2010 YOUTH SCHEDULE

Jeff Benedict

It's Good to Be the Only One

Heather Burton

education: Preparing for a life of excellence (or, How to have the best birthday parties ever!)

Heather Burton
The secret to the best birthdays ever is, oddly enough, something many adults don’t figure out until it’s time to die. Here are some hints: candles, cake, games, friends, music, gifts, and fun. Want to know more? Come join us to find out!
Download class handout HERE
Friday 8:30 - 9:15 am

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me: finding a mentor and being a mentee

Heather Burton
So, you’d like to learn about string theory? Or sign language? Or surfing? Back country hiking? Or Japanese government? Or Swahili? Anything you want to learn may be learned better, faster, and “funner” with a great mentor. In this class, we’ll talk about how to find mentors, how to help your mentor be a quality mentor, and how to be an excellent mentee.
Friday 10:15 - 11:15 am

Michelle Carbee

The clipper ship strategy

Michelle Carbee
We know that the economy should be based on free-market economics (as taught in The Wealth of Nations, by Adam Smith), that we should be promoting this type of economic base for our country.  Unfortunately, our country has ventured far from our founding fathers original intent to the point where we live in a politically controlled economy.  Many people find this out through trial and error.  Although experience is the best teacher, it is also the most costly.  For many people, it can cost more than they bargained for.  “The Clipper Ship Strategy” shares how our political economy works so we can be prepared to make better educated choices in how to stay “afloat” in the world today.  Combining counsel from our general authorities, the scriptures, and the principles introduced by Richard Maybury in The Clipper Ship Strategy, we will discuss ideas for success in your career, business and future families by learning how to survive in a politically controlled economy.
Friday 1:30 - 2:15 pm

LaRae Carter

Instant Choir:  Just Add Voices!

LaRae Carter
Like to sing?  Then come join the LDSEHE Instant Choir!  Dr. Carter (Music Chair at SVU--how cool is that?) will help you work on breathing, tone and proper projection during this hour-long "Instant Choir" workshop.  What's more--the Instant Choir will be performing this year's theme song "Be Strong and Do It" (under Dr. Carter's direction) during the closing keynote session of the conference! This is a great opportunity to work with an amazing music professional--if you like to sing, you don't want to miss this one! 
BE PREPARED for this Choir Workshop!
Click HERE to download a copy of the sheet music to "Be Strong and Do It" for practice at home before the conference!  

Ahmad Corbitt

Winning Friends and influencing people (Amicitia Youth Seminar)

Ahmad Corbitt
One of the most important skills we need to be successful in life is how to make friends and keep relationships strong and healthy. This class will discuss the ways to cultivate friendships, bolster relationships, and be a people person without lowering your standards.
Wednesday 7:00 - 7:45 am

Developing Character through literature (youth conference keynote address)

Ahmad Corbitt
Character matters. All around us, we see the effects of weak-willed people abandoning character for what is most expedient. But what is character and why DOES it matter? And most importantly-how do we develop character for ourselves? One way is through reading about people who have strong, admirable character traits and those who don’t. Examining great literature through the lens of character will start you on the path of developing a great character for yourself.
Thursday 10:25 - 11:15 am

Brent DeGraff

World History: It's Better Than eating dirt!

Brent DeGraff
What If? What if Charles Martell had not defeated the conquering Moors? What if Joan of Arc had not triumphed in France? What if the Spanish Armada had not been defeated? What if Luther had faltered at the Diet of Worms? What if Henry the VIII had not broken from the Catholic Church?

In his unique way, Brother DeGraff examines the importance of each of these and other incidents and answers “what if” the outcome had been different. When great nations unexpectedly fall and victory is achieved by the most unlikely of heroes, we must recognize the hand of God in history. When LDS history students search out and recognize His hand in history, they not only see the plan for nations, kingdoms and civilizations but they also recognize that they, too, are a part of God’s plan.
Friday 2:20 - 3:05 pm

Alan Fluckiger

Hands-on Economics

Alan Fluckiger
Do you have a mental block about studying economics?  Or, do you have a passion for the study of economics?  In either case, this class will be fun and interesting, and provide you with insight into the way the world works!

You are already acquainted with principles of the gospel.  Now you will see how the Austrian theory of economics is also based upon discovery of natural laws or principles, which are as constant as gravity.  During the class, hands-on activities will give you a feel for the meaning of terms like scarcity, subjective value, free market, opportunity cost, and more!
Thursday 1:30 - 2:20 pm

Lara Gallagher

Get it done in time for fun!

Lara Gallagher
You have many responsibilities placed on you from school, family and even yourself.  How do you decide what to do, when to do it or even if you should be doing it?  Learn simple ways to organize your projects so that it's easy to decide what you want to accomplish, get it done and still have time for fun!
Download class handout HERE
Friday 1:30 - 2:20 pm

Jan-Erik Jones

Motion, matter and infinities: lessons from the central paradoxes in the history of science and mathematics

Jan-Erik Jones
Everyone knows that objects move from one place to another, that some objects are larger than others and that there is nothing larger than infinity.  However, when scientists (in antiquity and in the modern period) have tried to reconcile these beliefs with all of the other obvious truths they accepted, important and informative paradoxes were generated.  In this class, we will examine Zeno's paradoxes of motion along with analogous
paradoxes for physical objects and numbers and look at possible solutions and lessons from these historically important problems.
Friday 1:30 - 2:15 pm

Tim Knudson

Starry, Starry nights (evening activity)

Tim Knudson
This evening activity will involve looking at several objects through a telescope. Come join us as we examine the rings of Saturn and a nice crescent moon. (Sorry, Jupiter will not be visible until well after midnight.) Dr. Knudson will also provide some information about a number of great online resources for the amateur astronomer.
Thursday 9:30 - 10:30 pm

Ariel Rodriguez

Boy World and Girl World: Understanding Play, Talk and Friendship with the opposite sex (Youth Amiticia Seminar)

Ariel Rodriguez
Although they grow up in the same neighborhoods, wards and playgrounds, boys and girls generally learn different styles of communication and friendships.  Come learn about these differences so that you can better understand members of the opposite sex, and more easily communicate and build friendships with them.
Wednesday 10:00 - 11:00 am

Jon Schmidt

Got skills? Developing your talents

Jon Schmidt
Jon will share his journey of becoming a concert-level performer with you, to give you a better understanding of what it takes to develop any talent.
Thursday 4:10 - 5:00 pm

Jon schmidt's darkest songwriting secrets seminar

Jon Schmidt
Jon has found an effective way to share much of what he's discovered about songwriting over the past 20 years, in a 2-hour workshop! If you have a passion for music and songwriting, come and learn the 12 (or so!) easy things that will unlock your songwriting ability or make it better! Use the circle of 5ths and phone numbers to find cool chord progressions! Learn how to play by ear and vary left-hand accompaniments! And much more! "Jon's tools for song writing helped me realize that song-writing really is simple…I was writing songs in no time...and that changed my life." (No one really said this, Jon just made it up to look good!) THIS WORKSHOP HAS LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE AND REQUIRES ADVANCE SIGN-UP.  It is intended for students with strong piano experience or a recommendation from a piano teacher.  Youth attending this workshop will need to finish lunch early in order to be ready for the seminar at 1:00. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP (VIA E-MAIL) FOR THIS SONGWRITING CLASS.  (Make sure your e-mail states that you would like to sign up for Jon's Songwriting Class.  You will receive a confirmation e-mail that your request was received.  If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail within 24 hours, please contact secretary.ldsehe@gmail.com.)
Thursday 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Earl Taylor

Is it constitutional? Learning wisdom in our youth

Earl Taylor 
Once we learn the simple principles of good government, how do we then use them to evaluate candidates for office, legislative proposals, and other current issues and events? During this class we will discuss several real life cases and demonstrate how correct principles will help us make the right decisions.
Download class handout HERE
Thursday 11:25 - 12:15

Rocky Thomas

Preparing for life's mission (girls' class)

Rocky Thomas
As daughters of God, we each are called to serve an important personalized mission. Come learn how your knowledge, talents, skills, and personality play a part in the grand plan of our Heavenly Father. Prepare yourself to return with honor!
Download class handout HERE
Thursday 3:10 - 4:00 pm

the balancing act

Rocky Thomas
Whether you are really busy or not busy enough; life is a constant balancing act! Learn how to organize your time and accomplish more by finding balance!
Download class handout HERE 
Friday 1:30 - 2:15pm

Brad Wilcox

What Do You Get for Being a Mormon?  A Better Education (Opening Keynote)

Brad Wilcox
Latter-day Saints are a better educated group than others.  It's a fact.  But why?  What is it about our history, culture, and doctrine that set our views of education apart?  Elder Ballard included education as being one of the fruits of Church membership.  Truly we are blessed to have a legacy of learning.
Thursday 8:00 - 9:00 am

If You Can Laugh at It, You Can Live With It (Closing Keynote)

Brad Wilcox
Life is serious business and trials and challenges can be real and intense.  Still, we can't allow ourselves to miss the joy to be found along the way.  Keeping a sense of humor can help us keep perspective, build positive relationships with others, and deal with problems and the stress they create.  Everyone can develop a better sense of humor and follow the scriptural command to be of good cheer.
Friday 4:00 - 5:00 pm

Prepare now to be a great missionary (boys' class)

Brad Wilcox
The number of young people serving full-time missions has dropped.  Part of that is due to demographics--numbers in Mormon families are lower.  Part of it is also due to the raised bar--expectations for missionaries are higher.  Whatever the reason, we need to be part of the solution.  Prepare now to be the kind of missionary who can truly make a difference!  Brad (father) and Russell (son) Wilcox have had the unique opportunity to serve missions at the same time--Brad as president in Chile and Russell in Spain. They know the rewards of serving missions.  They can't imagine life without the relationships, capabilities, perspectives, and increased testimonies that resulted from their missions. That's what they want for you.   
Thursday 3:10 - 4:00 pm

Technology is a great servant, but a terrible master

Brad Wilcox
Electronic tools can be a blessing, but only if we keep them in their place and not let them take over our lives.  We never want them to get in the way of developing the communication skills and confidence to interact with people that will be so essential in the future.  We never want them to get in the way of being able to recognize and respond to the Spirit.  God doesn't use email.  He uses knee mail.
Friday 11:30 - 12:15 pm

Russell Wilcox

PreparE now to be a great missionary (boys' class)

Russell Wilcox
The number of young people serving full-time missions has dropped.  Part of that is due to demographics--numbers in Mormon families are lower.  Part of it is also due to the raised bar--expectations for missionaries are higher.  Whatever the reason, we need to be part of the solution.  Prepare now to be the kind of missionary who can truly make a difference!  Brad (father) and Russell (son) Wilcox have had the unique opportunity to serve missions at the same time--Brad as president in Chile and Russell in Spain. They know the rewards of serving missions.  They can't imagine life without the relationships, capabilities, perspectives, and increased testimonies that resulted from their missions. That's what they want for you.   
Thursday 3:10 - 4:00 pm

technology is a great servant, but a terrible master

Russell Wilcox
Electronic tools can be a blessing, but only if we keep them in their place and not let them take over our lives.  We never want them to get in the way of developing the communication skills and confidence to interact with people that will be so essential in the future.  We never want them to get in the way of being able to recognize and respond to the Spirit.  God doesn't use email.  He uses knee mail.
Friday 11:30 - 12:15 pm

Dana Wood

mitol: most important time of life

Dana Wood
Most teens don’t think beyond next weekend.  That can make life difficult and frustrating. Come find out how to change that thinking and consider how your teen years are the Most Important Time of Life! Using the life of Joseph Smith and the trivium, this class will help youth understand why they think the way they do and how to use that to help make the best decisions for this Most Important Time of Life and beyond.
Wednesday 4:00 - 5:00 pm

Your education is up to you.  Your life's mission and the work the Lord has for you depends upon what you do today.

Prepare to be inspired, challenged and stretched. With amazing speakers,  mind-stimulating topics & high-energy activites, these 2 days are sure to be a highlight of your upcoming summer.

It’s not just about classes. One of the highlights of every conference is our really GREAT Youth Talent Show and  Youth Display Showcase—your chance to strut your stuff.

• Make friends with over 150 COOL youth
• Choose many of your own classes
• Meet 20 outstanding speakers--some nationally recognized
  
• Have fun outdoors and eat *snacks*
• Dance
• Bring your (12-18 yr. old) brothers and sisters--special low family rates
• Learn how to write music with a PRO--Jon Schmidt (Click HERE to learn more.)
• Meet SVU & BYU recruiters (and learn how to earn scholarships)
  

Don't forget to order your t shirt!* ON-LINE T-SHIRT SALES HAVE NOW ENDED (as of May 14th).

*Girls' style shown above, boys' style also available.

If you’ve attended before, you know that GREAT things are in store for you! If you’ve never attended before…what are you waiting for? This Youth Education Conference brings together Latter-day Saint youth, just like you, from all over the US (from 21 states last year!)  Talk about a networking opportunity!

SPECIAL NOTICE:

• This conference is only for mutual aged youth--you must be graduated from Primary to attend.
• All youth registered for this conference must have a registered parent at the conference.
  

Keynotes

Chris Stewart

Devin Toma (Wednesday seminar)

Youth Speakers

Kari Brimhall	VonLogan Brimhall	Michelle Carbee	Alan Dibb
Adrianne Georgia	David Handy	Kris Jensen	Tim Knudson
Nate Pence	Daniel Peterson	Kelli Poll	Liz Quist
Becky Rappleyea	Ariel Rodriguez	Michael Strauss	Rodney Smith
Sherry Veach	William Veach	Meylssa Webb	Dana Wood

Kari Brimhall

Kari is a mom of four fabulous kids that keep her running in many directions.  She graduated from BYU in Education with an emphasis in Gifted and Talented.  She teaches early morning seminary, loves to create in the kitchen, make movies, write, and tell stories.  She loves to teach classes and keeps her audiences in stitches with her personal experiences.  Married to her best friend VonLogan, they can be found any night of the week watching the kids perform, create and play games. They love laughing around the dinner table and celebrating the little things in life (and the big things too)--anything to have a party! 

Classes:
Talent:  Find Yours, Keep Yours  ("Finding Your Voice" seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)
Cinematography:  Behind the Camera

VonLogan Brimhall

Von has been a homeschool dad for many years and enjoys teaching and learning with his four incredible children.  He served in the Zurich, Switzerland Mission where he taught the gospel in both German and Spanish, and graduated from BYU where he met his wonderful wife of 21 years, Kari.  VonLogan currently serves as the second counselor in the Virginia Beach Stake presidency, and works as a Logistics Analyst in the Information Services department at Stihl Inc.  Stihl is a German manufacturer of chain saws and trimmers.  During long meetings Von loves to draw in his sketchbooks, and he has recently started taking college drawing courses.

Classes:
Drawing What You See for Complete Beginners ("Finding Your Voice" seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)
The Mysterious and Ancient Secrets of Money
Soccer ("Finding Your Voice" seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)

Michelle Carbee

Michelle Carbee grew up all over the world as her father was in the Air Force.  Born on a tiny island in Okinawa, she has lived in two foreign countries, Philippines being the second one and has traveled in all 50 states, living in many of them.  Whether it was on the banks of Cebu Bay or climbing a glacier in Alaska, traveling around enriched an understanding of our world and helped in her ability to educate her two children as they both were born and raised in Virginia, living the past 18 years in Virginia Beach.  Michelle and her husband Todd have been home schooling ever since their children were born, 19 years to date.  For the past 6 years, Michelle has been teaching early morning seminary and loving every minute of it.

Class:
The Hidden Talent Within You ("Finding Your Voice" seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)

Alan Dibb

Alan Thomas Dibb is a biomedical engineering graduate student at Duke University studying the properties and strength of the human neck. He grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah in a family of six and completed his undergraduate training in mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University.  While his education and training do not provide any experience to lead a discussion about President Thomas S. Monson, being named in honor of and growing up around his grandpa does gives him a personal insight into President Monson's life.  Alan and his wife, Lindsay, met in the Durham 3rd ward and are currently members of the Durham 4th ward. He loves the outdoors, working in his garage, and Häagen-Dazs Pineapple Coconut Ice Cream.

Class:
 My Grandpa, the Prophet: Learning in the Life of President Monson

Adrianne Georgia

Adrianne Georgia has been homeschooled her whole life, and is now a freshman at BYU majoring in mechanical engineering.  She loves cars and wants to design awesome ones.  She also loves art and music, and spends her free time drawing and playing the piano and guitar.  She plays lead guitar in the all-girl rock band "Last One Standing" and has performed at several events.

Class:
Benefits of Homeschooling through High School

 David Handy

David Handy is the husband of a wonderful wife and enjoys being the homeschooling dad of his four great children. David's father taught him about computers and electronics from a young age. He started writing computer programs at age 12 and got his first programming job at age 18. David served in the Micronesia-Guam Mission for the LDS church from 1986 to 1988. After his mission he went to Ricks College and then finished his degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at BYU in 1993, with minors in Japanese and mathematics. David's professional experience includes circuit design at Intel for the Pentium Pro micropressor and software development for an international telecommunications company. He currently develops business management software for SAS Institute in Cary, North Carolina.

David believes in lifelong education. He enjoys taking Karate classes with his sons, learning Chinese with one of his daughters, studying American and world history, and keeping up with the latest developments in science and technology. He feels eternally indebted to his father and other good men who mentored him as a youth. He has taught computer programming classes for youth in the Raleigh, North Carolina area in an effort to "pay forward" the debt.

Class:
Beginning Computer Programming with Python ("Finding Your Voice" seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)

Kris Jensen

Four years ago, Kris Jensen received a phone call from Duke Law School asking her to consider a position with their fundraising team.  Following a hectic trip across country, Kris settled in Durham and started working at Duke Law.  Today, she is the Director of Development and she helps manage the fundraising team of the law school with raising $16.5 million in support for faculty and students.
Prior to Duke Law, Kris was the Director of Development at Westminster College in Salt Lake City.  She has also worked for the American Cancer Society and helped organize Relay for Life events throughout the Salt Lake valley.  She received her bachelor’s degree in public relations from BYU and is working to complete her master’s degree in organizational communication from Westminster.  She is originally from Elko, Nevada.
Kris is currently serving as the Relief Society president in the Durham 1st Ward.

Classes:
Tweets, Texts and Tests: What is your Grade? (14+ youth class)
Tweets, Texts and Tests: What is your Grade? (12 - 14 youth class)

Tim Knudson 

Dr. Knudson graduated with a Ph.D. in Physics from Utah State University. He has been teaching at SVU since 1997. In addition to teaching physics and astronomy, he has served as SVU's Vice President of Academic Affairs, Chair of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Director of Student Advising.

Dr. Knudson wants every student to be excited about science- even those who, for some odd reason, don’t want to be an astronaut or a scientist! Astronomy is such an exciting field. Even though it is arguably the “oldest” science, there are still new questions being raised today which fuel the imagination and curiosity of all of us.  

A native of Virginia, Dr. Knudson currently resides in Buena Vista with his wife Lisa, son Andrew, and daughter Marissa.

Classes:
Serious Physics on a Budget ("Finding Your Voice" seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)
LDS Science and the Search for Truth

NAte Pence

Nate Pence is a sophomore at Southern Virginia University.  He is a Music and Theater major and has been singing and dancing since he was old enough to.  He took dance lessons during his time as a homeschooler, and has taught dance classes for the last five years.  He is excited to teach and can’t wait to get dancing!!

Classes:
Beginning Dance ("Finding Your Voice" seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)
Advanced Swing Dance ("Finding Your Voice" seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)

Daniel PEterson

A native of southern California, Daniel C. Peterson received a bachelor’s degree in Greek and philosophy from Brigham Young University (BYU) and, after several years of study in Jerusalem and Cairo, earned his Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).

Dr. Peterson is a professor of Islamic Studies and Arabic at BYU, where he teaches Arabic language and literature at all levels, Islamic philosophy, Islamic culture and civilization, Islamic religion, the Qur’an, the introductory and senior “capstone” courses for Middle Eastern Studies majors, and various other occasional, specialized classes. He is the editor of the twice-annual FARMS Review, the author of several books and numerous articles on Islamic and Latter-day Saint topics–including a biography entitled Muhammad: Prophet of God (Eerdmans, 2007)–and has lectured across the United States, in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and at various Islamic universities in the Near East and Asia.

Dr. Peterson served in the Switzerland Zürich Mission (1972-1974), and, for approximately eight years, on the Gospel Doctrine writing committee for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He currently serves as the bishop of a student singles ward adjacent to Utah Valley University.
Dr. Peterson is married to the former Deborah Stephens, of Lakewood, Colorado, and they are the parents of three sons.

Classes:
The Ancient World and the Book of Mormon
Prophecies about the Middle East

Kelli Poll

Kelli Poll grew up out west in Nevada but moved east to New Jersey with her family when she was 16. She served as a missionary in the California, Fresno mission, and in the meantime her family moved back to Nevada. She has been married to her husband Clint for 21 years, mother to their five children for 19 years, and homeschooling herself and her children from the beginning. She has been a mentor to various groups - moms, love-of-learners, and scholar youth. She is currently teaching classes for young scholars. She has spoken to many groups including Mother's Retreats, TJEd Forum, Utah Home Education Asssociation Conference, Charlotte Mason Convention and Gospel Centered Curriculum Conference. The Polls currently reside in Layton, Utah.

Class:
What Makes a Classic a Classic? – Literary Analysis from an LDS Perspective

Liz Quist

Liz Quist works for the Corporation for National and Community Service and is President of the Motherhouse Foundation. She earned a Masters in Leadership Education, under the mentorship of Dr. Oliver DeMille, from George Wythe University. Study of Post-Modernism was a major focus in her Masters program. She has mentored dozens of GWU students in their Scholar Phase.

Class:
World Views for Teens

Becky Rappleyea

Becky Rappleyea was raised in Southern Oregon where she was schooled at home with her four younger siblings. She and Damon, her husband of 13 years, homeschool their four children. In 2008 the Rappleyeas moved to Eastern North Carolina where Damon now teaches at ECU. Becky has an AA degree in music and has enjoyed the piano and other instruments for 24 years. She teaches piano, enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, world travel, desktop publishing and the never-ending adventure of learning.

Class:
Benefits of Homeschooling through High School

Ariel Rodriguez

Ariel Rodriguez received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Family Science from Brigham Young University. He then attended Utah State University, where he received his Ph.D. in Family and Human Development. Ariel has taught classes at BYU and USU as a graduate student, at Texas State University after graduation, and is currently an Associate Professor of Family and Child Development at Southern Virginia University.

Ariel's professional interests include Fatherhood, Parent Education and Marriage Education. He has been a member of the LDS Marriage Network and Family Action Council International. An excellent speaker, Ariel has made numerous presentations regarding marriage and family relationships to churches, social service agencies, and parent groups. He enjoys educating parents and families as much as he enjoys educating college students.

 Ariel and Anne Benson Rodriguez have been married for 21 years and are the parents of 3 children: Nathanael, Sariah and Hannah.  They have homeschooled their children since day one. 

Class:
Boy World and Girl World 2 ("Finding Your Voice" seminar on Wednesday, May 26th) 

Chris Stewart

Chris Stewart is a bestselling author who has published more than a dozen books, has been selected by the Book of the Month Club, and has released titles in multiple languages in seven countries. He has also been a guest editorialist for the Detroit News, among other publications, commenting on matters of military readiness and national security concerns. He is a world-record-setting Air Force pilot (fastest nonstop flight around the world) and president and CEO of The Shipley Group, a nationally recognized consulting and training company.

Classes:
Celestial Navigation:  Becoming a Beacon and Light to the World
Q&A with Author Chris Stewart

Michael Strauss

 Michael L. Strauss, AG is an Accredited Genealogist for the Eastern States Region with the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists. A native of Pennsylvania and a resident of Virginia, he has been an avid genealogist and historian for more than 30 years. Strauss holds a BA in History and is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran. He worked with the Coast Guard Station Museum in Virginia Beach, VA as a research archivist and currently serves as vice-president and former trustee of the Virginia Beach Genealogical Society. In addition, he is published and is currently an expert witness in kinship-estate matters in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.   Mr. Strauss is a Civil War reenactor and does living history programs-instructing about the life of a Civil War soldier.  He is also a homeschool dad.

Class:
Civil War Living History Program

Rodney Smith

President Smith was appointed President of Southern Virginia University on June 1, 2004. Before coming to SVU, he served as interim dean and Herff Chair of Excellence in Law at The University of Memphis. He also has taught or served as dean at The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Capital University, The University of Montana, The University of San Diego, Widener University and The University of North Dakota.
President Smith is the father of 8 children and the grandfather of 16, with one more that he knows of on the way. He has served three times as a Bishop, has taught Institute for more than 10 years, and also taught early morning Seminary for 7 years.

Class:
Constitution and the Law

Devin Toma

Devin Toma has worked for the Church Educational System for the past eighteen years in Salt Lake City, Tucson, AZ and currently Northern Virginia.  He has been a teacher and session director of the Especially For Youth program for fourteen years and has spoken at youth conferences across the country.  He served a full-time mission in Nagoya, Japan and earned a BA degree in Japanese at BYU.  Later, he earned an MEd in Secondary Education from Utah State University and a PhD in Teaching and Teacher Education from the University of Arizona.  Devin loves music!  He performed with the BYU Young Ambassadors and has worked as a recording artist, composer and arranger.  He has directed performance choirs for the last two decades.  Devin and his wife, Jennifer, have four fantastic children.  They love to spend time together and travel.

Class:
Finding You Voice
The Power of Friendship

James Ure, Esq.

James received his B.A. in English from Brigham Young University and graduated magna cum laude from South Texas College of Law. In law school, James served as President of the Federalist Society and the J. Reuben Clark Law Society and hosted speeches or debates with prominent judges and professors from around the country. He also served on the South Texas Law Review, which published an article of his on the U.S. Constitution. After law school James taught Government and Constitutional Case Law at what is now George Wythe University , where he still provides guest lecturing and leads seminars. He has been a small business owner, clerked for a Texas state court judge and a law firm, and served as an intern in the Utah House of Representatives for the majority whip. He is Headmaster at Williamsburg Academy, an accredited, online school focused on classical works and leadership. He is married to the former Angela Stott, and they have three children. His favorite activities include watching movies with his wife, wrestling with his children (his son Josh has a wicked double-leg), rock climbing and backpacking, and anything to do with chips and salsa.

Class:
Graduation Keynote Speaker

Sherry Veach

Sherry Veach is the mother of four children ages 18, 16, 12, and 7.  She and her husband, Jeff, have been homeschooling for seven years and graduated their first child from homeschool this year.  Sherry graduated from BYU with a B.S. in Clothing and Textiles and was married the next day in the Salt Lake City temple. The Veach family has lived in New Jersey , Switzerland and currently lives in North Carolina .  Sherry loves to read, travel, swim and even quilt when she has the time (which is not very often!).

Classes:
Learning By Study and Faith
Preparing for and Surviving College ("Finding Your Voice" seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)

William Veach

William is 18 and is currently attending Southern Utah University.  He is the oldest of four kids.  He was born in New Jersey, lived in Switzerland and when not at school lives in North Carolina.  He was homeschooled for seven years including through high school.  He attended LDSEHE youth conference for three years.  He enjoys history, friends, swimming, and basketball.  He plans on serving a mission beginning this summer.

Classes:
Ultimate Frisbee ("Finding Your Voice" seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)
Benefits of Homeschooling through High School

Melyssa WEbb

Melyssa Webb is a homeschooling mom from northern Virginia.  She has homeschooled her children for four years and was even homeschooled as a youth back in the 1980's when homeschooling wasn’t “cool.”  Although Melyssa worked for the federal government for 12 years, she is also a professional actor and producer with 35 plus years of stage and television experience.  She enjoys homeschooling not only her own children, but teaching Medieval and Renaissance Literature to other homeschooled students as well.

Class:
Take Five ("Finding Your Voice" seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)

Brinn Willis

Five years ago, Brinn Willis and her husband ventured down to southern Virginia to attend Southern Virginia University. As the case would have it, they fell in love with the area, bought a home, and started a family.

Brinn graduated in 2007 with a degree in Family and Child Development with a minor in Art. When Brinn isn't chasing around her 18 month old son, she's working full time for Project Horizon, an agency that serves victims of domestic violence, and running a photography business on the side.

Brinn has been shooting portraiture for the past ten years and hasn't found a more intriguing subject matter to photograph since! Five years ago, after much encouragement from her friends and family, she decided to
officially start BMW Photography. Her services include wedding portraiture, family and individual portraiture, and her favorite- child portraiture. Brinn seeks to capture individuals as natural as possible in a photojournalist manner.

She feels strongly that photographs are meant to capture true emotion and ultimately, real memories that can be looked back upon in future years. Photography is more than just posing stiffly in front of the Grand Canyon, or Niagra Falls- but it's learning how to capture an individual's true expression in a two dimensional form. www.bmwphotography.ifp3.com

Class:
Photography ("Finding Your Voice" seminar on Wednesday, May 26th)

Dana Wood

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 nine years in Alaska. Besides homeschooling, Dana enjoys reading, sewing, gardening, knitting and quilting. Through her service as LDSEHE Vice President, Dana was primarily responsible for the extraordinary success of our youth education conference in recent years. She is also becoming an oft-requested and trusted speaker. She and her family reside in New Jersey.

Class:
Benefits of Homeschooling through High School

AMICITIA, n. [Latin] /ah-mee-CHEE-tsee-ah/: Friendship.

"Be careful of your friends.  They can make you or break you.  Be generous in helping the unfortunate and those in distress.  But bind to you friends of your own kind, friends who will encourage you, stand with you, live as you desire to live; who will enjoy the same kind of entertainment; and who will resist the evil that you determine to resist."      -President Gordon B. Hinkley, General Conference, May 2004

True friendship is important.  That's why our youth committee decided to devote an entire day to discovering ways to not only make friends, but to be a friend.  The "Amicitia Youth Seminar" will take place on Wednesday, the day before the regular LDSEHE Youth Conference begins.  (Your parents will have a cool seminar to attend that day, as well.)

Cicero, a Roman Philosopher, wrote this about friendship, 2,000 years ago: "What can be more delightful than to have some one to whom you can say everything with the same absolute confidence as to yourself?  Is not prosperity robbed of half its value if you have no one to share your joy?  On the other hand, misfortunes would be hard to bear if there were not some one to feel them even more acutely than yourself."

The day will be filled mostly with learning activities (read: fun ways to make friends) but there are actually 3 really cool speakers!  Ahmed Corbitt is one of them--he's the "Director of the New York Office of Public and International Affairs of The Church."  Talk about someone who knows all about making friends - he's doing it everyday for the Church! Dr. Rodriguez, one of SVU's best-loved teachers, is going to talk about "Boy World" and "Girl World" - and what the difference is.  (You'll have to come to see what that's all about.)  You'll also learn how to make friends without having to lower your standards, and how you and your friends can make the most of your teen years.

"In the face of a true friend a man sees as it were a second self."  (Cicero wrote that, too.)

There will be *learning activities* (which are fun), which will be all about helping youth build friendships and learn important leadership skills.

Ever made a VIDEO before? The afternoon will be spent in groups, making videos which will be posted on the LDSEHE.org website (so you can show off all your new friends to all your old ones back home.)

Be A Friend, by Edgar A. Guest

Be a friend. You don't need money:
Just a disposition sunny;
Just the wish to help another
Get along some way or other;
Just a kindly hand extended
Out to one who's unbefriended;
Just the will to give or lend,
This will make you someone's friend.

Wednesday MAY 27

Be there, my friend.

Living the gospel and being true to gospel principles is the key to true, lasting, triumphant friendship... Real friends share the gospel - the living of it and the loving of it.  No stronger bond or higher compliment can be given from one friend to another."   - Elder Holland (New Era, June 1998, 62)

LDSEHE is dedicated to providing excellent,
economical conferences for the whole family.

Over the years, we've worked hard to keep prices as low as possible, for we know that many families travel even hundreds of miles to attend. Be assured that the LDSEHE staff of volunteers are 100% unpaid volunteers, many of them devoting hundreds of hours throughout the year. Speakers, for the most part, donate their time, while LDSEHE provides for their travel and lodging expenses. Every effort is made to keep conference prices affordable.

On-line 2009 Registration Prices

$70 - LDSEHE Home Education Conference (Thurs. & Fri., May 28-29)
$75 - Making of America Seminar (Wed., May 27)
$20 - Homeschool Beginners’ Seminar (1/2 day, Wed., May 27)
(Spouses are free to the above seminars.)

$50 - Youth Education Conference (ages 12-18): (Thurs. & Fri., May 28-29)
$50 - Amicitia Youth Seminar (ages 12-18): (Wed., May 27)
(A youth registered for the Amicitia Youth seminar may attend the Youth Conference for free.)

Prices increase after April 25th and at the door.

Special Packages:

$165 - Package #1: Family Package
(includes Home Education Conference and Youth Conference for all family members age 12 and up)

$240 - Package #2: “Making of America” Family Package
(includes “Making of America”& Amicitia Seminars plus LDSEHE Youth & Adult Conferences for all family members age 12 and up)

$85 - Package #3: Beginners Package
(Beginning Homeschool Seminar + LDSEHE Adult Conf.)

$120 - Package #4: “Making of America” Package
(“Making of America” Seminar + LDSEHE Adult Conf.)

*No special pricing packages are available at the door.

Day of Conference (at the Door) 2009 Prices

LDSEHE 2-day Conference:
$89 - Adult (Spouse free)
$65 - Youth

$89 - The Making of America Seminar (Spouse free)

$65 - The Amicitia Youth Seminar

$30 - Beginning Home School Seminar (Spouse free)

Registration at the door will be provided at the Seminars and Conferences at the increased rate above. No special family discounts or combination packages will be available at the door. T-shirts and meal passes will not be available at the door.

Registration available on-line through May 21, 2009.

No refunds will be provided after May 18th. Refunds requested before May 18 will be charged a 10% service fee.

Lodging

Lodging is available in the SVU Lofts for $45 a night. Click on SVU Dorm Lodging for more information.

Products Available

SVU Cafeteria Meal Passes (includes lunch and dinner ONLY, for Thursday and Friday ONLY) Note: Breakfasts and Wednesday meals available at the door ($7 cash payment).

• $28 - Adults & Youth
  
• $20 - Children under 12

Class Handouts
Handouts for this year's conference will be avaliable on the website for free. These will be posted just prior to the conference next to each class. For those of you who don't want to pre-print the handouts, a bound book of conference handouts will be available for purchase at the conference for the cost of printing and binding. Supply will be limited.

Conference T-Shirts for sale, order online (with registration only) $14

Front: Education: Be Strong and DO iT* *actual results may vary
Back: LDSEHE Southern Virginia University 2009

(Teen Girls style t-shirt pictured. Boys/Mens style also available.)

LDSEHE Totes - $10

The Lofts - $45 per night

SOLD OUT!!!

This is your chance to stay in SVU's brand-new dorms!  Located adjacent to campus, it's the place to be if you want to be right in the heart of it all!

Each room contains:

• 3 twin beds
  
• full bathroom, plus extra sink
• air conditioning
  
• elevator access to the rooms
• access to lounge area which contains vending machines, and a large flat-screen TV
• access to coin-operated laundry room
• ethernet available (but no Wi-FI)

You will need to bring all linens (sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, etc.).  *Note:  The Lofts are a 5-7 minute walk from campus.  There are steep stairs on the way (see pictures).

As the Lofts are full, we are currently offering dorm lodging in Craton Hall, also on the campus of SVU.  These are older dorms, without private bathrooms.  If you are interested in finding out about reserving rooms in Craton Hall, please contact ldsehe.housing@gmail.com.

Other Housing Options:

Below is a small sample of other housing options in the area.  Listing does not imply endorsement from LDSEHE.  The price ranges listed are only a general guide.  They are NOT a guarantee, and may have changed since these prices were researched.

Hotels/Motels/Inns:
Buena Vista Motel (Buenva Vista) - www.buenavistamotel.net    (about $45-$70 per night)
Budget Inn (Buena Vista) - www.budgetinnbv.com   (about $45-$65 per night)
Super 8 (Lexington) - www.super8.com   (about $75+ per night)
Hampton Inn (Lexington) - www.hamptoninn.com   (about $124+ per night)
Wingate Wyndham (Lexington) - www.wingatehotels.com  (about $185+ per night)
Country Inn and Suites (Lexington) - www.countryinns.com   (about $108 per night)
Holiday Inn Express (Lexington) - www.hiexpress.com   (about $118 per night)
Comfort Inn - Virginia Horse Center (VA428) (Lexington) - www.comfortinn.com   (about $110 per night)
Econo Lodge (VA 184) (Lexington) - www.econolodge.com  (about $135 per night)
Rockspring Farm (Buena Vista, owned by speaker Jeff Benedict!)  (about $150 per night) - click here for flyer

Camping: 
Glen Maury Park (Buena Vista) - www.glenmaurypark.com 
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp (Natural Bridge) - www.campnbr.com

2009 Evening Activities for the whole Family

The LDSEHE Evening Activities are a whole lot of fun for everyone! See what we did last year...

Wednesday Night

Youth Talent Show and Youth Display Showcase

The conference kicked off with what has been quickly becoming a yearly highlight - the Youth Talent Show!  This is a chance for families to sit back, relax and enjoy the performances of our many talented teens - and when we say talented, we mean it!  From tap-dancing to Tae Kwon Do and everything in between, our LDSEHE youth are amazing.

We want to thank the youth for the outstanding entertainment they provided last year.  Keep up the hard work!  We're looking forward to your participation again!

We will also enjoyed our youth's "non-stage" talent in our Display Showcase.  This is the youth's chance to display that quilt or woodworking project (or artwork, science project, Personal Progress, etc.).  We know that not all talents are on the stage and we wanted all of our youth to have a time to shine.

NOTE: There is a 3- minute limit for each act.  Only one act per youth.  All youth need to sign up online before the conference to participate.  An Open Mic Show will take place during the reception for those youth who'd like to perform more than once.  Please encourage all youth to bring something to display for the Youth Showcase

After the talent show, everyone enjoyed a couple of hours mixing and mingling with other LDSEHE families!  With light refreshments and a casual atmosphere, it was the perfect environment to catch upwith the old friends and make some new ones!

Thursday Night

jon schmidt live in concert

Have your children ever complained about practicing the piano?

We're betting that after they saw Jon Schmidt's piano concert, you may be in for at least a couple of weeks of complaint-free practiciing!  He was that inspiring!  Everyone who attended just LOVED the evening!  We were truly entertained and inspired!

Jon's unique blend of classical, contemporary, New Age and rock 'n roll music goes beyond any particular genre to just plain fun!  It will be a concert the whole family will enjoy.  For a taste of what we enjoyed, check out the YouTube video below!

Jon also taught two classes of a special 2-hour songwriting seminar to interested youth with strong piano experience.  Advance sign-up was REQUIRED and due to such a strong interest, we arranged for two classes!  The students who attended got hands on, intimate training from a pro!  

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FAMILY DANCE

After the talent show, we always dance!  The whole family!  There's refreshments and lots of music and mingling, our Family Dance is a great place to mingle with new and old friends, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Starry, starry nights

A few parents and kids decided to cool off from dancing for a while and join Southern Virginia Unverisity's Dr. Tim Knudson as he taught us about the stars!  That night, unfortunately, was CLOUDY!!  So we met in his classroom while Dr. Knudson shared his love of astromony and encouraged us to take an interest in all the wonderful infomation that is available to us through the internet about the wonders of the sky.

Friday Night

For those who stayed after the conference was over, a great night of family entertainment was spent watching SVU's production of "Suessical the Musical!" It was an excellent production, complete with live orchestrated music, terrific acting, very colorful sets and costumes, lots of singing--the whole family enjoyed it tremendously!  For more information or to order tickets for future performances, call (540) 261-8405.  They always put on a superb performance!  And the Suessical was exceptional!

Wednesday:
Youth Talent Show, Youth Display Showcase, Reception, and Open Mic Performances - 7:00 p.m.

Thursday:
Jon Schmidt Live Concert - 7:00 p.m.
Family Dance - 8:30 p.m.
Starry, Starry Night - 9:30 p.m.

Friday
SVU's production of "Suessical" - For tickets call (540) 261-8405.

The Making of America

Judges legislating from the bench, government bailouts to private companies, the expanding definition of eminent domain…sometimes it’s difficult to recognize the America we know and love. How could we have come so far from the principles on which America was founded?

This year, LDSEHE has felt strongly that we need to become better informed about the Constitution and the principles that guided our county’s founding. As homeschooling parents, we have the responsibility to not only make certain that we understand these principles thoroughly, but that we are able to teach them to our children. Consequently, LDSEHE is pleased to announce our pre-conference seminar, “The Making of America,” by the President of the National Center for Constitutional Studies, Earl Taylor.

Over the past 20 years, Dr. Taylor has held seminars in many different places: schools, libraries, meeting rooms, various church demoninations, homes, college campuses, and city convention centers. No matter the setting, when good people come together in the spirit of learning a sense of peace and hope pervades the room as the story of the Founders' message is unfolded to them.

This is America’s story. This is our story.

We will begin the day with a look at “Developing America’s Great Success Formula.” Dr. Earl Taylor will walk us through the process that Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, Washington and others made in order to create the first free nation in modern times. The afternoon will be spent discussing “The Perfect Plan of Liberty,” the solid political and economic principles of the Constitution, from the preamble through the amendments.

Due to the timely nature and importance of this seminar, LDSEHE is opening attendance to anyone interested in the principles of liberty.

Bring your friends and neighbors!  Spread the word in your communities!

Are you a Group Leader?  Special Group Rates are available. Contact secretary.ldsehe@gmail.com for more information.

Anyone who is concerned about the future of America should attend the "Making of America."

Don’t miss it! Register today!

$75 Adult Registration (Spouse is free) Learn about special rates for combined seminar and conference registration.

2009 Speakers

Our 2009 Speakers were exceptional.

Dozens of surveys told us how much you appreciated them.  We want to thank each speaker for their willingness to come and participate in our conference.  Through their words, we learned more about building strong families through excellence in education, personal development, and strengthening our testimonies and our sense of vision and mission.  We were inspired to continue on this important road, and to simply "Be strong and do it."

Keynote Speaker

Brad Wilcox

Speakers

Jeff Benedict	Wayne & Paulene Berge	Kari Brimhall	Heather Burton	Michelle Carbee
Melissa Coombs	Shawn Coombs	Brent DeGraff	Alan Fluckiger	Diane Fluckiger
Misty Foxley	John & Cheri Frary	Lara Gallagher	Jennifer Georgia	Theresa Handy
Julie Hansen	Marty Huie	Dan Hunter	Jan-Erik Jones	Tim Knudsen
Lorelle McPhee	Tina Nokes	Melissa Orton	Joy Petty	Barbara Ritter
Ariel Rodriguez	Ann Sharp	Rodney Smith	Michael Strauss	Earl Taylor
Sherry Veach	Denise Ward	Russell Wilcox	Katie Wilson	Dana Wood

Jeff Benedict

""Benedict can make the ridiculously complex seem totally undertstandable."
-Journal Inquirer

Jeff Benedict is an award-winning investigative journalist and the best-selling author of seven books (including The Mormon Way of Doing Business).  His book, Little Pink House, is the epic story behind the Supreme Court’s infamous decision on eminent domain.  Jeff has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Times, and the Hartford Courant.  His books have been the basis for features on 60 Minutes, ABC News 20/20, Dateline, HBO Real Sports and the Discovery Channel.  He is a Distinguished Professor at Southern Virginia University, where he teaches advanced writing.  He holds a J.D., an M.A. in Political Science and a B.A. in History and he previously practiced law in Connecticut.

In addition to writing, Benedict has had an active career in politics.  He ran for U.S. Congress in Connecticut and he is the former president of the Connecticut Alliance Against Casino Expansion, a non-profit corporation that he founded with business, civic and religious leaders from around Connecticut.  Mr. Benedict has testified before Congress on the influence of the gambling industry and served as an expert witness on behalf of domestic violence and sexual assault victims, as well as an advisor and consultant to lawyers representing victims of violence.  He is a frequent essayist and guest commentator on national news programs and cable stations.

Brother Benedict is also a homeschool father, and is very active in the education of his children.

Class
Take the Long View

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Wayne & Paulene Berge

"Wayne and Paulene have great grandparenting ideas for homeschoolers. They love to learn and set a great example for other grandparents!"
-Von. B., Virginia Beach, VA

Wayne and Paulene Berge are the parents of 4 children and 13 grandchildren.  A preschool teacher for 16 years, Paulene also taught elementary school for 5 years and was a substitute teacher in the Florida Public Schools.  Paulene has also been a speaker at BYU Education week three times.  Wayne has been a psychologist, banker, woods craftsman and business owner.  Together, Wayne and Paulene spent 10 years creating and teaching children’s classes (for 5-10 year olds) in recreation centers in Colorado.  Wayne has served as a Bishop, and together the Berges have served two full time missions:  a Stockholm Temple Mission in Sweden and a Family/Church History Mission in Salt Lake City.

The Berges have watched homeschooling in action in the lives of their grandchildren.    They have had lots of opportunities to assist in teaching classes on many different subjects, exploring and experimenting in many areas of their curriculum.  Through this involvement, Wayne and Paulene have created bonds between generations and are establishing expectations for their future posterity.

Class
How to Get Involved in Your Grandkids’ Homeschooling!  (a Mentor Mom© class)

 

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Kari Brimhall

"Kari gives simple and wonderful ideas that can be implemented in your home."
-Paulene B.

"Kari's delivery is concise and to the point. Very helpful!"
-2006 Conference Attendee

"She did a great job on her presentations.  She had a lot of knowledge to offer."
-Randy W., 2005, Charlottesville, VA

Kari and VonLogan Brimall have been married for 19 adventurous years and have four fabulous children (ages 9-16).  They have lived all over the country and in Mexico.  It's never a dull moment as they love exploring new places, serving in the church (he is in the Stake presidency, and she teaches early morning seminary), writing and making movies with their family and friends.

Classes
Change the World (a Mentor Mom© class)
If You Build It, They Will Come: Successful Homeschool Groups (a Mentor Mom© class)

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Heather Burton

"Heather Burton is a very inspirational speaker. She has a way about her that makes you want to do and be better.  She has great "real life" examples on how to implement Leadership Education in your home. She is a blast to listen to."
-Peggy H., Stirling, Alberta, Canada

"She is always genuine and down-to-earth, never fake or pretentious.  I have enjoyed her presentations and classes very much."
-Christine M., Stirling, Alberta

"Heather... knows her stuff, and I know that she works hard to research and prepare what she teaches others.  She takes these responsibilities seriously, and I think she feels a sacred obligation to do her best for her listeners.   I've always left a presentation with Heather feeling as though I've been hugged while being challenged to think about things in a new way."
-Cathleen C., Alberta, Canada

Heather Burton is avid. From that descriptor, you can pretty much imagine anything she likes to try and to do. Some of her favorite involvements include learning with her children (eight sons, one daughter), working and playing alongside her husband Allan, creating and bringing to reality events with her southern Alberta homeschooling community, delving deeper in both the practice and study of “Leadership Education,” serving in the Relief Society, teaching, reading, writing, talking about ideas, growing things, playing outdoors (like in the national park near her home), hanging out with her llamas, and thinking whole, uninterrupted thoughts. She is also an avid sleeper.

Canadian by birth and residence, Heather is the President of LEAFF (www.leaffcanada.org) a Leadership Education service organization and is the Director of Arbinger Community, an online gathering of people around the world who are interested in peacebuilding. Mostly, though, she’s a mom.

Classes
Becoming a Statesmother: Making a Difference While Making a Home
Loving the Things the Lord Loves, Even When They Are Our Own Troubled Children
Relationships Rule!
A Thomas Jefferson Education: What It Is/What It Can Be For You

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Michelle Carbee

“Michelle is always knowledgeable about her subject and has an enthusiasm that is contagious! ”
-2008 Attendee.

Michelle and her husband Todd have been homeschooling their two boys, Chase (18) and Bryce (16) since they were born, and Michelle is currently homeschooling her niece, Brooke (12) for her second year.  Michelle has been active in homeschooling by organizing and running group activities and classes for the past 9+ years.  She has taught classes for LDSEHE’s annual conference in the past.  This is her second year of working with the LDSEHE Conference Committee.

Class
If You Build It, They Will Come: Successful Homeschool Groups (a Mentor Mom© class)

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Melissa Coombs

"I loved Melissa's openness and real practicality. Melissa has true, humble passion!"
-2007 Conference Attendee

"Melissa has such energy in her classes! I love to hear her speak because she is so 'real' and tells it like it is. I appreciate her positive attitude and I always feel encouraged and motivated when I hear her speak. She is an inspiration to all of us!"
-Tammy G., Detroit, MI

“The ‘Happy Mommy’ class [in the Beginner’s Seminar] was inspiring and helpful in getting a picture of how things get done.”
-2008 Attendee, Chesapeake, VA.

“Melissa and Denise [Ward] provided a lot of ‘comforting’ information.”
-2008 Attendee, Rockville, MD.

Melissa Coombs grew up in Lugoff, South Carolina. An excellent student, she was awarded academic and Journalism scholarships to the University of South Carolina. She later attended UVSC and BYU in Provo, Utah and it was there she met and married her sweetheart Shawn. They have been married for 17 years and have five children. The author of “The Hows and Whys of the Year Supply,” Melissa is passionate about food storage and preparedness and is a popular speaker on these subjects. She and her family raise a huge garden every summer and bottle hundreds of jars of fruits and vegetables each year. Melissa and her family also love outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, canoeing, fishing and rappelling. Melissa especially enjoys raising Buff Orpingtons (that’s laying hens, to us city folk!). Melissa used to think that homeschooling was the craziest thing she ever heard of, until the Lord told her that she needed to homeschool her own children. Although she really knew very little about the subject, she jumped in with both feet and quickly learned a lot!  She now knows that it is the best thing she has ever done for her family. She has been homeschooling her three sons and two daughters for the past eight years, and although “it’s the hardest thing [she] has ever tried to do,” she absolutely loves it!

Classes
I’m Doing All I Can, and Yet My Child Still Struggles
Keeping Your Marriage Top Priority in Your Homeschool House

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Shawn Coombs

Not only did [Shawn] share solid, practical advice, his warm humor made him enjoyable to listen to. Thanks!
-2008 Conference Attendee

Shawn Coombs grew up in St. George, Utah with two brothers and four sisters. He served his mission in Guayaquil, Ecuador and attended Dixie College, where he was the Student Body President and Sophomore Student of the Year. He then finished his Degree in Civil Engineering at Brigham Young University, where he met his amazing wife, Melissa. They have been married 17 years and are the proud parents of 5 children. They have been homeschooling for over 8 years. His wife says that while she is the main teacher in their homeschool, Shawn is the much-appreciated and talented “entertainment committee!”  Although Shawn travels frequently with his job and currently serves as Bishop in his ward, he still finds time to enjoy rappelling, hiking, camping, boating and other outdoor adventures with his family.

Class
Keeping Your Marriage Top Priority in Your Homeschool House

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Brent DeGraff

“We are very appreciative of the fine preparation that our children received from you and your faculty that allowed them to be accepted to BYU.  Thank you so much to all at Liahona Preparatory Academy for the fine work that you do." 
-from a letter, Bonnie N., Akron, CO

"I just wanted to thank you for the strong history beliefs and knowledge you instilled in me years ago.  Thank you for taking the time to show me how we truly are affected by the choices of the founding generation.  Thank you for instilling a passion for history in me that stemmed from your own passions. I am beginning to realize WHY I learned what I learned in your classes."
-Ashley B., American Fork Utah

Brent DeGraff is an author, teacher and popular lecturer.  He is the founder and co-owner of Liahona Academy located in Pleasant Grove, Utah and the Liahona Distance Education Program, which is the largest LDS-based educational video program for 6th through 12th grade students.

Brother DeGraff is passionate about history and the principles of freedom.  His credentials include Instructor for the Church Education System, International Director of Schools for the Center for Educational Restoration, and  Operations Director and Distance Learning Coordinator for the Center For Alternative Education.  He also co-hosted the weekly radio show "Education Circus" on KSTAR.

In addition, Brother DeGraff has written many articles, authored, co-authored and edited numerous books including LDS-based civics and government textbooks for junior high and high school-age students which truly incorporate an LDS- based study of the Constitution.  Brent is also the Director of Liahona Study Abroad trips to Mexico, Scotland and England as well as the Director of Liahona American History Trips focusing on our Nation's Capital and the principle areas of its founding. In addition, he directs annual Humanitarian Service Trips to Mexico where students and families provide much needed service and relief at orphanages in various cities.

Classes
World History: What If?
Liahona Online Distance Education Program (Vendor Workshop)

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Alan Fluckiger

"Alan Fluckiger changed my life, as well as many other of his students, as a teacher and a friend. He is one of my Heroes. You will not meet a man more grounded in the principles of freedom and education.”
-Jeffery H.

“Brother Fluckiger never let us go through a week without instilling in us that while we were there to learn math, science, reading, etc., he was more concerned that we learned how to learn. That is to say, when we started in the world, he wanted us to have the power to think for ourselves and make the right decisions. For me, that has made a world of difference.”
-Student, American Heritage Academy

Alan Fluckiger grew up in New Jersey.  He studied at St. John Fischer College, Rochester, NY, and BYU where he met his wife.  They raised their family in New York for ten years, then a business opportunity took them to Idaho.  Little did they know they would also join other homeschool parents to become founders of a home school resource, American Heritage Academy.  For 15 years, this non-profit, private school has provided teaching support to home schooling parents. Alan is currently the CEO of EnsignEd, which provides live, online access to the quality teachers and classes of the Academy for homeschooling families worldwide.

Alan says:  “Critical thinking and learning how to discover truth is an invaluable skill that each must learn to develop.  It is our view that a child’s open mind offers that which is as sacred as their virtue.  In teaching, we tread there with great reverence. Providing the examples of living truths, (most importantly the truths of the gospel) and teaching them to have receptive hearts, will bring about disciple leadership in our children.  We feel that until the Savior returns, such teaching is what we (as parents and at EnsignEd) are charged to do.”

A private pilot by hobby, Alan approaches everything he does with the same precision it takes to fly a plane.  He has a great love for teaching and because his character demands that he is disciplined, he is well-read, well-researched, and well-prepared for everything he teaches.  

Alan served a mission to Japan.  He has also served as elder’s quorum president, bishop, gospel doctrine teacher, ward choir director, and scout leader.  In his spare time Alan shares the gift of considerable musical talent, teaching vocal ensemble and choir.  He also likes to jog and read and fly!

Classes
What is Happening to the Economy?: An Austrian Explanation
Ensign Education (Vendor Workshop)

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Diane Fluckiger

"Diane Fluckiger has unusually deep perceptions about human relationships with God, self, and family that she is able to communicate to others in a way that encourage reflection and change. She is interested in promoting emotional healing and integrating beliefs and actions that create wholeness."
-JaNan N.

A woman with a tender, compassionate heart and great capacity to discern truth, Diane brings to her teaching a lifetime of strong commitment to putting the Lord first in all things.

Diane grew up on a farm in Idaho where a strong work ethic developed in her daily life.  While studying interior design at BYU, she met her husband.  Being oriented to an interior design career, she went through a refining process as the spirit led her to set aside that career for one far more important—mothering her (eventually) eight children.

Diane has served as Primary president, R.S. counselor, YW advisor, and has spent 26 years as various auxiliaries teacher.  She is currently her ward’s YW president.  In her spare time, she enjoys color-design analysis, childbirth (doula) coaching, and the application of how color, design, health and nutrition affect relationships with others and the Lord.  She is a popular youth and women’s group speaker.

Like many other homeschool parents, Diane was guided to begin homeschooling—another career that was not in her plans!  She says:  “I know home schooling is one of the best ways to prepare my children for their life’s missions.”  Diane has been home schooling for 22 years and plans to do so for the rest of her life!

Class
Preparing Daughters to Become Mothers Who Know

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Misty Foxley

"Whenever you hear Misty speak, whether it is giving a talk, presenting a lesson, or just talking one-on-one, you know she's giving from her heart. She has a depth of knowledge about homeschooling (and so much else!) that she freely shares with others, and we are blessed by it."
-2008 Conference Attendee

Misty and Derek Foxley never thought they would homeschool their children, but after watching the dramatic change in their first kindergartner's outlook and behavior (as he began public school), they began to ask themselves honest and hard questions about how to best raise a child in today's world. It took Misty's husband several weeks of persuasion to finally convince Misty that she could teach their children and do it well. As they began to home educate, they both became convinced that this was truly what the Lord wanted for their family. Fifteen years later, after living in three foreign countries and continents, they see clearly that they have been greatly blessed in this effort. Their kindergartner son grew to serve a mission and is now an involved student at Southern Virginia University. They also have a daughter who is in her senior year of George Wythe College studies, and four others still at home, learning and growing. They've been living in Virginia for the past 8 years. Misty has been the president of LDSEHE for the past 5 years.

Classes
Establish a House of Learning (a Mentor Mom© class)
Meet Veteran Moms (Homeschool Beginners' Seminar)

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John & Cheri Frary

"I really enjoyed hearing Cheri's thoughts and ideas during the [panel discussion]. She is down-to-earth and very sensible. Her wealth of experience makes her a valuable teacher!"
-2008 Conference Attendee

"John has a deep and profound insight into families and the way children work. I was greatful for his ideas and insights into the role a father should play in a home and a homeschool."
-Katie W., Virginia

After celebrating 27 years of living in Virginia, John and Cheri Frary finally feel like it’s home. Certainly all ten of the Frary children consider themselves easterners. Cheri and John have been raising their brood in northern Virginia suburbia and have just completed their 18th year of homeschooling.

Cheri received an Associate Degree from Ricks College and then went on to BYU where, while waiting for a mission call, she met John. Instead of entering the LTM (now known as the MTC), she entered the temple with John and they were married. After struggling to both finish their degrees (Cheri was in labor with her last final), they settled in Nebraska for four years and then moved to Virginia. Cheri has a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. She is also a musician, a piano teacher, a grandma and a florist.

The Frarys began homeschooling the year after comprehensive sex-education was put in place in Virginia schools, after their oldest child had just finished seventh grade. Originally they made this move as a response but soon began to see the benefits that are inherent in homeschooling. It has become a way of life for their family. They now have two children who are college graduates, six who are college students (one in graduate school), and only three children still studying at home. Cheri’s approach to schooling has been varied and has fluctuated according to the needs of each child. She has discovered through the years that not only are there no perfect students or perfect teachers, there is no perfect curriculum and has a complete library which proves it! She has also discovered that the book which was unused for years and finally sold is exactly the one a particular child needs now! Just like life, homeschooling is full of surprises.

Class
Moving Your Children Toward Independence

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Lara Gallagher

“Thanks so much for taking the time to encourage and inspire us! Thanks also for being 'in tune.' I was grateful for your emphasis on just starting where you are and doing small things, one at a time. It’s nice to know that you were once disorganized like the rest of us and that we can all learn and do better.”

“After the last class I stayed up until 1 & 2 a.m. for several nights organizing.  I can’t wait to come to another seminar!”

“Thank you so much for coming. I think everybody felt enriched when they left.”

Lara Gallagher lives with her husband on a farm in the country where they're raising 20 acres of alfalfa, 16 chickens, 4 country bumpkins, and more mud and bugs than they can suck up the central vac. Lara began her organizing journey 9 years ago when she couldn't take another minute of the chaos in her life!  Once she learned and started applying the principles of organization for herself she began teaching others to do the same.  She has a passion for teaching seminars and writing articles for her website, lazyorganizer.com, and for other sites and publications.  Her mission is to organize life, the universe, and everything in it but she will be perfectly content if she just never flushes her keys down the toilet again!  

As a homeschooling mom herself, Lara understands the challenges that come with our chosen lifestyle…so come to her classes and learn how to bring a bit more sanity to your home!

Classes
Get Organized Phase I - Learn How to Collect, Simplify and Store
Get Organized Phase II - Learn How to Plan
Get Organized Phase III - Learn How to Take Action
Teach Your Kids to Work Their Little Britches Off

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Jennifer Georgia

"Jennifer has a way of making everyone feel that homeschooling is something they CAN do, no matter how inadequate they might feel.  She is so supportive, helpful, and knowledgeable in answering questions and addressing concerns.  She has really been a mentor to me throughout my homeschooling experience."
-Marsha L., Virginia

Jennifer's career is “mommyhood,” her profession is critical-care nursing, her avocation is church service, and her passion is homeschooling.  She and her husband Paul have been homeschooling their four children since birth, and their oldest is now a sophomore in college.  They have lived in the Washington D.C. area for fifteen years.  Jennifer has taught co-op classes in science, Spanish, history, and writing over the years.  As one of the perks of being Relief Society President, she recently was able to organize an "adult co-op" in her ward in which the women are studying classics of government, economics and history ("just doing my part to combat the rise of socialism").  In her downtime she loves to read, sing, garden, travel, and do carpentry.

Classes
Math is Beautiful: Learning (yourself) and Inspiring (your child) to Love the Cosmic Language (a Mentor Mom© class)
Ultimate proof: SAT, ACT, and AP tests (a Mentor Mom© class)
You Don’t Have to be an Expert! (a Mentor Mom© class)

 

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Theresa Handy

"Her class [on teaching your children how to read using the Book of Mormon] was very well done!"
-2005 Attendee, Richmond, VA

"In my opinion, she taught one of the most, if not the most important class offered.  She was very great, had a great attitude, and offered much helpf for teaching our children."
-Randy W., Charlottesville, VA.

Influenced by Reed Benson at BYU, Theresa and her husband David decided to homeschool even before the first of their four children were born. Feeling a need for a local LDS support group, the Handys formed the first statewide LDS homeschooling organization in Oregon and held annual conferences.  They relocated to North Carolina in 2003. The Handy family's homeschooling adventure continues, with grandparents joining their household, health struggles, running a family book publishing business, and much more!  Theresa is currently serving as a Director on the LDSEHE Board of Directors.

Classes
Forward With Faith: Just Do It! (Homeschool Beginners' Seminar)
Meet Veteran Moms (Homeschool Beginners' Seminar)

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Julie Hansen

"Julie is characterized by an intense desire to learn and be the best that she can be in whatever she is doing.   She is someone who is always learning and willing to share what she has gleaned with those around her.  This is a mentor mentality.  Someone who is always learning and growing not just as an end unto itself but for the purpose of being an encouragement and a blessing to the people the Lord brings into her life."
-Catherine C.

After a successful career of 10 years, Julie found herself married, a mom, and purposefully unemployed.  This transition was hard and made her wonder what in the world to do all day!  Luckily, she happened to meet a group of mentoring moms that taught her the art of being fulfilled and joyfully present at home with her family.  She has been homeschooling now for a few years and is playful at heart with her children.   She is also the Director of Admissions for Art of Womanhood and counts herself lucky to continue her pursuit of education and mentoring with an organization that shares her core beliefs.  She lives in the Washington D.C. area and she enjoys teaching, daily rituals with her children, walking, museums, correspondence, and most of all, wakeboarding and traveling with her family.

Classes
Being in the Moment With Your Child (a Mentor Mom© class)
Preschool to Fit YOUR Homeschool

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Marty Huie

"When Marty speaks of seeking inspiration for her homeschool, you can feel how important this is to her. She is truly committed to trying to follow the inspiration she receives and provide her children with the education they each require."
-2008 Conference Attendee

Marty Huie, and her husband, Mark, have been homeschooling for 9 years.  They live in Virginia with their four children ranging in age from 9 to 15. They have been homeschooling since their oldest child reached first grade.  Their approach to homeschooling has evolved through the years, changing according to the needs of their family and inspiration.  Currently, they draw from many sources, combining a classical education with a Thomas Jefferson Education approach.

The Huies love living in the country where they can own horses, 4-wheel to their hearts content, and “live” nature rather than just read about it.  Their favorite part of the school day is when they gather together and “devour” a great classic. Marty currently serves on the 2009 LDSEHE Conference Committee.

Classes
Choosing a Teaching Philosophy to Meet Your Educational Goals and Your Child’s Learning Style (Homeschool Beginners' Seminar)
A Homeschool Built Upon the Rock (Part 1): Laying the Foundation

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Dan Hunter

“…Very impressed with Dan’s knowledge about what is, to me, an incredibly difficult subject. Made it very interesting.”
—2005 Attendee, Tony E., NC

Dan Hunter and his wife Janice have been married for 28 years, and have 5 children ages 27-19. They have homeschooled for 15 years, have three married children, one child attending college, and have four grandchildren. Dan is the author of nine history books which are used across the nation in private schools and homeschools. He is a graduate of George Wythe College in Business and Biblical Studies, and was a private school teacher for 10 years.  Dan started Living History in 1999 when he started writing his history books.  In 2004, Dan and Jan bought Archive Publishers and Wholesome Books which they run with a lot of help from their children.

Classes
Raising Children with Character
Living History Series of History Books (Vendor Class)

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Jan-Erik Jones

Jan-Erik Jones has been a professor of philosophy at SVU since 2002.  He is a lifelong surfer who was born and raised in Los Gatos, California.  Brother Jones served a mission for the LDS church in Porto, Portugal.  He and his wife have been married since 1992 and have two sons, ages 13 and 9.  Jan-Erik conducts research on the history and philosophy of science, and has published articles on the philosophy of Robert Boyle, John Locke, Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz and Hilary Putnam in scholarly journals, anthologies and collections.  He has always thought that “if nature doesn't puzzle you, you're not paying attention.”

Class
Why a Liberal Arts Education?  What Does it Matter Anyway?

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Tim Knudsen

Dr. Knudson graduated with a PhD in Physics from Utah State University. He has been teaching at SVU since 1997. In addition to teaching physics and astronomy, he has served as SVU's Vice President of Academic Affairs, Chair of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Director of Student Advising.
Dr. Knudson wants every student to be excited about science- even those who, for some odd reason, don’t want to be an astronaut or a scientist! Astronomy is such an exciting field. Even though it is arguably the “oldest” science, there are still new questions being raised today which fuel the imagination and curiosity of all of us.  
A native of Virginia, Dr. Knudson currently resides in Buena Vista with his wife Lisa, son Andrew, and daughter Marissa.

Class
Starry Nights (Evening Activity)

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Lorelle McPhee

Born and raised in British Columbia, Canada, Lorelle currently resides in southwest Wyoming with her husband Jody, and her four children, ages 14-2.  Her passions include music, reading, dance, the great outdoors and teaching.  She has homeschooled for 14 years and has organized many different homeschooling organizations including a non-profit community learning center.  About 10 years ago, she heard Oliver DeMille speak and has used the principles of Thomas Jefferson Education ever since.

Lorelle served a Spanish-speaking mission in Los Angeles, California.  She then graduated from BYU in sociology and dance.  After completing all the “Face to Face with Greatness” seminars, Lorelle went on to enroll in George Wythe’s graduate program in Political Economy.  She is taking it a class at a time, with many breaks in between.  She may graduate sometime in the next twenty years! In the meantime, she is happy learning with her children, leading a local book discussion group, running a homeschool theater class, and owning her own dance academy.

Classes
How Do I Apply the "Five Environments of Mentoring" When It’s Just my Family?
Lessons I’ve Learned from Lehi:  How to Instill and Maintain a Great Core Phase Through Family Rhythms and Culture (a Mentor Mom© class)

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Tina Nokes

"The American Youth Statesman class has helped me learn about the history of our government and the importance of our laws and policies."
Stephanie D., age 15

"[Sister Nokes] has taught me a lot about speaking in front of groups I think this will help me for high school, college, and in jobs."
Spencer G., age 13

"[Dual enrollment] puts developing students into an intellectually and emotionally stimulating situation with challenges at the edge of their limits.  I know this works because it worked for me!"
Ryan N., Virginia

Tina Nokes, a mother of four boys, is in her 9th year of homeschooling.  She graduated from BYU with a bachelor's degree in Communications/Advertising and a minor in English.  Her oldest son is currently attending BYU and her second son is serving a mission in Japan.  Both of her older boys earned AA degrees as dual-enrolled students while in high school.  She currently teaches an "American Youth Statesman" class to 14 homeschooling youth, which includes her 15 and 12 year-old boys.  The Nokes' live in Vienna, Virginia.

Classes
A Young Man Prepared
College Dual-Enrollment through High School:  The Best Kept Secret (a Mentor Mom© class)
Raising Up American Youth Statesmen:  A How-to (a Mentor Mom© class)

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Melissa Orton

“Melissa has a great love for learning and teaching. This has helped her gain a wealth of knowledge. She has been and currently is one of my greatest resources during my homeschooling journey.  Her thoughts, advice, and ideas continue to uplift and inspire me.  Her practical and positive suggestions have definitely helped in our homeschool.  She was one of the first persons who really helped guide me in the very beginning of our decision to homeschool.  I am always grateful that she is so willing to share the knowledge that she has gained."
-H.J. V., Virginia

Melissa grew up in a small town in Idaho—growing potatoes and moving water lines!  She is the oldest of six children, and the only girl. Her parents started homeschooling when she was a junior in high school. By taking home study courses from BYU, she was able to graduate from high school early and begin college. This helped her realize how much time is really wasted in public school, and convinced her that she wanted to homeschool her own children some day!  Melissa and Matt have three daughters, ages 12, 9 and 5. They have been homeschooling for 8 years.

Class
Preschool to Fit YOUR Homeschool

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Joy Petty

"Joy is a down-to-earth, cheerful person who is a pleasure to be around, and so are her nine children. With her oldest in college and her youngest still a baby, she has lots of helpful advice. Her love for her children is obvious as she constantly is trying to help them be the best they can be. She provides lots of experiences for them to learn and grow."
– Theresa H., North Carolina

Joy Petty grew up in northern California, the third of 10 children.  She graduated from BYU with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, one month before her first child was born  When her oldest was still a toddler, she and her husband Chad read one of Raymond and Dorothy Moore's books(Homeschool Burnout).  They decided to give homeschooling a try, and since then, they've never looked back (although Joy still experiences "school bus blues" now and then!).

Joy now lives with her family in North Carolina.  She is the mother of nine children, ages nine months to 19 years, all homeschooled from the beginning.  Joy's oldest daughter was accepted to both BYU and BYU-I, where she is enjoying her second semester.  Her sister will join her in a few months.

Joy has experienced homeschooling toddlers through high school, and everything in between--all at the same time (though she still feels she has a lot to learn).  Back in the years when she had free time, she enjoyed singing, dance, theater, sewing and reading.  She still manages to steal away a few times a year to go to yard sales, and she enjoys listening to parenting CDs and other books in the car.  Her fondest wish is for a day with everyone out of the house so that she can tackle her huge "To Do" list!

Class
Preschool to Fit YOUR Homeschool

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Barbara Ritter

"I have learned much from Barbara's experience and wisdom.  She is kind and generous and has many insights into raising and home educating a family.  She has really helped me discover that I can successfully do it too.
-Darcy N., Indiana

Barbara Ritter and I have been friends for several years. She is a very interesting person who has a lot of homeschooling and mothering experience to share. I'm thrilled to learn she will be teaching a class at the homeschooling conference!"
-Cheri R.

Barbara Ritter and her husband Len have been on the parenting journey since 1977 and the homeschooling track since 1989.  Many methods of homeschooling and many ups-and-downs have come her way since that time.  At present, only two of the Ritter’s seven children are still living at home, which makes things very different.  Len's military career has made for many cross-country moves and many interesting experiences.  Amazingly, Virginia (albeit different parts!) has been home to the Ritter family for 11 years.

Homeschooling has been a wonderful journey, with a steep (and constant) learning curve.  Barbara says: “By the time our 12-year-old graduates, we may have it figured out!”

Classes
Homeschooling through Trials
In the Beginning:  Creating a Spiritually Guided Homeschool (Homeschool Beginners' Seminar)
Meet Veteran Moms (Homeschool Beginners' Seminar)

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Ariel Rodriguez

"Ariel Rodriguez was excellent in what he chose to present and helpful in his. Relationships are an important foundation for succeeding in the homeschool."

"Ariel offered LOTS of pertinent information [on his subjects.  He was] very engaging, full of practical information."

"Rodriguez was excellent.  [He was] by far one of the best speakers of this conference."
-2007 LDSEHE Conference Attendees

Ariel Rodriguez received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Family Science from Brigham Young University. He then attended Utah State University, where he received his Ph.D. in Family and Human Development. Ariel has taught classes at BYU and USU as a graduate student, Texas State University after
graduation, and is currently an Associate Professor of Family and Child Development at Southern Virginia University.

Ariel's professional interests include Fatherhood, Parent Education and Marriage Education. He has been a member of the LDS Marriage Network and Family Action Council International. Ariel has conducted research on the influence of father involvement on marriage and children, fathers' adjustment to divorce, and family education and ethics. His most recent research examined how gender is presented in Marriage and Family textbooks.  An excellent speaker, Ariel has made numerous presentations regarding marriage and family relationships to churches, social service agencies, and parent groups. He enjoys educating parents and families as much as he enjoys educating college students.

Ariel and Anne Benson Rodriguez have been married for 21 years and are the parents of 3 children: Nathanael, Sariah and Hannah.  They have homeschooled their children since day one.  One of Ariel's favorite homeschooling experiences was helping his wife teach their children the joy of reading. He remembers waking up one Saturday morning to find the house absolutely quiet—always a cause for concern when you have three children under the age of eight.  He sprang out of bed and ran frantically through the house, expecting to find new artwork on the walls or missing children.  Happily, he found all three children sitting under the breakfast nook table, each totally absorbed in a book!  It was then that he discovered an additional joy of teaching children to love books: extra sleep.  That’s right, Saturday morning dad went back to sleep—lucky guy!

Class
The "S" Word:  Socialization and Its Implications for Home Educators

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Ann Sharp

“I home school 3 children, pre-K to 4th grade.  My first child took to reading like a fish to water, but my second has really struggled to both learn to read, and to WANT to learn to read because of how difficult it has been for him.  The home school programs I tried weren't helpful, and local public school curriculum and teaching methods only frustrated him more.  Even though my husband and I both have B.A.'s (mine in English) and we are avid readers, we couldn't successfully teach our son to read. He was frustrated and angry and lost confidence, and I felt like I was failing him.  Nothing worked.   Attending Ann's lecture series gave me important information about specific problems struggling readers encounter AND the tools to address those problems successfully.  My son is now reading at grade level and learning new reading and language skills with eagerness and success!!" 
--Aundrea S., Orem, Utah

After spending ten years teaching 2nd grade, Ann Sharp received a powerful personal revelation directing her to pursue a doctorate degree in educational psychology.  As a doctorate student, she won several awards for her research in helping children tutor children and in helping teachers understand the scientific principles of the reading processes.  Since graduating, Dr. Sharp has helped home-school parents set up supplemental or comprehensive reading programs in their homes, has been a guest speaker for a series of parent literacy lectures and has taught perspective teachers beginning reading instruction.  She is currently the head investigator in a research study concerning spelling instruction in conjunction with the reading processes in Kindergarten, and is part of a team that is developing a rhyming instrument to assess very young children’s ability to rhyme.

Classes
Building a Successful Reading Program for Your Struggling Readers
How to Help a Struggling Reader
I’m Doing All I Can, and Yet My Child Still Struggles
Reading Horizons (Vendor Workshop)

 

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President Rodney K. Smith

"President Smith's talk on higher education was one of the best I've ever heard--the highlight of the conference for me."
-2007 Conference Attendee

President Smith was appointed President of Southern Virginia University on June 1, 2004. Before coming to SVU, he served as interim dean and Herff Chair of Excellence in Law at The University of Memphis. He also has taught or served as dean at The University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Capital University, The University of Montana, The University of San Diego, Widener University and The University of North Dakota.

President Smith is the father of 8 children and the grandfather of 16, with one more that he knows of on the way. He has served three times as a Bishop, has taught Institute for more than 10 years, and also taught early morning Seminary for 7 years.

Class
Southern Virginia University Presentation and Q & A: Working Together to Offer Your Son or Daughter the Opportunity to Attend SVU

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Michael Strauss

"Michael Strauss is a master detective when it comes to genealogy! His amazing stories of finding lost ancestors are mind-boggling. He will inspire you to dig deeper into the roots of your family tree."

Michael L. Strauss, AG is an Accredited Genealogist for the Eastern States Region. Brother Strauss is a native of Pennsylvania, a resident of Virginia and has been an avid genealogist for more than 30 years. He holds a BA in History and is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran.  Brother Strauss works part-time with the Coast Guard Station Museum in Virginia Beach, VA as a research archivist and serves as a Librarian at the Family History Center in Virginia Beach, VA.  He belongs to several professional genealogical organizations, and frequently lectures on topics of historical and genealogical interest.  Michael is also a homeschool dad.

Class
Genealogy: A Journey of a Lifetime

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Earl Taylor

" I would love to hear more from Earl Taylor and the NCCS.”  
-2008 Attendee, Richmond, VA.

Earl Taylor, President of the National Center for Constitutional Studies, has taught “The Making of America Constitutional Study” course to thousands of people over the past twenty years throughout the nation. He has developed other study courses for a wide range of participants, from high school students to state legislators.
Educated in Washington State and Arizona, Mr. Taylor graduated from Arizona State University and received his Masters Degree in Political Science from George Wythe College and Coral Ridge Baptist University. He has had the privilege of being privately tutored by Dr. W. Cleon Skousen over the course of many years. He became President of the National Center for Constitutional Studies in 1995, an organization founded by Dr. Skousen in 1971 as the Freemen Institute. 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. In 1998, Mr. Taylor was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Law degree from George Wythe College and Coral Ridge Baptist University. He also serves as a member of the adjunct faculty of George Wythe College.

Earl Taylor served as coordinator in 1985 of the Winter Conference for State Legislators where nearly 400 elected officials from 30 states met to study The Making of America. He has written a special study guide for Boy Scouts to help them earn their Citizenship Merit Badges. He also helped structure courses on the U. S. Constitution for college re-certification of public school teachers.

In his desire to begin to train young people in this most important area, Mr. Taylor established one of the first charter high schools in Arizona, Heritage Academy, where he has developed a special curriculum for the teaching of hundreds of students the exciting message of the Founding Fathers. Mr. Taylor has also been 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 Mesa, Arizona.

Classes
The Making of America Constitutional Seminar (Full-day pre-conference seminar held on May 27th)
The 28 Principles of Liberty —A Miracle that Changed the World (Vendor Class)

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Sherry Veach

"Sherry is no-nonsense, straight and practical in a beautful way that gets results with the consideration and companionship of the Spirit. Years ago, I worked with Sherry as she completely transformed a struggling group of eighty children from very diverse backgrounds. When I learned that she homeschooled, I was hooked."
-J.H., VA

Sherry Veach has four children, aged 17, 15, 11 and 7.  She and her husband, Jeff, have been homeschooling for six years.  Sherry graduated from BYU with a B.S. in Clothing and Textiles and was married the next day in the Salt Lake City temple. The Veach family has lived in New Jersey, Switzerland and currently lives in North Carolina.  Sherry loves to read, travel, swim and even quilt when she has the time (which is not very often!)

Classes
A Homeschool Built Upon the Rock (Part 2): Building on the Foundation
A Young Man Prepared

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Denise Ward

"I love Denise and have learned so much from her. Her insights and advice have literally saved my homeschool and my sanity. She is so practical, and 'real,' and she has such a unique way of balancing all of the aspects of her busy life with 12 children. She has inspired me and taught me how to be a better mother and a better homeschooling mom. Anyone who attends a class taught by Denise will come out of there lifted and armed with strategies to really be successful in their homeschool."
-2008 Attendee, SC

“The ‘Happy Mommy’ class [in the Beginner’s Seminar] was inspiring and helpful in getting a picture of how things get done.”
-2008 Attendee, Chesapeake, VA.

“Melissa [Coombs] and Denise provided a lot of ‘comforting’ information.”
-2008 Attendee, Rockville, MD.

Denise and Craig Ward have been married for 26 years, and have 13 children (seven girls and five boys), ages 4-26. They also have two grandchildren, with more on the way. Denise has been homeschooling for 11 years, starting when her oldest child reached high school. One day she had finally had enough of the “rat race” and pulled all of her children out of public school in the middle of a year!  To date, Denise has four homeschool graduates (attending BYU, BYU-I and SVU, and one on a mission), and eight still in homeschool. Because of the ages of her children, Denise is currently teaching pre-school through the 12th grade. She has also had four babies during her homeschooling years, and understands how hard it is to teach multiple grades, and handle babies at the same time! Through it all, Denise has learned that organization is a blessing, not a chore.

Classes
A Homeschool Built Upon the Rock (Part 1): Laying the Foundation
A Homeschool Built Upon the Rock (Part 2): Building on the Foundation
Homeschooling through Trials
Meet Veteran Moms (Homeschool Beginners' Seminar)

 

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Brad Wilcox

Brad Wilcox grew up primarily in Provo, Utah except for some childhood years spent in Ethiopia, Africa.  He served a mission in Chile and has lived with his family in New Zealand where he directed a Study Abroad Program for Brigham Young University. Their family also lived in Laramie, Wyoming while Brother Wilcox was working on his Ph.D. at the University of Wyoming. Most recently, Brother Wilcox and his family presided over the Chile Santiago East Mission, returning home to Provo in July of 2006.

Brad and his wife, Debi, have four children. Debi is a Registered Nurse and also served a mission in Guatemala. The Wilcox kids from oldest to youngest are: Wendee, Russell, Whitney, and David.   Brother Wilcox taught sixth grade in Provo before joining the faculty at BYU where he is an associate professor in the Department of Teacher Education. Brad teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in literacy and children's literature.

Brother Wilcox loves working with youth programs held at BYU such as Especially for Youth and Campus Education Week. He also enjoys visiting schools across the country and helping to promote literacy. Reading, writing, teaching, and traveling are some of Brad’s favorite things. He also loves peanut M&M's and pepperoni pizza! (He realizes that doesn't sound too healthy so he’s really trying hard to learn to love salads.) Brad also loves music. (He usually plays it in his car with the volume turned way up!)

Classes
What Do You Get for Being a Mormon?  A Better Education (Opening Keynote Address)
If You Can Laugh at It, You Can Live With It (Closing Keynote Address)
Bringing Down the Walls: Improving Communication in the Family
Feed the Need to Read

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Russell Wilcox

After graduating high school, Russell Wilcox (Brad Wilcox’s son) attended BYU-Idaho for a year where he received his Associates Degree.  Shortly after his last semester there, Russell served a mission in Malaga, Spain.  After returning home, Russell attended BYU, recently graduating with a BA in Humanities and a minor in Spanish.  While attending BYU, he taught at the MTC for two years.  He loved interacting with the missionaries and feeling involved in missionary work again.  Russell has had a few articles published in the New Era and recently co-authored a book (with his father) about mission preparation, titled Raising Ourselves to the Bar.  Russell has been married to Trish Wilcox for over a year now and with her, his life is continually getting better!

Class
Writing--the Neglected R! (Vendor Workshop)

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Katie Wilson

"I only wish I could automatically pull from my brain the things that Katie knows and can create at a moments notice.  She is very well spoken, educated, and respected in all realms.  I only had to meet and teach Katie’s four your old daughter to know what kind of a mother and educator she REALLY is.  I rarely have met a child who loves learning more."
-Julie H., Washington DC

“I loved [Katie's] family reading class—good hands on.  I want to go home and READ!”
-2008 Attendee, Winston Salem, NC

Katie Wilson and her husband, Dave, are the parents of four children, three boys (ages 14, 12 and 8) and one girl (age 5). They live in Virginia and have been homeschooling for nine years. After graduating from BYU with a BS in Psychology and a minor in English, Katie returned to Virginia with west-coast husband, Dave, in tow. She continued her studies at George Mason University, where she received her Master’s Degree in School Psychology. Although she always knew she would stay home with her children when they were small, Katie never suspected that she would be homeschooling them. In fact, throughout her graduate program she was firmly committed to making public schools better. However, by the time her oldest son started 1st grade, Katie knew that homeschooling was the path her family was to take. She started attending LDSEHE home education conferences in 2002 and has been serving as the secretary since 2006.  The Wilsons love to take road trips, spend time with extended family and read everything they can get their hands on! Their favorite part of the day is dog-piling on the couch while Mom reads aloud.

Class
Raising the Cultural Literacy Quotient in Your Home (Or, How to Raise a Jeopardy® Champion!) (a Mentor Mom© class)

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Dana Wood

"Dana is a teacher "par excellence!"  She has honed her skills through years of  homeschooling and as a teacher and leader in church callings.  I've worked with her children and seen first hand the effects of her excellent teaching abilities.  Dana was the instructor for my third time around in taking the Teacher Devlopment course.  I learned more from her than the other 2 times combined!  As my daughter's YW leader, Dana has delivered many inspiring lessons which have motivated my daughter to greater spiritual hegihts.  I would eagerly sign up for any class with Dana as the teacher!

-Linda N., NJ

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 nine 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 across the nation. She and her family reside in New Jersey.

Class
Homeschooling through Trials