In 2020, as the world tumbled into the uncertainty of a pandemic, families everywhere were thrust into the uncharted waters of homeschooling. Yet, in our home, it was business as usual. As a dedicated home educator, I had always woven learning into the fabric of our daily lives, transforming every moment and every corner into an opportunity for discovery. But as the world fell silent, I found myself searching for ways to continue nurturing a lively and enriching environment for my children.
Determined to find a place where they could flourish both academically and spiritually, I embarked on a quest, exploring every educational option—public, private, and everything in between. Yet, the search for a school that was not only affordable but also radiated diversity and a genuine sense of belonging seemed almost impossible. We briefly tried a local Montessori school, but the teachings didn’t quite harmonize with our Christian values, and my eldest son endured a painful experience with bullying that left a shadow over his heart.
Then, as if by divine guidance, I discovered Charlotte Mason Community School. Stepping inside for the first time, I felt an immediate, almost magical connection. Every classroom radiated warmth and intention, capturing that elusive feeling of "home." When I entered the fifth-grade classroom, I was transported back to my own dining room table, where countless homeschooling adventures had unfolded with my children. In that moment, I knew I had found the perfect place—one where my children wouldn’t just learn; they would truly thrive.
Amidst my excitement, a shadow of worry lingered—how could I possibly manage the cost of tuition? With hope in my heart, I prayed for a solution, trusting that somehow, a way would reveal itself. As the school year approached, I reached out to Principal Moore, vulnerably sharing our family's financial concerns. To my surprise and delight, she mentioned an opportunity that felt like an answered prayer—they were looking for a kindergarten teacher. In that moment, my heart soared, and I eagerly embraced the chance to return to the classroom. It brought me back to those cherished years of homeschooling my own children—Elias, Eliott, and Elianna—my trio of curious explorers, who always met each new challenge with joyful enthusiasm and boundless energy.
My interview process was nothing short of heartwarming. I was welcomed by the remarkable team at Charlotte Mason, including Mrs. VanAndel, Mrs. Rice and Mrs. Sipley, who exuded warmth and genuine kindness. Their humble hearts and deep understanding of nurturing young minds left a profound impression on me. In their presence, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace, reassured that my own children would be surrounded by such capable, caring hands.
My journey officially took flight with an adventure to the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado, where I attended the Ambleside Schools International Summer Institute. Immersed in the Charlotte Mason methodology, philosophies, and pedagogy, I found myself inspired and invigorated, ready to craft a year of wonder and exploration for my soon-to-be kindergarteners.
The 2023-24 school year turned out to be nothing short of magical. While the world outside felt chaotic and uncertain, my classroom became a sanctuary—a place of joy, discovery, and growth. Together, my 10 little explorers and I ventured through stories of the Bible, wandered through the marvels of nature studies, and lost ourselves in the enchantment of literature, poetry, and fairy tales. We embarked on monthly field studies that brought learning to life, savoring the beauty and wonder that surrounded us. Each day felt like an extension of the warm, nurturing environment I had lovingly created at home for my own children, and I knew, in those precious moments, that I was exactly where I was meant to be.
For over a decade, I've had the privilege of working with a variety of organizations—health, faith-based, and educational institutions—where I cultivated my skills in strategic planning, communication, and fund development. This journey allowed me to partner with executive directors and boards, helping them transform their visions into reality and build lasting, meaningful connections. When the Board of Directors at Charlotte Mason Community School discovered my background, they extended an exciting opportunity for me to step into a leadership role in fundraising, marketing, and public relations.
By April 2024, I felt an undeniable calling to embrace this role, and the Board entrusted me with an 8-week trial period to prove how I could contribute to the school's mission. I seized the moment with passion, crafting a comprehensive strategic communication and marketing plan that breathed new life into our outreach efforts. It all began with a pivotal strategic planning meeting with the Board, where we charted a clear path for the future with 90-day, one-year, and five-year goals, each step rooted in our mission for sustainability.
From there, I introduced a dynamic point-of-entry tour and follow-up system, launched a vibrant 30-day brand awareness campaign that sparked excitement and increased our visibility, and completely revitalized the school’s website with engaging, beautifully designed printed and digital materials. I also organized a passionate community outreach team, amplified our online presence through a targeted review campaign that boosted ratings, ran strategic enrollment ads across social media platforms, and authored four successful grant proposals.
This whirlwind of accomplishments laid a solid foundation for our strategic communications, proving that with vision, dedication, and a heart for our mission, we could achieve remarkable growth and impact.
The summer of 2024 marked a thrilling new chapter when I had the privilege of launching Camp Wonder, CMCS's very first summer camp. Each week, campers embarked on imaginative adventures that sparked curiosity and creativity. Themes like “I wonder what it’s like to live in space,” “I wonder what it’s like to travel in time,” and “I wonder what it’s like to live on a farm” transformed our camp into a world of endless possibilities. The experience was nothing short of magical, with campers buzzing with excitement, their eyes gleaming with anticipation as they eagerly awaited the next day’s adventure.
As summer drew to a close, I felt a deeper calling to step into a new chapter, and in August 2024, I had the honor of being promoted to Executive Director of Charlotte Mason Community School. This new role has given me the incredible opportunity to blend my love for teaching with my passion for strategic growth, fundraising, and community building. While balancing both roles has been a unique and, at times, challenging journey, it has enriched my understanding and deepened my appreciation for every heartbeat that makes this school so special.
My vision for Charlotte Mason Community School is to cultivate a stable, sustainable, and flourishing educational institution—one that thrives as a Christ-centered sanctuary of learning. I am dedicated to nurturing an environment where every child feels seen, every teacher feels supported, and every family feels welcomed as an essential part of our growing community. Together, I believe we have the potential to build a school that not only imparts knowledge but also kindles a lifelong love of learning, guiding our students to become compassionate, curious, and confident individuals.
I invite you to join me in this journey, as we continue to grow, evolve, and keep the tradition of a Charlotte Mason Education alive. Thank you for welcoming me into this role. I look forward to walking alongside each of you as we create something truly beautiful together. ◼︎
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