needs, helping unique learners thrive in their homeschool environments. Together, they’ll explore practical strategies to support sensory health, create a harmonious learning atmosphere, and empower children to feel better and achieve more. Don’t miss this insightful ..read more

Could play be the key to helping homeschoolers thrive? In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by Alan Tang, founder of CoLab, an innovative online program that uses games, discussions, and escape rooms to equip kids with essential skills for the modern world. Alan’s journey—from corporate finance and culinary arts to education—has inspired his unique approach to engaging, hands-on learning. Tune in as we dive into how play-based learning can empower homeschool families to prepare their children for lifelong success.   To connect with Alan and ..read more

Ready to Help Your Child Thrive? Join us as we explore Whole-Child Readiness—Body, Mind & Soul! In this insightful episode, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Heidi Tringali, an experienced pediatric Occupational Therapist, speaker, and founder of Tringali Occupational Therapy Services (T.O.T.S). Heidi’s 30+ years in OT have equipped her with simple, effective strategies to prepare kids for success in learning by nurturing their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Tune in to discover actionable tips that support your child’s development holistically and set them up for lifelong lear ..read more