Allison is the executive director and strings teacher at Young Musicians of Virginia, a K–12 homeschool enrichment program in Virginia Beach. She holds a B.M.M.E. degree in music education from the University of Kentucky and brings years of experience as a section violinist in orchestras throughout the Southeast, a public school music teacher, and a church choir director. A homeschool mom herself, she taught her four children through graduation, and all have gone on to attend college. Allison has previously presented two workshops at the convention and loves inspiring people of all ages to find beauty, creativity, and connection through the shared experience of music.
Shaping Homeschool Policy: How You Affect Virginia Law
SB 1031 propelled us into Virginia politics! The HEAV legislative team fought hard, kept us informed, and won the battle—but the fight isn’t over. There is still much work to be done. Join HEAV’s legislative liaison, Callie Chaplow, as she takes us to the front lines of legislative debate. The legislative process is more complex than most realize. What are subcommittees? Who selects them, and why? Why was SB 1031 revised after passing? Come learn how Virginia legislation works, what our team accomplished during SB 1031, and how they are preparing for the future. If the bill failed, is the problem resolved? The media is increasingly portraying homeschool families as neglectful, shaping public perception. Callie will guide us through strategies to make real homeschool families visible, showcasing a thriving, healthy educational alternative—not just in Virginia, but across the country. Can we shift the narrative? Yes! Join Callie to explore Virginia’s legislative process and discover how you can make a difference.
Know the Law: Notifying and Testing Demystified ~ Callie Chaplow and Sheri Payne
Know your homeschooling rights–don’t let the “legalese” confuse you! In this workshop, find out who is required to attend school, what requirements you must meet in order to homeschool, what new test and evaluation options may be used, whom you should notify and when, what to do if you are homeschooling because of your sincere religious beliefs, and what types of records you need to keep. Know your options before you begin!
