Your first year of homeschooling isn’t about perfection — it’s about pivoting with purpose.

In this episode, I talk with Tiffany Smith (@rooted.inlearning), a Florida homeschooling mom of two who made the transition from corporate life to full-time motherhood and homeschooling. Tiffany shares what her first year really looked like — the lessons, the pivots, the planning tweaks, and the wins that gave her confidence going into year two.

You’ll hear:

* Why kindergarten didn’t work for her daughter and how she trusted her intuition

* What the “learning year” looked like in real life

* How she handled curriculum gaps and changes with confidence

* The systems she uses for planning, organization, and self-care

* How she balances part-time work while homeschooling two little ones

* The joy she’s found in a slower pace, intentional learning, and strong community

✨ A grounding, encouraging listen for homeschool moms at any stage — especially those navigating their first year.

About Tiffany:

Hi, I’m Tiffany! I’m a 32-year-old wife and homeschooling girl mom living our best Florida life — from beach days to biking, hiking, exploring the springs, and a little Disney. Our homeschool is Christ-centered, with a strong emphasis on quality education. We take an eclectic, year-round approach, blending hands-on activities, unit studies, and plenty of real-world learning. Every day is an opportunity to grow, discover, and enjoy the journey together!

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – Meet Tiffany: Florida mom of two, adventurer, and new homeschooler

02:00 – Why she knew kindergarten wasn’t the right fit

06:00 – Trusting her gut and bringing her daughter home

10:00 – Leaving corporate work: fears, peace, and new beginnings

14:00 – The “learning year” and what it taught her

18:00 – The myth of socialization & finding real community

24:00 – Curriculum pivots: what worked and what didn’t

32:00 – Planning rhythm: weekly structure, pacing, and balance

39:00 – Homeschool + part-time work: what this looks like

47:00 – Self-care, faith, and protecting your peace

54:00 – Favorite resources + curriculum she loves

1:06:00 – Encouragement for new homeschool moms: pivot with purpose

1:13:00 – Where to connect with Tiffany

🔗 Resources & Links

Tiffany’s Favorites & Mentions:

* The Good and the Beautiful (Language Arts & History)

* Abeka (Math)

* All About Reading

* Horizon (Spelling)

* BJU Press (Science)

* LIFEPAC (Bible Curriculum)

* CrunchLabs (STEM subscription)

* The Well Ordered Homeschool Planner

🔗 Social Media

* Connect with Tiffany on Tiktok and Instagram

* Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool

* Listen & subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Substack

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

In this episode of The Torch Mom Podcast with Tia Lilley, I share my story of walking away from a career in education to build a life of freedom through homeschooling.

I open up about my journey from being a 26-year-old principal and workaholic to becoming a homeschool mom who finally found peace, purpose, and joy at home. We talk about the fears I faced leaving the system, how motherhood completely changed my definition of success, and what freedom truly looks like for our family today.

Tia and I also dive into how I’m helping other moms simplify homeschooling, find calm in their days, and build homes that feel good to live and learn in.

If you’ve ever wondered what it might look like to trade the chaos for calm and create a life you actually love waking up to — this one’s for you.

🔖 Chapters

00:00 — Childhood lessons from strong women

04:30 — From dolls to principal: how teaching found me

07:30 — Pregnancy, power, and learning to slow down

12:00 — An unexpected labor story (and a 9½ cm surprise)

19:00 — What kids really crave in education

22:00 — Safety scares and the moment I knew I couldn’t go back

27:00 — The sculptor’s journey: chipping away toward freedom

36:00 — The tears, fear, and faith of leaving the system

37:30 — What “freedom” looks like for our homeschool

39:00 — Protecting the fun — and why play matters

45:00 — Balancing motherhood, business, and self-care

49:00 — Dreaming of location freedom and travel learning

52:00 — Helping other moms simplify homeschool planning

56:00 — Encouragement for overwhelmed moms

59:00 — Mirror work, gratitude, and the art of becoming

1:08:00 — The legacy of confident, joyful kids

1:09:00 — The Homeschool for Freedom Expo vision

1:12:00 — One word that defines motherhood: Freeing

🔗 Resources & Links

* 📘 Homeschool for Freedom Planner

* 🗓 Join the Homeschool for Freedom Expo Waitlist

* 🎧 Subscribe to The Torch Mom Podcast

* Follow The Torch Mom Podcast on Instagram

* Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool

* Listen & subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Substack

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

What happens when a teacher-turned-homeschool-mom decides to create the kind of learning environment her kids actually need?

In this episode, I chat with Casondra Radford, a mom of four, lifelong educator, and founder of Rad Arts Academy—a creative, culturally-rooted homeschool co-op that began with just four kids and has grown to serve more than 30 families in one year.

Casondra shares her journey from teaching across five continents to homeschooling her daughters, unlearning traditional structures, and building a space where neurodivergent, adopted, and creative learners can thrive.

You’ll hear:

* How Casondra went from overseas teaching to homeschooling in Kentucky

* What it was like adopting three children and creating a new family rhythm

* Her process of unlearning as a former classroom teacher

* The story behind founding Rad Arts Academy (and how it grew so fast!)

* Her personal organization systems that keep everything running smoothly

* Why she believes authenticity, community, and faith are key to sustainable success

✨ This episode is a must-listen for any mom dreaming of starting something meaningful—from a simple co-op to a movement.

About Casondra:

Casondra Radford is a devoted mother of four, passionate educator, and the Founder of RadArtz Academy—a faith-based learning community that nurtures children holistically through creativity, hands-on education, and spiritual growth. Her career spans roles as a teacher, ESL instructor, tutor, and mentor, with a consistent focus on empowering others through service and education. She has also supported individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and worked with teen moms as a youth mentor. From local classrooms to global mission fields, Casondra lives out her calling to uplift others and reflect God’s love in action.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – Meet Casondra: mom of four, world-traveling educator, and homeschooler

04:00 – Teaching abroad and how those experiences shaped her passion for education

08:00 – Adopting three siblings and blending a new family

10:00 – Starting homeschool with her daughters + unschooling beginnings

12:00 – Unlearning the classroom mindset and finding joy in freedom

17:00 – How she plans and organizes her homeschool with rhythm and curiosity

20:00 – Creating her curriculum Canvas of Cultures for families and co-ops

24:00 – Founding Rad Arts Academy: vision, space, and first four students

28:00 – How the co-op grew to 34 families by word of mouth

32:00 – Recruiting teachers and building a supportive team

36:00 – Organization systems: binders, Google Drive, color-coding, delegation

45:00 – Balancing co-op leadership, homeschool, and self-care

52:00 – Casondra’s biggest advice: dream big, invest in your village, and start where you are

54:00 – Where to connect with Casondra

🔗 Resources & Links

* Rad Artz Academy: https://www.radartzacademy.com

* Follow Casondra on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook

* Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool

* Subscribe on Apple | Spotify | Substack

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

What happens when you follow your intuition and build a homeschool that truly fits your family?

In this episode, I chat with Yarelly Briceno, a homeschooling mom of two and psychology student who’s passionate about helping families create peaceful, individualized learning at home. She shares how she started homeschooling in 2019, what it’s like raising a neurodivergent child, and how she balances motherhood, study, and self-care with grace and intention.

You’ll hear:

* Why Yarelly decided to homeschool (and how her “why” evolved after her son’s autism diagnosis)

* How she overcame family criticism and found confidence in her decision

* Practical planning tips: yearly unit studies, monthly prep, and flexible scheduling

* How she integrates self-care and home management into her homeschool rhythm

* Her honest take on sacrifice, privilege, and what homeschooling really looks like behind the scenes

* The online resources and classes her kids love most (and how she uses them to support socialization)

✨ A reminder that homeschooling doesn’t have to look perfect—it just needs to fit your family.

About Yarelly:

I’m a homeschooling mom of two (one of whom is autistic) and I’ve been teaching my kids since they were toddlers, but I started my official homeschool journey in 2019. I’m also a wife and a psychology student.

I will be sharing about motherhood, homeschooling, self care, and my hobbies. I love cozy things like books, crafting, cooking, and slow mornings. I hope to encourage other women to feel seen, supported, and capable.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – Meet Yarelly: homeschool mom, psychology student, and creative spirit

02:00 – Why she chose homeschooling and how her “why” has evolved

06:00 – Facing family criticism and finding confidence

10:00 – Juggling motherhood, marriage, studying, and homeschool

13:00 – Planning: yearly unit studies + monthly lesson prep

17:00 – Home management + self-care systems that actually work

22:00 – The truth about sacrifice, privilege, and what it takes to homeschool

24:00 – Favorite resource: Outschool for social learning + classes

29:00 – Learning from failure and adjusting when something doesn’t work

31:00 – Final encouragement: trust yourself and take it one day at a time

🔗 Resources & Links

* Connect with Yarelly on Tiktok

* Outschool – Online classes and social groups for kids

* ESA Program (Arizona) – Empowerment Scholarship Account funding that supports their homeschool

* Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool

* Subscribe on Apple | Spotify | Substack

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

It’s official—the Homeschool for Freedom Expo is happening!

In this solo episode, I share the vision behind one of the biggest projects I’ve ever taken on: organizing and hosting a brand-new homeschool expo for families in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area in summer 2026.

If you’ve ever wished for an event that celebrates all homeschoolers—secular and religious, new and experienced, eclectic and traditional—this is for you.

You’ll hear:

* Why I decided to create the Homeschool for Freedom Expo

* How my own search for an inclusive, diverse homeschool event led to this idea

* The goals and heart behind the expo: community, resources, and inspiration

* What makes this expo different from other homeschool events

* How you can join the waitlist and get involved now (as an attendee, sponsor, or supporter)

Erica also shares what’s next for planning, sponsorship goals, and how you can help make this event a reality.

✨ If you believe homeschooling should be about freedom, inclusivity, and community—this episode is for you.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – Why it’s been a minute since the last solo episode01:00 – The big news: launching a brand-new homeschool expo in the DMV02:30 – How Erica’s search for a secular, inclusive event inspired the idea03:30 – From teacher to principal to project manager—why she’s ready to build this04:30 – The vision: a thousand families, one space for freedom and community05:30 – Why inclusivity is at the heart of the Homeschool for Freedom Expo07:00 – What attendees can expect: diversity, resources, inspiration08:00 – How to join the waitlist and confirm your spot08:30 – The next big push: sponsorships and funding goals09:30 – How to support, spread the word, and stay connected

🔗 Resources & Links

Join the Waitlist:👉 Homeschool for Freedom Expo Waitlist

Sponsor or Partner with the Expo:📧 Join the waitlist and check potential sponsor

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

Can you really homeschool with four little ones—and no support system?

In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Garcia, a mom of four who started homeschooling her oldest at four years old after feeling called to keep her kids home. Melissa shares her honest, faith-filled journey of overcoming fear, finding confidence, and creating peace in the middle of motherhood chaos.

You’ll hear:

* Why a long commute and a tragic school shooting confirmed her decision to homeschool

* How she built confidence through community, books, and just doing it

* Her practical approach to “learning through life” using cooking, cleaning, and play

* What support looks like when your spouse works long hours and family disagrees

* How she stays organized teaching multiple little ones with flexibility and grace

✨ A reminder that homeschooling doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be purposeful.

About Melissa:

I’m a Christian wife and stay at home mom of 4 (ages 6, 2, 1, and 3 months). I’ve been homeschooling my oldest for 2 years and plan to homeschool all of my children through high school.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – Meet Melissa: wife, mom of 4, and new homeschooler

03:00 – Why she left preschool behind (chaotic mornings + school safety fears)

06:00 – Building confidence through “just doing it” + finding online community

11:00 – Making learning happen in everyday life – cooking, cleaning, play, errands

20:00 – Support from her husband vs. family pushback + socialization myths

34:00 – Finding co-ops + mom community through Facebook + library events

45:00 – Organization systems – planners, phone calendars, and flexibility

54:00 – Melissa’s favorite homeschool tools + curriculum resources

1:01:00 – Her biggest “failure” and what patience taught her

1:05:00 – Final encouragement + where to connect with Melissa

🔗 Resources & Links

* Melissa’s Amazon Storefront: @melissasahmlifestyle

* Book Mentioned: The Saren Practical Guide to Start Homeschooling by Judy Saren

* Curriculum: The Good and the Beautiful (Language Arts + Math)

* Free Curriculum: Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool

* Printable Resources: Teachers Pay Teachers + Etsy (holiday unit studies under $5)

* Shows Her Kids Love: Wild Kratts, Magic School Bus, Number Blocks, Blippi, Sid the Science Kid

* Follow Melissa on TikTok: @lifewithmelissagarcia

* Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool

* Listen & subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Substack

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

In this episode, I chat with Kelsey Schaffer, a former preschool and elementary school teacher turned homeschooling mom of two. From lesson planning with a baby on her hip to unlearning the need for perfection, Kelsey shares her honest journey of building a homeschool that’s rooted in faith, play, and flexibility.

You’ll hear:

* Why she left the traditional classroom and chose homeschooling for her kids

* How she plans preschool lessons that are simple, fun, and flexible

* What “unlearning” looks like for a teacher-turned-homeschool-mom

* How she organizes her homeschool in a small space using baskets and systems

* Her advice for balancing homeschool and motherhood during the baby years

✨ Listen in and be encouraged that real learning—and real joy—happen in the messy middle.

About Kelsey:

Hi, I’m Kelsey! I’m a former early childhood teacher turned homeschool mom, currently living in Florida with my husband and two young boys (3 years and 5 months). As a military spouse, home can change — but homeschooling gives us the freedom and consistency I always wanted for my family. After teaching preschool through 3rd grade, I saw both the joys and the struggles within the public school system. Now, I’m passionate about creating playful, meaningful learning experiences at home during these early years.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – Meet Kelsey: teacher turned homeschool mom of two

02:00 – Why she left the school system and chose homeschooling

06:00 – What a typical homeschool day looks like with a 3-year-old

09:00 – The “moon lesson” and how she builds themed activities

12:00 – How she plans her week and uses Pinterest + TPT for inspiration

15:00 – Unlearning the teacher mindset and giving herself grace

20:00 – Organizing homeschool in a small space

26:00 – Building community through church and library storytime

32:00 – Kelsey’s favorite resource: Teachers Pay Teachers

35:00 – Bringing faith into daily lessons and conversations

39:00 – Play, learning styles, and keeping it simple

45:00 – Learning from “failures” and letting go of pressure

52:00 – Balancing homeschooling with a baby at home

58:00 – Encouragement for new moms + finding time for yourself

🔗 Resources & Links

* Connect with Kelsey on Instagram and Pinterest

* Check out Kelsey’s TPT store: Kitchen Table Learners Shop

* Devotional mentioned: How Great is Our God by Louie Giglio

* Homeschool coach mentioned: Christina Carpenter on TikTok and Instagram

* Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool

* Subscribe on Apple | Spotify | Substack

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

What happens when a passionate teacher leaves the classroom to homeschool her own children?

In this episode, I sit down with JeTua Amos, a former middle school science teacher and now homeschool mom of four boys, ages 12–19. Since 2013, she’s been creating an eclectic but intentional homeschool rooted in planning, flexibility, and community. Along the way, she founded Amos Homeschool Consulting, where she helps families with planning, documentation, and transcripts.

You’ll hear:

* Why JeTua left teaching to homeschool her boys

* How she made the transition from traditional to eclectic homeschooling

* The role of planning, binders, and record-keeping in her success

* How she built community through co-ops, sports, and local groups

* Practical advice for high school transcripts, portfolios, and college prep

* Her journey starting Amos Homeschool Consulting and balancing it with family life

About JeTua:

JeTua Amos is a Mississippi native, devoted wife, and proud mother of four boys. A former middle school science educator, she made the bold decision to leave the classroom and homeschool her children. Today, she shares her inspiring journey—one filled with faith, family, and a passion for empowering other homeschool families to thrive.

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome & JeTua’s introduction

02:00 – From middle school science teacher to homeschool mom

06:00 – Why she left the classroom for homeschooling

10:00 – Transitioning her kids out of public school

15:00 – Building community and finding activities in Mississippi

20:00 – Planning with binders, pacing guides, and DiscoveryK12

26:00 – Creating transcripts and preparing for dual enrollment/college

32:00 – The importance of documentation and portfolios

38:00 – Flexibility, freedom, and balancing planning with real life

44:00 – Founding Amos Homeschool Consulting

52:00 – Encouragement for moms just starting out

🔗 Resources & Links

* Connect with JeTua on Tiktok

* Check out Amos Homeschool Consulting to get support for academic planning, transcripts, and coaching

* Discovery K12 – free online homeschool curriculum JeTua recommends

* CHEC (Christian Home Educators Connection) – Mississippi homeschool community group

* Khan Academy – free online lessons and videos on YouTube

* Gizmoa Schedule Maker – free tool for building weekly homeschool schedules

* Follow me: @theorganizedhomeschool

* Listen & subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Substack

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

What happens when a seasoned educator decides the school system no longer aligns with her values—and chooses to homeschool instead?

In this episode, I talk with Angela McDonald, a former teacher and consultant turned homeschool mom, about her decision to homeschool her 9-year-old daughter Hazel. Angela shares how she shifted from a boxed curriculum to teaching through life experiences, how she organizes lessons with skill-based planning, and the role of faith and obedience in her journey.

You’ll hear:

* Why Angela chose to leave the traditional school system behind

* How she balances structure with freedom in her homeschool days

* Practical ways she organizes lessons around everyday life (from baking to gardening to Hallmark movies!)

* What deschooling has looked like for her as both a teacher and a mom

* How faith and God’s timing guide her family and her business, Growing Greatness Homeschool

✨ Listen in and be encouraged that homeschooling doesn’t have to fit in a box—it can be full of freedom, faith, and real life.

About Angela:

School leader turned homeschool mom. We use real life as the curriculum. No busywork, just skills that matter. Helping families make learning simple, joyful, and real.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & Angela’s background in education

04:00 – Why she chose to homeschool Hazel after 15 years in schools

06:00 – Breaking cycles & seeing school for what it was designed to do

10:00 – How her daughter adjusted & found her voice again

14:00 – A peek into their daily rhythm (Bible, workouts, gardening, baking, lessons)

20:00 – Teaching ELA with Hallmark movies & real-life writing

24:00 – How she uses skill-based guides instead of boxed curriculum

28:00 – Organization: binders, standards checklists, and weekly planning

34:00 – Freedom, deschooling, and blending best practices with real life

39:00 – Building community & finding support beyond school walls

44:00 – God’s timing, faith, and the story that changed everything

53:00 – Growing Greatness Homeschool: her mission & resources for families

1:02:00 – Final encouragement + where to connect with Angela

🔗 Resources & Links

* Check out Angela’s website Growing Greatness Homeschool

* Follow Angela on Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube

* Recommended resource: Angela’s free standards checklist (on her site)

* Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool

* Listen & subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Substack

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

What does it look like to go from military life to homeschooling, homesteading, and holistic health coaching?

In this episode of Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool, I chat with Shanielle Pabon, a Marine Corps veteran turned homeschooling mom of three, who now lives on 40 acres in Texas with her family. Shanielle opens up about her evolving “why” for homeschooling, the realities of homesteading, and her passion for helping other moms thrive in health and wellness.

You’ll hear:

Why Shanielle’s reason for homeschooling has shifted over time

What a simple 4-day homeschool rhythm looks like in her home

The truth about homesteading costs, challenges, and misconceptions

How she meal plans without rigid routines

Her work as a health coach, and how she supports women in creating sustainable healthy lifestyles

About Shanielle:

I’m a homeschooling mom of three, a certified health coach and personal trainer passionate about helping families embrace natural living, and a homesteader working to build a more sustainable lifestyle for my family. I’m also a landlord and small business owner, which keeps life full and interesting! I love encouraging other moms to find confidence in carving their own path—whether it’s through homeschooling, prioritizing family wellness, or creating streams of income from home.

00:00 – Welcome & Shanielle’s introduction

02:00 – From Marine Corps veteran to homeschooling mom of three

04:00 – Her “why” for homeschooling: how it started vs. what it is now

06:00 – A typical homeschool week: keeping it simple with ELA & math focus

10:00 – Planning lessons intuitively + curriculum choices

12:00 – The reality of homesteading vs. the Instagram version

16:00 – Costs, challenges, and lessons learned from 40 acres of land

20:00 – Moving from suburbs to homestead: what changed for her family

26:00 – Why homesteading is not always cheaper (and what no one tells you)

31:00 – Shanielle’s journey into holistic health coaching

38:00 – How nutrition, fitness, and preventative care support moms

46:00 – Balancing (or juggling) homeschooling, homesteading, and business

53:00 – Meal planning and prepping the realistic way

1:05:00 – Encouragement for moms who feel overwhelmed

Resources & Links

* Connect with Shanielle @trueaurahealing on Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube

* Visit Shanielle's website at True Aura Healing

* Follow me: @theorganizedhomeschool

* Listen & subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Substack

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com