Empowering Homeschool Conversations

In this heartfelt episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar welcomes Sharon Jaynes, international speaker and bestselling author of twenty-six books, including Praying for Your Child from Head to Toe. Sharon, formerly the vice president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and co-host of their radio program, brings her deep well of wisdom to a conversation about finding hope and strength in the midst of family struggles, especially during the holiday season.

Together, Peggy and Sharon explore the feelings of loneliness and heartache that homeschooling families often face when extended family members don’t understand or accept their children’s unique needs. With an emphasis on faith, they discuss how trusting God’s presence and plan can bring comfort and healing, even in the most difficult circumstances. Tune in for an uplifting and encouraging conversation about embracing gratitude, leaning on God’s promises, and watching Him work through life’s trials.

To join in the after-show conversation, join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Q&A group here: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/groups/tuesday-empowering-conversations

*You must have a Navigator Membership or higher on Homeschool Heroes to be part of this group. To get a membership or upgrade your membership, visit: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/membership

 

To connect with Sharon and her resources, visit: https://sharonjaynes.com/

 

Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What can we learn about bravery and trust from a guide dog? In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, co-host Stephanie Buckwalter sits down with Michael Hingson, New York Times bestselling author of Thunder Dog, to explore the incredible story of his survival on 9/11 and the life-changing lessons guide dogs can teach us. Michael and his guide dog Roselle escaped from the 78th floor of Tower One during the attacks on the World Trade Center, and his story has since inspired millions.

As an internationally sought-after speaker, Michael has addressed audiences at ExxonMobil, FedEx, the American Red Cross, and many other prominent organizations, sharing insights on leadership, resilience, and overcoming adversity. Beyond his work as an author and speaker, Michael serves as Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe, a company that promotes digital accessibility for people with disabilities, and is the National Federation of the Blind’s ambassador for its National Braille Literacy Campaign.

Tune in to hear how the unique bond between a man and his guide dog helped them navigate one of the darkest moments in history and what it can teach us about facing challenges with courage and trust.

To join in the after-show conversation, join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Q&A group here:https://www.spedhomeschool.com/groups/tuesday-empowering-conversations *You must have a Navigator Membership or higher on Homeschool Heroes to be part of this group. To get a membership or upgrade your membership, visit: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/membershipTo connect with Michael and his resources, visit:https://michaelhingson.com/ Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://annieyorty.com/https://www.leilanimelendez.com/https://elarplearning.com/https://solimaracademy.com/ Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this enlightening episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, Peggy Ployhar sits down with Kristy Anderson, an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience. Together, they dive deep into effective speech strategies that can help homeschool parents support their children in building stronger communication skills, improving social interaction, and fostering self-regulation.

Our guest this week is Kristy Anderson, an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and the elderly. Kristy has worked with individuals from ages 2 to 21, as well as adults recovering from strokes and illnesses, helping them overcome communication and feeding/swallowing challenges.

She’s passionate about making a difference in the lives of her clients, working closely with families to maximize their impact. Kristy also provides professional development for both parents and professionals, helping them carry over therapy skills throughout the day. Her areas of expertise include articulation, language delays, AAC devices, fluency, social thinking, cognitive communication in the elderly, and more. She also offers support for parents in IEP meetings and therapy collaborations, both online and in person.

Kristy holds a Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has spent 21 years as a school-based SLP, 15 years in private therapy, and 10 years working with seniors in skilled nursing facilities.

To join in the after-show conversation, join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Q&A group here:https://www.spedhomeschool.com/groups/tuesday-empowering-conversations *You must have a Navigator Membership or higher on Homeschool Heroes to be part of this group. To get a membership or upgrade your membership, visit: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/membership

To connect with Kristy and her resources, visit: https://beyondspeechtx.com/

Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!

https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar, SPED Homeschool Founder and CEO, is joined by Uzma Akser—homeschool mom, Executive & Leadership Coach (ACC), Certified Autism Specialist, and Neuroinclusion Advocate. Uzma shares her unique coaching strategies that empower homeschool success by turning children's passions into learning opportunities, especially for unique learners.

As the Founder of Uzma Akser Coaching and Consulting (UACC) and Motherhood on the Spectrum (MoS), Uzma talks about her journey in transforming her son’s love for technology into educational projects and how she applies coaching principles in home education. She also offers advice for parents transitioning from traditional schooling to homeschooling, particularly for unique learners, and explains how to balance academic, life, and social skills development.

Uzma shares the lessons learned from founding her company and how her personal experiences shape her approach to neuroinclusion coaching for educators and corporate leaders. Tune in for practical strategies, inspiration, and expert insights on creating a homeschool environment where passion fuels learning!

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Peggy Ployhar and Uzma Akser

05:00 – Turning a Passion for Technology into a Learning Opportunity

15:00 – How Coaching Influences Home Education for Unique Learners

25:00 – Advice for Parents Transitioning to Homeschooling

35:00 – Balancing Academics, Life Skills, and Social Development

45:00 – Identifying and Leveraging Children’s Passions in Education

55:00 – Uzma’s Journey from Advocacy to Founding UACC and MoS

1:05:00 – Addressing Misconceptions About Neuroinclusion in Education and Workplaces

To join in the after-show conversation, join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Q&A group here: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/groups/tuesday-empowering-conversations

*You must have a Navigator Membership or higher on Homeschool Heroes to be part of this group.

To get a membership or upgrade your membership, visit: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/membership

To connect with Uzma and her resources, visit: https://coachingwithuzma.com/

Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this insightful episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar, Founder & CEO of SPED Homeschool, sits down with Marianne Sunderland, a seasoned homeschool mom and creator of Homeschooling with Dyslexia.

Marianne, a mother of eight children—seven of whom are dyslexic—has years of firsthand experience navigating the challenges of homeschooling children with language-based learning challenges.

In this episode, Marianne shares practical strategies for teaching students with learning difficulties that extend beyond traditional books and curriculum. The conversation touches on everything from understanding what it means to have a language-based learning challenge, to alternative teaching strategies, to creating the right learning environment.

Marianne offers tips on how parents can encourage a love for learning in students who may feel frustrated, and how to help students thrive academically and emotionally. Tune in to explore creative, effective methods for teaching struggling learners, and gain valuable insights from Marianne's personal journey of homeschooling outside-the-box learners.

To join in the after-show conversation, join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Q&A group here:https://www.spedhomeschool.com/groups/tuesday-empowering-conversations *You must have a Navigator Membership or higher on Homeschool Heroes to be part of this group. To get a membership or upgrade your membership, visit:https://www.spedhomeschool.com/membership

To connect with Marianne and his resources, visit: https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/

Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a world where screens dominate our daily lives, how can parents ensure their children navigate the digital landscape with wisdom and faith? Join us for a powerful discussion that offers practical advice and spiritual guidance for today’s tech-savvy families.

In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with David Tucker, a seasoned pastor, technology executive, and founder ofDigitalParenting.com. David, a father of three teenagers, brings a wealth of experience in guiding families to set Biblical boundaries around technology use. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities of raising children in a tech-driven world, offering insights on how to create a balanced, faith-filled home environment. Whether you’re grappling with screen time issues or looking for ways to integrate technology with your home teaching, this episode will equip you with resources to be a screen-savvy parent.

To join in the after-show conversation, join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Q&A group here:https://www.spedhomeschool.com/groups/tuesday-empowering-conversations

*You must have a Navigator Membership or higher on Homeschool Heroes to be part of this group. To get a membership or upgrade your membership, visit: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/membership

To connect with David and his resources, visit: https://www.digitalparenting.com/

Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you stretching every dollar to make your homeschool budget work? In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Krisa Winn, a seasoned homeschooling consultant and the new SPED Homeschool Director of Consulting and Partnerships, to explore the key to maximizing your homeschool budget. Discover how working with an educational consultant can be a game-changer for your family—not just in terms of educational outcomes, but also in managing costs.

Krisa shares her extensive experience and breaks down the tangible benefits of consulting services, from accessing cost-effective resources to saving time, reducing stress, and boosting productivity, all of which contribute to a more manageable and efficient budget. Learn how utilizing a consultant can actually save your family money by identifying unnecessary expenses and prioritizing what truly matters in your child’s education. Peggy and Krisa also discuss the ripple effect of these services—how the guidance and support from a consultant can free up valuable time for parents, allowing them to focus on what they do best: nurturing their children’s learning and growth.

Finally, Krisa sheds light on SPED Homeschool’s vision for making quality, effective consultative services accessible to all homeschooling families, regardless of budget constraints. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, this episode offers actionable strategies and insights that can transform how you approach your homeschooling finances.

Krisa Winn is an educator and sought-after public speaker who has served homeschooling families for more than a decade. As a special needs consultant at Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) she worked with thousands of fellow homeschooling parents offering personalized guidance, resources, and practical help to families homeschooling children with special needs. During her 21 years as a classroom teacher, she taught children of all ages, abilities, and circumstances. She has also worked as a private tutor, an early childhood intervention specialist, and an academic language therapist in training.

Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you homeschooling a struggling learner and searching for strategies that really work? In this must-listen episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with co-host Dawn Jackson to delve into the top approach for achieving homeschool success with your child. Dawn shares her expert insights and practical tips that every parent should know to create an effective and nurturing learning environment. Tune in to discover how to empower your child to thrive in their educational journey.

Dawn Jackson M.Ed has over 30 years of experience in education and is a retired homeschool mom. She is the owner and director of Solimar Academy with credentials in General education, Special Education, and a certified Learning Styles Coach.

🌟 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today! 🌟

To connect with Dawn, visit: https://solimaracademy.com/

Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families! https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Join us for a moving conversation as co-host Stephanie Buckwalter from Empowering Homeschool Conversations sits down with Jenn Soehnlin, a devoted mother of two precious boys with special needs. Jenn shares her heartfelt journey of faith, the power of praying Scripture, and the unique challenges and blessings of special needs parenting.

In this episode, you'll discover how to deepen your own prayers and find strength in faith while navigating the beautiful, complex world of special needs parenting. Jenn, author of Embracing This Special Life and On the Same Page with God, opens up about her experiences, offering encouragement and insights for every parent walking a similar path. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation will touch your heart and lift your spirit. Tune in, grab a cup of coffee, and be inspired by the power of prayer and connection.

🌟 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today! 🌟

To connect with Jenn, visit:https://embracing.life/

Other resources mentioned by Jenn in this episode:

Scripture-Based Prayers for Special Needs Parents: https://embracing.life/category/Specialneeds

Embracing This Special Life https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-This-Special-Life-Learning/dp/1723938181/

On the Same Page with God https://www.amazon.com/Same-Page-God-Embracing-Scripture/dp/B0D91FC8KG/

Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this enriching episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, four of our five dedicated hosts, experienced special education homeschooling moms, come together for a power-packed discussion on a pertinent seasonal topic: Smooth Transitions: Easing Special Needs Kids Back into Homeschool Routines

This episode is packed with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and lots of helpful insights aimed at getting your homeschooling schedule under control before it controls you. Join us as we share advice, give you our personal tips, and overall provide a comforting reminder that you are not alone on this journey.

Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.