Get to Know Risa

Risa graduated from the University of Calgary in 2001 with a B.Ed., after doing a B.A. and M.A. in Philosophy with a focus on logic/critical thinking and ethics. She has been teaching, tutoring or coaching her entire life, working with students from preschool through university. She home educated her own children into their high school years following an eclectic approach with a mix of unschooling, Charlotte Mason, and Montessori. Risa believes in the adage: Listen to all, plucking a feather from every passing goose, but follow no one absolutely. She believes in prioritizing relationships and emotional regulation, as no one is learning with a frustrated parent and crying child! Her oldest child, who is on the autism spectrum, is now studying Biology at university, and her youngest attends a specialty Theatre Arts program at a Calgary high school.

Risa has worked as a Homeschool Facilitator since 2011. She loves working with diverse families and needs, and seeing children thrive as they find their strengths and passions. Risa helps families find hope and explore options for their child’s educational and life path outside the mainstream. Though homeschooling may not be the best fit for every student at every age, as a single, working, homeschooling parent (including a child with special needs), Risa firmly believes that anyone wanting to try homeschooling can be successful with the right supports and a personalized approach. She is always happy to chat so please get in touch!

In 2021-22 Risa was a member of the Education Minister’s Teacher’s Advisory Board. She has presented on different aspects on homeschooling to parent groups and at the Inspired Homeschool conference. Her interests include board/card games, live theatre, math, politics, soccer, birdwatching, Star Trek, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

rk.bydesign@summitwestschool.ca