The Saint Emmelia Podcast

Fr. Raphael Barberg is the Saint Emmelia Ministries Spiritual Advisor for the diocese of Ottawa, Canada, & Upstate New York. In this episode of Spiritual Nuggets, Fr. Raphael shares his insights into and experience with teaching our children science that is grounded in Orthodoxy.

Today Fr Noah Bushelli's wife, Khouria Elizabeth, joins the show to talk about homeschooling not just in a priest's family but in a large family. She shares her thoughts on how her methodology has changed over the years and what homeschooling has taught her as well as the blessings that homeschooling has brought her. Products mentioned in today's podcast: https://rightstartmath.com/ https://cathyduffyreviews.com/homeschool-reviews-core-curricula/math-supplements/3rd-grade/math-it#

Here are the books mentioned: Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky Stone Soup by Marcia Brown Snow & Rose by Emily Winfield Martin Goose Girl by Shannon Hale East by Edith Pattou Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer

Today Melissa Elizabeth Naasko talks with Presbytera Maria Koulianos, the principal of Saint Raphael School. Presbytera tells us all about the new and exciting courses and specifically a new scholarship for clergy families that will be facilitated by St Emmelia. https://www.saintemmelia.com/scholarships-grants

Keidi Lewis is a Spanish and History teacher at Coast Redwood High School in the San Lorenzo Valley of California. Coast Redwood is a charter school which functions as a sort of hybrid homeschool and is home to many "refugee learners" who have opted out of public high school. In this episode, Natalie talks with Keidi about her experience as both a public and hybrid high school teacher and discusses the role that technology and social media plays in the lives of our children. The pair discuss Keidi's most recent article,"Gambling with our Children in the Age of the Internet," which Keidi recently wrote for the Antiochian Archdiocese website. https://antiochian.org/regulararticle/1581

On this episode of the podcast, Melissa is talking to Father Gregory Joyce is the rector of St Vladimir's Orthodox Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Besides his seminary education from Holy Trinity in Jordanville, NY, he also holds a bachelors and masters in education. His parish is currently opening a brick and mortar elementary school in addition to his online supplemental program for homeschooling kindergarten and first grade students. We’re joined by the principal, Dr Irene Melabiotis, who holds a PhD in education and is also a parent of a kindergartner in the blended learning program. The School’s Website https://www.a2oca.org The School’s YouTube Page https://youtube.com/@annarbororthodoxclassicala2456

Fr. Noah Bushelli reflects on the necessary separation of our struggles from our children's struggles, and how to minimize the damage done to our children because of our sins.

Today on the podcast we are speaking with Bobby Hershey, Joachim Bushelli, and Anders Kjendal about the upcoming St. Emmelia's East Conference. The guys share their experiences having attended previous conferences and speak to the role that fellowship plays in their daily lives. Conference Details - The conference is April 27-30th at Camp Swatara in Bethel, PA - Registration ends March 20th and late registration ends April 6th (there's a $75 fee for late registration) - Fr. John Boddecker and Andrew Kearn will be speaking - Scholarships are available! - For more information please contact [email protected] Website: www.saintemmelia.com/east-2023

In this episode we welcome co-host Natalie Gamble to the St. Emmelia's podcast. Natalie is a fiber and concrete artist who specializes in faith based design. Having only attended public school, Natalie shares what initially drew her to homeschooling and other alternative forms of schooling. Join Mat. Melissa as we get to know the newest host! Website: www.etsy.com/shop/TheCrossStitcherShop Instagram account: @the_cross_stitcher

Veteran homeschooler. Cheryl Floyd joins us today to talk all about the St Emmelia Homeschool South Conference happening January 2023 in beautiful Austin. She is lots of helpful information about the conference including information about speakers, breakout sessions, and panels that will take place. This will be an in-person event with vendors and is a wonderful opportunity to refresh and recharge and fellowship with other Orthodox homeschooling families. https://www.saintemmelia.com/south-2023

On Today's episode, we feature the coauthors of the new book Patterns for Life: An Orthodox Reflection on Charlotte Mason Education, available from Basilian Media and Publishing. It is a helpful guide to understanding Charlotte Mason's pedagogy specifically within an Orthodox lens and has much helpful advice on homeschooling. Lisa Rose and Laura E. Wolfe each have five children, and many years of homeschooling. Together they reflect on the role of relationships in their homeschooling process. https://patternsforlife.weebly.com/ https://store.ancientfaith.com/sasha-and-the-dragon/ https://store.ancientfaith.com/the-lion-and-the-saint/

Fr. Noah Bushelli, Director of Saint Emmelia Ministries, offers a reflection on prayer through the words of St. Mark the Ascetic.

In this inaugural episode of a new segment, Hiding in the Library, host Mindi Popovich-Schneider talks with Jessica McCarlson about navigating libraries and children's literature. Jessica is a children's librarian in Wisconsin. She is active in her Lutheran parish, and in her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, drinking tea, and marveling at God's creation. Resources: Books: Something's Out There - The Quest for Good Books The Rabbit Listened - Cori Doerrfeld A Sick Day for Amos McGee - Philip C. Stead Odd and the Frost Giants - Neil Gaiman The Hired Girl - Laura Amy Schlitz Websites: https://kirkusreviews.com https://goodreads.com (for reviews) Instagram accounts: @rightbooks4kids @goodbookmom @littlehouselearningco

Fr. Noah Bushelli, Director of Saint Emmelia Ministries, shares with us how we can make the upcoming holidays a holy time for our families. A Peaceful Preparation for Christmas - https://st-philip.net/files/Resources/Advent-Fast-plan.pdf Nativity Fast Guidelines - https://st-philip.net/files/Resources/Nativity-Fast.pdf

Today we are speaking with Anastasia Likiardopoulos. She is a former homeschooled student and a community college graduate as well as a graduate of Hellenic College. She speaks to us today about her experiences homeschooling in the midst of complex and messy life challenges. She focuses on maintaining humor, patience, and a sense of forgiveness as well as reminding us that life does not have to be perfect to be good. (Part 1 of 2)

Today we are speaking with Presvytera Maria Koulianos, the principle of Saint Raphael Online School. She discusses her pedagogical style and her famous note booking method.

The past two and a half years have presented unique challenges, struggles, and pain. Jonathan Pageau, renowned sacred arts artist, philosopher, and homeschool dad, discusses with host Mat. Melissa Naasko how we can find beauty, joy, and healing in the midst of crisis. Jonathon Pageau is a well known as a talented artist creating icon carvings and a respected and knowledgeable symbolist. He is also a husband and father with experience homeschooling his children. In this episode, he discusses how to he processed and helped his children to process an extraordinary crisis in his own life. His advice is invaluable for others. The Symbolic World Pageau Carvings Artwork by Jonathan Pageau Orthodox Arts Journal

**A note to parents who might be listening to this podcast with younger children -- this episode includes frank but not graphic discussion of sexual temptations and sins.** Raising today’s teens with the pressures of modern technology and the pervasiveness of social media is more than a little challenging. Today’s episode identifies the challenges faced by boys in their teenaged years and how parents can best support and guide them. Our guest, Mikhail Moibenko, has years of experience in church camps and other youth work.

Saint Emmelia Ministries is grateful to announce that Matushka Melissa Naasko has joined us and will add "Podcast Interviewer" to her impressive biography! Join us as we catch up with the ongoings of homeschooling, life and everything in between! Matushka Melissa together with Fr. Benjamin and their 11 children live large on the Keweenaw Peninsula of northernmost part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and are assigned to the Monastery of Sts. Sergius and Herman of Valaam in Houghton, Michigan.

St. Emmelia Ministries has a wonderful Assistant to our Director, Fr. Noah Bushelli. Join us as we meet Mindi Popovich-Schneider and learn about her homeschool experience, work as a librarian and love of classic literature, and her role with St. Emmelia Ministries.

Hellenic College / Holy Cross has announced the Sh. Angela Weaver Memorial Scholarship for homeschooled students. Join us as we speak with Dr. Bruce Beck for this very blessed announcement, and to learn more about the opportunity for homeschool graduates to continue their studies at Hellenic College in Brookline, MA. Dr. Bruce Beck is the Assistant Professor of New Testament at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and Director of the Religious Studies program at Hellenic College. Dr. Beck received both his MDiv and ThD at Harvard Divinity School, where his area of specialization was New Testament and Early Christianity, and the history of the interpretation of Scripture.

Author of "Fasting as a Family" from Ancient Faith, Matushka Melissa Naasko joins us once again - this time to discuss the education method of Charlotte Mason. With 11 children to practice on, Matushka Melissa has become an expert on Charlotte Mason and has a plethora of information and advice for those who are beginning their homeschool journey or for veterans who maybe need to take a new approach to homeschooling. Matushka Melissa and Father Benjamin, together with their 11 children live large on the Keweenaw of the Northern Peninsula of Michigan and are with the Monastery of Sts. Sergius and Herman of Valaam in Houghton, Michigan.

Author of "Fasting as a Family" from Ancient Faith, Matushka Melissa Naasko joins us once again - this time to discuss the education method of Charlotte Mason. With 11 children to practice on, Matushka Melissa has become an expert on Charlotte Mason and has a plethora of information and advice for those who are beginning their homeschool journey or for veterans who maybe need to take a new approach to homeschooling. Matushka Melissa and Father Benjamin, together with their 11 children live large on the Keweenaw of the Northern Peninsula of Michigan and are with the Monastery of Sts. Sergius and Herman of Valaam in Houghton, Michigan.

Philip Mamalakis, Ph.D., author of Parenting Towards the Kingdom and Director of the Field Education Program at Hellenic College / Holy Cross (HCHC), join us for an enlightening and informative discussion. HCHC is a National Sponsor of Saint Emmelia Ministries, and is located in Brookline, Massachusetts. HCHC was founded in 1937 and its mission is the formation and the education of the person within the life of an Orthodox Christian community. To that end, it educates men preparing the holy priesthood of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America as well as other Orthodox jurisdiction, as well as men and women for leadership roles in the Church, the professional world, and society. They collaborate with other Orthodox Church-affiliated institutions and ministries, and offer opportunities for lifelong learning. For admission and scholarship information, please visit their website at www.hchc.edu. (Part 1 of 2)

Philip Mamalakis, Ph.D., author of Parenting Towards the Kingdom and Director of the Field Education Program at Hellenic College / Holy Cross (HCHC), join us for an enlightening and informative discussion. HCHC is a National Sponsor of Saint Emmelia Ministries, and is located in Brookline, Massachusetts. HCHC was founded in 1937 and its mission is the formation and the education of the person within the life of an Orthodox Christian community. To that end, it educates men preparing the holy priesthood of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America as well as other Orthodox jurisdiction, as well as men and women for leadership roles in the Church, the professional world, and society. They collaborate with other Orthodox Church-affiliated institutions and ministries, and offer opportunities for lifelong learning. For admission and scholarship information, please visit their website at www.hchc.edu. (Part 2 of 2)

"Letters for Pilgrimage: Lenten Meditations for Teen Girls" (Park End Books) is an inspirational travel companion filled with unique stories covering Lent, Holy Week and Bright Week. This compilation of letters for teenage girls will guide them, inspire them and reveal to them how God shows Himself in the midst of darkness and the trials of life. Join me and co-authors Sarah Lenora Gingrich and A.N. (Alex) Tallent as we talk about this wonderful new book.

"Should Orthodox Children Play Video Games?" We put this question to Fr. Andrew and Kh. Nicole Damick, both of whom have extensive homeschool experience as well as a working knowledge of video games. The V. Rev. Archpriest Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick is Chief Content Officer of Ancient Faith Ministries and former pastor (2009-2020) of St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church in Emmaus, PA, where they homeschool their four children. Join us for the joyful conversation on this relevant topic for today's homeschool families. (Part 3 of 3)

"Should Orthodox Children Play Video Games?" We put this question to Fr. Andrew and Kh. Nicole Damick, both of whom have extensive homeschool experience as well as a working knowledge of video games. The V. Rev. Archpriest Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick is Chief Content Officer of Ancient Faith Ministries and former pastor (2009-2020) of St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church in Emmaus, PA, where they homeschool their four children. Join us for the joyful conversation on this relevant topic for today's homeschool families. (Part 2 of 3)

"Orthodox Mom" aka "Adventures of an Orthodox Mom" blogger Sylvia Leontaritis joins us to discuss her adventures homeschooling, the books she's authored, how to approach Great Lent and many other wonderful topics. Sylvia has recently started a YouTube Channel as well as a Patreon Community to encourage faith-filled living. (Part 1 of 2) You can find Sylvia at: orthodoxmom.com patreon.com/OrthodoxMom Youtube.com/c/CultivatingHome

"Orthodox Mom" aka "Adventures of an Orthodox Mom" blogger Sylvia Leontaritis joins us to discuss her adventures homeschooling, the books she's authored, how to approach Great Lent and many other wonderful topics. Sylvia has recently started a YouTube Channel as well as a Patreon Community to encourage faith-filled living. (Part 2 of 2) You can find Sylvia at: orthodoxmom.com patreon.com/OrthodoxMom Youtube.com/c/CultivatingHome

"Should Orthodox Children Play Video Games?" We put this question to Fr. Andrew and Kh. Nicole Damick, both of whom have extensive homeschool experience as well as a working knowledge of video games. The V. Rev. Archpriest Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick is Chief Content Officer of Ancient Faith Ministries and former pastor (2009-2020) of St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church in Emmaus, PA, where they homeschool their four children. Join us for the joyful conversation on this relevant topic for today's homeschool families. (Part 1 of 3)

Rod Dreher, the keynote speaker for the 2021 Saint Emmelia Ministries Online Conference, joins us to talk about homeschooling, his best-selling books, and the importance of living a life in the world, but not of the world. Rod Dreher is a senior editor at The American Conservative and author of five books, including the New York Times bestsellers Live Not By Lies (2020), The Benedict Option (2017), and The Little Way Of Ruthie Leming (2013), as well as How Dante Can Save Your Life (2015) and Crunchy Cons (2006). He lives in Baton Rouge with his wife Julie, a teacher and administrator at a classical Christian school, and their children. The Dreher family are parishioners at St. Matthew the Apostle Orthodox Church (OCA) in Baton Rouge. For more information about Saint Emmelia Ministries, including our conference, visit www.saintemmelia.com.

Matushka Melissa Naasko, author of "Fasting as a Family," joins us to offer practical tips as we are preparing to begin Great Lent. Homeschool mom to eleven children, Matushka Melissa and Fr. Benjamin live in Upper Peninsula of Michigan and are with the Monastery of Sts. Sergius and Herman of Valaam in Houghton, Michigan. (Part 2 of 2)

Matushka Melissa Naasko, author of "Fasting as a Family," joins us to offer practical tips as we are preparing to begin Great Lent. Homeschool mom to eleven children, Matushka Melissa and Fr. Benjamin live in Upper Peninsula of Michigan and are with the Monastery of Sts. Sergius and Herman of Valaam in Houghton, Michigan. (Part 1 of 2)

Alexandra (Alex) Gonzalez is a member of the planning committee for the 2021 Saint Emmelia ONLINE Conference. Alex shares very exciting information about the speakers and workshops for adults, teens and children at this year's conference in April. She also graciously speaks to us about her homeschool journey with restful learning and life with teens in Massachusetts. Join us for an enjoyable discussion with Alex Gonzalez.

Kh. Kristina Gillquist is the host of the Saint Emmelia Ministries Homeschool Tea, a monthly online gathering for conversation, encouragement, and support for homeschool moms. Kh. Kristina shares her families experience of contracting COVID-19 and offers her vision for the Homeschool Tea. Fr. Peter John and Kh. Kristina Gillquist and their family live in Indiana where Fr. Peter John is the parish priest of All Saints Orthodox Church. Join us for an enjoyable conversation with Kh. Kristina Gillquist. For more information or to register for the ongoing monthly Homeschool Tea, visit the Saint Emmelia Ministries website at saintemmelia.com. New participants are welcome to join at any time. *Disclaimer: The discussion about COVID-19 is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please follow the guidance of your family doctor.*

Jennifer Hock is the creative mind behind her website Illumination Learning along with the wonderful K-2 homeschool curriculum, My World & Me. Join us as she speaks about her family, homeschooling and her projects.

Kh. Nicole Damick takes us on a fun journey discussing her path to homeschooling and life as a homeschool mom. Kh Nicole homeschools four children. She doesn't get enough sleep or exercise, and she spends all her money on books. She dreams of winning four of the Hammer Schumacher Human Bowling Balls so that she can just put them inside and let them roll around in them in the backyard while she gets to drink a whole cup of coffee uninterrupted. In the meantime, we read a lot, do a lot of math, and follow whatever rabbit trails the day presents to us. She is in the trenches, so now is not the time to be contemplating who she is for a bio. Her three year old is trying to peel all the crayons and her 8 year old is trying to recreate a Calvin * Hobbes snowman scene in the yard with ketchup. For more information on Saint Emmelia Ministries or one of our regional conferences, visit www.saintemmelia.com

Jonathan and Elisa Jackson join us to talk about their journey in homeschooling, cyber schooling (online learning) and their new lives in Ireland. More information about Jonathan's music can be found at www.jonathanjackson.com More information about the Romanian Monastery in Ireland can be found at www.orthodoxmonasteryireland.ie For more information on Saint Emmelia Ministries or one of our regional conferences, visit www.saintemmelia.com

Megan Gilbert, wife of a seminarian, homeschool mom, artist and published author takes us on a journey to Greece where her and her husband found Orthodoxy. Since then, much has changed and she joyfully speaks to us about homeschooling her young children and still finding time to do her artwork and publish books. You can find her works at the Ancient Faith store. (store.ancientfaith.com) "A Mother's Prayer" "Beautiful Things" "Beautiful Christmas" "The Child of God is Baptized"

In this episode we are given encouragement by learning that Orthodox homeschooled children can even become doctors! Join Anita as she talks with mother and daughter, Sue and Catherine Watson. For more information on Saint Emmelia Ministries or one of our regional conferences, visit www.saintemmelia.com

Dn. Sean Reid interviewed the new host of The Saint Emmelia Podcast, Anita Novratidis. They discuss the challenges of homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as Anita's goals as she takes over the hosting responsibilities for the podcast. Saint Emmelia Ministries is deeply grateful for Dn. Sean Reid's ministry as the host of The Saint Emmelia Podcast. Raised in an Orthodox home, Anita Novratidis has been homeschooling for 12 years. She is a member of the St. George Orthodox Christian Homeschool group as well as a co-organizer of the St. Emmelia North conference and is active with St. Emmelia Ministries. In her spare time she enjoys the outdoors, gardening, watching her children ski in the winter, traveling to Greece and is known to have a tea with her icon of the Theotokos. Anita, and her husband Bill, and their 4 children ages 11 to 16, reside in Markham, Ontario. For more information on Saint Emmelia Ministries or one of our regional conferences, visit www.saintemmelia.com

Dn. Sean Reid continues his interview Fr. Jason Foster and his daughter Savannah about their creation of the Orthodox Christian Deaf Association. The purpose of this pan-Orthodox organization is to connect Orthodox deaf Christians of all jurisdictions together in order to foster fellowship, create useful resources, both educational and liturgical, plan special events, and to introduce the greater deaf community to the Orthodox faith. Visit their website for more information at www.orthodoxdeaf.org. (Part 2 of 2) For more information on Saint Emmelia Ministries or one of our regional conferences, visit www.saintemmelia.com

Dn. Sean Reid interview Fr. Jason Foster and his daughter Savannah about their creation of the Orthodox Christian Deaf Association. The purpose of this pan-Orthodox organization is to connect Orthodox deaf Christians of all jurisdictions together in order to foster fellowship, create useful resources, both educational and liturgical, plan special events, and to introduce the greater deaf community to the Orthodox faith. Visit their website for more information at www.orthodoxdeaf.org. (Part 1 of 2) For more information on Saint Emmelia Ministries or one of our regional conferences, visit www.saintemmelia.com

Dn. Sean Reid interviews Ruth Purcell (experienced homeschool mom, music educator, and a certified 1st Steps in Music instructor) on the importance of music in the education of children. 1st Steps in Music was developed by Dr. John Feierabend and adapted for homeschool use by Ruth. To find out more about Ruth's music program visit ruthpurcell.com/stemmelia where you will find a video of a sample lesson to help you evaluate the curriculum, and use as a music lesson with your children. You can email Ruth Purcell at [email protected]. For more information on Saint Emmelia Ministries or one of our regional conferences, visit www.saintemmelia.com

Dn. Sean Reid interviews Kh. Kristina Gillquist on the topic of homeschooling with children and parents who have special abilities or needs. Kh. Kristina lives in Bloomington, Indiana where her husband, Fr. Peter Jon, is pastor of All Saints Orthodox Church. Her first vocation was as a physical therapist specializing in pediatrics and neurologic rehabilitation, but her full-time caseload is her zany one-room schoolhouse of 6 multiply-talented, differently-abled, fantastic children. At the 2019 St. Emmelia EAST Conference, Kh. Kristina presented a workshop title "Considering Giftedness (and Other Special Needs!) in the Shaping of Your Homeschool Planet." An audio recording of this workshop is available here. For more information on Saint Emmelia Ministries or one of our regional conferences, visit www.saintemmelia.com

Dn. Sean Reid interviews Anne Van Fossen, Chief Academic Office for the Classical Resource Learning Center (CLRC). The CLRC offers over 10 years of experience offering live, interactive, online classes for K through 12. The majority of our teachers are Orthodox Christians and have advanced degrees. We offer Orthodox Christian Studies, classical content, Charlotte Mason practice, Classical Latin and Greek, as well as modern languages. Dual Enrollment options are available for college credit through the University of Saint Katherine. Students have 24/7 access to assignments, grades and class resources. Visit the CLRC online at www.clrconline.com. Anne Van Fossen spent seven years working with her husband, John, to found a Christian Classical K-8 school in California. Anne was the Director of Program and Curriculum Development and head of the Ancient Languages Department. She has over 15 years of experience teaching classical Greek and Latin to all ages from Kindergarten to adult. Anne earned her Master’s degree in Classics from the University of California at Santa Barbara where she was awarded the Keith Aldridge Memorial Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in the Classics and taught Greek Mythology, Classical Archaeology, Greek Civilization, and Greek Tragedy as a teaching assistant for four years. Anne earned her bachelor’s degree in Physics and Chemistry (summa cum laude) from Mount Holyoke College and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi Societies. Anne lives in Naples, Idaho where she homeschools her three sons with her husband. She loves reading, running, and romping with her boys. For more information on Saint Emmelia Ministries or one of our regional conferences, visit www.saintemmelia.com

Dn. Sean Reid interviews Adam Lockridge in a wide ranging conversation about Orthodox classical education and the St. Raphael School, as well as the use of technology and the need to develop the "super power" of focus. Adam is a veteran classical educator, with a Master Degree in Philosophy from the University of Memphis. Adam serves as the St. Raphael School Principal, and the Scholé Academy Assistant Principal. As the Assistant Principal, he manages the SA Tutoring Center & Center for Students w/ Learning Differences and assists the Principal in the general management of the school. For more information on Saint Emmelia Ministries or one of our regional conferences, visit www.saintemmelia.com

Dn. Sean Reid interviews Dn. Adam Roberts, Interim Administrator of the St. Athanasius Online Academy, on the educational opportunities for homeschool families. St. Athanasius is now offering a complete option K-12 for all core studies and Christian Education. (In development: Biology, Physics, Latin, Arabic.) St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology was founded in 1976 as an arm of the Evangelical Orthodox Church and entered canonical Orthodoxy when that body was brought into the Antiochian Archdiocese. We offer a Correspondence Study Program, operate a Prisoner Education Program, and carry out various programs of research and study to prepare materials presenting the Orthodox Christian faith to Americans. The Orthodox Study Bible is an outstanding example of the fruit of our literature programs. Also, whenever appropriate, we produce audio and video media on various topics. In 2020, two divisions were created: 1) St. Athanasius Academy for online studies of K-12 grades and 2) St. Athanasius College. Visit their website at www.saaot.edu. For more information on Saint Emmelia Ministries or one of our regional conferences, visit www.saintemmelia.com

Dn. Sean Reid interviews Ramona Saridakis Bean, an experienced homeschool mom, active blogger at ceoofthehome.net, and podcaster. Ramona has a wide variety of experiences in education, working in the U.S. Congress and the Dept. of the Treasury, giving her an informed understanding of educational policy in the United States as well as a first hand knowledge of the blessings and challenges of a homeschool family. For more information on Saint Emmelia Ministries or one of our regional conferences, visit www.saintemmelia.com