Homeschool Expo
Date – Time
August 2, 2025
– 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location
Palm Beach Atlantic University
900 S. Olive Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401 US
Additional Information
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Greene Complex, 1100 S. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 3340
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.
Event Schedule
8:20 ~ Volunteer Check-In
8:30-9:30 ~ Vendor Registration and Set-Up
9:15-9:55 ~ Vendor Meet and Greet
9:40 ~ Attendee Registration Begins
10:00-3:30 ~ Vendor Hall Hours
10-10:50 ~ Session I
11-11:50 ~ Session II
Break
12:15-1:05 ~ Session III
1:15-2:05 ~ Session IV
2:15-3:05 ~ Session V
3:30 ~ Vendor Hall Closes
We would love for you to join us for the PBC Homeschool Expo on August 2, 2025. We are looking forward to a wonderful Expo. We wanted you to see our Speakers & Vendor list. Please feel free to share this with interested people and homeschoolers in your community. If you have registered already, thank you!
There will be a Blessing Table, if you would like to recycle and bless others by donating any books, we request you bring the books in a small box. We have approximately 300 story books for kids collected already.
Chick-Fil-A will be open!
Several Vendors will have a raffle at their table. All raffles to be draw at 2:30pm. Must be present to WIN!!
PEC will be drawing names from the registered list with raffle item, please encourage your friends to register online. You must be present to WIN!!
The 1st 200+ people to arrive will receive an event bag and a PEC gift!!
We have streamed lined event registration; all you need to do is fill out your name tag.
Directions: For those of you that are coming to the Greene Complex for the first time. Palm Beach Atlantic University has remodeled, The address 1100 S. Dixie used to be the front of the building. The entrance doors are now on the east side of the building. 1100 S. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33403
Parking is free in the PBA parking lots and the PBA parking garage. If you park on the streets, you will need to pay.
Expo 2025 Presentations, Speaker List (Organized by Speaker’s First Name)
Title of Presentation: Savoring Home in a Sea of Educational Choices
Presentation Category: All
Overview: Isn't being in programs and activities good for our children? What about socialization? This session will look at our time inside and outside the home. Why should we fight for the home in homeschooling? Can't homeschooling be done anywhere? While homeschooling has many forms and ways it can be executed, there are some lessons for which there is no place like home!
Speaker: Candace Leon, candaceleon@gmail.com
Company Website: www.
Vendor: Yes
Speaker Bio: Candace Leon is a busy mom with four kids in many activities. Her family has homeschooled while being involved in everything from story times in the early years to out-of-town soccer tournaments in the latter ones. She has learned that there is a balance to madness that allows for well-being of mind and heart. Candace oversees the Classical Conversations programs in greater Palm Beach County and is passionate about families building a legacy of faith and learning in their homes. Between juggling multiple schedules, Candace enjoys reading, birdwatching and chasing sunsets.
Title of Presentation: Dollars and Sense: Equipping Teens for Financial Confidence
Presentation Category: Middle & High School
Overview: This engaging, age-appropriate talk introduces the importance of middle and high school students learning the basics of financial literacy and understanding how money choices made today can impact their future. Let’s empower young people with the knowledge and confidence to make smart financial decisions and avoid common money mistakes.
Speaker: Carissa Werder, carissa.werder@checpalmbeach.
Name of Organization: CHEC Palm Beach
Company Website: www.checpalmbeach.com
Vendor: No
Speaker Bio: Carissa Werder is a versatile educator who loves learning and laughter. In 2021, following 20 years of experience in Broward County Schools as a middle-grades teacher and Induction Coach, she began her homeschooling adventure with 3 energetic students. Teaching Personal Finance at CHEC challenged Carissa’s money mindset and ignited an excitement to grow financial capability.
Title of Presentation: We need more options for alternative Christian education! Are you ready to launch your idea?
Presentation Category: Christian business owners
Overview: Have you ever considered starting your own Christian homeschool group?
If you’ve felt a stirring in your heart, maybe it’s time to take that first step. Cindy is here to encourage and guide you as you explore what it could look like to follow that call. There is a growing need—now more than ever—for passionate leaders to step out in faith and build strong, Christ-centered educational communities. Alternative Christian education is in desperate need of bold, faithful leadership. You don’t have to have it all figured out, just be willing to begin. Let’s walk this journey together.
Speaker: Cindy Marler, FCAFounder@gmail.com
Name of Organization: Florida Christian Academy
Company Website: www. FLChristianAcademy.com
Vendor: Yes
Speaker Bio: Cindy Marler was born and raised in South Florida and graduated from Florida State University in 2005. She launched a successful real estate career and became the owner/broker of CHEC Real Estate. When called to homeschool her three daughters, Cindy combined her business experience with a passion for education, creating CHEC Palm Beach—a unique blend of Christian school structure and homeschool flexibility. Today, CHEC serves over 400 students across two campuses in Palm Beach County. Cindy is enthusiastic about building Christ-centered businesses that support families and provide flexible, well-paid jobs for women. In 2026, she’ll launch Florida Christian Academy, a high school program that helps students earn college credit at no cost while growing in faith and community.
Title of Presentation: The Ins and Outs of the PEP Scholarship
Presentation Category: All
Overview: This workshop would explain the various ways parents can use the Personalized Education Plan (PEP) by going through the following: What are the categories of services and programs allowable for this scholarship? 2) How do parents access the services and programs using Myscholarship and/or EMA Platforms? 3) Answer questions may have regarding the scholarship and how to customize their child's learning experience
Speaker: Dina Damus, ddamus@sufs.org
Name of Organization: Step Up For Students
Company Website: www.
Vendor: Yes
Speaker Bio: Dina Damus is a seasoned educator and Senior Regional Manager at Step Up for Students, where she leads the Personalized Education Program (PEP) Initiative. With over 20 years of experience in education and leadership, Dina holds a Master’s in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Florida and is passionate about empowering educators and advancing equitable, student-centered learning.
Title of Presentation: Your One-Stop-Shop for Understanding the FAFSA and Financial Aid Opportunities.
Presentation Category: High School
Overview: Approximately $110 billion in financial aid from the Federal Government and $46 billion in outside scholarships from various organizations are awarded to college-bound and enrolled students each year. But do you know how to help your student earn these resources? In the last few years, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has gone through some significant changes. And the search for outside scholarships can feel like a blackhole. In this session, we’ll break down the changes to the FAFSA, discuss the various forms of financial aid, and share helpful tips for applying for outside scholarships. We want to help you capitalize on these financial aid opportunities!
Speaker: Emily Eaton, emily@educationnextsteps.com
Name of Organization: Education Next Steps
Company Website: www.
Vendor: Yes
Speaker Bio: Emily Eaton is the founder of Founder of Education Next Steps; a company focused on equipping students to take the next step in their educational journey. She focuses on helping students gain the knowledge, resources, and tools necessary to pursue their God-given calling. Emily is a homeschool graduate who attended her first-choice institution debt-free. In high school, she treated scholarship applications as her job and earned $133,000 in scholarships and grants. She went on to graduate with a bachelor’s in business management and a Master’s in Business Administration from PBA.
Title of Presentation: Emotional Intelligence and Learning
Presentation Category: All
Overview: This session explores how emotional intelligence enhances learning by fostering self-awareness, strengthening relationships, and building resilience. Participants will gain practical strategies to integrate emotional intelligence into education, empowering learners to understand emotions, deepen connections, and improve academic and personal outcomes through a richer understanding of how emotion shapes learning.
Speaker: Gabby Mancini, DrGabby@GoodWaysGroup.com
Name of Organization: Good Ways Group
Company Website: www.GoodWaysGroup.com
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.
Title of Presentation: Confident Kids in a Gender Confused World
Presentation Category: Middle School and High School
Overview: Gender Confident Kids in a Gender Confused World: Debunking some of the common myths about Gender ideology that are rampant in the culture. How to confidently and compassionately affirm they are in the right bodies in a gender confused culture.
Speaker: Jannique Stewart, janniques@gmail.com
Name of Organization: Life Training Institute
Company Website: www.prolifetraining.com
Vendor: No
Speaker Bio: Jannique is a passionate speaker on issues relating to sexuality. Her vast experience includes experience as the Director of a Boca Raton crisis pregnancy center and over 15 years as an apologist defending unborn life and providing a common-sense biblical response to gender identity issues. Jannique is passionate about helping young people and adults to stand against the lies promoted in our culture. She speaks to nearly 100,000 teens and adults at conferences, churches, high schools, universities, and galas across the United States. When she is not speaking, she enjoys international vacations, family time, taking cruises with her mom, and spending time with her 4-pound fur child.
Title of Presentation: Keeping Kids Mentally Safe Online
Presentation Category: All
Overview: Pressure to be on Social media, and the desire to get ‘likes’ and ‘follows’ can significantly impact self-image. Hours online (including social media and gaming) may expose teens to targeted ads, pop-ups, and friend requests that may expose them to LGBTQ+ ideology, mental health issues. bullying, porn and much more. In this session parents will learn about the 5 greatest online threats their teens face and practical steps and guidelines to keep them safe.
Speaker: Jannique Stewart, janniques@gmail.com
Name of Organization: Life Training Institute
Company Website: www.prolifetraining.com
Vendor: No
Speaker Bio: Jannique is a passionate speaker on issues relating to sexuality. Her vast experience includes experience as the Director of a Boca Raton crisis pregnancy center and over 15 years as an apologist defending unborn life and providing a common-sense biblical response to gender identity issues. Jannique is enthusiastic about helping young people and adults to stand against the lies promoted in our culture. She speaks to nearly 100,000 teens and adults at conferences, churches, high schools, universities, and galas across the United States. When she is not speaking, she enjoys international vacations, family time, taking cruises with her mom, and spending time with her 4-pound fur child.
Title of Presentation: Legislative Update - What's Concerning, What's Good, What You Can Do.
Presentation Category: Home Education Support and Lobbying
Overview: What has happened in recent years for home education in FL. What is trending on a national level. What you may not be aware of. What your rights are and how they are secured.
Updates about scholarship opportunities and legislative details.
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.
Title of Presentation: Walk in the Woods: Foraging for Wild Edible Plants
Presentation Category: Gardening/Botany/
Overview: Learn the basic principles of foraging and review the wild plants commonly found in Florida. Children will love walking in the woods, learning to identify leaves useful for food and medicine, and collecting snacks! Jen will also review basic food forest principles for growing food 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.
Title of Presentation: Parenting and Schooling with More Peace and Joy
Presentation Category: Elementary
Overview: Reduce stress and create an atmosphere of peace. Use a PEACE acrostic, improve communication skills, focus outward, and build A+ parenting strategies with “A“ words your child needs (approval, attention, adventure, accountability and 9 more). Sprinkle in joy to inspire lasting bonds.
Speaker: Karen Whiting, authorkarenwhiting@gmail.com
Name of Organization: Karen Whiting
Company Website: www.KarenWhiting.com
Vendor: Yes
Speaker Bio: Karen Whiting is a mom of 5 and grandma with one still homeschooling. An author of thirty-four books, and more than 1000 articles, former TV host of Miami Educational Television, international speaker, and writing and marketing coach, and researcher for Tim Mahoney Productions (Patterns of Evidence). She's also a survivor of more than one dozen natural disasters.
Title of Presentation: Raising Entrepreneurs: Why Every Homeschool Should Teach Business
Presentation Category: Elementary to Middle School
Overview: Discover how to spark creativity, confidence, and problem-solving—all while having fun! This inspiring and practical session shows why teaching entrepreneurship at home equips kids with real-world skills and a mindset to lead. Whether you are business-savvy or brand new, you’ll walk away with simple tools, a free resource to get started, and bold ideas to launch your child’s journey.!
Speaker: Kelsey Dickinson, Learn@TheCEOKid.com
Name of Organization: The CEO Kid
Company Website: www.TheCEOKid.com
Vendor: Yes
Speaker Bio: Kelsey Dickinson is a homeschooling mom of three, military wife, entrepreneur, and owner of The CEO Kid™—a program that equips children with real-world business and leadership skills. With seven businesses under her belt and a heart for faith-filled parenting, she empowers families to raise confident, capable kids through hands-on learning, biblical truth, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Title of Presentation: Empowered & Protected: Leveraging New Tech in Homeschooling While Keeping Kids Safe Online
Presentation Category: All Ages
Overview: This session explores how new technology can enrich homeschool instruction, ignite student motivation, and create immersive learning experiences. But, with great tech comes great responsibility. We'll also dive into how to keep kids safe online as they use digital tools for both academic and social purposes. From looking at the most popular apps and games, to protecting privacy, setting boundaries, and identifying online red flags, this session equips parents with actionable strategies to guide their children confidently through the digital world.
Speaker: Kortni Spaulding, Kspaulding@optimaed.com
Name of Organization: Optima Academy Online
Company Website: www.optimaacademy.
Vendor: Yes
Speaker Bio: Kortni Spaulding, Masters Education, is the Dean of Student Life at Optima Academy Online and a licensed school counselor who integrates virtual reality into her practice. Passionate about fostering learning, creativity, and social skills through VR, Kortni also trains in Youth Mental Health First Aid and advocates against human trafficking. A Lewis University Psychology graduate with a Masters Education from UT Martin, she enjoys performing arts, family time, and her rescue dog Maggie.
Title of Presentation: Family with A Mission
Presentation Category: All Ages
Overview: What if you can serve the Lord and share the gospel together in our local community? Join us to learn how we serve together as families in reaching children in our communities with the gospel. Marlene has raised her children serving in Good News Club. This has provided her with many opportunities for her to spend time together and train them to give the gospel and serve others.
Speaker: Marlene Diaz, marlene@cefpalmbeach.org
Name of Organization: Child Evangelism Fellowship Palm Beach & Treasure Coast
Company Website: www.Cefpalmbeach.org
Vendor: Yes
Speaker Bio: Homeschool Mom of 6 Children (4 of these children now graduated) PEC Leadership - 10 Years, Child Evangelism Fellowship - Good News Club Team Leader
Title of Presentation: A Scrumptious Start to Home Education for Young Children
Presentation Category: Preschool/Elementary
Overview: Your first experiences with home-education (or your 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, the snuggest togetherness-time, rich art & nature appreciation, and yummy exploration of the history, geography, language, etc....all made easily teachable, courtesy of "Five-in-a-Row." Come discover why this teaching aid is so widely praised. Because it's not only a comprehensive and fabulous literary/learning experience for young children (and super easy for you, parents), but also—even more importantly—builds a delectable foundation of “lifelong love of reading" for your kids' entire lifetimes. Plus, it will effortlessly launch “relational learning” in your home--with all your children together. What could be more essential to launch their entire learning career?! Your home will become a “greenhouse” for your children, in many beautiful spheres. Come find out! (For children ages 2-8+)
Speaker: Michelle Howard, LivLib@speedconnect.com96
Name of Organization: Living Learning Libraries
Company Website: www.
Vendor: Yes
Speaker Bio: Michelle Howard is a veteran home-educator, author, magazine columnist, speaker, home-education consultant, and librarian who founded and operates three "living books" libraries (including the first- & largest-known), lending over 73,000 rare, engaging, wholesome youth books. Her knowledge of living books is expansive, and she consults with others building such libraries. She also has written an award-winning literature-based, spiritually focused history curriculum, Truth Quest History, enjoyed around the globe.
Title of Presentation: From Homeschool to Higher Ed: Navigating the College Admissions Process with Confidence
Presentation Category: High School College Prep
Overview: College planning is a complex, multi-year process that can begin as early as 9th grade. This presentation covers when and why all college-bound students should take the SAT/ACT, how to find the right college fit for your student, extracurricular activities, essays, and scholarships. I'll conclude by offering three key tips to help keep your student on track with their college planning journey.
Speaker: Peggy Forgan, pforgan@class101.com
Name of Organization: Class 101 College Planning
Company Website: www.class101.com/
Vendor: Yes
Speaker Bio: Peggy Forgan is a dedicated college planning consultant and the owner of Class 101. She specializes in guiding students to build strong academic and extracurricular profiles, write stand-out essays, increase their SAT scores for Bright Futures funding, and confidently pursue their college goals—all while reducing stress for families. Peggy holds a master’s degree in special education from FSU and has many years of experience tutoring students with dyslexia, offering a deep understanding of diverse learning needs in her work with families. She is married to her husband, Jim, of 34 years, and is a proud mother of two married children and a new grandmother.
Title of Presentation: Encouraging the Heart of a Parent
Presentation Category: ALL
Overview: Coach Rick Andreassen is always one of our conference favorites! His joy and enthusiasm will be sure to encourage parents as you to “train up your children in the way they should go” **Children haven’t changed…but their childhood has changed. PARENTS: “we have been called for a time such as this” … and because God has called you, He will equip you!!!! Coach Rick’s sincere and genuine communication style will refresh your hearts as he shares *from the heart of God, *to the heart of a parent, *about the heart of a child!!
**On an airplane, the pilot says, “put the oxygen mask on yourself before assisting others”. This is one workshop you don’t want to miss…. Come and be refreshed!!! Coach Rick‘s #1 Prayer and goal is to encourage & encourage & encourage some more….. Come and be encouraged!!! GOD IS FAITHFUL!!!!
Speaker: Rick Andreassen, coachrickandreassen@yahoo.com
Name of Organization: Saints of Florida Homeschool PE
Company Website: www.saintsofflorida.
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!!!!
Title of Presentation:: Esports Through the Lens of Traditional Sports: The Benefits & Future of Competitive Gaming
Presentation Category: Middle/High School
Overview: Esports is often compared to traditional sports, but is it truly a sport? This talk dives into the similarities between competitive gaming and traditional athletics—teamwork, strategy, discipline, and dedication. We’ll also explore how esports can be a powerful tool in education, fostering critical thinking, communication skills, and opening doors to exciting tech-driven careers.
Speaker: Robert Eckert, info@x99lives.com
Name of Organization: 99Lives LLC
Company Website: www.x99lives.com
Vendor: Yes
Speaker Bio: Rob is an advocate for the intersection of gaming, education, and technology. As the owner of x99Lives, an esports and digital arts academy, he uses gaming as a tool for skill development, teamwork, and career growth. With extensive experience in visual effects, animation, and AI, Rob inspires students to explore the future of esports, content creation, tech and digital branding for education and future careers.
Title of Presentation: Let Them Play: A Bold New Vision for Early Learning
Presentation Category: Elementary
Overview: Discover how play fuels curiosity, creativity, and emotional growth, laying the foundation for lifelong learning. Letting children explore, invent, create, and pretend gives them a powerful start in school and life. Backed by global research, this workshop challenges failed conventional early education models and reveals how joyful, play-based learning can unlock potential and lead to lasting academic and personal success. We will share the practical application of this model for home schoolers in all subjects.
Speaker: Sue Puchferran, Puchferrans@gmail.com
Name of Organization: HEED Adventures
Company Website: WWW.HEEDHomeschool.
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.
Title of Presentation: High School Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Parent Workshop
Presentation Category: High School
Overview: This hands-on high school workshop guides parents through creating a personalized academic plan for their high school student. From course selection to graduation requirements and goals, you'll gain the tools and confidence to map out your teens’ path to success—and complete this plan during this session. Perfect for homeschool families looking to navigate high school with clarity and purpose. There will be time for questions throughout the presentation.
Speaker: Sue Puchferran, Puchferrans@gmail.com
Name of Organization: Home Education Enrichment Day
Company Website: WWW.HEEDHomeschool.
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.
Vendors
1251 Learning Essentials Academy
BJU Press Homeschool/HomeWorks by Precept
Brain Balance of Palm Beach Gardens
Child Evangelism Fellowship Palm Beach & Treasure Coast
Faith Builders Christian Academy
Generations Christian Homeschool
Goldner Conservatory at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre
Healing Melodies Music Therapy and Music Education
Home Education Enrichment Day (HEED)
Home Education Foundation (HEF)
Little Medical School of the Treasure Coast
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach International Academy
Parents Educating Children (PEC)
Pops Orchestra of the Palm Beaches
South Florida Fair and Palm Beach County Expo
Stress-Free Homeschool Coaching
The Treehouse Counseling Services