Schedule
FRIDAY
saturday
Morning
Continental Breakfast
9:00 - Welcome & Hymn
Plenary Session | Elizabeth Rodriguez
Composer Study
Plenary Session | Naomi Goegan
Break
Workshops
Afternoon
Lunch
Giveaways
Poetry
Picture Study
Workshops
Plenary Session | Erin Kunkle
4:20 - Closing
Afternoon
Nature Study at Arlington Gardens | Pasadena, CA
Evening
Informal Backyard Gathering & Fellowship | Alhambra, CA
2026
SPEAKERS
Erin Kunkle
Naomi Goegan
Elizabeth Rodriguez
Erin Kunkle is the co-founder of MAVEN (www.maventruth.com), a movement to equip the next generation to know truth, pursue goodness and create beauty. She is a regular speaker and has spoken to a wide range of audiences - parents, married couples, youth, moms, women, homeschooling groups and church audiences. Erin is also co-host of MAVEN parent podcast, bringing the Christian worldview and practical application to bear on the challenging task of parenting in the 21st century.
Erin received her bachelor's degree in social science with an emphasis in political science from Biola University. She is also a veteran homeschooling mom of almost 20 years and has been married to her husband, Brett, for 29 years. They 5 children and 3 grandchildren and live in Southern California.
Naomi Goegan lives in Orange County, California with her Canadian husband Chris and they have four “children” 24, 22, 18, & 15. She is half Japanese and spent most of her own childhood overseas. She first learned about Charlotte Mason in 2006 when her oldest daughter was five. She read "For the Children's Sake," and found the ideas resonating deeply. She spent countless hours reading websites, articles, blogs, and everything she could get her hands on to figure out how to 'do' CM Kindergarten with her first child.
Since then she has graduated three of her four children and is now at the tail end of homeschooling. She has run book groups, handicraft fairs, conferences and other events in the SoCal area for over fifteen years in hopes of passing on the education that changed her own family’s life.
Naomi’s home is still full of books, conversation, faith, food, nature, and these days quite a bit of hockey as Naomi spends many hours at the rink watching her youngest play. She continues to create resources to demystify Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of education through her website CharlotteMasonEducation.org
Hi, I'm Elizabeth wife, mother, homemaker, and passionate advocate for Charlotte Mason education. Although I was never homeschooled myself, I fell in love with homeschooling and the beautiful vision it casts for raising children in truth, goodness, and beauty. By God's grace, I've been a Christian for 18 years, and my faith is the foundation of both my home and my approach to education.
I've had the joy of graduating my oldest two children, and every season of homeschooling has deepened my love for learning. You'll often find me with a cup of coffee and a good book in hand, tending my garden, or opening my home to encourage and fellowship with other mothers. My greatest desire is to point women to Christ, encourage them in the sacred work of motherhood, and inspire them to cultivate life-giving homes where both hearts and minds flourish.
WORKSHOPS
The Read-Aloud Mother
by Beth Gregory
The read-aloud mother is at the heart of a Charlotte Mason education. As a mother faithfully reads living books with her children, she opens the door to rich ideas, beautiful language, and valuable conversations. More than simply reading words on a page, she cultivates a love of learning. This is also an invitation to cultivate in her children a sense of wonder and curiosity. Through her consistent presence, she becomes a living example of a mother who treasures truth, goodness, and beauty and points her children to Christ.
Morning
Theology of Music in the Home
by Lovejoy Ontiveros
In a Charlotte Mason home, music is far more than a school subject—it is a gift from God that shapes the heart, mind, and affections. As children are surrounded by beautiful hymns, rich folk songs, and the works of great composers, they learn to delight in what is true, good, and beautiful. Music becomes a means of worship, joy, and cultivation, helping to form character and deepen a child's appreciation for God's creativity and order.
Narration
Discover the art of knowing and "telling back". The heart and practice of narration allow children to actively process, arrange, and internalize ideas. In this practical workshop, you'll learn what narration is, how to begin with confidence, and simple ways to nurture your child's attention, understanding, and love of learning through meaningful conversations. You'll leave encouraged and equipped with practical tools to make narration a joyful part of your days.
Involving the Lord in Your Kids' Education
by Jen Taing
In this workshop, we invite you to see through the lens in which Charlotte Mason encouraged mothers to partner with God in educating their children how He made them as whole persons. According to Charlotte Mason, education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life. With meaningful community, intentionality, vision, trust, and rest, God invites us to partner with Him to disciple our children as we acknowledge God in every subject and life skill we teach - revealing His truth, goodness, and beauty. Education becomes an act of worship as children learn to know, love, and honor Him in every area of their lives as they pursue the knowledge of our God, our selves, and our world.
Afternoon
Loving Discipline in the Home
by Elizabeth Rodriguez
Home is where it all begins! Learn a Christ-centered, Charlotte Mason approach to discipline that cultivates habits, character, and joyful obedience. The atmosphere of the home is more than its surroundings—it is the spirit and relationships within it. A peaceful, loving home, marked by truth, goodness, beauty, and mutual respect provides the foundation for a child's growth and education. Come and be encouraged with practical wisdom for guiding your children.
Homeschooling Neurodivergent Children
by Christiane Wong
FAQS
Who is this conference for?
This conference is for local moms—whether you are brand new to Charlotte Mason or have been homeschooling for years. It is especially for women who desire to root their homes in God’s truth while embracing the beauty, goodness, and joy found in a Charlotte Mason approach. If your heart longs for encouragement, practical ideas, and Christ-centered fellowship in your motherhood journey, you are warmly welcome here.
How much does it cost?
- Early bird: (July 15 - August 31): $70
- Regular Registration (After August 31): $80
What does the registration fee include?
Registration includes Friday workshop and Friday night session, Saturday workshops and talks; continental breakfast and lunch at the park on Saturday.
I'm new to Charlotte Mason. Where do I start?
If you’re new to Charlotte Mason, begin by slowing down and focusing on a few key ideas: short lessons, living books, time outdoors, and the habit of attention. You don’t need to implement everything at once. Start by replacing a few textbooks with well-chosen living books, reading aloud daily, and making room for nature walks and quiet observation.
Can I bring my children with me?
While we love families and children, because of space limitations, we are only able to welcome nursing infants and ask that you make outside arrangements for childcare. You can definitely expect to see young mamas and strollers at the event.
Saturday
event location
American Hungarian Baptist Church
2212 S Fremont Ave Alhambra
Note: Main event will take place in "worship" building.