HEAV’s Convention News

Introducing…HEAV’s NEW Convention Director!

Jessica Vásquez is a homeschool mom and a proud military spouse to her husband of 15 years. They have two wonderful boys, ages 11 and 13. Born and raised in New York City with two magnificent parents from the Dominican Republic, Jessica and her family have made Virginia their home since 2022.
This year, the Vásquez family is joyfully embarking on their second year of living in Virginia and their second year of homeschooling!

Jessica earned her master’s in public health with a concentration in community health education in 2009, and taught health classes at a local community college. With her passion for teaching and helping others, she has served the public for twenty years in both local government and non-profit industries. Now, as a homeschool mom, Jessica tutors high school Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 at a local co-op.

Just a few years ago, she and her husband decided to homeschool to really cultivate an environment for their boys with their family’s core values and beliefs. They researched the law and found they had rights as parents to educate their boys at home. They sought out friends and a family member who homeschooled and learned from their insights. Finally, the Vasquez family took the plunge!

With that “freedom in homeschooling,” the couple realized she could tailor their children’s education and provide education and resources that would teach life skills to apply to everyday life—opportunities beyond those of a traditional school setting. They discovered that they could cultivate an environment of learning that embodies their children’s talents, and they view homeschooling as home discipleship.

“I’ve got to be a part of this!”

Toward the end of that first year, Jessica wondered to herself if she had somehow “missed the mark” with homeschooling, though she was undaunted. Through a homeschool mentor, whom she had sought out through her research, she learned about the HEAV convention and immediately took to the idea of “professional development” for homeschooling. Even after homeschooling for a year, she chose to attend the How-to-Begin-Homeschooling workshops first and left more equipped than ever.

Overjoyed by the energy, knowledge, and support she gained from so many speakers and exhibitors–and the HEAV team—her immediate thought was “I’ve got to be a part of this!”

And a part of it, she is! As convention director, Jessica brings a multitude of skills and experience that are appreciated by all of the HEAV team! Welcome, Jessica!