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Workshop Speakers and Topics



​ 

These workshops are presented in no particular order
​and are for enrichment purposes only. 

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​Aby Rinella 
is a former public school teacher turned passionate homeschool mom. She walked away from the school system the day she brought her firstborn home from the hospital, after her husband reminded her that God didn't give them kids for someone else to raise them. She now has kids raning from high school down to elementary school.

As a writer, speaker, and podcaster, Aby seeks to encourage and inspire parents to prioritize the call of training up their children in God's Word and to stand on truth in a culture that has lost its foundation. 

She and her husband are board members of their state homeschool organization, where they encourage parents and stand for homeschool freedom. 

The Rinella family also runs a non-profit, "Called Beyond Adventures," where they take families impacted by disability on outdoor adventures, sharing the blessing of family, the value of life, and pointing to our Creator through spending time in His creation. 


In addition to three keynote sessions, Aby will be sharing the following workshops:

"Am I Planning God Out of My Homeschool"
Do you love to plan? Do you like organizers, rows, columns and checklists? Do you love to label and color code everything into neat little boxes? Planning is essential to what we do; it helps our days and years run smoothly; but, could it be that some of us become bound and chained to our ideas and plans and is it possible that we are planning God right out of our homeschool? Come and hear how we can put God back in the driver seat of our home and school and how to use planning to help us rather than control us.


"And They Want to Eat Too?"
As homeschool moms we are not just the educators in our home but also the cook, cleaner, diaper-changer and so much more. In addition, we play the role of wife, mom, friend and teacher; everyone needing something different from us. Often if feels overwhelming and almost impossible to do it all, let alone to do it well. Come join Aby as she discusses balance, priorities and practical tips to run your home and homeschool smoothly without losing your mind in the process!


"The Health Benefits of Homeschool"
Most of us know that Homeschooling has great academic benefits and is good for families, but did you know that the benefits of go beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic. In this session you will learn how you can use your homeschool to grow strong, healthy kids- physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

"Motherhood: Ministry in the Mundane."
Lesson plans, diaper changes, times tables, and dinner…again! Do you ever catch yourself, during the mundane days of motherhood, dreaming of more? Do you feel like the daily demands of mom-life takes a certain strength that you just aren’t sure you have? Do you ever look around at all the other moms and wonder what you are missing? Then this session is for you! You are guaranteed to walk away encouraged, changed, and ready to THRIVE as a mom and to embrace your calling like never before.


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TESSA JOHNSTONE is a homeschooling mom of 15 years and founder of Divergent Learning.
 
She lives in the Palouse area of Washington state with her husband of 30 years and the two youngest of her four children ages 15-24. After homeschooling her own child with learning disabilities, she was inspired to help other families going through the same experience.
 
She completed her degree in Special Education in 2018 and has trained as a Level 1 Educational Therapist through NILD. She now enjoys working with families and students grades 3-11 to strengthen the cognitive skills necessary to become lifelong learners. Find out more at divergentlearning.org.
 
 Tessa will be doing two workshops. The first one is “What are cognitive functions and deep thinking? We will talk about this and strategies to develop them in your student.
 
The second one is Teaching Math to struggling students: If tears and tempers are part of your daily math, I have ideas to help. I'll go over common difficulties, math brain stages, teaching strategies. 



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​​Ron & Jen Van Tassel make a great team! Together they have instructed multiple self-defense classes from early elementary up to senior citizens. Ron brings 20+ years of law enforcement experience and specializes in self-defense/arrest tactics. It’s their mission as a couple to reach those who are vulnerable or in need of building confidence in everyday life situations.
They believe, as Christians, we are called to value the image of God in the lives of others, even as we protect the weak and vulnerable. In some cases, the defense of the weak may require intervention with an attacker. Though undesirable, this action could prevent further loss of life.
Ron & Jen have been married for 16 years and are parents of two wonderful kids, Cole and Ainsley. They enjoy golfing, snowshoeing, camping, and time at their cabin. They are active members of their community, board members and coaches in the local Little League program, and leaders at Royal Rangers and Girls Ministry at their church.
 


Workshop (12-Teens+)
Self Defense and Awareness
Offering hands-on self defense and discussions of self awareness. All ages are welcome. Ron & Jen Van Tassel have instructed multiple self-defense classes from early elementary up to our senior citizens. This class focuses on not only the physical self-defense tactics, but self awareness and how to avoid becoming a victim. Ron brings 20+ years of law enforcement experience to the class offering first-hand situations of awareness that helps bring personal safety in everyday situations. 

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Will Marron and his 4 homeschooled sons have built God's World Exploration Station, a museum near Leavenworth WA with many displays that help people realize that God is real, and that the Bible is true. Will has taught Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Astronomy, Physical Science and more. He has done decades of paleontology field research and excavating, and the Lord even blessed he and his sons with discovering the first dinosaur fossils in Washington. They offer monthly presentations at the museum.
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​godsworldexplorationstation.com/

​Workshops (12+Teens) 
The Largest Dinosaurs & Evidence People were Alive with Dinosaurs
Bones from 140 and 185 ft long neck dinosaurs have been discovered.  Human fossils and finely crafted objects made by people have been discovered at several locations in Carboniferous, Cretaceous and other layers from before the world flood.  Dinosaurs were on the ark and there are descriptions of dinosaurs after the world flood from all over the world.  There is evidence from Mexico, China and Peru that people even domesticated a few of the plant eating dinosaurs.  What clues are found in the Bible? Were the dinosaurs killed be an asteroid? 

​Evidence for the 6000 Age of the Earth - Will Marron 
Real geologic columns in very different orders from the column you see in textbooks that are not in a different order because of overthrust. Fossils of plants and animals that were buried by many different layers rapidly, sometimes in seconds.  Ridiculous results of radioisotope dating and why it indicates vastly older ages than the true ages.  Other ways to figure a maximum age of the Earth.  What clues are in the Bible? 


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Micaiah Tanck, along with her husband, Brian have served as pastors of Scottsboro Cumberland Presbyterian Church (in Scottsboro, AL) for 10 years. They formed their family through adoption, and now have a 14-year old daughter.

The foundation for faith development is the family. Which is why the Tancks founded OptIN Kids: The Trade School for Christian Parenting. 

The goal of OptIN Kids is to help parents love their children by developing tools and activities that make it easy for families to explore Christian practice in the home and by building bridges from the home to local congregations. OptIN Kids designs kits and tools that are aimed at a particular Christian practice (storytelling, prayer, worship).

These kits are a fun and interactive way for families to practice the faith, together. Jesus taught, “everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock…” (Matt. 7:24).

The goal of OptIN is to help families put God’s words into practice. That is also the title of Micaiah'a workshop - 
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Putting God’s Word into PRACTICE
Often, the Christian life feels like preparation for a final exam: learn the ‘right’ things about God so that you can pass a test. But what if the barriers to a rich life of faith are not a problem of ‘belief?’ What if the problem is one of skill development? Of practice? This workshop is aimed at helping families put God’s Word into practice through hands-on, interactive activities that build daily spiritual disciplines into the center of family life. 


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Tiffany Michaels has a Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on research, small groups, and communication. She has worked with teenagers in a variety of settings, including juvenile justice, at-risk youth programs, and education.

Since having children, she has been homeschooling for over 15 years, directing Co-op programs, and teaching classes on many different subjects. Most recently, she spent three years traveling around the Pacific Northwest and writing her curriculum: Pacific Northwest History from a Christian, Creation-based, Young Earth, Apologetics Worldview. She is passionate about this topic and excited to share about historical figures who stood out in history so much that they have impacted her life today.

Check out her website! 

​Tiffany's adult workshop is -
Living a Life that Matters 
Explorers David and Charlotte Thompson took three children under age of six across the Rocky Mountains having no idea what was on the other side. This workshop examines David’s life and key takeaways today about trusting God, strengthening family, homeschooling, and living lives of integrity.

​Tiffany will also be presenting a workshop for teens. It is titled - Life Lessons from a Wandering Artist (for youth 12+)


Paul Kane spent years traveling, sketching, and journaling about the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest in the mid-1800s. We will examine his art, adventures, and stories while considering tie-ins for our lives today. Then we will watercolor in the style of Paul Kane.


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Deborah Gatchel’s passion is helping fellow believers connect with Scripture and comprehend who they are in Jesus Christ. While life has thrown her many curve balls, Jesus has been her constant foundation. Her recent ventures into Biblical history and archaeology have added a deeper layer of understanding to the pages of scripture, strengthening her faith in the Faithful God Who never changes. Her book series Our Stories shows how God worked through the real struggles of the real people in the Bible.

Her workshop will be 
Unearthing the Bible: Archaeological Evidence for Biblical History
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Strengthen your faith and homeschool curriculum with fascinating archaeological discoveries that confirm Scripture. We’ll dive deep into what the remains of Jericho really tell us, then touch Hezekiah’s tunnel and various other finds that point to the reliability of the Bible. Learn practical ways to teach Biblical history with confidence.


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Lauren Traub has a decade of educational experience in both public and private school settings. She brings a unique perspective to supporting neurodiverse learners. Having faced her own academic struggles, she is passionate about helping students overcome similar challenges.

​Renie Smith brings years of insight, wisdom, and experience to the education conversation. Her philosophy is "When an individual knows how they learn best, learning becomes interesting rather than overwhelming." She has been a frequent guest speaker on "The Importance of Foundational Skills for Social and Academic Success," "Real Solutions for Learning Disabilities," "Long & Short-Term Memory Enhancement" and "Auditory Processing Weaknesses can CAUSE Learning Problems" as IDEAS, OPAEYC and Early Child Development Conferences as well as public and private schools.

​​Renie 
is currently certified in the following programs: Orton-Gillingham adapted programs, Slingerland Levels I and II, Spalding, and Total Reading Programs; Sound Therapy (Air and Bone Conduction); SOI (Structure of Intellect Testing); Audiblox Master Trainer Specialist; and Master Trainer of the EFSAP Program. She is a member of DIA, AEGUS and NAPW.

She has worked with underachieving children and adults for over 35 years in the USA, Singapore, India, the Bahamas, Canada, Malaysia, and South Africa.

The workshop is 
The Parents Compass: Navigating Essential Skills for Neurodiverse Children.
This interactive workshop provides parents and educators with pratical tools and strategies to support neurodiverse children in developing essential skills. Participants will learn how to identify their child's unique learning style, create customized learning environments, and implement effective teaching approaches that honor neurodiversity while building independence. 

Lauren said, "I am thrilled to be co-presenting with Renie Smith herself, the founder of Meadowbrook Education and creator of an early learning curriculum, "Establishing Foundational Skills for Academic Proficiency" (EFSAP). Together, we combine Renie's pioneering expertise with my experiences as both a para-educator and parent of a neurodiverse child to help families create effective learning environments that embrace different thinking styles while building essential skills."


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Janeen Graham is the founder and director of Lilac City Homeschool Band in Spokane, where she has taught since 2005. A lifelong musician and accomplished pianist with 35 years of teaching experience, Janeen is passionate about helping others develop a love for music. Raised in the Congo and musically active since childhood, she has directed choirs, taught piano, and continually expanded her own instrumental skills. Beyond music, she is active in the homeschool community and a captain in the Civil Air Patrol. Married for 38 years, she is a new grandmother who enjoys tea, hiking, and classic musicals.

Janeen's workshop is Why Music?
​Over the years, the “arts” sometimes get neglected because we may feel they are not important or they are not a core subject. Why should we put music (and the arts) into our schedule? What are some of the benefits and how does it help us to learn better? During this workshop, Janeen Graham will explore some of the ways that music changes our viewpoints, our learning, and our lives.



Janeen also has achieved the rank of Captain in the Civil Air Patrol and is coordinating the following CAP workshops:

Civil Air Patrol 101 – Led by Lt Nathaniel Evans, Lt Col David Snyder, and TSgt Glenn West. In this class geared towards middle schoolers, we will explore how we use maps and location finding to narrow down a search area. We will also have fun learning a little about aerodynamics with some play-doh and a shop vac. We will have a time for questions about CAP  at the end of class.

Civil Air Patrol 201 – Led by Lt Nathaniel Evans and TSgt Glenn West. This class will be more geared for high schoolers. We will head out to the parking lot and simulate some ground search navigation while hunting for clues (think an Easter Egg Hunt for clues). Maps and emergency location finding equipment will be introduced. There will be a chance to learn more about CAP during this class.



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Noel Reimer is an experienced educator who earned a Combined Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a Master’s in Education. She has taught varying grade levels-from private schools to public schools. With
teaching certificates in three different states, she has the inside scoop on how students are typically assessed, instructed, and supported. She offers the unique perspective of a teacher, a tutor, and a former homeschool graduate. Noel founded Forte Study Solutions to support students who need an additional boost. “Forte” is an Italian word (taken from Latin) that is used to denote playing music strongly and loudly. It symbolizes the passion that Noel wishes all students to have as they progress in their pursuit of academic excellence.


Noel's workshop is: 
I Love Literacy: Enhancing Reading and Phonics Lessons
In this hands-on workshop, the Founder of Forte Study Solutions shares tips and strategies to make reading and phonics fun and accessible. Plan a simple yet enjoyable learning activity that can adapt to your child's specific learning style.



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Christy Booz is living her dream. She is a wife and homeschooling mama of six kids, ages 9-21. She has homeschooled them all from birth. The oldest 2 are successfully in their second and third years at college.  After trying several math curricula, she discovered Right Start Math and now can't say enough good about it! By now, she has taught through every Right Start level at least once. She also enjoys sewing and playing board games.

​Christy's workshop is Math Super Powers: Building for Success
How do you help your children develop their math superpowers? How can you
empower them to use visualization and strategies to learn math facts? Come to this
workshop and investigate techniques that will support your child’s understanding, build
their confidence, and succeed in their math journey​


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Sean Bohnet is the owner and operator of Bohnet Music Academy, a Christian music school based in Moscow, ID, and online in 28 states. They serve students by training them in the voice plus an instrument. Their mission is to train capable, intelligent, and free musicians who are full of joy, gratitude, and confidence.

Outside of his business, Sean serves as the music director at his church. He loves to go out on the town with his family of 4, and his greatest musical achievement is probably crowd surfing.

Sean's workshop is ​Using Music to Revive the Rigor and Joy in Your Homeschooling


Music is understudied by the majority of people today; however, we all agree about its ability to develop our cognition and make us happy. Moreover, the Chrisitan is called to be a musician. We were made to speak the language of music. We're polyglots, so our homeschooling studies should reflect this design and calling. Families need to give the proper attention to the subject that can challenge us and bless us so uniquely. 

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Brenda Schreiber is the Director of Concurrent Enrollment Programs at Spokane Falls Community College and has been working in higher education for over 15 years.  Brenda has a passion for student success and strives to assist students in attaining success beyond the traditional measure of a diploma. Brenda is a parent of 3 Running Start students, and she understands the needs of the students and the parents as students embark on the college path. Success isn’t just a diploma anymore; it’s a fulfilling college experience, career exploration, and getting ahead. 
 
Guillermo Espinosa serves as the Associate Dean of K12 Partnerships & Outreach at Spokane Colleges where he has been working for the past 10 years in different capacities. Guillermo is passionate about student success and opening up opportunities to all students. Working with Dual enrolled students at an open access institution allows students to pursue their passions along with working towards their educational goals. I look forward to connecting and sharing the mission of Spokane Colleges. 


Ms. Schreiber and Mr. Espinosa's workshop is Running Start
Dive into an intellectual adventure that propels you to your goals with the Running Start program at the Community Colleges of Spokane.  Students in the 11th and 12th grade are eligible for TUITION FREE college credits.  Earn your AA/AADTA Degree and your high school completion at the same time! Attendance at your public high school is not mandatory for eligibility.  Your unique education path is welcome here.


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Dr. Wendy Liddell is the founding President of Great Northern University. She was appointed President by the Board of Trustees of Great Northern University because of her scholarly background, career experience in academia, and honorable character. Her passion for education has been demonstrated in her experience as a math and science teacher, an assistant and associate Dean of Academics, and as a student in the focus of higher education.
 
Dr. Liddell and her husband have lived in Spokane since 1998. They enjoy the scenic beauty of the Northwest, outdoor activities, reading, and serving the local community and the global church. They are members at Fourth Memorial Church where Scott serves as the Executive Pastor.
 
Dr. Liddell’s workshop is Realities and Reasons: 
Why Choose a Christian College.
​The attainment of a college degree is still valuable today. Yet, where and how to pursue higher education should be carefully considered. Come learn the reasons and realities for selecting a Christian college.




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Sherri Urann started teaching with no formal preparation during the ditto days. As a volunteer in a tiny church school with scant resources, outdated teacher manuals at least taught her about objectives. Available “tools” were simple but effective: chalkboards, paper, pencils, and (eventually) overhead projectors.  

God blessed those early years and despite her 
Polar Plunge into the complex world of an educator, the Lord continues to make her paths straight.  After decades of work in private schools, Sherri consults with parents on instructional techniques and specialized materials that work well with neurodiverse children. She consults with families in North Idaho and Washington, offering direct student learning support. 

Sherri’s formal and extensive education include:  bachelor’s in communication, master’s in education, and comprehensive professional development.  Sherri’s faithful foundation has carried her through thick and thin in her own journey of serving God’s children.  Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” Stop by her vendor table to say hello.

Sherri's workshop is Ways to Meet the Learning Needs of Children:
Sherri’s 30+ years in education include teaching in private school classrooms, developing learning plans as a trained specialist on a Student Success Team, and tutoring students.  Methods for how to individualize learning to meet the needs of your children will be discussed. Tailoring instruction is a challenge Sherri knows well. 

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EZRA & VICTORIA-JOY CREIGHTON & The TEAM at: - KIDONE CAMPS

The world is full of questions. Where did people come from? Why is there suffering in the world? What is my purpose in life? How am I supposed to live? Is there really a God? The kids growing up in this world have many questions. Today, we are seeing young people leave   the Church all because, as children, they were not given the answers to the many questions they have. They don’t understand what they believe. They don’t understand how God’s Word is relevant to their life. But the Bible, God’s Word, gives us the answers.

It is our mission at KidONE Camps to answer those questions. We are a Christian organization and base everything we do on God's Word. We answer every question with God’s Word. It is our vision for all children to have a solid foundation on God’s Word and answers to the questions of life. We invest in them because they will be the leaders of the next generation. They can make a difference in the world, and we want them to make that difference. This is not a job to us, it’s our purpose. This is our calling. 


To read more visit https://www.kidonecamps.com/our-mission 

Workshops (Ages 5-11)
Our Short Time on Earth
The Heavenly Destination
Working for God
​In God's Kingdom


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 CFHE is trying to serve the broad needs of the faith-based homeschooling community in the Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area. Participation in our events is not necessarily an endorsement of different organizations or individuals. ​

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  • Home
  • INFO
    • ABOUT US >
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  • Where to start
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    • Workshops Speakers
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