10 am to 3 pm

Journey Church, West Palm Beach Campus

2341 S. Military Trail, WPB, FL 33415

The Palm Beach County Homeschool Expo is a day filled with information and encouragement for homeschool families or those interested in homeschooling. There will be workshop sessions and a large exhibitor hall.

PBC Homeschool Expo Schedule

8:20

Volunteer Check-in

11:00 - 11:50

Session II

8:30 - 9:30

Vendor Registration & Set-up

11:51 - 12:14

Break

9:40

Attendee Registration

12:15 - 1:05

Session III

9:15 - 10:00

Vendor Meet & Greet

1:15 - 2:05

Session IV

10:00 - 3:30

Vendor Hall Hours

3:00

Vendor Hall closes

9

10:00 - 10:50

Session I

Session

Times

Room 1

Room 2

Room 3

Room 4

Session I

10:00 - 10:50

Emily Eaton

Cindy Marler

Gabby Mancini

Kim Cozort Kay

Session II

11:00 - 11:50

Gaby Citelli

Cindy Marler

Candace Leon

Sue Puchferran

Break

11:51 - 12:14

Break

Break

Break

Break

Session III

12:15 - 1:05

Joelle Smith

Amye Still

Jason Crawford

Sue Puchferran

Session IV

1:15 - 2:05

Shila Garrett

Jen Reelitz

Jason Crawford

Rick Andreassen

Room

Session

Time

Speaker Name

Title of Presentation

2

Session III

12:15 - 1:05

Amye Still

Abide: Breaking the Cycle of Rush in a Culture of Busy

3

Session II

11:00 - 11:50

Candace Leon

Building Community: Choosing your People

2

Session I

10:00 - 10:50

Cindy Marler

If AI Can Write the Essay… What Should We Teach Instead?

2

Session II

11:00 - 11:50

Cindy Marler

Prioritize What Matters. Organize What Remains.

1

Session I

10:00 - 10:50

Emily Eaton

Academic Readiness in High School and College

3

Session I

10:00 - 10:50

Gabby Mancini

Brains Learning Differently: A Fresh Look at Learning Disorders

1

Session II

11:00 - 11:50

Gaby Citelli

The Ins and Outs of the PEP Scholarship

3

Session III

12:15 - 1:05

Jason Crawford

ESAs and the Future of Home Education Legislative Update

3

Session IV

1:15 - 2:05

Jason Crawford

The Spirit of 76 Quiz Game

2

Session IV

1:15 - 2:05

Jen Reelitz

A Yard You Can Eat From: Creating a Florida Food Forest

1

Session III

12:15 - 1:05

Joelle Smith

Education Outside the Box

4

Session I

10:00 - 10:50

Kim Cozort Kay

AI, you say? Not THAT AI, Arts Integration for all subject areas!

4

Session IV

1:15 - 2:05

Rick Andreassen

Encouraging the heart of New (and Veteran) Homeschool Parents.

1

Session IV

1:15 - 2:05

Shila Garrett

A Scrumptious Learning Experience for Preschool and Primaries

4

Session II

11:00 - 11:50

Sue Puchferran

Children learn through PLAY, Making Elementary Years an Adventure

4

Session III

12:15 - 1:05

Sue Puchferran

Home School High School 101

2026 Speakers Information

1 Title of Presentation: Abide: Breaking the Cycle of Rush in a Culture of Busy

Presentation Category: All

Overview: Abide: Breaking the Cycle of Rush in a Culture of Busy, invites audiences to step out of exhaustion and into intentional, Christ-centered living. Through biblical insight, personal story, and practical rhythms, this message helps listeners slow down, reconnect with God’s presence, and cultivate a life marked by peace, purpose, and lasting spiritual fruit.

Speaker: Amye Still, amye@gojourneychurch.com

Company Website: www.amyemstill.com

Vendor: Yes

Speaker Bio: Amye M. Still is Founder & CEO of Discover Freedom International and Co-Founder of Found Co., ministries equipping churches and believers to walk in freedom, find rhythms of rest, and live in their identity in Christ. With 25+ years in ministry—including roles with Joyce Meyer Ministries and local churches—she equips leaders through discipleship and resources. Amye is the author of Abide: Breaking the Cycle of Rush in a Culture of Busy and is passionate about helping people grow in intimacy with God and live out their Kingdom purpose.

 

2 Title of Presentation: Building Community: Choosing your People

Presentation Category: All

Overview: Is homeschooling just about looking for the right class or activity? While many parents enjoy the freedom found in bringing their children home, they are unsure if joining a group or community is the best decision for their family. Does community add to the homeschool experience? In this workshop, we will tackle questions every family should consider as they look for a community to call their own.

Speaker: Candace Leon, candaceleon@gmail.com

Company Website: www.classicalconversations.com

Vendor: Yes

Speaker Bio: Candace Leon is a mom and author. She has been homeschooling for sixteen years and is passionate about meaningful community. She supports families through her work with Classical Conversations and recently published her first book, Beauty in His Time, an immigration story of loss and displacement that led to lessons on faith, community, diversity, and God’s beautiful intent in it all.

 

3 Title of Presentation; If AI Can Write the Essay… What Should We Teach Instead?

Presentation Category: All

Overview: AI didn’t make writing irrelevant—it made bad writing assignments irrelevant. If artificial intelligence can turn a student’s ideas into a perfectly structured essay in seconds, what does that mean for the way we teach writing today? In this session, we’ll challenge long-held assumptions about traditional writing instruction and invite homeschool parents to rethink whether the assignments we’ve relied on for decades are still preparing students for the world they’re entering.

Speaker; Cindy Marler, checpalmbeach@gmail.com

Name of Organization; CHEC

Company Website; www.ChecPalmBeach.com

Speaker Bio: Cindy Marler is the co-founder of CHEC the Center, an educational center serving students in Palm Beach County. Her journey from a reluctant homeschooler to co-founder of an educational center. Cindy's insights and wisdom on choosing what works for families and communities are invaluable. She emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and the power of choosing what works for one's family while serving the community.

 

4 Title of Presentation; Prioritize What Matters. Organize What Remains.

Presentation Category: All

Overview: In a world of endless homeschool options, clarity is essential. In this interactive workshop, you’ll identify your goals for the year and be guided through a strategic process to organize and prioritize them. Leave with a clear, intentional plan that reflects both academic excellence and God’s purpose for your student.

Speaker; Cindy Marler, checpalmbeach@gmail.com

Name of Organization; CHEC

Company Website; www.ChecPalmBeach.com

Speaker Bio: Cindy Marler is the co-founder of CHEC the Center, an educational center serving students in Palm Beach County. Her journey from a reluctant homeschooler to co-founder of an educational center. Cindy's insights and wisdom on choosing what works for families and communities are invaluable. She emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and the power of choosing what works for one's family while serving the community.

 

 

5 Title of Presentation: Academic Readiness in High School and College

Presentation Category: High School

Overview: In this session, we will discuss three skills that, while often lacking, are integral to academic readiness in high school and college. We will also provide an overview of steps related to college admissions to ensure that your student is a strong candidate for both acceptance and scholarships for college.

Speaker: Emily Eaton, emily@educationnextsteps.com

Name of Organization: Education Next Steps

Company Website: www.educationnextsteps.com

Vendor: Yes

Speaker Bio: Emily Eaton founded Education Next Steps to serve as a personalized guidance counselor for homeschool students. She is a homeschool graduate, has a Bachelor’s and an MBA, and worked in college admissions for six years. Now, she assists students through Education Next Steps and as a PBA Instructor of Management.

6 Title of Presentation: Brains Learning Differently: A Fresh Look at Learning Disorders

Presentation Category: All

Overview: This workshop introduces the basics of learning disorders, helping participants understand what they are, how they appear in academic work, and how to recognize red flags. Attendees will explore effective, evidence-based interventions and practical accommodations, and will leave with accessible resources to support students.

Speaker: Gabby Mancini, DrGabby@GoodWaysGroup.com

Name of Organization: Good Ways Group

Company Website: www.GoodWaysGroup.com (under construction)

Vendor: Yes

Speaker Bio: Dr. Gabby Mancini is a clinical psychologist with extensive experience across diverse settings. Her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to brain health, emotional intelligence, and education. She develops interactive programs that make neuroscience and psychology concepts engaging and accessible. She speaks widely on mental wellness and brain health, reducing stigma through workshops, writing, and public speaking.

 

7 Title of Presentation: The Ins and Outs of the PEP Scholarship

Presentation Category: All

Overview: This workshop guides parents in using the Personalized Education Plan (PEP), explaining eligible services and programs, how to access them through MyScholarship and EMA platforms, and how to tailor their child’s learning experience. Participants can ask questions and gain clarity on maximizing the scholarship’s benefits.

Title of Presentation: The Ins and Outs of the PEP Scholarship

Speaker: Gaby Citelli assisted by Carla Justamante, mcitelli@sufs.org and Cjustamante@sufs.org

Company Website: www.StepUpForStudents.org

Vendor: Yes

Speaker Bio: Gaby Citelli is a Regional Manager for South Broward at Step Up For Students, supporting approximately 150 schools. With 30 years of experience as an educator, she works closely with schools to strengthen programs, clarify scholarship opportunities, and support flexible learning options valued by homeschool families. Gaby is proud to support a mission that strengthens schools while honoring parents as the primary drivers of their children’s education.

 

8 Title of Presentation: ESAs and the Future of Home Education Legislative Update

Presentation Category: Legislative Update

Overview: Review Home Education & PEP and answer questions people might have about what changes in legislation this year impact them. The differences in their choices, how the state might change it moving forward, how to protect freedoms and rights as it grows.

Speaker: Jason Crawford, Jason@FLHEF.ORG

Name of Organization: Home Education Foundation

Company Website: www.Flhef.org

Vendor: Yes

Speaker Bio: Jason Crawford is the Home Education Foundation's (FLHEF.ORG) new lobbyist and Voice of Parents in the Capitol. A father of four, his passion for strong families, freedoms and rights fuels his work. He joined Brenda Dickinson in Tallahassee in 2023, rebranding the organization, developing its online resources, and managing all communications. Jason is now stepping into his role as the New Brenda.

 

9 Title of Presentation: The Spirit of 76 Quiz Game.

Presentation Category: All

Overview: Join us to hear more about a kid’s engaging historical, trivia competition game in celebration of our 250th birthday of our wonderful nation, “The Spirit of 76 Quiz Game”. The James Madison Institute has partnered with HEF CONNECT (a nonprofit), to create this exciting challenge for youth and families. Period actors come armed with tidbits about Franklin, Adams, and others. It weaves together through the game. There will also be information about the Spirit of 76 themed Dessing Contest for The Challenge Coin.

Speaker: Jason Crawford, Jason@FLHEF.ORG

Name of Organization: Home Education Foundation

Company Website: www.Flhef.org

Vendor: Yes

Speaker Bio: Jason Crawford is the Home Education Foundation's (FLHEF.ORG) new lobbyist and Voice of Parents in the Capitol. A father of four, his passion for strong families, freedoms and rights fuels his work. He joined Brenda Dickinson in Tallahassee in 2023, rebranding the organization, developing its online resources, and managing all communications. Jason is now stepping into his role as the New Brenda.

 

10 Title of Presentation: A Yard You Can Eat From: Creating a Florida Food Forest

Presentation Category: Botany, Life Science

Overview: Turn your yard into a place where fresh fruit is always within reach. In this workshop, we’ll cover the basics of designing a backyard food forest and recommend the fruit trees that thrive in Florida’s subtropical climate. Learn which plants produce the most food for the space you have and leave with a clear list of fruits to grow at home.

Speaker: Jen Reelitz, jen@foodforestdiy.com

Name of Organization: Food Forest DIY

Company Website: www.foodforestdiy.com

Vendor: Yes

Speaker Bio: Jen is an avid food forest advocate passionate about helping others find joy in growing food. She is the owner of Food Forest DIY, a landscape design company, and the author of Food Forest Revolution. Jen was classically trained in political science and nonprofit fundraising, so the fact that she’s now a widely requested gardening consultant and speaker is hilarious. Jen lives in South Florida on a two-acre hobby farm with her husband Jared, and their three young sons. They have hundreds of fruiting plants, perennial vegetables and tropical root crops, along with a plant nursery, heritage breed pigs, and too many chickens.

 

11 Title of Presentation: Education Outside the Box

Presentation Category: All

Overview: There is another way! Not all students learn the same. This session will explore the nature of an individual student education plan and show how learning can bring joy to students and parents. Homeschooling does not have to cause parents to be afraid. There is a multitude of ways to learn- come explore them in this session.

Speaker: Joelle Smith, thelivingschooleob@gmail.com

Name of Organization: The Living School

Company Website: www.tlsedu.com

Vendor: Yes

Speaker Bio: For more than 30 years Joelle has served in the educational field working with students of all ages. Her journey began in upstate New York but was lured to Florida for abundant teaching opportunities including tutoring, public school ELA, drama, yearbook, and homeschool mom. She has a passion for students with unique learning needs, challenges, and those who do not fit in the traditional school mold. She homeschooled her own daughters and niece for 9 years and has been married to her husband, Daryl for 30 years. She’s proud to have founded The Living School: Education Outside the Box, bringing her students into the world to learn through experiences.

12 Title of Presentation: AI, you say? Not THAT AI, Arts Integration for all subject areas!

Presentation Category: All

Overview: I have been an advocate for Arts Integration for over 40 years. Integrate music, dance and acting in studies of math, language arts, and history. Florida history is SO much fun! A hands-on topic! Join me as we discover creative strategies utilizing performing art forms that bring academic lessons to life. Scripts and scenes enhancing Florida history as well as language arts, dance enhancing mathematics, and music enhancing science! Experience interactive activities, practical ideas, and classroom-ready approaches you can use immediately.

Speaker: Kim Cozort Kay, kcozort@jupitertheatre.org

Name of Organization: Goldner Conservatory at Maltz Jupiter Theatre

Company Website: www.jupitertheatre.org

Vendor: Yes

Speaker Bio: Director of Education at the Goldner Conservatory, actress Kim is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and Screen Actors Guild. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education in vocal performance. Kim has appeared on stage with Broadway veterans Charles Nelson Reilly, Hal Holbrook, and Richard Kind. She and her husband, Kenneth Kay, have collaborated on over 100 productions, including her one-woman show, Silver Shadows: Dark Side of the Mountain, earning the 2022 North Carolina Society of Historians Award of Excellence for Theatre Performance.

13 Title of Presentation: Encouraging the heart of New (and Veteran) Homeschool Parents. God is faithful.

Presentation Category: All

Overview: This workshop is designed to inspire, equip and encourage New and Veteran Homeschool Parents you have been called for such a time as this! The goal is to encourage, encourage, and encourage some more whether first time homeschool parent or seasoned veteran, this is one workshop you don’t want to miss come and be encouraged

Speaker: Rick Andreassen, coachrickandreassen@yahoo.com

Name of Organization: Saints of Florida Homeschool PE

Company Website: www.saintsofflorida.com

Vendor: Yes

Speaker Bio: Inspirational Speaker Coach Rick Andreassen is the Founder of Saints International a World-Wide Sports Ministry for Homeschool Students in the U.S. and also with Programs for Orphaned Children running in Zambia, Guatemala, Kenya, and Haiti. For over 27 years Coach Rick has been a Motivational Speaker, Children's Pastor, and Missionary. Coach Rick has a Major in Child Psychology with an emphasis on "Early Childhood Development". His greatest desire is to Encourage Parents and then encourage them some more!!!!

 

14 Title of Presentation: A Scrumptious Learning Experience for Preschool and Primaries

Presentation Category: Preschool/Elementary

Overview: Your first experiences with home-education (or a fresh re-start) should be delicious and do-able, generating confidence for you and the habit of success for your kids. How? With the best children's books, snuggle together-time, rich art & nature appreciation, and yummy exploration of history, geography, language, etc....all made easily teachable with the best-ever children's books, curated and ready-to-go!

Speaker: Shila Garrett, shilagarrett@gmail.com

Name of Organization: Living Learning Libraries

Company Website: www.LivingLearningLibraries.org

Vendor: Yes

Speaker Bio: Shila Garrett has been homeschooling her three children for 10 years and has a passion to make education come alive by creatively thinking outside the typical “curriculum” box. Her YouTube channel “Little Road Schoolhouse” brings families along on many of their educational adventures, pairing both road-schooling and home-schooling with living books, unit studies, and practical interactive approaches.

 

15 Title of Presentation: Children learn through PLAY, Making Elementary Years an Adventure

Presentation Category: Elementary

Overview: This workshop will help parents transform the elementary years into an adventure, balancing content with collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity, confidence, and connection. Through play and hands-on experiences, children learn to develop a lifelong love of learning. Backed by brain science and successful educational models from around the world, this model helps children grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Speaker: Sue Puchferran, Puchferrans@gmail.com

Name of Organization: HEED Adventures

Company Website: WWW.HEEDHomeschool.org

Vendor: Yes

Speaker Bio: Sue Puchferran is a Christian, conservative educator of 30 years and a longtime advocate for parental involvement in education. A biomedical engineer and veteran homeschooler of 30 years, she co-founded HEED and HEED Adventures, and serves as vice president of the Home Education Foundation. Sue is also a speaker, high school advisor, and the author of Completing the Journey, supporting homeschool families across Florida.

 

16 Title of Presentation: Home School High School 101

Presentation Category: Elementary

Overview: In this workshop, Sue equips parents to move from fear to confidence. She will tackle credits, curriculum, grades, GPA, NCAA, transcripts, testing, scholarships, college applications and more. With over 25 years of experience guiding families, Sue takes away the smoke and mirrors and breaks it down into ten steps that make sense. You will leave not only understanding the process but feeling empowered.

Speaker: Sue Puchferran, Puchferrans@gmail.com

Name of Organization: HEED/ Home Education Enrichment Day

Company Website: WWW.HEEDHomeschool.org

Vendor: Yes

Speaker Bio: Sue Puchferran is a Christian, conservative educator of 30 years and a longtime advocate for parental involvement in education. A biomedical engineer and veteran homeschooler of 30 years, she co-founded HEED and HEED Adventures, and serves as vice president of the Home Education Foundation. Sue is also a speaker, high school advisor, and the author of Completing the Journey, supporting homeschool families across Florida.

 

 

 

Attendee