Speaker Packets
Allie Olsen
17 years ago, I had never even heard of homeschooling. A 19 year old new mamma, I had so much to learn! Through “chance” encounters, friendships, and opportunities to serve, the Lord began drawing our little family into the world of home education. Little did I know that a little over a decade later I would be serving alongside the greats of homeschooling, taking my place as an encourager, mentor and friendly face who repeats the message new mammas need to hear, “the one who has called you is faithful, He will do it!”
As with most homeschooling mammas, I have worn many hats:
* Wife to Chris for 17 years, homes in 2 cities, 2 startup companies and so many wonderful memories
* Mamma to 7 children, 6 months to 16 years - I’ll be homeschooling 6 grades next year & I love my little 1 room schoolhouse!
* Small Group Leader My husband is a small group leader at our church, Grace Covenant Church. I come alongside him in this role.
* Chief Encourager, writer & speaker for Homeschool Manager, a lesson planning & record keeping app
* Co-op Leader in the past, but I am grateful to have passed the torch. I continue to participate and will be teaching “Florida History” this year
* Liaison between the City of St. Augustine and the homeschool community. We established St. Augustine’s Homeschool Week in 2015 with the goal of welcoming homeschoolers from around the nation to the oldest city in the US
* Columnist “Purposeful Parenting” Columnist for 9 years. Currently a freelance food & travel writer & photographer
* Blogger at SimplyStAugustine.com and www.HomeschoolManager.com
The first time I went to a homeschool convention was as a helper at the Lifetime Books & Gifts booth. I spent 3 days with Elizabeth Farewell and over the next few years, I spent time with her parents, Bob & Tina Farewell. They encouraged me to shepherd my children’s hearts, to love them lavishly and to build relationships before I focused on academics. I am so grateful for this foundation! Our oldest son is dual enrolling next year and he excels in competitive debate with the NCFCA. I’ve learned that while academics & relationships are not mutually exclusive, the foundation of the early years matters!
From my experiences, I can confidently deliver the following talks (the first 4 have been delivered at homeschool conventions):
Sure I Can Homeschool! (It’s the Laundry I Can’t Keep Up With)
Tips On Fitting It All In Without Trying to Be Supermom
Come be encouraged in the daily struggle to balance school and the rest of life. Allie, mom of 7, hopes you’ll glean practical tips and leave inspired to parent focusing on the heart.
Organizing Ideas For a Regular-sized Home, A Regular-sized Budget and NO Pinterestability
Have you given up on eating dinner at the dinner table? Thrown in the towel on the laundry room and abandoned your dreams of a bedroom as a peaceful respite from a busy home? No, this is not a sales session for thirty-one, Tupperware or Southern Living at Home…There is hope for organizing a normal home on a normal budget.
Loving the Littles While Schooling the Big Kids
Home educating can be consuming. Teaching school and keeping toddlers out of trouble, potty training, and including eager 4 year olds at the school table is sometimes overwhelming! Allie, who teaches her five older children while trying to keep her 2 “littles” from destroying the house, will share Biblical encouragement, fresh ideas, and laughter as we look at schooling children who are several years apart.
Homeschooling & Entrepreneurship - for teacher & student
Entrepreneurship is more than an idea in the Olsen home. Dad, Chris, has built and sold a successful tech company, Mom, Allie, is a freelance writer, blogger and social media mompreneur and Ben, their 16 year old, has mowed lawns, sold poinsettias at Christmas, walked dogs and currently interns with the Chamber of Commerce to learn about community connections. They’ll share tips on balancing entrepreneurial dreams with school & family realities.
Other subjects I can develop a talk on:
The One Room Schoolhouse - Homeschooling multiple ages
PLANNING… that dreaded word. Tips & tricks to make it through all the subjects with all the kids. (While this isn’t Homeschool Manager centric, it is HSM heavy!)
To co-op or not to co-op?
When homeschooling feels lonely. How to make time for friendship in the middle of school, laundry and “everybody’s perfect” co-ops.
Why You Shouldn’t Pick a Structured Curriculum for your Preschooler
When Mom Works - Mommy bloggers, essential oil side businesses, Publix evening hours, work-from-home accountants… it’s easier than ever for moms to work from home. I’d love to share my heart on pros/cons, strategies for success and keeping the main thing the main thing.
Social Media Boot Camp - I deliver this talk to local businesses. If your audience would like a crash course in social media, whether from a business perspective or for awareness of current trends our kids are aware of, I’m happy to share.
