Hey UWG’ers! I’m writing to you from our cozy little town of Sandwich, IL, where I live with my two amazing teens, Bella and Spencer, and our three cats, Petey, Alfredo, and DeLuLu. We’ve been unschooling from the start—it just felt like the natural flow of our lives and parenting. Watching my kids flourish and forge their own unique paths has been one of the greatest joys of my life. The three of us are truly thick as thieves, and I couldn't be more thankful. We’ve been part of the UWG magic since 2012, and from the moment we stepped into our very first conference, we were hooked. Every year, UWG is the shining star on our calendar—full of laughter, fun, and deep connections. I’ll never get tired of that heart-skipping moment when we turn the corner toward the conference center and *see our people*. It’s like coming home. When I’m not in conference-planning mode, I’m rocking my career as a lactation consultant. My downtime is filled with gaming with my kids, whipping up new vegan creations, playing my guitar, creating a new painting, watching the cats antics, and just soaking up time with my kids. I can’t wait for UWG this May—it’s going to be another unforgettable chapter in this incredible journey we’re all on together. See you there! 💜

First of all - it is an honor to be composing this bio for the UWG team. If it weren't for my husband Vlaiko (53) and our sweet bebé Hacho (16) - this wouldn't be happening. Becoming a momma and all that has gone along with it has been the single most miraculous adventure of my 57-year (and counting) lifetime thus far!!! Our entire journey has unfolded in its own unique and organic way. We knew nothing of unsChOOLing...yet everything pointed towards it. We hunkered down amidst the stink-eyed folk who freely shared their advice and notions about what was "best" for us. We weathered the discomfort of placing our relationships with one another as our number 1 priority - rather than commencing to spend our days apart wondering who the others were and how we fit together. Alongside one another we have learned many things...about love, mutual respect, autonomy and right timing...about the world, the people in it and how exciting it is to explore cultural and societal landscapes celebrating customs and rituals near and far. Although we are each poised at different chronological stages, we've learned much about maturity, forgiveness and generosity - all with good humor and the flexibility of great humility. Vlaiko and I marvel at witnessing Hacho open into his imagination, visions and potential...in his own way…on his own terms - with curiosity, thoughtfulness and courage. Life on life's terms isn't always easy - but it's a heck of a lot easier when you're not subject to school-year scheduling...yip-yip-yippiieeee!!!

Hello! My name is Emily Landmann, and I'm excited to be part of the 2025 UWG team as Registration Coordinator! I live in Madison, Wisconsin, with my husband, Tom, son Henry (19), and 3 cats. Tom has an IT job that he works at from a home office, and I've been the main unschooling parent since we began our parenting journey many years ago. This will be our 6th UWG, woo hoo! We look forward to it every year. We've made many great connections with folks at UWG. Some of my favorite UWG activities have been volunteering at Family Fun night, running a ukulele play-along funshop, cheering on folks at the talent show, organizing birding outings in the mornings to local hotspots, playing board games with old/new friends, dancing at the silent disco, shopping at the kids marketplace, and participating in the music jams. Besides the activities and events at UWG, just being in the same space with others that do life similarly to how we do, and who want to see their kids shine in the things they love, is encouraging and inspiring. Looking forward to more fun and connection in 2025!

Heather Schleidt has been attending UWG since year two. She and her husband, Markus, decided to homeschool the kids from the beginning but didn't know what that would look like. They discovered unschooling while the kids were young, implemented the overall principles in their lives and have never regretted the decision. They have four well-adjusted young adults that are beginning to follow their passions and discover their purposes in life. Heather's passions are music, traveling and spending time with others. She has recently started a new venture and is learning how to DJ and mix music. Her ultimate dream is to play onstage at Breakaway Ohio, a music festival near her hometown. She is committed to the unschooling community and helping others see how unschooling allows every individual to become the best versions of themselves and is an amazing option for living, learning and thriving.

Amanda Nerone is a long time homeschooling mom who finally discovered unschooling from central IL. She loves hiking, exploring, photography, and seeing a good live show. She has 20 years under her belt as an eye banker in the field of corneal transplantation. She’s married to an avid golfer, and has three children- 20, 17, and 15. Her first UWG so many years ago played an integral role in her radical unschooling journey- seeing so many flourishing children and connected parent-child relationships gave her the confidence to be all-in with their decision to unschool.

Hello, my name is Bella! I'm 18 and use she/her pronouns! I've been going to UWG for twelve years now and i'm excited to go again this year! I've been on TAB for the last two years, and I'm super excited that I get to be TAB leader this year! I'm an artist, mostly focusing in digital art but I also love alcohol markers. I love media like Omori, Alien Stage, Zeno and other rpgs! I love meeting new people so feel free to come up and talk to me at UWG!

Hi! My name is Lynx. I use He/they Pronouns, and I am 18 years old. My Hobbies include Astronomy and Photography. I worked on the Teen Action Board last year and am very excited to lead it this year!

Hiya! My name is Ellie (she/her) nice to meet you! This will be my 10th year at UWG, and my second year on TAB! If you're new or looking for a friendly face, keep an eye out for the girl with elf ears! I love meeting new people and creating fun opportunities for people to make friends. Some hobbies I love are swing dancing, ukulele, diy creations, psychology, and being out in nature. I look forward to meeting you all!

My name is Hacho, I go by he/him this will be my 6th year at UWG I believe. Things I enjoy doing include, drumming, just music I absolutely love it can’t get enough, I mostly listen to rock and metal. Also into aviation mostly planes, i’m like a kid when he sees one in the sky, I just never grew out of it. And I enjoy rock climbing I’ve been climbing on and off for about 4 years I think.

Hello! My name is Evan, and my pronouns are He/Him. This will be my seventh year at UWG and my second year on TAB! My current interests are The Binding of Isaac, skiing, music, and mountain biking! I'm very excited for UWG, and I can't wait to meet you all!

Hi! my name is Teagan and I go by any pronouns. I've been going to UWG for going on 5 years and this is my first year on Teen Action Board!! a couple of my interests are: omori, alien stage, studio investigrave, Jhariah, ZENO remake, music and photography! I look forward to taking polaroids of everything and meeting new people! feel free to come up to me anytime:)

Hi! My name is Ethan. Ive been going to UWG since about 2016, and this is my second year on TAB. I’m an active and adventurous person with a passion for the outdoors. When I’m not fishing, mountain biking, running, or playing guitar, I’m serving my community as a junior firefighter. I love getting hands-on, figuring out how things work, and rebuilding them. I mow grass as a side job, which lets me stay outdoors even more. I’m always up for trying new things, meeting new people, and exploring new adventures.

My name is Evan, I like to watch shows, my favorites are; Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, Death Note, Dexter, Tokyo Ghoul, and Tomorrow's Joe. I like osu!mania, reading manga, listening to Rock music (particularly Wellsaid) and drawing. I'm 15 now and i'll be 16 in 2025 i've gone to UWG for 4 years and it'll be 5 in 2025 and this is my first year on TAB. i'd be glad for people to walk up and talk to me.

My name is ✨✨Aidan✨✨, I'm 17 will be 18 at UWG, and my pronouns are he/him. I like to play games like OMORI and Isaac. I like artists like Jhariah, and Glass Beach. I have hobbies like Game-Dev and Pixel art. I also love Gravity falls.

Hi I’m Tesla! This will Be my 15th UWG and my 5th year on TAB. UWG is like a second home to me and I love watching how we grow every year. Growing up with UWG has taught me so much from making friends to running events. I like music and long car rides, and I always want to lend a hand so if you need help or anything don’t hesitate to find me!

Hi, I'm Ben I’m from Binghamton, New York and I’m currently homeschooled I really like Music And theater I Can play most instruments And I make music For games And other stuff I've been going to the UWG for too years and this is my first year on TAB if you see me, don’t be afraid to say hi!

Hi I'm Clark. I use he/him pronouns. My hobbies include reading fiction, games (video, physical, and board), and I love social deduction. My favorite music is Hollow knight's and RoRr2's OST. Feel free to talk to me if you see me!

Hello! My name is Kenzley, I'm 17. My pronouns are she/her. I really love music, animals, cooking/baking and playing games. I also really enjoy nature, although I'm terrified of bugs. This will be my third year at UWG!

Hello! My names Frederick/Fred, I’ve been going to UWG for 6 years, and I’m 14. I love listening to and playing music, and like to cook as well!

Hi I’m Kenli and I’ve been going to uwg for 14 years and this is my first year on Teen Action board and I love playing sports and I enjoy meeting new people so don’t be afraid to say hi:]

Hey, I'm Rosa! My pronouns are she/they and I'm 16. This is my first year on TAB, but it's my 8th year attending UWG. I love music of all kinds, legos, animals, dance, and more. Feel free to come up to me if you have any questions or wanna talk!

Hi I'm Nick, I'm 15 and I love cats and cult of the lamb, I'm very excited to be apart of tab this year

They/them. Returning TAB member, open to friendly conversation or questions most anytime.

Hi! My name is Jessie, I’m 14 and I use any pronouns. This is my first year on TAB, but my 11th year at UWG. I love dancing, cartoons, and hanging out with my friends. I’m really friendly so if you see me around, feel free to say hi!

Hi, I'm Roel. My family and I have been attending UWG for the last several years. We absolutely love it. I play competitive tennis and have two Black Belts in Karate. I draw and paint, play piano and guitar, and love books and movies, as well as run an online and gift & apparel business. I love to organize activities and plan events for friends and family, and I am so excited to be on the Teen Activity Board this year!