Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What do you do when you can’t find the homeschool or community your family needs?

You create it.

In this episode, I sit down with Vanita Wells, founder of Little Bean Learning—a nature-based micro school and virtual program that grew out of her own homeschool journey with her two young boys.

Vanita shares how she balances teaching, running a program, and homeschooling her kids—all while staying grounded in her “why.” Her story will encourage you to take the leap, trust your instincts, and create what you don’t yet see.

You’ll hear:

* How Vanita went from Montessori to homeschooling during the pandemic

* The systems she uses (calendars, baskets, reflection) to stay organized

* Why nature-based learning transformed her homeschool approach

* The vision behind Little Bean Learning and their upcoming retreat in New Orleans

* Encouragement for moms who feel called to create something new for their community

✨ Tune in and be reminded that your homeschool doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

About Vanita:

I'm Vanita Wells, the founder and educator behind Little Bean Learning—a nature-based early childhood education program rooted in connection, curiosity, and community. With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, my journey has taken me through roles as a preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher, and preschool director. Throughout it all, my passion for nurturing young minds has remained at the heart of everything I do.

Nature has always been a source of inspiration and peace for me, and I created Little Bean Learning to share that love with my community. I believe that children thrive when they are given the freedom to explore, discover, and learn through play—especially in the natural world. My goal is to provide engaging, hands-on learning experiences that spark wonder and build a lifelong connection to nature.

I'm also a proud wife and mother, and in my free time, I enjoy taking peaceful walks, baking homemade treats, and getting lost in a good book.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

02:00 – Vanita’s homeschool beginnings during the pandemic

06:00 – Balancing teaching, tutoring, and homeschooling two young boys

11:30 – Systems that keep her home and school organized

17:30 – Why she shifted from traditional to nature-based learning

22:00 – Founding Little Bean Learning and serving her community

28:00 – Planning lessons and organizing with “weekly totes”

34:00 – Building in support, rest, and reflection as a homeschool mom

42:00 – Tools and resources that made a difference (like Zearn Math)

48:00 – Vanita’s advice for new homeschoolers and future community builders

53:00 – What’s next for Little Bean Learning (retreat in New Orleans!)

55:00 – Closing encouragement + where to connect with Vanita

Resources & Links

* Connect with Vanita: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube

* Follow me: @theorganizedhomeschool

* Listen & subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Substack

What if the secret to a calmer homeschool day wasn’t a brand-new system, but simply staying ready?

In this solo episode, I share my new mantra for the school year: stay ready. From pepper grinders to co-op prep, I unpack how small, simple actions—done ahead of time—can eliminate overwhelm, reduce stress, and make homeschooling feel more peaceful.

You’ll hear:

* The simple kitchen metaphor that sparked my “stay ready” mindset

* Why doing small things now beats waiting until they pile up

* How prep habits (laundry, dishes, library books, homeschool materials) keep chaos at bay

* Real-life examples of balancing home, co-op, and homeschool prep in bite-sized chunks

* Why “stay ready” isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence and peace

✨ Tune in if you’re craving practical ways to feel less rushed and more grounded this school year.

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – Introduction: why this episode is out of order (and that’s okay)01:00 – The pepper grinder metaphor that inspired my “stay ready” mantra02:30 – How staying ready applies to homeschool prep, library runs, and ordering supplies04:00 – Housework made lighter: laundry, dishes, and tidying as you go05:30 – Slow mornings, presence, and choosing peace over rushing06:30 – Co-op prep: how jotting ideas early made facilitation stress-free07:30 – Bite-sized actions vs. overwhelming two-hour catch-up sessions08:30 – Bringing you along: sharing my stay-ready journey on social media09:30 – Final reflections + invitation for your own tips

What does it look like to homeschool and run a bookstore, and lead a nonprofit?

In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Anderson, a homeschool mom of four from Wyoming who is also the owner of Blue Mountain Bookstore and the founder of Four Angels, a nonprofit supporting families who’ve experienced stillbirth and miscarriage.

Jordan’s story is raw, real, and encouraging. She shares how she navigated starting homeschool during COVID, returning to public school, and then coming back to homeschooling with a new sense of clarity and purpose.

You’ll hear:

* How Jordan balances homeschooling three grade levels while caring for a toddler

* The inspiring story of turning grief into impact through her nonprofit, Four Angels

* Practical ways she stays organized running a home, business, and homeschool

* Why books and everyday life are her favorite teaching tools

* Encouragement for moms who wonder if it’s possible to homeschool and chase their own dreams too

✨ Listen in and be reminded that your homeschool journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s—it just has to work for your family.

About Jordan:

I’m a homeschooling mama of four in Wyoming making the best of our chosen path. I own a bookstore in our local town, run a nonprofit for pregnancy loss awareness, and strive to give my kids a hands on education.

00:00 – Introduction

02:00 – Meet Jordan: homeschool mom, bookstore owner, nonprofit founder

06:30 – Starting homeschool during COVID (and why she returned to public school)

13:40 – The challenges of public school and why they chose to come back home

20:00 – Balancing homeschooling with running a bookstore and nonprofit

27:15 – Jordan’s weekly planning and organization system

34:00 – Life and books as her favorite teaching tools

42:00 – Challenges and unlearning “school at home”

50:00 – Advice for moms balancing homeschooling with business or passion projects

56:00 – Final reflections + where to connect with Jordan

Resources & Links Mentioned

* Connect with Jordan’s bookstore: Blue Mountain Bookstore

* Follow Jordan on Tiktok: @jordan.paige.a

* Follow Jordan’s nonprofit: Four Angels (Facebook: @fourangelsnonprofit)

* Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool

* Subscribe to Voice Notes from The Organized Homeschool on Apple, Spotify, or Substack