About AQED and its Mission

As a father of three daughters, two of whom have neuro-atypical profiles and who have never attended school, Gabriel enjoys being involved in their learning and sharing his interest in reading and numbers with them.

For Gabriel, homeschooling is a logical extension of his values that were evident from the moment his children were born: respect for their rhythm, respect for their needs, valuing their strengths, and allowing them to learn at their own pace.

For him, family-learning is also the closest thing to “real life,” where people grow together and learn from each other regardless of age. Every day for the past 7 years, Gabriel has confirmed that this is the best option for his family.

Gabriel holds both a Master’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Administration and has more than thirteen years of experience in management and data analysis. He thrives when collaborating with others toward shared goals, and is always mindful of creating a positive work environment.

Since 2023, Gabriel has volunteered with AQED, contributing his skills in data and survey analysis and assisting at the annual conference. Despite his unconventional background as an AQED volunteer, he is always eager to continue learning about the challenges faced by homeschooling families.

Isabelle had an atypical school career resulting from an unknown illness. Having attended less than 25% of her secondary school classes in person, she completed her studies at home.  Unbeknownst to her at the time, she developed several skills that would prove invaluable for her higher education and, later, for homeschooling her own children.

With a bachelor’s degree in literature, Isabelle has held various positions in bookstores, from the warehouse to management. These experiences cultivated her discipline, adaptability, and organizational skills.

As a mother of four children, (some of whom have neuro-atypical disorders), she quickly realized that school would not be an environment that enabled her children to listen to and respect their personal rhythms.

The pandemic served as a springboard, prompting her to begin homeschooling her children. She soon discovered that this would become her new normal. The stress, anxiety, and complexities associated with her children’s diagnoses were no longer obstacles. Homeschooling provided a calm, healthy, and supportive environment where her children could thrive.

With her head full of projects, Isabelle sits on various boards and continues to homeschool her children. She joined AQED’s fundraising committee earlier this year and has acted as secretary  of the Board of Directors since March 2024.

Stephanie is a mother of two children, aged 12 and 13. She is a member of AQED and has been homeschooling her children since the pandemic.

Stephanie became interested in homeschooling early on in her daughter’s life. However, her daughter was so eager to go to school and make friends that Stephanie put her plans on hold. When the pandemic “forced” everyone to homeschool, she found she liked it and wanted to continue the experience with her children. Stephanie has always loved learning and is still enrolled in university. She recently completed a multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree through the accumulation of certificates and is currently finishing a certificate in criminology and another in addiction studies.

Stephanie has joined the organizing committee for this year’s conference. She is deeply interested in and moved by AQED’s cause, particularly with the issue of ministerial exams and defending children’s rights.

Born and raised in Germany, Eva Chandler first earned her master’s degree in archaeology before moving to Canada and starting a family. She has been homeschooling her 3 children since 2017, when she and her husband decided to pull her eldest out of her first grade class, and they never looked back.

Her educational style could best be described as “relaxed eclectic”, mixing traditional pedagogy with a child-centered approach, and plenty of free time to enjoy life as a family.

Eva has been volunteering with AQED’s support team since 2020, where her main focus is to help the Allophone and Anglophone homeschooling families.

As the mother of three neuro diverse children, homeschooling was a natural choice for Sophie and her family. Trained in special education and a TEACCH Certified Professional Practitioner, she has had the opportunity to explore many school environments as a  resource teacher, special education teacher and adult educator. She wanted to give her children a different start.

Sophie is currently teaching at the adult education level and is a  resource teacher in private practice. She has also just started a post-graduate course in  psychoeducational well-being in an educational context.  All while of course fulfilling her main role as a mother-educator to 3 amazing kiddos.

Involved with AQED since 2018, first as a volunteer with the member support team and now as an administrator on the board of directors, Sophie loves being able to accompany families who are just starting the DEM process, without being able to stop herself from also chatting a bit about pedagogical approaches with interested parents. She also accompanies families who are experiencing challenges later in their homeschooling journey and who need further guidance.

Maude came to AQED in the midst of the political storm of the 2019 homeschooling regulation change. Despite the fact that she had no knowledge of home education, she quickly familiarized herself with the issues faced by those in this wonderful field.

Maude is involved in several areas of the organization’s management. As a young mother of 4 children, she is able to deal with all kinds of situations. Her versatility and resourcefulness are greatly appreciated by all!

A stay at home mother to an only child, Jessica always knew that homeschooling would be the path she followed with her family.  She is passionate about the different educational pedagogies as well as everything related to parenting, and conscious, gentle motherhood.  An administrative assistant by training, she also has training as a doula. Working at AQED is therefore in line with her values ​​and life goals, and for her represents the best way to help the cause of home education while being present with her family.