Due to fantastic response, most of our speakers have released their email addresses for our conference registrants. They are listed on our blog.

Maureen Stone -- "We are doing what is right for our children," and "We are using/taking college classes" -- is the wife of Kelly Stone and mother of five children and the grandmother of two.  At age 11 she told her mother she wanted to change the school systems.  After the birth of their first child, Meggan, over 25 years ago, Maureen read the book "Home Grown Kids" by Raymond and Dorothy Moore.  At that point she decided to change how she would school her children rather than try to change the school systems.

Maureen went on to graduate with an Elementary Education degree from Iowa State University.  She began home educating in 1990 with much joy.  She also began working as a supervising teacher for homeschooling families and has continued in that role for 19 years.  These families have been a great source of encouragement and motivation.

In the Fall of 1999, there were issues with the Ankeny Schools over whether Meggan, a dual enrolled student, could take college courses while in high school as could other Ankeny students.  The Stone family went on to overturn an erroneous state ruling that paved the way for future homeschooled students to take college courses while in high school.

Ed Dickerson -- "We are looking to the future, remembering our past" -- has served the homeschool community as a school teacher, principal, and administrator; as a Home School Asssistance Program founder and director; supervising teacher; and homeschool dad and grandfather. He is the current Lobbyist for HAIL, the Homeschool Alliance for Iowa Learners, with loads of history to share as an architect of the current homeschool law we all enjoy.

Mary Lynn Carvour -- "We are crafting through history," "How to comply with the law," and "We teach science on a shoestring" -- has a diverse background of supervising, evaluating portfolios, and proctoring tests for home school families for approximately 15 years. She has also supervised under HSAP's and been a consultant to match families with the best legal home school option for their style/personality. As a home school mom herself, Ms. Carvour worked to hone the fine art of creative teaching that serves to inspire learning. She has been consulted to plan high school transcripts, as well as tutor teach special classes and activities such as art classes, reading clubs, drama productions, Night of the Notables, science projects, and more. Her talks will be full of ideas you can use immediately and easily for all ages. eduem@aol.com

Kristie Karima Burns, MH, ND -- "We are exploring Waldorf" -- ran her own Waldorf school and runs a part-time enrichment program from her home and online. She runs a unique forum for homeschoolers called "The Health and Homeschooling Resource and Consulting Forum" where she answers questions on health and homeschooling for families around the world. All her services can be linked from www.TheDreamAngels.com, her main website. She gives a simple, clear explanation of what Waldorf education is. 

Amy Graber -- "We are unschooling" -- is a home school mom who knows the in's and out's of how to use unschooling, the Iowa law, and lots of respect with her two kiddos. She is a frequent poster to yahoo groups like IDEA and IAUnschoolers.

Debi Zahn -- "We are using Charlotte Mason methods" -- is a veteran homeschool mom of twelve children, ages newborn through high school. She brings examples of her Charlotte Mason homeschooling day. ddzahn@globalccs.net

Cathy, Julia, and YOU -- "We are Connecting" -- will be a circle discussion designed for fellowship and support. You can ask about finding a co-op, what to do with your second grader, if your family is normal, etc. and get feedback from your peers. You will not want to miss the exciting session.

Vendors presenting 45 minutes talks:

Sheryl Maxey – “We are teaching multiple children with success” -- has homeschooled for 18 years and used Usborne books for every grade level. She will share some great ideas about how to successfully teach multiple grade levels to several children at the same time.

Peter Sipes of Bolchazy-Carducci-- "Artes Latinae." Peter helps you assess your needs, then compares and contrasts different Latin curricula and books in a clear fashion, with honesty and from the perspective of a co-op teacher.

Katy Diltz -- "Go Political!" -- has formed HAIL, the Homeschool Alliance for Iowa Learners, to be a consistent lobbying presence at the Iowa Statehouse. Learn how to connect with your legislators on homeschooling. kdiltz@iowatelecom.net