WORKSHOP SESSIONS
9:00-9:50 Webinar Room #1 https://zoom.us/j/99703967722
Welcome and Keynote Speech
Homeschooling, The Whole Truth
10:00-10:50 Webinar Room #1 https://zoom.us/j/99703967722
All About Elementary School
Sue Puchferran
Join veteran home school mom and founder of HEED Adventures as she takes the mystery out of teaching your own elementary aged children. Sue will challenge you to think out of the box when it comes to teaching your children at home. As she discusses the science and statistics about what’s working around the world, you’ll learn what’s really important in the early years to see that your children flourish while developing both an academic foundation and a lifelong love for learning. Understanding both the “how” and “why” of homeschooling will give parents a new mindset as they undertake the privilege of teaching their young children with confidence.
Sue Puchferran and her husband Rick are Purdue University graduates in Bio medical Engineering. They home schooled their 4 children for 20 years. Their children are now working as an attorney, doctor, nurse and CPA. Sue’s passion is to share the principles of home schooling for success, while also reminding us that success is not measured in college degrees or awards, but in relationships. Sue is one of the founders of HEED and has been an academic advisor to thousands of home schoolers over the past decade. She is the author of the book, “Completing The Journey’ a high school, home school Handbook for Florida.” She and Rick are now grandparents of 3, which they consider their greatest accomplishments!
10:00-10:50 Webinar Room #2. https://zoom.us/j/96948894261
Success & Happiness in Life - The Handful of Essentials Parents Must Teach
Chad Richard
When it comes to life skills, that is, how to manage the important topics we encounter on a daily basis throughout life -- most of us have learned a lot of lessons the hard way. In fact, the training our kids receive & the way they learn to incorporate it into their lives will determine the overall direction they take, the habits they form, and ultimately the level of success & happiness they experience in life. Surprisingly, this training is rarely taught in schools or homes, but is crucial to prepare kids for life.
This talk provides you with a summary of 10 years of research by dozens of leaders & experts that will not only help you identify the most important topics to cover, but more importantly the best practices, tools, & secrets of success required to manage them well. Not understanding the essential aspects of just one of these can produce significant consequences that last a lifetime. (Middle and High School Parents)
Chad Richard is a leading expert in consumer understanding, having spent over 20 years in executive roles launching, managing, & building world-leading brands for companies such as Procter & Gamble, ADT Security Services, Sunbeam, Oster, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and others. A key part of his role was having a deep understanding of people, their lives, and their problems, so that he & his teams could develop solutions to meet their most important needs. However, the most shocking thing he learned was that the areas of life that were causing people the biggest problems, with the worst consequences, weren’t problems that could be solved by things people buy…
Instead, they were caused by people not knowing how to manage a handful of critical topics in life that are ultimately the most important to get right.
10:00-10:50 Webinar Room #3. https://zoom.us/j/93756318128
A Bachelor's Degree Isn't for Everyone
Lynn Fisher
Our speaker will take time educating families on current national and regional job trends, job demand and the associated workforce training and education opportunities that equip students to map to those high demand jobs outside of two and four year degree program pathways.
Lynn Fisher had the privilege of coming home to raise and home educate her two daughters after a long standing executive career in various industries from consumer products to software and IT training. The girls are now both in high school and are continuing their classical home education and beginning dual enrollment. In December of 2018 Lynn and her husband John purchased an existing technical training company of 11+ years focused on serving veterans and the military. Applied Technology Academy (ATA) continues to deliver superior award winning technical training with corporations, the military and the Florida National Guard. The key focus of their training is computer programming, networking and cybersecurity. Working with the CareerSource offices across the state of Florida, Lynn has become well versed in the need to develop a skilled workforce to fill the thousands of career opportunities in the areas of STEM and the skilled trades here in Florida.
10:00-10:50 Webinar Room #4 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88676861334?pwd=clFqM3RtQU5NY3hsY3VUS0l3VWlkQT09
How to Get Started in Home Education (This workshop is presented in Spanish)
Ricardo and Ana Maria Bagnuoli
In this session we will go over the nuts and bolts of how to get started in your homeschooling journey with a strong legal, emotional, and spiritual base. Don’t worry we will make it fun and honest as well as empowering and practical!
¿Cómo dar inicio a la educación en casa?
En esta sesión hablaremos de los detalles de cómo iniciar un sistema educativo en el hogar con una base legal, emocional y espiritual sólida. ¡No se preocupen! Será un tiempo entretenido y al mismo tiempo práctico y sincero donde obtendrán la capacitación necesaria para comenzar bien.
Ricardo and Ana Maria Bagnuoli
Ricardo Bagnuoli was born in Montevideo, Uruguay and Ana María in Bogotá, Colombia; they moved to the United States more than 15 years ago and have been homeschooling for the past 8 years. They are international speakers in the Hispanic community reaching over 12 countries with their parenting trainings and founders of Transitioned, a non-profit organization that focuses on guiding, equipping and training Hispanic families in their transition to home education. Ricardo and Ana are also the founders of Kingdom Kids Camp, a faith-based program dedicated to teach children 5 to 10 years old about entrepreneurship and life skills. They are passionate about education, family, and faith. Ana María has a Master's Degree in Family Counseling, a Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design and a Postgraduate Degree in Business Administration. Ricardo has a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Education and has been an entrepreneur for more than 25 years. They are both ordained ministers in the United States. Ana and Ricardo enjoy watching other families grow and succeed in life, they like to cook, read, write, and go camping as a family.
Ricardo Bagnuoli nació en Montevideo, Uruguay y Ana María en Bogotá, Colombia se mudaron a los Estados Unidos hace más de 15 años y han estado educando en casa durante los últimos 8 años. Son oradores internacionales en la comunidad hispana llegando a más de 12 países con sus capacitaciones para padres y fundadores de Transitioned, una organización sin fines de lucro que se enfoca en guiar, equipar y capacitar a las familias hispanas en su transición a la educación en el hogar. Además son fundadores del campamento para niños Kingdom Kids, un campamento dedicado a instruir a niños de 5 a 10 años en emprendimiento y principios de vida bíblicos. Les apasiona la educación, la familia y la fe. Ana María tiene una Maestría en Consejería Familiar, una Licenciatura en Diseño de Interiores y un Posgrado en Administración de Empresas. Ricardo tiene una Licenciatura en Educación Cristiana y ha sido emprendedor por más de 25 años. Ambos son ministros ordenados en los Estados Unidos. Ellos disfrutan servir a otras familias, les gusta cocinar, leer, escribir e ir de campamento en familia.
11:00-11:50 Webinar Room #1 https://zoom.us/j/99703967722
Home Schooling Through High School & Debt Free College
Sue Puchferran
For 16 years, Sue Puchferran has served as a high school advisor to thousands of homeschoolers on into their college or careers. This “how to” workshop will take the mystery out of these years and empower parents to educate their children at home with confidence. This session will be packed with practical steps for homeschooling parents to help them with classes, grades, transcripts, testing, college applications, sports, and scholarships. You CAN homeschool with confidence and complete the journey well. Sue’s book, “Completing the Journey “ is available on the Expo website for a donation to the Florida Homeschool lobbyist, Brenda Dickenson who founded the Home Education Foundation.
Sue Puchferran and her husband Rick are Purdue University graduates in Bio medical Engineering. They home schooled their 4 children for 20 years. Their children are now working as an attorney, doctor, nurse and CPA. Sue’s passion is to share the principles of home schooling for success, while also reminding us that success is not measured in college degrees or awards, but in relationships. Sue is one of the founders of HEED and has been an academic advisor to thousands of home schoolers over the past decade. She is the author of the book, “Completing The Journey’ a high school, home school Handbook for Florida.” She and Rick are now grandparents of 3, which they consider their greatest accomplishments!
11:00-11:50 Webinar Room #2. https://zoom.us/j/96948894261
You CAN Homeschool Your Child With Special Needs: The Power of Loving and Believing
Sheri Taylor
Did you know that the human brain is the most modifiable organ in the human body? Because of the brain's wonderful design, we know that our special needs children can make significant progress. Believing this fact about your child makes all the difference! This talk will discuss how you can turn your love, passion, and belief into workable solutions. Many unique and outside the mainstream resources will be presented to help you decide what will best help your child to thrive in a homeschooling environment.
Sheri Taylor is 28 year veteran of homeschooling, a Florida State Certified Teacher who taught public school for three years, a homeschool evaluator, a Professionally Certified Educational Therapist with a Masters Degree, a Certified Dyslexia Therapist, a Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment Mediator, a Masgutova Method Core-In-Training, and a homeschool consultant. She has experience working with her own children and clients with Giftedness, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Dyslexia, Asperger's, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Adoption Issues, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Rage Disorder. She believes in getting to the root cause of a problem rather than just addressing symptoms. She did not find answers in the mainstream medical or educational world. She thrives on helping those who are at wit's end find unique solutions for their children... “because I have been there with my own children!” Because of her successes and her desire to help others, Sheri founded Uniquely Taylored Educational Consulting in 2015. http://www.uteconsulting.com
11:00-11:50 Webinar Room #3. https://zoom.us/j/93756318128
Starting Points, Six Steps to Legally Homeschool in Florida
Tracy Pons
Do I need to withdraw my student from their current school? How do I let the county know I am homeschooling? What records must I keep? These questions and more will be answered for those families just getting started.
Tracy Pons and her husband have been officially homeschooling for eight years. She serves as the secretary for the Florida Parent Educators Association(FPEA) and helps homeschoolers in her district, including Broward, Miami-Dade, Collier, and Monroe Counties.
11:00-11:50 Webinar Room #4 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88676861334?pwd=clFqM3RtQU5NY3hsY3VUS0l3VWlkQT09
Homeschooling: A lifestyle (This workshop is presented in Spanish)
Ricardo and Ana Maria Bagnuoli
Home education is more than selecting a curriculum and establishing a solid schedule of classes, in fact homeschooling is a lifestyle where the family is challenged to work as a team, to encourage each other and accept different points of view. In this session we will share our testimony of 8 years as homeschooler parents. From knowing nothing about homeschooling to what has transformed us in the family we are today. We will share strategies and tools we have learned, discovered and even come up with to enjoy this lifestyle.
Homeschooling: Un estilo de vida
Educar en casa va más allá de la selección de un curriculum y establecer un horario de clases, es un estilo de vida que reta a la familia de múltiples maneras y abre la oportunidad a conocerse mejor, trabajar en equipo y también aceptar diferencias. En esta sesión compartiremos nuestro testimonio de 8 años como padres homeschoolers. Como pasamos de saber nada sobre homeschooling a ser transformados en la familia que hoy somos. Compartiremos estrategias de estudio y convivencia que hemos aprendido y descubierto en el camino y que nos han permitido disfrutar este estilo de vida.
Ricardo and Ana Maria Bagnuoli
Ricardo Bagnuoli was born in Montevideo, Uruguay and Ana María in Bogotá, Colombia; they moved to the United States more than 15 years ago and have been homeschooling for the past 8 years. They are international speakers in the Hispanic community reaching over 12 countries with their parenting trainings and founders of Transitioned, a non-profit organization that focuses on guiding, equipping and training Hispanic families in their transition to home education. Ricardo and Ana are also the founders of Kingdom Kids Camp, a faith-based program dedicated to teach children 5 to 10 years old about entrepreneurship and life skills. They are passionate about education, family, and faith. Ana María has a Master's Degree in Family Counseling, a Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design and a Postgraduate Degree in Business Administration. Ricardo has a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Education and has been an entrepreneur for more than 25 years. They are both ordained ministers in the United States. Ana and Ricardo enjoy watching other families grow and succeed in life, they like to cook, read, write, and go camping as a family.
Ricardo Bagnuoli nació en Montevideo, Uruguay y Ana María en Bogotá, Colombia se mudaron a los Estados Unidos hace más de 15 años y han estado educando en casa durante los últimos 8 años. Son oradores internacionales en la comunidad hispana llegando a más de 12 países con sus capacitaciones para padres y fundadores de Transitioned, una organización sin fines de lucro que se enfoca en guiar, equipar y capacitar a las familias hispanas en su transición a la educación en el hogar. Además son fundadores del campamento para niños Kingdom Kids, un campamento dedicado a instruir a niños de 5 a 10 años en emprendimiento y principios de vida bíblicos. Les apasiona la educación, la familia y la fe. Ana María tiene una Maestría en Consejería Familiar, una Licenciatura en Diseño de Interiores y un Posgrado en Administración de Empresas. Ricardo tiene una Licenciatura en Educación Cristiana y ha sido emprendedor por más de 25 años. Ambos son ministros ordenados en los Estados Unidos. Ellos disfrutan servir a otras familias, les gusta cocinar, leer, escribir e ir de campamento en familia.
12:00-12:50 Webinar Room #1 https://zoom.us/j/99703967722
Learn about The Amazing Benefits of Homeschooling In Florida with our Lobbyist, Brenda Dickinson
Brenda will speak on challenging your freedom - things all homeschooling families should be aware of. The workshop will cover free curriculum, district control, FCAT controls choices, Bright Futures, and school district virtual instruction. Brenda will talk about upcoming opportunities which may be open to home educated students and will answer your homeschooling questions and encourage you in this journey.
Brenda Dickinson and her husband, Craig, were pioneers in the present-day home education movement. She successfully home educated her two children from kindergarten through high school. She has served as an advisor, consultant and mentor to parents and has lectured on various home education topics. She became the President of the Home Education Foundation after the death of her husband in 1993.
As a result of her work on behalf of home educators in the Florida Capitol, home educated students enjoy participation in dual enrollment, Bright Futures Scholarships, music and sports extracurricular activities, the Florida Virtual School, and Gardiner Scholarships. She serves on the Florida High School Athletic Association Public Liaison Committee. Her work involves resolving home education issues between school districts and various associations. She has been the voice in the Florida Capitol for over 35 years.
12:00-12:50 Webinar Room #3
Navigating your Family Through Difficult Times
Kim Unrau
This session will not disappoint if you are in need of encouragement and the tools to continue each day during this crazy season of life. Pressures on families are heightened with the unknowns about our health, education, financial, social issues, and more. Come be encouraged and ready to laugh. In addition to being an incredible communicator, Kim has the tools and his own personal experiences through tough times. He has navigated life through the tragedy of losing his son, Jordan at a young age. Kim has a plan and strategy for parents to lead their families well, connect with their children and spouses and also administer their own self-care. (Kim and Darlene have lead the South Florida Radical Relationship seminars for parents and teens since 2004, and will be back in January 2021)
Kim Unrau & his wife, Darlene have been married for over 30 years which has required learning to communicate, resolve conflict, prefer one another and laugh till it hurts. Matthew, Joel and Jordan are their incredible sons. Kim’s work includes pastoring for 25 years in different contexts across Canada - large and small churches - as well as church Kim is CEO of Inspired Life Training - providing family, individual, couple and executive coaching and training in person to people across the globe. Kim and Darlene teach marriage weekends based on Gottman Marriage Seminars, providing research-based skills. Email: Kpunrau@gmail.
1:00-1:50 Webinar Room #1 https://zoom.us/j/99703967722
Let's Talk Curriculum with Moms Who Know
Angie Vassalotti and Giovana Cavaretta
Let us help you navigate through the many choices for curriculum. In this workshop we will discuss learning styles and teaching styles and how they impact your curriculum choices, as well as, share lots of curriculum ideas with you!
Angie Vassalotti is a homeschool mom of two boys Aiden and Elijah who are 6 and 7. She is a retired Forensic Scientist and blogger at Alltherandomness.com She approaches homeschool as
methodically as she did her work in forensics. She has an eclectic approach to curriculum because her motto is: “why pick just one?”
Giovana Cavarretta loves helping families to get started and to continue in their homeschool journey! She is a HEED instructor and she has had the privilege of homeschooling her 3 children for the past 18 years. She wants parents to know they can be equipped and can be successful in homeschooling their children.
1:00-1:50 Webinar Room #2. https://zoom.us/j/96948894261
The Best Options for Online and Video Classes, Co-Ops, Hybrid and HEED (For Middle and High School)
Sue Puchferran, Liz Barber
True homeschooling is vastly different from the crisis schooling many parents were forced to do last March. In this session you'll hear how online and hybrid classes can be beneficial for the right student. But which ones should you choose? We will give you the information you need to choose wisely to help your student learn best.
Liz Barber is a homeschool mother of 5. She has been homeschooling for over 20 years and has only two children left at home finishing high school. Her ability to overcome the many challenges of finding the right method for each of her children to learn successfully came through an endless amount of work and prayer. Come hear her perspective on the many different types of online learning and what will most benefit your student. Liz graduated with a bachelor's degree from Purdue University and a law degree from the University of Indiana.
1:00-1:50 Webinar Room #3. https://zoom.us/j/93756318128
Ask the Real Experts: A Home School Alumni Panel Reflects on Their Homeschooling Experiences
This is a favorite session among attendees. Come prepared to ask your questions and hear about what worked and didn't work in former students' homeschool experiences. You will be challenged and inspired.
2:00-2:50 Webinar Room #1 https://zoom.us/j/99703967722
Encouraging the Heart of Your Child Through Homeschooling
Rick Andreassen
The heart of Coach Rick‘s message is “God is faithful.” This workshop is designed to Encourage, Inspire, and Equip parents as they train up their children in the way they should go children haven’t changed but their childhood has changed go…”
Children haven’t changed…..but their childhood has changed!!! Coach Rick has a unique way of communicating from The Heart of God to The Heart of a Parent about The Heart of a Child! Coach Rick’s passion to see young people become all that God has created them to be will be sure to inspire us all.
As the founder of SAINTS of Florida Homeschool PE, Coach Rick has been encouraging homeschooling parents across America for over two decades! The pilot on the airplane says, “Put the oxygen mask on yourself before assisting others.” Coach Rick‘s ultimate prayer is to Encourage, Encourage, Encourage, and Encourage some more. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a seasoned veteran, this workshop is one you do not want to miss. Come and be encouraged!
Coach Rick Andreassen, Inspirational Speaker, has over 30 years of experience as a teacher, coach, missionary, and children’s minister. Coach Rick is a psychology major with an emphasis on “early childhood development” as well as three years of Bible College. In 1997 Coach Rick founded SAINTS of Florida Homeschool PE, a professional, accredited Christ centered P.E. program to serve homeschool children and families. SAINTS has expanded globally and currently serves over 10,000 children annually throughout five states and six countries. SAINTS ministry has been recognized by TBN’s “Spotlight on Ministry,” also by ESPN’s “Spirit of Charitable Giving Network.”
Coach Rick was given the honor to carry the Olympic torch for the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics to represent homeschool families around the world! Coach Rick received the “Heroes Among Us” award from the Florida Panthers. This past year coach Rick Andreassen was recognized as One of The top 10 People in the Country “showing God‘s love to others” by Carson Wentz, (QB of the Philadelphia Eagles) and his “Audience of One Foundation!” Coach Rick has also been inducted into the “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers,” a national recognition to honor the most respected teachers in our country. He is the first homeschool educator to ever receive this award. Most of all Coach Rick is know for his sincere love of Jesus. www.SAINTSofFlorida.com
2:00-2:50 Webinar Room #2. https://zoom.us/j/96948894261
Homeschooling Your Middle Schooler, A Rewarding Investment
Giovana Cavarretta
This workshop will discuss the beneficial reasons for homeschooling Middle School; goals for Middle School, curriculum recommendations and a “typical” day in the life of a homeschooled Middle-Schooler.
Giovana Cavarretta loves helping families to get started and to continue in their homeschool journey! She is a HEED instructor and she has had the privilege of homeschooling her 3 children for the past 18 years. She wants parents to know they can be equipped and can be successful in homeschooling their children.
2:00-2:50 Webinar Room #3 https://zoom.us/j/93756318128
Discover the incredible free tool of My Career Shines, Florida's Comprehensive Education and Career Planning System
Paula Crutchley
MyCareerShines is Florida’s comprehensive education and career planning system, funded by the Florida Legislature and available at no cost to all students statewide. Powered by Kuder. MyCareerShines features a suite of age-appropriate online tools designed specifically for Florida’s middle and High School students, enabling them to assess their interests, explore careers, plan for education and much more.
Since we launched MyCareerShines over 950,000 Florida students and residents are using MyCareerShines to leverage themselves into post-secondary education or the workforce. Highly customized for Florida, MyCareerShines includes evidence-based and developmentally designed career assessments, occupational exploration, education planning tools, school and scholarship searches, job prep tools and tutorials, resume/cover letter builder, and four-year education planning tool.
Paula Crutchley is a field trainer representing the Florida career planning system MyCareerShines powered by Kuder. Paula holds a Master’s in Business Administration and is a certified Career Advisor. Paula works with superintendents, principles, administrators, counselors, resource specialists, teachers and parents assisting them on how to guide their students/adults as they utilize MyCareerShines.
3:00-3:50 Webinar Room #1 https://zoom.us/j/99703967722
Emerging Technologies You'll Want to Know About, a Dr. Tom Tech Talk
Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), 5G, and autonomous vehicles are quickly surrounding us all. Let Dr. Tom demystify them with his simple explanations on what they are and why they're soon going to be a big part of your life. Dr. Tom will also answer your technology and career questions, or any question comprehensive of all human knowledge.
Dr. Tom Bradicich is a husband, former homeschool dad, Elvis impersonator, amateur comedian, and advisor to HEED. He's served as VP, General Manager, and Fellow at HP, a VP, CTO, and Fellow at IBM, and a Fellow at National Instruments. He was elected to the IBM Academy of Technology, the NC State University Alumni Hall of Fame, and named by CRN in the Top 100 Most Influential Executives and Top 25 Disruptive IT Executives for 2016, 2017, and 2019. Dr. Tom holds several US patents, and led teams to develop and launch over 35 computer, networking, and software products. He is an executive sponsor for the Salvation Army and founded the charity sockrelief.com, helping the homeless and children in need. He serves on the Board of Directors of the AI and software company, Aspen Technology, the University of Florida Advisory Board, and is chair of the IoT Community industry group. Follow Dr. Tom on Twitter @TomBradicichPhD and LinkedIn www.linkedin/in/tombradicichphd.