We Have Hope

In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully interviews Jeni Hettinger from My Fun Science, an online platform offering a variety of classes for homeschooling families. They discuss the range of courses available, including science, math, history, and foreign languages, as well as the structure of the classes, lab components, and the importance of student engagement. Jeni emphasizes the...

Show Notes/Brief Summary/Blog Post: In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully interviews Camille Q. Solberg about the various school choice initiatives in Georgia, particularly the Georgia Promise Scholarship. They discuss the flexibility and opportunities available for families, including open enrollment, the process of accessing scholarship funds, and the importance of education in...

In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, host Kim Dully interviews Amy Bishop, a Yoto partner and small business owner, about Yoto products, which are innovative audiobook players designed for children. Amy explains how these players work, the variety of audiobooks available, and the educational benefits they provide. The conversation delves into the importance of screen-free learning, the ima...

In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, host Kim Dully welcomes back Josiah Batten to discuss his new venture, Athanasius Academy, an online micro school launching in the fall of 2025. Josiah explains the innovative approach to classical Christian education, emphasizing the need for accessibility in rural areas of West Virginia. The conversation covers the unique structure of the curriculum,...

In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully interviews Matthew and Alesia Blackwood, the creators of Unlock Math. They discuss their journey from homeschooling to developing a unique math curriculum that addresses the gaps in traditional education. The conversation highlights the importance of personalized learning, the challenges students face in math, and the innovative features of Un...

In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully speaks with Becky White, the marketing director of Mission West Virginia, about the Think program, which focuses on teaching health to teenagers in a holistic manner. The conversation covers various aspects of teen health education, including communication skills, mental health support, and the importance of open conversations about sensitive...

In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully interviews Tiffany Parsons, a licensed occupational therapist, about the importance of occupational therapy for children, especially in homeschooling and private school settings. Tiffany discusses the role of occupational therapy in child development, how to identify warning signs that a child may need assistance, and the holistic approach to...

In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, I’m joined by Ashley Arthur from Mission West Virginia, an organization dedicated to promoting positive futures through foster family recruitment, life skills education, and community support. Ashley shares an inside look at the impactful programs offered by Mission WV. We also explore the vital role family involvement plays in a student’s education and...

In this episode of We Have Hope , I reflect on the highlights of 2024 and share my thoughts on what’s to come in 2025, especially around the HOPE Scholarship and school choice here in West Virginia. I discuss the importance of being proactive in your child's education and how the HOPE Scholarship has opened up new opportunities for families—whether through private schools, micro-schools, or h...

In this episode of We Have Hope , I sit down with Kathleen Cummings from Parchment to explore how the company is transforming the way credentials are managed and shared.  Parchment's mission is simple but powerful: to turn credentials into opportunities. Whether you're a student navigating multiple pathways, an educator supporting learners, or an employer verifying qualifications, Parchm...

In this episode of We Have Hope , I sit down with Jennifer Wharton, an elementary school counselor in West Virginia, to discuss the vital role school counselors play in supporting students and schools. Jennifer shares her journey from studying psychology to becoming a school counselor, including her experiences working in diverse settings—from middle and high schools to elementary classrooms with...

In this episode of We Have Hope , we welcome Recheal Fuscardo, the principal of St. Joseph the Worker School in Weirton, West Virginia.  Recheal shares insights into her journey from educator to principal and provides an inside look at her school's unique environment, where children benefit from a faith-centered community. With a range of programs from preschool to high school in close collab...

In this inspiring episode of We Have Hope , I dive deep into the heart of community and connection with guest, Brittany Holloway. We discuss the vital role of parents in fostering friendships and creating supportive environments for their children.  Brittany shares her personal journey of stepping out of her comfort zone to build relationships within her community, emphasizing that as adults, we m...

In this episode of We Have Hope , we welcome Sheila Banister, Alabama Regional Director for Love Your School , to discuss the expansion of school choice across the United States. We dive into the variety of options available, including education savings accounts (ESAs), and how states like Alabama are implementing programs like the CHOOSE Act to empower parents and students.  Sheila shares her per...

On this episode of We Have Hope , I'm joined by Lorrie Young, the director of a long-standing homeschool co-op called T.H.E.S.I.S. (Trinity Home Educators Supporting In Service).  We dive into the mission and heart behind T.H.E.S.I.S., which has been supporting homeschooling families in Fairmont, West Virginia for over 30 years. Laura shares how this co-op provides a vibrant community for bot...

On today’s episode of We Have Hope , I sit down with two incredible guests from the Clarksburg Children's House—Kelsey Miller and Dawn Woodburn.  As one of only seven Montessori schools in West Virginia, they share the unique approach that makes their school a special place for children. We dive into the Montessori method, focusing on practical life skills, the importance of fostering indepen...

In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, I’m diving into the back-to-school season, sharing some of my own experiences as a school counselor and a mom.  As the school year kicks off, it’s always a mix of emotions, challenges, and opportunities for growth, both for our kids and for us as parents. With the “Billy Madison” movie song playing in my mind, I can’t help but laugh and reflect on how o...

In this empowering and uplifting episode of We Have Hope , Amanda Cunningham shares her personal journey as a mother of three, including her daughter Rory, who was born with Down Syndrome. Amanda candidly reflects on the surprise of Rory's diagnosis at birth and the learning curve that followed. Through her story, Amanda emphasizes the importance of inclusion and how societal perceptions have...

In this summer episode of We Have Hope , I am joined by a special guest, my husband Ed, as we dive into the challenges and triumphs of managing extracurricular activities for our three children. Ed, a seasoned special education teacher, shares his insights, offering a unique perspective as we are both parents and educators. We discuss our family’s journey through various schooling decisions, balan...

In this episode of "We Have Hope," host Kim Dully shares her top tips for making this summer unforgettable.  Kim discusses the importance of clear communication, offering strategies to keep everyone on the same page and ensure smooth interactions. She also discusses the excitement of creating a summer bucket list packed with fun and memorable activities for all ages. Kim also provides va...

In this episode, Kim sheds light on the critical differences between dual enrollment and concurrent enrollment, offering valuable insights for parents and students alike. She explores various options within each program and covers essential topics such as high school credits and the requirements of the Hope Scholarship. Kim provides practical advice and actionable information, ensuring parents and...

In this episode, we sit down with Kris, a dedicated homeschool mom, who shares her journey of teaching her four children. She recalls the excitement of discovering the "perfect" language arts curriculum, only to hit a brick wall a few weeks into each school year. This overwhelming experience led her to realize that her children didn't need to master every detail to succeed. This epi...

Today on We Have Hope, Kim talks with Sarah Marshall of KVC West Virginia. KVC West Virginia is a state-licensed child placement agency dedicated to strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect. After seeing a need for more educational options for youth experiencing foster care, KVC partnered with First Star Academy and Fairmont State to offer Middle College. Middle College at Fai...

Welcome back to part 2 of our conversation with Erica Wimmer. In this episode, we are taking a deeper dive into the effects of the Hope Scholarship, exploring new educational possibilities, teaching kids to learn, and individualized needs of students. If you haven’t listened to part 1 yet, go back and listen to it first! We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did! Episode Highlights: La...

We're thrilled to welcome Erika Wimmer back to today's episode. Erika, a former educator in the public school system for 14 years, taught every grade level in elementary education and served as an instructional coach and interventionist. Growing dissatisfied with the public school system, Erika learned about the Hope Scholarship and microschools. She saw this as the perfect opportunity t...