The Umbrella Skye Story
Being raised with a non-traditional educational approach that included Dutch, British, and American private schools as well as periods of (not yet, not quite legal) homeschooling when it suited my mom’s ideals and goals. That mix turned me into a bit of a learning chameleon—able to adapt to just about any teaching style, system, or “this is how we do it here” rulebook.
Homeschooling was, by far, my favorite. It had space to go deep into what actually sparked curiosity instead of living in a world of endless worksheets and the all-powerful quest for the perfect grade. Learning started to feel like exploration again, not just page numbers marching forward out of formation.
Family dynamics added their own spice: one brother was a certified genius, another had a photographic memory, and I brought the unofficial package deal—high EQ, certified intense dyslexia, and a very energetic ADHD brain that occasionally forgot what it was doing mid-sentence.
Homeschooling gave me something essential: permission to be intelligent in my own strengths – that changed everything. It’s also why I care so deeply about parents who are building education in ways that don’t always follow the straight, quiet, pre-approved path—because sometimes the best learning doesn’t sit still, read by the age of five, or understand fractions in a split second (see what I did ther?!).
I began utilizing my unique understanding of ‘how to learn’, first with my college classmates, then as a post-graduate K-12 tutor, and eventually here with you, my fellow homeschool adventurers. It has all been beautiful blessing discovered through mindful learning, determined engagement, deep breaths, and politely refusing to pretend The Hard doesn’t/shouldn’t exist.
A role that grew out of reclaiming my own education, with the bonus feature pack of teaching my own children, is walking alongside other parents who are building education in real time—coffee in one hand, courage in the other, and regularly exclaiming, “Wait… we’re actually doing this -and succeeding!”
Umbrella Skye was created as a safe and private community of homeschooling parents needing reliable guidance Pre-K to college, trusted advice, and comprehensive support that saves hundreds of research hours sifting through trustworthy and twaddle (thank you, Charlotte Mason!) with moments of feeling alone and nowhere to find a trusted advisor or a caring answer. Until now! Join Umbrella Skye and find your backstage crew!
Another gritty aspect of growing up as I did was that I experienced a childhood that held the full spectrum of life from the best of a magical childhood as well as the grit of growing up hither and yon. Thankfully, I was always aware of something that I called ‘The Big Hand’ holding me, protecting me, keeping me whole, letting me know that I was worthy. I survived. I thrived.
Now I get to pour that into the work I love—supporting my own children, teaching others, and walking alongside families who are building something intentional and brave. None of us are perfect, and honestly, homeschooling has a way of reminding us of that daily. But those valleys have a way of shaping the view from the mountaintops—and I’m grateful to be walking it with others who understand that both matter.
All of this has given me a unique ability to understand most situations and a courage to walk alongside and hold your hand as we work through The Hard. Perfection I do not get -even though the idealist in me wishes that I were Ms. Perfect to whom everything comes easy. Nope. Not me. Never. I am blessed, grateful, engaged, hard working, gritty, flexible, empathetic, giving, loving, accepting, encouraging,- but never perfect.
Through all of these shortcomings, I love that we are able to utilize academics as a primary tool to teach the life lessons of character, kindness, diligence, love of learning, confidence, and choosing growth over settling.
With rose colored lenses jauntily perched upon my pert nose, I go about my evenings absorbing all of the homeschool and educational material available to me. By day, I implement this material as I become a master of the many things that are homeschool. Lessons that I never, EVER wanted to (re-)learn. When I use the term ‘master’, I am using it loosely lest you think I went from dyslexic to genius under the influence of pregnancy-induced hormones, dirty diapers, and sleep deprivation. These events did change my hair, but not my brain. Sigh!
In choosing to first, live fully and second, teach to the best of my ability, I am able to meet my children’s needs with a passionate joy at models who I hope they too can become. What I have entered into is worthy of sharing -through helping to launch some of the first co- ops in our nation, as a CC tutor, by directing my own fine arts and academic programs, through our SC Option 3 accountability association, and now through Umbrella Skye hand holding, mentoring, and support. I will leave out the lucky strangers in the grocery store line who asked why our children were not in school, but you get the picture. I live this stuff. I love this stuff!!
My ignited passion for serving, supporting, and simplifying homeschool for others has led me here to you. I am still navigating my own messy homeschool world, fighting comparison, and subduing my feelings of inadequacy, but mostly I am rejoicing that I am privileged to live this life fully for our family while being a part of a team that guides and mentors parents toward embracing this life-building journey of raising world changers.
Many hands simplify work, many minds make strong decisions, and many hearts make a confident homeschool parent!
“Community-based homeschooling thrives on the collective strength of families, where shared wisdom, diverse experiences, and supportive networks create a rich tapestry of learning, fostering a true sense of belonging and growth.”
– Umbrella Skye
