Hi, I’m Donna
Homeschooling was an unexpected journey for my military family. What started out as a one-year plan "just until we relocated back to the east coast" became an 18-year journey. Two of my children have since graduated from Duke University; one is in Medical School and one in graduate school for piano performance on scholarships. My youngest is an undergraduate at University of North Carolina. Over the years I have assisted and counseled many families on the essentials of homeschooling, including transcript preparation, college applications, curriculum, planning a school year, test taking, learning to read, college essays, writing without tears. I have tutored both homeschool students and public school students K-12 and offer encouragement through-out all phases of homeschooling. At the request of a family and the public highschool, I homeschooled and graduated a senior highschool student in lieu of him dropping out. I also taught Advanced Placement (AP) classes after being approved by the College Board. Currently I contribute to the homeschooling community through a military social media site, freelance write, consult, and offer tutoring services.
MY HOMESCHOOLING PHILOSOPHY
– One Year at a Time
– To gain understanding and knowledge, you must always question and look beyond what is in front of you
– Learning should be fun and a way of life
MY BACKGROUND
I have a B.S. Degree in Criminal Justice, and was formally a Special Agent with a Federal Law Enforcement Agency. I have counseled juveniles, worked as a witness-victim coordinator for District Attorney, and pursued Master’s degree in Human Resource Management. Initially pursuing journalism, many of my works were published. Other past certifications and licenses include a Private Investigator’s License, PADI Scuba Diver, Lifeguard.
MY INTERESTS
I love teaching safety seminars “How Not to be a Victim”, which are tailored appropriately. Whether young children, or college bound students, personal safety is a passion of mine.
I love sewing, especially designing garments, making my own patterns, designing pillows, teaching, and repurposing just about anything. Sewing really is my therapy!
I love dogs, especially my Chihuahuas and Dachshunds. Showing and breeding Chihuahuas was an exciting adventure for our family. My daughter initially thought she wanted to be a vet. Although, we no longer show or breed, I recently acquired a beautiful standard poodle who I am training as a service dog. I love writing, swimming, collecting sharks teeth.
Most of all, I love the time I spend with my children and supporting them in all their adventures, like when they purchased and ran a (brick and mortar) Marital Arts School for 7 years. My son bought the Karate School at age 16. After he went to college, his sisters took over running the school.
Combating bullying and stressing the importance of education is another passion of mine. My early years of working for a Youth Shelter and interacting with kids who had difficult lives, and my subsequent career path impacted my belief system and how I view our youth. I believe labeling is harmful and too prevalent with our youth. I believe if a child has one person that genuinely cares about him or her, they can be saved. My hope is maybe more of us can be inspired to serve as that mentor they so desparately need.