You Are Not Alone — Why TrellisEd was Created

 People often say homeschooling is a privilege — but I believe it’s more than that. It’s a choice. A bold, beautiful, and sometimes challenging choice we make for the future of our children… and, ultimately, for the future of education. I’m Sara — co-founder of TrellisEd and founder of MyHEN.org. I’m also a single mom who moved to Utah in 2021 with one clear intention: to put my kids in school. Like many parents, I believed that changing locations would change the outcome. We’d left behind the challenges of our local school system, and I hoped a new setting would bring my kids the joy and growth I knew they were capable of. But within six months of private school enrollment, I realized something deeper: it wasn’t just about where they were learning. It was about how they were learning — and whether it aligned with who they were as individuals. My two children couldn’t be more different: one academically focused, the other adventurous and free-spirited. Yet both of them, in their own way, began to shut down. I didn’t have all the answers, but I trusted the tug in my gut — that something needed to change. So I started having conversations. In coffee shops, playgrounds, grocery stores. I’d ask about people’s experiences with school. And at first, the answers sounded familiar: “Oh, we love our school!” But often, as we talked more, the deeper truths would surface: struggles, overwhelm, unmet needs — from both kids and parents. It became clear that education, in all its forms, needed a broader conversation. For some families, public school is a lifeline. For others, private or charter schools offer the right fit. And for many — like mine — homeschooling opened up a path we never expected to walk, but now can’t imagine living without. This is the heart of school choice: trusting families to know what’s best for their children, and making space for diverse approaches to learning. I’ve seen firsthand how homeschoolers, myself included, go through seasons. We start by trying to replicate school at home. We research every curriculum. We strive to “get it right.” But eventually, many of us realize that real learning doesn’t come from mimicking a system — it comes from understanding our children, and building something around them. That’s why TrellisEd was created — not just as a tool, but as a community movement. To give homeschoolers a voice. To connect us not just locally, but across the nation. To say: You belong here. You matter. And you are not alone. Whether you’re brand new to this journey or a few years in… Whether you’re seeking curriculum support, local events, teen groups, enrichment pods, or a way to offer your gifts to others — this platform was made for you. When we’re free to create a learning life that fits our family, magic happens. Joy comes back. Growth happens naturally. But we need each other — now more than ever. Before we were parents, we were people — with gifts, ideas, and dreams. That part of you still matters. And when we support one another, we all thrive. We all have moments where we wonder: Am I doing enough? Am I doing too much? Can I really do this? If you’re asking those questions, I want to tell you — you're already doing an incredible job. This path takes courage, but it’s full of purpose. And it’s working. My kids are thriving. Not just checking boxes — but growing into themselves. Curious, alive, engaged. And being with them, really knowing them, is the most meaningful work of my life. It takes sacrifice, yes — but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. As for academics? I customize for each child. I flex with the seasons. I learn right alongside them. That’s the gift of this lifestyle: it’s responsive, creative, and deeply human. The homeschool community in Park City changed my life. And now, with TrellisEd, I want to extend that connection to families across the country. No matter your background, your reason for choosing this path, or your child’s learning style — you’re welcome here. TrellisEd is a place for all kinds of learners and all kinds of families. We’re not a fringe movement anymore. We’re a growing voice in the future of education. And the more we connect, the stronger we become. Thank you for being here. Thank you for believing in your kids, in yourself, and in a more flexible, thoughtful approach to education.