Jun 2, 2025
Congratulations to Laura Mehrley of South Orange County Christian hOmeschoolers (SOCCO), who has been named CHEA's 2025 Support Network Leader of the Year! Laura was presented with her award during the luncheon at CHEA's Spring Leadership Conference at Biola University on May 15, 2025. Each year, CHEA honors one leader from a support network group who has made an indelible impact on the lives of the families they serve. Leaders are nominated by individuals within their own groups, making this recognition a true testament to Laura's faithful service to her homeschool community. Laura would like to share the following about herself to encourage others: Homeschool Journey "When our oldest daughter was approaching preschool age, my husband and I had gone back and forth about what would be best for her for her school years. We both had been raised in private schools, and there was a lot about that form of education that both of us really liked, but there were also some aspects of it that we didn't want to see repeated. For me, I wanted my daughter to have the freedom to learn at her own speed and not spend so much time in the classroom without getting to move forward because of the nature of classroom learning. My aunt was already homeschooling her kids, and I was excited by the idea of teaching my daughter how it worked best for her and getting to see all the new discoveries that come day by day through education. We decided to try it and see how it went and within a few weeks, I was sure that this is what God had planned for our family. Years later when our son was born, that decision was again affirmed when the individualized education that private homeschooling offers was so needed for him. One of the earliest interactions I had with homeschool families was at a co-op meeting. I was so impressed by the ways that the families all interacted with one another and there wasn't the separation of ages and grades that happens in classroom-based schools. I especially loved that the teens in the group could communicate so seamlessly with adults, peers, and kids younger than themselves." Homeschool Leadership "I am a shy introvert. My natural bent is not to be in front of people. But God had plans for me that involved just that. Fifteen years ago, when the leader of our support group was stepping down, she asked me to take her place. I was confident that I could be an administrator, but I was not so sure about the part of leadership that involves speaking in front of a group or dealing with conflicts. However, God has graciously grown me and provided what I needed to lead. I am still a shy introvert, but God always provides what we need to do what he has planned for our lives. For all of those 15 years I have had a wonderful, supportive husband who listens and gives me great advice and a team of committed homeschool moms who serve alongside me." Favorite Verse: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 Advice for Group Leaders "There are three things that I think have helped me as I have learned to lead. First, learn to really listen. Listen to hear, not just to respond. Second, show grace. Show grace to those you lead, to those you lead with, and to yourself. Starting with grace can quickly help everyone involved to respond in a way that moves things forward. Third, be humble. Accept that you don't know it all and that you will need to keep learning." Laura Mehrley's recognition as the 2025 Support Network Leader of the Year reflects not only her faithful service to the South Orange County Christian hOmeschoolers community but also her heart for supporting families in their educational journey. Her story serves as an encouragement to all homeschool leaders that God can use anyone willing to serve, regardless of their natural temperament or perceived limitations. Congratulations, Laura, on this well-deserved recognition!
