Trinity Christian School is more than just an educational institution; it's a nurturing community built on the belief that a strong foundation in academics, faith, and character development creates resilient individuals. At Trinity, students embark on a transformative journey where academic excellence harmonizes with spiritual growth. 

The school believes that a strong partnership between students, parents, and faculty creates an environment where each student can thrive and reach their full potential. Emphasizing the biblical principle that "a chord of 3 strands is not easily broken," Trinity Christian School recognizes the importance of unity between families, educators, and the church. This philosophy shapes the admission process, ensuring that prospective students align with the school's values and mission.

Tune in to learn more about this unique schooling option!

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Trinity Christian School.
• What Trinity Christian School has to offer.
• Requirements to attend.
• A chord of 3 strands is not easily broken.
• The admission process.
• What Trinity is looking for in their teachers.
• The accessibility of the Hope Scholarship.
• How to get connected with Trinity Christian School.

More on Trinity Christian School: 

• Visit Trinity Christian School’s Website
• Check out Trinity Christian School on Instagram 

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• [email protected]
• [email protected] 
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram HERE!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

In today's insightful conversation, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kristen Adkins, an education consultant and former foster parent deeply entrenched in the foster care system. Kristen's journey is one of immense transitions, highlighting the transformative power of community, compassion, and finding one's purpose.

Kristen embarked on her professional journey as a dedicated medical professional, committed to on-call shifts that often stretched into weekends and late nights. However, the demanding schedule led her to grapple with the reality of being away from her family. Driven by a desire for a more balanced life, she pivoted towards education, obtaining her teaching certificate and passionately teaching for four years.

As a mother of four children, managing a full-time teaching job became overwhelming. The pivotal moment arrived when two of her adopted children faced challenges within their private school environment. Seeking alternatives, Kristen turned to a friend experienced in homeschooling for guidance. 

This encounter sparked a life-altering decision to homeschool her children, prompting Kristen to downsize her home to afford the opportunity to stay home and prioritize her family's needs.

Transitioning from traditional teaching to homeschooling opened doors for Kristen. She ventured into co-op teaching environments and eventually began conducting portfolio reviews.

Today, as an education consultant deeply involved in homeschooling and the foster care system, Kristen Adkins embodies resilience, compassion, and a profound dedication to the holistic well-being of children and families.

As we navigate our own transitions, her insights remind us of the immeasurable value in finding our community—a supportive network that propels us forward, nurtures our passions, and helps us evolve into the best versions of ourselves.

Episode Highlights:

• Intro to Kristen Adkins.
• Kristen’s journey through Foster Care, Adoption, & Respite.
• Homeschooling and the role it played.
• What Kristen is doing now.
• Finding your community.

More on Kristen: 

• Visit Kristen’s Website Here!

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• [email protected]
• [email protected] 
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram HERE!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

In today’s conversation, we are chatting with Dr. Norrine Russell, founder of Russell Coaching for Students. Russell Coaching specializes in helping students with complex ADHD. This may look like a very unmotivated teen who struggles with homework, organization, planning, and more. Their coaches are experts in providing services to students with multiple diagnoses.

Dr. Norrine shares about Russell Coaching, their method, trends in education, options, and so much more in this enlightening episode. She reminds us that, as parents, we have the freedom to make individual choices regarding each of our children’s education every year. 

Please join us for this empowering interview as Dr. Norrine dives into some of the most challenging educational topics we face today. 

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to Dr. Norrine Russell and Russell Coaching for Students.
• What are executive functioning skills?
• More about Russell Coaching for Students’ coaching model.
• Capitalizing on student’s strengths.
• Trends in education.
• Helping parents identify their options.
• Making individual choices for your student.
• Finding your community.
• Getting connected with Russell Coaching.
• What does We Have Hope mean to Dr. Norrine?

More on Dr. Norrine & Russell Coaching for Students: 

• Visit Russell Coaching’s Website Here!
• Find Russell Coaching on Instagram
• Find Russell Coaching on Facebook
• Connect with Dr. Norrine on LinkedIn
• Find Russell Coaching on Pinterest
• Watch Russell Coaching on YouTube

More on Love Your School:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• [email protected]
• [email protected] 
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram HERE!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

In today’s episode, we are chatting with Melissa Mohr, Head of School at City On A Hill Christian Academy. Melissa has been in the private school setting for 19 years and in education for even longer. 

City On A Hill opened in the fall of 2022 after Melissa and a group of educators saw a need for another schooling option and teamed up to fill that need. In its inaugural year, the school had over 50 students in attendance from grades K5 through 12. 

With classes capped at 15 students, the school is set to begin its second year in the fall with close to 100 students. With a four-day in-class week, Biblical integration is at the forefront of their curriculum. Fridays are utilized as homeschool days with enrichment activities to support what they’ve learned in class.

Tune in to hear more about this young and exciting schooling option!

Episode Highlights:

• Background on Melissa Mohr.
• How COAH got started.
• Logistics & class sizes.
• Overview of COAH beliefs & standards.
• What is a micro-school?
• Embracing the importance of family time.
• Every child is different.
• What hope means to Melissa.

More on City On A Hill Christian Academy: 

• COAH Website
• Find COAH on Facebook
• Follow COAH on Instagram

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• [email protected]
• [email protected] 
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

In this episode, we delve into the world of making science an exciting journey for families and students. Our guest, Scott Burns from Home Science Tools, joins us to explore the ways in which their company is revolutionizing the accessibility of science education.

Scott shares insights into the challenges students and families face in accessing quality science resources and how Home Science Tools is bridging this gap. From hands-on kits to specialized tools, they're empowering budding scientists and curious minds to explore scientific concepts in a practical, engaging manner.

Tune in as we discuss the importance of making science fun and accessible, the impact of hands-on learning, and the role these resources play in nurturing a love for science in students of all ages. Join us for a conversation that uncovers the keys to sparking curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of science among families and students.

Episode Highlights:

• Background on Home Science Tools.
• Hands-on learning.
• Core values.
• Diving into dissection kits.
• Making science accessible.
• HST’s hope.

More on Home Science Tools: 

• Home Science Tools Website
• Check out HST microscopes!
• Find Home Science Tools on Facebook
• Follow Home Science Tools on Instagram
• Home Science Tools on Pinterest
• Enter to WIN a Microscope!

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• [email protected]
• [email protected] 
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram HERE!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

When Mariah Burnley couldn’t find the right childcare option for her 9 month old, the opportunity arose to open her own center. Within her second year of opening, her husband was able to retire from his 90 hour a week job and work alongside her. 

We love Mariah’s story so much, and are so excited to dive deeper with her on the importance of early childhood education. We chat about quality of care, social & emotional development, setting realistic expectations for kids, and much more in our conversation with her.

We invite you to listen in and be inspired by Mariah’s knowledge, experience, and insight into this important topic!

Episode Highlights:

• Background on Mariah Burnley & Ohio Valley Learning Center.
• Quality of Care.
• The cost of childcare & waitlists.
• Weighing pros and cons.
• Social and emotional development.
• Setting realistic expectations for kids.
• Kids learn through experience.
• Things to look for when you are searching for childcare.
• Mariah’s hope for childcare.

More on Ohio Valley Child Learning Center: 

• Visit Ohio Valley Child Learning Center’s Website Here!

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• [email protected]
• [email protected] 
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram HERE!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

We’re excited to introduce today’s guest, Love Your School West Virginia’s new Executive Director, Buster Nicholson!

 Buster has worked in the public school system as a teacher and administrator. He had his own tutoring center, and he & his wife of 33 years homeschooled their children from 1998-2021.

In today’s episode, we dive into Buster’s past, discuss his hopes for the school choice movement in West Virginia, and his dreams for Love Your School WV’s future.

Buster brings vast experience & knowledge to our team, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Love Your School West Virginia!  Make sure to follow us on Instagram for details on our giveaway!

Episode Highlights:

• Meet our new Executive Director!
• Decentralization in the School System.
• Buster’s experience with homeschooling.
• Comparison is the thief of joy.
• Mimicking real-life in teaching concepts.
• Encouragement for parents.
• Looking for the positive.
• Buster’s hope for Love Your School WV’s future.

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• [email protected]
• [email protected] 
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram Here!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Welcome to Part 2 of our conversation with Virginia Walden Ford. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, we’d like to encourage you to go back in listen to episode 46 before diving into this episode!

Virginia Walden Ford is one of America’s leading advocates for parent empowerment. As a student, a mother, an advocate, and a grandmother, Virginia has spent her lifetime fighting to create new educational opportunities for children and families.

Fueled by her passion for educational opportunity, Virginia Walden Ford has inspired families, filmmakers, and lawmakers to make positive educational changes that benefit all American children.

Episode Highlights:

• Unity in the School Choice Movement & Education.
• Keeping emotions in check when facing adversity.
• The root of opposition to School Choice.
• It’s all about the kids.
• Don’t be too proud to ask for help.
• The HOPE Scholarship is a ladder.

More on Virginia: 

• Visit Virginia’s Website Here!
• Learn more about the movie Miss Virginia Here!
• Get Your Copy of Virginia’s Book Here!
• Check out Voices, Choices, and Second Chances Here!

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• [email protected]
• [email protected] 
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Virginia Walden Ford is one of America’s leading advocates for parent empowerment. As a student, a mother, an advocate, and a grandmother, Virginia has spent her lifetime fighting to create new educational opportunities for children and families.

Fueled by her passion for educational opportunity, Virginia Walden Ford has inspired families, filmmakers, and lawmakers to make positive educational changes that benefit all American children.

We loved our conversation with Virginia so much that we couldn’t bring ourselves to cut it short, so it is broken into two parts. Come back next week for part 2!

Episode Highlights:

• Background on Virginia.
• What got Virginia into the School Choice space.
• Becoming ‘The Education Lady’ in the neighborhood.
• Going to Congress.
• DC Parents for School Choice.
• The importance of advocating for parents and children.

More on Virginia: 

• Visit Virginia’s Website Here!
• Learn more about the movie Miss Virginia Here!
• Get Your Copy of Virginia’s Book Here!

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• [email protected]
• [email protected] 
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Kathie Hess Crouse serves as a member of the House of Delegates. She is a mom of 5, past president of West Virginia Home Educators, the first female athletic commissioner for the West Virginia Athletic Commission, and she currently runs the largest Facebook group for homeschoolers called The Unsocialized Homeschoolers of West Virginia. 

Kathie’s three oldest children graduated from public school. An unfortunate experience with one of her younger children’s kindergarten teacher caused her to pull him out of public school. She weighed her options between private school and homeschooling and ultimately decided to homeschool her two younger children. 

Kathie has been in the school choice arena since 2010 and has dedicated much of her time and resources to empower parents to homeschool if they feel led to. She believes that every parent has the ability to teach their children to love to learn.

Tune in to learn more about homeschooling options and get connected with helpful resources!

Episode Highlights:

• Background on Kathie.
• Kathie’s Children’s schooling experiences.
• We have to advocate for our kids.
• The Unsocialized Homeschoolers of West Virginia
• Being a resource for parents.

More on Kathie: 

• The Unsocialized Homeschoolers of West Virginia Facebook Group
• Contact Kathie: 304-533-6396

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• [email protected]
• [email protected] 
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.