Hi, I’m Amanda.
I’m so glad you’re here.
I’ve spent most of my career working with kids, supporting families, and trying to help students find success in whatever path they’re on. Along the way, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for education to keep up with the changing needs of today’s kids.
Becoming a principal was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. I wasn’t sure I could make enough of a difference, and I worried I’d lose the daily connections with students that I loved so much as a teacher.
What I’ve learned is that our kids are far more resilient, creative, and capable than we often give them credit for. They don’t need adults to have all the answers—they need adults who will show up, believe in them, challenge them, and remind them they’re capable of more than they think.
I’m also a mom.
I raised two incredible kids who had completely different educational journeys. One flourished in traditional public school. The other needed something different. Those experiences taught me there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education, and that’s okay. Every child deserves the chance to learn in the environment where they can thrive.
Over the years I’ve been a teacher, a homeschool charter school principal, and now the principal of an alternative high school. Every role has reinforced the same belief:
Relationships come first.
When kids feel known, valued, and connected, amazing things happen.
I also believe our schools can do more to prepare students for life. Academic skills matter, but so do communication, problem-solving, resilience, work ethic, and the ability to connect with other people. In a world where so much of life happens behind a screen, our kids need opportunities to practice being human—building relationships, working together, and discovering who they are.
That’s why I created A Home Grown Education.
This isn’t just a homeschool website. It’s a place for parents, educators, and anyone who believes kids deserve adults who are willing to learn alongside them.
Here you’ll find honest conversations about parenting, education, homeschooling, public schools, alternative education, ADHD, mental health, organization, and the everyday joys and challenges of raising great humans.
I don’t have all the answers, and I don’t pretend to.
I’m just someone who loves kids, believes in families, and knows that sometimes the smallest encouragement can change the direction of a life.
I’m so glad you’re here.
