Russell Wrightson, Volunteer Coordinator and President, 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.

Ashley Bobst joined the board of The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers in 2025. She and her husband have been homeschooling their two children since 2019. Her family enjoys life in the quieter corner of Northern Virginia, close enough to take advantage of the city energy and opportunities, but just far enough to enjoy the peaceful mountain views.

Ashley is a nurse certified in Neurodiversity Affirming Practice, and much of her approach is shaped by her own lived experience as a neurodivergent adult. She cares deeply about creating calm, supportive spaces that truly work for all kinds of families, especially those who don’t always fit the traditional homeschool mold. She is passionate about helping homeschoolers in Virginia feel confident, connected, and truly seen.

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.

Jess Koller, Vice 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.

Valerie Coker joined the Board in 2025. She grew up in the homeschooling community, and is now five years into homeschooling her three children. Valerie is passionate about finding ways to support neurodivergent homeschoolering parents and children, and focuses on integrating different teaching styles and learning approaches into her family’s educational journey. She is also invested in disability advocacy and volunteers with two non-profit organizations to coordinate events for people with disabilities and create educational materials to increase disability awareness for children. When she’s not homeschooling and volunteering, Valerie would like to tell you that she reads and paints. In truth, her free time is spent renovating her hundred year old farmhouse and wondering why she thought that would be a good idea in the first place.

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.