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Speakers & Workshops
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Meet Our 2026 Convention Speakers
Meet our amazing speakers! Below you’ll find their bios, workshop titles, and class descriptions so you can plan which sessions you don’t want to miss.
Dr. Roger Smith
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Roger Smith, author of Parenting with Influence, is a primary care physician in rural Louisiana where he oversees the medical care delivered in four small town clinics. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, and has a special interest the relationships in the home and community. His vlog, Parenting Matters Now, can be found on YouTube, Facebook, and RogerSmithMD.com. Dr. Smith speaks on parenting, marriage, education, and leadership, and offers parenting tips through his podcast, Parenting Matters Now. Over the last 25 years, Dr. Smith has served in leadership roles in numerous organizations, including 4-H, Boy Scouts, Homeschool Speech and Debate, and the Chamber of Commerce, and has been a mentor at a local faith-based substance abuse program. He currently serves on the board of his state and national homeschool organizations Dr. Smith, influenced by science education, spiritual teachings, psychosocial research, and personal experience, delivers insights with southern flare, applied with common sense.
Dad's Essential Role
What’s a dad to do? In a busy home, dads often find themselves being dragged along in all the activity involving the children. But can it be another way? The influence of the father can be the thing that helps all the activity stay on course. Dr. Smith will share ways he and others have made significant contributions to the home in the midst of a busy career. This session will not be an attempt to produce guilt about failures, but will offer solutions and hope for increasing the influence of dad in the home, resulting in everyone being more happy.
Tending to your Child’s Emotional Health
Learn from pediatrician, Dr. Roger Smith, how stress and trauma affects a child’s ability to learn and perform. Research on stress has yielded a better understanding of the biochemical and neurologic responses we see as “behavior.” Parents can tap into this research to better guide their child through life’s stresses. This session will review both the science and the social impact of emotions in the context of a Biblical worldview. Dr. Smith will transform scientific gobbledygook into layman’s language with tangible application.
Preparing Your Child to Face Foes
Bullies get too much attention. Foes take many forms, and we can help our children prepare to be resilient in the face of opposition or attacks. Understanding the mental and emotional needs of your child can help you equip them to be resilient in the face of difficulties, whether it be bullies or challenges. Children of all ages can be trained to face foes with strength and character, managing the fear that goes with it. Dr. Smith will discuss strategies for equipping your child, and yourself.
Jan Smith
Keynote Speaker
Jan Smith loves people and speaks straight to the heart! She is mother of 4 adult children, manager of the family farm and businesses, and mentor of many young moms. Jan began homeschooling in 1989 in rural Louisiana where no one had heard of homeschooling. After 2 other families joined her, she began a 3-family co-op. Learning together at home was key to the strong family relationships the Smiths experience today. Upon graduation from homeschool, all 4 children completed university studies on scholarships. Because of the positive impact on family relationships, she works to protect freedom to home educate for future generations through her leadership on her state and national homeschool organizations, as well as by equipping others through speaking at conferences. She also loves teaching God’s word at women’s events. Jan mentors young mothers in her community through a weekly Bible study and monthly parties in her home for the couples. Playing keyboard at church, reading to the grandchildren, riding horses, and growing flowers and vegetables keep her life after homeschooling far from empty.
Managing Fear in the Midst of Chaos
Fear can paralyze us in the pursuit of something good. Even avoiding fear does not eliminate it, so we must attack it a different way. In this session, Jan will share practical ways that we can manage the fear that arises and the chaos that accompanies it. A bit of humor will shed light on the fact that some of our fears are imagined, while other real issues escape our notice. Some time-tested tips offered here may help with the fear, even if the chaos remains.
In Over My Head! What Was I Thinking?
Often falling on the heels of making a bold decision in your family, a little voice in your head cries out, “What was I thinking?!! I can’t do that!” Even when we are obedient to clear direction, we can become insecure and fearful. Humorous stories will lighten your load if you are feeling the press to make changes, and will help you to stop listening to the accusations from within.
Is There a Different Way? Help Me Know My Options.
When getting started, or when change is needed, it helps to know the options that may be a better fit
for you and your child. This workshop will discuss several approaches (they all work) and review some
of the curriculum providers in each category. Finding the one that is a best fit for you and your child
will increase your success and reduce frustration. Information from this session will enable you to
make more confident choices as you face decisions for education.
What’s Next for Me After Graduating My Kids?
As you have prepared your children for a successful life, you were being prepared for your next phase. Roger and Jan Smith will help you lift your eyes to the horizon to see where you may use the giftings and training you now possess to accomplish great things. The Smiths will share how speech and debate training and experience opened doors for them and others for greater impact. Catch a glimpse of what is next for you!
5 Ways to Increase Your Impact
Every homeschool mom thinks she is failing and wants guidance. Every one of them also can help another. Jan will give practical tips to finding a mentor or being a mentor. From child training to seemingly fruitless discipline, every mom needs a confidant for comfort and reassurance, or a new perspective. Get ideas from Jan’s forty years of mentoring.
Delegate Lauren Arikan
Keynote Speaker
Amber O'Neal Johnston
Keynote Speaker
Amber O’Neal Johnston is a leading voice on incorporating diverse perspectives into traditional curriculum and creating a culturally rich home environment. She shares insights on education, living books, and worldschooling at HeritageMom.com and on Instagram @heritagemomblog. A frequent speaker, podcast guest, and contributor to the Wild + Free homeschooling community, Amber is widely respected in homeschool and parenting spaces. Raised in a public school family, she never expected to embrace homeschooling until discovering Charlotte Mason’s philosophy. Inspired by its potential to create a lifegiving home, she began homeschooling her children. However, she soon noticed a lack of representation of Black stories and achievements in her curriculum. Determined to change this, Amber blended traditional classics with culturally rich, “lifegiving” books to better reflect her children’s identities. She now helps other families create inclusive and meaningful learning environments through her writing, speaking, consulting, and nonprofit work. Amber often sums up her approach with a smile: “In my house, Charlotte Mason has an afro.”
Dr. Amy Moore
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Amy is a cognitive psychologist and the Director of Psychology & Research at LearningRx in Colorado Springs, CO at the headquarters of the largest network of brain training centers in the world. She specializes in cognitive training and assessment for neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD, brain injury, learning disabilities, and age-related cognitive decline. Her brain training research has been published in peer-reviewed medical and psychology journals and presented at conferences around the country. Dr. Amy has experience as a child development specialist, parent educator, mental health counselor, and teacher of teachers with a PhD in psychology and a master’s degree in early childhood education. She has been working with struggling learners and their families for more than 30 years. She is also a TEDx speaker, host of the Brainy Moms podcast, a board-certified Christian counselor, parenting coach, an ADHD mom, and a mom with ADHD.
Dr. Rochelle Matthews-Somerville
Keynote Speaker
Rochelle Matthews-Somerville, Ph.D., co-founded EFM Educational Consultants in 2010 after teaching as a university professor for many years. She has dedicated more than 25 years to supporting individuals with ASD and other learning and developmental disabilities to lead healthy, productive lives. During her years of serving the community as a University Professor, Special Educator, Autism Specialist, and Educational Consultant in the Southern Maryland area, she and her husband were blessed to be surrounded by a vibrant homeschooling community. As a natural extension of their passion for learning, they decided to homeschool their 6 children — and 15 years later, they are still going strong! Through her role as a homeschool mom and EFM, Dr. Somerville is dedicated to assisting families, especially those with homeschooling children with disabilities, to access high–quality, inclusive community-based activities, programs, and resources that prepare their children for the future.
LaNissir James
Keynote Speaker
LaNissir is the Executive Director of MACHE and a Maryland homeschooler for two decades. She and her husband Lorenzo are homeschooling their seven children from preschool to college. Their fifth high school student and third college student is graduating this year. With decades of professional experience in various forms of homeschooling, LaNissir is a sought-after expert on home education. She serves the homeschool community on local, state and national platforms. If you have found yourself suddenly homeschooling due to the pandemic, homeschooling from the beginning or deciding to homeschool in high school, LaNissir can help you with everything from getting started to finding the best curriculum or getting into college. She is also the go-to expert on transcripts and creating a four-year plan for your college bound, trade school or career focused homeschooler. As a homeschooling mom and leader, LaNissir has a passion to serve the home-educating community. She provides social, spiritual, academic, and supervisory support for families in Maryland and encourages and equips homeschool graduates nationwide. As a High School Educational Specialist and Outreach Coordinator with Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), LaNissir enjoys working closely with families, guiding them through the high school process. LaNissir holds a BS in Journalism from the University of Maryland and is certified in MBTI and DISC personality assessments with decades of experience.
High School Transcript Clinic: Practical Help and Tips
A transcript is a vital part of your teen’s high school records. In this interactive, practical seminar, you’ll create a transcript that can be used as a template when designing your own. The session will guide you through the how-to of transcripts, evaluating credit, simplifying grading, and calculating grade point averages (GPAs).
Carla Fuller
Featured Speaker
Carla Fuller is an HSLDA High School Educational Specialist with over 17 years of experience as a homeschool mom, teacher, and support group administrator. She holds two master’s degrees from Syracuse University in Marriage and Family Therapy and Child and Family Studies. Carla is passionate about supporting children, teens, and families in building strong, purpose-filled family lives. She and her husband, Charles, have two adult sons who graduated from their homeschool, and she enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Building Bright Futures: Discovering Entrepreneurship, Trades, Apprenticeships, and Careers
In this engaging workshop for parents and teens, families will explore a variety of professions and pathways—including entrepreneurship, skilled trades, and apprenticeships. Together, they’ll discover how to match interests with real-world opportunities while developing essential practical skills for future success. You’ll leave with tools and inspiration to build confidence, direction, and a plan for the road ahead.
Fostering a Growth Mindset: Building Cooperation, Motivation, and Resilience in Your Children
Because learning is a complex (and sometimes difficult) process, mindset is everything. The foundation of all successful learning is built on what a young person believes about themselves, their capabilities, and the applicability of what they are learning.
This workshop will explore the parenting, teaching, and communication strategies that contribute to a healthy growth mindset in children, teens, and parents, with the goal of building cooperation, motivation, and forward movement in the homeschool environment.
Natalie Mack
Featured Speaker
Natalie Mack is a National Certified Counselor (retired), author, TEDx speaker, and 20+ year military home educator with decades of service to military homeschool families. She is known for her words of encouragement and advocacy for homeschooling, particularly during the journey from high school to college. Natalie is a homeschool mom who has graduated all five of her kids on to college. She is now experiencing new adventures as her husband recently retired after serving for 34 years as a Navy chaplain. In 2020, she became an HSLDA High School Educational Specialist, and in 2021, she became the Military Community Outreach Coordinator. Natalie created and developed the HSLDA Military Community Outreach Program. She provides resources to military homeschoolers, school liaison officers, military homeschool support groups, state homeschool organizations. Natalie currently serves as the founder of Military Homeschoolers Association. She owns Homeschool Natalie Mack, LLC under which she writes, speaks and consults. She also has a podcast called Base2Base Military Homeschooling. Natalie has been featured on CNN’s Home Front, and her published works include the book 101 Tips for Homeschoolersand several articles for HSLDA, the Military Family Advisory Network, Military Families Magazine, and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.
Homeschool Athletes: Pathways to High School Sports
Homeschool parents often wonder how to make athletics work outside the traditional school system. In this workshop, learn how homeschoolers can successfully participate in athletics at every level, from recreational programs to competitive college-bound sports.
You’ll learn about public-school participation laws (“Tebow laws”), homeschool and private leagues, club and travel teams, and NCAA eligibility requirements. We will also discuss balancing academics and athletics, managing transcripts and schedules, and supporting your athlete’s physical and mental well-being. Whether your student dreams of competing in college or simply wants the structure and community of team sports, you’ll walk away with clear next steps, practical resources, and renewed confidence that homeschoolers can thrive on the field, court, track, or pool.
Homeschooling in the Military
Why do military families choose to homeschool? The last survey completed by Blue Star Families estimates that at least 6% of military families homeschool. This number is continuing to rise post-COVID as more military families choose to homeschool. This session will give an overview of these reasons and examine some of the challenges—and solutions—to homeschooling military-style.
Vicki Tillman
Featured Speaker
Vicki Tillman serves as an Advisor for 7Sisters, where she shares her expertise as a speaker, podcaster, blogger, curriculum developer, counselor, and life and career coach. Through her work with Vicki Tillman Coaching, 7Sisters, Pike Creek Psychological Center, and Vicki Talks Prayer, she provides guidance on homeschooling, mental health, prayer, and career development. With over 20 years of experience, Vicki has advised both her own children and hundreds of homeschool students in her local community. All five of her children graduated from homeschool high school and went on to complete college and graduate-level degrees. Many of her former students have pursued successful paths in careers, college, the military, and ministry. Vicki is also a co-host of the Homeschool Highschool Podcast, where she offers practical advice and encouragement for homeschooling through the high school years. She has contributed to a wide range of 7Sisters curriculum, including courses in career exploration, psychology, writing, health, and history. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from Liberty University and has served as a counselor and life and career coach at Pike Creek Psychological Center since 1996. Vicki’s mission is to invest in people and support their growth through education, faith, and personal development.
Angela Harders
Featured Speaker
Angela Harders, M.Ed is a certified Spanish, ESOL, and Special Education Teacher with over a decade of experience as a classroom teacher and homeschooling consultant. She is also a best-selling author of over 20 books including Gospel-Based Parenting and Tales of a Toxic Teacher: Exposing the Cycles of Abuse Within Our Schools. Angela also enjoys public speaking. She left teaching in 2021 and began to devote her time to supporting homeschooling families in the United States and around the world through her books, conferences, and community (both online and in person). In 2023, Angela founded the Peaceful Worldschoolers homeschool umbrella, a bilingual unschool-friendly umbrella for families throughout Maryland as well as PAX Academy, a church-exempt school for homeschoolers. Peaceful Worldschoolers also offers weekly field trips and events for families in every county as well as opportunities for community service and international travel to earn both high school and college credit through PAX Academy. Angela also offers Monthly Q&A events in both Spanish and English where she provides FREE support for both new and veteran homeschoolers.
Irina Rader
Featured Speaker
Dr. Rader serves as the Executive Program Director of the ASVAB CEP, bringing nearly 29 years of experience in higher education and military programs. Prior to this role, she was the DoD MOU Program Chief at DANTES, where she ensured consistency in tuition rates across institutions. She also served as Program Manager for Army ACCESS at Army University under TRADOC, leading initiatives in personnel testing, basic skills education, and voluntary education marketing. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with Army, Navy, and Air Force students. Dr. Rader has held academic and administrative roles at several institutions, including City Colleges of Chicago, Central Texas College, University of Maryland University College, Western Kentucky University, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Her career reflects a strong integration of military culture and higher education. She earned her bachelor’s degree with honors in Mathematics and School Psychology from Astrakhan State University in Russia. She also received a master’s degree with distinction in Education with a focus on Physics from the same institution. Additionally, she holds a second master’s degree with distinction in Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Dr. Rader earned her doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from Western Kentucky University and is an active member of Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Pi, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Trent Emmack
Featured Speaker
Trent Emmack was born in Ozark mountains of Southwestern Missouri, but now lives in the Shenandoah valley in Virginia. He brings energy and nonstop ideas to the table and is always ready to try something new or dangerous. Trent is a deep thinker, has a well-informed and unique perspective on current culture, and is passionate about distilling big ideas into easy-to-understand principles. When speaking, Trent loves to incorporate personal stories that make his sessions hilarious and energetic, but always with the purpose of reinforcing the bigger ideas he is trying to communicate.