FREE Lectures

10:15-10:45 AM
1) “Private, Public, or Homeschool? What’s Your Best Fit?”
Speaker: Jessica Freeburne

2) “Developing Gritty Kids: Why Does It Matter?”
Speaker: Susan D’Souza
Susan D’Souza has been teaching children and adults for 22 years, both across the US and abroad. Besides educating her own children (among others), she has provided training in Singaporean math and science pedagogy to teachers and administrators since 2011. Susan has a passion for teaching children to think and persevere through solving tough problems. She would like to see all students develop the tenacity and confidence they need to solve whatever problems they face in life.

​3) “Special Education From Both Sides of the Table”
This lecture will discuss some practical tips gained from experiences as a parent of a child with special needs as well as a special education provider in public schools.
Speaker: Rebecca Haake
Rebecca is a school-based speech therapist and mother of Kerwin who is deaf and has cerebral palsy and Abigail who has autism. She and her husband Mike love to attend UK football games and support the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission in whatever way they can.
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11:00-11:45 AM

1) “Fun, Free Family Activities In Central Kentucky”
Learn all about great ways to enjoy Central Kentucky for FREE! Explore the resources available on www.lexfun4kids.com so you can always find ways to have fun for all ages. From historical spots like McConnell Springs, outdoor fun spots like Raven Run, kids eat free nights, educational events, and more! Betsy will have the scoop on all the fun going on year round in the Bluegrass.
Speaker: Betsy Waters, Founder of LexFun4Kids
Betsy Waters is a Lexingtonian from birth and loves exploring the Bluegrass with her husband and two sons (9 and 11). This love for fun led her to create Lex Fun 4 Kids. She taught elementary school for 6 1/2 years before becoming a stay at home mom and working as Director of a local Mother’s Day Out and Preschool program for 8 years while her children were little. Betsy created www.lexfun4kids.com to share all the fun going on in Lexington and surrounding areas with families. She also serves at a PTA President and enjoys being active with her sons’ schools.
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2) “Fayette County Public School’s Magnet, Gifted, and Special Academic Programs”
Participants will receive a brief overview of all the special programs Fayette County Public Schools has to offer. The goal of the session is to inform parents and community members about a variety of education options in our school district.
Speaker: Dr. Michael Dailey
Dr. Michael D. Dailey is the Associate Director for Student Achievement and Support. Specifically, Dr. Dailey leads the Federal, State, and Magnet Programs for Fayette County Public Schools. The services offered through the aforementioned office include: Gifted/Talented and English Language Learning Services, Magnet and Special Academic Programs, as well as the facilitation of the Migrant Education Services. Michael joined the Fayette County Public School family after 13 years with the Kentucky Department of Education.
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3) “Strengthen the Brain: Overcome Learning Challenges in Creative Ways”
Come find out how movement and games can help strengthen your child’s brain and lead them to success! Learn about cognitive skills, such as memory and attention, as well as executive function and more. Learn to recognize weaknesses and their effect on learning and how to improve these skills through fun exercises. Parents will leave with knowledge and tools to help their students improve their brain and succeed in school!
​Speaker: Laurie Geary, Yellow Wood Tutoring
A graduate of Asbury University, Laurie Geary began Yellow Wood Tutoring in 2013 as a way to meet the needs of students who were not thriving in a traditional academic setting. She is certified in Equipping Minds cognitive therapy program and is currently pursuing certification as an educational therapist. Her trainings as well as experience being homeschooled and teaching in a private school before starting Yellow Wood Tutoring gives her a unique perspective on educational options. She strives to help student find success in school by helping them gain skills needed through cognitive therapy and more.
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4) “The Wonder of Play in Early Education”
Speaker: Waterstone Christian Academy

12:00-12:45 PM

1) “The Many Faces of School Anxiety”
Anxiety comes in many shapes, sizes, and forms. It can be a subtle, inner battle within a child’s mind or a roaring volcano. In our talk, we will address the signs and symptoms of anxiety, the educational impact and practical ways to help relieve anxiety in your child.
Speaker: Joan Miller, Becky Host, and Jennie McKindles from The Provision School

2) “Intro to Homeschooling”
Could homeschooling be right for your family? There are many different types of people who homeschool, and there are many different ways to homeschool your children. Come and hear about some of the different homeschooling styles, options that are available in Central KY, and legal requirements for the state of Kentucky.
Speaker: Claire Hanssen
Claire and her husband Jim have four kids ages 13, 12, 10, and 8. They have homeschooled them using a classical model since the beginning. Claire taught elementary school in Lexington’s public school system before staying home with her children. Their family enjoys being part of Big Blue Nation and the Horse Capital of the World!

3) “Gameschooling: Using Games to Enhance Learning”
Speaker: Hilary Fiskeaux

4) “Investing in Community: Family Volunteering in the Bluegrass”
Speaker: Jillian Pyatte

1:00-1:45 PM

1) “From Chore to Champ: Transform Your Math Students with Two Techniques from Singapore”
Speaker: Susan D’Souza
Susan D’Souza has been teaching children and adults for 22 years, both across the US and abroad. Besides educating her own children (among others), she has provided training in Singaporean math and science pedagogy to teachers and administrators since 2011. Susan has a passion for teaching children to think and persevere through solving tough problems. She would like to see all students develop the tenacity and confidence they need to solve whatever problems they face in life.
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2) “How to Develop a Long Term Study Plan for the ACT”
Keith and Kati Johnson founded The ACT Mom in the summer of 2015. Kati spent 4 years privately studying the ACT and training her son. His score increased 8 points and landed him a full tuition, merit based scholarship to Lee University. Kati delights in sharing what she has learned and has great success helping other students find scholarship money through success on the ACT. www.actmom.org
Speaker: Kathryn Johnson, The ACT Mom
Keith is the Spiritual Life Director at The Lexington Christian Academy. Kati has a Master’s Degree in Counseling and currently homeschool her youngest son.

3) “Parenting into Adolescence with a Biblical Perspective”
Speakers: John & Lori McIntosh

4) “Meet the Co-ops”
Join with us as we meet co-ops and homeschool groups from around Central Kentucky. Find out what is available for your child!
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2:00-2:45 PM

1) “Social Media & Internet Safety”
This lecture will cover basic ways to keep your family safe and highlight some major dangers lurking on social media and on the internet.
Speaker: David Hausknecht
David serves as the Director of Middle School Ministries at Southland Christian Church here in Lexington.

2) “Dual Enrollment and Earning Credit Before College”
Speaker: Danielle Miller, Asbury Representative

3) “Homeschooling Into High School”
This lecture examine local co-ops, transcripts, college entrance exams, and curriculum. Great tips for how to find help when you need it and how to avoid comparing yourself to others.
Speaker: Michelle Cochran
3:00-3:45 PM
​1) “How To Make College More Affordable”
Everyone knows that college is expensive. Is it really worth it? It there any way to decrease the cost? What about student loans? How much can scholarships really help? These questions and more will be answered during the “How to make college more affordable” session.
In the college admissions process, what you don’t know will hurt you.
Speaker: Kim Gardner, Class101
Kim Gardner, BA Western Kentucky University/MA Gonzaga University, is a college coach. Since she began Class 101- Eastern Kentucky, Kim has worked with more than 200 students on ACT prep, getting ready for college and how to be successful in college.
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Register to Attend
Remember, this event is FREE to the public!