Jess Koller

Jess Koller, President, joined the board in July 2022. She has 6 years experience as a homeschooling mom to three children, while working part time as a nurse. Jess has enjoyed the flexibility and natural learning homeschooling has allowed her family and works to support other families in finding their joy. In the past year she has volunteered with the organization on the PR team. As her current position of Chair of the PR Committee, she heads a team that moderates the social media content and VaHomeschoolers blog. She is working to create more options for inclusive collaborations and homeschool clubs in the Richmond area. When she’s not exploring with her children, working in the hospital, or collaborating with VaHomeschoolers, Jess enjoys woodworking, clay sculpting, and reading.

Lois Curling

Lois Curling, Membership Coordinator, rejoined the Board in September, 2020, after having previously served as Treasurer from 2008 to 2012.  She is honored to be part of the Legacy Circle.

Lois and her husband homeschooled their child from second grade through high school.  Her best ideas come when walking their mixed breed pointer, Spike.

Nicole Hoffman

Nicole Hoffman brings 15 years of homeschooling experience to her role as VaHomeschoolers’ Event Coordinator. She has guided her three boys through individualized educational paths—one fully homeschooled, one blending public school and homeschooling, and one currently thriving in public school. Nicole has successfully graduated one son from homeschooling, who has since earned his college degree, exemplifying her dedication to fostering a love of learning in her family.

Now in her second year as Event Coordinator, Nicole is deeply committed to reaching more families and showcasing the flexibility and richness of the homeschool journey. She believes VaHomeschoolers is a vital resource for homeschoolers at every stage, providing support, connection, and inspiration to all who seek it.

Living in Spotsylvania with her husband and youngest son, Nicole is an advocate for lifelong learning and loves sharing her enthusiasm for camping, gardening, knitting, and hiking. Her goal is to empower homeschool families to embrace their unique paths and build a thriving community together.

Russell Wrightson

Russell Wrightson, Volunteer Coordinator and Secretary, joined the Board in July 2022. He is a homeschooling parent and community organizer for FaHa: a secular, member organized, event focused group in central Virginia. Russell is passionate about forming or facilitating relationships as a foundational starting place for the educational process.  He has been homeschooling his two children since day one and is appreciative of organizations like VaHomeschoolers for advocating and keeping a space for all Virginia Homeschoolers.

Aasia Ackerman

Aasia has three children and has homeschooled from the start. Heading into her seventh year as a home educator, Aasia loves to assist parents transitioning from public school. She is passionate about connecting families with activities that could be a great match for their lives and she would also like to help others stay abreast of current affairs and laws that affect homeschoolers. Aasia currently helps organize local homeschool outings in Hampton Roads, runs a homeschool photography club, and is a leader for Stroller Warriors, a volunteer-based running group for military families. She serves part time as a running coach for Fit4Mom and loves to sip lattes while watching The Great British Bake Off with her husband and children.

Sydney Miller Milbert

Sydney Miller Milbert joined the board in July 2023. She lives in Hillsboro, VA and is a homeschooling mom of two children. She also works part-time as a virtual Language Arts teacher and serves on the board of NICE Circle, a Loudoun County non-profit that provides homeschooling families the opportunities for classes, clubs and service projects. Sydney has a great deal of experience with nonprofits, event organization, and has a professional background in marketing and design. In addition, she is currently pursuing a graduate degree in gifted education, with the hope and intention to provide support for gifted and neurodiverse learners and their families in the homeschool community. She is passionate about supporting and connecting homeschoolers and is hoping to develop interest-based groups, activities and events that bring together like-minded children and families from across the state. When she isn’t teaching or volunteering, Sydney enjoys exploring national parks, reading, drinking coffee, and decorating cakes.