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! 💜

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.

Hello, Let me take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Jennifer Cutcher. I am a Homeschooling/Unschooling mother of two and a small business owner. I love spending time with my family, cooking, music, art, painting, collecting unique pieces and crafting. My heart is very much invested in helping homeless families. The past 10 years and counting… I have been an administrator of a volunteer group that create meals potluck style to feed the beautiful families at a homeless shelter. I live with my husband Joseph and children Joey and Madison in Northwest, Ohio. I have been homeschooling since the very beginning. I love it!I additionally feel that unschooling gives our family freedom to learn and experience things that are meaningful for all of us. Ever since I found this amazing group of unschooling families, I have felt relief. I have been welcomed with understanding and compassion. I truly appreciate this group. Kindness is the greatest gift you can share with others. Being a part of the UWG is an honor.

My name is Kim, and this is my sixth year attending and my first year serving as a co-coordinator. A little about me: I’m a mom of four and life keeps us busy with 4-H, athletics, robotics, theater, music, art classes and whatever new activities spark my kids’ interests. I love cooking and read cookbooks like novels (plant based and allergy friendly), backpacking/hiking/camping, horseback riding and overall, just watching my kids grow up! We’ve been homeschooling for about 12 years now. I work full-time and volunteer in the community and professionally, as well as co-lead a local homeschool co-op and teen activity group. Our lives are full, but wouldn’t change a thing! Over the years, I’ve enjoyed volunteering and my kids have been very active here, hosting funshops and my oldest has been on TAB. We love UWG, so I am excited to become more involved and to meet even more families and volunteers. I know it takes all of us pitching in as volunteers to make things run, and I’m happy to help out

My name is Dana, it's my 6th year of coming to UWG and first year as a co-coordinator. I have volunteered over the years, and felt nervous and awkward while doing it, but I truly believe that in order to have growth-sometimes you're uncomfortable. I was glad I got out of my comfort zone by volunteering, because I met so many wonderful people. I look forward to being nervous and awkward in this role, as I help to navigate all the volunteers who help make UWG the best week of the year for our kids. Background- an eclectic homeschool family for 14 years, an avid reader, an AuDHD, gemini, middle aged, menopausal momma who will talk your ear off about my 3 favorite M's (menopause, mental health, and masturbation)- once I get over my awkward and nervous self. 😉 I'm a sex positive coach and a lover of knowledge.

Cori lives in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula with her partner, Luke, their curious kiddo, Rowan, three dogs, and five mischievous Shetland sheep. A licensed clinical social worker, she runs a small private practice grounded in compassion and authenticity. A lifelong learner, Cori has been unschooling Rowan from the start, blending curiosity, adventure, and creativity into daily life. Her passions include endurance mountain biking, alpine skiing, gardening, and small-scale homesteading. The family has been part of UWG since 2023, and they’re excited to help with planning and give back to an organization they care deeply about. Known as a natural hype girl, Cori loves cheering others on as they chase their dreams and grow into their best selves.

Nicole St.Laurent is a long time UWG attendee with two grown, unschooled guys who continue to savor the experience of UWG. She is a public librarian in Northern Michigan and loves the opportunity to interact with the community and create connection. Her passion is LEARNING.ALL.THE.THINGS and she brings that enthusiasm to UWG through volunteering for Funshops, Fairy Godparent Coordinator and TAB “People Feeder”. Nicole loves creating art and currently has some stained glass work accepted into a local exhibition opening at the end of May. She is also on the Advisory Board for the Benzie Area Pride Network helping to bring events, education and acceptance to our rural county. If you see her, say HI! She is an introvert who is always willing to practice her “peopling” skills!

Hello, my name is Bella! I'm 19 and use she/her pronouns! I've been going to UWG for 13 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!

Hiya! My name is Ellie (she/her) nice to meet you! This will be my 11th year at UWG, and my third 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 7th 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 5 years I think.