With nearly three decades of hands-on experience in the world of homeschooling, Marianne Sunderland has become a guiding light for families seeking personalized education solutions. Marianne’s journey began as a mother determined to provide a nurturing and effective learning environment for her own eight children, each with unique needs and talents. Her practical, tailored approach has since blossomed into a professional consultancy, empowering thousands of families to embark on their own homeschooling adventures.

Marianne’s expertise is deeply rooted in her diverse experiences. She has successfully homeschooled children with a wide range of abilities and learning styles, including those with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences. Her personal journey led her to develop innovative strategies that cater to individual learning preferences, ensuring each child reaches their full potential. This hands-on experience is complemented by her extensive knowledge of educational resources, curriculum development, and teaching methodologies.

As a homeschool consultant, Marianne offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each family. Her consultations cover everything from initial planning and curriculum selection to ongoing support and troubleshooting. Marianne’s approach is holistic, addressing not only academic needs but also social, emotional, and developmental aspects of homeschooling. She provides practical, actionable advice that helps parents create a balanced and enriching educational experience for their children.

Marianne’s impact extends beyond one-on-one consultations. She is a sought-after speaker and workshop leader, sharing her insights and strategies at homeschooling conferences and events nationwide. Her published works, including books and articles, have become invaluable resources for the homeschooling community.

Choosing Marianne Sunderland as your homeschool consultant means partnering with someone who is passionately committed to your family’s educational success. Her blend of personal experience, professional expertise, and unwavering support makes her an indispensable ally in your homeschooling journey. Let Marianne guide you in creating a dynamic, nurturing, and effective homeschooling environment that fosters a lifelong love of learning in your children.

Areas of Expertise

What to Expect Homeschooling with Dyslexia
If you are like me and grew up being able to read well or if you are new to homeschooling, you will likely be concerned with what is normal to expect and what may require more in-depth help.  There is a season for everything and that is no different with homeschooling kids with dyslexia.  There is a time to find outside help.  There are kids that can be taught adequately at home.  There is a time to remediate (try to catch them up) and there is a time to learn to compensate – teach them to use the tools and master the skills needed to live with their spelling, reading, writing and, at times, communication troubles.  I can help you gauge these things and help you set reasonable goals for your homeschooled children.

 ~

Managing a Large Family Homeschool With Dyslexic Kids (because there is only so much time in the day, right?!)
Homeschooling kids with dyslexia can be very time-consuming.  Especially in the younger years, when the kids are less independent, moms help is just a necessity.  I can give you tips for learning to balance and prioritize your schooling, your parenting and your homemaking   Relax!  Breathe!!  One year, one month, one week or day at a time – continually prioritizing can be exhausting – but it can be done.

Homeschool Methods
There are methods that will appeal to you as the teacher and methods that will appeal to your kids as the students.  Finding a good balance between the two will result in the best schooling environment.  I can help you determine your learning style and your kids’ learning styles helping you understand what your best method will look like.

Homeschool Curricula
There are a lot of curricula out there!  Just because Susie Homeschooler is using something with success, does not mean that it will work for you and your family.  There are some basic things to look for in a homeschooling curriculum depending on learning styles, family size and ages of your students.  I can help point you in the right direction to find a curriculum that suits the needs of your individual family.

Curriculum Alterations/Modifications
Over the years I have learned how to identify what is working and what is not.  I rarely exchange a curriculum for a different one as I did (frequently) in my early years of homeschooling!  I am able to tweak things to fit our family’s needs and I can help you to do the same.

High School and College/Career Prep

If my adult kids are any indication, young adults (yes, and homeschooled ones too) can find success whether through obtaining a college degree, trade school, or entrepreneurship. I can help you plan and navigate the last years of school to take the worry out of your planning. Oftentimes this requires a shift in our definitions of success. 

Encouragement and Support
In the end, we are educating not only the minds of our kids but their hearts and souls as well.  Dyslexic kids are naturally gifted with many talents and skills.  Homeschooling your kids with dyslexia gives you the time to focus on their interests and sincerely pursue them in meaningful ways.  You can be sure that all consulting sessions will have a heavy dose of support and encouragement.  You can do this!  Not only that, but you can do this well!!  It is my heart to help you live with hope and joy, despite the difficulties and struggles, on your journey!

What Others are Saying

“Marianne is perhaps an angel in human form. Within minutes of talking with her she helped me to step fully into my own sovereignty ~ not only as a homeschooling mom, but as a woman finding my own Beauty path of Life. Her words and guidance were like a soothing balm for my heart. She legit gets it on so many levels. After our call together I felt so free and as if so much weight had been lifted from me. Her consulting calls are more than just a consult. They are expansive, authentic and powerful. I now feel more confident and inspired than ever with how I am homeschooling and walking through life. Thank you Marianne from the bottom of my heart. You truly are a blessing!”

~ Alexandria ~ homeschooling mom to two and small business owner

“I just wanted to send along a brief note to say thank you so much for our coaching call a couple of weeks ago. That one hour conversation put so much fresh wind into my sails. Nothing about my circumstances or my daughter’s progress has changed, but you gifted me with hope and perspective and that has made a huge difference!

On the days that I feel like we’re stuck (or worse, that we’ve regressed!), I’m not so easily shaken. “It will be okay,” is my simple encouragement to my heart, and now I truly believe it.

So thank you! I’m so grateful for your story and for your heart to serve those of us who are still earlier on in our journey and struggling to see how we’ll make it to the finish line.”

~ Sara L.

Homeschool Consulting Services and Rates

Initial Phone Conversation  $150

During this one-hour call, I can help you determine the top needs of your family and address any of the areas of concern that you may have.

Follow-Up Consultation $75
On this 30-minute call, we can evaluate how things are going and answer any further questions you may have.
Payment is due at the time consultation is scheduled and is billed via PayPal.  If you are interested in scheduling a consultation or have any further questions contact me through the form below.  I look forward to hearing from you!