Alicia Hunt
Bio:
Alicia and her husband Todd homeschool their 3 kids in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Alicia holds a BS in Disability Services from Indiana University of PA and worked as a Developmental Specialist in Early Intervention, Behavioral and Mental Health Consultant and Vision Therapist. She also ran a private preschool for several years. God led their family into this unexpected journey of homeschooling in 2016 when they started exploring educational options for their kids. Now along with homeschooling her own children she serves in several local ministries, helps encourage homeschoolers around the Pittsburgh area through in person and virtual support groups as well as serving as a volunteer with CHAP and answering homeschooling questions from curious people all over the state of PA.
Sessions:
- Nurturing Little Learners: Homeschooling Preschool and Kindergarten(Thursday Jun 11, 1:15 PM-2:00 PM)
Todd Hunt
Bio:
Todd and his wife Alicia homeschool their 3 children in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, PA. Todd holds a BS in Sociology and MS in Information Systems Management and works as a Telecom Engineer. Todd has no blog, podcast, or book. He is just a husband and dad supporting his family through this unexpected journey of homeschooling.
Sessions:
- History of Public Education and Dad's Involvement(Thursday Jun 11, 3:15 PM-4:00 PM)
Cheri Kay Sessions
Bio:
Cheri Kay Sessions (PT, DPT) has 17+ years of experience as a pediatric physical therapist, special needs advocate, educational consultant, and homeschooling mom. Cheri Kay’s four amazing children were all adopted and have a variety of unique needs.
She received her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Athletic Training, a Master’s Degree from the University of Rhode Island in Physical Therapy, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree, with an emphasis on pediatrics from Southern California.
Along with her training as a Physical Therapist, she is also trained to provide trauma-informed care and is fluent in American Sign Language. She has experience in navigating the school system, the community mental health system, and the health care systems as both a parent and a professional. With her unique understanding of how these systems work, she is equipped to advocate for families that also need to access these services. She has a unique perspective of the needs and desires of homeschooling families with her variety of experiences as both a parent and a professional.
Cheri Kay enjoys traveling and has spent three years living overseas in the beautiful country of Haiti, serving the Haitian people through various medical and therapy clinics. Along with parenting the children who have stolen her heart, Cheri Kay’s passion is to come alongside other families with resources and encouragement to help them soar into their own success.
Sessions:
- Rooted in Play, Built for Growth: Homeschooling Pre-K Learners with Learning Differences(Thursday Jun 11, 2:00 PM-2:45 PM)
- Foundations Built on Play: Supporting K-3 Learners with Learning Differences(Thursday Jun 11, 3:00 PM-3:45 pm)
- Tricky High School Issues: Homeschooling Teens with Special Needs(Thursday Jun 11, 4:00 PM-4:45 PM)
- You Can Homeschool Your Neurodivergent Learner and We Can Help!(Thursday Jun 11, 11:00 AM-11:45 AM)
Abby Banks
Bio:
Abby Banks is a former classroom teacher and currently a pastor’s wife in Wayne County. She is homeschooling her youngest child after successfully graduating four of her five kids. Abby serves as a homeschool evaluator and consultant for Pennsylvania families, and through these roles—as well as her blog at 4onemore.com—she is passionate about equipping and encouraging homeschool parents.
She also hosts the Homeschool with Moxie podcast and YouTube channel, where she shares practical strategies to help families move from overwhelmed to confident in their homeschooling journey.
Sessions:
- Raising Self Motivated Learners: How to Step Back So They Step Up(Thursday Jun 11, 1:15 PM-2:00 PM)
- Seasons of Homeschooling: Practical Tips & Encouragement – You Will Survive!(Thursday Jun 11, 2:15 PM-3:00 PM)
- The High School Shift: What Changes (and What Really Matters) in the Teen Years(Thursday Jun 11, 3:15 PM-4:00 PM)
- PA Homeschool Evaluations Made Simple: What Every Parent Needs to Know(Thursday Jun 11, 4:15 PM-5:00 PM)
- Teen Track - Etsy Entrepreneur: Turn Creativity Into Income & Elective Credit(Friday Jun 12, 1:15 PM-2:00 PM)
- Teen Track - Podcast Launch: Homeschool Meets Entrepreneurship(Friday Jun 12, 3:15 PM-4:00 PM)
- Teen Track - Time-Wise Teens: Simple Systems That Actually Work(Friday Jun 12, 4:15 PM-5:00 PM)
Will Estrada
Bio:
Will began his legal career working for HSLDA in January 2004 as a legal assistant to HSLDA Senior Counsel Scott Woodruff. After graduating from Oak Brook College of Law and Government Policy with his Juris Doctor in 2006, he moved on to direct HSLDA’s Federal Relations department and serve as HSLDA’s federal lobbyist.
Will worked as a career federal employee in the Office for Civil Rights at the US Department of Health and Human Services from 2018 to 2021. In November of 2021, he resigned from the federal government and was selected by the Board of ParentalRights.org to serve as the first full-time president of ParentalRights.org and the Parental Rights Foundation.
In June of 2023, Will decided to return to his roots at HSLDA, this time serving as a senior counsel and contact attorney for HSLDA members in the states of California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wyoming, as well as Washington DC. He works to make homeschooling possible for thousands of member families and hundreds of thousands of homeschool students by advocating in state legislatures for homeschool freedom, working to ensure that homeschool graduates are treated equally, and that the laws protecting the rights of homeschool families are followed by government officials.
Will is a member of the following state and federal bars: U.S. Supreme Court, First Circuit Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, California, and District of Columbia. In June of 2023, Will was selected by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to serve a four-year term on the Board of Visitors of Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia.
Will is a homeschool graduate from Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Rachel (a homeschool graduate from Virginia), homeschool their two sons in Northern Virginia.
Sessions:
- Homeschooling in Pennsylvania(Saturday Jun 13, 1:15 PM-2:00 PM)
- Hostility Toward Homeschool Freedom(Saturday Jun 13, 3:15 PM-4:00 PM)
Christy-Faith
Bio:
Christy-Faith, author of Homeschool Rising (Wiley), is a dedicated mentor to homeschool moms across the nation, drawing on over two decades of educational expertise. Known as a "teacher's teacher," she began her career in the classroom, earned a master's degree, and co-founded one of the most successful learning centers in the country with her husband, Scott. Her extensive experience includes working with thousands of students, including high-profile families, and leading specialist teams to develop personalized educational plans. In 2021, Christy gained TikTok "homeschool fame," captivating audiences with her sharp wit and relatable insights, amassing millions of views and over 350k followers. As a nurturing "big sister" to homeschool moms, she empowers parents with confidence and purpose through her vibrant content. Currently, Christy advises moms in Thrive Homeschool Community, hosts The Christy-Faith Show podcast, and writes, all while homeschooling her four children in Denver, Colorado.
Sessions:
- Homeschooling 101: How To Start and Avoid Common Mistakes(Friday Jun 12, 2:15 PM-3:00 PM)
- Math Is a Nightmare! Save Me! Proven Techniques to Turn Math Around Today(Friday Jun 12, 3:15 PM-4:00 PM)
- Keynote: The Vanishing Of Childhood: What Happens When We Lose the Wonder Years?(Friday Jun 12, 8:30 AM-10:00 AM)
- Resilient Roots: Raising Faithful Kids in an Increasingly Troubling World(Saturday Jun 13, 2:15 PM-3:00 PM)
- Navigating Homeschool Criticism, Disapproval, and Judgment(Saturday Jun 13, 3:15 PM-4:00 PM)
- Is My Homeschool on Track? Here’s How to Know(Saturday Jun 13, 10:15 AM-11:00 AM)
Abraham Hamilton III
Bio:
Abraham Hamilton, III (Abe) is a husband, father of six wonderful children, lawyer, home-school dad, Bible Teacher and national radio and television talk show host. He serves as American Family Association’s General Counsel and Public Policy Analyst. Abe also hosts "The Hamilton Corner" which airs Monday through Friday at 5 p.m. CT on the American Family Radio Network (AFR). He also hosts “The Hamilton Corner” television program, which airs Friday evenings at 8 p.m. CT on the National Religious Broadcasters Television Network (NRB TV). Abe has an undergraduate degree in New Testament Biblical Literature and a Juris Doctor degree.
Sessions:
- Historical Revisionism Has Theological and Societal Implications(Friday Jun 12, 2:15 PM-3:00 PM)
- Walking Influence(Saturday Jun 13, 2:15 PM-3:00 PM)
- Keynote: You Shall Love the LORD with Your Mind(Saturday Jun 13, 8:30 AM-10:00 AM)
- Dads and Donuts: Fathers are Essential(Saturday Jun 13, 10:15 AM-11:00 AM)
Tom Jones
Bio:
Tom Jones is the State Representative for the 98th legislative district, representing portions of Lancaster and Lebanon Counties. Tom is actually a self-employed businessman, and together with his wife Rochelle, they have owned their property and landscape businesses for 25 years. They have four children and attend Community Bible Church in Marietta, where Tom serves as an Elder. Prior to being a State Representative, Tom served as a Township Supervisor, a member of the Lancaster County Planning Commission, a Police Commissioner, and on the Board of Directors of his local Fire Company. In his spare time, he is an amateur herpetologist and owns three alligators and several large snakes. His experience with reptiles has prepared him for surviving the swamp in Harrisburg! Born and raised here, Tom shares our conservative values.
Sessions:
- Teaching Civics at Home - Raising Engaged Citizens Through Real Life Action(Friday Jun 12, 10:15 AM-11:00 AM)
Dr. Amy Moore
Bio:
Dr. Amy Moore is a cognitive psychologist, clinical researcher, board certified Christian counselor, parent educator, TEDx speaker, host of The Brainy Moms podcast, an ADHD mom, and a mom with ADHD. She is the Director of Psychology and Research for LearningRx in Colorado Springs, CO at the headquarters of the largest network of cognitive training centers in the world. She has a master’s degree in early childhood education, a PhD in psychology, and 30 years of experience working with neurodivergent children and their families. Dr. Amy and her husband Jeff have been married for almost 3 decades and have 3 grown sons.
Sessions:
- The Art and Science of ADHD Parenting: Part 1(Thursday Jun 11, 2:00 PM-2:45 PM)
- The Art and Science of ADHD Parenting: Part 2(Thursday Jun 11, 3:00 PM-3:45 pm)
- The Art and Science of ADHD Parenting: Part 3(Thursday Jun 11, 4:00 PM-4:45 PM)
- Keynote - Hacking the ADHD Brain: 5 Influences on Your Child’s Behavior & Learning(Thursday Jun 11, 9:30 AM-10:45 AM)
- Discipline Reimagined: Brain-Based, God-Honoring Strategies for Training Them Up in the Way They Should Go(Friday Jun 12, 10:15 AM-11:00 AM)
Andrew Pudewa
Bio:
Andrew Pudewa is the founder and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. Presenting around the world, he addresses issues relating to teaching, writing, thinking, and spelling 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 (Suzuki Method) and holds a Certificate of Child Brain Development, 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, homeschooled their seven children and are now proud grandparents of nineteen, making their home in Northeastern Oklahoma’s picturesque Green Country.
Sessions:
- Power Tips for Improving Teaching and Learning(Friday Jun 12, 1:15 PM-2:00 PM)
- Hacking High School: Rethinking the Teen Years(Friday Jun 12, 3:15 PM-4:00 PM)
- What to Do When Kids Don’t Like to Write(Saturday Jun 13, 1:15 PM-2:00 PM)
- Nurturing Competent Communicators(Saturday Jun 13, 3:15 PM-4:00 PM)
Gretchen Roe
Bio:
With 27 years of dedicated advocacy for families navigating unique learning needs, Gretchen Roe's expertise is grounded in 21 years of home education experience and a rigorous background in psychology/child development, specializing in neuropsychology. Joining Demme Learning in 2014, she has leveraged this knowledge, advancing from placement specialist to the host and producer of The Demme Learning Show. Beyond her professional life, she embodies a commitment to personal discipline as a second-degree Taekwondo Black Belt, an avid outdoorswoman, a beekeeper, and a former high school swim coach.
Sessions:
- Banishing Math Anxiety: A Guide to Generational Success(Thursday Jun 11, 2:00 PM-2:45 PM)
- Discovering the Secrets to Teaching Writing, Even If You Dislike It!(Thursday Jun 11, 3:00 PM-3:45 pm)
- Transform Challenges into Triumphs: A Guide for Parents of Exceptional Kids(Thursday Jun 11, 4:00 PM-4:45 PM)
- Adapting the Playbook for Special Needs Students – Don’t Move the Goal, Modify the Play(Thursday Jun 11, 11:00 AM-11:45 AM)
Dr. Roger and Jan Smith
Bio:
Roger and Jan Smith, of Gilbert, Louisiana, married in college before entering medical school. Roger practices Internal Medicine and Pediatrics in a small community, while Jan runs the family businesses and horse farm.
The Smiths feel that their four adult children are their greatest accomplishment. Choosing to homeschool from the very start, and continuing through high school, the Smiths say this made all the difference in their family. The strong relationship the children share with one another and with their parents show the grace of God, and that homeschooling is worth the investment of time and energy.
Roger and Jan address groups about marriage, family, homeschooling, and leadership—things they have made a life study. Both Roger and Jan have been mentors at a local faith-based substance abuse program and at their church, and they are committed to a life of hospitality.
Roger is author of Parenting with Influence, has a weekly video blog on parenting (YouTube and Facebook @ParentingMattersNow), and has a podcast, Parenting Matters Now, that airs three times weekly, sharing parenting tips “a few minutes at a time.”
The Smiths currently serve on the board for the National Alliance of Christian Home Education Leaders.
Sessions:
- Parenting Principles for Closeness(Friday Jun 12, 1:15 PM-2:00 PM)
- Prescription for a Healthy Marriage(Friday Jun 12, 10:15 AM-11:00 AM)
- Discipline That Draws Children Closer(Saturday Jun 13, 1:15 PM-2:00 PM)
Dr. Roger Smith
Bio:
Roger and Jan Smith, of Gilbert, Louisiana, married in college before entering medical school. Roger practices Internal Medicine and Pediatrics in a small community, while Jan runs the family businesses and horse farm.
The Smiths feel that their four adult children are their greatest accomplishment. Choosing to homeschool from the very start, and continuing through high school, the Smiths say this made all the difference in their family. The strong relationship the children share with one another and with their parents show the grace of God, and that homeschooling is worth the investment of time and energy.
Roger and Jan address groups about marriage, family, homeschooling, and leadership—things they have made a life study. Both Roger and Jan have been mentors at a local faith-based substance abuse program and at their church, and they are committed to a life of hospitality.
Roger is author of Parenting with Influence, has a weekly video blog on parenting (YouTube and Facebook @ParentingMattersNow), and has a podcast, Parenting Matters Now, that airs three times weekly, sharing parenting tips “a few minutes at a time.”
The Smiths currently serve on the board for the National Alliance of Christian Home Education Leaders.
Sessions:
- Tending to Your Child’s Emotional Health(Friday Jun 12, 3:15 PM-4:00 PM)
Jan Smith
Bio:
Roger and Jan Smith, of Gilbert, Louisiana, married in college before entering medical school. Roger practices Internal Medicine and Pediatrics in a small community, while Jan runs the family businesses and horse farm.
The Smiths feel that their four adult children are their greatest accomplishment. Choosing to homeschool from the very start, and continuing through high school, the Smiths say this made all the difference in their family. The strong relationship the children share with one another and with their parents show the grace of God, and that homeschooling is worth the investment of time and energy.
Roger and Jan address groups about marriage, family, homeschooling, and leadership—things they have made a life study. Both Roger and Jan have been mentors at a local faith-based substance abuse program and at their church, and they are committed to a life of hospitality.
Roger is author of Parenting with Influence, has a weekly video blog on parenting (YouTube and Facebook @ParentingMattersNow), and has a podcast, Parenting Matters Now, that airs three times weekly, sharing parenting tips “a few minutes at a time.”
The Smiths currently serve on the board for the National Alliance of Christian Home Education Leaders.
Sessions:
- Is There a Different Way? Help Me Know My Options(Friday Jun 12, 4:15 PM-5:00 PM)
Nelly Vizcarrondo
Bio:
Nelly was born in Puerto Rico, where she lived until she was 15, when she moved to the United States with her family. For several years, she worked in the private sector of education before marrying Jonathan. Together, they decided that once they had children, they would homeschool them. Currently, Nelly and Jonathan have two daughters, aged 10 and 11, and Nelly has been homeschooling for almost 9 years.
Throughout her journey, Nelly has dedicated herself to teaching women how to study the Bible and to training other mothers to educate their children at home. She also works alongside her husband, who is a pastor at Gracia y Misericordia Bible Church in Whitehall, PA. Nelly shares her experiences and knowledge through her social media and her Patreon community, where she inspires and supports other families on their homeschooling journey.
Nelly nació en Puerto Rico, donde vivió hasta los 15 años, cuando se mudó a Estados Unidos con su familia. Durante varios años, trabajó en el sector privado de la educación, antes de casarse con Jonathan. Juntos decidieron que, una vez tuvieran hijos, educarían a sus hijos en casa. Actualmente, Nelly y Jonathan tienen dos hijas, de 10 y 11 años, y Nelly lleva casi 9 años practicando homeschool. A lo largo de su trayectoria, Nelly se ha dedicado a enseñar a mujeres a estudiar la Biblia y a capacitar a otras mamás para que puedan educar a sus hijos en casa. Además, trabaja junto a su esposo, quien es pastor en la Iglesia Bíblica Gracia y Misericordia en Whitehall, PA. Nelly comparte su experiencia y conocimientos a través de sus redes sociales y su comunidad en Patreon, donde inspira y apoya a otras familias en su camino de educación en casa.
Sessions:
- How to Start Homeschooling in Pennsylvania – This session will be in SPANISH(Thursday Jun 11, 1:15 PM-2:00 PM)
- Homeschooling with Purpose: Teaching for Eternity, Not Just Graduation – This session will be in SPANISH(Thursday Jun 11, 2:15 PM-3:00 PM)
- The Homeschool Mom as Leader, Teacher, and Shepherd - This session will be in SPANISH but translated into ENGLISH(Thursday Jun 11, 4:15 PM-5:00 PM)
Heather Vogler
Bio:
Heather Vogler, her husband, and five children call the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia home, where they homeschool and homestead. Heather has homeschooled her children from the beginning and enjoys an eclectic style of teaching. Heather is a regular contributor to The Homeschool Minute and has been published in several publications, including Focus on the Family Magazine, War Cry Magazine, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, and Brio Magazine. Learn more about Heather at www.thriftschooling.com
Sessions:
- Thrift Steading(Friday Jun 12, 2:15 PM-3:00 PM)
- Strengthening Your Marriage as a Homeschool Mom(Friday Jun 12, 4:15 PM-5:00 PM)
- Thrift Schooling(Saturday Jun 13, 2:15 PM-3:00 PM)
- Overcoming Homeschool Depression(Saturday Jun 13, 10:15 AM-11:00 AM)
Lisa A. Werley
Bio:
Lisa A. Werley firmly believes that teaching young people how to manage money is an investment in their lifetime. Lisa’s passion for financial literacy is the reason she has dedicated her life mission and legacy to teaching and inspiring youth to become financially literate adults.
As an author, speaker and financial coach for over 25 years, Lisa has volunteered her time coaching adults and teaching young people to become self-confident in managing money. Lisa is the author of Raising Money Smart Kids, Tween and Teens, financial literacy materials that teach young people how to create and manage a personal budget. She is also the author and creator of the Johnny & Jay Book series featuring The Giving Jar and Parker’s Dinosaur Smile.
Lisa is very excited about the opportunity to speak and engage with teens at the 2026 CHAP Convention where she will remind youth to see themselves as honored managers of God’s financial resources. She will challenge them to build character as she shares the money management and financial literacy program she and her husband have implemented and have taught their son. Lisa knows from personal experience that it is possible to raise financially literate and independent adults.
Professionally, Lisa is an Accounting Manager and has over 30 years’ experience in the accounting and finance industry. Lisa is married to her husband, Travis, of 27 years. Travis and Lisa have a grown son, Jonathon. They reside on their farm in Berks County, PA.
Sessions:
- Teen Track - Money Smarts(Friday Jun 12, 2:15 PM-3:00 PM)
- Teen Track - Money Smarts(Friday Jun 12, 10:15 AM-11:00 AM)
Sandy Zamalis
Bio:
Sandy is the Executive Director and owner of LearningRx Staunton-Harrisonburg, where her passion is helping struggling learners of all ages discover confidence and success. A former homeschooling mom, Sandy found her calling in cognitive training after witnessing the frustrations of students falling through the cracks. Today, she leads two thriving centers, empowering children and adults to overcome learning struggles and build the strong cognitive foundation everyone deserves.
Sessions:
- It’s the Brain, Not the Books! Rethinking the Reasons Kids Struggle to Read(Thursday Jun 11, 11:00 AM-11:45 AM)
- Inside the Struggling Learner’s Mind: A Live Brain Training Experience(Friday Jun 12, 4:15 PM-5:00 PM)
