About Me
Hi there! I’m a wife and proud mum of three amazing kids, all of whom I’ve homeschooled for the past 18 years. Our homeschooling journey started back in 2007 when my eldest was in prep. I felt a strong, almost irresistible pull to bring him home. Despite my fears of the unknown, I made the leap halfway through that prep year—and I’m so glad I did.
At the time, I had no clue what I was doing! Homeschooling wasn’t even on my radar until sending my five-year-old to school just didn’t feel right. I quickly realised that I didn’t want to replicate the school system at home. So, I dove into everything related to home education, in a time when finding information and support in Australia was seriously tough (hello, Yahoo email groups!).
I read what felt like every book and blog on homeschooling I could get my hands on. It was a whirlwind of emotions—fear, overwhelm, and constant questions: What if I fail? How will I know if I’m doing enough? What is enough? Add in the challenge of my child’s dyslexia and other learning disabilities, and let’s just say it was quite the rollercoaster.
After many trials and errors (and hours of research), I finally found my rhythm and confidence. I crafted a DIY homeschool that gave us the freedom, flexibility, and connection we craved. Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing (isn’t life always a bit messy?), but it was rewarding.
As I found my footing, I also started helping and encouraging other homeschoolers. I organised community groups and shared resources because I knew how crucial a supportive community was to my success.
Community has been the backbone of our homeschool adventure, and over the years, it’s been my joy to:
- Organise casual meet-ups and park playdates
- Blog about our homeschooling journey
- Arrange group excursions (from small groups to large outings)
- Host book sales for local homeschool families
- Plan homeschooling camps (from cozy gatherings to larger events)
- Create Queensland’s first large-scale co-op (and possibly Australia’s!)
- Run various co-ops, including my Tiny Co-op, which I’m known for
- Speak at the Australian Homeschool Summit several times
- Launch a YouTube channel to share more about Australian homeschooling
- Run a Facebook community of 6,000+ homeschool parents
Our homeschool has always been eclectic and DIY, and I have a passion for discovering and sharing resources that fit that flexible, hands-on approach. I’ve spent so much time supporting new and veteran homeschoolers, helping them feel inspired and confident.
In 2020 and 2021, I saw many families struggling financially and wanted to help. That’s when I started The Australian Homeschool Grants Program. It was an incredible experience, and I’m proud of how many families we’ve been able to help. Though I’ve passed the program on to others, the impact and connections I made through it have stayed with me.
In 2023, I decided it was time to create something even more meaningful. I transformed a Facebook community into what’s now The Homeschool Curriculum Information Association (HCIA). HCIA focuses on resources for DIY and eclectic homeschoolers, helping families find their own sweet spot in homeschooling.
Inside the community, we have incredible support from educational resource companies and hold regular info sessions on all things homeschool-related. HCIA is a thriving, positive place where homeschoolers can connect, learn, and grow together.
This next chapter, The Homeschool Sweet Spot website, is designed to share helpful reviews, digital resources, and inspiration. I’ve also launched The Sweet Life Memo, a free digest packed with tips, resources, and ideas to help you enjoy the sweet side of homeschooling. Don’t forget to sign up below!
Though my time as a homeschooling parent is winding down, my passion for helping families thrive in their homeschool journey continues to grow. Homeschooling is a marathon, not a sprint, and with the right support and encouragement, it can be a deeply rewarding experience. I’m here to help you every step of the way.