This School Year---Give yourself permission to be Good Enough! Start your school year off with a morning retreat designed just for you! Join other home educators and program founders to learn practical strategies to release yourself from the pressure of perfection this school year. Grab a friend (and come meet new ones!) as we spend the morning getting ready to approach the upcoming school year in a more positive and productive way! As a Professional Teen Life Coach, Alysha is passionate about providing genuine, caring, and personal resources to help teens build a realistic plan for success by pulling back limiting beliefs and unhelpful habits that keep them from living their best lives. In addition to being a full-time working professional, Alysha also is a full-time wife and full-time mother of three. With more than 20 years of experience in each of these realms, she gets it! Exploring our theme through creative expression is Amy Jackson-the owner of The Perch located in Aurora, Illinois. The Perch is a wellness center in downtown Aurora helping people rest, heal, and grow. Through yoga classes, hands-on workshops, and relaxing retreats, you're encouraged to come home to yourself and live fully. She is the author of Unhurried: A 52-Week Meditative Bible Reading Guide and 31 Days of Self Kindness, an RYT-200 yoga teacher, and a certified Wellness and Social-Emotional Learning Facilitator. Jackson also holds an M.A. in Christian Formation and Ministry from Wheaton College. She spends time leading retreats, teaching about self care, and helping all sorts of people discover yoga. She is passionate about helping people reconnect with their bodies, give themselves kindness, and live out their calling in healthy, flourishing ways. ACES is also thrilled to welcome Debra Johnson, MS, OTR/L is an occupational therapist, Owner/CEO of STEPS for Kids Pediatric Therapy in Yorkville, IL and founder of STEPS for Development, PLLC where she provides coaching, consultation and educational services. With over 35 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist and expertise in pediatrics, neuro-rehabilitation, sensory integration, and developmental therapy, Debra supports families and children with a relationship and strength-based model that is focused on practical strategies and tools that empower caregivers and help children thrive. Debra has been a clinical educator for over 25 years, mentoring therapists and providing educational programs to rehabilitation professionals and educators through STEPS for Development and Summit Professional Education. In addition to her professional background, Debra homeschooled her two youngest children and continues to be active in the local homeschool community, providing support and therapy services to homeschool families. Thanks to a generous grant from the VELA Education Fund, we invite ALL homeschool parents and program founders to join us on this engaging morning as we begin the school year with the reminder that Good Enough is truly enough—release perfection, embrace balance, and find peace in the year ahead. Program is FREE, but registration is required.
Tentative Schedule
8:45-9:15-Check-in and Continental Breakfast
9:15-9:30-Welcome and Introductions
9:30-9:45-Homeschool Parent Testimony
9:45-10:15-Guest Speaker: Alysha Millard
Topic: “Good Enough IS Enough!”
10:15-10:45-Guest Speaker: Debra Johnson
Topic: "Empowered Parenting: Stop Working So Hard!"
10:45-11:00-Balance with Every Step: Nature Reflection
11:00-12:00-Meditative Painting with Amy Jackson
12:00-Closing
09/20/2025
Participants must currently be 18 years or older.
Minimum: 1
Maximum: 40
Registration starts on 09/15/2024 and ends on 08/01/2025.
Please contact ACES Academy if you have any questions.