The Homeschool Connections Podcast

Can what your child eats really affect focus, behavior, energy, and learning? In this episode of the Homeschool Connections Podcast, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with Theresa Kasper, a certified Integrative Health Practitioner, former special education teacher, and Catholic homeschool mom, to discuss the link between nutrition and a child's ability to learn and thrive. The good news? This isn't about throwing away everything in your pantry or creating a complicated new diet. Theresa shares simple, realistic changes homeschool families can make, from building breakfast around protein and healthy fats to prepping easy grab-and-go snacks and pairing carbohydrates with protein. You'll come away with practical ideas you can start using at your very next meal. Resources Well Designed Health Learn more about Theresa's work and virtual wellness practice at: WellDesignedHealth.com Follow Theresa on Instagram: @welldesignedhealth https://www.instagram.com/welldesignedhealth/ In This Episode Kaitlin and Theresa discuss: Food is fuel for a child's body and brain How protein can help support sustained energy and focus Why healthy fats matter for the developing brain The role of complex carbohydrates and fiber A simple breakfast formula for a busy homeschool morning Nutrition considerations for children struggling with attention or hyperactivity How to think about snacking throughout the homeschool day The relationship between nutrition and sleep Simple snack-prep ideas that make healthy choices more convenient How children can become more independent in choosing and preparing nourishing foods And so much more Theresa also shares one especially helpful strategy for busy homeschool families: make the healthiest choice the convenient choice. Prep simple snacks ahead of time so children can grab something nourishing when they're hungry instead of automatically reaching for chips, crackers, or cookies. One Big Takeaway Don't start by trying to create the “perfect” diet. Start by giving your child's brain better fuel. As Theresa explains, if food can negatively affect children's behavior and energy, the right foods can also support them. Food isn't simply calories—it provides the fuel growing bodies and brains need to learn, focus, and thrive. About Theresa Kasper Theresa Kasper is a certified Integrative Health Practitioner, former special education teacher, and first-time homeschool mom preparing to begin kindergarten with her son this fall. After spending more than a decade supporting children with diverse learning and behavioral needs in the classroom, she became passionate about helping families understand the powerful role nutrition and lifestyle can play in a child's ability to learn, grow, and thrive. Through her virtual wellness practice, Well Designed Health, Theresa serves women and families across the United States and beyond, helping them improve their health through personalized wellness strategies, lifestyle changes, and functional lab testing. Theresa lives in the Houston area with her husband and son, where faith, family, and wellness are at the center of daily life. About Your Host Kaitlin Zara is a veteran educator, homeschool mom, and host of the Homeschool Connections Podcast. She combines her classroom experience with the everyday realities of homeschooling to encourage parents to approach education with confidence, flexibility, and joy.

What can nearly 20 years of serving Catholic homeschool families teach us about homeschooling, parenthood, faith, and the education of our children? In this special episode of the Homeschool Connections Podcast, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with Homeschool Connections co-founder Maureen Wittmann as she steps back from day-to-day leadership and enters a new season of semi-retirement. Maureen looks back at the unlikely beginnings of Homeschool Connections—from a handful of online webinars and one nine-week government course to hundreds of LIVE and recorded Catholic homeschool courses serving families around the world. She shares the moments that convinced her this work mattered, what homeschool parents and students have taught her, and why she believes homeschooling can strengthen not only a child's education but family relationships and faith. Maureen also shares what she is most proud of, why Homeschool Connections has always put parents at the center of education, and why she is excited about the next generation of HSC leadership. And for every homeschool parent who has ever wondered, “Am I enough?”, Maureen has a message she hopes you'll remember: You are. This Episode Is Sponsored by Homeschool Connections Homeschool Connections exists to support parents, not replace them, as their children's primary educators. With LIVE interactive classes, hundreds of recorded courses, passionate Catholic instructors, and resources created specifically for homeschool families, HSC can help with the subjects you don't feel equipped to teach while keeping you at the heart of your child's education. Explore courses and homeschool resources at: https://homeschoolconnections.com/ Resources Homeschool Connections Blog: https://homeschoolconnections.com/blog/ Meet Cate Godlewski, HSC's New Associate Director: In This Episode Kaitlin and Maureen discuss: How Homeschool Connections began. And why neither Maureen nor co-founder Walter Crawford imagined what it would become Growing from a single government course to hundreds of live and recorded classes How genuine friendships and community can develop through online homeschool classes What nearly 20 years of Catholic homeschool families have taught Maureen about motherhood, marriage, faith, and community How outside classes can help parents continue homeschooling through high school without having to teach every subject themselves Why homeschooling can help lay the foundation for strong relationships with adult children What Maureen is most proud of after nearly two decades with Homeschool Connections The importance of teachers who don't simply know their subjects, but genuinely love what they teach Why parents are encouraged to learn alongside their children Why Maureen knew the time was right to hand off some of her responsibilities Why she is confident in Associate Director Cate Godlewski and the next generation of HSC leadership How Homeschool Connections plans to continue adapting to changes in technology while remaining grounded in the Catholic faith Why HSC created its own learning management system specifically for homeschool families The threefold mission that has guided Homeschool Connections from the beginning Maureen's message to parents who wonder whether they are enough Her heartfelt thank-you to the students she has been privileged to serve One Big Takeaway You don't have to know everything to homeschool your children well. You just have to be willing to keep learning, seek help when you need it, and remember why you started. Homeschool Connections itself grew from that principle. Maureen and Walter didn't begin with a grand plan to build hundreds of courses. They listened to parents, trusted their teachers, responded to needs as they arose, and, as Maureen puts it, kept saying yes. If you've ever wondered, “Am I enough to homeschool my child?”, Maureen's answer is simple: Yes, you are. The Mission Continues Maureen may be stepping back from day-to-day leadership, but she isn't saying goodbye to Homeschool Connections. She'll continue working behind the scenes on the Homeschool Connections Podcast, the HSC Blog, and other creative projects she especially enjoys. And she's excited about what comes next. With Co-Founder Walter Crawford, Associate Director Cate Godlewski, and the HSC team carrying the mission forward, Homeschool Connections will continue looking for new ways to serve Catholic homeschool families—from expanded grade-school options and free parent resources to thoughtful approaches to new technologies. The methods and technology may change, but the mission remains: Give glory to God, serve homeschool parents, and give gifted teachers the freedom to share what they love. About Maureen Wittmann Maureen Wittmann is a co-founder of Homeschool Connections. After many years serving as Co-Director, she recently stepped back from day-to-day leadership into a semi-retired role. She continues working behind the scenes, producing the Homeschool Connections Podcast, editing the blog, and contributing to other creative projects she especially enjoys. A popular Catholic homeschool author and speaker for 30 years, Maureen is passionate about encouraging parents and strengthening families through faith-filled education. Maureen and her husband are the parents of seven children, all of whom were homeschooled and are now thriving in their own families and careers. She is also the grateful grandmother of 11 grandchildren and counting. Having benefited from the wisdom and encouragement of other homeschool parents throughout her own journey, Maureen remains committed to giving back through Homeschool Connections and its many efforts to support families “in the thick of it.” About Your Host Kaitlin Zara is a veteran educator, homeschool mom, and host of the Homeschool Connections Podcast. She combines her classroom experience with the everyday realities of homeschooling to encourage parents to approach education with confidence, flexibility, and joy.

What does the future of Catholic homeschooling look like, and how can Homeschool Connections continue helping families navigate it? In this episode of the Homeschool Connections Podcast, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with Cate Godlewski, the new Associate Director of Homeschool Connections. A homeschool graduate herself, Cate brings a lifelong love of education, years of teaching experience, and a deep commitment to Catholic families to her new leadership role. Cate shares her own homeschooling story, how Divine Providence led her to Homeschool Connections, and why she believes homeschooling is much more than an educational method. For Cate, it is a family calling, one that gives parents a unique opportunity to form the whole person while recognizing the individual gifts God has given each child. Kaitlin and Cate also look toward the future. They discuss the challenges presented by rapidly changing technology and artificial intelligence (AI), the importance of preserving genuine human connection in online education, and Cate's vision for providing homeschool parents with even more guidance, resources, and support. It's a wonderful opportunity to get to know one of the people helping carry the Homeschool Connections mission into its next chapter. This Episode Is Sponsored by Homeschool Connections At Homeschool Connections, we believe parents are their children's primary educators. Our job is to make their homeschool journey easier. From live interactive classes to hundreds of recorded courses taught by experienced Catholic instructors, Homeschool Connections gives families the flexibility to choose the support that works for them. Explore courses and homeschool resources at: https://homeschoolconnections.com/ In This Episode Kaitlin and Cate discuss: Cate's experience growing up as a homeschooled student How she discovered her love of teaching while still a homeschooler herself The unexpected path that brought her to Homeschool Connections Her journey from administrative assistant to teacher, mentor, and Associate Director Why Cate sees homeschooling as a family calling, not simply an educational method Why parents remain the primary educators of their children Helping children discover and develop their God-given gifts What Cate has learned from working with Homeschool Connections families The creativity Cate witnessed in HSC's student Makers Fair Why HSC events and resources can serve the wider homeschool community—not only enrolled HSC families Cate's work developing scope-and-sequence resources to help parents see the bigger educational picture How Catholic homeschool families can thoughtfully approach AI and changing technology Why technology should support—not replace—human connection in education Building real community through online classes, siblings, friends, and homeschool co-ops What excites Cate about the future of Homeschool Connections Why homeschool parents can trust in God's Providence even when the path feels uncertain One Big Takeaway The tools available to homeschool families may change, but the heart of education does not. Cate sees tremendous opportunities ahead for Catholic homeschoolers. New technologies, new educational models, and new resources will continue to change how families teach and learn. But the fundamental mission remains the same: parents know their children, families are central to their formation, and education should help each child grow intellectually, personally, and spiritually. As Homeschool Connections moves into its next chapter, Cate hopes to help families navigate those changes while keeping that mission firmly at the center. And for parents who sometimes wonder whether they can really do this, Cate offers a simple reminder from Scripture: “Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.” Trust God's Providence for your family and your children. About Cate Godlewski Cate Godlewski was homeschooled herself and joined Homeschool Connections in 2021 as an administrative assistant. Since then, her work has expanded to include teaching, mentoring, and leadership, and she now serves as Associate Director of Homeschool Connections. Cate has published poetry in literary journals, self-published three Shakespeare adaptations written specifically for homeschoolers, and hosted a poetry podcast devoted to the works of Emily Dickinson. She believes passionately in the power of Catholic education to strengthen families, elevate the culture, and glorify Christ through His Church. About Your Host Kaitlin Zara is a veteran educator, homeschool mom, and host of the Homeschool Connections Podcast. She combines her classroom experience with the everyday realities of homeschooling to encourage parents to approach education with confidence, flexibility, and joy.

How do you keep homeschooling and keep loving your family well when life is extraordinarily hard? Author, speaker, and veteran homeschool mom Mary Lenaburg joins Kaitlin Zara for an honest, hope-filled conversation about homeschooling, parenting a child with profound disabilities, caring for siblings' needs, strengthening a marriage under tremendous pressure, and finding joy even in seasons of suffering. Mary and her husband homeschooled their son, Jonathan, from second grade through high school while raising their daughter, Courtney, who experienced significant medical and developmental challenges throughout her life. Looking back, Mary shares both the beautiful memories and the things she wishes she had done differently. Her advice is refreshingly practical: fall in love with your children and what they love. Get help before you think you need it. Protect your marriage. Let go of the idea that a successful homeschool is measured by completing every page of curriculum. And when a family you love is overwhelmed by medical or special needs, don't simply ask how you can help; show up and do something. Above all, Mary reminds us that joy is not the same thing as having an easy life. It is something deeper, rooted in knowing who we are and trusting God with what we cannot control. This Episode Is Sponsored by John Paul the Great Catholic University John Paul the Great Catholic University in California offers hands-on programs in creative arts, digital media, theology, and business within a faithfully Catholic environment. Apply for free and explore free online storytelling courses for homeschool students at: https://jpcatholic.edu/homeschool In This Episode Kaitlin and Mary discuss: Why Mary began homeschooling in the 1990s Homeschooling a gifted child while caring for a sibling with profound disabilities and medical needs How homeschooling gave Mary's family greater flexibility during an unusually demanding season What Mary wishes she had understood about the needs of siblings in special-needs families Why parents should “fall in love with what their children love” The importance of seeking counseling and outside support Protecting your marriage when parenting and caregiving become overwhelming Why being fully present doesn't mean being available to everyone every minute Giving yourself grace for the parenting decisions you made with the knowledge you had at the time Why practical life skills, character, faith, and relationships matter alongside academics How friends can practically support families caring for a child with disabilities Mary's simple advice for helping an overwhelmed parent: “Don't ask, just do.” Finding hope after loss One Big Takeaway A successful homeschool and a successful family aren't ones where everything goes according to plan. Looking back on decades of motherhood, homeschooling, caregiving, marriage, loss, and healing, Mary encourages parents to focus less on checking every academic box and more on the people God has placed in front of them. When life doesn't look anything like you expected, remember Mary's words: “Joy is a choice.” About Mary Lenaburg Mary Lenaburg is a wife of nearly four decades, mother, grandmother, author, speaker, and veteran homeschool mom. She is the author of the award-winning Be Brave in the Scared, Be Bold in the Broken, and a forthcoming book from Ascension Press arriving in October 2026. Her writing has also appeared in newspapers, magazines, and seven additional books. An acclaimed international speaker, Mary leads retreats, delivers keynotes at conferences, and co-hosts The Mary and Jerry Podcast with her husband. Known for tackling difficult topics with both passion and humor, Mary seeks to help people know that they are seen, known, and loved by God. About Your Host Kaitlin Zara is a veteran educator, homeschool mom, and host of the Homeschool Connections Podcast. She combines her classroom experience with the everyday realities of homeschooling to encourage parents to approach education with confidence, flexibility, and joy.

What happens when a public school principal decides to homeschool her own children? After nearly a decade as a principal, literacy specialist, and educator, Liz Powell never imagined that homeschooling would become part of her family's story. But motherhood—and especially thinking about what her own children needed to thrive—changed the way she looked at education. In this episode of the Homeschool Connections Podcast, Kaitlin Zara talks with Liz, known online as Principal in Pajamas, about what she learned from seeing education from both sides of the classroom. Liz shares why she left school administration to homeschool, what public schools do well, and what she believes homeschooling makes possible that even excellent classroom teachers can struggle to provide. She and Kaitlin also talk about individualized learning, ADHD and movement, creating structure at home, letting go of the fear of “falling behind,” teaching real-life skills, and why parents don't need a teaching degree to be effective homeschoolers. This Episode Is Sponsored by John Paul the Great Catholic University John Paul the Great Catholic University in California offers hands-on programs in creative arts, digital media, theology, and business within a faithfully Catholic environment. Apply for free and explore free online storytelling courses for homeschool students at: https://jpcatholic.edu/homeschool Resources Follow Liz Powell — Principal in Pajamas: https://www.instagram.com/principal_in_pajamas/ Homeschool Connections: https://homeschoolconnections.com/ In This Episode Kaitlin and Liz discuss: Why a longtime public school principal chose to homeschool her own children How becoming a mother changed Liz's perspective on education What public schools and classroom teachers do well—and where the system can make individualized education difficult Why one-on-one attention is one of homeschooling's greatest advantages Homeschooling a child with ADHD and incorporating movement and breaks naturally into the day Why “connection before curriculum” matters How to give children structure without recreating school at home Visual schedules, movement breaks, and other practical ways to make homeschool days run more smoothly Why it's okay to close the workbook when a curriculum isn't working How parents can let go of homeschool guilt and the fear of falling behind Why former teachers may actually have some things to “unlearn” when they begin homeschooling Whether you need professional teacher training to successfully homeschool your children Incorporating cooking, homemaking, nature, and other real-life experiences into education How Liz's definition of a successful education changed after leaving school administration Why education doesn't have to revolve around test scores, reading levels, or college readiness Encouragement for parents whose children are struggling academically One Big Takeaway You don't need to recreate a traditional classroom to give your child an excellent education. Liz encourages parents to remember that homeschooling allows them to do something classroom teachers often wish they could do more easily: slow down, change course, take a movement break, follow a child's interests, spend more time on a difficult concept, or set aside the workbook when it isn't serving the child. Most importantly, parents know their children in a way no outside teacher can. Homeschooling gives families the freedom to build education around the individual child rather than requiring the child to fit the system. About Liz Powell Liz Powell is a former public school principal, literacy specialist, homeschool mom, and content creator living in coastal Maine with her husband and three young children. After nearly a decade serving as a public school principal, Liz stepped away from her career following the birth of her third child and embraced life at home with her family. She began her career through Teach For America, taught in multiple states, and later earned her literacy specialist certification. Today, Liz homeschools her two oldest children and shares practical teaching strategies, literacy support, homeschool ideas, and encouragement for mothers through her Instagram page, Principal in Pajamas. Her perspective combines years of educational leadership and literacy expertise with the everyday experience of homeschooling her own children. About Your Host Kaitlin Zara is a veteran educator, homeschool mom, and host of the Homeschool Connections Podcast. She combines her classroom experience with the everyday realities of homeschooling to encourage parents to approach education with confidence, flexibility, and joy.