Homeschool Minnesota Convention
Speakers & Worship Leader
We are thrilled to share our current line-up of keynote, featured, and guest speakers. It's going to be an amazing convention!
2026 Speakers
Convention Details
NANCY BJORKMAN
- GUEST SPEAKER
After years of being a homeschool skeptic, Nancy began homeschooling her four children in 1992. Now, after over 30 years, she has become known as the Homeschool Mom Whisperer for many and a champion of the cause. She has spoken at homeschool conferences in over 10 states where she is known for her enthusiasm, energy, and encouragement. She finds joy in empowering parents to join the journey of homeschooling. Though she stays busy as a mentor and speaker, her favorite times are spent with her growing family including 9 grandkids. She and her husband owned HEPPNER’S LEGACY, a homeschool store in Elk River, MN, for 18 years and now are learning what it’s like to have more free time as they make the handoff to the new owners.
CHUCK BLACK
- GUEST SPEAKER
Chuck Black, a former F-16 fighter pilot and tactical combat communications engineer, is the author of 24 novels, including the popular Kingdom Series, The Knights of Arrethtrae series, the Wars of the Realm series, The Starlore Legacy series, and Call to Arms: The Guts and Glory of Courageous Fatherhood. Kingdom’s Dawn of The Kingdom Series received Homeschool.com’s “Voted #1” award and was on CBA’s top ten best sellers list twice in 2008 for all Christian Youth Literature. His heart is to equip and encourage families in their pursuit of Christ, and he seeks to do so through his allegorical and Scripture-based novels, his seminars, and his published articles.
In addition to writing, Chuck is currently the CEO of FlowCore Systems, an oil and gas chemical injection automation company. He is the inventor or co-inventor on sixteen patents in the U.S. and Canada. Chuck has served as an Elder at Cornerstone First Baptist Church in Williston, ND and has taught adult Sunday school classes for the past nineteen years, including frequent class sessions on parenting. In addition to speaking at homeschool and Christian conferences all across the United States and Canada, he has written columns for the Teach Them Diligently Convention and the North Dakota State Homeschool Association. Chuck has also been published in LifeWay’s Home Life Magazine, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Walk Thru the Bible’s Stand Strong Magazine, and on various websites and e-newsletters.
Chuck is a believer in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and in the Holy-Spirit-inspired, infallible Word of God. He is devoted to his wife, Andrea, their six children and their spouses, and many grandchildren. Chuck and Andrea homeschooled their children for twenty-four years; all six have graduated from college and are married. Chuck’s passion is to inspire people of all ages to follow the Lord with zeal and to equip parents, pastors, and youth leaders to accomplish the same.
KARRA BULLER
- GUEST SPEAKER
Karra graduated from college with a BA in Neuropsychology and Music in 1991. Her senior thesis was on how learning music in therapy can shape the brain and critically alter how well a person can heal & function after a trauma. She started teaching piano students in 1995 and continued to use her passion for psychology to maximize the benefits of music for the children she taught. Karra first joined CMA as a parent through enrolling her youngest child in the program. She quickly realized she had found a complete curriculum that maximized how music alters and enhances our brain activities with CMA Brooklyn Park, and soon became a teacher! She never stopped accumulating research on how music changes and maps brain functions and loves to speak at music symposiums teaching others about how music maps the brain. She also has a passion in applied music therapy using the teaching and learning of music as a language to increase connections and remap brain centers for academically challenged children and those on the Spectrum.
DEBORAH BURNS
- GUEST SPEAKER
Your instructor has been a medical transcriptionist for more than 30 years, operates a large MT biz and has been a homeschool mom. You’ll enjoy her warmth, humor and practical advice. Any questions? Contact Deborah directly: [email protected]
EMILY CANO
- GUEST SPEAKER
Emily Cano is the Director of PSEO at Crown College (MN). She has worked at Crown for over 20 years, 8 of them in this position. As an academic advisor for PSEO and Associate degree students, Emily has helped hundreds of students in their transition to college. Emily earned a BS in English Education and an MA in Educational Leadership. She has taught as an Adjunct Professor and developed curriculum in the areas of speech, composition, literature, and career exploration. Outside of Crown, she is married with three elementary-aged kids. She also serves as an HR Officer in the MN Army National Guard with two overseas deployments.
KATHLEEN COTTER CLAYTON
- GUEST SPEAKER
Kathleen Cotter Clayton is the daughter of Dr. Joan A. Cotter, author and creator of the RightStart™ Mathematics program. She is one of the first children to grow up under the RightStart principles. Kathleen has a degree in Home Economics and a minor in Business from the University of Minnesota and has two Masters Degrees from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. Kathleen and her husband Steve have six adult children and six delightful grandchildren.
Kathleen is currently responsible for curriculum development, marketing, and sales. She travels all across the US and Canada, sharing the RightStart mission of helping children understand, apply, and enjoy mathematics. In her spare time, Kathleen designs and creates quilts and loves to travel all around the world.
DELL COOK
- TEEN TRACK SPEAKER
Dell Cook holds two masters degrees (M.Div and ThM) in theology. He has served in several camp ministries around the nation as well as Director of Student Ministries in North Carolina and Florida. For the last 25 years he has been involved in the classical Christian education renewal; as a teacher, coach, administrator, board member, and consultant. Dell, his wife Ginny, and their three children live in North Carolina.
DALE COX
- GUEST SPEAKER
Dale Cox is a professional food scientist, holding a BS and MS in Food Science, and is also a licensed general contractor. He grew up living all over the country while his father served in the Air Force and also lived for two years in Mexico while serving a mission for his church. In addition to his passion for food science and digging in the dirt (see one of his YouTube channels for some skid steer action!), Dale is a LEGO® brick enthusiast and is a certified original Star Wars Nut. For over 23 years he has worked in the food industry for many well-known companies developing new products and improving food manufacturing facilities. Together with his wife, LeAnne, and others, he has run several businesses, including various real estate investment ventures, mobile home park ownership and operation, and land development. Currently as owner and founder of Beakers & Bricks, LLC he develops print and self-paced online food science and physics courses for kindergarten through high school. Much of his time is spent creating new editions to the popular Edible Knowledge for the Curious Cook short course series designed to help cooks improve their skills through food science.
Dale’s food philosophy is to eat as close to nature as often as we can and use convenience foods in moderation when we need the convenience or want a treat. He believes that knowledge gives us the power to avoid being scared by whatever current food fad exists. Teaching this everyday useful knowledge, what he calls Edible Knowledge, is the primary mission of his company.
He has a great passion and love of history, especially for the Constitution of the United States of America and for preserving the freedoms enjoyed by its citizens. Dale and LeAnne have three children and reside in Asheboro, North Carolina.
KRISTEN D’ARPA CUSHING
- GUEST SPEAKER
Kristen D’Arpa Cushing is the creator and author of Kingdom Culture, a hands-on Bible learning curriculum that helps children, teens, and adults (ages 4+) practically live out biblical values and truths in everyday life. Her unique, experiential learning model has been used by families, churches, and schools in more than 25 countries, reaching over 80,000 people worldwide.
With a degree in Cross-Cultural Missions and Third World Studies from Bethel University (MN), Kristen has spent more than two decades developing creative tools that make the Bible come alive for every age. Her passion is to help families learn and grow together—through short, interactive lessons that make faith practical, joyful, and transformative at home, in the classroom, and beyond.
CASSANDRA DELEON
- GUEST SPEAKER
Cassandra DeLeon is a pastor’s wife, mother of 10, and a veteran homeschooler with 20 years of experience guiding her children’s education. For over 15 years, she has served as a HomeWorks by Precept consultant, helping families navigate the joys and challenges of homeschooling.
Cassandra delights in teaching ladies’ Bible studies, speaking at conferences and women’s retreats, and sharing God’s Word with women of all ages and backgrounds through her study resources at theonethingbiblestudyplan.com. When she’s not homeschooling or ministering with her family, she enjoys sipping coffee with friends and building meaningful connections through faith and fellowship.
REV. DR. SEANN DIKKERS
- GUEST SPEAKER
Rev. Dr. Seann Dikkers is an author, education researcher, design consultant, speaker, husband and homeschool father of two. Previously, Seann served as a middle school social studies teacher, high school principal, researcher, professor, and department chair of education. Recently, he was the interim executive director of MACHE, the Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators, and is now the lead designer for Portals – a ‘check all the boxes’ homeschooling resource for parents. He now serves as the pastor of a Calvary Chapel in Lake Elmo, MN. His teachings are recorded for a chapter-by-chapter study of the Bible that has grown to over twenty thousand downloads on the podcast All In Gospel. As a researcher he studied the use of digital media for learning and advocates for full parent involvement and leadership for teaching and learning. His books TeacherCraft, Mobile Media Learning I & II, Real-Time Research, and other research publications explore play, project and quest-based pedagogy. His heart seeks after Jesus Christ.
RICH FRIEDER
- GUEST SPEAKER
Rich Frieder is the owner of LearningRx which focuses on improving an individual’s ability to learn and process information. Rich has worked with individuals with ADHD, autism, dyslexia and general learning struggles. A key driver in Rich’s decision to open LearningRx is his youngest daughter, Catie, who has struggled with ADHD, receptive and expressive language delays and sensory integration disorder. Rich has spoken to numerous parent and professional groups including annual conferences, local school districts, education conferences, homeschool groups, occupational therapy groups, ABA therapy groups and support groups. Rich has also appeared on the Fox Morning News, Twin Cities Live and the Kare-11 Today Show.
JONATHAN FRIESEN
- GUEST SPEAKER
Jonathan Friesen is a homeschooling father, award-winning young adult author, international speaker, and university professor. When he’s not writing, speaking or teaching at North Central University, Jonathan is traveling, bringing a message of hope to conferences, prisons, schools, and homeschool groups. Together with Wendy (his incredible wife) Jonathan has seen two of three children graduate from college, with his third nearing that milestone. They homeschooled all their children from kindergarten through high school.
PAMELA GATES
- FEATURED SPEAKER
Speaker, CNHP, Certified Learning Specialist
Pamela Gates is a Certified Learning Specialist in the Dianne Craft Right Brain Learning System, bringing 18 years of experience helping bright, hardworking children who struggle with learning. A homeschooling mother of six, Pam has personal insight into the challenges families face. Her own daughter overcame dyslexia through the unique, alternative teaching methods Pam now shares with other families.
A sought-after speaker at homeschool conferences, Pam inspires hope and provides practical strategies that parents can put into action immediately. Her workshops are engaging, lighthearted, and transformative, helping children feel as capable and confident as they truly are. Based in Denver, Colorado, Pam also offers remote Personal Consultations, combining professional expertise with warmth and understanding to support parents as they follow the Dianne Craft Learning System with their child.
With her additional certification as a Nutritional Health Professional, Pam partners with families to address their child’s nutritional needs, ensuring every aspect of learning and development is supported.
HEATHER GRISWOLD
- GUEST SPEAKER
Heather has been married to her high school sweetheart for almost 35 years. She has been homeschooling since 1997 and has graduated nine of her thirteen children. Heather has a passion for helping students learn to be effective communicators, ambassadors for Christ who can communicate truth with integrity and grace. Her family has been involved with NCFCA Christian Speech and Debate for 11 years.
Heather is a Registered Nurse, and she has been a foster provider for children and adults with special needs for over 30 years. In her free time, she enjoys working in her flower garden, hiking and spending time with her husband, 13 children and 11 grandchildren. One of her greatest joys is doing a weekly unit study co-op with her children and grandchildren.
GIVEN HOFFMAN
- FEATURED SPEAKER
Given is an author, a podcaster on topics of life and faith, an international blogger on Christian worldview (with posts having reached over 120 countries), an instructor in communication, and a writing coach.
With fifteen plus years of experience in the realms of communication, Biblical discernment, and writing, Given is passionate about teaching and helping parents and teens grow in their Christian faith and
communicate well with each other and the world.
DR. KATHY KOCH
- KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Kathy Koch (“cook”) wakes eager to spark lightbulb moments that build identity and connection in parents and kids. A former university professor turned child-celebration advocate, she loves the smiles when learners hear, “You were created on purpose, with purpose, for a purpose.” Parents call her a coach; students call her “Dr. Kathy”; audiences call her memorable.
She earned a PhD in reading and educational psychology from Purdue and founded Celebrate Kids, Inc. Her faith, classroom experience, and years of study shaped best-selling books—8 Great Smarts, Screens and Teens, and Five to Thrive—now used in homes, schools, churches, and universities worldwide. Every insight rests on data, case studies, cultural awareness, and clear frameworks.
Her workshops buzz with “try-this-tonight” strategies, object lessons, and spontaneous analogies that turn theory into action.
Above all, she champions relationships. Whether praying with a grandparent or coaching weary moms, her first instinct is connection. She offers clear steps, sound reasoning, creative sparks, and heartfelt encouragement—and can’t wait to cheer you on.
RUEBEN & HANNAH LANCTOT
- WORSHIP LEADER
Reuben and Hannah Lanctot are from Willmar, Minnesota, and have been married for 12 years. They have two children, Evalyn (9) and Levi (5). Together, they serve in the music ministry at The Harbor Church in Spicer, Minnesota. Both Reuben and Hannah were homeschooled growing up, and being able to now homeschool their own children has been a true blessing.
DAN MARTIN
- FEATURED SPEAKER
M.S. Entomology, B.S. Biochemistry & Entomology
Dan is a lifelong learner, father, scientist, and follower of Jesus. Having graduated from Purdue University with an M.S. in entomology with a focus on insect physiology and a B.S. in biochemistry and entomology, Dan has always loved discovering God’s fingerprints among some of the smallest of creations.
He has taught hundreds of chemistry and physics students through Apologia’s Live Classes since 2015. In his classes, Dan focuses on making complex material not only accessible but also innovative and engaging for students. Previous students have said that Dan can be a bit of a mad scientist, and he won’t deny it, but he hopes, most of all, that his classroom experience is a memorable one that curates not only a love for science but for the created universe and those who live here.
When not teaching his “internet kids,” Dan hangs out with his family in Madison, WI. He and his wife, Allyson, have a growing family with three energetic and goofy kiddos: Gideon, Saffron, and Juniper. They love reading, exploring, dancing, and playing board games together.
JEN MULVIHILL
- GUEST SPEAKER
Jen Mulvihill is a veteran homeschool mom to her 5 children, ages 7-16. She has been married to Josh for 20 years and together they are passionate about training children and families to know and love Jesus Christ. Jen considers it a privilege to be able to spend her days at home as a support to her husband and children. Jen has a degree in music education and has taught music for 20 years, most recently in launching Wings Homeschool Bands. In her spare time, Jen can be found sewing, tending to her pigs, chickens, and farm cats, and tackling a DIY project at their one hundred year old farmhouse in Lester Prairie, MN. Jen is the co-author of two books, Discipling Your Grandchildren, and 50 Things Your Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home. Her favorite things include growing deeper in her relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, encouraging other moms in the trenches of parenting, and laughing out loud with good friends over coffee.
JOSH MULVIHILL
- GUEST SPEAKER
Josh Mulvihill is the Executive Director of Church and Family Ministry at Renewanation. He served as a pastor for over 20 years, has a PhD in Family Ministry, serves as the Vice-Chairmen on the board of Awana, is the Assistant Editor for The Review magazine, and is the author or editor of ten books on parenting and grandparenting including Biblical Grandparenting, Preparing Children for Marriage, Biblical Worldview, and 50 Things Every Child Needs to Know Before Leaving Home. He is married to Jen, homeschool their five children, and lives in Minnesota on a farm where they raise cows, KuneKune pigs, heritage breed chickens, and their black lab named Liberty. Josh blogs at GospelShapedFamily.com, enjoys camping with friends, reading a great book around a crackling fire, and catching fish in Minnesota lakes.
MIKE PEHL
- GUEST SPEAKER
Mike Pehl prides teaching students based on real-world scenarios. He has the deepest respect for his students and their parents. Mike has a unique perspective on defensive driving because his career has included roles as a Crash Investigator, Insurance Agent, and Driving Safety Instructor. His colleagues call him an “innovative rebel.” Mike’s authentic approach, original insights and proven techniques have helped him succeed in creating tens of thousands of smarter, safer teen drivers over his 30+ year career. Mike knows that your student needs to learn more than just facts and rules. They need practical knowledge and tactical skills to succeed on the roads today. Mike Pehl will give your student insights on the knowledge, defensive driving skills and confidence they will need to survive on today’s roads.
TRISHA PULL
- GUEST SPEAKER
Trisha Pull has thirteen years of experience teaching at home and is currently home educating five of her six children in grades 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12. In 2025, she joyfully graduated her first student, thereby reducing her teaching load by nearly 17%. She has used a variety of teaching approaches, because different kids have different learning needs. She believes that school customized to the individual student is one of the great strengths of homeschooling.
Following Jesus, not by obligation, but as a relationship driven by hearing His voice, is Trisha’s goal in all she does.
Trisha has a bachelor’s degree in oboe performance and music education. Her favorite hobbies are music, University of Kansas basketball, tea, strategy board games, and running. Home renovation television shows are one of her vices.
LAUREN ROMAN
- FEATURED SPEAKER
Lauren Roman captivates audiences of all ages, encouraging us toward true identity and freedom in Christ. Lauren is an AACC-certified Youth Mental Health Coach who works with Dr. Kathy Koch and Celebrate Kids on creative content and events. Lauren’s debut children’s book, Think Good, Be Good!, has been embraced by Christian parents, educators, counselors, and—most importantly—kids! Her passion for multi-generational ministry is rooted in personal experience. Lauren grew up with a saving faith in Jesus but no spiritual growth. A lifelong performer, her professional acting career began at just 19 years old. Despite Lauren’s success in TV and film (All My Children, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Nashville, Grace Unplugged), God ultimately revealed a deeper calling. Recovering from an eating disorder and depression taught Lauren the meaning of everyday dependence on Jesus. Once she experienced Galatians 5:1 freedom, it became her mission to grow in love and spread the Good News of John 10:10 abundant life! Today, Lauren speaks and sings nationwide for women, youth, and multi-generational ministry events. Learn more at laurenroman.com.
STACY SAXTON
- GUEST SPEAKER
Stacy Saxton is a homeschooling veteran with a BA in Music Education and 40 years’ experience teaching music. She home educated her two children through high school as a widowed single mom while teaching music privately and in a local Christian school. After her children graduated, she saw a need for a relevant, inexpensive, truly elementary music curriculum that everyone could use, so she used her experience and gifts in teaching to create the curriculum to fill that need. If she had any spare time between students, Stacy would enjoy researching brain and body health, spinning, crocheting sewing, hiking, and spending time with her four grandchildren and two children.
MIKE SCHUTT
- TEEN TRACK SPEAKER
Mike Schutt is the Executive Director of Worldview Academy, and he has served students as a Worldview Academy faculty member since 2002. Before taking on the executive director role, he served as Clinical Associate Professor at Trinity Law School and Director of the Institute for Christian Legal Studies (ICLS), a cooperative ministry of Trinity Law and Christian Legal Society, where he directed CLS’ Law School Ministries. He also taught on the faculty of Regent Law School for 20 years. Mike’s book, Redeeming Law: Christian Calling and the Legal Profession (InterVarsity Press 2007), is an exhortation to students and lawyers on Christian integrity in the law. He lives in Mount Pleasant, Texas, with his wife, Lisa. They have three grown children and six grandchildren. Before entering academia, Mike practiced law in Fort Worth, Texas. He is an honors graduate of the University of Texas School of Law.
JEFF STADNICK
- GUEST SPEAKER
Jeff Stadnick and his wife homeschooled their three children using Abeka Academy’s online program, with two completing the accredited track and graduating through Abeka Academy. One of their children attended the homeschool graduation in Pensacola, and all three have continued into higher education—one at Pensacola Christian College and another in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Mercy College of Health Sciences. Jeff worked at Abeka for 18 years before coming to Faith Baptist Bible College where he currently serves as the school’s online and dual enrollment programs. With experience as both a homeschool dad and Christian college representative, Jeff enjoys helping families navigate the exciting connection between homeschooling, online learning, and Christ-centered college preparation.
ISRAEL WAYNE
- KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Israel Wayne is an author and conference speaker who has a passion for defending the Christian faith and promoting a Biblical worldview. He is the author of the books Questions God Asks, Questions Jesus Asks , Pitchin’ a Fit: Overcoming Angry and Stressed-Out Parenting, Education: Does God Have an Opinion?, Answers for Homeschooling: Top 25 Questions Critics Ask, Raising Them Up: Parenting for Christians, Foundations in Faith.and Foundational Truths. He is also the site editor for ChristianWorldview.net and the founder of Family Renewal.
Since 1995, Israel has traveled the nation speaking on family, homeschooling, apologetics, spiritual awakening, discipleship, and cultural issues.
Israel has written articles (or been interviewed) for the following magazines and websites: Answers (Answers In Genesis), Revive (Life Action Ministries), UnChained (Pure Life Ministries), The Old Schoolhouse, Samaritan Ministries, CrossWalk.com, ChristianPost.com, ChristianBook.com, Christianity.com, GotQuestions.org, HonorBound.com, ReviveOurHearts.org, WorldviewWeekend.com and many others.
Israel has spoken at events / chapel services for ministries like American Family Association, Culture Proof, American Decency Association, Life Action Ministries, Pure Life Ministries, ARK Encounter, Creation Museum, Answers in Genesis, Teach Them Diligently and many others.
He is a frequent guest on national radio and television programs. Israel has been featured or interviewed in national and international media including TIME Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Epoch Times, Buzzfeed, Daily Mail (UK), Detroit Free Press, The New American, WORLD Magazine, CBN News, LifeSiteNews, HSLDA Court Report and affiliate stations for ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, NPR and PBS. Israel has been featured as the keynote speaker at various conferences, with over 5,000 in attendance.
Israel and his wife Brook (both homeschooled graduates) were joined in marriage in 1999 and have 11 homeschooled children.