Executive Director Resignation

AHEA has required rather intense focus in the four and a half years I have been on the Board – first as a Director and then as the Executive Director. I accepted the role change as an opportunity to better serve the interests of the home educators of Alberta. I have always been inspired by those whom I have had the privilege to represent; you are who I have worked so hard for and every effort that I have undertaken has been with you in mind.

During my tenure with AHEA it has been a personal joy to contribute in these areas in particular: 

1.Successful advocacy of the Notification Only option for home educators.

2.Guiding the organization through the repeal and replacement of AHEA's legal documents to allow for the Statement of Faith and the updating of the Bylaws.

3.Successful advocacy for access to Special Needs Supports for home educators.

4."Fall Talks" and "The Arrow" to bring public awareness of AHEA and our work.

5.The "Parental Rights In Perspective" YouTube series, addressing a fundamental attack.

AHEA has so much potential and has been, I believe, very necessary to the preservation of home education in Alberta as we have known it – traditional in form and function. Parental and religious rights have faced ever increasing challenges that are bound to further intensify in the years ahead of us. I don't believe that AHEA's fundamental mission has changed. It is quite clear, however, that the effort and work to carry out our mission had to expand to defend the principles that used to be known and assumed. 

We are undergoing a fundamental shift in our culture and country. Home educators will be at the cusp of that challenge because we are a niche of the education population that has had the greatest freedom. It has been my desire to pre-position AHEA to meet these crucial times and challenges. The principles and legal practices which I believed would strengthen the organization and keep it safe were argued for, agreed to, and acted upon over the years. The goals and intentions that I was repeatedly elected under as a director remain and I still stand by them today.

However, the time has come for me to step back. I have submitted my resignation and will finish by August 15, 2022. It was hard, very hard, for me to come to this conclusion but it is a step I've come to believe is necessary in the last few months. I believe that there will be a way to contribute to this cause again after I have had a chance to take some time for family and to rest, so I am at peace with this decision. I will dearly miss my dedicated team, who worked tirelessly alongside me – you gave me hope and joy.

It has been an honour to serve as AHEA's first Executive Director. AHEA has a piece of my heart, held by all the home education families, and you will remain in my prayers. Never forget who you are, why you do what you do, and how important your voice is. You make a difference as individuals and as families. What you stand for is very critical to everything we hold dear. May God give you wisdom, discernment, and heart today and in the times ahead.