In Educational Disobedience, you shatter preconceived notions about homeschooling and offer practical guidance for families considering alternatives to the traditional educational system. Why was this an important book for you to write? 

Writing Educational Disobedience was deeply personal for me. As a mother, I experienced firsthand how traditional educational systems often fail our most vulnerable students—kids who don’t fit neatly into standardized boxes. My own children were struggling, and the system’s response was to leave them behind. That was unacceptable to me.

This book was important because it’s not just my story—it’s a lifeline for families who feel trapped by an education system that doesn’t meet their needs. I wanted to show parents that there is another way, that they have the power to reclaim their children’s education and reimagine success on their own terms.

Homeschooling is often misunderstood, but it became a tool for liberation in my life and the lives of the students I work with through the Tiers Free Homeschool Cooperative. I wrote Educational Disobedience to shatter the stigma, to show that homeschooling can be inclusive, trauma-informed, and transformative. For families considering alternatives, it’s not just about academics—it’s about creating a path where your child can thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually.

Ultimately, I wanted this book to be a voice of hope, especially for families in marginalized communities. It’s a call to action to challenge systems that perpetuate inequities and to step boldly into the power of creating change—even if that means breaking the rules.

How much and what kind of research went into putting your book together? 

Educational Disobedience was a journey that combined personal experience with extensive research. The heart of the book is rooted in my lived reality—raising children who didn’t fit into the traditional school system and working with thousands of families who faced similar struggles. I knew I wanted the book to be more than just my story; it needed to provide real, actionable insights for others.

I spent countless hours researching adult education programs,  trauma-informed education practices, the history of homeschooling, and the systemic barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized students. I dove into studies on educational equity, literacy challenges, and the mental health needs of at-risk youth. I also leaned heavily on data collected from my work with the Tiers Free Homeschool Cooperative, where we’ve helped over 1,000 students earn diplomas. That data gave me valuable insights into what works—and what doesn’t—when creating alternative educational pathways.

Beyond academic research, I interviewed parents who were scared, discouraged, and frustrated. I interviewed counselors and educators who were truly grateful to have a resource for students who were struggling and falling behind in the traditional environments.  I even interviewed former students to ensure the book captured a range of perspectives. I wanted the stories and strategies I shared to resonate with families who might be considering a similar path. My goal was to ground every piece of advice in both evidence and real-world success, so readers could feel confident about taking the leap into educational disobedience.

This book is a blend of heart and research—a blueprint for change inspired by what I’ve seen, learned, and lived.

What is the best piece of advice you received when beginning this journey?

Honestly the best advice that I ever got when I was doing my research was from a student named Helen who had dropped out in the 5^th grade. Helen passed away from lung cancer before she got her diploma. Her sister accepted her diploma in her honor. Helen was so excited about the graduation ceremony and she told me that the ceremony had to be elegant. This is the reason why our graduation colors are silver and black. Helen’s advice to me was “If you want to build something to help people like me, you can’t reach us by thinking like an educator. You have to think of everything that stops us from getting an education then build that system.” I use that advice as my compass when I talk to new curriculum vendors and consider program revisions.  The question is simple “Will this change remove a barrier or create one?”  If I can’t answer the question immediately, I won’t change the curriculum or make a program revision.

What is one thing you hope families and educators alike are able to take away from your book? 

Hope. That’s the biggest thing that I want families to take away from the book. I want them to understand that they are NOT powerless and that homeschool is their superpower. They just have to feel empowered enough to take their power back.

For educators and policy makers, I need them to understand that when we use a one-size-fit-all approach to K12 education, we end up with a one-size-fits none. Stop thinking there is something wrong with the students who don’t fit into the box. The box must fit the student—not the student must fit into the box.   

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